August 31, 2007. "Why yearn for a promised land? The true land is in the heart." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
August 30, 2007.
Wonderful property awaits your pleasure -- nine acres of privacy! Excellent all day sun, arbutus and garry oak groves, plus forest trails through fir, cedar, maple preserve. Renovated Schubart home, and the property is zoned for separate guest cottage and separate studio. Terrific dock in place -- keep your boat at home! You will love this! Perfect for a couple or a family. At Salt Spring's special "south end", with spectacular panoramic views of ocean/islands/mountains (the Olympics are breathtaking!). Enjoy!
August 29, 2007. Remember this weekend, the Labour Day Weekend Holiday, that the Victoria Real Estate Board is hosting the classic wooden boat festival, in Victoria's Inner Harbour. It's a treat to see these beauties! A fire works aficianado? This Labour Day Weekend is also the final Saturday for the Butchart Gardens fireworks show. Wander these beautiful and world famous gardens, and take in the fireworks display. Did you know that you can fly to the Gardens, from Salt Spring, via Salt Spring Air's special charter, to the Butchart's?? Check it out, with Salt Spring Air. Makes a nice evening! Although technically Summer, it's interesting that most of us still tie Fall into the beginning of the new school year. Enjoy the Holiday Weekend!
August 28, 2007. Don't forget to mark your calendars for the Fall Fair weekend, at the Farmer's Institute grounds, on Rainbow Road -- it's on September 15 & 16, this year, and promises to be an exceptional showcase of the Island's agricultural gems. Along with the Fall Fair, it's also the weekend that will be showcasing Packard cars. The Pacific Northwest Region of Packards International will be on Island, from the 13th to the 16th. As well as seeing them drive around the Island, they'll also be at the Harbour House Hotel parking lot, at the Fulford Inn on the 14th, from noon to 1:30 p.m., and at the Fall Fair, too. Don't miss this, especially if you're a classic car buff! Contact ArtSpring's ticket office, for details of their music @ artspring concert series, for the 2007 / 2008 season. Great music, the whole season long! The Way Cool Summer Nights festival, at ArtSpring, concludes tomorrow, with three fabulous singer/songwriters from Australia -- contact ArtSpring's ticket office for details.
August 27, 2007. "Make the mind A single point." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
August 26, 2007.
Here's a spectacular custom designed and quality built home, with sensational wrap around panoramic ocean/islands/mountain views! State of the art kitchen, wood floors, custom window treatments, exceptional bathrooms (triple head showers), stone feature wood burning fireplace in the formal living, gas fireplace in the library/den, a wonderful double office, a superb master/study with gas fireplace, view deck off, incredible bathroom, and his and her walk-in closets, plus separate guest suite. Incredible storage, exercise room, formal entry foyer, outdoor kitchen/view decking/outdoor fireplace -- catch the sunsets from here, and from the oceanview hot tub. This is a home to treasure forever, and ready to just move into and to enjoy. Sunny (s/sw/w exposures), on comm. water, zoned for separate guest cottage and separate studio. The very best oceanview acreage on special Salt Spring Island. See Li for appointments to view!
August 25, 2007. "When you drink water, Remember its source." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
August 24, 2007. Unbelievably, the "summer season" is coming to a close. It's odd how we think of September as being the beginning of a year -- all those years of that "school calendar", most likely! It's still "summer", according to the seasonal reckoning, but September brings with it the sense that we've begun the path into the Fall, the Winter, and the early Spring -- in the Pacific Northwest Coast, this brings its own pleasures, but it also brings shortened daylight and cloudy days/some rain. If you haven't made it to ArtCraft yet, or to ArtSpring's showcase/theatrical presentations, or to the live music at Treehouse, or to the al fresco opportunities at the various restaurants on Island, or to the Studio Tours, or to picnics at Ruckle Park, or viewing enjoyment at the top of Mt. Maxwell, or to swimming at the warm water beaches, or... -- you name it, it's there! -- then you need to pick up the pace, and don't delay! Fruition in gardens means lots of roadside stands, with fruit and veggies galore -- make a feast, invite some friends, and enjoy the early starlight. The sun sets, now, around 8 p.m., and not 10 p.m. Pick blackberries, make a pie, deliver the bounty to the Salt Spring Vineyards for their blackberry port. Catch it while it lasts -- it's still Summer!
