The leaves are turning colours and falling from the trees, so we know that beyond a shadow of a doubt, Fall is here and that means new chores are starting.  But since COVID-19 started earlier this year, many people have likely been keeping up with the regular maintenance needed around the house – after all, with so much time on our hands, what else did most of us have to do! So, it is possible that your maintenance list might be quite small this year.

It’s starting to look and feel like spring, and that is certainly a relief after a Niagara winter. Soon, we will be enjoying the sun, green grass, and blooming flowers.

Each and every year high school students approaching grade 12 are pondering that same question…what will I do with the rest of my life?  For some, the answer will take them on a journey through post-secondary education at a college or university to the many occupations that require additional education.   Others however will struggle to determine exactly what they want to do…often because they didn’t have exposure to classes in the many skilled trades.

Whether you love to visit the many road side fruit and vegetable stands we have in the Niagara Region or you enjoy the wine tours, site seeing, picnicking or seeing the Falls, there is so much to do during the summer throughout the Niagara Region. The Niagara Region is truly a wonderful spot to spend your summer. People have come from all around the world to see Niagara Falls, and all of the things that make the Niagara Region unique--we would encourage everyone to take a new look at the region you live in. There are so many great things to appreciate around you and perhaps now with Covid restrictions lifted, it may be the time for all of us to take a renewed interest in the spectacular places we have in the Niagara area and support local community businesses.  

For so many the past two years have been challenging ones filled with significant changes and so many mixed emotions.  

Considering how hot the weather is, we must still be in the midst of summer, so it is not too late to make sure you have completed all of your summer home maintenance.  With every season there is a checklist of chores that are a must to protect your home—likely your biggest investment.  So, before we inevitably move into fall and cooler weather, take a good look at your home and determine if any maintenance chores still need to be done.  By now, you have probably completed most of them…but take one last look just in case. 

With the price of homes in 2021, larger homes are becoming more and more unaffordable to the average home buyer.  So how do you make a smaller home, feel larger. Well for some time, designers and builders have been using many tools that make a space feel larger than its actual dimensions.  

The He Shed, She Shed, Me Shed, Our Shed… it may be a shed, but not just a shed!

Well, spring is here… since we are always looking for the positives since COVID-19 began, this must be one of them.  At this time, it is a thrill to welcome any sign of spring—and yay, it is here!  We have green grass and blossoms on trees.  The warmer weather and that beautiful sunshine that we have been seeing is a joy to behold.  Being in the dreaded lockdowns or under restrictions for most of the past year has made us more than just a little eager for some time outside.  So, with this changing season we get to enjoy some time outdoors, even if there is a maintenance regiment that we must conduct. 

If they are asked often enough to be considered 'frequent' then perhaps we should address a few of them: