Current Entries November 30, 2008. "The year's end is coming: I feel great contentment. Completion means rest. Rest means renewal. Renewal means new beginnings." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") November 29, 2008. Today and tomorrow, catch the Christmas Show and Sale by Pat Webber (potter) and Ulrike Benner (textiles), between 10 and 4 p.m., at Pat Webber's studio at 426 Stewart Road. Talented artists! The Fulford Hall and the Beaver Point Hall Christmas Show displays will be on Dec. 5, 6, & 7th. Don't miss these two great events. Talented artists, lots of good gift ideas, food to nibble on...a community fest! Santa arrives today, flying in via Salt Spring Air! Walk the Village and enjoy the window displays and Christmas lights. Congratulate the winners of the most creative window displays! Wander into Jill Louise Campbell's Gallery and check out the many gift ideas presented by the artist. Jill's local paintings evoke the ambiance of Salt Spring, and can be enjoyed via gift cards, too. Wander through Frankly Scarlet for some jewellery ideas! The metaphysical treasures, plus clothing and gems, found at Windflower Moon, are always an appealing choice. Steffich Fine Art Gallery and J. Mitchell Gallery (in Grace Point Square) also offer local artists, working in fabric, with gems, and also offering inspiration through sculpture and paintings. Martinus presents an array of unique jewellery items in his studio space on Seaview. Fun gifts can be found at Houseboat on Hereford Avenue. The Salt Spring Trading Company has moved to a new location, next door to the Sears store. More gift ideas, here. Looking for some coffee or tea and a snack suggestions? Cafe Talia on Hereford Avenue, TJ Beans at corner of McPhillips, Rendezvous Cafe adjacent to Moby's, Jada's Bakeshop in the Upper Village, near the Driftwood office, Auntie Pesto's in Grace Point Square, plus Tapas in Bocados Bistro, also in Grace Point Square, and the Treehouse Cafe. Lunch? Calvin's Bistro, the Salt Spring Inn, the Harbour House Hotel, Bocados Bistro, Auntie Pestos, Cafe Talia, Rendezvous Cafe. Dinner? Treat yourself to the festive menu choices, reflecting this lovely season, to be found at: Calvin's Bistro, Bocados Bistro, Salt Spring Inn, Piccolo's, Harbour House Hotel, Auntie Pestos, Rock Salt Cafe in Fulford, Seaside Kitchen in Vesuvius. Take out ideas? Pasta Fresca, Pomodoro's Pizza, Cafe Talia, Rendezvous Cafe, Jada's Bakeshop, and something new in Harbour Centre, with Bruce the Chef (former TLC location) . Lots to see and to do, with art & craft fairs, with seasonal music and theatre, with special menu suggestions by the restaurants and cafes, with catering opportunities for home entertainment...it's the Christmas Season on Salt Spring Island. Remember to gift the charities of your choice, to help those less fortunate, at this time of year. Remember to include those who live alone, so that they are included in the magic and the colour of this time of year. It's the season of sharing. Enjoy! November 28, 2008. Here's Hawaii on Salt Spring Island, awaiting your enjoyment! A very charming cottage style home, architect designed and lovingly maintained, with a super crushed shell and sand beach at your doorstep. Foreshore licence in place; build your dock and keep your boat at home! Mooring buoy in place, right now. Sunny (s/sw/w), with sunsets forever, and private. Historic orchard, mainly level property, with appealing courtyard entrance, wood floors, master "wing", guest accomodation, open plan living and dining, country kitchen with al fresco dining options on spacious oceanside decking, double garage, office spaces...it's a gem! The plus? An oceanside studio -- perfect for the artist! In a prestigious area of quality homes, close to all amenities, yet in its own serene world, this beauty is calling you! See Li for appointments to view. November 27, 2008. Happy Thanksgiving to all our U.S. friends! Enjoy your special day. November 26, 2008. The repetitive nature of the media, with its constant humming of the same theme, hour after hour (is this what cable news created?) has the unfortunate effect of numbing the viewer's/listener's mind. How will we ever be able to let our creative selves out of the box of fear, if we continue to wallow in media "shout"? It's established that never before have the three main sectors of the economy (housing, stock market, banks/financial institutions/credit) been 'down' all at the same time. Clearly, the troubles that beset us (& it's a global problem, not an isolated issue in one particular country) are societal. It's as if the expected modes of life, in evidence at the close of the 20th century, and still in effect in the opening chapters of the 21st, have been pulled out from under us, all at one fell swoop. No one has a road map. This is probably why those we considered our "leaders" are as aimless in their responses as we ourselves