One of the weekend chores that I have been putting off for some time was to change a light bulb precariously placed in a high recessed can over the staircase. The light is located about 12 feet over the staircase, but it’s at least 18-20 feet over the bottom landing. The problem has always been access. While I used to have an extension I could put on the end of a broom stick that would grab the bulb and replace it, that tool was tossed after my move from Kohler a long time ago.
So we decided to tackle this problem head on and use a ladder, the only problem is that only half of the ladder could be placed on the stairs, the other dangled in open air about 2 feet from the next stair below. I got a piece of rope and tied the ladder to the adjacent handrail above me and hoped for the best. After setting up the contraption and testing it several times, I managed to garner a lot more attention than I had planned which even included a few photos of the process…..
Ever so slowly, I moved up to the top and got the job done!
Despite having a pilot’s license and having done all kinds of crazy spin maneuvers, I am terrified when I climb a ladder. I always thought that I was just scared of heights, but I think I am actually scared of falling…… (brings back memories of jumping off the stratosphere in Vegas a few years back….. and I am getting chest pains right now as I write……)
A special thanks to Natalie for her moral (and physical) support as she steadies one leg of the suspended ladder and manage to successfully change a light bulb without requiring a hip replacement!!
She just thinks this is funny……
