the windows of my chambers

If one more person asks, "Are you all settled in?" I'm going to scream.

Okay. Maybe that reaction would be a little harsh, but seriously, sometimes that's how I feel.

I don't blame these interested parties. After all, it's a logical question to ask. And, if you've ever watched HGTV, you might think that all home design projects can occur within the span of 48 hours and for under a $1,000 (sorry... that was a little bit of a rant a la Michael Pollan's tirade against the Food Network). But, if you've been to our place, you'd realize what we are up against.

I haven't blogged about the true horror of it all (pornographic light plate switches, dirty underwear, possible blood stains on the hardwood floors?) because Mr. Beeton didn't want me to lead readers to believe that the only reason we could buy in the city was because of all the imperfections. It's actually a lovely, lovely place - very sound structurally. It just needs a lot of TLC. And, it's presented us with an array of challenges (messy woodwork, two-pronged outlets) that have taken time to overcome and which are not necessarily noticeable (unpacked boxes, paint on walls). You can see some of the horror (as well as our small attempts at remedying the situation) here.

For instance, perhaps the best example of what we are up against rests with our windows. Original to the house, they are gorgeous. But, they are dirty and broken. They have ropes.


We have to prop them open with bricks.


Everyone who went through the house - the inspector, the lead paint inspector, the structural engineer, the contractor who did our floors, our parents - said we should replace them. And we understood. But, I love them, and Mr. Beeton really, really loves them... so he committed himself to their repair. One window at a time.

He bought a book - Working Windows by Terry Meany. He took them apart. He emailed Terry Meany with questions. Terry wrote back. He visited the hardware store down the road - Galliher and Huguely - to buy parting bead and chains. He took out the ropes, added chains, worked with glaze, and painted.

Slowly, one by one, they'll be replaced, and they'll be even more lovely. The two in the front of the house are finished, and every morning, when I opened them up wide, when Ella jumps into her window, and when we breath in the fresh air, we think, "Boy. Are we lucky to have Mr. Beeton."

Keep sweeping, Martha

Watched Chloe.

PS - If you want to see the most recent updates to our house, including the painted master bedroom and the slipcover we had custom made for my Nana's camelback sofa, click here.