Lighting Tips
The first question most people seem to have is, "How in the heck do you get lights across the street?" Well, the answer is a lot easier than one might think.
You'll need access to your roof and the roof across the street -- safety first please! In some cases may be easier from your neighbor's house if you're on friendly terms. If you don't know them, maybe this is a good time to knock on their door and say hello. You will also need a substantial structure like a chimney or roof deck beam to tie off to on each end.
The second question is usually, "Is it safe, will they be ok?" Clark and Eddie have a proven method which has survived 70mph wind gusts over a 90 ft span without any sign of issue. The electrical load is actually quite low when calculated, and all lights sold today have fuses in the unlikely event that something might damage the cord. Follow these steps and you will be sure of success.
In addition to lights across the street, you could also build a 23 foot candy cane made with pvc pipe and rope lights! Eddie and Clark are ready to advise.
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Measure the distance across the street between the two houses, and identify with the opposing neighbor where you are going to attach the ends.
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Go to your local home improvement store, and buy enough lights to bridge the gap, plus a little extra. You will also need an extension cord to go from the lights in through a window or similar. A timer will save money and make sure the lights come on even when you aren't around. Finally, a couple of strings of 1/4" clothesline (rope) to tie the lights off with.
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Once home, test light strands to make sure they work, and tie each together with an overhand square knot (like a shoelace) where the plug is.
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Get your neighbor or a friend, your supplies, a knife, and head up to the roof -- please stay safe! Your neighbor or friend should be on the sidewalk waiting for you.
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Tie off the plug end of the lights to a piece of clothesline, and then loop the clothesline around whatever roof structure you are using and tie it off, preferably with a bowline knot.
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Plug your extension cord in, tying it in a knot similar to the light strands, and run it through a window
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Lower the strand of lights to your friend who is waiting below.
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Go to the house across the street, climb the roof, and lower your clothesline.
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Have your friend bring the line across the street and tie it off to the lights.
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Pull the lights up slowly while your friend runs interference with any traffic or parked cars.
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Check his knot for security, and then tie the clothesline off to a solid roof structure.
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Go back to the first house, set your timer, and test out the lights!
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A great knot tying guide can be found online here: http://www.animatedknots.com/
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Timers are cheap, save electricity, and most importantly can turn all your lights on at the same time if you set them properly. People are often busy or out of town during the holidays, and these turn the lights on for you!
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Always test strands before putting them up.
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The power bill isn't going to be much different than normal, as they use less than you thought.
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The day after Christmas, lights and decorations go on massive sales. Plan ahead for next year!
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If you need advice, ask Clark!
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Stay safe!