A Quick Trip Down Memory Lane

This was the house I lived in as a boy, it felt big back then but actually it’s pretty small. On another note, I think I know why I like the look of Craftsman homes so much!

Today my wife had a home staging consult in the east end of Toronto. Normally she doesn’t work that far but it was a favour for a client of hers and just so you know, big city driving and parallel parking are in Stephanie’s words, “a no go” so instead of having her drive around for an hour looking for an easily accessible parking space, since I didn’t have to work I volunteered to drive. Road Trip!

After getting my dad to watch the baby, we loaded our 2 older boys in the car and headed out. Stephanie’s appointment was an hour long so after dropping her off the boys and I went for a little drive to where I used to live in East York. I don’t know about you, but I find it kind of cool to visit the place you lived in as a young kid to see how much things have changed.

The real estate market has been very kind to East York over the years. It’s amazing to see the amount of additions, renovations and custom homes being built where small pre war and war time houses once were. Safe neighbourhood, subway access, tons of amenities and a walking lifestyle gives it a great village feel. All the factors you would expect in a great neighbourhood.

First we drove down my old street, Gledhill Avenue so the boys could see where I used to live and I also showed them where my grandparents lived, 3 doors down.

My grandparent’s old house. I love the renovation that has been done to the home, especially the addition of the stucco exterior and awning above the door. Great job!

Compared to Mississauga the boys thought everything was small but at the same time cool that I lived so close to my grandparents. Of course being 4 and 5 years old, the questions started;

Ryan: Did you live there until you were 40?
Me: No, I’m not 40
Matthew: Is that house 1 million years old?
Me: No, about 90
Matthew: Can we play at the park?
Me: No, it looks like it’s closed due to the ice storm
Matthew: Can we go inside your old house?
Me: No
Ryan: (today’s winner) do they have ulectrical (electrical outlets) outlets?…

Next, we drove by my old grade school and Church, St. Brigid.

How many bricks did it take to build the school? This church is 500 years old right?…

100 questions later we ended up at McDonald’s for lunch and then we were off to pick up Stephanie from her appointment and back to Mississauga.

Does every kid like Mcdonald’s?

All and all, a quick fun trip down memory lane!