Current Entries May 31, 2009. The summer mood is here! The weather is great, the kayakers are out, paddling to Chocolate Island, and the sailboats are racing on Wednesday evenings again. The marinas are full, and the Saturday Market in the Park is buoyant and "the" place to be! The B & Bs are busy, the Hotel is full, Hastings House attracts its clientele, and the restaurants are enjoying the summer season appeal. Al fresco dining choices abound! The studios are open, the roadside veggie stands, the cheese makers invite you, and the vineyard tastings are in full spate. Bicycle tours, scooter rentals...tennis in the Park, baseball games at Portlock...yes, it's summer in the country. Swimmers are jumping in the lakes, and the ocean beaches are finding their aficianados, too. Live music every night, at the Treehouse in Ganges, and specialty music nights at the Harbour House Hotel, at El Zocalo's, and at the Fulford Pub. Enjoy! It's Summer! May 30, 2009. Looking for a terrific opportunity? Here's a gem! Waterfront property, building offers residential option, plus a commercial section...live and work, right on the seaside, at prestigious Maple Bay, on Vancouver Island. Adjacent to good parking, and to a government dock, for easy access by sea, this property enjoys all of the benefits of oceanside living, plus there's an exceptionally popular restaurant...assume the business and enjoy this prime location and lifestyle opportunity. If another use for the commercial is in your mind, such as an art gallery/gift location, or take out picnics for boaters or...you decide!...the owner may agree to close his very popular "dinner only" restaurant. One could definitely return the entire space to a residential property, as well. So many options, here! 24 hour notice essential, for all viewings. Please do not disturb staff in restaurant. All enquiries to listing realtor. ( liread33@gmail.com ) May 29, 2009. Are you taking those tiny and daily steps towards a "green lifestyle"? Keep it simple and consistent, and check out the CBC and Cisco's joint initiative: One Million Acts of Green project, for some good ideas to get you started, and to encourage you to maintain these changes. Remember, there is no "them"...there's only "us", and it is up to all of us, as individual voices, to create a softer footprint on the world. Remember, too, in these "tougher times" that any small donation, of either time or money, helps out some very worthy causes. The Foodbank, the Copper Kettle, the SPCA, educational fundraisers, and, yes, support of the arts, too. ArtCraft, ArtSpring...they also need your help to continue to aid and add to the cultural life of this Island gem. Feed the body and feed the soul! When we shop local and "eat local", we help our fellow Islanders, and we keep our economic picture "strong". We're all part of the wheel called Salt Spring! Every little tread on the tire is equally important, and support, at this time/in this kind of economic "pause", we need to be there for each other. Ask people how they're doing! And take time to truly "listen". Smile, too...you never know how you may have helped the recipient of your positive energy. May 28, 2009. The Driftwood weekly newspaper puts out a "magazine", which showcases many of the interesting people who call Salt Spring Island or the Southern Gulf Islands "home". It's called Aqua, and comes out six times a year. Worth picking up a copy, if you see it around town, and it is included in that issue of the weekly newspaper, of course. There's also an online version, on the Driftwood newspaper's website. This month, Raffi is showcased, with an emphasis on the new directions in his musical life. Check it out! Remember, too, that Raffi is creating a Child Honouring Centre on Salt Spring Island, and is calling the fundraising for same the "Spirit of One" movement. Check out his website (www.raffinews.com), for more information on the Centre proposal, and how you can be a part of this. A superlative concept and a great thing to have, as a part of Salt Spring Island's unique energy. May 27, 2009. "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") May 26, 2009. Looking for a great retail location, with a super living space above, right in the heart of Ganges Village, with an oceanview, and excellent visibility, both from walking and from passing car viewings, and with parking behind? Here it is! Land and building only. The owner of this location has listed the property for sale. The Stone Walrus Gallery business, currently in place, has a lease until end of August, so that they can sell off their inventory and retire. These former owners of the location will be closing and moving to their retirement home, and so will be vacating the "suite" at the same time. Please do not disturb the "tenants" as they are not the owners of this building. 