Current Entries March 31, 2009. BBC news reports : Spain bank bail-out hits shares Government to sell nuclear assets Obama sets tight auto aid terms Statin cuts risk of blood clots Video games 'can improve vision' Polypill 'could become a reality' Giant laser experiment powers up Google China to push music track Argentina's grapes of success China denies spying allegations Medvedev shows media-savvy side Are we all doomed? Is the economy alive? March 30, 2009. Yesterday was one of those enticing days of sun and breeze and clear skies...after this most unusual Pacific Northwest Coast winter season, it seemed as if Spring was at long last imminent. I know that it's been Spring officially, since the calendar pointed it out, back on March 20th, but the weather pattern hasn't paid any attention! This has been a La Nina year, following on the El Nino of 2008, and it can often deliver severe weather patterns throughout North America. Apparently, on this Coast, it's broken records set back in the 60s, in a previous La Nina pattern. We are lucky, though, not to experience hurricanes, or river flooding, or several feet of snow, or tornadoes.... Yesterday, though, promised a "summer to come" feeling, and everyone is waiting for the flip out of March and into April.... Please check out my Spring Newsletter (I do this quarterly, and put it up on my website, now, as opposed to mailing it): www.liread.com/newsltr.htm Looking for things to do/places to see/ways to jumpstart into Spring? Ask me for "Li's List"! I'm attending a major real estate conference at the close of April, and will have an opportunity to present my area/my listings, to creative and productive realtors from an international basis, and this is always something that ends up delivering buyers to our area. More information? Give me a call! Last October, I began a series of blogs, and continued to comment as the months unrolled. I've discovered, over time, that I'm only six months "ahead" of events, and it seemed to me, starting last October, that cash might be the final bubble, and that we would see saavy investor buyers looking at good real estate investments, again, as a way to preserve capital. I do think this is now "afoot", and we will find media reporting shifting from total gloom. Media reports are always based on statistics from the previous 90 to 120 days, as they report the "past". Busy realtors, truly in the moment, always know the "now". This is what sellers and appraisers count on. Inventory has remained "thin", and this is very noticable as soon as one prioritizes by price and property type. For a serious buyer, attracted by sellers willing to entertain offers, by low interest rates, by a low Can. dollar against the U.S., the Pound, and the Euro, and by an understanding that the Islands Trust has created a "protected investment" area (which wasn't their intent, but which is the outcome of their mandate of "to preserve & protect"), it all makes it a potentially good selling time, this Spring/Summer/early Fall (our traditional sales window, in our secondary home/discretionary marketplace), and for the first time in three years. For the Gulf Islands, including Salt Spring Island, the "pause" occurred throughout 2006 and 2007, although was not fully understood until 2008. More info? Give me a call! April 30th is the Driftwood Newspaper's annual Women in Business" feature. If you are in business, on a Gulf Island, be sure to contact the local weekly newspaper, The Driftwood", and be a part of this. Always enjoyable, and one always learns a lot! Networking opportunity, held at the Harbour House Hotel. Keep in mind that the start of Vesuvius Bay Road from the intersection at Central to the first church is now a 30 zone due to the nearby playground. I think it is a good bet a few people will get caught racing for the ferry. Looking for a 'best buy" acreage, as a holding property, on special Salt Spring Island? Here's an opportunity for you! For the very best in real estate information, and access to all listings, please give me a call. How may I help you to buy your special Gulf Island or Salt Spring Island property? liread33@gmail.com March 29, 2009. "Learning is the fountain of youth. No matter how old you are, You mustn't stop growing." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") March 28, 2009. Are you One? This is the question from Raffi, world famous children's entertainer and environmentalist. Raffi extends an invitation to attend his April 21st "evening" at ArtSpring, in Ganges Village, on Salt Spring Island, to be a part of his Spirit of One presentation. Raffi plans to create a Centre for Child Honouring, on Salt Spring Island (where he now makes his home), and is showcasing his ideas/plan, for the Islanders, on that evening. It's "free", but one does have to have a ticket -- contact ArtSpring, for more information. Salt Spring Island writers, Robert Bateman and Ronald Wright, have both been shortlisted for a B.C. Book Prize. The West Coast Book Prize Society announced their names as finalists vying for recognition in seven categories, at the 25th Annual B.C. Book Prizes. Bateman is both writer and illustrator for his work Polar Worlds: Life at the Ends of the Earth. Canadian jazz musician Jane Bunnett returns to