When I entered the kitchen for morning coffee, I looked out the window to see what the new day looked like. My first thought was, "Looks like a spider has been busy!" Immediately followed by, "Oh no, my window is smashed!!!"
The outside pane of the double glazed sash was quite broken. Oddly, it's inner pane and the screen were unblemished.
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| Hey, that sky view doesn't look quite right! |
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| It looked even worse from the outside! |
If something hurled against the window hard enough to break the glass, then why was the screen unscathed?
Slowly, my brain recalled a weather event a few days before. There was a severe thunder storm in my area. Ellie Mae was terrified but I enjoyed the theatrical rumbling and boomings of the thunder. Then came a HUGE EXPLODING KABOOM which had me convinced the house had been struck by lightning. I hustled outside and walked all around the house, looking for damage. Everything appeared normal. Even the power had stayed on and in fact not even flickered.
So the 'vandal' almost certainly was dear old Mother Nature herself. I must not have noticed that a shock wave from the thunder bolt had caused a crack in the window which eventually spread across the entire glass.
This morning I took the carnage to Centennial Glass repair shop in Ottawa. Had to prepay the $318.66 bill. Disappointingly, it will take at least two weeks for them to fix it. Apparently there is heavy demand on all services plus an inadequate supply chain and a labour shortage. On the upside, at least it's not freezing cold. To temporarily ward off wind and rain, I taped a sheet of plastic over the cavity.
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Well, as my brother would say, "That's all the news fit for page seven." Now for some happier shots:
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| Like exotic butterflies, the poppies hover and dance in a gentle breeze. |
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Golden pollen served atop a confection in Princess Pink.
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| Cut a week ago, this bouquet of Black-Eyed Susans still looks fresh. |
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| Among the joys of summer are freshly picked bouquets. |
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| A hummer poses nicely as a thank-you for the sugar water. |
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An American Gold Finch in his dazzling summer duds.
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| Cedar Waxwings love these Mountain Ash berries! |
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| A flicker scores a plump and juicy grub. |
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Yay-y-y!!! Peaches are in season!!
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I know of a kitchen window that shattered on a very cold morning, when the electric jug was steaming away too close. Not mine, thankfully. Hope the plastic serves well in the meantime. Love the birds, and the food supply they so like.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting about the electric jug's steam causing window damage, Jean. I'll be keeping a close eye on my windows from now on. My temporary plastic sheet will keep out the rain but unfortunately the road noise comes right in.
DeleteOmigod! Florence, I'm so sorry about your window--the only thing more shocking than the weather phenomenon that broke it is what you have to pay for repair! Home insurance or such doesn't cover such a thing? I feel almost guilty, but you had me smiling just seconds later with that beautiful hummingbird "posing" to thank you for the sugar water. The photo (and the other birds, particularly that flicker) are just stunning. And I lovvve the peaches. :^)
ReplyDeleteMy home insurance deductible is much higher than the repair bill, Doug. Just glad it was a very close and extremely loud clap of thunder and not a rocket hurled by Putin. I was thinking of poor Ukraine at the time and the murderous bombing of people's homes. Yes, the hummingbird was a little cutie and looked almost too full of syrup to fly. Good luck at the Dr.'s tomorrow!
DeleteFlorence, as always your nature photos are spectacular!
ReplyDeleteWow, I have never heard of a window cracking from thunder. When we lived in Nova Scotia a large pine tree across the street from us got nailed by lightning. The boom was incredible so I can imagine the noise you had!
Your flowers!😍 Your gardens are incredible!
We are absolutely gorging on peaches right now. I am originally from the Niagara area so grew up eating fresh peaches and home canned peaches the rest of the year.
Have a wonderful weekend Florence.❤️❤️
Robin
Yes, the boom certainly was incredible, Robin. I thought the roof had been struck and then I thought perhaps the propane tanks had been hit. Never experienced anything like it before. Lucky you for growing up in the Niagara area. I'm imagining the bliss of home made peach pies.
DeleteAt first I was going to blame a bird but that boom had to have been the culprit. I did have a bird break the outer of my double pain windows but I had the corpse to blame. That sure is a steep repair bill.
ReplyDeleteLove your bird close ups. That sure is a pudgy hummer. Hope she isn't fluffed up due to illness.
Agreed, not a cheap repair. And I even took out the window and transported it to the shop myself. Of course, they do have to cut and install the glass, then fill the double panes with argon gas. Wish my wait was only a day or two instead of a couple of weeks. (sigh) The hummer was fine, Patti. I think she was just fluffed to intimidate nearby nectar loving rivals.
DeleteGorgeous photos, I so enjoyed each and every one! I can ditto them all for the birds and flowers around our place. How weird to have that strange damage which I guess happens. Daughter has been waiting two months to get her gutters replaced. It is a nuisance these long waits. She's now just hoping to get it done before there is snow.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouraging words, Jocelyn. I've decided to garden with only the hardier flowers and allow native ones (called weeds by some) their way. It seems that long wait times for home improvement services are the norm these days. The four outside doors I ordered won't arrive until the Spring. Another drafty winter ahead. Your daughter's two month wait for new gutters seems excessive for materials made entirely in Canada. Strange times.
DeleteVery nice selection of photos! Sorry about that window.
ReplyDeleteThank you, F.G. And congratulations to you and Mrs. F.G. on your 50th anniversary!
DeleteI don't know how I missed this post. I've been having trouble with blogger, though. So sad about the window. Not to mention pricey. That supply chain block has been difficult.
ReplyDeleteSometimes my comments on other blogs just disappear. Finally got my window back and installed. What luxury to look out and see what's what while at the kitchen sink now.
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