Fresh Air

I've had an ongoing problem at my apartment - the windows are oddly sized (41.5 inches by 60 inches) and they swing out from the bottom. So, there are no screens. The problem: when the windows are open, bugs come in and, given my prior experience with my home being invaded by bats, I'm not taking any chances there. Today, I discovered a solution! Turns out they sell make-your-own screen kits at the hardware store. So, after purchasing the kit, a hack saw, a wheely-thingy that pushes the screen and the rubber scrim (?) into the grooves, and some screening, I came home and constructed a screen - that actually works! This was made a bit difficult by the fact that I don't really have workspace for these sorts of projects, but I managed to make it work on the living room floor. To catch any mess from the sawing, I spread out pages of newspaper and used a stack of old newspapers to prop the screen-frame I had to saw. Felt pretty resourceful! I've got 4 of these windows, but I think I'll be happy with even just 2 screens. So I'll take on #2 tomorrow. But tonight, with thunderstorms approaching, I get to sleep with my window open for the first time since October (when Bat #2 arrived in my previous apartment). I LOVE sleeping with my windows open, so today is a happy happy day - or, rather, tonight is a happy night! :) Silly, but there you have it.

Perhaps I'm practicing for eventual home ownership...