Local Seeker West End Montreal, issue 10

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TAKE ONE - IT’S FREE!The We s t E n d Community paper

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No mystery why

magical Abra succeeds

in electronics

When I was a young guybarely out of diapers –okay, I exaggerate, I was 22– I was hired by a majorelectronic componentsdistributor here inMontreal. I spent a year anda half there, moved toOttawa and spent anothersix and a half years in the

business after that. It wasquite exhilarating, knowing

you were selling productsused in every single, solitary electronicdevice manufactured worldwide.

In this field, you have several players basedin Montreal that have internationalsubsidiaries and then a more modestly-sized company that has two branches, onein Town of Mount Royal and another inChamplain, New York. Abra Electronicshas been in business just over 20 yearsand has become “the little engine thatcould,” huffing and puffing to competein what is in reality a highlycompetitive market, winning or losingbids by mere pennies on occasion.

Cont. p4

THE LOCAL SEEkER, MAY 13 (pg. 2) FREE CLASSIFIED ADS: 514-975-5545 www.westend.thelocalseeker.com

look forward to more of your insights – in fact I would enjoy comparinginsights just to see if my take on the political “business” of Canada makes senseor is just the flight of fancy of an old fart who may not be keeping up withmodern reality. The whole post election scene holds some fascinatingscenarios!

Regards and thank you again for a great read.

Hugh Upton

Back to my editorial, when I said last issue that I planned to keep a close eyeon the Green Party for future consideration, I mean it, too. And for those ofyou who retort that Green leader Elizabeth May has only one seat to showfor her efforts, her own… A lot can happen in five years, readers.

Radio commercials: Dagwoods not in my Future

So, there are two radio spots I have been itching to comment on. First-off,the overplayed Dagwoods spot with the challenged faux-Italian goofilystating “it’s good for you, it’s good for me, it’s good for everybody” at theend pisses me off every time I hear it. I won’t be eating there anytime soon.Second, the Future Electronics commercial - voiced by Aaron Rand -appealing to quality people with great jobs to quit and join theirorganization is a farce. Having started my working life as a Futureemployee in my early twenties, I can attest that there is no greater mentalsweatshop and career torture factory than Future. They pay well, but I amin touch with enough former and current Future staffers to tell you thatleaving a secure, happy place for that West Island address would be careersuicide. I left of my own volition to move to Ottawa, I was not let go. So, nosour grapes here, whatsoever, just a warning.

_____________________________________________________________Our winner not strung alongReader Joshua Glazer was the winner of a free set of guitar strings frommusician Paul Smith, who penned our last Musical Musings. Congrats, Joshua! _____________________________________________________________

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The Local Seeker, West End Montreal Edition

Volume 2, Number 10, May 13 2011

Founded by Julia Lucio and Mai-Liis Renaud 2010

Published by Local Seeker Media Group, Cornwall, Ontario

The Local Seeker does not accept responsibility for errors, misprints or inaccuracies

published within. The opinions and statements of our columnists are not to be presumed as

the statements and opinions of The Local Seeker.

Last election pieceattracted great feedbackfrom readerSo, the election is over and I can admit to youthat I am basically pleased with the outcome.Not shocked, really, as it played out pretty muchas I expected. I AM a bit surprised that Mount

Royal Liberal Irwin Cotler held onto his seat, because I really thoughthe was ripe for the picking this time and I predict he is going to resignbefore his term is out. Irwin’s been at this a long time and I think he willhave had enough, soon enough.

But the election of the NDP’s Isabelle Morin in NDG really caught mewith my pants down. Dropped in at least halfway through thecampaign, she was up against an incumbent Liberal I assumed was alock. Not only did the NDP tsunami sweep most of the Bloc flotsam andjetsam from power, but it caught poor Marlene Jennings, too.

