I have just finished sprucing up my photo blind…otherwise known as my desk-side window. What prompted this sudden outburst of domestic efficiency was the fact there's a seed feeder nearby, frequented by both birds and squirrels, and the notion that if I removed the dirt, various bits of wind-borne leaves and sunflower seed hulls, feathers, fur, and avian effluents best left unspecified, I might dramatically increase the pane's light transmission while simultaneously upping the quality of my images.
After all, even I had to admit the window needed cleaning. It is no exaggeration when I say the exterior glass had gradually taken on the patina of an aged chicken coop. Which obviously limited the window's usefulness as a photo-taking porthole. So a few minutes ago I took a spritzer bottle filled with a mix of water and vinegar—a homemade formula that beats anything sold at the grocery or hardware—and gave the glass a good washing.
Now, though somewhat blinded by the increased light in my workroom, I can sit at my desk, mutter as I labor over the placement of words on the computer's screen, and keep a better eye on the regular stream of visitors to the feeder and perched or hovering (hummingbird) at the various blooms nearby.
Okay…where are my sunglasses…?
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14 comments:
HI GRIZZ-
Beautiful clear picture! Amazing what a spritz of vinegar and water can do. And I agree - it is the best solution for cleaning glass. It is thick and muggy and rainy and just awful weather-wise here. Too soppy to even step outside. We are headed to the grocery store in a bit. A/C in the car, then in the air conditioned store and back home to the A/c keeping it comfy and dry in here, phew. Heat and humidity is the worst thing for MS - makes my muscles turn to mush. ack. I am so thankful we have A/C :-)
Our lil grandson is coming ove later - we are cooking sausage patties on the grill and making a tomato salad w/red onion and balsamic vinegar dressing. And we have the fixins for a nice vodka tonic, not for our grandson tho :-) he can have a ginger ale. \
Have a wonderful day
Love to you
Gail
peace......
Looks like the 'view' works both ways! That little fellow is taking a peek a you too.
A beautiful capture Grizz.
The contrast in color between the goldfinch and the flower is eye-popping! Sunglasses are needed!
Gail…
No rain here today…but it has been dark and threatening the entire time. And windy. But, I've had desk work to do anyway, so my best "escape" has been an occasional through-the-CLEAN!-window shot, plus a few minutes actually outside a half-hour ago.
I have no idea what I'm fixing for supper. Yours sounds great, though. I may just do a couple of omelets with fresh veggies and cheese and be done with it, and have some popcorn later…it's that kind of evening.
Bonnie…
Thank you. I'd barely gotten back in and at my desk before the parade began, and this goldfinch did seem to be giving me the once-over—so I took his picture.
Carolyn…
Yup, a brightened Technicolor view! I'm going to make it a point to clean this window at least once a year, whether it needs it or not.
Love love love the photo.
Any chance you do windows elsewhere? That's the bane of my house cleaning--windows. And house cleaning is not high on my list of things I want to do.
Wow! You should have cleaned your window earlier! Now, how about coming over and doing mine, which is in a comparable "before" condition?
KGMom…
Re. the photo, thank you.
You're on your own with the windows. This one is only about 14x36 inches—tall and narrow, sort of like those lancet windows in a castle (no pointed top, though) or maybe more like an arrow slit. You'd think I would do a better job at keeping it clean. Of course I do clean the bank of windows on the streamside end of the cottage, the topmost of which is about 12 feet high; these accumulate bugs and webs, dust, dirt, and all manner of dead invertebrates like you wouldn't believe. A good hosing is required on a weekly basis. Possibly I suffer from window-cleaning-burnout.
Scott…
I fear you're correct, my pre-cleaning window was absolutely disgraceful. And after making my shocking personal admission of long-term neglect to faithful post readers, I spent at least 4–5 seconds wallowing in shame.
Here's my counteroffer…you help me dig holes, I'll help you wash windows.
I shall try that vinegar and water thing.
Weaver…
Plain white vinegar and water, about a 50/50 mix. It will work for you, I'm sure.
Lovely, feels as if I was there looking out the window, too
Teri…
You know, those bergamots are still there in bloom and throughout the day, dozen of goldfinches continue to perch on their stems before flying up to the window-eave feeder. I've taken countless shots, and they all look more or less the same. But it's still a great view!
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