August 23, 2007. "Summer Menu: Pasta With Summer Herbs: 1 pound pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine or tagliatelle. Copious amounts of fresh green herbs. 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. 1 - 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced. Salt & pepper to taste. Shaving of Parmesan chees to top. (Serves Four) * cook the pasta until al dente * clean & chop all the herbs and set aside * gently heat the olive oil in a skillet. Add the garlic and saute over low heat until it just begins to brown. Then throw in all the herbs. It's amazing to see them rising to the surface of the oil like a fragrant green island. Cook the herbs for a few minutes only; don't overcook, the herbs should retain their intense green color. * remove from the heat, toss with the cooked pasta and garnish with a few shavings of Parmesan cheese to serve. Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella Salad: 4 large ripe tomatoes 12 ounces fresh mozzarella, cubed 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil salt and pepper to taste (Serves Four) * cut the tomatoes in half, squeeze out and discard the juice and seeds, then cut the meat into chunks. * toss the mozzarella with the tomatoes, fresh basil, and olive oil in a bowl. * season to taste and serve. Strawberries with Balsamic Vinegar: basket of fresh strawberries, washed and sliced, about 3 cups 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (Serves Four) * place all ingredients in a bowl and toss to combine * cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the mixture to cool in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour * serve cold" (Three Bowl Cookbook: David Scott & Tom Pappas)
August 22, 2007.
Here's a very special home in the Summerside townhome "village". In phase one of the project, with significant upgrades at the time of construction, this designer's home offers a superb living style. Many unique features, that make this townhome "sing". Sunny, private, quiet, and with the "plus" of the clubhouse facility (indoor pool, exercise area, guest accomodations). See Li for appointments to view this gem. A stylish retirement opportunity awaits.
August 21, 2007. "A moving door hinge never corrodes. Flowing water never grows stagnant." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
August 20, 2007.
This beauty awaits your pleasure! On almost 4 acres, with excellent all day sun exposure (S/SW/W), a year round dock, and with peace and privacy, all on this historic former farm property. Historic and mature orchard in place, and a lovely sense of pastoral by the seaside! Walk the beach, when the tide is low! Main home, plus separate guest cottage in place. This is one of the best oceanfront options currently on the market, on lovely Salt Spring! Don't delay!
August 19, 2007. "Footsteps in the sand Quickly washed away: The seashore mind." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
August 18, 2007. Steffichfineart, formerly the Thunderbird Gallery, in Grace Point Square, is showcasing unique works of wearable art by Penny Berton, jewellery designer. The artist will be in attendance, today. Hand carved gold and silver jewellery, with original one-of- a-kind designs and limited edition lines on display. Check this out! The Pastel Artists' Canada's 16th annual Open Juried Exhibition continues at ArtSpring, through to August 28th. Catch this! J. Mitchell Gallery, in Grace Point Square, is showcasing Garry Kaye -- don't miss his "Apple Tree", on display at the Gallery, right now! A selection of Michelle Bauer's work is on display at the Salt Spring Island Coffee Company, in Ganges Village, through September. Have you dropped into Galleons Lap Fine Art Photography studio, yet? The works of Nancy Angermeyer are on show, this week. Judy Wheeden is presenting her functional and decorative pottery at Steffichfineart gallery, now, in Grace Point Square. Double Diamond -- the definitive Neil Diamond tribute -- plays at ArtSpring on the 25th. Get your tickets early! Remember to mark your calendars for this year's Fall Fair, too -- it's on September 15th and 16th, at the Farmer's Institute's Fairground, on Rainbow Road. If you've never been, you're in for a treat! Enjoy!
