OK, I just realized that it has been a bit since my last update (already slightly annoyed because I have started this post a couple of times, and lost the text while trying to post pictures; ANYWAY), and the fireplace is complete - grouted, sealed, and functioning. I love it. Fires at home (in the proper place) are an amazing treat. I have also had the front windows replaced, which is a HUGE undertaking (I did not attempt myself, this was definitely a job for the pros, and I did find a great one, kudos to Emil for sending Roberto my way). But on the same day that the windows happened, Oscar also came to join the family (sometimes it is easier to just get everything out of the way right away, and this was no exception)
here is the finished fireplace (yes, I will be adding trim, crown molding, and an oak mantle eventually, but this is where we are now...)
And introducing, Oscar...
Oscar and Vergil are doing very well, although many are astonished that Vergil could ever be thought of as 'the little dog' - Mom says that in a pict I sent of the two together that Vergil looks like a chihuahua...I am sure that she's exaggerating. They all make me really really happy. I do kind of wish that I had gotten a shot of Oscar and Gita (the chocolate point siamese) nose to nose, but they wouldn't hold the pose until I got the camera...will have to try for that again. Pema, Gita's sister wants little to nothing to do with Oscar, although she has acquiesed to coming out of my room and making appearances with him in the house.
Less exciting in pictures, but really thrilling in person, the windows are in, and they all open, have screens, and already make a huge difference in heat transfer. Perhaps picts of those later.
