It's hard to keep smiling when I walk into a lovely old bungalow, rich with natural wood, and see its simple coherence marred by new white vinyl windows. But new windows have their advantages; and if you can afford them, the better grades of new windows offer architectural integrity and beauty as well as functionality. True divided lights (very expensive) or simulated divided lights (look similar, less expensive) can very nearly duplicate the windows you are replacing-but in all cases, you must use wood, not vinyl. Wood can be stained and varnished on the inside, so it conforms to the rest of your millwork as it acquires the patina of age. Outside, you can paint it to create an accent of color, and change it over the years-just like we've always been able to do-but without the job of reglazing since there is no putty to deteriorate.

So if you're willing to dig deep, Counting, a quality new wood window can keep you warm and your children whole-but if you're willing to spend the time learning how to recondition your present windows, you can accomplish most of the same things, at a fraction of the expense. I'm sure you'll do the right thing. Good luck!