I was going to weed when I got home, but when I opened the bedroom window for Miff, I got inspired to get the Man Cave windows to open, and get one of the screens installed because it had none. The window that would open had no screen, and the one with the screen wouldn’t open.

First, the screen. I’d bought a spline tool a while back and on the second try, the right size (huge) spline, so it was just a matter of installing the screen. Hot in the sun, but no problem. I’ll never be mistaken for a professional screen installer, but it’s taut and looks okay.

Happy Miffy…until he scared himself because he’s used to looking out that window, but not used to hearing noises…like THE WORLD’S LOUDEST CARDINAL. Anyway, Window Kitteh is always happy to have a window.

Then, I started on the window that wouldn’t open. What a nightmare! I got it loosened with some penetrating oil, but there was one spot that simply would not budge. More oil, wait, mini wunderbar, screwdriver, swearing…nope. Okay, I’ll take it down so I can push from the edge. Jesus H. Christ…it’s stuck on with caulking. Ooookay, bitch, you’re coming off. Some Phillips screws, some slot, lots of prying, but finally, I got it. Took it over and tried pushing the sliding window with my fingers. Nope. Hammer and screwdriver. Nope. WTF? I finally worked it up over the edge and got it out. Looked to see what was making it stick…nothing. WTF? Slid it in, worked fine, but stopped at the spot where it was sticking. I felt along the edge; lo and behold, the screw was not the original, and was just slightly longer. Just long enough to catch the sliding window’s frame! I was going to just replace the screw with one the right size, but it wouldn’t turn. I said, “Fuck it,” and got my mini grinder (and safety glasses!) Ground the tip off the screw so it was flat…window works fine. I’d torn out the shitty old screen in my quest to open the goddamned thing, so I installed new screen. Cleaned the inside, brushed out the space between the windows, put the window back in place, then cleaned the outside. Came back inside, put 3-in1 oil in the track…and now Miffy has another window. Plus, I got to use my grinder. I don’t know how else I would’ve been able to fix that window without it; too awkward and too hard to sand, and the frame probably would’ve bent before that screw moved.

Also…columbine finally gave it up and bloomed. Only two, but they’re beautiful!

In less awesome news, Charlotte visited my flowerbeds. Worst in the soggy soil of my micro-swamp, but not too bad, and I’d rather have deer than not!