ArtSpring on April 2nd, with a Cuban/Haitian choral group. Don't miss this! Sculptors...call for submissions for the public sculpture walk, at Hastings House. Deadline for submissions: April 15th. Call Morley Myers at 250-537-4898, for more details. March 30th is the annual Gumboot Gala, with Bill Henderson & Valdy, supported by the Salt Spring Folk Club, at Fulford Hall, tickets $15 & Fiddlehead Catering for soups, suppers/sweets. If you've never been to one of these great evenings, here's your chance! Have fun! J. Mitchell Gallery closes on the 30th...try to catch her last show, and enjoy the talents of these exceptional artists. Simon Rook plays at Music and Munch, at All Saints, on April 1st, with Beethoven, Alkan and Liszt on his "menu". Mark your calendars for this, and enjoy! More info at: 250-537-2171. Enjoy the unofficial galleries, around town...Cafe Talia, Rendezvous Cafe, Calvin's Bistro, TJ Beans, Salt Spring Roasting Company, Frankly Scarlett, Harbour House Hotel, Rock Salt Cafe...thanks to these businesses for showcasing our talented local artists. It seems as if Spring is crawling its way forward, but it is en route! Make time for yourself. Wander the bookshops, the galleries, take tea or coffee at Treehouse Cafe, Rendezvous Cafe, Cafe Talia, Jana's Bakeshop, enjoy lunch at Calvin's Bistro, spoil yourself at the fine dining options, hike the trails at Ruckle Park, enjoy the beach at Vesuvius Bay and at Beddis Beach...watch the buds on the Maples unfurl...listen to the birdsong everywhere...we welcome the season with upturned faces and open arms! Remember the Canadian poet, W.H. Davies: "A poor life this, if full of care, We have no time to stand and stare." Remember to enjoy Nature's majesty! March 27, 2009. Here is a great opportunity to purchase a family style home, or easy retirement option. Walk to both the seaside village and to the upper village of Ganges, plus to schools and to the new indoor pool rec centre. Very quiet, sunny (terrific private rear garden...grow veggies, enjoy the kiwi fruit "tree", perfect for children or pets), if you're someone with a workshop desire, here's a great one...storage outbuilding, too. Artist? Home occupation? One could expand the garden level and reconfigure to add a guest/inlaw "suite", and right now enjoy the rec room and the office. Lots of storage! Main level offers open plan living/dining, plus two bed/bath, and a galley style kitchen, with breakfast area, and sunny/private deck off...expand those summer living pleasures! New roof, new exterior painting, everything spic and span and ready to go for the new owner. The plus? The simplicity of design and the "good bones" to this home allow one to redesign to one's own wishes...good upscale potential, then! Don't overlook this gem! March 26, 2009. "Do you know Where you are On your journey?" (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") March 25, 2009. Salt Spring Island, and the other Southern Gulf Islands, like much of Vancouver Island generally, saw a "flat time"/a plateau of inactivity, from about the end of 2005. This area has become a totally non-local buyer profile, over the past 8 or 9 years, and so we are more affected by events in the home areas of our buyers, than by B.C. economic indicators. In the Fall of 2007, Victoria began to "calm", and by April 2008, we had Vancouver in a static moment, too. These are primary residence areas, and have a different rhythm than that found in a secondary home/discretionary marketplace. For the Gulf Islands, then, all of 2006 and 2007 were quiet, and this absence of action continued throughout 2008. The only difference in 2008 was that everyone finally understood the "why" behind the slow time. That subprime meltdown/credit crunch, with the resulting collapses of the housing markets, the stock markets, and the banks/financial markets, was global and no area or type of property is immune. Yes, price reductions have occurred on Salt Spring & on the Southern Gulf Islands, but this is not always the way to jumpstart action, here, as it is a secondary home marketplace, now. No one "has to" choose a Gulf Island property, and a second or third home purchase can be put on hold. In a way, it's always a buyer's market on any Gulf Island, as a purchase is always by choice. No one "has to" come here. Therefore, the buyer is always in charge of both the "where" and the "when" of all purchases, and it's true that it can take between two and four years to sell any property, on any Gulf Island, including on Salt Spring (which is the largest and best serviced of the Islands, and the one with the year round lifestyle). This is the hallmark of any secondary home market, even one with a larger population base to draw on. It all takes time. Locally, a buyer first has to discover us, and then make arrangements to visit. While here, they usually also look at nearby Vancouver Island communities, "just to be sure". It often takes three visits to an Island, before a decision is made to offer on a particular property. Since no one is "local", and they are usually from out of province, if not out of country, the visits have lengthy time lags between them. A year and a half to two years of visits is the "norm"! There is no press to purchase in any particular