Is there any summer pastime more pleasurable than lounging on a patio while sipping prosecco as the setting sun ignites the horizon aglow?

Fellow hedonists, rejoice but keep those fingers crossed. Though it may have been slow to arrive, it looks like Vancouvers patio season is finally here. And the choices for al fresco dining have never been better.

The city already boasts many spectacular outdoor venues. Lift, Carderos, The Teahouse in Stanley Park, Monk McQueens and The Galley Patio and Grill at Jericho Sailing Club rank high among our waterfront favourites. Downtown, Brixs old-world courtyard, the rooftop patios at Joe Fortes and the Yaletown Keg, and the casual Gallery Caf at the Vancouver Art Gallery rival some of the nicest terraces in the world.

But in a location so abundantly blessed with natural beauty, there can never be too many outdoor dining spaces. Thus, this years crop of new (or newly improved) patios is making us giddy with thoughts of warm summer days drifting away into sultry summer nights. Let me tell you more:

Breezy Beach Vibe Cactus Club English Bay: 1790 Beach Ave., Vancouver; 604-681-2582. Cactusclubcafe.com Wow, this is the patio Vancouver has been longing for. And judging by the lineups (reservations not available), most will still have to cool their heels before getting in. But with warm sand crunching under those flip-flops (the 104-seat, ground-level patio blends almost seamlessly into the seawall) and panoramic views of English Bay, these tables are well worth the wait. Rob Feenies classics are all available here (if you havent tried his breaded-chicken rocket salad, do yourself the favour). Still, this menu rises above other Cactus Club restaurants with several site-specific dishes and a premium (yet value-priced) wine list. Best sundowner bet: scallop-salmon ceviche with the lightly fizzy azul vinho verde.

South Beach Cool Reflections: 801 West Georgia St., Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Vancouver; 604-682-5566. Rosewoodhotels.com/en/hotelgeorgia Vancouver meets Miami at this swishy fourth-floor courtyard that features a central fire pit, infinity water pools, private cabanas and plush teak sofas. Howe Street traders have never had it so luxe. Good thing their days finish early because this urban oasis doesnt take reservations in the evening (and by 6 p.m. on Friday, the wait is about two hours), though there is always Sunday brunch. Best sundowner bet: grilled albacore tuna with Mot Ice Imperial.

Tiny Tiki Bar The Hideaway at Narrow Lounge: 1898 Main St., Vancouver; 778-737-5206. Narrowlounge.com/hideaway You dont always need a view to create a fantabulous outdoor venue. This 20-seat nook, nestled into an east-end parking lot, has been a hipster secret for a couple of years. But now that tiki aficionado Rocket Rod is manning the bar, his Pernod-flecked, fruit-layered rum punches live up to the lushly thatched, twinkly lit exterior. Best sundowner bet: fish tacos with an authentic Trader Vic mai tai.

Flower Power Truffles Caf: 5251 Oak St., VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver; 604-505-4961. Trufflesfinefoods.com The magnolias may be fading, but the laburnum and rhododendron walks are ablaze in blooms. And for a mere $28, you and a friend can enjoy a three-tiered tea service with a front-deck view from the new $22-million visitors centre. The daily panini, scones and croissants dont come close to comparing with the citys finest. But the macarons and chocolates are pretty good, the price is sweet and the garden view is unparalleled. Best sundowner bet: Afternoon tea for two.

Lofty Mountain Views Seasons in the Park: 33rd Ave. W. and Cambie Street, Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver; 604-874-8008. Vancouverdine.com Oh, my! If youve never had the pleasure of being perched over the city with verdant gardens below and the snow-capped North Shore mountains in the distance, get thee quick to this newly redesigned peach of a restaurant. The experience is astounding, especially now that the bar had been punched out with windows and the kitchen has been equipped with a new fire-burning apple-wood grill. Best sundowner bet: Tuscan flatbread with a tequila margarita (honestly).

Smooth Sailing Pier 7 restaurant + bar: 25 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver; 604-929-7437. Pier7.ca We havent been yet, but we just know its going to be great. Dino Renaerts (formerly of Fraiche and Diva at the Met) is the head chef and director of operations for this newly launched two-storey restaurant (with patios on both levels) that graces the waters edge of the North Shores funky Shipbuilders Square. Where else are you going to find live theatre under landscaped cranes? Best sundowner bet: Seafood platter with creative cocktails.

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Al fresco dining in abundance, if sun also rises

Dee Dee Taylor Eustace From Saturday's Globe and Mail Published Saturday, May. 26, 2012 12:01AM EDT

The question

I have always wanted a heated floor in my bathroom, but Im not sure what is involved in the installation. Is an elaborate rewiring job required or can an electrician tap into existing wiring? Are there restrictions on the kinds of flooring we can use? And how expensive is the job likely to be?

The answer

A heated floor is very welcome on a chilly morning or evening. And as more people have begun installing them, the costs have come down. For a typical five-foot- by-eight-foot bathroom, the materials and installation cost approximately $1,300. An electrical pad is placed below the flooring and should be on a separate circuit. Have this installed by a certified electrician to avoid any DIY problems. You can use a timer to switch the heater on and off so that it runs only when you need it.

For the flooring, any tile or stone is suitable, but wood can be tricky because it expands and contracts with temperature changes, creating gaps where you could lose your valuables. The only way around this is to use pre-engineered boards, which keep movement at a minimum.

Follow architect and interior designer Dee Dee Taylor Eustace on Twitter: @ddtaylordd. Have a design dilemma? E-mail style@globeandmail.com.

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Is installing a heated floor in my bathroom hard?

Deco Lighting Joins Visionary Leaders at the Milken Institute 2012 Global Conference to Advance Solutions for Sustainable Energy

Deco Lighting, a leading manufacturer of latest technology, energy saving commercial lighting, participated in the Milken Institute 2012 Global Conference in Los Angeles, April 29 May 2, 2012. The Global Conference brings together many of the worlds most powerful people to address the biggest challenges of our time in business, health, government and education.

Deco Lighting contributes its expertise to make an impact in the global effort to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, reduce carbon emissions, and improve the environment with better lighting. As a leading innovator in the lighting industry, we are committed to advancing lighting solutions that save energy and contribute to a cleaner environment, said Ben Peterson, Vice President of Corporate Development for Deco Lighting and a participant in the Global Conference. Through conferences, trade events and tutorial seminars, Deco Lighting strives to educate decision makers on the latest technology lighting fixtures, light sources and controls. Key components in todays rapidly evolving commercial lighting world include the transition to solid state light sources, use of Induction and Plasma sources for high lumen applications, and intelligent lighting controls.

About the Milken Institute Global Conference

The Milken Institute stands for great ideas and effective action. Their mission is to improve lives around the world by advancing innovative economic and policy solutions that create jobs, improve health, and increase access to capital. A nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank, the Milken Institute believes in the importance of human capital and in the power of capital markets to solve urgent social and economic challenges and improve lives. Now in its 15th year, the Global Conference annually attracts 3,000 leaders in business, finance, government, public policy, academia, philanthropy, law, science, news media and more. These individuals represent some of the world's top firms, organizations, universities and governments. The Milken Institute brings together influential decision-makers who put great ideas to work in the marketplace and around the world. People with the vision and resources to make a significant impact. A few of the prominent speakers at the Conference included former President Bill Clinton, entrepreneur T. Boone Pickens, California Governor Jerry Brown, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, Alan Schwartz Chairman of Guggenheim, former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, Eric Spiegel President of Siemens, Randall Stephenson CEO of AT&T, Sumner Redstone Chairman of Viacom and CBS, Robert Pittman founder of MTV, Mel Karmazin CEO of Sirius Radio, Steven Hess President of Pratt & Whitney, and many others. For more information: http://www.globalconference.org

About Deco Lighting

Deco Lighting is leading the lighting industry with the most innovative green technology commercial lighting products and energy solutions. Recognized by industry associations for innovation, Deco Lighting is winning many new awards and patents for its revolutionary lighting fixtures and control designs. Specifiers knowledgeable in the latest technologies have determined green lighting solutions will immediately save on utility energy costs, save substantially on long term maintenance costs and speed the conversion to go green to improve the environment. Today major universities, commercial buildings, municipalities, hospitals, military bases, transportation and shopping centers are selecting Deco Lighting to retrofit and upgrade their inefficient lighting systems to green energy systems for savings up to 85%. As more lighting specifiers, engineers, architects, city planners, facility managers and building owners become more knowledgeable of the latest technology lighting solutions, their smart decisions will accelerate the financial, environmental and social benefits of green energy.

