A hidden benefit of having an engineer in the house

Being married to a civil engineer definitely has its benefits. You never know when bridge construction experience might come in handy.

The previous owners of our home took down a few light fixtures before they listed the house for sale. They left us with nothing but wires.

We knew that we'd have to replace them, and our realtor was kind enough to buy the entry fixture and dining room fixture for us as a housewarming gift.

Steve installed the dining room fixture months ago. It is beautiful.

The entry fixture was on backorder...first for a month, then two, then 4. It came in this past weekend. Because of the ceiling height (28'), we faced a small problem when figuring out how to get it up in place. Steve is just over 6' tall and has an arm reach of approximately 8'. We have an 8' ladder. Add those together, and you're about 12' too short for where he needed to be. That, coupled with the weight of the fixture, posed a slight dilemma.

So for the last few months, Steve has been scheming in his mind how we would get the light up. Pully systems, circus clowns, and trapeze artists were all considered, but quickly shot down due to logistical issues.

Saturday morning, Steve looked at me, looked at the entryway, and said "I think I'll build a bridge."

He went to Home Depot and bought (2) 14' long 2"x8"s and (1) 2"x4". He guided them from one side of the second story landing to the other, feeding them through the banister railings for support.

Then he screwed down plywood onto the framework, added the 2x4 as a hand rail for support, and was ready to go.

(The naked mural is next to go...)

I was a nervous wreck. Just looking at his contraption made me queasy. It certainly wouldn't win any awards for architectural design. But when he stepped out on it the first time, he gave a little bounce. The bridge didn't even budge.

I handed him pieces, and methodically and carefully he first got the electrical wired, then assembled the fixture.

When it was complete and working, he carefully dis-assembled his bridge.

When he was safely on solid ground again, we both breathed a sigh of relief (I think mine was louder).

The light is stunning and a perfect accent to the entryway.

I can sleep easier at night knowing that if ever there is a river to be crossed (or entry height to be overcome), Steve will get us across. One way or another.