August 17, 2007. Don't forget Fiddleworks Showcase Concert, at ArtSpring, on August 19th! A world class lineup of 15 of North America's finest folk musicians all on one stage, for one night only. Performance starts at 8 p.m. Mark your calendars for September 7th -- the Nylons will be at ArtSpring, with performance starting at 7 p.m. Tickets available at ArtSpring. Sunyata plays at the Treehouse, in Ganges Village, on both this evening, and on Saturday, the 18th -- don't miss them! Contemporary sculpture is the featured showcase at ArtCraft, in Mahon Hall, for this week. Way Cool Summer Nights concerts continue, at ArtSpring -- on the 18th, it's the Helge Lien Trio, at 8 p.m. The Orchid Ensemble presents on the 23rd, at 8 p.m. Swarm plays on the 26th, at 2 p.m., & the festival concludes on the 29th, at 8 p.m., with three singer/songwriters from Australia. Sunday Jazz continues at the Salt Spring Inn, with the Henry Boudin Trio playing on the 19th, from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy!
August 16, 2007.
Here's a spectacular oceanfront offering -- a brand new custom designed and built home, just completed, on private and sunny small acreage, with easy access to deep water moorage (foreshore lease in place -- build your dock and keep your boat at home!). A "green house", with many environmentally aware choices in finishings. Elegant living room (stone fireplace), wonderful kitchen, with dining room off, and library/den with ocean vistas. Terrific master/study/ensuite! Lower (daylight) level offers family room, and two guest bedrooms/bath. Sunny (s/sw/w exposures), quiet rural area, close to all amenities. An elegant country home, on the ocean, awaits your pleasure! See Li for appointments to view!
August 15, 2007. "Without too much trouble, One can keep to the main road. But people love to be distracted, And perspective is difficult." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations").
August 14, 2007.
Here's a very elegant home, awaiting your pleasure, on Salt Spring Island! Oceanfront, with foreshore licence -- build your dock, and keep your boat at your home! Totally renovated in 2002, this beautifully maintained home, shows "as new". Ready to just move into, and enjoy! Formal living, country dining, custom kitchen, den/t.v. room, office/music room, master/sitting, beautiful ensuite. Double garage. Extensive decking to enjoy the s/sw/w panoramic views. Two further bedrooms/bathroom, large storage, plus a separate guest/inlaw suite, with own entrance. Easy-care landscaping, totally deer fenced. This is one of the most pleasing oceanfront opportunities on Salt Spring Island, today. See Li for appointments to view.
August 13, 2007. Remember that the Trust is currently in an Official Community Plan (OCP) Review. Last Fall, they struck eight focus group committees, to look into various aspects of Island life, and to present suggestions for a revised OCP. The current OCP was revised about eight years ago, after several years of the same community bylaws. Some of the new proposed changes appear to be at the whim of the current trustees (an elected position, every three years), and do not necessarily have the concurrence of the marjority of Islanders. If you haven't yet picked up a copy of the eight focus group suggestions, please contact the Trust office, or drop by during their "open hours", to pick up same. Be informed! It's your Island, too, and you have a voice, here. The following letter, addressed to the Provincial Government elected representative, for the Islands, Murray Coell, MLA, is written by a concerned Salt Spring Islander, and is addressing the proposed bylaw, under consideration by the trustees, to limit the size of a dwelling to 3000 sq. ft. If you have a position, on any of the proposed changes, it's important to write a letter to the Trust, so that your thoughts are "on file". The Trust is required to refer to all letters, in the minutes of their meetings. (Their meetings are always held in the afternoon, when most people are at work). It's essential, then, that you make an effort to keep up on their proposed agenda of changes. Meantime, please read the thoughts in the following letter. For details on how to contact the writer, please "see Li". "Honourable Member, Mr. Coell: We have read some of the proposals put together by the Salt Spring Islands Trust committees, for dramatic changes to the bylaws for Salt Spring Island, and we find the housing goals, in particular, ill-conceived and sadly disturbing. First, trying to wade through the bureaucratic mumbo-jumbo of all the proposals was difficult for many of us, myself included, and it effectively muddies the waters on a lot of issues for the average reader. In a nutshell the