Back on 11 Dec, I posted a shot of what was the winning entry in the 4KQ Christmas Lights competition here in Brisbane. http://365project.org/terryliv/365/2014-12-11
A couple of nights ago, I (sans camera) took Sonia and the boys to have a look at them. And without the camera, I was able to sit and watch the whole sequence. It is all set to music, including a couple of the Boney M carols which are my favourites. It was terrific.
While we were sitting there, this young fellow (my age) came over and sat next to me. A couple of comments were passed between us when the penny dropped - it was the house (and lights) owner. Ended up having a good old chat with him and I can now answer some questions:
- he starts preparing in August and construction in October;
- there are about 100,000 lights in the display;
- it costs about $3 per night in power to run (they are all LED);
- the whole sequence takes about 20 mins
- he's a retired electrical engineer (figures);
- no he doesn't sit inside watching TV when they are on - he likes to go out and talk to his fans;
- the neighbours don't hate him - they tolerate him;
- this is his last year so he's going out a winner.
No need to comment. Just thought I would add some background to the original shot