Windows too high...

           In our flat the windows are in sets of three, like a triptych.  The centre window is short, which is topped by a smaller, rectangular window that opens by being pushed out to open.  Being a short person, this creates a challenge for me.  “Maverick” is tall, and uses his long arms to push those windows out as far as he can, in the kitchen and bathroom anyway. 

          Wide open windows during the summer months it isn’t an issue, as it is great to have the air moving through.  But in the winter all I want to do is keep in as much heat as possible.  One would think that windows would remain shut from November to late March or early April.  Not so, in Great Britain it isn’t uncommon for tenants to open windows to let out gas fumes from propane sourced heaters. 

Our building is over 60 years old; the damp now permeates through cracks and the brick.  Even with exhaust fans in our bathroom and kitchen, moisture collects on the windows.  “Maverick” opens the window and leaves it open in order for the steam from the shower to escape.

 Now think about camping in January in the Northern Hemisphere—cold!  That's how it sometimes feels in this flat with the outside air breathing into the opened windows.  But when “Maverick” has gone to work, it is up to me to close the windows.  Without some sort of extension, it is impossible for me to reach the windows in the bathroom and kitchen.  Both are over sinks, which prevent reaching up on tippy-toe from being effective.  Even with my blue step-stool, I can’t reach.  And climbing is just too dangerous. 

One day I stood in the kitchen, thinking about possible solutions.  I turned and spied the humble wooden spoon with a hole in the middle of the spoon’s bowl.  The brain synapses fired.  The size of the spoon was perfect to go over the window handle, its length sufficient to extend far enough to reach the handle and pull the window closed.   I still needed the blue step-stool to get high enough, but the spoon worked.  And I left the spoon for future use.

Serving Jesus, Author of out faith,

“Lady Helene”