Trustees want to limit homes to a maximum of 3,000 sq. ft. with no more than 2 outbuildings, regardless of the size of the property. Their goal is to eliminate any more larger homes and reduce real estate values. (They actually state that goal in the proposals.) Thus, they want to seriously curtail the free-market system here and reduce the value of all properties on the island, which for most of us is our biggest financial investment. This impacts the real estate industry here, the building trades, nearly all other businesses in some residual way and, specifically, all property owners. Reverse-discrimination is their aim. These committee members want to eliminate "affluent" people from coming to Salt Spring. But, is this a concept worthy of Canadians and British Columbians? Is this the concept of equal opportunity we have always shown as a nation? If this policy had been in force for the last 20 or 30 years, or so, think of all the amazing, wonderful, creative, artistic, successful and, in some cases, world-renowned people who live here now on Salt Spring and other Gulf Islands. who would not be living here. It seems that if you are either "affluent" or commercially successful, or if you have a larger vision of personal space than a 3,000 sq. ft. home, then you should have no place here on Salt Spring. This is simply narrow-minded and mean-spirited and their justifications for this policy is unfounded. These policy proposals, if implemented, would seriously diminish the cultural richness and diversity of our island and most particularly the Provincial Government the tax base on Salt Spring. Further, I believe I saw somewhere in the 200 pages of proposals that it's been put forward to enact a bylaw prohibiting building within 200 feet of the water. These people obviously don't live on the water, but as you may know, the very reason people pay premium real estate prices and high taxes is for the experience and well-being of living near the ocean or lakefront. Once again this is an idea put forward by people who want to restrict others rights, according to their own limited ideals, with no valid gain for society. Very little, if any, oceanfront land on SSI is arable, so this does nothing to protect farming lands. I understand that existing bylaws already protect the waterfront and also ensure that geo-technical issues are sound before a building permit is allowed. What we do need are better incentives for low-rise apartments and a better plan for economical multiple-housing units around Ganges and up Rainbow Road, for instance. Who of us started out buying our own home after leaving school? Nobody that I know did; rather, we all went through the phase of apartment living. But, right now there is no such availability on Salt Spring. And, by the way, who is going to pay the high taxes needed to sustain all the social structure we need and want, such as the hospital, library, schools, policing, fire dept., pool, etc., that the Trust and most islanders want for our future? Our question to you, Honourable Member, is: "Does the Provincial Government have any control in these matters and, if so, what is your response to these proposals? Thank you for your consideration and we would appreciate your comments."
August 12, 2007. "The actual Is only actual In one place And one time." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
August 11, 2007. Are you looking for an incredible experience? Get a group together and charter the Taconite, a wonderful motor yacht, built for the Boeing family, in 1932. Wonderfully restored and maintained, this 125 foot gem plys the B.C. Coastal waters, in stately elegance. Yes, it's expensive, but it's worth it! Contact the owner, Gordon Levett, at MYTaconite@aol.com, and he will be pleased to email you the total info. package on this historic and beautiful ship. If you're lucky, he'll pick you up at the airport, in his classic 1932 Packard, and deliver you to the yacht in style. (P.S. Let Gordon know that you heard about him from Li Read's website. Thanks!). In the August issue of Pacific Yachting, there's a great feature article on cruising the wine islands. It focuses on the Cowichan Valley vineyards, plus those on Salt Spring Island, Saturna Island, Pender Island, and Thetis Island. Saanich Peninsula is also mentioned, as is the meadery on Hornby Island. Check it out! A special trip, by boat, to visit all of these vineyards, is a great way to encourage some "gunk-holing" in the Gulf Islands! Did you know that Canada's foremost expert on bamboo lives on Salt Spring Island? Visit his nursery, and be introduced to all of the varieties of bamboo. Have you found a "hidden secret" on the Islands? Let me know, and I'll add it to "Li's List". Thank you!
