new year, new windows

I started this blog one year and four days ago with a post about windows, and so, it seems

appropriate to start this year with another of the same. The old house, with its 42 windows, has provided much inspiration for my writing and sharing with you.

This Fall, we replaced seven more windows. This second round was not any easier.

You all know by now, that we are old house purists (within reason). Removing something original from the old house is emotional and goes against our daily work towards restoration. Here's the but-

But, there are certain windows, with ice-cold air pouring through them, that just need to be replaced. Rotting, frozen over bathroom windows that do not open, drafty (understatement) windows next to the boys when they sleep, north-facing windows in our room that keep it 15 degrees cooler than the rest of the house.

We also replaced the stairwell window. When it was done, it felt like a 25x55 hole in our house had been eliminated and suddenly we had a semi-temperature-controlled upstairs. Because we are doing this in rounds, we have to be strategic with our choices. If we finish out the last six windows upstairs, then we have

heating/cooling issues. I think we will move into the kitchen next. The kitchen has seven windows,

and since hubby and I got new windows in our room, the kitchen is now the coldest spot in the old house.

Winter temperatures in the kitchen are miserable, actually. And, like most families, we spend most of our time there. It is no fun to sit next to a drafty (understatement) window, shivering, and try to gulp down your dinner before it freezes. Perhaps this is a slight exaggeration, but only slight.

- we did some of the windows on our own this time -

- careful hubby! -

- we needed the help. thanks, J! -

Each bedroom in the old house has four windows, and now each bedroom has two new.

And can I just say how wonderful and amazing it is to have windows that open! The things you take for granted when you live in a new house:  garbage disposal, level floors, on-suite bathrooms, walk-in closets, laundry rooms, kitchen islands, windows that actually open. This does not conclude my list,

but I think you all should know that I have a list equally as long (maybe longer) of the joys of living in an

old house. The first is:  42 windows.

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