24 hr. notice required to view residence/suite, and please do not disturb the Gallery business -- viewings of the retail space to take place "after hours", with realtor in attendance. Call for more details! This is the best location in town! May 25, 2009. This is the time of year when I always think our "real arrivals" start to occur. People who already own property, here, and aren't yet able to be here full time (perhaps children still in school, or might be the six months less a day requirement, if from out of country, etc.) also arrive around now, and open up their homes for "the season". Suddenly, the entire Island shows a rhythm of activity that is very welcoming -- the Market in the Park, on Saturday mornings, is busy and vibrant, the Tuesday Market with the organic food/fresh baked delicacies, in the park adjacent to the United Church on Hereford Street, is also in full swing, with lovely produce on sale. All the studios around the Island are open for the season, with exquisite artistic offerings, the roadside stands offering farm fresh eggs, produce in season, are "open", the vineyards are up and running with daily tours and wine tastings, the cheese makers are open for business at their on site locations...how lucky we are! Beddis Beach, Vesuvius Beach, Drummond Children's Park Beach, plus Ruckle Park and Mt. Maxwell Park all find their aficianados...the Island is blossoming forth and presenting itself in its late Spring/almost Summer array, and it's great to be out in the garden, beachcombing on beaches, dining al fresco in restaurants and coffee houses, and unfurling after winter's severity. It's feeling like Summer today...and more on its way. How lucky to be able to call Salt Spring Island or another Southern Gulf Island "home". Looking for real estate information, appointments to view? How may I help you to buy your special Island property? Look forward to your call. liread33@gmail.com Visit my Salt Spring Island office, across from the Harbour and the Marinas, adjacent to the Stone Walrus Gallery location, on the main road. Welcome! May 24, 2009. "If the boulders are moved, Even a river will change its flow." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") May 23, 2009. Here's a stellar oceanview home, close to all amenities, and on water and sewer systems, with privacy, great sun exposure, and a totally renovated home, beautiful and easy care garden...expand summer living pleasures, here! In a quiet area, close to golf, theatre, tennis, services, amenities, lake and across a quiet country road from the ocean (almost waterfront!), this beauty awaits your pleasure. Like a townhome alternative, with its easy care flair, yet without the strata council hassle! Easy to show! You will love it! May 22, 2009. Don't forget to pop into Pegasus Gallery for their current show -- runs through to May 30th. Eight Island artists are represented in this show, all with dramatically different perspectives and expression. Enjoy! Tonight and tomorrow, and again on the 28th to 30th (on 31st, it's a matinee performance), catch the world premiere of Mort Ransen's "If I Were Me." At ArtSpring, at 8 p.m. We're so lucky to have such talent in our midst. Be sure and catch one of these performances. Auntie Pesto's is up and running again, after a complete renovation...check it out! Afterwards, drop by Steffich Fine Art Gallery and also J. Mitchell Gallery (under new ownership/management). Looking for eat in or take out? It's Bruce's Kitchen, in Harbour Centre, of course! Also under new ownership/management is Moby's location...same name, but now an Oyster Bar/Restaurant. Check it out, and enjoy that fabulous Harbour view (see all the way to Thieves Bay, on Pender Island, from here!). Enjoy the evocative and dramatic paintings that Jill Louise Campbell showcases in her charming gallery, across from the Tree House Cafe, close to the Boardwalk. Jill captures the essence of Salt Spring in her local canvasses. Great news...can now fly with Salt Spring Air from Victoria's Saanich Peninsula to Vancouver! New scheduled run. Call Salt Spring Air for the details/schedule information (250-537-9880). Take off and land at Pat Bay. Been by the Salt Spring Woodworks, lately? Lots to see and to admire, here, and to learn about the talented woodworkers in our midst. The Sculpture Garden continues, too, in the Hastings House gardens. Congratulations to Randy Bachman, who recently received (and well deserved!) the Order of Canada. Looking for something a little different to do, on an off Island day trip? We're moving towards June, the month of roses, and some early blooming ones are already dancing in gardens. Why not do afternoon tea at Butchart's Gardens, and take in their extravagantly