August 10, 2007. If you're interested in classic boats, then don't forget the Labour Day Weekend Classic Boat Show, in Victoria's Inner Harbour! Sponsored by the Victoria Real Estate Board, this annual event showcases some lovely boats, from all over the Pacific Northwest Coast. Don't miss it! Fiddleworks is sponsoring an Instructors Showcase Concert, one night only, at ArtSpring Theatre, on Sunday, Aug. 19th. Contact the ArtSpring ticket office, at 537-2102, for more info. Don't miss Shari Macdonald's great photographs, on show at Galleons Lap Gallery. Open Wed. to Sat., from 11 to 5, or by appointment. The Sheepdogs, a rock and roll band with a twist, play Barb's on the 14th. Bring your dancing shoes! Fulford Day is on the 11th, tomorrow, at Drummond Park. Lots of activities -- don't miss it!
August 9, 2007. Looking for a day trip adventure? Sidney by the Sea is a good choice. For suggestions for lunch or dinner, call Li. Victoria itself? Don't forget the excellent B.C. Museum and tea at the Empress. Dining suggestions? See Li for her "best list" options! The Cowichan Valley is on the wine tour map, and this can be an interesting experience, too -- ask Li for the best routes to the various vineyards! Heading north, for an overnighter? Call Li for places to stay, interesting things to take in, when venturing through Vancouver Island's communities. Lots more to see than just the highway scenery! The wonderful thing about Salt Spring is that it's so "central", and it's always great to come home again. There's that superb sense of "ahhhh", when one is on the ferry, wending one's way home to this terrific Island gem.
August 8, 2007. Have you been on the "studio tour", yet? Don't miss this adventure -- the Chamber has the Studio Tour Maps, and you can follow your way around the Island, sampling and enjoying the artistic productions of so many of our talented Islanders. Enjoy! In Ganges, and have some time? Do the "gallery tour", and be amazed and entertained by the beautiful and mainly local presentations hosted by the local gallery owners. Again, the Chamber office has the maps for same! You'll be glad you did! ArtSpring's Gallery & ArtCraft in Mahon Hall are further venues of artistic offerings, for your pleasure! Don't forget the al fresco options for your breakfast or lunch or dinner enjoyment -- this is a great time of year to be a tiny bit "idle", and to enjoy what's right under our noses! Rock Salt Cafe at Fulford Harbour should be on your list. Also, the Seaside Kitchen at Vesuvius. In Ganges, it's Piccolo's, Artist's Bistro, Calvin's, Auntie Pesto's, Salt Spring Inn, Harbour House Hotel, Tree House, TLC, Pomodoro's, TJ Beans, Barb's, Oystercatcher/Shipstones/Mix (same owners, different menu choices), Moby's. Don't forget Hastings House, for those very extra special occasions, too! More suggestions of what to do/where to go, on a lovely summer day? Picnics at Beddis Beach or Ruckle Park, swimming at Vesuvius Beach or Drummond Park, kayaking from Ganges Harbour or from Fulford Harbour, a 30 min. fly over the Islands trip with St. McColl of Salt Spring Air, a fishing charter from Harbour's End (Salt Spring Marina), a horse and buggy ride around Ganges Village, a hammock in the trees, a good book and some lemonade, in your own garden?? The Saturday Market in the Park and the Tuesday Farmer's Market, in the United Church "field", accessed off Hereford Road, in the Village, are two "destinations". Enjoy! It's the best of summer!
August 7, 2007.
