Pella windows were ordered because they had the closest profile to the original windows and also we could get a green finish which matched our color scheme. We shopped around for windows to match our 7-foot tall two-over-two windows. (Two panes of glass in an upper sash and two panes of glass in a lower sash.) Windows available at the local hardware store did not come in this configuration. We opted for the one-over-one windows instead of the more modern multipane colonial windows. Jim had used Pella windows in previous building projects and liked their quality.

We ordered the windows in March after the openings were framed to the correct size and just before we headed back north again. The windows came in and our cellphone began collecting messages wondering if we were ever going to pick them up. (Since our cell doesn't work a the brown house, we were unaware of the notices.) Our first order of business in May 2006 was to collect our new windows.

We opted for three separate windows rather than one large unit, because the installation crew (Jim and Elizabeth) was only able to move one six foot window at a time. Pella windows have nice wood interior finishes which would match the rest of the house. In the image above, Elizabeth applies a sticky tape around the windows which seals the openings to keep out both air and water.

One of our kitchen windows was installed in the opening of the original kitchen window. The second window (toward the rear of the house) was added to bring more light into the kitchen. The windows look out at a nice dogwood tree where we watched the antics of local squirrels and bird nest-building.