February 29, 2008. It's a "leap year"! "Life is like an hourglass. Consciousness is the sand." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
February 28, 2008
Beautiful custom designed and built home, with that "Spanish thing" -- you can't tell from the street what the interior holds! Maximum privacy, then, to the neighbours. This quality home enjoys superb ocean vistas towards the San Juans -- see Mt. Baker's majesty from here! Easy access to the walk on beach (summer moorage, here!). Sixteen foot ceilings in the formal entry/foyer, in the open plan entertainment size living/dining, in the country kitchen, and in the dramatic master bedroom. The main level also offers separate laundry, guest bath, and a great workshop (artist? woodworker?). Double garage -- keep those classic cars at home! Lower (daylight) level offers family room/den, plus guest bedroom, and a wonderful office (is there a writer out there??), plus bathroom. Views from all principal rooms await your pleasure! Oceanside deck expands summer living. Sunrises and sunsets, from this one! Close to park and walking/hiking trails, and just minutes to all amenities at Ganges and Fulford Villages. Enjoy!
February 27, 2008 BBC news reports : SocGen's controls 'lacked depth' US Fed slashes growth forcasts Death knell for 125% mortgages? Music 'can aid stroke recovery' Map pinpoints disease 'hotspots' Xbox to deliver community games Brain control headset for gamers
February 26, 2008 BBC news reports : China inflation hits 11-year high Credit Suisse traders suspended US consumer confidence plummets Tense wait for UK banks' results How the PS3 led Blu-ray's triumph 'Cancer link' to heavy mobile use First stars 'may have been dark' The towns where people live the longest
February 25, 2008.
Here's a wonderful lakefront acreage, with approximately 300 feet of easy access shoreline for your summer pleasures! In treed, "natural state", awaiting your development ideas! Enjoy your own forest, open up a more pastoral aspect with some development, and enjoy the serene vistas over St. Mary Lake. Quiet, private, exceptional. A "best buy" for superb lakefront, on special Salt Spring Island! Develop your dream, here.
February 24, 2008. "Feasting is the flame in mid-winter That kindles the fire of friendship And strengthens the community." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
February 23, 2008. Give Literacy A Lift! Join Valdy and Arthur Black and local guests at ArtSpring on the 24th, at 2:30 p.m. Open admission; donation appreciated. Presented by Salt Spring Literacy & co-sponsored by Salt Spring Public Library. The Baltimore Consort performs at ArtSpring on the 29th, at 8 p.m. Don't miss this! Moby's Marine Pub (under new management) offers a CD release party for Soul Shakedown, from 9 p.m. to midnight, on the 23rd. Jazz tonight at Cafe El Zocalo, from 7 to 10 p.m., as part of Jazz Saturdays. Sunday, the 24th, finds the Flora Scott Trio playing their brand of jazz at the Salt Spring Inn (6 to 9 p.m.). Islanders are welcome to join Pangea: An evening of music, film and dreams for a unified planet earth at ArtSpring, next week. Featuring Aaron Ableman, Afia Walking Tree, Jaime RT, Iroko, Cleo, Briony Penn and Brian Nash, Pangea is a fun-filled community event celebrating the wonders of nature, stories, music and food. It runs Saturday, March 1st, beginning at 7:30 p.m., with proceeds going to the Save Salt Spring Rainforest land purchase. Be there!
February 22, 2008. "When you see anyone weeping for grief, either that his son has gone abroad or that he has suffered in his affairs, take care not to be overcome by the apparent evil, but discriminate and be ready to say, "What hurts this man is not this occurrence itself -- for another man might not be hurt by it -- but the view he chooses to take of it." As far as conversation goes, however, do not disdain to accomodate yourself to him and, if need be, to groan with him. Take heed, however, not to groan inwardly, too." (Epictetus, Greek philosopher, c 60 to c 138, B.C.): "The Enchiridion"
February 21, 2008.
Here's a truly sweet property, at Salt Spring's special "south end". The 4+ acres is only one of twelve acreages on this quarter section valley area. Each parcel has a 1/12th share in an almost 80 acre park reserve (one boundary of this property fronts on the reserve). Walk your own trails! With a requirement for only organic gardening, one can enjoy this pastoral area, with excellent all day sun/year round. Just minutes from all amenities, yet in its own wonderfully serene world. Close to parks, hiking/walking trails, beach accesses, galleries/shopping, ferry, yet quietly itself. The "west coast" style cottage/home (2 bed/2 bath, open plan living/dining/kitchen, sep. laundry, mudroom entry, too, with easy access to decking/garden areas) was built in the late 90s. There's a separate studio space, a double garage/carport, plus fenced veggie garden/potting shed, plus another outbuilding. A mix of forest/meadow, and easy care landscaping. Just move in and enjoy! A very "best buy" price, too.
February 20, 2008. An interesting place, this 21st Century! In real estate, it's clearly "under construction", as far as how to best connect with a client. First, the internet erased time & geography, and allowed anyone/anywhere to contact a realtor, directly, wherever that buyer wished to go. Effectively, this ended the "referral base" that had been offered by some global real estate companies, and leveled the playing field between franchise agencies and "small office(s)". It also made the mls system less valid, as new information based agencies, with specific duties (house values, house solds, house just listed, etc.) came onstream. Websites were mostly about individual realtors experience and expertise, and links to municipal venues (chamber of commerce, school boards, retail associations, tourism, etc.) filled in the information base about a specific area. Now, however, with the segue into what is popularly called Web 2.0, we have another layer to this developing communication wave that is still in its beginning stages. Internet communication is becoming ever more personal, and emphasizes the input of the consumer. The passivity of the "T.V." experience, of early websites, with static information presented to a viewer, has given way to blogs and to podcasts and to video postings, with lots of scope for response from consumers. This interactive/two way street may be the signal of the true beginnings of this Information Age, and the immediacy of a connection, between real people, in real time, in a virtual world. So, once again the initial queries that popped up, in the late 90s, in the hype of the dot.com growth explosion, are back for more in- depth perusal. If everything is "up" on the net, and everything is "known", and anyone can have input, at any time, then what is a "standard"? If the most popular internet information site is wikipedia, which inputs a users information, and no one checks its validity (until another user might spot an inaccuracy), what is the benchmark for "truth"? Something that was overlooked, in the latter years of the 20th Century, was philosophy. Great minds have wrestled over serious questions, from the Ancient Greeks (who "invented" the basis of Western Civilization) to now. Perhaps a requirement of all educational systems, at this time, should be the study of philosophy, and the accompanying search for an ethical base of discovery/lifestyle. An educational system, based on philosophical search principles, would create a mind able to discern. If we are awash in data, anyone's data, this seems to be the death knell of a control based system (such as a tribal or centralist government model). This is perhaps a very good thing. However, if anyone's opinion is the same value as everyone's opinion, then what opinion can be held to be "true"? For me, information means a basis of fact, and then everything can spring from that. To create facts out of data, one needs that editing function of the intellect. Mmmmmm....lots of blogs out there, lots of opinion, lots of thought. The mind observing same is engaged...thoughtfully? Or, just as a waste receptacle? A philosopher/psychologist, from the 1960s, who followed the Humanist aspects of psychiatry, Fritz Perls, wrote an interesting book: "In and Out the Garbage Pail". Your ideas? Always welcome!
February 19, 2008.
Looking for an exceptional hobby farm parcel? Here's a wonderful opportunity! Beaver Point Road location, close to two lakes, to hiking/walking trails and parkland, plus to ocean beaches. Mere minutes to charming Fulford Village, and the ferry to Victoria. "West Coast" home offers large living, open plan kitchen/dining, with solarium off, plus bedroom/bathroom, and separate laundry, plus mudroom entry/storage. Lower level has full bath, plus billiards/games room, and a media room. Greenhouse, cold storage, too. Barn, double garage/workshop, forest with your own trails, terrific orchard, fenced pasture (keep sheep or horses), ponds, artesian spring for water (lots of water, here, for gardening!), lavender field...it must be seen to be truly appreciated! Sunny (e/s/w exposures), privacy, a quiet area, close to all amenities, this gem awaits your pleasure. Don't delay, here, as this is one of those rare parcels! Be self-sufficient, on special Salt Spring Island!
February 18, 2008. "When you drink water Remember its source." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
February 17, 2008.
