Windows and Doors going in, and proposal for a book nook

Stephenson starts installing the sanctuary windows and the two side doors the first week of April. Hubby will go up to remove the stained glass and be on hand, while I stay home with Brio, who would only be underfoot. I will be glad to see some progress being made at last. Hubby will also meet with the contractor and probably the planning consultant at the same time, so it will be productive time.

As one enters the building, there is a cloak room to the right, with coat hooks all around the walls and two stained glass windows. Hubby had the idea of putting in an oriental carpet, floor to ceiling bookshelves, and a squashy chair, where people could sit and read in the cozy glow of the stained glass. A mini Edwardian library. No need to convince me! I'm picking out paint colours already. 

Cicero says that the only things you need in life are a garden and a library, and I am inclined to agree. I have stacks (boxes) of books to fill it with. Even some boxes in the crawlspace hubby doesn't know about. I'm planning to put bookshelves in the balcony all along the railing, too, but there will be plenty of overflow for the new book nook.

Full Speed Ahead! And questions about wood stoves

The manuscript has been turned in and I'm ready to tackle life again. The windows and doors should be installed in March if this warmer weather holds out. The contractor expects to be able to start this spring, rather than autumn, as originally anticipated. Now's the mad rush to remove the stained glass windows and salvage the bits of cupboards, shelves, hardware, etc. we want to keep from the old kitchen, before the contractor hauls the rest away.

We have been looking at various wood stoves and hope to make a decision soon. We want to have a back-up during power outages, and I always love the ambience of a cozy fire. No better place to curl up with a book than beside a crackling fire. I had no idea there was such a variety of stoves out there. What to choose? Cast iron warms up more slowly but stays warm longer. Steel would expel the heat more quickly into the room for faster but less lingering heating. Catalytic vs non-catalytic. Style. Colour. Size. Blower or no blower. Cooktop or no. Baking oven, water heater... If any of you readers have experience with wood stoves, I would welcome some opinions and input!

Meanwhile, the geese are returning, the sky is lighter in the evenings, and there's a distinct scent of skunk in the air, meaning spring is coming. We survived another winter!