home stuff

We're getting new windows! Wheee!

I don't think I ever gave windows much thought until we got into this house. Our windows are original to the house, making them 80-ish years old, and that time has not been kind to them. Many are broken, most have a nice breeze through them, and all of them are so painted and screwed shut that they are unopenable. That's really the reason we're making the jump to vinyl thermals---in the case of a fire, we wouldn't have an easy way out at all. Even if we went window by window and by some miracle unstuck them, the only locking device requires a screw key...not exactly something we'd be able to manage in the middle of an emergency. It's a pretty good chunk of money, but I'm looking forward to letting go of the low-grade panic I've been in since I realized the fairly good chance we'd have of being burnt alive in a fire. Not to mention that, with restrictions placed by many home loans and home insurance (requiring openable windows), we might have ended up having to do it when we sell anyhow.

So, that's the excitement here! As a so, so nice byproduct, we'll get to replace our ancient window air conditioners, so maybe the kids and I won't be sweating all day. Oh, the luxury!!!