One weekend night this summer, I took a break from the sometimes chaotic-and often expensive-ritual of going out for dinner and drinks opting for the simple pleasures of a friend’s home instead. The weather cooperated that evening, allowing us to enjoy our wine and conversation out-of-doors. Lounging in a comfortable chaise, I could not help but notice how warm and inviting my friend’s deck appeared in the twilight. I realize the wine was a factor; however, she also displayed several smaller tubes of light around the deck and lawn, giving the whole outside area an inviting glow. Tranquil hues of purple, green, or yellow emitted from each light stick fashionably arranged like flowers in an assuming glass vase, keeping the mood of the evening in a similar state.
I inquired about the lighting, and was told they were LED torch lights. My host admitted that once she finished assembling the lights-a simple process of rolling vellum paper and installing batteries- she was pleasantly surprised by their charm. She also loved that the LED torch lights had LED bulbs in the the tubes which makes them a great source of energy efficient lighting, as well as nearly eliminating the need for a change of batteries. Each bulb gives off the equivalent of 15 watts of incandescent power with only 3 watts of LED power. I told her of my intent to purchase several, assuring her I would l would always give her credit for the purchase and idea.
Since purchasing my own LED torch lights, I have found a myriad of uses besides illumination on my deck: mood lighting during a long, relaxed soak in my claw-foot tub; a flashlight during a power outage; lighting for evening strolls with my wife. Even our children love to use them for their impromptu talent shows for my wife and I. Purchasing them was obviously a “bright” idea.