Reader Hugh Upton wrote me a terrific letter afterward and I wantedto share some of it with you. I wish I received more feedback like thisfrom my readers:

Mr. Eisenthal,

It is the day after the route of the Bloc, humiliation of the Liberals and a rapon the knuckles for the PC and I just read your piece in the LS. I really, reallyenjoyed your recap of the unfolding drama. I have a grudging admirationfor Harper, he gets things done and doesn’t pander to every vested interestcrossing his path. Iggy? Well, let’s leave it at that shall we? Didn’t agreewith you about Garneau; too much of the “entitlement” attitude: ‘I was anastronaut so I am entitled to be your leader.’ I don’t know Francois Pilon orJessica Gal, either, so that I must now correct. As to our eminent citizenNeil Drabkin, he is the reason for the belief that we have too many lawyerswalking among us. You were pretty close on the others. You missed onJennings and Cotler survived but the rest was a refreshing insight… I wishI had read it earlier.

In retrospect, Marlene J. has been around for 15 years and that’s enough –it matters not one whit that she works hard although I have never seenmuch evidence of that. Politicians have to have a “best before” date issuedto them on their first election; two terms is enough for any electedrepresentative: Heck, corporate CEOs and other minions seldom stay morethan eight years (I think). If they haven’t screwed up before that, they areout of steam and they lose interest and control of the corporate teamselection process – but enough of the corporate world. Let’s talk about theGreens.

I have been a closet Greener for about four or five elections – if for no otherreason than to get them the $2 for their next election campaign. This timethere was something to vote for; the future - and like you, I believe theyhold one or two of the keys to change. Our political system desperatelyneeds a good jolt and they could be instrumental in bringing changeforward. I earnestly believe that from here on their electoral success willincrease. I hope I am around long enough to see it and if possible helpthem achieve it.

I really did enjoy your article (would that have been the editorial?) and I

Managing Editor: Bram Eisenthal Creative Design: Julia Lucio

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A stunned Sol speaks out on Election2011I had already submitted my column for the currentissue when I realized who we had chosen foropposition to Stephen Harper. Don’t get mewrong, I have never been a supporter of theConservative Party because I still have the badtaste in my mouth from the Brian Mulroney years,nor have I ever had any love for the BlocQuebecois, who were doing their best to break upthe country. The Liberals had no credibleleadership, so because there was no option on theballot to vote “none of the above,” my vote went tothe Green Party. Even though they had no chance of being elected Idecided that the couple of bucks they receive for every vote will helpthem in future elections.

There had been indications that the New Democratic Party was goingto make a strong impact so I was not surprised when they obliteratedthe Bloc and the Liberals. I was happy that at least there would be amajority government, and that instead of a separatist opposition, theNDP would be a worthy opponent. I had, in Saskatchewan, lived anumber of years under the NDP government with no complaints.

When the smoke cleared and I saw who the elected candidates were,however, I was floored. Mr. Layton should be embarrassed by some ofhis Members of Parliament. With all due respect to the qualified ones,there are some who can’t speak English, representing predominantlyEnglish ridings, and visa versa. There are students and there arebarmaids. There are those that did not campaign because, in their ownwords, they did not expect to win. There was even one candidate whowent on vacation to Vegas during the campaign period. This “AppleDumpling Gang” is going to represent us in Ottawa, at a mere salary of$ $157,731 per year.

I know nothing of politics, but judging by the results I could have beenelected. Truth be known, a goldfish could have been elected if wedidn’t have to show a picture on the campaign posters. Who were thevoters that were hypnotized on their way to the polls? Why was awonderful lady like Marlene Jennings, who did such a great jobrepresenting the people in NDG, Lachine, Ville St. Pierre, and MontrealWest, defeated by a rank amateur who can’t speak English and lives farfrom her riding?

What were you thinking?

It’s closing time.

Comments or questions? Please visit www.lastcallwithsol.com

To reach Sol, email him at [email protected] or write to him at 80Hillside Avenue, Suite 304, Westmount, Quebec H3Z 1V9.

