Children needed to judge contest

It's time for our annual Christmas lighting contest. Are there any children interested in judging the displays this year? The judging will take place between Dec. 10 and 14 so we can publish the winners in the next column. If you or your child would like to choose the winners this year, please call me at the number below.

Rachel and Jorgen Christensen of 997 Farrier Court won last year for the "dancing" lights on their home and in their yard. It's a joint effort among friends and relatives who get together over Thanksgiving and decorate while the turkey is smoking on the grill. The lights are in sync to music and it is truly magical.

Previous winning addresses were 1994 Mule Lane and 706 Mustang Lane. The judges always have a difficult time choosing because we have so many decorated homes lighting up our neighborhood. They have also chosen several honorable mentions at 627, 700, 701 and 769 Pinto Lane, 1874 Colt Lane, 834 Cayuse Lane, 1988 Palomino Lane, and 1977 Lacey Court. 

The train and snowman display at 629 Stagecoach is always a big hit. I've noticed that several have added to their displays so you might enjoy a ride through the neighborhood to see the imagination of some of our neighbors.

This is our fourth year for the lighting contest and it looks like it is going to be another difficult choice for the judges. But there could be worse things, I suppose. At least we don't have to worry about the Grinch coming down to steal the presents and lights. With the economy having effects on almost every person, it is heartwarming to see the lights that have been going up in yards over the past week or so. 

When I was a child, we made a family night of going around the city looking at the lighting displays from different neighborhoods. We continued the tradition when our children were small. While in Guantanamo in the late 1980s, we were able to walk with other families to view the lights. We started the evening with appetizers and ended with cider and hot chocolate complete with marshmallows, even if it was 70 degrees. The time spent together was more important than where we were or what we were missing. We were together and that was worth more than anything money could buy.

Have a ramblin' good week.

Reach Gail Davis at 265-1947 or RuhenstrothRamblings@yahoo.com