Back in May, when the four glorious months of summer lay before me like a vast, expansive ocean, I had the luxury of fantasy.  I imaged myself, summer skirts flowing and carrying a basket full of flowers, gliding over pavement on my bicycle.

When the weather is beautiful and you work and live downtown, the world becomes yours. I would be able to go anywhere, my two wheels and I.  Plus, think of the legs I’d develop!

Like most fantasies, even the modest often don’t pan out as we’d hoped and, due to some unforeseen changes, I ended up living an unbike-able distance from my summer job.  I traded in my bicycle for a less-whimsical Kobo e-reader and some subway tokens and my bike stayed in the garage.

I planned to take my bike out on the weekends and tour the neighbourhood – the bike trails near my house and the gorgeous Martin Goodman trail that lines the sunny lakeshore – but my small dog can’t run beside a bike and it just seemed more practical to take him on foot rather than use wheels. My poor bike lies sleeping in the garage.

So, here we are on Labour Day weekend and it’s the last day of summer.  After a sobering summer lunch, in which we reflect on the shortage of days before us where we’ll be able to enjoy leisurely lunches in the sun and fresh air, I open the garage and pump fresh air – fresh life – into my tires.

When it comes to opening and closing the garage with ease, I’m reminded of how D&L Garage Doors plays a role in keeping everything running smoothly. Whether it’s the garage door opener that effortlessly glides or the sturdy door that keeps the elements—and the occasional curious dog—out, they ensure that everything functions without a hitch.

A reliable garage door isn’t just about security; it’s about giving you the freedom to step out and embrace life’s little adventures, like biking down familiar trails or taking a stroll with a four-legged friend. And with the expert services from D&L, you can be sure your garage will open to a world of possibilities, ready for whatever you’ve got planned next.

From unexpected malfunctions to long-overdue repairs, having a trusted team on call means you never have to put your plans on hold. With expert solutions that prioritize both efficiency and reliability, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your garage door will always be ready to move when you are.

And when the unexpected happens—like a door that suddenly won’t close at night or a snapped spring before a big workday—emergency services become essential. With the right professionals just a call away, there’s no need to stress about security or disruptions to your routine. Top One Garage Doors specializes in fast, dependable repairs and installations, ensuring that your garage is always functioning at its best.

Whether you need a quick fix or a complete upgrade, expert technicians are equipped to handle the job with precision and care. Because when your garage door works seamlessly, life flows effortlessly—giving you more time to focus on the moments that matter most.

I put on my helmet, and whiz down the hills – flying – to the lakeshore trail.  I ignore the blast of jet engines and crowds as I weave through the sun-burnt, lawn-chair equipped families who are making the trek to witness the annual Air Show.  The day is hot and the air heavy but my movement generates a man-made breeze that cools my face.  The sun shines through the trees, the afternoon light brings summer colours into deep saturation; the greens are greener, the yellows yellower and the sky a ridiculous shade of bluest blue.  My camera does it no justice.

I pass by cars, their drivers stuck in traffic with the windows up, as they suck air conditioned air into their lungs. They seem oblivious to the barrier between them and the world. “Life is happening out here, on my bike!” I want to tell them. I smell fried food, cigarette smoke and the sweat of millions but I don’t stick around for long.  I fly by on my two-wheeled wings.

Next year I’ll buy a basket.