ABRAELECTRONICS INC

514-731-0117www.abra-electronics.com

Store Hours Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30

Everything in Electronics, components and much more

We are a leading North America-wide reseller, but our

store is located right here in Montreal. Everything

available at wholesale price

5580 Cote de Liesse - Montreal - H4P 1A9

Corner Devonshire

• USB and HDMI cable

starting at $5.99

• Unique gifts-Remote

Control Helicopter only

$44.99

• Test instruments-

Multimeters-Chemicals-

Chemistry-Biology

• Huge selection of Chemistry,

Physics, Biology and Hobby Kits

(See a demo of our fabulous helicopter)

OPEN TO

THE PUBLIC

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Spring has Do you need small renovation,

painting and cleaning services?

Selling your home and require a thorough clean-up?

Renovations of any kind?

Spring cleaning?

Yard work?

Light fixtures changed or installed?

Pick ups or deliveries with our small van?

The handy man can!

Call Ralph, at 514-926-6026

Or email me [email protected]

SALE OF THE CENTURY Must sell quality items in order to save

space: Antiques, decorating and cook books, very unique set of dishes and

more. Indoors, Lachine. Call 514-637-6309.

WORK SOUGHT Looking for a full or part-time job with the elderly, or

office work of any kind. Call 514-481-8743.

WANTED Seeking students aged 18 and up wishing to earn extra summer

cash working in the great outdoors: Rate $10/hr. Also looking for students

experienced in electrical work who can install air conditioners and

electrical heaters, also at $10/hr. Students with knowledge of basic

carpentry also sought. Call Mr. Patel at 514-862-0096.

Seek and you shall find... in our Classifieds


Not about magic: Abra succeeds throughhard work and great inventory (continued from

cover)

What makes Abra the go-to place for locals who need parts in a hurryis its retail store, the front part of the building at 5580 Cote de Liesse,corner Devonshire, open to the public. Attached to the store are thecompany’s administrative/sales offices and a warehouse that stocksplenty of product at 7,000 square feet. The company is known mostfor its ability to source hard-to-find components, including many thatare in fact obsolete; however, they also stock a complete roster of theindustry’s most sought-after products. Additionally, they carry themost comprehensive selection of student and electronic hobbyistkits in Canada.

Despite many customers who drop in on a daily basis (the business isclosed weekends and evenings), Abra’s store is nonetheless a secretto many Montrealers. Abra staffers, like kevin O’Neil, who has beenwith the company since just after its inception, are slowly changingthat.

The veteran electronics rep now handles mainly educationalinstitutions across Canada: Abra sells to more than 4,000 schoolscontinent-wide and around the world. “I’ve been here for so long I’mpart of the furniture,” said O’Neil. “And after I leave my Lasalle home,my wife and children, this is the place where I feel most comfortable.I really like Abra’s management style and its workers.”

What keeps O’Neil happiest is the electronics field. “It’s thecontinuous challenge of helping customers solve their problems,offering advice and finding parts for them that keeps things freshevery single day. Abra allows me to use all my experience, mytechnical and researching skills.”

Abra’s store is also a large part ofthe business, evolving tocustomer needs with its stockingof popular items and testequipment , kits and roboticsparts for students. Indeed, thekits have become major sellers,led by Abra’s Electronic Circuitsfor the Evil Genius kits. These oh-so-smart kits provide hours offun and education, as studentsuse the included components tocomplete 57 experiments. Thebasic version comes with theparts housed in a tool box, whilea combo package also includesthe Evil Genius book. The kit canbe ordered through Abra, whichgenerally stocks sufficientquantities, but is also availablethrough Amazon.com andAmazon.ca.

What is truly special about Abra -still a huge secret because theyrely almost exclusively on word-of-mouth and a stellar rep tokeep their regulars coming inafter two decades - is that it’s asmall company with a hugeheart. Its modest stable ofemployees have been there onaverage at least two-thirds of itslifetime and there is a real family

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feel to the place.

