December 31, 2007. "Who Owns What? Who owns what in these enclosures? Whose the mountain besieged to the very top, the patient walls, yellow wheat, almond trees? Would this fine domain be yours, yours the house, the precious pond, the child who cries on the lawn? Ah, who can keep in his hands the crumbling walls, the immutable flower, dismantled estates and dried up wells? Who will read dead families' names on the moss-grown forgotten graves? And wind, and rocks, and death, whose are they?" (Andre Frenaud, French poet (translated by Paulene Aspel) BBC news reports : Emerging giants spur telecom boom Artic summers ice-free 'by 2013' How next billion will shape net New meat-eating dinosaur unveiled
December 30, 2007.
Looking for an exceptional and private waterfront retreat? Tranquility at lakeside, with wonderful and natural forest perimiter, seasonal creek, and private walking trails! All day sun, here, with sunrises and sunsets! Organic orchard! The main home offers a private "suite", too. There's a separately sited guest cottage, and a separately sited guest studio, plus a separate office, and a meditation space. Close to the only organic golf course in North America, and to the Salt Spring Centre (an Ayurvedic & spiritual retreat), this eleven plus acres is a true gem. The perfect corporate retreat, or family compound, or???...how about the "college of the pacific, on salt spring island" (showcasing the digital world? an art college? a writer's retreat? a spiritual retreat? you decide!). Just move in and experience this truly tranquil lifestyle. See Li for appointments to view. It's breath-taking!
December 29, 2007. "Learning is the fountain of youth. No matter how old you are, You mustn't stop growing." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations"). BBC news reports : Radio has picture perfect future UBS post fresh $10bn write-down Brain 'irrelevance filter' found Central banks act on credit fears Afgan women make call for peace
December 28, 2007. Looking for places to celebrate New Year's Eve? One suggestion is the Rock Salt Cafe, in Fulford Village -- it offers a special three course dinner -- if you wish to have paired wines, with each course, the cost is slightly higher. Dine beside the seaside, and enjoy Bruce the Chef's fresh fare! More suggestions? See Li! If you prefer to be at home, to welcome in the New Year with family and friends, or just to say hello to 2008 quietly, on your own, don't forget to turn on T.V., just before midnight, & watch the fireworks from Seattle's Space Needle -- it's an extravaganza, each year! Have you checked your Asian horoscope? Although the Asian New Year is celebrated in February, it's the Year of the Rat, in 2008. How does your sign fare? Fun to read about it! And your New Year resolutions are????
December 27, 2007.
Superb "as new" home, on oceanfront acreage -- like living in the south of France! Sunny (s/sw/w exposures), private and quiet, with easy access to the beach below (warm ocean swimming in this area!). Beautiful living room, library off, large country kitchen, office, cosy den, three ensuite bedrooms, plus two further bed/and bath. Sep. laundry, double garage, easy-care landscaping. A classic country home design, custom built by one of Salt Spring's best contractors. Ready to just move into, and enjoy the special Salt Spring lifestyle! See Li for more details, and appointments to view.
December 26, 2007. "Give back what you've learned. Share your experience." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") BBC news reports : Providers question 'neutral net' Paddington Bear's birthday book Generosity 'may be in the genes'
December 25, 2007.
Merry Christmas!
December 24, 2007. Christmas traditions live in each country -- all a little different. In Canada, a bilingual and two cultures country, at the federal level, it's interesting to borrow the French tradition of Christmas Eve -- gift giving and feasting and a remembering of the spiritual basis of Christmas, with the Midnight Mass. A special menu, and the piece de resistance, the centrepiece of the table, the Buche de Noel. The first carol is considered to be The First Noel, a French carol tradition. Whatever the tradition, the joy and the sharing and the thoughtfulness and the spirit of bonhomie are there, palpable, and a part of all that makes us human and caring. Tradition brings with it the past, and the remembering of those no longer with us. It also encourages the new to be a part of the past and the present, with a promise for the future. Take time for whatever traditions create your life and remember them, for what they are -- touchstones and guides. Be merry!
December 23, 2007.
Exceptional oceanfront home, "as new", with all the charm of the Edwardian era plus the essentials of the 21st Century lifestyle. Three ensuite bedrooms, wonderful "great room" living/dining, cook's dream kitchen, private office, library/morning room, elegant staircase to upper level (storey and a half design), beautiful window treatments, cherry wood floors, etc. etc. etc. You will love this gem! The plus? It's ready to go, if you desire an elevator to be added to the home (space is all prepared for it). Another plus? An award-winning separate oceanview guest cottage -- truly sweet! Private, sunny (s/sw/w exposures), dramatic panoramic ocean and mountain vistas -- it doesn't get any better! The other plus? It's located on special Salt Spring Island! Call Li today, for your appointment to view this beauty.
