July 31, 2006. "It is in the nature of all things that take form to dissolve again. Strive with your whole being to attain perfection." (Buddha, at his death).
July 30, 2006. Moka House coffee shop has new owners -- they've renamed this super space T.J. Beans, and it offers great coffee, great views, and great conversation. Drop by and meet the new owners, and enjoy the changes they've introduced -- specialty donuts, fresh to your plate, every Saturday! Enjoy! The Harbour House Hotel is introducing a new menu -- stop by for a great meal (open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.). The Tea Cozy, next to Centennial Park, is having an open house today. Enjoy their full English tea! This is an "authentic" treat, and not to be missed! Don't forget the Eco Home Tour, with 10 Island homes on display, on Sunday, August 6th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $25 each or 2 for $45. Buy them at Salt Spring Books, in Ganges or Morningside Bakery, in Fulford. Call 538-0318, for more details! There's still time to check out the great production of Romeo and Juliet, held in Mouat Park, and brought to life by Graffiti Theatre. August 3, 4, & 5th, at 7 p.m., are your remaining choices! Enjoy the summer pleasures!
July 29, 2006. Have you done the vineyard tours this year? Salt Spring Vineyards is offering some "specials" to entice you -- today is Heather's Bread Day at the vineyards. Looking for a picnic? Sunday, July 30th, finds cheese, pate, tapenade, smoked oysters, plus more, all available at the winery. On August 1st, there are extended vineyard and winery tours (1 p.m. & 3 p.m.). On August 2nd, there's Harry Warner & friends -- Celtic music from 2 to 4 p.m. On Thursday, August 4th, it's the first day for receiving blackberries (have you tried their award winning blackberry port yet???). On August 4th, it's Industry Day, and all wines are open. Meet Bill and Janice Harkley, and enjoy their wonderful vineyard creation. Tasted their Blanc do Noir yet? A great summer wine!
July 28, 2006. "I am not this fragile body." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations").
July 27, 2006. Richard Murakami, and his sister, have made a very generous offer to the community, re their gift of $750,000, towards "affordable housing". They recognize that the Trust left out of their equation, back in 1974, when the thrust of their work was to preserve the "park" on the Gulf Islands, the affordable housing concerns and the aging population. Please check into this wonderful gift to the sustainable community, and see how you might help to expedite the Murakami vision for the community and its less advantaged citizens. For more information, see Li!
July 26, 2006. "Wisdom and love have nothing to do with each other. Wisdom is staying alive, survival. You're wise if you don't stick your finger in the light plug. Love -- you'll stick your finger in anything." (director, Robert Altman).
July 25, 2006. Have you looked into the Official Community Plan review process? Are you making your thoughts known to the current Trustees??? See Li for details on how you can make your voice heard, and to have your thoughts for the community's future shared with other Islanders. Every voice and thought counts! Be heard!
July 24, 2006. "When you're fifty you start thinking about things you haven't thought about before. I used to think getting old was about vanity -- but actually it's about losing people you love. Getting wrinkles is trivial." (writer, Joyce Carol Oates).
July 23, 2006.
Here's the perfect "country charmer", awaiting your pleasure! On 5 pastoral acres, with a beautiful English Country home (3 bed/3 bath, formal living, country kitchen and dining, master/ensuite, mudroom/laundry, and lots of sunny decking and patio spaces, to expand summer living pleasures. Fenced orchard and veggie garden, workshop, pasture for a horse (or, keep sheep!), plus lovely forest perimeter. It's beautiful, and close to town, to lake, to beaches, and to hiking/walking trails. It's perfect! See Li for details!
July 22, 2006. "Another belief of mine: that everyone else my age is an adult, whereas I am merely in disguise." (writer, Margaret Atwood).
July 21, 2006. Under the market analysis, on the "listing portfolio" menu of my site, I've printed out the Code of Ethics for the Real Estate industry, which strives to create itself as a profession. Each Board area articulates this Code of Ethics, and the crux of it is to follow the precept of the "Golden Rule". It also specifically states that a Board member may not state derogatory comments about another realtor member. At the same time that this Code of Ethics legislation entered the Real Estate Services Act of B.C., we have the Victoria Board admitting that a practice of members "slamming" other members is something that is endemic in the business. They know it's occurring, from realtors who want to pick up listings, and there's apparently nothing that the Board can do about this. In other words, there's no teeth to the legislation, and when a realtor discovers that another realtor is stating untrue things, in an effort to discredit the realtor and to therefore pick up that realtor's listing database, there's nothing that can be done about it. It is now allowed that a realtor can contact a listed property, before that listing expires, and can solicit the listing. Since a party who is listed is clearly for sale, then this is an "easy target" for such a realtor, who wants to pick up listings, by negative comment, and without working to present themselves to the marketplace, and to show credibility. In this continuing "hard asset" environment, with few new listings coming onstream, as most owners prefer not to be sellers at such a time, one might expect further negativity, as realtors scramble for listings. It is a fact that a listing is what brings the call from the buyer, and that's how a realtor begins to build up their business. To promise unrealistically, and to make negative remarks about another realtor, in an effort to assume their listing, is a significant "pointer" about the character of the person who would do this. If you hear negative remarks, about another realtor, out of the mouth of the realtor speaking with you, then take a good look at the one making the remarks. They are the suspect party, and you need to ask yourself what their motivation might be. It certainly won't be about good service and good advice for your benefit, whether you're a seller or a buyer. Take a minute, and check out the Code of Ethics, printed under my July "market analysis" on the "listing portfolio" category on the main menu of my site (www.liread.com). More questions? See Li!
