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?