Many shoppers stopped to buy Lidia Bastianich’s cookbook at the Metro at Bayview Ave.and Eglinton E. today. This pictures shows the lineup for a personalized copy of Lidia’s Commonsense Italian Cuisine. It was much nicer inside than out. 

Rosea Lonsdale

Donlea Drive resident Rosea Lonsdale has been blindsided by contractors employed to replace the aging watermain along her north Leaside street. Ms. Lonsdale told The South Bayview Bulldog that the city began ripping up the street outside her home without so much as a knock on the door this morning (Friday, November 7, 2014). The residents did receive a notice months ago saying the work would be done between May 20 and August 20, 2014. But all remained quiet through the summer and right up until 7 a.m. this morning, says Ms. Lonsdale. Then, out of nowhere, the digging began. By 10.30 a.m. there was a hole about ten inches deep in front of the driveway. It is, says Ms Lonsdale, a total lack of respect. This out-of-nowhere construction is not unknown. All sorts of things get in the way of contractors keeping to schedule. But that’s no reason why the real start date remains a secret. It is the surprise arrival — weeks, months and sometimes as much as a year after notice is given — that rightly infuriates homeowners. In this case, it looks like the work along Donlea Drive will not be finished until next Spring. 

Paul Oliver’s Urban Nature Store in the Brentcliffe Mall is a fantastic resource for family and kids Christmas gifts this year. Canada’s Birding Store is well known for supplying the essentials of the naturists hobby. There is a breathtaking inventory of bird seeds, bird feeders, bird houses, bat houses, weather vanes, pest control  and such important household aids as clothes moth traps and pantry moth traps. But the Urban Nature store has great environmentally friendly gifts. Check the delightful earrings (inset) for mom. They are charming and come in dozens of styles. Best part? These shiny and fun earrings (inset right) are recycled from used cardboard in cereal boxes. Take a quick click over the Urban Nature website to review these wonderful gifts. Click the Fun and Education Department. When you’re done there, go to New Arrivals. Check out the Kate and Levi Dog Puppet Kit and the Giraffe Puppet Kit.  They contain all recycled elements. You can build a birdhouse or a bat house with the kids. Bat houses are a huge asset at the cottage. Bats are said to eat 1200 mosquitoes a day. Also at New Arrivals, check out the just-arrived bots. YOXOmoto Doon, YOXObug Flye and YOXObot Orig,  Spiced Mug Mats (also at New Arrivals) are a ingenious stocking stuffers or small gift at $3.95 each. A hot mug on the mat generates different aromatic scents from each mat. Orders over $125 qualify for free shipping. This applies only to orders shipping to Canadian addresses. Those who ship never pay customs or duties within Canada. To determine shipping charge, the store suggests you add items to your cart and then click the “estimate shipping” link. You will then be asked to enter your postal code. Shipping rates are based on the weight of the products. Orders can also be picked up from the Urban Nature is on Brentcliffe Rd. between Vanderhoof Ave. and Eglinton Ave. E.  There’s lots of parking out front.