Here's a beauty, awaiting your pleasure! The perfect retreat home for now, and a great retirement choice for later. On prestigious Scott Point, with all day sun/year round, and with exquisite finishing details! Private patio/garden, separate guest/studio, a master suite that enjoys a "tree house" ambiance, with great ocean views, and a cook's dream kitchen! Dock in place; keep your boat at home! Panoramic ocean/islands vistas -- sunrises and sunsets, here. The perfect fishing is just seconds offshore, and kayakers will love this sea rich area -- lots of coves and inlets to explore. Ready to just move into and enjoy. Options for expansion, if desired. Don't miss this one -- truly a gem!
February 16, 2008. Mark your calendars! On March 1st, at All Saints By the Sea, Jazz and Blues will be featuring Brent Jarvis, from Victoria, playing in a trio with Buff Allen and Kenny Lister. Don't miss this, if you're a jazz fan! Tonight, at El Zocalo, enjoy more great jazz (Misha Piatigorsky). He's joined by Shaun Drabbitt and Kelby MacNayr, both well- known musicians on the south coast jazz scene. Music runs from 6:30 to 10 p.m. The Flora Scott Trio plays at Sunday Dinner Jazz at Salt Spring Inn, 6 to 9 p.m., on the 17th. For one night only, at ArtSpring, Black Umfolosi, a traditional Southern African men's a capella song and dance ensemble will perform. It's on Thursday, Feb. 21st, at 8 p.m. Call 537-2102 for ticket information. Mark your calendars, now, too, for Allison Crowe's Spring Show, on Saturday, March 22nd, at 8 p.m., at ArtSpring Theatre (call 537- 2102 for ticket info.), show to aid SSI BCSPCA. Enjoy! Valdy has offered his services as part of a benefit concert for the newly established Salt Spring Literacy Society. It's on Feb. 24, beginning at 2:30 p.m., at ArtSpring. This Sunday (the 17th) there's a concert at ArtSpring, starting at 2:30 p.m., with a pre-concert chat at 1:30 p.m., featuring singers Ben Butterfield and Anne Grimm, and pianist Kinza Tyrell. The music they have chosen to perform ranges far afield from their mutual passion for the Baroque. Ticket info. at 537-2102. Don't miss this! Enjoy!
February 15, 2008.
Here's the "best buy" waterfront on Salt Spring Island, awaiting your pleasure! Designed by H. Schubart (noted architect, who studied with Frank Lloyd Wright, and who moved to Salt Spring from California), recently updated/renovated by current owner, this three bedroom/two bathroom "west coast style" gem also has a separate oceanside guest "suite", plus an oceanside separate office. Lots of view decking, plus a foreshore licence -- build your dock and keep your boat at home! In prestigious Scott Point area, with a "mini-point" style property, this site enjoys one of the most spectacular ocean vistas on the Island! Sunny (s/sw/w exposures), private, and easy to expand floor plan, if desired. Just move in, and enjoy! Listed at appraised value. This really is the "good buy"!
February 14, 2008. Happy Valentine's Day!
February 13, 2008. Valentine's Dinner (reservations, please!) at Calvin's, and at Auntie Pesto's, plus at the Fulford Pub & at Oystercatcher. The Salt Spring Inn offers Sunday Dinner Jazz, from 6 to 9 p.m., and El Zocalo continues their jazz offerings, too. The Salt Spring Island Historical Society presents "The Lee Families of Salt Spring Island", at Central Hall, at 2 p.m., today. Coffee and tea to follow the 30 to 45 minute presentation, by Gordon Lee. Everyone welcome! Salt Spring Woodworks annual sale is underway -- check out this treasure trove of custom designed furniture by local Island and B.C. artisans(open 11 to 5, Thursday to Sunday). Sale continues to Feb. 29th. You love to write? Here's an opportunity to create prose or poetry, inspired by a phrase from St. Paul's Letter to the Corinthians. Seth Berkowitz, of Galleons Lap gallery-atelier is one of the creators of this "Through A Glass Darkly" collaborative show, with photographers and writers, to open on March 19th, at ArtSpring. Contact George Sipos (george@artspring.ca) for more details. All Salt Spring writers are invited to submit original work, arising from this short phrase, by Feb. 15th. Some of the submissions will be selected and printed and mounted, to hang with the photographs in the exhibition. There is no entry fee for submissions. Not too late to sign up for one of the Continuing Education classes - - call the Community Services number, and see what's still 'open'. Some Spring cleaning is in order? Pass along unworn clothing, unread books, CDs no longer listened to...instead of a garage sale, what about the Thrift Shop, the Salvation Army, the other fundraisers? Or, if it is a garage sale, the proceeds all go to Childrens Miracle Network (all funds raised in B.C. go to the B.C. Children's Hospital). This is a community endeavour -- just recently, two children from Salt Spring have been helped at B.C. Children's Hospital. "Pass it on"...it's a good motto! Have you been walking the Ganges Village environs, as part of your 30 minutes of daily exercise? Wave, if you see me!
