People around the world are going stir-crazy

 

If you go out, wear a mask. If possible, don't go out. Stay in. And millions of folk are staying home, staying in and going quietly stir-crazy. Spring and the promise of getting out gardening is the bright light at the end of the covid-19 tunnel.

My wife has vacuumed all carpets and rugs. She has polished all our wood floors. Our bathrooms are so clean you could  . . . well, you get the idea. At second thought, put that idea out of your mind. 

Heck, the other day she wiped down my bald head and treated it with some fancy lotion. I sparkle.

Today I caught her cleaning our aging toaster. She could smell bread crumbs burning, she said. When she could not knock every crumb loose, she got some blue-striped, plastic straws and made her own unique bread-crumb nozzle.

She got the toaster clean but I'm getting worried. What's next? Spring cannot get here too soon.

Doors are made in London, Ontario

 

Our front door is worn. The steel is dented, the paint is chipped and a kick plate is missing from the bottom. We need a new door. So, my wife and I went looking.

I was surprised to learn there is a door maker just on the edge of London. The company is located in the county to save on taxes. This is not uncommon.

I'm surprised at how much and how little companies like this know today. When I was a boy, I believe if one needed a door, you bought a door. Today the installers much prefer to install a whole package including the frame and sidelights.

If you'd like the weatherstripping repaired in the future, this request may overtax these installers talents. The company can make doors, steel doors, fiberglass doors or even an old, solid wood exterior door. But don't ask for too much maintenance or repair. Weird.

Fences were once uncommon. No more.

When I was a boy, big fences in residential neighborhoods were exceedingly rare. When I was a teen, the first backyard pools began being installed. If you saw a tall privacy fence, one immediately thought "pool." 

Not today. Fences are now easy, quick and relatively inexpensive to erect. Some people like the look of the light, panels made from a plastic-like material. Others see the stone-wall look, or whatever pattern has been used, as a bit on the tacky side. Me? I like 'em.

The first time I went to Europe, I was surprised by all the big walls around residences. The look has not come to North America, at least not yet. But it may be slowing coming here.

Memories of Summers Past

It is now March 2nd. Come March 21st or thereabouts it will be spring. When one goes for a walk today,  one see the memories of summers past and tries, often without success, to ignore the snow and envision the world green rather than white.

The City Daily Photo group theme today: reflections

London Daily Photo is a blog associated with the City Daily Photo group. This is a global group of blogger posting an image every day from wherever it is that they live. As one would imagine, most of the images share views of the blogger's hometown. The first day of the month is theme day. Today the theme is reflections.

Cars smaller when garage built

 

The garage is well cared for, it is painted, its roof doesn't leak and it is unused except for storing patio furniture. Most vehicles today are too large to be maneuvered around the bend in the driveway and eased into the small garage. And if the skillful driver got the car in, it might not all fit inside. Many cars are too long for the aging structure.

Working class housing a century ago could be quite fine

This Stratford home does not have an historical plaque. I think it needs one. I love the small roof extending out over the porch and front steps from above the front door. The semi-circular window surrounded by decorative shingles is a nice touch. 

What I find most amazing about this heritage neighbourhood is the mix of early owners. Some of the original owners were wealthy and the homes show this if you are attentive to detail. But other homes were owned by factory floor workers. The detailing is restrained but by today's standards it is great. 

More and more Stratford is a town where retirees are going to enjoy life in their senior years.