Ever since we considered purchasing Katie-Lew, we envisioned a larger window for a better view of Crow Cove. We thought it would enhance a comfortable
place not only to relax but to inspire Marlene to paint.
Apparently at one time, there was a larger window but with
energy conservation and winter comfort in mind, new smaller windows had been
installed on that side. Now of course, our plans do not include wintering here,
so the new window was delivered shortly after our arrival.
Initially, the window replacement seemed like a
do-it-ourself job. But the more I looked at it, the more baffled I became how to enlarge the opening in the vinyl siding, then get it snuggly refitted
around the new window so it was wind and water tight. During the thinking
stage, we were fortunate to have a couple of windstorms, one of which inspired
my previous story, Not Prepared for the Worst. In that event and a subsequent
one, I not only wondered how the siding had stayed on in the high wind but saw
firsthand sea spray pelting the windows and siding. After experiencing a couple of storms, we've learned that the environment here on Parsons Point can be harsh.
So, with those new experiences in mind, I approached a
reputable guy that is now semi-retired from a life of doing house renovations in Rose Blanche.
My original thought was to have him help me, but it soon became apparent that I
should be the helper.
Ward knew all the tricks of the trade and had seen it all
before. He knew exactly what we needed to do and how to do it. In no time, we
had the old window out, the opening enlarged, and the new window in place.
Then Ward used his magic to fit the old siding back around
the new window leaving the wall as though it had never been opened up. He was
like a surgeon that was able to perform a surgery without leaving a scar.
Thanks to Ward's magic trick, Katie-Lew has undergone another
successful transformation in her 100 plus year history. On a sunny day, she
seems to be smiling as she heads into her next stage in life, as a brighter and
more open seaside cottage.
