Blinds

A week of work, at least. Sore neck/throat, as though fighting off a virus. I know there is Something Going Round, and I got it. This year, I've not been down with anything much, perhaps because of the flu shot, perhaps because I've already been sick with what came through this year, and was immune. I'm a big fan of flu shots, since I used to be a sensitive canary, ill every winter, first down, longest miserable, last relapsing. Since the flu immunization became more common, especially in my cohort, I've escaped a month of dreadful ill every year. I still catch What's Going Round, a stray virus, colds, and it always lingers with me. It just doesn't happen as often, as badly, as when younger, for me. I can tell all my lymph nodes are on overdrive, and I tend to be tired, but otherwise, meh. Damn stiff neck on one side is a bit annoying, capsaisin rub helped.

Thankfully, Friday was short, got home shortly after D, time to let myself rest and heal. And right after I got home, the guy called to come install the blinds. Oh, yes, we dug deep, and decided to get the cellular* blinds that were a priority before we moved in, got pushed down the list in preference to the plumbing and so many other expenses. Before the move, I'd even ordered free swatches, and chose the most likely - "Candlelight." But a few weeks ago, D and I talked about how cold he was, the general darkness, and how much both of us hated the brown, dark, hideous blinds. We went back to Home Despot, I found a comparable color in the other brand, and the installer came to do proper measurements. The other brand came in at $20 less, not sure if it was per window or not, but cheaper was cheaper, so I stuck with the new "pistachio cream." Went a bit on faith, honestly. Hank was a joy. Older guy, very personable, we felt in good hands. Moby just watched him from the chair, placidly. When he appeared with the blinds yesterday, it didn't take him long, and he assured us we'd gone with the better made product, and we joked about the names of colors. Moby followed him around a bit that time. But respectfully.

And we nearly gasped at the difference it made. Really lovely. We can keep the heat in, and still bring in light. The weighty and depressing brown is expunged, at least from two rooms. They are beautiful. They make both the music room, and the bedroom so much more light and open. Huge difference. We will do the rest of the windows in time.

We stopped by the apartment to see if we needed to pay for another month. By our lease, we were liable for the equivalent of four month's rent, but they offered to let us just rent until the next tenant moved in. Well, the management agent there was shocked that we hadn't been called, it had been rented on the 24th of last month. The refund/deposit check will be on it's way about a month after that. We were rather worried, not wanting to pay more for a place we didn't need anymore. We went to find out, check in hand, because we are honorable people, if with heavy hearts. We nearly whooped, to find out we were off the hook. Such an enormous relief. One less worry.

Also went to where I'd gotten the camera for a tutorial on manual focus. I've been needing it, and failing to figure it out. Feeling very dumb, lacking vocabulary and technical knowledge. I know the words f-stop and aperture and bracketing, and I know, theoretically, what they mean. But I don't really know how to make them work for me. It's too spacial, a lifelong weakness in my comprehension. But the camera expert was kind, and got me just enough information to get me a bit further along. All I needed for the moment.

But then the camera battery needed charging, so no photos today. Tomorrow morning. Grey, glareful day anyway. And my over the top sunglasses snapped.

Then, well, before actually, I went to my Beginning Organic Gardening seminar. I am so excited about growing a garden, and so many of my questions have been addressed. I loved being spoken to as an intelligent person, as well. More on that tomorrow as well, I think. Actually used some of my organic chemistry, which is nice. NPK, and she never explicitly explained it. But I got it, after a moment. Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, when to add. Companion plants, bed orientation, managing pests and weeds, not eliminating them, feeding the soil - and where to get it tested for cheap. So much to read up on. Reassurance, don't expect too much, don't try too much, it all goes to next year anyway. I found it all wonderfully interesting.

Good to have an organic garden, since I wouldn't want to eat anything from an Inorganic garden. (Chemistry joke.)

Life is so much more engaging these days.


*Much cheaper than new windows, or window covers, but will save so much in heating/cooling over time. Dramatically cutting down on the drafts already.