Our windows were supposed to be installed January 6 but by 2:30 pm nothing had happened. We finally called to find out that they had moved the installation date back a week. It’s a good thing they did because we were having bitter cold spell. Finally, on the 13th they got started. Here’s a last look at the old windows.
The installers were efficient and very resourceful in finding a way to remove the old windows in order to make way for the new ones. Some of the old windows were actually embedded in the wall with their frames somehow between the bricks and the walls. They did the whole house in two days.
We had the painters here on the following Monday to give us an estimate on staining the new woodwork. At that point we got a big surprise. The contractor told us that the wood used for the woodwork surrounding the windows was poplar, a wood that is normally painted due to the tendency of the wood to have a yellow to greenish color a a wide variation in the grain. They would stain a piece of poplar to see if they could make it look acceptable. The results was disappointing at best. But then we remembered that when we purchased the windows, maple had been specified in the contract. So we got back to the person who made the initial estimate and she told us that all of the woodwork would be changed out for maple (as soon as they could get the lumber and schedule a crew). So, we’re waiting for February 28th to have the woodwork replaced. Only then can we shedule the painters. Only after the painters have come can we put the furniture back and all of the window treatments. I knew there would be some inconvenience but this is crazy!
There were still birds to be chased. We had some nice raptors in a quiet spot west of Grayslake. We also had some hard to get smaller birds-Snow Bunting and Horned Lark. Winter finches were also present in bigger numbers this year. The Common Redpoll only visits Lake County in years when there has either been a shortage of food in the northern forests or when there has been a population explosion. I this case there was an abundance of food in Lake County, with the Douglas fir and other conifers producing a bumper crop of cones. Redpolls and White-winged Crossbills are being reported all over the state. We even got two Common Redpolls at or feeder and White-winged Crossbills at Lyons Woods.
The pier has been shrouded in ice, with waves continuing to add more icy water. Just walking out to the base of the pier is dangerous on some days. I got some Nano Spikes to prevent me from slipping.
Fast forward to February 18th. Colette and Roger had rented a house in Sheboygan which was right on the lake. It was small, with two bedrooms on the second floor and a kitchen and living room on the 1st floor. There were large windows giving beautiful views of the lake. It was very cold Friday night so we stayed in, ordering fish dinners from Rupp’s and drinking Chief Ishnalas, thanks to Roger’s planning ahead. There was a beautiful moonrise once the clouds started to clear.
The next morning was just as spectacular.
Saturday morning Roger made some awesome omelettes for breakfast. Then we the set out for some serious shopping. We hit the kitchen store, the chocolate shop, the art supply store, the beer store, the fish shop (no smoked chubs) and finally the Greece-e Spoon for gyros. It was a great time in Wisconsin. Co and Rog were staying on another night.
Meanwhile, Max was busy racking up points to qualify for the state diving meet. E kept us posted on his progress. At this moment he has qualified!! We are planning to be at the meet at the IU Natatorium to cheer him on.
That brings us up to speed. I’m going to try not to let so much time pass between posts.
Total year birds: 61
Wow! The icy pier is beautiful!