beautiful rose garden. Rest the soul! Looking for real estate on Salt Spring Island or on a Southern Gulf Island? In Maple Bay or in Yellowpoint areas, on Southern Vancouver Island? Or, seeking a private island experience? Give me a call! ( www.liread.com/listings.htm) How may I help you to buy your special Island property? liread33@gmail.com May 21, 2009. "Meaning in life is arbitrary. Why ruin the universe with rigidity?" (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") May 20, 2009. So, is everyone jumping on the social media marketing bandwagon? I welcome you to follow me on Twitter, and to be my friend on Facebook, and to link to my business profile on Linkedin. I've been blogging since 2005, although I didn't realized that this was what I was doing, until 2008. My daily blog is on my main website ( www.liread.com/blog.htm), and I also have auxiliary blogs through particular sites, some entries the same, and others quite different. I do think that the Internet erased time, geography, age, gender, race and created a global environment that is "intellect to intellect". Although we may not have met, face to face, in real time, it doesn't mean that the connections in the virtual world are any less important. We bandy about words such as "global marketplace", without even thinking about what this truly means. Global means an erasure of distances, and the opening of the entire world to each of us, no matter where we might live, or the lifestyle we might be engaged in. The methods of communication change rapidly, and, as Marshall McLuhan said, in the 60s and 70s, the "medium is the message". The different ways of communication do change us, as people, and also change our societal structures. The telephone was a societal shift of dramatic proportions, when it first appeared in everyone's home. The ability to have email recreated our ways of intereaction, both personally and in a business situation. The erasure of time, which creates a time famine in a way, as time is "always", and one is "always on" as a result, means that the Twitter format of microblogging has become a way to keep in touch, in business as well as with friends and relatives, without the lengthy format of most communication venues. 140 characters, including spaces & punctuation, means the haiku approach to communication is the way to go! Words like "pithy" are back in vogue, and one has to sharpen one's speech...no flabby thinking, or the message won't be clear. A good exercise for all of us, perhaps. In being "pithy" in expression, we may have to ressurect our "editing function", Important to be able to "rate" data, rather than to accept all that evenly weighted and undifferentiated data, without question -- to become information, we need to prioritize the data, and to research its validity. Maybe Twitter's microblogging "rule" of 140 characters will also reteach us the ability to differentiate the important from the non-important? Now, there would be a "gift", from Twitter, and perhaps an unexpected one...Twitter may make us more discerning, as our ability to be "pithy" increases. Didn't the Ancient Greeks teach this skill in the Gymnasium? People point to Obama's successful use of social media options in his bid for the White House, remember. When things appear on CNN, I always feel they're "mainstream". Now we have newsbreaks via Twitter, as a regular feature, off CNN. Oprah, who likes to be in the forefront of change, has a Twitter address. Mariel Hemmingway also microblogs to her Twitter audience, on a regular basis. Interesting! Mmmmm....am mulling...societal changes afoot. Your thoughts? Always welcome! May 19, 2009. Here's a super "west coast contemporary" architect designed home, with wonderful ocean, islands, mountain vistas (Mt. Baker's majesty on view!), on a private and sunny 8 + acre "natural" state property, just minutes from Ganges Village and all services/amenities, yet in its own tranquil world. Great hiking/walking trails, here! A "mountain perspective", in an area of fine homes. This gem of a home offers wood floors, custom window treatments, dramatic living, dining with garden view, country kitchen with breakfast area, and a deer fenced easy care garden area, around the home, with stellar rock work and appealing pond. Lovely bedroom appointments, office area...this is ready to move into and to just enjoy! A best buy price for an oceanview acreage, in a quality area. Enjoy! May 18, 2009. Last October, I began to blog that I thought we would find the media reporting changing "tack" by May, and shifting from "gloom and doom" to more heartening perspectives. The media uses statistics that are always 90 to 120 days "out", as they get these from the mls/board systems, and therefore are taking readings of the "past". Realtors (and conveying lawyers and appraisers, who follow along in the wake of the realtors initial business, a subject transaction) always know before the media, then, if a shift has occurred. Yes, it was "bad news" all over, in the Fall of 2008. Collapsing housing market, with sales volume down around 50%, in many regions (sales volume just means buyers weren't acting, remember, so low volume would be the outcome), severe losses in the stock market side of investment, driving many players into cash positions, just to "save capital", and the fragility of the banks/financial institutions (was that cash safe in the banks?)