This can be a dangerous time of the year. Surfaces are not always what they appear to be.  Worst is ice that looks solid but isn’t. It can be dangerous for adults, children, and for dogs who know no fear, could fall in, and then lead their distraught human. So DO be careful.

Well it seems today’s post was unavoidable. The demise of 158 Marier Avenue was coming at me from every direction. This is a funny house! I can’t count the number of times I’ve driven by it over the years. Often in shock! But traffic permitting I admit that I DID stop and stare, admire, gaze, partly in awe, partly in horror. But I do imagine that in a child’s eye, an eye who is not aware of bylaws, restraint, balance, and good taste as well as neighbourly relations (though Mr Robitaille had a great rapport) this would be, correction, this would have been quite an eye full.

Condolences to Gilles Robitaille who lost his wife a year ago and has had a difficult year. Vanier will not be the same! Thank goodness for Google Earth with which we can reflect upon the over the top excess of the past 9 years with 9 snapshots no less.

To whom shall the reins of kitsch be handed?