Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Stained Glass Returns to DC

 Edward and Sylvia are over for a two-week visit from Scotland.  As part of their arrival, though not part of their hand luggage, they sent a stained glass window to us.  It was a window that Edward made years ago when they lived in the house.  He used the mountains in the Shenandoah Valley as inspiration.  Originally he designed two windows, one in autumnal colors and one in spring colors.  Before he was transferred to Scotland, he only completed one.  It was moved to Edinburgh 35 years ago and into their garage, forgotten about and rediscovered about 10 years ago.

Since then, there has been talk about sending the window back to DC.  Finally, they decided that sending it via UPS was the safest and quickest way of getting here.  It arrived only a few hours before they did at DCA.  Will, Edward, and Sylvia all had a go at undoing the wrapping, which consisted of brown wrapping paper, miles of industrial bubble wrap, two hard boards, a million bolts, and three rolls of masking tape to ensure that the window didn't break, crack, shift, or in way move during its return State-side.  


The pair of windows were to go in the back, in Will's office.  But since then, we have replaced the windows and the opening isn't the same size.  Besides, the window is simply too gorgeous to be in the back side of the house. We thought it best to be front and center. So, into the front sitting room window it goes. 

Currently it is taped up with lots and lots of packing tape until we can come up with a design to hold in place.  It is stunning.  With the curtains and the northern light streaming in the afternoons, the window is breathtaking.  And yes, I have already put my order in for two more windows: spring on the left and summer on the right.  



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