timeframe, either. It's all discretionary. In a downmarket, the entire thing can be put on hold, while the buyer ponders options. Doing nothing at all, then, is an option. A price reduction often isn't even seen by the buyer, and that kind of knowledge takes place after the physical arrival on Island. Local ad venues are only seen when the buyer is here; they don't "bring them". Not easy, then, to get those connections between a seller and a buyer, in such an area. Patience is required of the sellers. As long as the realtor is making sure that the information gets out there to where the buyers live, and keeps it in the forefront, in creative and aggressive marketing ways, then the seller is assured that all that can be done is being done. After that, it's really in the hands of the buyer -- when they will visit, when they will view, when they will offer. They are always in control, regardless of market trend in play. When it's a downmarket, though, of such gigantic and global proportions, that need to have listings be displayed where the buyers are living is as important as ever, and when the shift "up' occurs, as it will, the property will be front and centre, as the realtor will have made certain of this. Important, then, to have a creative and consistent real estate agent working for you, if you're a seller. It's not time to "pull in", but rather to reach out. There are always sellers and buyers, no matter the market trend. No doubt, though, that the real estate industry has changed, and continues to evolve, so it's also very essential to be proactive in presentation. How may I help you to discover and to buy your Island dream? I look forward to your call (liread33@gmail.com). March 24, 2009. Here's a super oceanfront opportunity on lovely Salt Spring Island! A rare mix of rural/pastoral, and seaside charm. Tucked into protected Walter Bay, this tidal waterfront property enjoys great privacy, and excellent all day/year round sun exposures (e/s/w). With panoramic views over Ganges Harbour, sunsets forever, and a front row seat for the fireworks on July 1st (Canada Day) and at Hallowe'en, this lot is encircled by sea and by expansive pasture (adjacent 30 acre farm enfolds this lot, beautifully). Private driveway access off Beddis Road...tranquil, a bird sanctuary, and close to Sailing Club for boat moorage. This is an Island Classic! Undeveloped garden level could be finished as a separate guest/inlaw "suite", if desired. Master sitting and ensuite in separate "wing", on main level, plus open plan living/dining, with convenient country kitchen off, and two guest bedrooms/bath beyond. Feature stone fireplace. Lots of decking and patio spaces, to expand summer living pleasures. Enjoy! March 23, 2009. BBC news reports : Seattle paper moves online only US seeks $100m of Madoff assets Rural France bucks economic gloom Is the worst over for stock markets? Each UK job 'chased by 10 people' 'Brain decline' begins at age 27 Vegetarian 'get fewer cancers' Oxygen therapy benefits in autism Forest 'facing a testing time' Netherlands learns to go with the flow First Superman fetches $317,200 Night shifts spark cancer pay-out Cleopatra's mother 'was African' March 22, 2009. Looking for development/commercial opportunities, in Ganges (seaside) Village? Here are some thoughts: Two adjacent buildings, with parking lot behind (131 and 135 McPhillips Avenue) are for sale, as a unit, asking: 1.1 million for the two together. Zoned commercial, and with good tenants in place, who look after everything themselves, the highest and best use for these two adjacent commercially zoned parcels is a redevelopment. McPhillips is a busy side street, with two coffee houses, two bookstores, a computer/photography/desktop publishing business, a Credit Union, and a Library as some of the good tenants on this one way street. Close to the park (Saturday Market!) and to ArtSpring, this is a great location, waiting for your good development plans. Another option is 108 Jackson Avenue, with Phoenix School as the current tenant, and adjacent to the AutoPro location. It's is within the Ganges Core area, designated for commercial/retail/living above, and one simply needs to go for the rezoning to one's own plans. The Village is quickly filling in, from the seaside road (Lower Ganges Road), up Hereford and McPhillips Roads, and thus Jackson (which is the "rear road" of the Village's boundaries) is ripe for development. The third is Lot 2, Fulford-Ganges Road, at the corner of Drake and Fulford-Ganges Roads, and with a "driveway access" onto Seaview Road, just before ArtSpring. One can also access the parcel off Drake. This has the highest commmercial zoning on the Island...many options for here! Would be able to get an oceanview over Ganges Harbour from this location, too. Call for details! Again, an excellent holding property. The boundaries of Ganges Village are "fixed" -- the town cannot expand beyond same, and so to own property, with commercial zoning, in the Village seaside core, is a valuable item. It is not possible to turn residentially zoned property into commercial. The Islands Trust designated what would be commercially zoned, back in 1974. The Trust's no-growth policy is what creates the value to such commercial zoning, then, regardless of what is in place at the moment. See Li for more information! March 21, 2009. "Sun shines in the center of the sky. All things turn their faces toward the light." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations"). March 20, 2009. Well...it says Spring on the calendar! This has been a very non-typical Pacific Northwest Coast winter weather pattern, this year, and it can't only be me who is looking for sun!!!! It has been a La Nina year, which always follows an El Nino year weather pattern, and people with long weather memories tell me that the last time this happened was in 1996, and that was also a very "interesting" (read "snow" for that!) year, weather-wise. It created a lovely summer season, following, though, so let's hope...I'm ready! The opening night of the famed "rock opera" Tommy will be on March 24th, with a benefit for Salt Spring Community Services mental health and addictions programming (partial proceeds to go to this). Tommy runs from March 25 to 27, with performances beginning at 8 p.m. Contact ArtSpring ticket office: 250-537-2102. The J. Mitchell Gallery, in Grace Point Square, is closing at the end of this month, and they are showcasing their entire artist groups works from today through to the 30th. If you can't attend, check out their online presence at: www.jmitchellgallery.com (presales will be facilitated). Light refreshements available at the show's opening, today, from 5: 30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This gallery will be missed. Don't forget the 2009 Relay for Life, held this year on May 29/30, at Portlock Park, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. -- volunteers needed! Call Kirsty at: 250-537-1318 for details. An opera fan? Pacific Opera Victoria presents "Community Showcase Concerts" tomorrow, March 21st, at ArtSpring, beginning at 2 p.m. Enjoy! Don't forget that Bruce's Kitchen is now open, in Harbour Centre, just across from the Park -- eat in or take out! Open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. We're lucky! The opening of Pegasus Gallery's Exhibition of Works, 1920s to 1970s, of Barbara (Bobs) Haworth and Peter Haworth, is today, with a reception from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The show runs through to the 30th. Don't miss this! March 25th, at All Saints, one can be a part of a program of music and dance, called Reflections on Hope, offered in the spirit of Lent. The free concert begins at 11:30 a.m. and is followed by light refreshments, by donation. Jill Louise Campbell Gallery's "Flower and Garden Art Auction" is now underway. Ends on March 22nd....check this out! Click on their website, and check out the 70 Classic Giclee Limited Edition Prints to choose from...a great Silent Auction format. More info? Contact Duart and Jill at: jlcgallery@gmail.com). You'll be "into Spring" immediately! Did you miss John Neville's Owls of Salt Spring? Catch it tonight, presented by the Conservancy, at Mahon Hall, starting at 7 p.m. Hastings House is open for dinner, seven days a week, starting at 5:30 p.m. (a la carte menu available). Piccolo's, Calvin's Bistro, Bocados Bistro, Dining Room at Harbour House Hotel, Salt Spring Inn, Seaside Kitchen, Rock Salt Cafe, Bruce's Kitchen, Cafe Talia, Rendezvous Cafe, Jana's Bakeshop, North Island Coffee, TJ Beans, Salt Spring Roasting Company, Auntie Pesto's....lots of places to enjoy coffee/tea, lunch, dinner...something for all tastebuds and price ranges. We're so lucky....enjoy! It's Spring, after all.......... March 19, 2009. "Use a mirror in difficult times: You will see both cause and resolution." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") March 18, 2009. Here is an exceptional opportunity, on special Salt Spring Island! The Cottage Resort is for sale. With very valuable commercial zoning, on St. Mary Lake, this five plus acre parcel currently offers 9 cottages (studio, one bedroom, two bedroom, three bedroom), and the zoning allows for twenty cottages. It is also possible to create a strata/resort option, here, and to sell off the existing cottages, build new, and sell them to individual owners. When not used by owners, the cottages would remain in a managed rental pool. The property enjoys sunny (s/sw/w) exposures, privacy, a sense of calm, and a lovely English Country style. Continue to operate this popular resort, as a single proprietorship, or, create the strata/resort option and benefit from this development aspect. Or, simply build your country residence, and maintain the cottages for your guests. Lots of choices here! See Li for more information. March 17, 2009. Happy St. Patrick's Day! March 16, 2009. "What about asking... for a taste of happiness, a soupcon of carefree spirit, some good news (for a change). What was that? I can't hear you! What?.... It's inside me? What is? Oh...the answer. (I wasn't listening)." (L.R.) March 15, 2009. If you like to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, then be at the Fulford Pub on the 17th, to catch Green Velvet Band (Harry Warner, Jo Lundstrom, Briony Penn). with Jane Squier and other guests! Special menu, special drinks! Wear the green! Hastings House has opened for the season, and you can enjoy their a la carte menu from 5:30 p.m. nightly. Mark