Tuesday, September 22, 2009

rain gauge and window screens finally get a workout



A month ago, I really didn't imagine we'd ever see a day like today until maybe November. But I was SO wrong: it's 65 degrees (F) right now and has rained 3 inches in central Austin in the past 15 hours! We finally had custom wood window screens constructed and installed a month ago but haven't had a chance to air out the house and enjoy them until today. The talented John Hindman of Red River Restorations made them out of cypress and aluminum and did a great job!


note half-open window!


screen detail from inside

14 comments:

Bird said...

Our screens are so messed up that I finally took them all down a few weeks ago - back when it seemed we could never hope to open the windows again.
How I regret that now.

We got 2 1/2 inches, but I think we were ahead anyway with 5 inches last week. Keep it coming I say!

Iris said...

Hi Neleh,

Yep--you were already way ahead of us w/5 inches last week. I think we only had 2.5 then.

I don't want to be too Pollyanna, but I think it might be worth the effort of putting your screens (even if they're messed up) back up at this point, right? (Kurt's ready to pile on the blankets.) Cheers!

Pam/Digging said...

Those are the nicest looking screens I've ever seen. Your house is really rockin'!

Iris said...

Thanks, Pam! We're very pleased with the screens, too. John does great work.

The Curious Holts said...

Oh, girl, your screens are GORGEOUS! I love the color. What color is that? Really, really beautiful.
Oh the rain, the rain, the glorious rain.

Iris said...

Hey thanks, Curious Holts!

I'm pretty sure the color is Benjamin Moore's "Sweet Vibrations", or something like that--it's written on a paint can in the shed, but I'll have to check when it's light outside if you're truly interested.

Isn't it AMAZING how much the rain improves our spirits? Loving it! Thanks for visiting.

Leslie said...

I think your screens are very nice, and the color is great. Congratulations on getting some rain. Hopefully it won't go overboard now with too much at once. I can't wait for a rainy day, I miss the rain so much.

Iris said...

Hi Leslie,
Thanks for the screen compliment! We're still in an extreme drought, so we haven't received too much rain at once. Supposed to be back up to 90 this weekend, but we're sure loving this 70-degree, drizzly days.

Hope you get rain soon!!

Annie in Austin said...

The new screens do look perfect with your house, Iris - and what great timing! Those 90's are coming back this weekend but it's still nice now so enjoy the fresh air.

We had less rain, but find the almost 2" quite wonderful.

Annie at the Transplantable Rose

Iris said...

Hi Annie!
I'm glad y'all got 2 inches. I'm still enjoying the fresh air and not even dreading a high of 90 this weekend (too much), as long as it's not too humid!

Kathy said...

Wow! What great screens. I am very impressed with the raised beds too. For once I am caught up with you in planting, I have planted everything that is urgent, and only have: mint spinach dill strawberries (if I even do them) and kale left to plant .

Iris said...

Thanks, Kathy!

Husband Kurt and I have worked pretty hard on those raised beds, even though they aren't the fanciest looking ones around. They work well so far!

I'm too lazy to try strawberries. My dill and cilantro seedlings look happy so far, but I may need to reseed the spinach--maybe I was a little early with them? I hope my lettuce seedlngs don't freak out this weekend when it gets into the 90s...

And thank you: we love the screens, too!

TexasDeb said...

Well I am all too typically late to the party but will add my vote of appreciation for those gorgeous screens. I think that is where you and I got started, blogwise, back when you were surveying the interweb about paint color choices. I thought then and think now the colors you settled upon are perfection.

I feel pretty good about what I've got planted so far but am holding off with the arugula until I don't see any more 90 degree highs in the long range forecast. I just can't face having another batch of seedlings bolt over a couple of hot afternoons.

Iris said...

Hi Deb,

I always appreciate hearing from you, late or not! Thank you re paint choices--we're still very pleased. I'm a little worried about seedlings bolting, too, but I figure I can just stick some more seeds in their place, right? Supposed to be lots cooler starting tomorrow, I think.