December 22, 2007. "Let no pleasure tempt thee, no profit allure thee, no ambition compel thee, no example sway thee, no persuasion move thee to do anything which thou knowest to be evil; so shall thee always live jollily, for a good conscience is a continual Christmas." (Benjamin Franklin) BBC news reports : The future is bright for LEDs Osteoporosis 'link to depression' The final frontier for solar energy
December 21, 2007. Today is the last day for the Art for the Rainforest Exhibit & Silent Auction, from 10 to 5 p.m. Some of Salt Spring's best artists have showcased, here, and have expressed the dynamic, diverse and passionate ways they see the natural world -- it's at ArtSpring! The auction is to benefit Salt Spring's threatened creekside rainforest. Don't forget Calvin's special Christmas menu -- yes, turkey is on it, but there are lots of other choices, including a special Swiss dessert! The Rock Salt Cafe, in Fulford Village, is also showcasing a special three course dinner menu, for the holiday season, and they're also featuring a New Year's Eve celebration -- reservations essential! On Dec. 23rd, at 4 p.m., at All Saints, in Ganges Village, the Anglican parish on the Island will present The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. The Second Annual Community Christmas Celebration, with events for the whole family, will be held on Dec. 23rd, at 6:30 p.m., at Community Gospel Chapel on Vesuvius Bay Road. Did you know that you can make a donation to support the Community Hospital, when you go through the cashier at GVM? Every donation made to the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation lights up the Christmas Tree and supports excellent patient care on Salt Spring. The Tree Lighting takes place on Dec. 22nd., with hot chocolate and carols, at 4:30 p.m. Remember to pause, at this time of year, to remember those who have helped you along the way, whether or not they're still present in the world, to do some small gifts of attention, for those who find themselves alone and possibly sad, and to enjoy the traditional festivities, that bring a warm feeling of continuity to our lives. On a crisp/clear evening, remember to look skyward, and enjoy the stars! Be calm. Remember the four candles of Advent: love, joy, hope, and peace.
December 20, 2007.
A super oceanfront, a "point of land", with exceptional panoramic ocean/islands/mountain vistas, awaits your pleasure! An original H. Schubart design (he studied with Frank Lloyd Wright, before arriving on Salt Spring Island), this open plan "west coast" style home has all the engaging Schubart touches! Three bed/three bath (the garden level offers a separate guest "suite"), separate oceanview office, and a foreshore licence in place (build your dock, and keep your boat at home!). Your spirit will soar here! Located on prestigious Scott Point, and close to everything, yet in its own serene world. Enjoy!
December 19, 2007.
December 18, 2007. "All that we experience is subjective. There is no sensation without interpretation. We create the world and ourselves; Only when we stop do we see the truth." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") CNN news report : No free ride for subprimers BBC news reports : Better data protection 'required' Light to shrink computer clusters Inactivity link to mental decline
December 17, 2007.
Beautiful land, a mix of coastal forest preserve and lovely Garry Oak & Arbutus (Madrona) groves, with bluff waterfront and also lowbank foreshore -- it has it all, here! An appealing Schubart original cottage style home, upgraded by current owners, while retaining the charm of Schubart's design ethic (he studied with Frank Lloyd Wright). Easy access to a superb dock, potential to build anew, closer to the ocean, private walking/hiking trails, pond, and garden areas. This magical property offers total privacy, good all day sun/year round, and spectacular panoramic ocean and island vistas! The Olympic Mountains can be seen from here, too! It doesn't get any better -- see Li for appointments to view this true estate style 9+ acres, with over 700 feet of oceanfront, and enjoy!
December 16, 2007. "The Oxen Christmas Eve, and twelve of the clock. "Now they are all on their knees," An elder said as we sat in a flock By the embers in hearthside ease. We pictured the meek mild creatures where They dwelt in their strawy pen, Nor did it occur to one of us there To doubt they were kneeling then. So fair a fancy few would weave In these years! Yet, I feel If someone said on Christmas Eve, "Come; see the oxen kneel, "In the lonely barton by yonder coomb Our childhood used to know," I should go with him in the gloom, Hoping it might be so." (Thomas Hardy: "The Oxen"). BBC news reports : UK interest rates trimmed to 5.5% Zimbabwean in bank note 'insult' Global shares hit as financial crisis spreads
December 15, 2007.