your calendars, too, for their brunch menu on both Easter Sunday and on Mother's Day. Catch J. Mitchell Gallery's show, introducing the works of Ian Thomas (open Sunday to Thursday from 11 - 4, and Friday/Saturday from 10 - 5. More St. Patrick's fun can be found this afternoon, at 2:30, at ArtSpring, with Celebrate Ireland, Music, Song, and Dance in honour of St. Patrick. If you've always wanted to learn the West Coast swing dance style, then here's the workshop for you -- Saturday, March 28th. Call 250-537-4294 to register. Pop by Bruce's Kitchen today, too, between 1 & 5 p.m., and sample the opening of this great eat in/take out option! In Harbour Centrre (beside the Park, in Ganges Village). Don't forget Pegasus Gallery's exhibition, opening on March 20th. Spring Break is here, "real Spring" is almost here, and everything is waking up...make time for yourself, and take part in the creative offerings on tap. It's a special Island, and we are all lucky to be here! March 14, 2009. Today's Listing Theme: Unique Properties Mayne Oceanfront Paradise: spectacular 64+ acres of oceanfront Vargas Island Oceanfront : the ultimate back to nature oceanfront retreat Pym Island Oceanfront Estate: a beautifully developed private island estate One of a Kind: you won't find another house like this Piers Island Oceanfront Lot: last undeveloped lot on popular Piers Island Second Sisters Island: your own island, mere minutes to the amenities of Ganges Yellowpoint Ranch: an equestrian dream come true March 13, 2009. In the heart of the village! Here is a perfect opportunity for a chef / waiter combo or for a couple. There is seating for 110, 65 inside, and 45 on the seaside / oceanview deck for alfresco dining pleasures! A turnkey operation! Well trained staff would stay. Terrific business in place - lunch & dinner. See Li for more information. Financials to qualified people only. Non-disclosure document is deemed essential. March 12, 2009. Real estate is an interesting career choice, on many levels. As a market driven business, it experiences a cyclical motion...up then down then up then down...it's not a stable plateau item. It's also about people's homes, and that introduces an emotional component to the transaction equation. Often, people have to sell for sad reasons...death, divorce, moving to assisted living. In a seller's market, it simply means low inventory, a lot of buyers, corresponding price increases, seller's in charge of the process. In a buyer's market, it simply means large inventory, few buyers, corresponding price decreases, buyer's in charge of the process. Of course, a buyer is always the one who creates the market. Realtors and appraisers are simply the interpreters, and sellers are the ones who either benefit or not from the buyer's decisions. In good times, people often decide to "go into" real estate. I've always thought that was an interesting way of describing it. It is a career that can suck one up, as the realtor is totally dependent, in a commission driven business model, on the buyer's readyness. There can be a lot of cancelled personal committments, due to having to be at the buyer's timetable. In a secondary home/discretionary marketplace, such as that found on Salt Spring Island and on the Southern Gulf Islands, no one "has to" move here; it's all by choice. In a downmarket, such a decision for a second or third home can be put on hold. I remember a realtor telling me that the Real Estate Course purveyors (the Sauder School of Business, at the University of B.C.) should really warn people that they need 100,000 in the bank, before going into a real estate career. That's probably true, but I don't think it would happen very often! From the outside looking in, it always seems simple. It is, however, an expensive business, and the realtor has to shoulder all the expenses, and carry through difficult/down times, and be able to pay those expenses. It's probably a good idea for a new realtor, then, to choose to work for a company that offers a training programme and a "split", at least until the realtor becomes established, and especially in a downmarket moment. After a full two years of "inactivity" on the Gulf Islands, it does seem that there are tiny baby steps towards action. No doubt, though, that price points have been seriously reduced from the heady days of early to mid 2005. More info? Please contact me. liread33@gmail.com March 11, 2009. "Distant ridges, far away clouds All events come from a distance. With a high vantage point, Foretelling the future is elementary." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") March 10, 2009. Here is the very best oceanfront opportunity on Salt Spring Island. Easy access to a crushed shell and sand sweep of beach, plus a foreshore licence, so can build a dock and keep your boat at home (mooring buoy in place, right now). Private, like a mini-point of land, with historic orchard, and wonderful sun exposures (e/s/w), and sunsets forever! An inviting courtyard entry offers one the delight of enjoying a morning coffee, in your private garden enclave. The architect designed and renovated home has experienced further appealing upgrades in the past couple of months. It is a home to be enjoyed, and one is responsive to being a part of the sea, the sky, the garden spaces, and for all seasons. Lovely foyer/entrance, an elegant living area, dining by the seaside, country kitchen with an island that encourages entertaining, Easy access to oceanview decking allows for al fresco dining pleasures; hot tub with a view! A library/den, full bath, a guest bedroom, large laundry, mudroom/entry from attached double garage, office and storage spaces accessed from here, too. The master sitting, with dressing area and lovely ensuite, is in its own private "wing". Lower garden level offers bed/bath, plus media room potential. Close to all of Ganges Village's amenities, and a short kayak ride to Ganges by sea, if desired, yet in its own serene world. The plus? An oceanside studio...artist? The very best of the Salt Spring lifestyle, plus superlative waterfront & location. March 9, 2009. It's interesting that we have seen a flurry of activity, in showings and in some offers, in the residential low end of the marketplace, on Salt Spring Island, since early February. Apparently, this mini surge in showings activity, some few offers as a result, is also a factor on Vancouver Island and on the Sunshine Coast, and in Vancouver/Victoria. I've noted, over the past several years, that Salt Spring and Gabriola Islands, for different reasons, I'm sure, show a marker of activity before the other Southern Gulf Islands would see it. It seems as if Galiano, Mayne, Penders, and Saturna, and Thetis, are a couple of months later in their "starts". During the past two years, there was little action at this time of year. I always think that March Break shows a characteristic that will be mirrored by our "summer season" activity. In both 2007 and 2008, March Break was very quiet, and so were the two summer seasons. This seems to be about to be different, this year. March Break is promising to be busy, for Salt Spring, again mainly in the lower end residential category. The media continues to report very gloomy statistics, and that's what we need to remember -- they are statistics, based on the past finished business. Thus, when real estate boards share statistics, they are reporting on events from 90 to 120 days previously. The realtors in the field are experiencing the "now", and this is why appraisers call realtors. They want to know about "right now", not what happened "before". From about April, 2008 to end of January, 2009, it was absolutely "flat". Torusim was down, too, in the summer of 2008. It might have been as a result of high gas prices or a Canadian Dollar at almost par or...I think, myself, it was about fear. A fearful person just "stops", and all of that collapse going on in the stock markets, in the financial sector, the freezing of credit, the imploding real estate markets in the U.S., etc. etc. etc., caused a total lack of action. Endless & repetitive cable news reporting put many people on "overload". A lot of people did lose a lot of money, and that meant cash erased from the system. On the other hand, a lot of people were "ok", and were resting in cash, in their portfolios. The old adage was: cash is king. In a deflationary moment, that is true. Prices come down, in a demand destruction mode, and people with cash can pick things up, at good prices. However, they weren't "acting". It was still a fear moment, of total "pause". Then, with all that printing of monies, in all currencies, for all these global bailouts,a new fear began to be created, a fear that cash itself might be the next bubble. With nothing backing same, except a govenment, and with financial institutiions still "shaky", some saavy investors began to look at viable and protected hard assets again, with a view to preservation of capital. This might be why inventory wasn't building up in the housing markets; yes, demand down/foreclosures happening, but for those people who didn't "have to" sell, they were "holding". Sales volume down simply means buyers don't want to act. There didn't appear to be a corresponding rush to be a seller, though. Inventory remains remarkably low, then, as buyers continue to worry and to wonder. So, low interest rates, a lower Canadian Dollar to attract U.K., and U.S. buyers again, a limited inventory, a worry that cash itself could falter/banks could fail, and a seeking to preserve the nest egg during a time that seems to have no rule book attached to it, to solve global problems...maybe those are reasons why people are back looking, at a second or third home property. It's good news that the lower end is experiencing this strength...it is the foundation of the market trend, and it has to show strength before we will see this continue up to the high end opportunities for sale. A lot of very positive indicators, then. The proof is always in the pudding, and we need these viewings to translate into offers and then into completed sales. In some cases, the buyers are lowballing, way below current market trend would encourage, and sellers don't always say yes. That's why I'm waiting for the completed sales picture to fill in. It's still a mixed moment, no doubt, but there are positive signs, and these will end up being reported by the media when we hit late April/early May. They are never in the "now". More info? Just call! How may I help you to buy your special