February 12, 2008. "Pad Thai Noodles: 1/4 cup sunflower oil 4 eggs lightly beaten 6 oz. dried thick rice noodles, soaked in warm water for 5 minutes, then drained 3 cups curly kale or other leafy green, tough central core removed and leaves coarsely chopped 1/4 cup tamarind paste or 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice 1/4 cup sweet chile sauce 1/4 cup light soy sauce 1 cup freshly grated carrot 1 cup bean sprouts, trimmed and rinsed To serve: 1/3 cup roasted peanuts, chopped 4 scallions, finely sliced cilantro leaves Serves 4 Heat a wok until very hot, then add the oil. Add the eggs and noodles and stir-fry for about 2 minutes, until the eggs are lightly scrambled. Add the remaining ingredients and stir-fry for a further 3 - 5 minutes, until the noodles are cooked. Divide between 4 warmed bowls and serve sprinkled with the peanuts, scallions, and cilantro." (New Vegetarian: bold and beautiful recipes for every occasion (celia brooks brown with photography by philip webb)
February 11, 2008. Over the last couple of months, I have every now and then put up a blog entry of BBC News links. I find their site to be very informative & their coverage to be balanced. I recommend you visit http://news.bbc.co.uk on a regular basis, you can really learn a lot on their site. In these strange times, we live in, it is ever more important to remain informed about what is going on in the world. See something interesting on http://news.bbc.co.uk, email me the link to the article.
February 10, 2008. "Seize the mountain spirits, Make them divulge their secrets. Only with strength is there discovery." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
February 9, 2008.
Looking for the very best oceanview property on Salt Spring Island? Here it is! With exceptional design and finishing choices, this beautiful home also enjoys a superb panoramic ocean/islands/mountain viewscape, and an elegant floorplan. A country home with style! Incredible cook's dream kitchen, wine storage for a conoisseur, elegant dining, dramatic living with stone feature fireplace, library/den, with office off (could also be a guest "suite", full bath, separate laundry, welcoming entry/foyer, and powder room create a main level living space with distinction. Totally separate master ensuite with study, fireplace, and his and hers walk-in closets. Separate guest wing (self-sufficient!), with a dream bathroom and fireplace. Incredible storage, exercise room, garage for that classic car! Wonderful oceanview decking, with outdoor kitchen, outdoor fireplace, and a hot tub with a view. Sunny (s/sw/w exposures -- sunsets forever!), private, and zoned for separate guest cottage and separate studio. This is a truly unique and exceptional property, with dramatic ocean views from all principal rooms, and it's ready to just move into and enjoy! See Li for appointments to view.
February 8, 2008. In early February, annually, there's the RE/MAX Western Convention -- RE/MAX Western comprises the four western provinces (B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba), and this region is one of RE/MAX International's most prolific producers. The annual conference allows for a strong networking presence, and RE/MAX realtors from RE/MAX Atlantic, plus from all over the U.S., and from Europe and Mexico and South America turn up, to meet and share ideas, and to create and maintain a strong referral base. I try to attend each year, as it's a valuable source of buyer contacts, which is to the benefit of all of my sellers. This year, the conference is in Vancouver, from Feb. 7 to 9th. Already, I've made arrangements to meet with several realtors from various parts of the continent, to share ideas and to share knowledge of our areas. I look forward to presenting my listings, at this important venue. More details? Give me a call (1-800-731-7131). In early March, the RE/MAX International convention will be held in Las Vegas, and this, too, promises to be a very important venue, to meet the global entity that comprises RE/MAX International. Thousands of realtors will be in attendance, and it's a great opportunity to create awareness of my area, and to encourage referral business from the top producers in the industry. Want to know how this can benefit you? See Li!
