In the fall of 2001, when David and I bought the apartment that I now call home, there were many reasons that it was a very bad idea. One, the housing market in Toronto was definitely not on side of the buyer. Two, the apartment, a 1940's walk up that had just been gutted and renovated, was located in Rosedale, Toronto's most expensive area. The price was, no matter how we looked at it, out of our range.

Though the reasons to buy it were many. A five minute walk from the downtown core, and a twenty minute walk to the center of the university campus, the location was perfect. The day that we toured the suite and walked out onto the balcony, we both seemed to know we would find a way to make it work.

At 1900 square feet, the top floor two bedroom end unit apartment was huge, and the balcony that ran from one end of the suite to the other ran the entire length of the south end of the building. The view was one that faced into the deep and lush Rosedale Valley ravine. Standing on the balcony in the fall breeze, we could make out easily a family of coyotes between some ravine trees.

"What do you think"? I asked, speaking to no one in particular.

"Sold", was the definitive response that came from David as he gazed at the four legged family in the distance.

It was the only response I needed to hear. An hour later, documents signed, we began to plan how we would manage this very impulsive decision. And luckily, things simply fell into place. This past Friday marked the day I wrote the last check on the mortgage.

While going through photos earlier today, I came across the above picture of the east end of our balcony, and I was reminded how happy I am that we took a risk and followed through with what we knew we wanted. Judging by the picture below of Singher resting on the same balcony mid summer, I think someone else also agrees with the decision.