New Windows

This year our big project is window replacement.  And oh, boy, it is more expensive than last year’s roof! But, it only took two days so a lot less stress.

We used Window World and so far, so good!  And window world aptly describes the conditions we’ve lived in this week.

The sales person was professional and nice to work with and the installation people were amazing.  They worked like machines and without breaks.  They exhausted me watching them.

The cats are quite traumatized as you might imagine.  DF Denisse got her windows replaced last week and gave me an indication of how loud and invasive the process is and yep, it is.  The saws and vacuums and drills are so noisy. 

Of course, I worked from home in the midst of all this but you know I love a good challenge.

The big payoff on these windows is to reduce our air conditioning bill by keeping the heat out in the summer. I hope to see some savings on the winter heating bill as well. 

It always surprises people new to Phoenix how chilly it really is here in the winter.  Yes, the days reach 70 degrees in January, but dark falls early and temps dip quickly. I’m cold half the year.

We opted for blue coated windows which is the most energy efficient. It does make the house a bit darker, but we won’t have to use the sun screens in the summer – which really made the house dark.

We have windows on either side of our front door and for privacy, they are textured. The new texture is called something like “rainfall” and I thought it came out really pretty. These are my favorite windows.

Besides the noise, the mess is the other thing that contributed to my crazy this week.  First all the blinds had to come down. 

Then there were people on ladders and in and out. Windows and doors open. Dust and drywall. And just ugh. 

After it was all finished, I decided it was a good time to do a little spring cleaning.  I laundered all the bedding, took the faux plants outside for a little shower and cleaned the big mess on the patio. I even decided to clean the area rug in my office.

Cooler weather is on the way, so I while I was out there, I rearranged the patio to get the comfy chairs off the shady covered patio and gathered around the fire pit. 

My goodness why do I decide all this needs to be done in one morning?  So I can feed my ibuprofen addiction? 

Well, everything is together and tidy and I’m happy.

What I’m Reading

On audio I listened to the second in a series by Kay Hooper.  I liked the first one because it was a little woo woo paranormal, but I think the main reason was CJ Critt, the narrator.  Touching Evil used a different narrator and I’m not sure if that was the reason or that the story and character just weren’t interesting, but that’s probably the last I’ll be listening to that series.

I finished Mortal Bonds by Michael Sears and as soon as I get through my delicious backlog, I’m going to order the third in the series.  I’m seriously falling in love.

The latest Dresden Files finally came out.  Peace Talks did not disappoint.  I have missed old Harry Dresden and am happy to have him back in my life.  Over time he’s introduced way too many eerie creatures for me to keep track of, but all in all, perfect for a Halloween season read.

What I’m Eating

This has been a crazy week for trying to fit meal planning in. I am going to share a new recipe with you, but that will be next week. You know, because these posts always get so long!

We made the yummy and super fast beef and broccoli one night after the window installers left.

While I had my crazy cleaning going on, I threw all the ingredients for chicken tortilla soup into the crock pot. It was nice to have a hot meal ready to eat when we were ready for lunch.

If anyone is up for Phoenix travel, our house is nice and tidy, the beds are all freshly made and the windows are beautiful!