“We really get along well and care about one another,” said one unnamedemployee who shuns the limelight. “If one of us is not well, or is busy, weall pitch in. It’s not unusual to have one person handling the work of twoor three. This isn’t a big company but you would never know it.”

Truly, if you need to look for parts, go to www.abra-electronics.com,peruse their on-line catalogue and then call the company at 514-731-0117 (toll-free at 800-361-5237). Ask for the order desk and theywill check for the item(s) on the spot… or place an Internet order forreliable, fast service. Better yet, drop by the store and look around. Withthe hundreds of varieties of electronic components, tools and relatedproducts, huge selection of electronic and other educational hobby kitsand pleasant service, this is an electronic nerd’s dream come true... notthat there is anything wrong with that…

Abra is also a distributor of Litehawk radio-controlled helicopters andsports some of the lowest prices for hobby items of all kinds.

Fun with Words

Get SEEN, not LOST!

In The Local SeekerWith us, your ad stands out! It’s not lost on a page with a thousand other ads! We guarantee

that you will get prime placement, every time. Our advertisers always come first!

CALL US TODAY

514-975-7745


So you think youare a master,huh?

The biggest mistake that mostphotographers make isthinking they can create a

masterpiece in one shot. Painters make sketchesbefore the painting, writers do first and seconddrafts, but photo enthusiasts take one photo of asubject and then move on to the next. How are yousupposed to find the best angle and best lightingposition with one shot? It is not possible. Even thepros always look for something new and different. Ihave been shooting for over 20 years and still alwaysshoot at least six different points of view for eachsubject. It is eye exercising. Every image you maketrains your eye and forces you to see the subject in anew way. Every angle and close up makes you look atthe subject in front of you with a sense of discovery.Sometimes you think you have finished and you startwalking away, then turn around and look back to seethe best shot of all.

Everything has already been taken by somephotographer somewhere, so why do we want to seea photograph which is an exact duplicate ofsomething already done? You all have your ownpersonal and unique ways of seeing the world. Thechallenge is to recognize it and to make photos thatare unusual and striking.

So here is what you need to do: Find an interestingsubject that is stationary. It can be an apple on yourtable in the sunlight or a bouquet of mother’s dayflowers. Then start taking photos of it. First take anestablishing shot. That means one that shows the overall scene. Next move in and take the subject from different sides, looking down on it, gettingdown low and then looking up at it. Last of all, move in close and show the details. The stem of the apple, the curve of the avocado, the petal ofthe flower can be fantastic. Download all your images and spend time looking at all of them. Which ones reveal the elements that attracted you tothe subject in the first place? Put the best ones in a folder named Best and continue doing this for a few weeks. You will start to see that only withmultiple shots will you be able to take really compelling images.

Next time: What makes a good photo?

PS - If you are interested in one of Linda’s upcoming workshops, please send an inquiry to [email protected].

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Hab s ’futurel o o k sbright

The biggestnews thatcame out of the

Montreal Canadiens’ post-mortems was thatrising star Max Pacioretty, having recoveredfrom his devastating neck injury, was ready toreturn for Round 2 of the playoffs. Losing tothe big bad Bruins was hard enough for Habsfans to stomach, but watching them sweepthe Philadelphia Flyers have people believingit should be the Canadiens who should begearing up for the Eastern Conference finalwith Tampa Bay.

That’s how confident this team is. It is also thebest mix of veteran presence and up andcoming young talent that hasn’t been seensince the Canadiens played in the Forum.

It’s hard to believe that just a year ago stopsigns in Montreal were being changed to“Halak” in deference to goalie Jaroslav Halak,who led the Habs to a couple of massiveupsets of Pittsburgh and Washington.

But Carey Price finally lived up to his Top 5draft pick billing, emerging as one of the bestgoalies in the NHL with 41 wins and a strongplayoffs. His best buddy on the team seems tobe the uplifting P.k. Subban, who has a way ofrousing Canadiens fans out of their seats withhis fast forward style of play, his talent andunbridled enthusiasm. His potential appearslimitless. He was the anchor this season, as arookie no less, as the Canadiens defensivecorps was decimated by injuries.

