Flying high

Arrr, matey!

The process of flying a flag was long and arduous. First, felling the pole so it could be painted. Who knew the exertion, socket wrenches, and wd-40 that would be necessary? Then, the biggest foe reared its head: a neighbour's tree with a very strong branch. We almost didn't make it down. Second, painting the pole without getting too dizzy. I'm not even kidding. When dizzy, it becomes easy to get primer in one's hair, and such a substance is much, much harder to get out. Third, coming up with an interesting rigging to replace the one that was stolen along with the last flag. Probably the longest and most arduous step, because it required the assistance of salespersons at two separate home improvement stores. The final product is made up of plastic coated wire, a variety of hardware I can't even name (hooks, clips, fasteners, whatever!) and a padlock. Fourth, purchasing an appropriate flag. Luckily there was a flag store in the Mall of America, which I visited last summer. Fifth, putting the pole back up. Which logically involved fighting with the same branch and same bolts as taking it down. Sixth, cutting back the tree branches that were hungry to tear a strip off the flag. This step waited for spring and the good deals on tree pruners. Seventh, hoisting the flag on a windy day! The neighbours are going to think we're loony, but isn't that the point? :)