Last week I did my taxes. I know, for most of you that sounds way too organized, however I carefully chronical all expenses through out the year and consequently am ready to go by around the middle of February. This year on the 16th when originally slated to do my taxes, Skyler had eye surgery so I was The Good Mom and took care of him. So, did the taxes on the 23rd. This year, I get a nice little piece of change back, although our government is not happy to write the cheque quickly. Usually I see it around the end of May or beginning of June. So, when a real estate agent gets unexpected moola back, what do they do? Well, in my case, I went to dream at the Home Show. Let me be clear. I am not in true need of anything. My fridge and dishwasher went kaputs last week at the precise same time, so we had to replace those. Beyond that, anything is just a wish list after reading way too many house and home magazines and viewing tons of homes.
So? My first stop was at the entry. Very pretty barbeques. I am the barbequer in my family, taking special care to time everything. This item had all the bells and whistles. It had a rotisserie plus a place where you could use your propane gas while utilizing charcoal (if you are a meat eater, always tastes better with charcoal!) It was stainless steel and very pretty; much nicer than the grungy thing that is sitting in my backyard. The other neat thing is it had an infared side burner; these boil water in 90 seconds and are wonderful for searing meat and locking in the juices. Cost? Approximately $1,100.00 including set up. Wish list #1.
The next stop was in the garden area; I am an avid gardener. Have decided that this year, my circular garden in the middle of my yard will not be flowers, but fresh herbs and veggies, carefully cultivated. The back is north facing so have to be careful on the plantings but hopefully it will work out. We are in the city all summer, so the garden this year shall be well taken care of. We are off to Europe in late August with my mom.
So,on to the next. In my estimation, everyone needs a hideaway space. Whether it be hiding in a garage and turning it into a "man or woman cave" or what I've always wanted to do, which is to have a little house/shed in the backyard so I can do my mosaic art. It could be insulated, electricity installed and heated so winter work could be done. I had electricity and lights installed in the garage last year; this year, maybe the little house. There was a special at the home show for $1,800.00 installed, however realistically, this item finished would likely run around $3,200.00. Sigh. Wish List #2.
Finally, just as I was leaving, I saw a fellow with a gorgeous mosaic of Marilyn Munroe. For someone who is deeply involved in the art scene in Toronto, particularly mosaics, I did not know this place existed. I got speaking with him and became more and more excited. He runs classes and teaches the true way to do mosaics, with small tesserae tiles. His class starts this week and I can't wait! www.GlassMosaicCanada.com at 686 the Queensway in Etobicoke, if anyone else is interested. As I was walking out the door, I saw a guy with this tool that was cutting glass and tile in a milli-second-just like butter. Had to stop. This was the glass cutter of all glass cutters. Had to have it.
Even though I have wish lists, my total expenditure at the Home Show was $40.00. Not too bad. By the way, I have another blog of art stuff: www.CherylBower.blogspot.com
Cheryl Bower
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