Your post sounds similar to one I made almost 2 years ago. I'll see if I can find it and post a link. We came to the conclusion that our cat is part siamese, and that is not uncommon in their nature. My guy has never had much luck landing on my shoulders, he just scales my back. By the time I made my post, my back was a mass of scratches and I was at my wits end. I can tell you what worked for me was to do my best to set him up for success. I came to know when he was most likely to jump me and actively avoided those situations. For example, he would invariably jump me when I was leaning over the bathroom sink washing my hair. Since the vanity area is not in the water closet, but more in the bedroom, there was no door to shut on the bathroom-- so if I was going to wash my hair, I would just close off the master bedroom and make sure he wasn't in there. At the work table where he liked to jump me, I changed my position so it was harder for him to get behind me and jump me- he rarely jumped me from the front. Time outs worked well when he seemed like he was so wound up and could not control himself. I would pick him up and gently deposit him in the master bedroom, where he had everything he needed except attention. Close off the door and leave him there for 15-20 minutes. Generally when he came out he was fine, but sometimes he was still keyed up and needed another round of time out. I think age has mellowed him too. He is 2 years old now and much better. He rarely tries to jump me. Knock on wood, it has been quite a while since he did that, but I still don't trust him fully. He also seems to like to be up high. He has a ceiling height cat tree in the family room, but could not get up into a high location in the livingroom, where we often spend our time. I have a set up for him there now where he can climb up towers of rubbermaid tubs (ugly, but not for the long term- I hope) and get on top of the entertainment center. He did seem like he got better behaved about jumping on me when we gave him more and more vertical spaces to climb. Good luck to you, I know how frustrating it is to have a jumper. Out of curiosity, does he only jump you? Or everyone in the house? Our guy only had it in for me. Here is a link that might be useful: How do I train this cat?

Most fireplaces of that vintage have no venting to provide combustion air. Starting with a smaller flame will help to get the draft going up the chimney instead of drawing the smoke into the living space. That said, a core drill can be used to bore a 3" or so hole from the outside to the fire box to provide combustion air. I'd also get a fireplace professional to make sure it's done correctly, as well as to inspect the chimney for any existing issues. JM$.02W

Your husband is a very wise man, and has good taste. I also appreciate the taste and style of the former owners; and I appreciate how they honored the house. Nothing wrong with green. Your house is a unique house. There are TONS of cookie cutter houses out there, and more being created, 24/7 - with new builds and also with ”renovations”... Personally, I will never understand the, “Let’s just paint or whitewash/lime wash all the brick!” mentality. But I come from a place where features such as brick have value, and these type of alterations are just not generally done as a matter of course. For example: Where I am from, when considering the building facade, alone - the brick house in above pic would have so much more value than the white house pictured to the right of it. No contest. Also note the arch detail on the above house; i.e. the arches on ground level, and on second story windows. And, btw, there is zero wrong with the existing arches on your house. They are part and parcel of the uniqueness and style of your house. It would sort of be akin to acquiring the brick house shown above or this house pictured below - and then showing up here to say, ”I like the house - but the arch(es) are not ‘modern‘ enough.” Or, ”There would be more symmetry without the arch(es)” etc. I mean ??? Your house is another house. Your house also features more arches than these houses; but that is really the charm of your house!

You are fortunate it is blooming! Just let it do its own thing and enjoy it! I have several Epi's they are growing well but,,,,,,no one is even thinking of flowering! Lucky you!!!! Rosie