July 20, 2006. "Being able to "think outside the box" presupposes you were able to think in it." (automaker, Bob Lutz).
July 19, 2006.
Wonderful St. Mary Lake gem -- a Georgian style home, with many unique features, including brick and stone exterior. A graceful design of yesteryear, with all of the modern conveniences required of Twenty First Century living. Approximately 500 feet of lowbank lakefront, and sunny s/sw/w exposures, with two docks for boating/swimming, a studio and a kayak/rowing shell storage building, with a tranquil and totally private lot. Some very few finishing touches will turn this into a wonderful lakefront estate. Just move in and enjoy! See Li for more details!
July 18, 2006. Two new things on Salt Spring, real estate wise: 1. the strata resort opportunity, on Bullock Lake. The Salt Spring Village Resort is offering quarter shares, starting at $130,000. The individual cottages, on the shores of Bullock Lake, will be in a rental pool, when not owner occupied, and the management of same will be the responsibility of a hotel management company. A central facility, offering spa, indoor pool, seminar and meeting rooms, a restaurant, with a vineyard on the slope below this lodge central space, will anchor the almost 35 acres of forest and meadow "mix". It's a new idea for Salt Spring, and offers something very interesting. See Li for further details! 2. Bishop's Green and Bishop's Walk, a project of the Three Point Development group, offers a duplex and individual townhome style living, close to Ganges Village, plus Harbour view lots. Walking trails, landscaping, privacy "buffers" between lots, and good all day sunshine, ocean views, a sense of tranquility on the edge of the Village -- priced from $300,000 to $500,000. Again, see Li for further details. When these developments sell out, that will be "it" -- the overall density cap on growth remains in place, under the jurisdiction of the Islands Trust. More information on the Trust? See Li!
July 17, 2006. "Sleepless nights. Diet, mind, conditions Hold the possibility of correction." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations").
July 16, 2006. Some things to do, in the summer season?? Take a picnic to the top of Mt. Maxwell, and enjoy the spectacular view. Another day, it's a picnic on pristine Beddis Beach! Take a 1/2 tour of the Islands, from a bird's eye view, with Salt Spring Air. What about a kayak trip to the Sisters Islands and back?? Always wanted to sail? Lots of people willing to teach you! Tennis lessons? Golf? Riding (trails galore, on Island!)? Hiking (the Trail and Nature Club is waiting for your participation)? Or....? You decide! Check out the wonderful Burgoyne Valley Park, purchased three years ago, and still little understood. A preserve, on your doorstep! More adventuresome? How about a jaunt over Musgrave Road to check out the First Growth forest on the Mill Farm Park??? Ruckle Park is still tranquil and beautiful, and awaits your appreciation. Drummond Children's Park, in the special "south end", off Isabella Point Road, is another feature you might have overlooked for awhile. Be a tourist, and take part in the Studio Tour for 2006 (maps at the Chamber office, in Ganges Village). Some very very talented people on this Island, and they would appreciate your encouragement. In July, the Salt Spring Festival of the Arts showcases off Island talent, nightly, at ArtSpring -- see you there! ArtCraft, at Mahon Hall, showcases the artistic output of the Gulf Islanders, and there are various showings at the different galleries in Ganges Village, highlighting particular artistic endeavours. Live music venues, at the Treehouse Ganges and the Treehouse South, in Fulford Village, plus at Barb's Bistro, at Shipstones, and at Moby's. Talent, talent...burgeoning everywhere! Lots to see and to do -- enjoy!
July 15, 2006. "Don't ever underestimate the importance of money. I know it's often been said that money won't make you happy and this is undeniably true, but everything else being equal, it's a lovely thing to have around the house." (comedian, Groucho Marx).
July 14, 2006. It's Bastille Day, today -- the birthday of the French Republic. Meilleurs voeux a tous nos amis francais!
July 13, 2006. "When I was about fifty-five, a friend sent me a photograph of a very old and wonderfully radiant Chinese woman, which I still have posted on my kitchen wall. She was in a park in the early morning, doing tai chi and singing opera. This woman had lots of wrinkles, a gorgeous, beatific smile, and a lilac kerchief. She looked happy, wise, mischievous, and peaceful. She was absolutely beautiful. The moment I saw her, I felt, `This is the person I want to grow into.'" (feminist, Gloria Steinem)
July 12, 2006.
Super beachfront retreat -- serenity awaits you! Splendid views down tranquil Long Harbour, with secure year-round moorage at your doorstep. "West Coast Style", with flair! Renovated kitchen, bathrooms, large and dramatic oceanview living, feature fireplace, elegant dining, cook's kitchen, with solarium/family off, oceanview master enclave, plus two guest bedrooms, both with views, and large and cosy family area. Hot tub with a view! Enjoy all day sunshine from this very private acreage and beautiful home. Lots of unique features -- brochure available. Just move into this beauty, and enjoy the Salt Spring lifestyle!
