Rooftop Tradition

Posted by Stuart Cowen On 2:15 AM
Twice a year, the Cowen Men get on the roof to put up the Christmas lights, take them down and take in the view from the second-highest point in the neighborhood (the two-story house across the street has the top spot - literally). In the past, there's also been a fair amount of silliness up on the roof since all 3 of my boys have been up together. This year I took the "one-up-at-at-time" approach and that seemed to really pay off. The tone was much more mellow and the time was enjoyed better by all (maybe age and maturity factored in, too). Just like Birthday Waffles and going to the farm to chop down our Christmas tree, this is another of our traditions. Something that we will remember, talk about and keep in our hearts forever.

For me, the task of putting up and taking down the Christmas lights is a total beating - just being real about it. If it wasn't for the fact that the front of the house slopes down like an Olympic Ski Jump (exaggeration), I'd be hanging lights inches above Terra Firma on a ladder. But, our elevation-challenged lot has been the best excuse to experience the thrill of being on the roof. From our house, you can look out over all the trees in various stages of changing color. Planes rolling in and out of nearby D/FW airport seem to glide more gracefully. 

In many ways it's peaceful up there and with each passing year I can tell more that the experience is appreciated by my future Christmas light hangers.

2 Response to 'Rooftop Tradition'

  1. Lisa Cowen Said,
    https://stuartcowen.blogspot.com/2008/12/rooftop-tradition.html?showComment=1228771920000#c4367069178452989304'> December 8, 2008 at 3:32 PM

    I think you mean "Birthday" waffles, baby :)

     

  2. Stuart Cowen Said,
    https://stuartcowen.blogspot.com/2008/12/rooftop-tradition.html?showComment=1228877340000#c213088580461551481'> December 9, 2008 at 8:49 PM

    It's a wonder you still claim me ;-) BIRTHDAY WAFFLES y'all!