Pacioretty also emerged as the power forwardthe team has been seeking for more than 15 years. Mighty Mite David Desharnais showed true grit and a willingness to go into the tight spots in frontof the net, not to mention his speed, scoring and passing touch. We won’t broach the Scott Gomez dilemma, but with three years left on his mega-contract one can just hope he plays well enough to earn a trade outof Montreal by the deadline this season.

It’s the so-called “character” players who pose a problem. What do you do with journeyman UFA Mathieu Darche, who finally found a key role forhimself on an NHL roster. He obviously bleeds Bleu, Blanc, Rouge, no?Jeff Halpern was a bargain at $600 000. As a UFA he is likely gone.Benoit Pouliot may be gone, too, after a second-straight soft playoffperformance. And what about the mercurial Andrei kostitsyn? He’s arestricted free agent who made $3.25 million last season, clearly notworth risking a long term contract on. You also can’t afford a long-term deal on Andrei Markov, as he is always getting injured.

Now the question for GM Pierre Gauthier is who to keep and who tojettison on defence. The only players who are signed for the comingseason are Jaroslav Spacek and Subban, who is due a hefty raise anda long-term contract. The future looks good as the young players arefinally developing into stars.

The only hope now is that Montreal remains somewhat healthy afterGauthier massages the salary cap.

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lls Bridesmaid's dresses are not just for

weddings anymore(ARA) - You bought the dress, the shoes and the specialaccessories. Now the big day is over and you're left withyet another bridesmaid's dress cluttering the back of yourcloset. No matter how many brides have told you thatyou'll totally be able to wear that dress again ... you'venever worn that dress again. Halloween doesn't count.

But wouldn't it be nice if you could? What if it wasn't justanother few hundred dollars down the drain? Designexperts say go ahead and take those dresses out of thecloset and introduce them into your wardrobe.

Step one: "Take a look at the overall silhouette of the dressand say, 'What changes can I make that still keep thesilhouette?'" says Rosalind Grenfell, academic director forfashion design and fashion retail management at The ArtInstitute of Colorado.

Next, if that dress is floor length, it's time to cut it down tosize. "Shorten the skirt to a mini," suggests ZoyaNudelman, fashion design instructor at The IllinoisInstitute of Art - Chicago. And while you're at it, Nudelmansays you may as well remove any extraneous bows.

Now that you have all that extra material left over afterhemming your dress, it's time to use it. "Make it asymmetrical, add ashoulder to a strapless dress," recommends Marina Saba, fashiondesign instructor at The Art Institute of Houston. You can also addbeaded spaghetti straps to a strapless dress to change the look saysNudelman.

But you don't have to have a tailor on retainer in order to make your

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bridesmaid's dress not look like a bridesmaid's dress anymore,especially if it's already cocktail length to begin with. "Re-accessorize," says Grenfell. "Put a shawl with it, change theshoes or put a cardigan with it for a more casual look."Nudelman also suggests chunky jewelry.

Since most brides pick the same dress for all of theirbridesmaids even though the ladies usuallyall come in different sizes, make sure thechanges you are making are enhancingyour best features and that the new lookwill complement you and fit yourpersonality, adds Saba.

And speaking of brides, your dresses canget a once over, too. "Some brides maketheir wedding dresses into cocktail dressesand wear them out on their firstanniversary," says Grenfell.

Saba says if brides do go that route, theyshould choose a tailor carefully. "Make surethat you can retain some of the specialeffects of the dress while still getting moreuse out of it."

Nudelman acknowledges most brides aretoo afraid to ruin the dress and choose topreserve it.

To learn about The Art Institutes visit,www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

Plus we sell watches, bands and leather straps (from France), clocks

AND

Jewellery, including the wildly popular Murano line

of glass creations

OT A Watchmaker & Jewellery Co* Founded in 1 9 6 1 by Mathias Woronchak

6 8 6 5 Sherbrooke Street W.

