Summer 2013 Highlights

Final thoughts...

I see in your future a mighty sledgehammer...

I lost track of how many times I shopped at the new Islington/401 Lowe's for building supplies! Here, I became very familiar with the friendly consultants in the lumber, electrical and painting departments. Remember that when you embark on a project it's important to plan, plan and plan some more so you know exactly what supplies you'll need to finish the job!

Following the Canada Day long-weekend, I began to rip out our dated hardwood floor, baseboards, and door casings to make room for something new and fresh. In addition, I demolished a plaster half-wall to update and extend the existing staircase railing. Needless to say, our home was officially a construction zone full of dust and debris (a far cry from any summer sun, sand or surf!)

2013 Highlights

With a busy school year just having come to a close, I found myself being transformed from a teacher to a renovator.

Interesting distances to Halifax, Vancouver, Niagara Falls and even the North Pole from the Centre Island Pier!

A view of our city's skyline from the ferry heading to Toronto's Centre Island for an afternoon getaway.

My wife thought it would be a good opportunity to take advantage of my vacation time by putting me to work. It would be safe to say that she must have been watching way too many Do-It-Yourself episodes of the Vanilla Ice Project in which Rob renovates homes in Florida.

Removal of original hardwood in hallway, living and dining room areas in preparation of subfloor which should help minimize floor squeaks.

The demolition has begun. This half-wall will become a railing, opening-up the living/dining room areas making the space feel larger and airy.

Plywood subfloor screwed down tight, railing removed and nosing installed. Gearing up to lay down new hardwood flooring...

The entryway was a time-consuming project since the previous owner (in his quest to extend the foyer) left exposed stone and brick that needed to be boxed, insulated and drywalled. Some challenging electrical issues were also faced.

Somehow, my daughters even convinced me to paint their bedroom pink and purple! Typical princesses!

The challenging part of a new floor installation is temporarily relocating all your furniture - not fun!

When is the fun beginning???

We enjoyed the theatrical production of The Wizard Of Oz. Great singing, costumes - truly a classic! Surprisingly, my daughters weren't scared of the Wicked Witch of The West!

Overall, it always feels good to have a break from your regular routine and schedule. You can refocus your energies on other important aspects of your family life that maybe you couldn't normally address during the year. This allows you to return to your daily work rested and refreshed, ready to tackle new challenges.

Enjoying a fun, sunny afternoon at High Park.

My daughters doing cartwheels on the grass at the Shops of Don Mills where Global News meteorologist, Michael Kuss, regularly conducts his weather forecasts. There we enjoyed delicious gelato and espresso.

A few days relaxing on the beach of Lake Huron in Grand Bend, Ontario - a great spot to enjoy the sunset.

Hiking up Blue Mountain in Collingwood, Ontario taking in the Zip-Lines, Woodlot Ropes, Ridge Runner and other Village activities before heading to the Scenic Caves & Suspension Bridge.