The window fitters have arrived. This is day two of the installation. Replacing dated 1980’s style brown plastic window frames with …. white plastic window frames. Aesthetically it would be more pleasing to have hardwood frames but from a maintenance point of view upvc is a clear winner. The garden room sliding doors at the rear of the property will be a contrasting dark gray and will slide back far enough to open up the room to the garden in summer.
The work should be finished by the end of the week. I just can’t wait to get my home back to myself. Luke and Andy are nice guys but Covid rules and regulations prevent us from casual chatting; they are not even allowed to accept cups of tea and biscuits!
Yesterday I did a Covid antibody test. It was part of a government sponsored research study. I had to prick my finger with a lancet to draw blood and then use something like a pregnancy test kit to get the result. This was followed by an on-line questionnaire. Easy enough to do and, as I expected, it was a negative result – no coronavirus antibodies. The spring-loaded lancet was a vicious piece of kit though, my finger is still bruised!
I like to have window jobs done in the summer time, not so cold! I agree about the UPVC. My neighbour is always involved in some Covid research things, he tells me about them at length from a socially distanced spot in the road. I get lost. Perhaps this is one he is doing. I shall be able to pretend I know all about it now.
ReplyDeleteIt is not a cold day here today so not too bad for windows but snow forecast for tomorrow - hope you don't get it too.
DeleteThe forecast tomorrow is for heavy rain! I think they are going to do the kitchen tomorrow so at least there are no soft furnishings to get wet.
DeleteI don't know why we are told to take blood out of the most sensitive parts of our bodies!! Back when I was doing a lab course, we used the side of our fingers instead so we could type when it was time to record the results! Hellova time of year to install windows!!! Brrrrrrr Good luck with that.
ReplyDeleteTook me a bit by surprise but it certainly drew the blood! We are definitely a bit crazy having windows done in January but we just didn't want to wait.
DeleteI had one of those tests sent to me too. I agree my finger is still sore and the result was negative. I couldn't get on to the website to do the survey though.
ReplyDeleteI had a special code to access the survey, did you have one?
DeleteUPVC is an excellent product, good insulation and maintenance free. Your new windows and doors sound outstanding. Sliding glass doors bring in natural light and make a room even more beautiful. Nice indoor-outdoor living design. Is the covid antibody testing part of a large study?
ReplyDeleteYes, it's being run by Imperial College London and sponsored by the government and NHS.
DeleteHow are they selecting participants for that antibody screening?
ReplyDeleteJust totally random I believe. I was sent a letter asking me if I wanted to do it.
DeleteWhen I originally restored our house, I had all our doors and windows made by a man from Besse. A few years ago I replaced them all with dark brown aluminium double-glazed windows/doors which are a huge improvement, and even though they're not 'traditional', they actually look far better.
ReplyDeleteWe thought about aluminium for the sliding doors (they are huge) but the cost differential compared with UPVC was considerable.
DeleteThey used those finger prick things when I used to give blood....I seem to remember that sometimes they did it on the back of my finger..just below the nail. Same effect but not so painful afterwards !
ReplyDeleteWe had our huge sliding doors at the back of the house fitted 2 days before Xmas many years ago. It went on into darkness and P was doling out whisky to the men!
I thought it was just going to be a little needle prick but it was quite savage!
DeleteThe Covid test sounds quite dangerous if you're using a spring-loaded lancet! Surely Health and Safety don't approve?
ReplyDeleteWhen we had this house built, they were fitted with double-glazed, hand-made wooden frame windows, which the planners deemed to be more in keeping with the properties either side of us. Nice to begin with, but what a chore to keep them looking good. After less than 5 years we had them all changed for white UPVC - so much easier to maintain.
Does Rick get all the biscuits you bought for the workmen?
The lancet was very small and I have probably exaggerated a bit but it definitely had a bite. Rick is currently sulking because he is confined to one room and can't go and play with the workmen. Meanwhile the biscuits are still in the cupboard and saying "come and eat me!"
ReplyDeleteSo will Kat and Sarah be getting an unexpected baby sibling?
ReplyDeleteNo, it was a negative result.
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