Windows, Book Club, Computer Hacks and Fat Dogs

I have a six by six window in my bedroom---actually two three by six, side-by-side windows set in the same frame---and they’re so drafty that I can see my Venetian blind moving on windy days. It was on my list of things to do this summer to look into getting them replaced. Enter the cold-canvas representative from Andersen windows, the supposed Cadillac in the industry. “We’re in the neighborhood setting up appointments for estimates.” So I took the bait and the next day the salesman showed up with his slick and polished monologue. Sure, they’ve got a twenty warranty, but I don’t so that doesn’t sway me, I told that guy. Sure, they’re workers are all bonded and insured. Most service people are these days. Again, I was not impressed. Sure, they are trained professionals. Sure, sure, sure… I could go on with all the stuff their salesman told me, but he couldn’t guarantee that my Venetian blind would still fit inside the window frame because these replacement windows are so much thicker than the ones I have. Call me picky but I don’t want a Venetian blind set on the outside of the frame and I’m not getting drapes, thank you Mr. Salesman/Amateur Decorator.

When he got to the estimate, I was in severe price sticker shock. $7,032.00 if I ordered within a month, $6,032.00 if I ordered that day and a whopping $8,032.00 if I want a price guarantee that will last a year. I was expecting around $2,000 give or take a few hundred. I said, “I’m not prepared to pay eight grand and I don’t make decisions like this on the spot, so I’m not ordering today.” “Not even to save a thousand?” he asked with disbelief in his voice. Then he hauled out a chart of payment plans with rates as low as $80 a month. He got a little pushy asking if I could afford that payment. I got a little insulted by how he was trying to reel me in and I stood up to signal we were finished talking. I wanted to say, “don’t call me” but I’m pretty sure he knew he wasn’t getting an order to replace those windows. That kind of money can buy a lot of window insulation kits at seven bucks a box. A new sheet of plastic and a roll of double-sided tape every winter; such a bargain! I might try Polar Seal Windows for another free estimate, but I’m pretty sure I’m going to continue living with the draft.

My book club met this week to discuss JoJo Moyes’ Me Before You. If you don’t know the storyline it’s about a quadriplegic in his early thirties who decides he wants to leave England and go to a Swiss clinic for an assisted suicide. But he promises his wealthy parents he’ll wait six months if they'll respect and accept his decision when the time is up. He’d already attempted to take his own life before the promise, so his parents hire an off-beat girl to essentially be on suicide watch and to maybe help him find a reason to change his mind. Let's just cut to the chase and say it was a great read (and movie) and we had an interesting discussion. Though I was surprised that five of the ladies in the club thought the guy could have “tried hard to be happy.” I didn’t say it but I was thinking that's a naive thing to say about a guy who had no control over any part of his body but his brain. The Stephen Hawkings’ of the world who are able to find meaningful work and a dedicated support team are few and far between in the world of quadriplegics. 

I took my backup computer into my repair place for its yearly tune up and antivirus control software update. They use Kaspersky, which is one of the largest and highest rated antivirus software in the entire world and I asked the tech guy if he still trusts this Russian company not to put a backdoor into their programs so they can mess around inside our computers. He didn’t raise an eyebrow or look at me like I was a crazy old lady when he replied, “Our government reverse engineers their programs all the time and haven’t found a hidden backdoor yet. If they are putting them in they’re very good at it.” I don’t know whether to be comforted or scared about that answer.

Levi my Mighty Schnauzer got his yearly checkup at the veterinary clinic this week. That little stinker is not so little anymore! He gained two whole pounds since last May! He weighs thirty-one pounds and I’m thinking I should figure out a way to smuggle him into the YMCA to run the treadmill with me. Sure, I live in a neighborhood with sidewalks but I’ve been watching too much Judge Judy and Hot Bench on TV lately where they fight about who pays the vet bills for dogs injured in neighborhood dog fights. Plus I’m not fond of feeling like I’m in a fish bowl when we walk around here and the nature trail is ripe with ticks. The vet said at Levi’s age cutting his food back would make more of a difference than increasing his exercise. I asked him if he’s ever been around a schnauzer when he's hungry. He laughed. “They do live up to their reputation for being stubborn, don't they.” Oh, yes, that’s an understatement. ©