The Think Tank

This yeas big project for Halloween is to rebuild the columns and gate at the front of the yard.

Keep reading if you want want to hear all about how we made these, and all the cool little features we put into them!

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Portland, OR —

Chris Roberts-Olsen, Supreme Allied Decorator for the Northeastern Front, has declared victory today over the forces of Grinchiness everywhere, bringing to an end nearly four weeks of feverish efforts.

“There will still be some minor wrap up operations, cleaning up a few hold-outs here and there,” said Sue Lauber, the Northeastern Regional Commandant.  “But major decorating operations are now ended.  We haven’t seen so much as a green Grinch hair since before Thanksgiving.”

Roberts-Olsen and Lauber are satisfied with their efforts this year, but they aren’t getting cocky.  “We’re prepared for some additional setbacks.  You never know when a string of lights could blink out,” Roberts-Olsen reported.  “But it looks like everything will be a good to go before the weekend”, he said, referencing the traditional end to the fighting season.

Not everyone is as chipper as those two, however.  “You people are ridiculous,” declared Shannon Corgill, a former Reservist recently called to active duty.  “I better get a back rub out of this deal.”

To be finished by 11/8/09

• Wash windows
• Window lights and garland (including front hall stairs)
• Order garland for fence and porch
• Outside lights (only if weather cooperates. Will probably replace one of the above) UPDATED 11/7/09: peak lights and Grinch done. Lower bushes are done too!
• Brew Oatmeal Stout & Windfall Apple

To be completed by 11/15/09

• Order garland for fence and porch
• Outside lights (if not finished earlier)
  • Peak, porch roof and Grinch
  • Camellia Bush
  • Rhododendron and raised bed
    
  • Porch window and railing
  • Deer and lighted trees
  • Garlands and lights on fence
  • Garlands and lights on porch
    
• Village
  • Whiteboards and lights
  • Sky, stars and moon
  • Village boards, elevations, and trees
    
  • Lights
  • Route power adapters
  • Lay down snow
  • Set village houses & plug in lighted accessories
  • Village people and doo-dahs
    
• Front hall garlands
• Bears on stairs
• Kitchen shelves (dust and reset)
• Downstairs Den/bathroom
• Upstairs bathroom
• Loie’s room (garland, village)
• Gingerbread village
• Order garland for fence and porch
• Livingroom decorations (windmill, wash angels, punch bowl/tree bows)

To be finished by 11/22/09

• Clean, tidy Sue’s room (Moved down)
  
• Clean, tidy Loie’s room
• Clean, tidy Chris’ room
• Clean carpets (moved down)
  
• Hang Christmas plates (moved down)

To be finished by 11/29/09

• Christmas Trees
  • Main Tree
    • Lights
    • Decorations
  • Front Hall
    • Lights
    • Decorations
  • Kitchen
    • Lights
    • Decorations
  • Loie’s Room
    • Lights
    • Decorations
  • Chris’ Room
    • Lights
    • Decorations
  • Village Trees (if necessary)
• Keg Beer
  

To be Completed by 12/3/09

• AC’s to basement
• Empty boxes to attic/basement
• Clean up front porch / setup heaters
• Get Chris’ tuxedo cleaned
• Sweep/clean/wax floors in kitchen and dining room
• Baking
• Clean, tidy Sue’s room
• Clean carpets
• Hang Christmas plates