Georgie and I live in mutt of a house, partly thanks to our extensive renovation when we moved in. But it was built in bungalow style in 1938, and given a second story in the '70s.

Until this winter, the windows on the first floor were the originals, albeit with outside storms that had been added, and they were without doubt overdue for replacement. As we do in all house matters, we requested the help of our friend and builder Harry Chehames of Cedar Builders, and he came by in early January to install windows we'd purchased before the New Year to take advantage of expiring tax benefits. Just as when he handled the renovation, he was ably assisted by his longtime carpenter Dave. (Yes, I should know Dave's family name, but it's not coming to me.)

Here are a few photos from the process:

This is the "before" picture, clearly showing that heated air was escaping.

Dave was mostly the outside guy, on a day cold enough to leave frost on the inside of the storms. But here, at the beginning, he removes the old window.

Harry caulks, while Dave ... makes sun puppets?

Harry lays down a bed of insulation. Naturally, we were insistent on this point, to fill the pockets that had held the window weights as well as all around the opening.

The new one goes in.

Whatever Harry did inside, Dave did on the outside, in bitter cold and on a ladder.