Lamp Rotation

This story starts at about 7am, which is about the time I finished a slice of pumpkin bread and a bucket of coffee.

I’ve had a work lamp for about twenty five years. It is secured to the table with a clamp that includes a wing nut and has never been reliable. No matter how hard I tried to use that clamp with the light, it was simply a matter of time before the lamp gently descended to rest its head on the nearest surface. Although my lamp probably didn’t come from the link, it’s very similar.

At the same time, in the family room, there is a pole lamp. The pole lamp is wonderful! It is the same as the link, and it’s using fluorescent bulbs which are very bright and energy efficient.

The work lamp was charged with illuminating the computer zone - an area with three to six computers, scattered across tables and interspersed with papers, glue sticks, stuffed animals, iTunes cards, unsharpened pencils and various other detritus. It was resting comfortably on the floor, the clamp relaxing in pieces under the toasty radiator. Needless to say, it wasn’t very useful.

The pole lamp eagerly volunteered to light up my world. It stood straight and tall, and cheerfully ducked its bulbs as I carried it from the family room to its new post. I could tell it enjoyed having its base warmed by the radiator.

Next I went out to the garage and got my very favorite power tool, the drill. I took the biggest bit, which is probably a 1/2″, although I can’t be sure because the print is tiny and I don’t care whether it’s exactly right. I drilled a hole in my drafting table, woke up the work lamp and plunked it in the hole. For the first time in twenty five years, the lamp is secure in its post and likely to serve me well.

I carefully put away my Wink light which is the cutest light I’ve ever seen, but not very good for a high quality Wolf Among Birches paint-by-number kit.

I’ve always scoffed at paint-by-numbers, but this one is for Dad. I can paint and think about Dad and when I’m done, I’ll give it to him so he can hang it up.

I can’t wait to take the Wink Light camping …