I wish I would have read these first. Recently we hired Gracewood Enterprises (AL Phaneuf) for some general wood work around a window in our home. The home is currently under contract so we’ve been doing different fix up jobs on behalf of the new homeowners. I've never had a worse experience dealing with an individual. I really don’t know where to begin explaining his incompetence, his inability to produce receipts, the unacceptable product and a proposal (Not a contract) that AL Phaneuf charged $400 more than authorized to a credit card. Well the ineptitude started after AL Phaneuf quoted a job where he would be repairing some wood rot and trim around a living room window. After his reassurance of keeping the window resemblance similar to the adjacent windows and completing a quality job he asked for a check for $500 up front for materials (Our first mistake where he is still unable to provide receipts). He was given the check, left and then never returned to observe, check on his staff or approve the completed product. Upon completion by his staff the window looked nothing like the others and the bottom portion which use to open was covered and now inoperable. Without viewing the many before and after pictures it’s difficult to explain how horrible, with no similarity this looked. AL Phaneuf never checked on the job, attempt to remedy the mess or work anything out to make the job presentable. AL Phaneuf main concern was to get the remainder of his money and move on. With that said after the $500 up front (Did I say that was our first mistake) and a proposal that said $900 AL Phaneuf charged $1300 to the credit card without permission for the additional $400. After a conference call with AL Phaneuf and the credit card company the unauthorized $400 was disputed and AL Phaneuf was unable to walk off with that too. AL Phaneuf then showed up unannounced at the house (unlike when his staff was working or to check the completed version) demanding $1000. We don’t know where the $1000 number came from and he was told the credit card company was in the process of disbursing him the $900 and we had no control of when that would happen. Again he was asked for receipts for the $500 up front where he said “I have them” and then indicated the $500 was a deposit. AL Phaneuf keeps changing his confusing story as this would have only left $400 plus materials. When it was suggested that this is not what was discussed or on the proposal he became verbally aggressive demanding money and was asked to leave. The local law enforcement agency was made aware of the situation where they suggested calling if he returns back to the property and a trespass warrant could be executed on AL Phaneuf. After dealing with all this we then needed to have the job by Gracewood enterprises completely redone as it now would not pass the home inspection. Our family went on to hire a competent contractor who pointed out how the wood rot was still present and just covered up to conceal it; daylight was also visible through unsealed openings in the frame (pictures were taken before and after by the real estate agent). It was also in the opinion of the competent contractor and only an opinion that at very most $200 in wood was used (maybe this is why we still haven’t received receipts). I would just like people to know Gracewood Enterprises and Al Phaneuf did an atrocious job at our home, he was very disrespectful, angry and oblivious of the difference between a job proposal and an actual signed contract.

I'm high ranked in mcgill. I know very well what i am talking about. ANd Canadian education is not the same as American. Its not hard to get an A/A-/B+ as you put it. THe grading system is Completely different. There are schools in the states that are of the highest order. They are amazing. But not all students attend some of the best schools. And i really hate to give you more light on this subject but many Mcgill applicants with A- have been rejected due to quota and other admission issues. Its a business ladies. Remember. I say its not hard to get in because i see alot of smart students. Alot , many who apply to mcgill have these high marks. Trust me, i know. The only thing wrong with parents paying for college and university is if the child expects it kkny. Dont twist my words ladies. I dont think its wrong for parents to help their children BUT they have to work partime, they have to not expect it because they are the chidl and that is my parent. And i would help my child in university as long as they have a part time job and they're grades are high. I've seen a few cases not only in concordia but in mcgill and two other institutes where the poor parents pay and the kid goofs, while having his cell phone and car paid for by said parents. Its RIDICULOUS! Parents in this society must draw the line and how they raise their kids now adays. These kids will the futur and this entitlement must be changed. Now we have gone off topic and we can discuss schools and politics all we like. In the end, after being part of this forum for almost 10 years, ladies you are beating the same horse from a different angle. Kkny you still have your chip on your shoulder against SM Obviously me being one will get your knickers in a fancy. Lets not forget i was also a stepchild. I know both fences. As for tone, i'm not the one who 's bitter and jealous in my situ. good day ladies.

I've been watching it myself today, and having a good cry about how fast these kids have grown up...now, I've decided that one of my next projects is going to be to update it to this year's Christmas...when they are my age, they will enjoy seeing it. I think how wonderful it would have been if the technology had been in place for there to have been a movie like this when I was growing up...or even when our kids were growing up...this one is of our grandkids...

Thanks everyone for your nice compliments...That is my granddaughter Emmy on the left,she is 10, my daughter's name is Aimee, she is 36. And absolutely.. 911 should have been called, she had no idea how serious it was. The doctor said more then likely what saved her life is at that time in her life, before she was working.. she was at the gym 6 days a week and ran 5 miles a day, she was and still is very fit.