(corner Mayfair)

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For five decades, family business OTA has been here, serving Montrealers from the West End and beyond.

We provide expert service in:

• Quality watch and clock repairs• Battery replacement (best prices around)

• Custom work, done on the premises

At OTA, our honesty and integrity are surpassed only by our commitment. We save you time, money and worry.

We’ve been on watch for 50 great years!

Boomer basics: Easy and affordable tips to maintain an active, safe and healthylifestyle(ARA) Today's baby boomers are growing older gracefully. And although more than 10,000 boomers each day will turn 65, most are notletting their age stop them from maintaining active and healthy lifestyles.

Here are a few ways to ensure that you (or the ones you love) stay healthy, active and safe:

• Maintain regular health screenings and immunizations. While it is important to have regular check-ups with your family doctor, it'sequally important to monitor vitals more frequently. Luckily, most local pharmacies offer free blood pressure and cholesterol checks, aswell as seasonal flu shots.

• Fight against falls. Falls are the most common cause of hospital visits for those older than 65, according to the Home Safety Council. Tohelp prevent falls in the bathroom - while maintaining stylish decor in your home - add new Grab Bars with Integrated Accessories fromMoen Home Care. These unique products combine functional accessories, such as a shelf, towel bar and toilet paper holder, with the safetyof a grab bar.

• Travel safety. Once you've updated your own bathroom with safety features, be sure that you are surrounded with these safety deviceswhen you're visiting others or on vacation. Products such as the Suction Balance Assist Bar from Moen Home Care offer a suction designthat easily attaches directly to smooth, flat surfaces for a firm, secure grip in danger zones - and easily unlocks from the wall for convenienttransport when traveling.

• Ensure help is a call away. Cell phones are not just for social uses, they are a valuable emergency response tool - and they don't have tocome with a pricey monthly bill. In fact, plans are available for as low as $10 per month without a contract to AARP members .

• Cease bad habits. Smokers will die 14 years sooner than non-smokers, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No matterif you've been smoking for years or decades, your body will be better off if you kick the habit.

• Instill healthy habits. Being healthy doesn't have to involve major lifestyle changes. For example, swap high-fat or high-calorie versionsof your favorite foods with lower-fat, lower-calorie versions. Or, stock your fridge with healthy fruits and vegetables for snacks. These smalldiet changes can make big differences in your overall health.

• Boost your activity levels. This doesn't mean running a marathon - but it does mean getting your body moving. Walking, playing golf orany other enjoyable activity that boosts your heart rate is a step in the right direction.

• keep your mind moving. Cognitive performance levels drop earlier in countries that have younger retirement age, according to a studypublished by the RAND Center for the Study of Aging and the University of Michigan. But if you're no longer in the workforce - don't fear.Just be sure to keep your brain busy by engaging in activities that combine social, physical and intellectual stimulation.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure the golden years will be happy, healthy and safe. For more information on Moen Home Caresafety products, visit www.moen.com/homecare.

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Get SEEN, not LOST!

In The Local Seeker

With us, your ad stands out! It’s not lost on a

page with a thousand other ads! We guarantee

that you will get prime placement, every time.

Our advertisers always come first!

CALL US TODAY

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"The best

Portuguese

chicken around."

Sol Boxenbaum

Last Call with Sol

Dirty cookbooks are the best ofall (warning: they’re reallydirty!)

I spend a lot of time with cookbooks and I justnoticed something: Some of my cookbooks are reallydirty. It occurred to me that the dirtier a cookbookis,the more amazing the recipes are in it.

I’ll bet there are tons of dirty cookbooks all over the city and many ofthem are written by Norene Gilletz of Second Helpings, Please fame.She just came out with another book, called the New Food ProcessorBible. It replaces the one she originally wrote about 30 years ago.The new one has 150 recipes, every one containing accurate nutritioninformation. She reworked many of the old favourites creatingcontemporary healthy recipes.

