Last month we read an item in the local paper about a historic house that was open for viewing. It was over 200 years old - that's not very old for structures in Europe, but it's quite something if you live in Canada - and a mere 10 minute drive from our house. The article said it would close for the winter on Labour Day, so we decided to check it out the very next day, which happened to be Tuesday.
We Googled the location then set out on a scenic drive. We arrived at our destination, parked the car then walked along a gravel path. When we reached the house, we saw a sign that told us it was only open Wednesday through Sunday. Sigh.
Back we went the next day, only to be confronted with a new sign that said the house was open on Saturday and Sunday. By now we were ready to spank the sign writer for not making up his mind. But the admission price was nominal and we were determined to see the $%^=& house one way or another, so off we went, and returned on Saturday.
Third time's a charm, because as we approached the house from the road we saw a "House Open" sign by the side of the road, and another one on the gravel path next to it. There was yet another sign that said "Knock for Tour" so we knocked and gained admission. The friendly tour guide explained that they were short of guides as the students had all left to return to school, and that was why the house hadn't been open during the week.
As we went from room to room and and admired the architectural features of the house, I looked up at one of the windows. "That's the original glass," explained the guide. I peered out but it was hard to see through the wavy panes.
"Are the windows covered with something on the outside?" I asked. Perhaps that was why I couldn't see much.
"Yes," replied the guide, "for protection."
"With plexiglass?" I queried.
"No, lexan."
All or a sudden my spanko mind envisioned giant lexan paddles covering each of the large windows on all three stories of the house.
Would they make a slapping sound when the wind blew? Did they frighten vandals away? What fun it must have been to live in a house with implements everywhere you looked. The guides probably smiled every time they came to work.
It turned out to be a fine summer's outing after all.
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