Going green is a rapidly growing trend for companies in all sectors technology, financial services, retail and manufacturing. By creating and embracing energy efficient green products and services, millions of dollars are saved and carbon emissions are reduced for the benefit of local communities and the global environment. Adapting green energy has stimulated tremendous growth in new technologies, new venture capital investment, new start-up companies and new green jobs.

Deco Lighting is a leading manufacturer changing the world of lighting with the latest green technology, energy saving lighting and controls. Deco Lighting products are proven in commercial, municipal, military and government installations throughout the U.S. and worldwide. Deco Lightings extensive product line includes architectural and commercial fluorescent, Induction, HID, LED, Solar, emergency fixtures and sensors.For more information visit http://www.getdeco.com, e-mail: info@getdeco.com, phone 310-366-6866, fax 310-366-6855

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24-05-2012 18:03 - We just bought this home from a delightful woman and husband. The home was given to her by her parents and she tragically almost lost it via tax sale. She and her husband were referred to us by a terrific local real estate attorney, Dan Harvey with Cotton Duck Title in Baltimore. We were able to close on the property very quickly and are particularly excited about the updates we have planned. We can't wait for the renovation to be completed! We will follow the renovations being done by Zwengelberg & Son from Catonsville, Maryland. Excel Home Sellers buys, renovates and resells homes. Our buyers are almost always first time home buyers. The homes are renovated and updated so well and tastefully and fall into the price range for most first time home buyers and the banks and lenders almost can't help but want to lend on them! Stay tuned for updates as we complete this home and get it back on the market for another awesome home buyer. If you are interested in following our properties visit our website or feel free to call our office at 410-737-1500.

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Rehab in Progress in Baltimore, Maryland - Video

24-05-2012 18:06 - We just bought this home from an Estate. It's a pretty solid home with termite damage in the kitchen and bathroom area. We will follow the renovations being done by Zwengelberg & Son from Catonsville, Maryland. Excel Home Sellers buys, renovates and resells homes. Our buyers are almost always first time home buyers. The homes are renovated and updated so well and tastefully and fall into the price range for most first time home buyers and the banks and lenders almost can't help but want to lend on them! If you are interested in following our properties visit our website or feel free to call our office at 410-737-1500.

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Rehab in Baltimore Maryland - Video

25-05-2012 11:33 Half Moon Contractors is a group of certified professionals that are passionate about creating a lasting partnership with insurance companies and our customers through unrivaled satisfaction. We are dedicated to being the preeminent provider of unparalleled professionalism, construction management, and integrity as a result of first-rate communication with our consumer. We take pride in our ability to provide a professional and rapid response to our customers. There is no job too big or too small. Our team is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making sure that your emergency is our 1st Priority. We strive for excellence and detailed perfection in the execution of every project we undertake. 12535652 Home Remodels, Home Renovations, Contractors, Damage Restoration, Restoration, Emergency Service, Columbia, Lake Murray, Northeast Columbia, Orangeburg, Cayce, Newberry, South Carolina, WIS

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Half Moon Contractors LLC Video | Contractor in Columbia - Video

NORTH BEND -- The family of Danny Retallick firmly believes that he chose to end his life where he did in order to spare his parents' home.

Ultimately, though, with law enforcement still believing he was inside the home, tear gas was shot into the building and a forced entry was made.

Now, as the family grieves, their home has been rendered temporarily uninhabitable and damaged. The financial responsibility also falls on them.

'It's a difficult situation," city Police Chief Steve Scibelli said. But he said homeowners insurance will typically cover these kinds of damages, just as they would any situation over which a family has no control.

Dave Dellinger, general manager of Belfor Property Restoration, said their company is handling the repairs and is indeed working with the Retallick's insurance company on the cost, which will likely run into the tens of thousands of dollars.

He also said it could still be several weeks before they can get the home back to where it was.

Much of the problem is caused by the tear gas, which is a powerful irritant that can cause anything from rashes to respiratory issues.