...plus the non-stop printing presses pumping out paper currencies, around the world, to stem the collapse of the economic situations...it was all a message of doom and fear. Fear makes people "stop" (we're only human, after all!). Fear can also propel, though, and the fear of the value of cash diminishing, due to so much being printed, with nothing backing same but more paper and a government, combined with the sense that the banks/financial institutions are still on shaky ground (the credit crunch continues), and the concurrent fear that hyperinflation could be unleashed, when a market solidifying appeared, has created a sense that cash could be the next bubble. Continuing low interest rates, historically low by the way, and government measures to encourage home ownership/investment, plus the fear that cash could disappear, just like stocks on their way down, may be the reason that buyers returned to the marketplace, around the beginning of February. At the start of the sales, it was only active in the low end residential category, in our Gulf Islands area. This seems to have been mirrored in other coastal communities, though, and I see this as a positive characteristic. It's like putting in the foundation/building the basement first. If there is health to this market uptick trend, then it does have to start in the low end category first. Undeveloped land options, and the higher end opportunities in residential properties, usually begin action around mid-May, in our seasonal/resort based area, and continue through to close of September. That is what I call our "grid of activity". The emails seem to be promising an arrivals pattern for this market category that hasn't been seen for the past two, if not three, years. In our local area, we were afflicted by events in the home areas of our non-local buyer profile, and things are showing an uptick in their home areas, too, which allows them to consider a purchase in our secondary home/discretionary market, once again. All good news, then, and I think we will look back, in the next couple of years, and agree that 2008 was the "bottom". Those saavy investor buyers, who appeared between April 2008 and January 2009, then, will seem clairvoyant, as they were able to deliver huge price reductions, at the point of an offer, to worried sellers (many of them having been on the market for a good two years or more, in our "pause period"). As this season continues, with sales volume definitely "up", we may see that spread between an offer price and a list price continue to diminish, and we may even see some multiple offers, with properties selling for more than list price, if they are unique items/good properties. I do think that envelope of opportunity, for a buyer, in our area, is starting to close. Inventory remains "thin", with most owners choosing not to be sellers, unless they "have to", or unless they have "plan b". More information? I welcome your call! How may I help you to buy your special Salt Spring Island or Southern Gulf Islands property? liread33@gmail.com May 17, 2009. "Put forth your effort With no thought of gain." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") May 16, 2009. Looking for a peaceful lifestyle, in a very pleasing seaside home, with a crushed shell and sand beach at your doorstep, a mooring buoy for your boat, for now, and a foreshore licence that allows you to build a dock? Here it is, waiting for you on special Salt Spring Island! Private, with historic orchard, sunny (s/sw/w exposures...enjoy those sunsets!), and in an area of fine homes. A lovely gated courtyard entry enjoys morning sun, and offers spaces to sip tea, and soak in the peaceful enclave. A formal entry leads to an appealing living room, with wood burning fireplace, a dining room enjoying the ocean vistas, and a country kitchen, perfect for family or entertaining pleasures...easy access to expansive decking, for summer al fresco dining pleasures! Master sitting, with dressing area, and ensuite (tub with a garden view) is in its own "wing", with access to oceanside decking...hot tub with a view, here! Library/den, full bath, plus guest bedroom, spacious