blue artichoke

As a kid, one of my sometimes-chores was to wash windows. I didn't mind it so much; it was a lot better than washing the plastic window blinds. I thought about this chore last week while washing dishes and looking out the window over the kitchen sink. Somehow there was a large splattering of bird poop on the window. In my high school physics class, we worked out the details of how a bird can poop on a vertical surface. I don't remember the specifics, but it involved careful planning and ill-intent. And I was looking at the proof. So I decided to wash the windows. GC and I have lived in this house for a little over a year. I've never washed the windows, and suspect the renter before me didn't either. These windows were dirty. It turned into a bigger chore than I had anticipated, because each window had a wire screen and two glass screens that also needed cleaning. We have 18 windows upstairs. It took two days for me to wash them all. I borrowed a stepladder from my landlord, but still couldn't reach the three back windows; those remain dirty on the outside. I used three partial bottles of window cleaner. Windex may be great for lots of things, a la My Big Fat Greek Wedding, but it's not so good for washing windows, unless you like streaky windows and a hazy view. 409 Glass & Surface is now my brand of choice -- no streaks or haze. Seriously, it makes a world of difference. And now I live in a bright house with clear views. Doing what I can for the Peeping Toms of the neighborhood...

Dinner last night: Fire & Velvet Zinger, buttered peas