I stole a copy of the original. It was a yellow three-ring bindercurrently out of print and is now considered a collector’s edition. Iswiped it from my grandmother and I can honestly say it is thefilthiest cookbook in my possession. It’s filled with the recipesgrandma made while I was growing up, like those “melting moment”cookies. I love having this cookbook on my shelf. Its dirtinessinspires me!

The New Food Processor Bible is fabulous. A food processor is akin tohaving a wonderful extra set of hands in any kitchen. For example, tosave money, I routinely buy large blocks of cheese and grate themusing the processor. You can’t beat this machine for making potatokugels/puddings and Norene has several recipes for that.

The section that impresses me the most is the baking chapter. Thereare so many incredible recipes that can be whipped up in no time,with minimal clean up. I like to have baked goods on hand as snacksto put in the kids’ lunch boxes. But time is limited and I am no JuliaChild, so I need fast and easy. That is Norene’s speciality. The recipesare not complicated. It is amazing what one can do with this wiz of amachine.

Simply put, if you own a food processor you must have a copy of theBible. And I promise I will give grandma back her dirty cookbook.

(ED. NOTE: While in chef school, our text was the seminal On Cooking:A Textbook of Culinary Fundamentals. I liked it best when I got a pagedirty while using it in the school kitchen… it’s like a badge of honourin the cooking field, I guess. We also had Noreen’s son, Chef DougGilletz, on staff as an instructor at Pius X).

Caryn J. Roll P.Dt. (514.817.0135)Twitter: @MTRLnutrition Join me on Facebookwww.montrealnutrition.com

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v i s i o n

Create a relaxing outdoor living space

(ARA) - Cool drinks. Barbecues. Relaxing. They're

all the makings of the perfect summer evening

when enjoying time with family and friends. It's the

season when everyone is looking for ways to

spend time outside - and with a little ingenuity, a

bit of a green thumb and a knack for do-it-

yourself projects, the backyard can easily become

an outdoor oasis. Here are some summer project tips:

Deck prep: Many homes have a patio or deck. A fresh sweep, followed by a

hose-down of the area will clear off any debris from the patio. A coat of fresh

stain on a deck will liven up the whole space.

Garden ready: Make sure garden beds are free of overgrowth and weeds. If

they're looking a little sparse, consider enhancing the area with low-

maintenance perennials. Add pops of color with annual flowers such as

impatiens, geraniums and marigolds. For additional adornments, plant annual

flowers in pots of different shapes and sizes that can be clustered on the

corner of the patio or deck.

Climb high: If you enjoy climbing flowers like clematis or climbing snapdragons,

it's simple to build a free standing garden obelisk to create a colorful focal

point. Simplify construction and save time by using a SKIL Compound Miter

Saw. Finish the garden with fresh mulch to help control weeds and keep the

ground moist.

Outdoor living: Cooking with outdoor grills can help keep the heat out of the

kitchen. An outdoor fire pit serves as an inviting centerpiece to the area,

allowing everyone to enjoy cooler summer evenings.

Relax and enjoy: Finally, create seating areas where family and friends can relax.

The classic Adirondack chair is the perfect option for additional seating. Why

not take it a step further and create a cozy seat for two, including a table and

a place for an umbrella to shade the area? The only needed tools to build a

double Adirondack chair are a SKIL jigsaw, circular saw and drill. The step-by-

step instructions on SKIL's website will show you how to build each chair, the

center table and assemble all of the pieces to create the seat. You'll have a new

outdoor seating area that is custom for your backyard oasis.

With a little work around the backyard, you'll have a comfortable and cozy

living space that can be used during warm summer months. For more do-it-

yourself projects and tips for every season, visit www.skiltools.com.


I hope you haveenjoyed this

issue.

We are working on

our next issue of

2011, and it will be

out May 27th

Deadline for

next issue:

Friday

May 20 12:00 noon

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Local Seeker West End Montreal, issue 10