Dirty windows

I never imagined that dirty windows could save lives.  Now, had I known this...

If you know our place, you know that we live in a bit of a fishbowl.  Big windows all over our house - living room, dining room, family room, office.  I love our windows.  But I hate the fact that they really need to be washed at least three times a year for me to feel good about looking through them.

It's a really big job, washing windows.  Especially the second floor windows.  It involves leaning extension ladders at precarious angles.  And serious scrubbing at unheavenly heights.  It's a bit of a death wish.

OK, yes, that is slightly melodramatic, but it's enough of an ordeal that we routinely procrastinate and put off the job.

Two days ago, I invested in the best little invention ever.  A squeegee.  With an extention handle.  And I can't believe this thing.  I was skeptical that this would actually do a good job, but I was pleasantly shocked at how effective it was, how easy it was to use, and how much reach it had.  I am so pleased with my clean windows.  And even more pleased with how effortless a job it was to get done.  I am a squeegee convert.

The three exterior walls of my office are windows.  I love this room, especially in fall when the golden leaves still clinging to the trees contrast with the crystal blue of the September skies.  Clean windows revealing the neighbourhood drama of prowling cats and foraging squirrels with a clarity that I hadn't anticipated.  I rejoice.

Unintended consequences, however, are often a byproduct of positive intentions.

The death toll is already at 5.  And counting.  Poor little things.  Sparrows, chickadees who would normally sense the grime on the glass, see nothing now.  Pronounced dead on impact.

Every time I hear the crash, I say a little prayer for the little innocent bird.  I'm sorry, I say aloud to the poor, dead thing.  I didn't want that to happen to you.

Later, when I go outside to take care of the little feathery corpse, I discover it's gone.  And I hope that maybe it's somehow miraculously recovered.  But, sadly,  more likely it's the consequence of our clean windows, rather than the clean windows themselves, that has me noticing all the cats in our yard lately.