Transom Part 1

 Plans to let more light into the back hallway have begun. The plaster and lathe were removed from the stairwell side of the dividing wall. Now just need to determine the dimension I want the opening to be. It is not a load bearing wall so that makes it easier. Hard part will be cleanly cutting through the plaster and lathe and keeping the cracks and chips to a minimum. Had been looking a long time for a stained glass window or fragment to insert here, but have not found one that was suitable.

Meet the Estate Staff:
Gina Pedonale, the Chauffeur. We met Gina in Lugano, Switzerland, she had just concluded her term of employment with an Italian banker's family and was in need of a new situation. Unfortunately, the father had decided to take the family for a drive while Gina was on holiday, they got lost and while the husband was on the phone with Gina, there was a miscalculation and the family no longer needed a chauffeur. In addition to knowing her way around a Ferrari V12 engine, she restores vintage Berkel Prosciutto meat slicers, makes a excellent espresso and knits car covers as a hobby. Our only complaint is that she doesn't do car windows.

 This is the only know photo of Gina. This was taken moments before Gina's holiday had been extended indefinitely.

Beers in the Fridge:
 Bought a beer specific glass mug at the Cheap Chinese Tchotchke shop, aka The Christmas Tree Shop. The Eldest gave me a Moleskein Beer log for Christmas and it shows different glasses to be used for different types of beers. Unfortunately, this style is not listed, but it is similar to a British dimpled beer mug.

 Finished up the Guinness which our neighbor brought over for Thanksgiving. The Winter Lager is still from thanksgiving also, I bought a case for some reason and hardly anyone drank beer. Had the Peroni with pasta Friday night and haven't yet cracked the cider. The cider and the Guinness both fit on the shelves in the new fridge, any taller bottle needs to find space on the door.

Received this liter mug for Christmas, reminds me of our family trip to Munich.

One beer gets lost in it, but you get quite a workout drinking with it.