Looking for a sweetheart of a retreat cottage? A true summer/weekender, on prestigious Scott Point, with all day sun (s/sw/w exposures -- sunsets, here!) awaits your pleasure. An appealing renovated one bedroom and loft character cedar cottage, hot tub, lots of decking to expand summer living pleasures, plus a secluded and sunny deck at oceanside (al fresco dining, here?). Fenced garden, private and tranquil -- recharge, here! The plus? Close to all amenities, and you can walk home from the Vancouver to Long Harbour ferry! See Li for appointments to view.
December 14, 2007. "And numerous indeed are the hearts to which Christmas brings a brief season of happiness and enjoyment. How many families, whose members have been dispersed and scattered far and wide, in the restless struggles of life, are then reunited, and meet once again in that happy state of companionship and mutual goodwill, which is a source of such pure and unalloyed delight; and one so incompatible with the cares and sorrows of the world, that the religious belief of the most civilized nations, and the rude traditions of the roughest savages, alike number it among the first joys of a future condition of existence, provided for the blessed and happy! How many old recollections, and how many dormant sympathies, does Christmas time awaken!" (Charles Dickens: "Pickwick Papers"). BBC news reports : Productivity lift for US economy Broadband digital divide looms The Bard helps digital experiment
December 13, 2007.
Spectacular oceanfront home, in a prime neighbourhood of quality homes, ready to just move into and enjoy! Easy steps down to protected bay (year round moorage potential here, and foreshore licence in place -- build your dock and keep your boat at home!). Master suite, custom designed home was extensively renovated in 2002, cook's kitchen, cosy den off, formal living/dining, office area, plus two guest bedrooms/bath, and lots of storage, and a super self-contained one bedroom "suite", with own entrance. Lots of decking, totally deer-fenced, and easy-care stylish landscaping. Sunny (s/sw/w) and private, on comm. water system, totally new septic system in place, and beautifully maintained home, with panoramic ocean views. It doesn't get any better, and it's at a "best buy" price! See Li today for an appointment to view this gem!
December 12, 2007. Still looking for that unusual holiday gift? The 32nd Annual Wintercraft show continues at Mahon Hall until Dec. 22nd (open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). A benefit for Salt Spring's threatened Creekside Rainforest is at ArtSpring Gallery, with an opening reception on the 15th, from 3 to 6 p.m. Called Art for the Rainforest, the exhibit and silent auction runs from Dec. 15 to 21. See you there! Volunteers are needed for the Christmas bird count -- this has been sponsored by the Salt Spring Island Trail and Nature Club, for the past 20 years. Call Gil Shultz, at 537-9469, if you'd like to participate or would like further information. P.S. There's a special need for counters in the Ganges area, including Brinkworthy. Bears are your thing? Wonderful antique bears, too, can be found at Rona Robbins' "The Upstairs Bears", at Suite A, 121 McPhillips Ave. Call Rona for Gallery hours, or appointments to view (538- 0964). Salt Spring Vineyards celebrated their 10th anniversary on Dec.1st! December wine-tasting hours: Dec. 15th to the 23rd (from noon to 5 p.m.), plus on Dec. 29th. Call ahead, for other days/times (at 653-9463). Morley Myers Gallery's Open House is on the 15th, from 1 to 8 p.m., and is also showing new work by Deboragh Gainer. The Gallery is located at # 7 - 315 Upper Ganges Road (or, phone: 537- 4898). An extra day for the Fulford Community Hall's Christmas Fair (due to being "snowed out" on Dec. 1st & 2nd!) -- from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the 15th (don't forget to bring a donation to the food bank). Looking for some things to support, over the holiday? The Salvation Army, the Food Bank, the Copper Kettle are just some of the groups needing your help and donations. The SPCA is another one! Transitions House is another option. Reach out and offer your help to those who need it most. Have you done the off-island "evening adventure" to appreciate the lights of Ladysmith? Or, the Butchart's Gardens wonderful lighting? Both of these will put you in the Christmas spirit, visually! More suggestions? See Li! Enjoy the season! BBC news reports : When a dollar a day means 25 cents Burned foods linked to cancers
December 11, 2007. A Winter Meal "Linguine with greens and sea vegetable sauce ingredients: 1 pound linguine 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 1 shallot, peeled and chopped 1/2 red or green jalapeno, seeded and minced 14-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes 3 cups vegetable stock or water 1 large bunch of collared greens, stems removed, leaves washed and chopped 1/4 cup dulce (seaweed) Serves Four * cook the linguine until al dente * heat the olive oil in a large soup pot, add the garlic, shallot, and jalapeno pepper and gently saute until softened * add the tomatoes with their juice and mash with a spoon or potato masher * now, add the vegetable stock or water and bring to a boil * once boiling, add the chopped collard greens and simmer for 45 minutes * once cooked, remove and reserve the greens