laundry, mudroom/entry off double garage, storage, office space completes the main level. Garden level offers rec room/media room potential, plus bed/bath. The plus? A lovely studio, at oceanside, perfect for an artist! Oceanside deck, with firepit, and easy access to that lovely beach...this is a property to enjoy forever! Sea Orchard is the evocative name chosen by the owners, who have enjoyed bringing up their family here, and are now looking to their next adventure. Ready to just move into and enjoy the special Salt Spring lifestyle! May 15, 2009. Tonight is the opening of several art gallery offerings on this lovely Island. We are so lucky to be among so many talented and highly creative people. Make a point of dropping into the openings, tonight, and meeting both the artists and the gallery owners who showcase them for us. Pegasus Gallery, on the Boardwalk, opens their New Works by Eight Island Artists show, with a reception set for 5 to 8 p.m. Steven Armstrong, Roland Gatin, Gail Johnson, John Macdonald, Peter McFarlane, Morley Myers, Randolph Parker, and Ronald Smith are "on view" for your pleasure. Be sure and drop into J. Mitchell Gallery in Grace Point Square, to meet the new owner and the new manager of this prime gallery. Welcome reception is at 5 to 8 p.m. A warm Salt Spring Island welcome to them both! Mahon Hall showcases an art show this weekend, too, and again, this evening, there's an opening reception. Make it an evening to remember, as a welcome to our May holiday weekend, and visit all three! Lots going on this weekend -- the Round Salt Spring Sailing Race (catch it from the shore, as they pass by -- a good watching place is Seaside Kitchen, in Vesuvius!), plus the Saturday Market in the Park, all the studios open, and the weather forecast says it's a great day for beachcombing, kayaking, hiking on Mt. Maxwell or out at Ruckle Park, and lots of coffee/tea stops or lunch or dinner to choose from. Welcome the season...it's finally here! Enjoy! May 14, 2009. BBC news reports : EU slaps a record fine on Intel US plans derivatives regulations Bank sees slow economic recovery Women 'fight off disease better' Chemical cocktail 'risk to boys' 'Gruelling' Artic mission ends Google unviels 'smarter search' Burma's Suu Kyi 'to be charged' Pakistan conflict map Obama defends abuse photos U-turn Pope calls for Palestinian state Your questions for the oligarch May 13, 2009. Looking for a sweetheart of a retreat property? Here's a treasure, in the heart of the beautiful Fulford Valley, on special Salt Spring Island! An authentic 40s style charmer, recently upgraded, with all the appeal of a true rural/pastoral hideaway. Barn, outbuildings, plus new garage that mirrors the charm of the original. Patios to expand summer living pleasures, plus orchard (can sell your produce from the farm gate stand), and one could put in a small vineyard, if desired. Walk to Burgoyne Valley Park and to ocean from here, too. Private, sunny, pastoral and mountain views, good water, ready to just move into and enjoy your Salt Spring retreat cottage/home. Don't delay on this one...it's a gem! May 12, 2009. Today is our B.C. Provincial Election. Make sure you get out and vote. We are so lucky to live in an area where we may freely exercise our right to vote, and to choose for the platform that we espouse. This is not the case in many parts of the world. Don't be apathetic. No excuse not to get out there, and to take the time to be thoughtful, and to vote. It is our responsibility, to ensure that our democracy remains strong. Wave, if you see me! May 11, 2009. Sometimes, day trips are the thing to do.... Going to Victoria? Be sure to take in the B.C. Museum's display, walk the esplanade area ringing the inner harbour, catch the harbour ferry to the Songhees side and stroll that walkway, do tea at the Empress, wander the specialty shops along Government Street, including Munro's Books, if you time a visit with Swiftsure Race, on the U.S. Memorial Day weekend, you will be captivated by the beauty of these sailboats, and the spinnaker start to this race is breathtaking....places to eat, for lunch or dinner? Give me a call, and ask for "Li's List".... Going to Vancouver? Be sure to take in the incredible presentation of the Dutch masters, at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Ponder Rembrandt's use of light...amazing.... If you have time, do the Sea to Sky highway, and enjoy Whistler in its "off season". Leave downtown Vancouver, and be in Whistler in under two hours. Enjoy the beauty of Stanley Park in the Spring-time. Van Dusen Gardens beckons one, too. Wander the shops along South Granville or in Kerrisdale on 41st Avenue...great people watching streets, over a coffee.... More things to do and to see? "Li's List" has