July 11, 2006. Happy Birthday, to Cindy! Enjoy your day! Your friends on Salt Spring are so glad you're here -- thanks for all your caring warmth and enthusiasm for the Island and its people.
Super oceanfront opportunity on special Salt Spring Island! One level living, with easy care landscaping, and easy access to a great "walk on" beach. Sunny (sw/w), private, excellent all day sun exposure, superb sunsets, and warm ocean swimming. In prestigious Sunset Drive location. See Li for appointments to view this beauty!
July 9, 2006. "A person taking stock in middle age is like an artist or composer looking at an unfinished work; but whereas the composer and the painter can erase some of their past efforts, we cannot. We are stuck with what we have lived through. The trick is to finish it with a sense of design and a flourish rather than to patch up the holes or merely to add new patches to it." (educator, Harry S. Broudy)
July 8, 2006. Did you know? In 1951, Salt Spring ferry rates were 75 cents for car and driver. Trucks with less than half-ton load and up to 15 feet in length cost $1. A human passenger, pig, sheep or goat rode for a charge of 25 cents. A cow or a horse was 75 cents. Children under six got on free. The first ferry service was operated between Fulford Harbour and Swartz Bay by the Gulf Islands Ferry Company and Captain George Maude in 1930. Maude bought the 17 year old Daily from Washington State and renamed it the Cy Peck. In 1951, the Gulf Islands Ferry Company was taken over by a group of Island businessmen. Ferry service between Vesuvius Bay and Crofton began in 1955 after the Gulf Islands Ferry Company bought the Ferry Fox Island and renamed it the George S. Pearson. The fare for car and driver was 75 cents. B.C. Ferries purchased the Gulf Islands Ferry Company in 1961. The Long Harbour ferry terminal opened in 1963, with the Queen of the Islands first assigned to the run.
July 7, 2006 Walk the Village -- lots of great things to see and to discover! In the windows of Mark's Work Wearhouse, from July 1 to 31, is the Salt Spring Island Potters Guild presentation of: "Plates Plus" (a show of plates, platters & 2-dimensional ceramics). Stroll on by, and enjoy. Martinus' "Barnacles" Ring was part of the "Precious Metals" on Stage at Artcraft, from June 30 to July 5. If you missed this, look Martinus up in his studio on Seaview Avenue. Keep an eye on ArtCraft's stage, too, for more specialty shows. The latest in Vicky Lindholm's Fact and Folklore series of historical guides to the Gulf Islands is available at island bookstores, other local shops, and at the B.C. Ferry terminals in Tsswassan and Swartz Bay. Interesting!
July 6, 2006. The 8th annual Island Treasure Fair auctions take place on July 13, 14, and 15. An exclusive preview of the Silent and Live Auction items will be on display in the ArtSpring galleries, and silent bidding on hundreds of items and experiences begins 7 to 10 p.m., on the 12th. A concert, "Back of the Moon", direct from Scotland, takes place at 8 p.m. on the 12th (I'm really pleased to have sponsored this group -- see you there!). More silent auction bidding takes place on the 13th, with a new "hidden treasures room", with cash and carry items (10 to 5 p.m.). The Silent Auction, the "hidden treasures room", and continuing live auction viewing takes place on the 14th (with an 8 p.m. concert, "The Great Danes"). On July 15th, the "hidden treasures room" closes off at 3 p.m., and the Silent Auction is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and, again, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Complimentary wine will be served from 6:30 to 8 p.m., in ArtSpring. The Live Auction (Grand Finale), with Maynard's top auctioneer in charge, then takes place. Admission is free, but reserved tickets are available. Don't be disappointed! Call ArtSpring for more info -- 537-2102. This is ArtSpring's biggest fundraiser!
July 5, 2006. "Only of one thing I am sure: When I dream, I am always ageless." (poet, Elizabeth Coatsworth).
July 4, 2006. Best wishes on their Independence Day celebration, to all our U.S. neighbours to the "south"! If anyone is near Roche Harbour, on San Juan Island, pull into the docks and enjoy the fireworks spectacular! An annual event, for lots of Canadian boaters sailing the Southern Gulf Islands waters. Enjoy!
July 3, 2006. Royal Roads Gets Bateman Art! It was the lead story in the Victoria Times Colonist daily newspaper, on June 23rd. A life long supporter of environmental concerns, Robert Bateman lives his philosophy of the importance of natural and human conservation. A world figure, with a strong following of collectors for his exquisite wildlife paintings, Robert Bateman feels that the donation of his collection to Royal Roads University, in Victoria is an excellent "fit". A new facility at Royal Roads will house the Canadian Centre for Environmental Education, and will offer education, training, professional development and accreditation for members of the environmental professions. Check out Robert Bateman's website, for further details of this superb offering.
July 2, 2006. "Be still to know the absolute. Be active to know the outer. The two spring from the same source, All of life is one whole." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations").
July 1, 2006. Happy Birthday, Canada!