In fact, Dellinger said, they will probably end up repainting much of the interior.

'We've got to clean everything inside the home," he said. 'It's a residue that attaches to everything and is in almost every room of the house."

They will also be replacing the broken windows and doors.

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Tear gas renders home uninhabitable

HILLSBORO, Alabama -- Meandering under a lush canopy of kudzu-tangled red oaks, Kara Long walked toward the resting place of three families from the 19th and 20th centuries.

"This is the family cemetery," said Long, curator of the 50-acre Pond Spring, the historic grounds best known for its final residents, the Wheelers. "But he's not buried here."

Long ends her tour of the plantation, commonly referred to as the Gen. Joseph Wheeler home, by noting that the Napoleon-sized soldier -- and later congressman -- is one of only two Confederate generals buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

"He had the honor of being buried there because of his service to the U.S. after the Civil War," said Long, a veritable encyclopedia of everything Pond Spring.

Long is just one of four employees who are elated about the reopening of the Wheeler Home after a three-phase, $2 million restoration effort that forced the group to close the 1870s Victorian-style structure -- Pond Spring's focal point -- 12 years ago.

Although some work continues, such as landscaping and fixing up the gift shop in the neighboring Sherrod home, the staff is ready for visitors to tour the site's 12 historic structures and delve into the museum.

"It's rare for a house museum to have a collection this complete," Long said. "We have everything; furniture, military uniforms, china, books, Victorian dresses.

"From the most monumental to the most insignificant piece of history that belonged to this family, we have it," she said.

Listed as a preserved sites by the Alabama Historical Commission, the Wheeler Home offers much for history enthusiasts.

When the house was donated in 1992 to the state by Gen. Wheeler's granddaughter, most of the family's possessions were included. Trunks containing items such as textiles, ranging from garments from the Victorian era to the Roaring '20s, are constantly being unearthed and catalogued by the staff.

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Historic Pond Spring, Gen. Joe Wheeler Home in Hillsboro open after restoration effort

25-05-2012 14:19 Select styles of Laminate: $2.55/square foot (materials and basic labor) Toscana Hardwood Floors $5.69/square foot, installed (labor and material) Elbrus Wood Flooring $5.39/square foot, installed (labor and materials) 15% off all home remodel projects (Painting, room additions, remodeling) Call today to set up your Free Estimate!

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BTS Floors Remodeling - Video

Dear Angie: Can low-E/argon gas be put in a window when the seal is broken, instead of replacing the entire window? P.T., Philadelphia

Dear P.T.: Let's start by clarifying the purpose of low-E and argon gas.

Low-E, or low-emissivity, coating is applied to window glass to help reflect heat. Adding argon gas between the panes of glass adds increased insulation to the window. Combined, they offer excellent energy efficiency for your home. A seal failure, though, will "oxidize" the low-E coating and argon gas, making the glass appear streaky or foggy.

Technically, yes, gas could be added to the window. However, it might not be the best solution. The process to add the low-E coating and argon gas is an involved process typically done at the factory.

However, some window repair companies have begun offering service at a customer's home to correct a seal failure. These companies typically remove the insulated glass from the sash the section of the window that holds the glass and then reseal the spacer perimeter to prevent it from additional fogging. This is still relatively new technology, so be sure you're going to get a guarantee.

Typically, older double-pane windows consist of two panes of glass held together with caulk. With the glass expanding and contracting due to the weather, the seal would often fail, creating moisture in the windows.

High-quality replacement windows now typically use a glazing bead spacer that helps hold the glass in place, but moves with the glass, which helps eliminate that issue. If a window is equipped with a glazing bead, it is possible to remove the glazing bead, remove the glass, and have it replaced or remade into a new sealed unit that is a low-E/argon combination.

If the window is not equipped with a glazing bead, it's likely the sash was constructed or assembled around the glass. If this is the case, it can be very difficult or altogether impossible to replace the glass.

While it might be possible to replace the glass with a low-E/argon-filled glass, you should consider if the repair is worth the investment. A better option might be replacing the entire window with a newer window that is airtight and already equipped with the low-E/argon glass combination.

If you're set against changing out the entire window, adding a new insulated pane of glass might be the most economical and practical way to go.

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Ask Angie: A broken window seal may be tricky to fix