suggestions. A well kept secret is tea at the Hotel Vancouver. Authentic, and a great place to "just be", a little apart from the city's bustle. Vancouver Island? Chemainus is the place to enjoy the murals, and the Emily Carr homage is worth a visit , if you haven't been for awhile. The Cowichan Valley wine tours are worth a trip, and the great organic bakery in Cowichan Bay should be on everyone's list! Been to Maple Bay lately? Suddenly, has an "east coast" charm. At this time of year, the Maple Bay Road is worth a drive...pastoral loveliness, and then you arrive at the sea (dinner? Wed to Sunday, the Grapevine is your place!). Heading north? Qualicum Beach beckons...when the tide's out, you can walk for miles. More suggestions? There's that "Li's List", again! Always a pleasure to be able to return to special Salt Spring Island, but it's also good to sashay off on those daytrips...so easy to do, everything is close at hand, and we get to return to our Island paradise, recharged by "the new". Enjoy! May 10, 2009. Happy Mother's Day! Calvin's Restaurant and Hastings House are both offering delicious brunch menu choices. Wander the art galleries, do some studio tours, stroll Ruckle Park, check out the new Japanese Memorial Garden, across from ArtSpring...do something a little out of the ordinary, and treat Mom, or even yourself, if it's not possible to connect with Mom. It is a special day, and at this time of year, with 'real Spring' at long last here, it's good to pause and to be good to oneself, and to those "nearest and dearest". Enjoy the day! May 9, 2009. In these troubling days, where people are concerned about job losses, faltering balance sheets if in retail, and an approximate 30% drop in tourist incomes, it's easy to pull in and to forget those truly in need. Try to remember the food bank, the Copper Kettle, the Salvation Army, the SPCA, and all of the other very worthwhile ways to create goodness for those in need. We may not be able to give as much as in previous times, but tiny amounts have a way of adding up. Volunteering is another way to offer a caring spirit to your particular part of the world. In giving, we also receive. It's a two way street! "Give back what you've learned. Share your experience." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") May 8, 2009. Don't forget to spoil Mom this Sunday! Lots of lovely restaurants offering special brunch menu and all the studios are open on tour, nice things to do with Mom, that are a little out of the ordinary. Don't forget Mort Ransen's production of three of his plays, running from May 21 to 23 and 28 to 30 (matinee on May 31st). Check with ArtSpring re ticket info (250-537-2102). We're lucky to have such world renowned talent, right in our midst. Enjoy! Join the new owner and his manager at J. Mitchell Gallery, in Grace Point Square, for a wine and cheese, on May 15th, from 5 to 8 p.m. Talented artists will be in attendance, too. A Bead Show and Sale is on at ArtSpring, on May 15, 16, 17 (10 to 5). Wholesale/Retail...check this out. Don't overlook the very talented Larry Melious, who is showcasing his photographs at the Salt Spring Coffee Co. location, throughout May. It's a series of portraits, and is not to be missed. The May holiday weekend sees three talented artists presenting a three-media "Discoveries" exhibit at Mahon Hall (May 16 to 18, with an opening reception on Friday the 15th, from 7 to 9 p.m.). All three artists will be in attendance at the reception. (Oil paintings, mixed media, photography). May 15 to 29th is a display of New Works by Eight Island Artists, at Pegasus Gallery, with an opening reception on the 15th, from 5 to 8 p.m. See you there! Check out the new School for Visual Arts -- offers creativity in drawing, painting and film studies. Contact Amarah Gabriel, who will be holding one day courses called Learn to Draw/Draw to Know, beginning Tuesday, May 12th. (250-537-0051). May 17th, at ArtSpring, enjoy the superb rhythms of Memeza Africa. Don't miss this! (2:30 p.m. -- call ArtSpring for details/ticket info). 250-537-2102. Keep up with the latest on Raffi's Spriit of One project, through his website: www.raffinews.com Five local writers are offering a literary evening, called Real and Imagined Lives, on May 12th, at ArtSpring's Gallery...call for details (free, as is supported by Writer's Union of Canada, the Canada Council, and ArtSpring). Don't miss this! More ideas on things to do, things to enjoy? Ask for "Li's List"! liread33@gmail.com May 7, 2009. "I don't care, frankly, what people think. I do what I like." (Chef, Julia Child) I'm looking forward to Meryl Streep in the film version of Julia Child's life. To this day I remember Julia Child's terrific cook book, with all the bits of advice and wisdom, and the wonderful