February 7, 2008. Today is the beginning of the Chinese New Year. In 2008, it's the Year of the Rat, which is the beginning of the Twelve Year Cycle that makes up the Oriental zodiac. Each year has a different animal "totem". The Year of the Rat is characterized by innovation and in previous Rat years there have been such presentations as the Apple Macintosh, the launch of the first video- game console, & the invention of the CD-Rom. Major developments in entertainment and communication, & initiatives in health areas are also features of the Year of the Rat. It's not a year for standing still! How does it affect "your" animal sign? Pick up a Chinese Zodiac book from your bookstore, and see what's in store for your particular "sign". It's all in fun, of course! Still, it's interesting that the Rat Year is known for vibrancy and energy, a time for action and enterprise, and, for the individual, a time for opportunity. Mmmmm...and your plans are?
February 6, 2008. The Salt Spring Concert Band entertains on February 8th, with Symphonic Swing (Dawn Hage, director) and Swing Shift (Monik Nordine, director), starting at 8 p.m., at ArtSpring (ticket info. at 537-2102). See you there! Looking for a pet? Call the local S.P.C.A. office and inquire about their Adopt A Pet program. The rescued animal may be your "fur person"! Here's a different trip! Roman Road Walks presents "Photography in Italy's Countryside", with walks led by David Morton and photography workshop by Brian Smallshaw. The tour is limited to 6 participants, and runs from May 6 to 12. For more info., call 653-9778. On Saturday, Feb. 9th, enjoy the Salt Spring Jazz & Blues presentation of the Anne Schaefer Trio, at All-Saints-By-the-Sea. Concert starts at 8 p.m. -- tickets available at ArtSpring or Acoustic Planet Music, and at the door ($15 - $18). Calvin's Restaurant is open again, after their January "break". The Salt Spring Inn's kitchen is open till 10 p.m., daily. Piccolo's is open every night, except Monday and Tuesday, for exceptional dinner choices. Auntie Pesto's in Grace Point Square, the Harbour House Hotel, the Seaside Kitchen (Vesuvius) and the Rock Salt Cafe (Fulford) all offer great food and pleasing ambiance, too, and most restaurants will be offering special fare for Valentine's Day! Wave, if you see me! P.S. Don't forget Bruno Gonzalez's class in Conversational French, running from Feb. 12th to March 11th, 6 to 9 p.m., GISS Library. Call 537-0037, to sign up!
February 5, 2008.
Here's a gem of an oceanfront, on Fulford Harbour, with serene views, and a lovely walk-on sandy beach. Swim, here, and walk for "miles" when the tide is low. Authentic log home just needs some TLC in kitchen/bathroom renovations -- enjoy the stalwart country home ambiance. Private property, close to amenities, yet in its own tranquil world. A "south end" best buy awaits you!
February 4, 2008. BBC news reports : Rogue Trader to cost SocGen $7bn Deal reached on US economic plan US home sales 'see 25-year low' Rogue trader scandal broadens out On the trail of trader Kerviel New record for gold price at $923 Japanese inflation at decade high US-Russia economy talks planned Google profits disappoint market Microsoft wants to purchase Yahoo Microsoft and Yahoo's shotgun marriage US sees job cuts as economy cools Eurozone inflation at new record Vitamin E 'may ward off decline' Work stress 'changes your body' Pill 'has stopped 100,000 deaths' Good food 'boosts earning power' China growth reaches 13-year high Japan scare over China dumplings Food warnings amid China freeze Tuvalu struggles to hold back tide Secrets of bird flight revealed 'Doomsday' seeds arrive in Norway Climate 'could devastate crops' Warning over net address limits Web disturbances set to continue New cable cut compounds net woes Brazil Amazon deforestation soars Nazi 'death trains' exhibition opens How much is too much coffee? Luxury mansion is sold for 50m
February 3, 2008. Great news! Salt Spring now has its own bus/bus routes (click link for schedule). So, our own flag, our own currency, our own radio station, our own bus/transport, and...? Mmmm. The principality of Salt Spring Island? Please view the Bus Service brochure & contact infomation on my site at: Gulf Islands > Salt Spring > Bus Service. See Li for more details!
February 2, 2008.
Click on the photo to view a video about the above property hosted by me!
February 1, 2008. "Loneliness need not be despair. It could be an opportunity." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
Entries from Past Months
January 2008
December 2007
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
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April 2006
March 2006
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December 2005
November 2005
October 2005