What started as a week full of exciting updates for our Jenny Lane project deteriorated very quickly in a matter of minutes. Our long awaited installation of the new living room windows was dramatically put on hold when it started raining carpenter ants from a nest in the header that went across the top of the first of the two windows. We had noticed ants appearing as soon as the weather started to warm up but they never seemed to be in the same place or consistent in any other way. Typically we bought ant traps and placed them in inconspicuous spots around the house like under the sink but we weren’t terribly worried. Katie mentioned briefly to me that she could hear something in the wall near the front of the house but again we weren’t really worried. We actually thought it might be mice.
The Noise in the Wall
When our guys started to take out the first window they noticed a lot of saw dust but again were not too concerned. They did see some dead ants on the sill but nothing live. Then I pointed to the spot where Katie said she heard something so they took off some of the paneling and – well I won’t repeat the words but it was pretty expletive deleted – it was literally raining ants. They had scored the wood where the nest was and it went through both pieces of header board. I still shudder at the whole thing. The ants poured out of the nest and fell to the ground outside as well as inside. We had two vacuum cleaners going to suck them up off the floor. I called Terminex and said rather forcefully and pleadingly that we had an emergency and we needed help. We were promised an exterminator for the following morning. The guys proceeded to take out window number 2 without finding any more ant nests which was good. We covered both windows with heavy duty plastic and waited.
The exterminator came and took care of the nest as well as the whole foundation. It has now been two days and we have seen only a very few, very dead ants. This is a good thing. We waited 24 hours after the exterminator was here before the dynamic duo returned and were able to actually install the new windows.
The New Windows Are In
The installation of the windows proceeded with no further crises thank goodness although it was touch and go a couple of times when they had to lift the rather large windows up to place them in their appointed spots. Actually only the frames were lifted as the windows come out and they were able to be carried upstairs and installed from the inside.
They are beautiful and we are thrilled with the change they have made to the look of the inside and the outside of the house. The best part, the windows actually open and we can now get a beautiful cross breeze from the front of the house to the back screen porch.
Roger and The Posts
If that wasn’t enough we also had Roger back to dig up under the porch to replace the supports there. We are putting in concrete posts and a slab to hold up the porch which at some point will be winterized which means it will weigh more than a screened porch. As Roger was digging he discovered that one of the posts was swinging free. Not exactly a surprise because not much surprises us here anymore but still a bit frustrating. The coming week should bring the concrete man and the hole should get filled in again. In the meantime you don’t want to go outside and walk at night without a flashlight. Maybe the bear will fall in???
More Projects Coming Up
John is removing siding from the old garage in preparation for some new windows to be installed there too. Another long story. Back in March the “new” windows for the living room were delivered. However, when the guys went to do the install they discovered the windows were not the right size. This was not their fault or ours but that of the person from the company who came and measured for the windows. Therefore, we didn’t have to accept them or lose any money over them. Neither did the company want them back. This presented us with the idea of replacing the two small windows in the “garage” with two bigger ones in preparation to turning this into a bonus room. We were offered a two for one deal so we took it. Now they need to be installed too. No evidence of ants or other vermin so we are hopeful this will go smoothly.
Preparation for the New Furnace
The furnace replacement is scheduled for this week so there is lots of prep work to be done. First things first, the oil tank was moved away from the back wall of the “garage” so that an area could be prepared for the new furnace. Turns out we have plenty of line so it was able to be moved pretty easily. Roger, our digger man, is going to take the oil tank and the old furnace so he was able to help get the monster moved. John is painting plywood to hang on the wall to which the furnace and other equipment will be attached. I am glad I am not involved in this piece of the project.
Walking This Week
After forgetting to take my car for its inspection I rescheduled for Tuesday of this week. I dropped it off and decided to walk back to our house. I was pretty sure it wasn’t too long but it was all uphill. It turned out to be a lovely walk and I have added more to it to make a 5 mile loop. At first I thought the uphill would be a real struggle but it appears I am in better shape than I thought I was as I wasn’t even breathing hard at all. The dogs enjoyed it and so did I. Unfortunately with bears and ticks, the woods are not as inviting as they once were so I am looking for other places to walk that are interesting and of a decent length. We even found a swimming spot on the lake for the dogs to get a break about half way through. My foot is still sore but it doesn’t seem to be getting any worse. I have been icing it after I walk and I now have an insert for my shoe that seems to help. Waiting on the delivery of a new pair of walking shoes that should help too. I am not a very happy person if I don’t get out and walk every day.
Safer At Home
Since we are pretty much staying home most of the time thanks to the Covid-19 Pandemic we have introduced jigsaw puzzles back into the household. I bought this one last year when we were in Jackson, NH at The White Mountain puzzle store. I was so happy to find it when we returned from the south. Libby, grand daughter #1, is very good at these puzzles and helped quite a bit with this one. We finished it on Saturday and I have ordered some more. John created a big board for us so we can move it around quite easily which has worked well. It is always there if we want a few minutes of focusing on something quiet to do. By the way, Edie, grand daughter #2 is doing well and growing fast. She had her first boat ride this week.
Blue Zones – Covid – Recipe
I read a very good article this week on Covid – 19 and Straight Answers. If you have time it might be worth the time to read it. I think the author has it pretty much right. There are lots of things we can do to stay healthy and eating right as well as exercising is pretty darn important. Our garden is coming along really nicely. We have been eating lettuce and more lettuce picked fresh every day along with spinach. The rhubarb is pretty much finished but the broccoli and brussels sprouts plants are growing well. John and Libby thinned the beets this week and the tomatoes have flowers on them. We even have a couple of potato plants showing now. It was actually fun to get out there and do a little weeding together this past week too.
Here’s recipe that I am going to try this week. I bet it will taste as good as it sounds. Enjoy!
Sardinian Spinach with Pecorino Cheese
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb. spinach
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 big handful basil leaves (about 1 cup)
- 2 T olive oil
- 5 oz. pecorino cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
- Wash spinach in cold water.
- Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook spinach for 1-2 minutes, drain in colender.
- Preheat oven to 400° F
- Peel garlic and cut into thin slivers.
- Mince basil leaves.
- Combine spinach with garlic, basil and olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Divide spinach mixture into four individual oven-proof ramekins. Top with slices of pecorino cheese and bake for 4 minutes or until cheese begins to melt and edges brown.
- Remove from oven and let stand for 1 minute prior to serving.
