SOLSC Day 12 of 31 There Will Be Ringing in the Air (and not helium)

Can you guess what this is? Many years ago it was my birthday present--a refillable helium tank! I desperately wanted it so I could blow up clouds of balloons for my then young children's birthday parties, special events or for when the mood hit. The ceiling was filled with bouncing colorful spheres for those parties, single ones attached to presents for friends. When word got around that I owned a large tank, it was often loaned out for others' celebrations.

The kids got older, balloons not as fascinating. My tank sat in the closet for several years. Recently I thought I might try to get one more refill. There are now increased regulations on the "certification" of a home tank before it can be refilled; it seemed like too much red tape.

As I was contemplating how to dispose of, or recycle, this well used vessel, my husband thought of an idea of how to repurpose it. On vacation a few years back we saw a large metal cylindrical bell that would have been really cool for the yard. (The price tag matched its coolness.) His eye saw that bell in my scratched brown helium tank. He took it to his friend who does welding and much to my surprise, my tank with its make-over returned this week.

Several inches of the bottom were cut off and a wooden clangor was attached to the inside, now making a deep melodic sound. A matching hook was added to the top and all was then bathed in a fresh coat of black paint. A bracket was also designed for the edge of our deck where this new treasure will be hung when spring arrives.