Island property? Li Read, Managing Broker, Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring) # 4 - 105 Rainbow Road, Salt Spring Island, B.C., V8K 2V5 250-537-8763 liread33@gmail.com March 8, 2009. Mark your calendars: A Retrospective Showing of Works (1920s to 1970s), by Barbara (Bobs) Cogill Haworth & Peter Haworth works, at Pegasus Gallery of Canadian Art. The show runs from March 20 to 30th, and a reception will be held on Friday, March 20th, from 5 to 8 p.m. Don't forget Bocados Bistro's new look/new menu, at their lovely Grace Point Square location. Desserts are now from Brigitte's French pastry space (Rendezvous Cafe, at Salt Spring Marina). Organic vegetables, salad makings, from our local produce suppliers of same, too! New hours, on weekends...check it out! The Salt Spring Arts Academy is offering some great programs for Spring Break (Lets Make a Movie, Musical Theatre, School of Rock, Express Yourself, Hip Hop and Jazz, Hip Hop and Break Dance, and a West Coast Swing workshop are all offered). For more info., call: 250-537-4294. Don't forget tomorrow's Salt Spring Folk Club presentation (An evening with Tom Russell). Soups, Suppers, & Sweets provided by Fiddlehead Catering. Tickets available at the door ($15). An Afghan tea & live auction is planned for March 14th, to raise funds for a long standing Salt Spring Voice of Women project. For more info., check out the website at: www.afghanistan-parsa.org March 13th finds Shakti Dance presenting Gods, Demons, & Yogis, at ArtSpring, at 8 p.m. Tickets ($2Lots0) at ArtSpring ticket office (250-537-2102). Lots happening on the arts scene, at ArtSpring...Check out the website, and enjoy the cultural offerings at this special venue, on lovely Salt Spring Island! Music to feed the soul is definitely on the menu. Irish? Celebrate Ireland is on at ArtSpring, on March 15th, at 2:30 p.m. Tickets atL 250-537-2102. You might just want to be Irish, and that's ok, too...enjoy this St. Patrick's treat. Pick up a copy of Grant Buday's novel: Dragonflies. Bruce's Kitchen is now open, and what a treat you will have, here. Check out his open house on March 15th, between 1 & 5 p.m. Take-home and Eat-in. Featuring fine food! For information, or to register, for the upcoming Journeying with Voice and Writing: Listening to our Inner Voices through Vocal Improvisaton and Writing, contact Ella Topaz (250-653-4261 or Wendy Judith Cutler at 250-653-4286. Do something for yourself! Enjoy lunch or dinner at Calvin's Bistro, remember Piccolo's fine dining for those special occasions, morning coffee, light lunches, afternoon tea at Rendezvous Cafe, or at Cafe Talia, or at Jana's Bakeshop, or at TJ Beans, Bruce's Kitchen to take home and enjoy (my dog is always glad to see me do that!), plus brunch at Salt Spring Inn, and lunch/dinner, and dine beside the seaside at Seaside Kitchen in Vesuvius or at Rock Salt Cafe at Fulford, the Harbour House Hotel's dining room offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner choices, and Hastings House reopens this month, too. Remember, we all need a treat, especially as we emerge from that endless Winter moment and flutter carefully into early Spring. Enjoy! March 7, 2009. Looking for an oceanfront cottage, with a sandy beach, and with the potential to build a dock? Here's a one plus acre property, a pastoral/forest mix, with historic orchard, and with serene & panoramic Harbour views -- sunrises and sunsets from here! Very private, on community water system, if you don't want to build your own dock (there is a foreshore licence), then just join the nearby Sailing Club! Walk to town from here, if desired. A quiet area of quality homes. The two bed/one bath cedar cottage is fine for now, and can be expanded in size, or, build your dream home later. A best buy waterfront opportunity, on special Salt Spring Island. 24 hour notice, re all showings. See Li for all appointments. March 6, 2009 Video about my dog Bobbi (size about 8 MB) For those of us with pets, it's sometimes difficult to imagine life without their presence. Seems I've always had dogs and cats around, and in many cases, they were "rescue" animals. I think the most I had at one time added up to four dogs and three cats. Right now, I'm just down to one intelligent Jack Russell terrier. I hope this first attempt at a video comes through ok, and that you can enjoy her, too. I've never had a Jack Russell before, and am continually surprised at how intelligent she is. I swear she watches t.v., and not just the segments with animals in the program. She loved the dog food ad, from a year or so ago, that showed huskies running. When I shared this with a client, who had a Rat Terrier at home, he told me that was also his dog's favourite commercial. His t.v. was against a wall, and there was a powder room on the other side of the wall...his dog would get up and go in to see where those huskies had gone to! I told him "you win! you have the smarter dog!". I call Bobbi my "unlicenced assistant". March 5, 2009. I am really happy to let you know that I am now a Managing Broker, and the company name is: Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring). Associated with the Sea to Sky Premier Properties company, with its head office in Whistler, and with an