and whole tomatoes, but leave the broth * snip dried pieces of seaweed into the pot with a pair of scissors -- dulce, the purple seaweed from the North Atlantic, works well. Reduce the liquid over high heat for about 15 minutes until you have a slightly thickened, intensely flavored broth * toss the broth with reserved greens, tomatoes, and cooked linguine and serve immediately. Cauliflower with mustard cream: ingredients: 1 large head of cauliflower 1 teaspoon butter 1 shallot, peeled and finely chopped 1 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 2 teaspoons capers Garnish with chopped fresh summer savory, if available Serves Four * bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the cauliflower * bring back to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the cauliflower for about 10 - 15 minutes until you can easily penetrate its core with a knife. Remove from the pot and drain. * when it's cool enough to handle, cut the cauliflower into florets and set aside * heat the butter in a saucepan, add the shallot, and saute until browned * add the cream and cook until the liquid has reduced by half * swirl in mustard, then add the cauliflower and capers * cook for a few more minutes, then add salt and pepper to taste and garnish with a teaspoon of savory. Grated beet salad with apple: Ingredients: 2 medium-sized Granny Smith apples, peeled and coarsely grated 2 medium-sized raw beets, peeled and grated 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced balsamic vinegar to taste extra virgin olive oil salt to taste Serves Four * put the grated apples and beets in a bowl and toss with the garlic and balsamic vinegar * drizzle with the oil and season to taste before serving." ("Three Bowl Cookbook: The Secrets of Enlightened Cooking from the Zen Mountain Center" by David Scott & Tom Pappas). BBC news reports : Monitors denounce Russia election 'Tis the season of ostentation
December 10, 2007.
Looking for a special place to call your own? This is your home! Perfect for a couple, especially a professional couple, working from home, or as a family retreat. Sunrises and sunsets from this gem, as it's on a level "ridge", and has ocean/islands/mountain views to the east and hills and valleys to the west. A private master wing, vaulted ceilings in the dramatic living and offset library area, feature stone fireplace, wonderful kitchen, with formal dining off, plus a great solarium space. Guest bath and bedrooms, sep. laundry, powder room, formal entry/foyer complete this main level. The lower (daylight) level offers games room, further guest/bath, lots of storage, wine room, terrific workshop space. Home occupation? Here's the place! Lots of view decking, and patio areas, to expand summer living pleasures. Fenced organic garden and orchard, and the property is zoned for guest cottage and studio. This is a beauty, with many unique features -- see Li for appointments! Close to everything, yet in its own natural and serene world. Enjoy!
December 9, 2007. "Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all, and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, who did NOT die, he was a second father. He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man as the good old City knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough in the good old world. Some people laughed to see the alteration in him, but he let them laugh, and little heeded them; for he was wise enough to know that nothing every happened on this globe, for good, at which some people did not have their fill of laughter in the outset; and knowing that such as these would be blind anyway, he thought it quite as well that they should wrinkle up their eyes in grins as have the malady in less attractive forms. His own heart laughed, and that was quite enough for him. He had no further intercourse with Spirits, but lived upon the Total Abstinence Principle ever afterwards; and it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that truly be said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, GOD BLESS US, EVERY ONE!" (Charles Dickens: "A Christmas Carol").
December 8, 2007. Looking for some "tried and true" videos to watch, this holiday season? Don't forget "Local Hero" -- a lovely tale. What about "My Favorite Year"? Peter O'Toole is a winner, in this one! Never seen "Ruthless People"? Bette Midler at her best! If your video store has some PBS specials on the shelf, don't overlook "Jewel in the Crown", or "Brideshead Revisited", or "The Forsyte Saga". Stuck with regular T.V.?? "It's a Wonderful Life", with Jimmy Stewart, is a timeless tale, as is "Miracle on 34th Street", with Natalie Wood as an engaging child, on the search for Santa. Another great humor tour de force? "My Cousin Vinney" fits the bill! The wonderful "Gosford Park" is another special world to involve yourself in, and "The Remains of the Day" is another one. How about Steve Martin? "My Blue Heaven" and "L.A. Story" are not to be missed! And, of course, at Christmas time, it's the Alistair Sim version of the Charles Dickens classic, "A Christmas Carol". Nothing wrong, either, with watching the fireplace channel, and lighting candles, and dreaming dreams at this season that encourages both peace and goodwill. Watch the stars, too, on these crisp & clear nights...enjoy! BBC news report : Rudd takes Australia inside Kyoto
December 7, 2007.
