Canada Day generally brings cause for celebrations and good cheer, but occasionally it can bring difficulties like it did for me. All because of a flagpole that nearly got away.
Three years ago, I bought a complete flagpole set and instead of procrastinating any longer, I was determined to see it up and erect this year. Some years ago, my father had jury-rigged his own flagpole from a 14-foot steel pipe and secured it effectively against a Wishing Well on the front lawn. The Canadian flag flew until it eventually became so tattered it became an eyesore so I discarded it along with the steel pipe – anticipating that the new flagpole would be a better substitute. I recall, at least once a year, the flagpole and the Wishing Well blew over due to a gusty wind and always towards the side of the house, barely missing it.
I admit that I know nothing about raising a flagpole – only cats and dogs, as pets. The instructions were misplaced and I didn’t think of the internet so I winged it. That was the first mistake! We began with a hole near the Wishing Well. Sheila dug and I assembled the three 6-foot lengths of the pole. Neither of us had a clue about attaching one flag, let alone two flags, to the rope. One was a Canadian flag naturally and the other a Grylls family flag that was sourced from Wales. The symbol was a black porcupine with black trim. I hope no one mistakes it for an ISIS flag. Gratefully, along came brother-law-law Art Plume, the Riverview Seniors cenotaph flag-master, who was flabbergasted at what he witnessed but he did relax enough to demonstrate the way flags should be dealt with.
The flagpole with flags now properly attached was inserted in the hole, reinforced with stones and secured to the Wishing Well as my father had done in his day. The flags were hoisted and fluttered and filled out in waft of wind. I felt really good inside until Sheila said, “Where is the cap for the top of the pole?” I looked up and said, “Forget about it,” but the next day I thought better. That was mistake #2. The second section of pole was completely stuck on the first but the top one was flexible. Out came the extension ladder to lean against the middle section of the pole. I climbed up gingerly with Sheila standing guard. I got the top section up and off but couldn’t hold it with one hand and maintain my balance. It went flying, not in Sheila’s direction though. We looked for the ball-cap with no luck. Somehow, I had thrown it into the yellow bag a few days earlier – I don’t know why? Sheila found it there. The section went back up requiring tremendous balance to set onto the lower section with two hands while compelling my body against the ladder for support.
It was in place but frustration soon ruined the conquest as the pulley apparatus for the flag’s raising and lowering was jammed. I had to climb up again and bring down that top section. But this time the flagpole had loosened. I barely got the top section off and tossed to the ground when both the flagpole and the Wishing Well shifted like too many kids on one side of a teeter-totter. The ladder was unstable, Sheila shouted to get down and I sort of did, missing three rungs of the ladder – no bruises though.
Back to drawing board. We decided to clear the hole and cement the pole in it. Up to Home Depot for the bag of cement which was so heavy. I got it into a buggy but just couldn’t lift it into the trunk of my car so had to request help. Back home I corralled a stronger person with muscles to place it into the wheelbarrow for me.
Another climb up that flagpole after being cemented in. The pole was steady but I wasn’t and to get the top piece into position was more luck than skill. Success at last, it was up before Canada Day. What took seven major steps for this project should have needed only two or three. Except for hindrances and a wounded pride, at least there were no injuries.
Even though I risked my bloody neck to get this flagpole up in an unconventional manner, please, no one else try it this way. Read the manual first and be safe. I did find my manual for installation a week later!