affiliation with Christies Great Estates, I look forward to offering this full service real estate company to Salt Spring. New signage will be up, shortly, and property displays will be front and centre. As you know, I continue to do all of the innovative things I always did, and the connection with the Sea to Sky Premier Properties company simply amplifies all of that, at a company level. With both local expertise and global presence, I look forward to bringing my unparalleled market knowledge (of both inventory and of trends), expertise (broker's licence), and integrity (consistent award winning service, at company levels, at mls/board levels, and internationally -- references upon request) to your benefit. The seaside office is located at: # 4 - 105 Rainbow Road, Salt Spring Island, B.C., V8K 2V5. Please drop by and say hello! The building is situated at the corner of Lower Ganges Road (the main road into/out of Ganges Village) and Rainbow Road, and there's good parking behind, off Rainbow Road. I enjoy a Harbour vista! Please call, anytime. Successfully connecting buyers with sellers, since 1989, I look forward to helping you with all of your real estate needs. Li Read, Managing Broker, Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring) phone: 250-537-8763 toll free: 1-866-405-9229 fax: 250-537-4287 www.liread.com www.seatoskypremierproperties.com March 4, 2009 BBC news reports : US economy suffers sharp nosedive Global downturn: In graphics Eastern Europe banks get bail-out China warns of unemployment risk Alzheimer's plaques 'big impact' Online risks: from cancer to autism 'Brain training' claims dismissed Earliest 'human footprints' found Facebook offers control to users Australia fires cooled by weather Magnets disrupt crocodile radar Crisis in US newspaper industry Mugabe vows to seize more farm 'Early Leonardo portrait' found Brown promises banking clean-up March 3, 2009. Here is a super investment property on special Salt Spring Island! Legally zoned as a duplex, there is a separate guest/inlaw suite in place, with an excellent tenant who would stay, if desired. Main space offers spacious living/dining, country kitchen, large office (could be a third bedroom, if wished), guest/bath, and a super master "suite" on loft level. Home has been substantially renovated/upgraded, by currrent owner. Ready to just move into, and enjoy! Sunny decking and patio spaces, on community water, and an easy walk to both Villages (Upper and Seaside Ganges Villages), to rec centre/indoor pool, to schools, to all services and amenities, and yet it's located in a very quiet area. Easy care landscaping, private, fenced rear garden (great for a dog!), and a lovely sense of European charm. You will love this! A best buy opportunity. Enjoy the Salt Spring lifestyle! March 2, 2009. The 10th Annual Our Island Our World Film Festival is on March 6 to 8 -- lots of great films to view! Check the Driftwood newspaper for the guide/locations, or go to the festival's website: www.saltspringfilmfestival.com Films are showcased at the Gulf Islands Secondary School & at The Fritz (local movie theatre). Don't miss this anniversary event. Have you picked up your residents card? Activate it at the card website, and be in line for great gift ideas from local merchants. Photo deadline for the Great Pet contest is March 11th! Don't miss the ArtSpring antique quilt show, March 6 to 8. Beauty awaits you.... Shirley Valentine is playing ArtSpring on March 7 - 7. Tickets at ArtSpring's box office. Enjoy this inspirational tale! Salt Spring Folk Club showcases Tom Russell on March 9th, at Fulford Hall. Fiddlehead Catering. Tickets at Acoustic Planet, Salt Spring Books, and Stuff and Nonsense. March Break workshops for children presented by Creative Fire Studio -- Leaping Leprechuans, on St. Patrick's Day, March 17th, from 10 to noon, for ages 6 & up. The 18th finds Shake It Up With Chicken and Rooster Rattles, again from 10 to noon, for ages 6 & up. The 19th finds Sea Serpents of Spring Equinox Sea, from ten to noon, ages 5 & up. Turtle Pinch Pots on the 25th of March, from ten to noon, ages 5 & up. Finishing with: Secret Pyramid Boxes on March 26th, ten to noon, ages 8 & up. Cost for these great events are $25 per child. More details from Tracy at: tracy@creativefirestudio.org or 250-538-0144. Mark your calendars! New menu and new times (late weekend dining choices) at Bocados Bistro, in Grace Point Square. Try it out! Bruce the Chef has eat in or take out choices, with his usual flair (in Harbour Centre, adjacent to The Local). Calvin's Bistro, with "new look", and special menu choices, every couple of weeks, is not to be missed! Hastings House reopens in mid-March, with fine dining options. Piccolo's, Harbour House Hotel, Salt Spring Inn, Rock Salt Cafe, Rendezvous Cafe, Cafe Talia, TJ Beans, North Island Coffee Company, Seaside Kitchen...we are so lucky, with all of these great places to enjoy lunch/dinner. We're spoiled! Give yourself a pre-Spring treat, and enjoy an afternoon or an evening out. Wonderful that it's staying light, so much longer. Enjoy! March 1, 2009. "We make life real By the thoughts we project." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")

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