Looking for a pastoral gem, where you can build that country estate? Here's a very pretty small acreage, close to St. Mary Lake, with lake glimpses and easy access to same. An older cottage, which would need upgrades, plus a greenhouse and outbuilding, plus orchard, overgrown though very arable garden area, waiting for your ideas, plus forest with your own trails, plus access to another road, so could have a studio here, if interested in a home occupation/being on the studio tour. This is a true "diamond in the rough", in a quiet country location, close to everything, yet in its own serene world. Enjoy! Don't miss this opportunity. See Li for a showing, today.
August 6, 2007. Don't miss the production of The Tempest, this year's offering of Shakespeare in the Park! ArtCraft is showcasing work by potters and basket weavers guilds, this week, under the banner "Of Clay and Wattles Made". Check this out! Sunday Night Jazz remains a feature at the Salt Spring Inn. Reservations might be needed! Today is the final day of the Salt Spring Island Painters Guild show, Impressions, at ArtSpring (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). If you haven't made it by, here, then try to catch it today. From August 8 to 28, ArtSpring showcases Purely Pastel, the 16th annual Open Juried Exhibition by Pastel Artists Canada (PAC). A workshop will also be offered. Contact Gail Sibley at 250-537- 0838 for details. Way Cool Summer Nights continues with Amarcord on August 11th, the Helge Lien Trio on August 18th, and Orchid Ensemble on the 23rd, and Swarm on the 26th. Mark your calendars, and contact ArtSpring for information/tickets. See you there!
August 5, 2007.
Here's an authentic Schubart design, on prestigious Scott Point Drive, awaiting your pleasure. Updated, in 2006, the property retains its original charm. H. Schubart studied under Frank Lloyd Wright, and he moved to Salt Spring in the 60s. His homes are classic organic "west coast" style, and blend the very best of Scananavian simplicity with a sense of Japanese natural design. This gem sits on a wonderful "point" of land, and the views are exceptional -- one truly "sees forever". Don't overlook this beauty. See Li for appointments to view.
August 4, 2007. This is the B.C. Day Holiday Weekend (always the first Monday in August), so the Island is busy with lots of interesting events. This morning, there's a parade in Ganges (a pipe band, the Shriners, the Classic Car Club, etc. etc.), to mark the 100th Anniversary of Mouat's Store. The Saturday Market in the Park is on, of course, plus lots of studios open, all of the galleries, and special events throughout the day, in the park area beside the Boardwalk / adjacent to Thrifty's Foods. Enjoy! It's Summer!
August 3, 2007. Don't forget to check out my monthly market analysis (under the "listing portfolio" category on the main menu of my site), and my quarterly newsletter (under the "Li Read" category on the main menu of my website). Along with this "blog" daily entry segment, I cover the shifts and swells, up or down, of the real estate marketplace on Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands, in both the market analysis section and the newsletter category. "See Li for Successful Solutions" is my logo. My desire is to place my clients interests first, and I endeavour to do this, in my business ethics. Please call me, whether a seller or a buyer, for the very best in real estate service. The top selling realtor, for the past 9 years (verifiable statistics), on Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands, my extensive market knowledge (successfully selling real estate on the Gulf Islands since 1989) is there for your benefit. I look forward to your call! Li Read, Managing Broker, RE/MAX Salt Spring 1-800-731-7131 FAX: 250-537-4287 www.liread.com
August 2, 2007. A recent real estate company's profiling of market trends finds evidence that buyers are willing to pay more for a secondary home residence than for their primary home space. This might be explained by the sense that these buyers may be choosing their future retirement property, and so are willing to invest more $$ in the purchase and renovation, if needed, of same. This might be why secondary home marketplaces are retaining values that city marketplaces may not be experiencing. If so, is this the much touted boomer retirement cycle? Whenever they bulged through various societal markers, the boomers, by sheer numbers, recreated the rule book at those bench marks. Now it's the retirement years, and the trend is just beginning. Your thoughts?
August 1, 2007. "Relaxation Is total peace." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")