Love authentic character homes? Looking for a rural lifestyle? Here's a Mayne Island gem, with panoramic vistas over Miner's Bay & Active Pass, and with an excellent water source/good all day sun! Walk to the charming "village", for all your necessities, and enjoy winding down to a less frantic lifestyle. This gem of a character home has been lovingly restored and maintained, by current owners. They have operated a successful B & B, here, if that's your pleasure! More details? See Li!
December 6, 2007. "Why were the saints, saints? Because they were cheerful when it was difficult to be cheerful, patient when it was difficult to be patient, and because they pushed on when they wanted to stand still, and kept silent when they wanted to talk, and were agreeable when they wanted to be disagreeable. That was all. It was quite simple and always will be." (Anonymous) BBC news report : US sub-prime mortgage aid close
December 5, 2007.
Here's a custom designed and pleasing oceanfront home, awaiting your pleasure. With 16 foot ceilings, and dramatic window treatments, this European style home enjoys superb panoramic ocean/islands/mountain vistas, has easy access to a great walk-on beach (seasonal moorage potential, here, too), and is close to walking/hiking trails. At the tranquil "south end" of special Salt Spring, close to all amenities, yet in its own private and serene world, this gem is ready to just move into, and enjoy! Sunrises and sunsets, from here.
December 4, 2007. "You may be capable of great things, But life consists of small things." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
December 3, 2007. Dining out? Celebrate the Season at the Rock Salt Cafe, in Fulford Village. A special seasonal menu is in place from today through to Dec. 23rd ($28 per person). Brunch on Boxing Day runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Brunch will also be served, same times, on New Year's Day. New Year's Eve at the Rock Salt will celebrate Bruce the Chef's culinary adventure (3 courses) -- $35 per person, or $75 with well-matched wines. Reservations encouraged (653-4833). Calvin's Greek Festival runs through to December 8th, and then their Christmas dinner menu will be in effect, through to the 23rd (regular menu available, too). Harbour House offers traditional Christmas Dinner, on the 25th, with two seatings (5 p.m. or 7 p.m.) -- reserve now, before it sells out! Did you know? Moby's Pub is under new management -- new menu/new attitude. Check it out! Salt Spring Inn offers seasonal delights, and regular menu, too. Piccolo's for something truly special -- remember their dessert menu, too! Artist's Bistro and Auntie Pesto's await your pleasure, in Grace Point Square. Seaside Kitchen, in Vesuvius, Jada's Bakeshop in the Upper Village, TJ Beans in Ganges Village, Rogue Cafe across from Moby's -- all places to drop into for coffee, teas, light meals, desserts. Lunch and more? TLC in Harbour Centre (formerly Gasoline Alley) is the place! Pomodoro's Pizza, in Ganges Village, next door to the Kitchen Shop -- yes, it's good! Your choices? Let me know!
December 2, 2007. If you missed Santa's arrival by floatplane, yesterday, then you have another opportunity to welcome him to Salt Spring -- be down by the Coast Guard dock, at approximately 7 p.m., on Dec. 8th, to greet Santa and his elves, arriving by boat. Visit Santa at the SS Elementary School afterwards. See you there! The Burgoyne United Church Carol Service is on Dec. 9th, at 2 p.m. (readings and carols). Symphonic Swing, with Salt Spring's Concert Band, at ArtSpring, 8 p.m., on Dec. 14 & 15 -- not to be missed! Carols for Christmastide is at All Saints at 10:10 a.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 19th. Enjoy! Community Carol Sing-Along is at ArtSpring, Dec. 21st, at 7 p.m. Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is at All Saints, Sunday, Dec. 23rd, at 6:30 p.m. Wintercraft, the annual show and sale of arts and crafts by island guild members runs from Dec. 7th to 22nd, at Mahon Hall, in Ganges Village. Check this out! You still have time to take in the Beaver Point Christmas Craft Fair, too, on today, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Fulford Hall Christmas Craft Fair ends today -- it's open from 9 a.m. to noon. Enjoy the festivities of the season! Remember, too, to be generous with the Food Bank, the Salvation Army, the Copper Kettle, and other worthwhile charities. In the spirit of the season! BBC news report : US woes prompt more dollar misery
December 1, 2007. "Feasting is the flame in mid-winter That kindles the fire of friendship And strengthens the community." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
Entries from Past Months
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
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April 2006
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February 2006
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December 2005
November 2005
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