sense that I really had dropped into a classic French cuisine cooking school. Her irreverent attitude, on those t.v. shows, made me feel that I could conquer any recipe. It was immediately clear that she was an individual, and her example probably fostered a lot of willingness to 'be oneself". May 6, 2009. A superlative oceanview opportunity on special Salt Spring Island! A custom designed home, with exceptional finishes and all the bells and whistles in place...a designer kitchen, a wonderful outdoor kitchen, plus wood burning fireplace, to expand summer living pleasures. Open plan living/dining, with easy access out to expansive view decking (sunsets forever, from here!). Library/den, custom office, separate laundry, terrific bathroom, plus powder room, completes the main level. Master sitting, with a dramatic ensuite, and his and hers walk-in closets, is in its own private upper level "wing". Guest bed sitting, plus full ensuite, and stacked washer/dryer, and with own private entrance, is in its own "wing" at opposite end of home. Spacious storage, mechanical room, exercise room, totally easy care and totally stylish...this is a dramatic home with wonderful flair, and is ready to just move into and enjoy. Wood burning fireplace (stone feature) in living, plus on outdoor deck, and gas fireplaces in library, and in both bedrooms. Garage for the classic car! Zoned for separate guest cottage and separate studio, this 5 + acre beauty offers everything. Opportunity awaits! May 5, 2009. "Never jump out of the same hole twice." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") May 4, 2009. BBC news reports : US car sales continue to suffer Bankers made 'astonishing mess' Bankruptcies reach record levels Africa's genetic secrets unlocked Fertilisers 'reducing diversity' Norway tests laptop exam scheme YouTube helps man deliver baby Cricket remath spectacle for Afghanistan Swine Flu spread 'not sustained' Buffett facing tough AGM grilling Zimbabwe dollar 'not back soon' May 3, 2009. On May 9th, enjoy Auntie Kate and the Uncles of Funk, a popular Island blues band, at Fulford Hall -- it's a fund-raiser for SWOVA...CDs available at the event. Enjoy! Rock on! Something new in town: Persnickety is now open, in Grace Point Square -- little details for little people -- kids boutique. Check it out! A week today is Mother's Day...Brunch is available at Calvin's Bistro, and at Hastings House. Spoil Mom! Visiting Vancouver? Catch the Celebrating B.C. Arts & Culture exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery. While there, don't miss the Emily Carr paintings. May 8 - 9, at 7 p.m., enjoy Peter Pan at ArtSpring (matinee at 4 p.m. on the 9th). Wow! We're lucky -- a new professional theatre company in town! Mort Ransen (of Margaret's Museum fame) offers three plays for your enjoyment, beginning on May 21st, at ArtSpring. Call the ticket office or check the website (www.artspring.ca) for time and ticket details. Island Theatre is the name of this newly established venture, and the three plays are written and directed by Mort Ransen. Halibut season still...enjoy the offerings at the Harbour House Hotel. Take time, in this suddenly full blown Spring moment, to drive the Island, slowly, like a tourist, and to enjoy the wonderful explosion of blossoms in all the orchards, the lambs in the fields, the daffodils and tulips crowding gardens, the tide out during the day (why does it do that? In the winter, the tide is out at night/in during the day, and vice versa in the summer season), so strolling on the beaches is encouraged, and don't forget the splendours of Ruckle Park, and Mt. Maxwell Park. We're so lucky to be here...enjoy! May 2, 2009. Here's a pastoral sweetheart, in a quiet and rural area of lovely Salt Spring Island, with the illusion that you're on a large acreage (neighbouring properties are large acreages, and their homes are distant from boundary lines, so the effect is that this sweetie sits on a large parcel, too). Very sunny and private, with two bed/two bath home, country kitchen, dining room, large living with sliders out to deck, verandah style deck off kitchen, separate laundry. Detached garage and workshop, outbuilding for storage, plus fenced veggie garden (you can be self-sufficient, here). Close to lake, beach accesses, park hiking/walking trails, and to all of Salt Spring's many amenities, yet truly in its own serene and sunny world A rural/pastoral delight! Good tenant in place, who would stay if desired. May 1, 2009. "Peacock irridescence in veridical shadows, Violet blooms spread to noonday sun. The world's beauty is a swirl of color, But in the flower's center is bright stillness." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")

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