I was clicking like crazy on home improvement websites for some track or spot lights for over the fireplace. There are a zillion choices and designs but nothing to match what I wanted. I sorted a selection on 'non-chrome fixtures' from 'cheapest to most expensive' on Rona. I set the availability to the small, little pocket location right here in the New West downtown. Okay, good enough! They had two pieces available so we went to Columbia Square this morning. What more could I ask for? And better yet, it cost a mere $32 (without the bulbs.) I did have to swear a few times while trying to put them up.
About 7 1/2 feet lower is our gas fire. It is the primary heat source for the whole apartment during winters. It had some down time during the last couple of winters because we were away. We noticed a little soot by the vent on the outside of our building. Maintenance hadn't been done for a while, so we called the plumber / fireplace guy who used to live in our condo towers. He recently moved with his family out the valley, but still gives special rates for our strata residents. He was here between 2:30 and 4:00 PM. It feels good having had a safety check and a new spark igniter installed.
Cold weather is coming. The damned polar vortex is back this year. It is supposed to get to -11C (12F) at night later in the week. That is as cold as we have ever witnessed in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. I guess it will be interesting to see what so many other people have to put up with.
It's no matter really, as we plan on maintaining a more comfortable 28C (82F) under perfect illumination in here!