are. We're adrift from the moorings we thought would always be there. In all this printing of paper money, also globally, with little to back same except "the government", in an effort to stave off disaster/return us to "the norm", have we unleashed the seeds of hyperinflation? Those who chant the mantra of deflation have good arguments to support that theory. Again, no middle ground, no gray area, just the "either...or" scenario. Well, wasn't that what Kierkegaard was trying to get across to us, back at the close of the 19th Century? There really is no gray area...human to want such a thing, though, as the starkness of that "either...or" decision can be unnerving. At such a time of unrest, with everything in question (the money supply, the safety of banks, the validity of equity in a house, the disastrous losses in savings, via the stock market, job security, etc. etc. etc.), it's easy to succumb to fear. Important to remember to pay attention to life on a minute by minute basis. Go for a walk, enjoy the "surround sound" of your immediate environment, watch films that make you laugh, cook healthy meals, be sure to eat, try to maintain a regular routine of exercise and sleeping habits...rest revitalizes. Shakespeare was right about "sleep ravelling up the sleeve of care". A diet for media is also important...only 10 minutes a day of CNN, & related reporting. Decide to educate your musical palette and learn about opera...listen with your heart. Read a book about the philosophers of Ancient Greece (check out Heraclitus). Volunteer...be there for those less fortunate. At this seasonal time of giving, why not give funds to the Salvation Army, instead of gifts for our friends and relatives. Do it in their name. Those less fortunate will need more help than ever, this year. If you pass a tree, with a gift tag, pick one up and buy a gift for an "unknown". You may never know what this gesture will create in another's life. Remember your food bank. It's about thinking of others, first, with whatever we have that can be shared. It's the best pick me up in the world. Your ideas? Always welcome! November 25, 2008. "it's taken me all my life to learn what not to play." (musician, Dizzy Gillespie) November 24, 2008. Looking for an authentic Arts and Crafts home, lovingly restored, with an "as new" addition on the lower garden level and on the upper master "suite" level? Here is a treasure, awaiting your pleasure! Lowbank oceanfront, with warm ocean swimming here, and sunrises and sunsets! Excellent all day/year round sun exposure, a quiet area, yet close to all amenities, and to golf and marinas. The sunny and private property, with easy care landscaping, an oceanside deck for summer al fresco dining pleasures, is an extravaganza of bird and sea life -- eagles, swans, deer, seals...enjoy the panorama! Main level offers entry/foyer, with morning room off, guest poweder room, cook's dream kitchen, formal dining, formal living, plus library/den (potential guest). Upper level offers wonderful master sitting with state of the art ensuite! Lower (daylight) garden level offers storage, craft area, walk in cedar closet (large space!), plus self-contained guest/inlaw "suite". Could do oceanside B & B, here, if desired! Ready to just move into and enjoy...a waterfront home with quality and with flair! November 23, 2008 The work on the "child honouring" centre concept continues. A fund raising effort, to be called Spirit of One, is underway. All interested parties, please contact me, and I will pass along your name and contact numbers to the group arranging for these upcoming events. Spearheaded by Raffi, this innovative and very timely concept is to be based on Salt Spring. More details? Give me a call! "No. No. No. This ruins a child." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") November 22, 2008. BBC news reports : Citigroup plunges on uncertainty Repossession of homes up 12% Property sales rise in October Hairspray linked to birth defect IBM to build brain-like computers Google unveils customised search Burma comic jailed for 45 years Taiwan to shop through the blues US global dominance 'set to wane' New twist in Politkovskaya trail November 21, 2008. Mark your calendars! Santa arrives in Ganges on November 29th, ETA is 2 p.m., at the Ganges Float Plane Dock. Wave, if you see me! (Thanks, too, to St. Clair McColl, of Salt Spring Air, who will be piloting Santa in). Drop in to Pegasus Gallery of Canadian Art, sometime soon, and catch their incredible display of Historical Chinese Pottery. Tomorrow, at 2 p.m., at ArtSpring, enjoy The Rivals, a Gilbert and Sullivan gem, presented by the Victoria Gilbert and Sullivan Society and Canadian Pacific Ballet. Call 250-592-6707 re ticket info., or, purchase at the ArtSpring Theatre. Today, tomorrow, and Sunday, the 23rd, you can catch the annual Out of Hand juried art fair, in Victoria. Salt Spring Woodworks is a partner in a new feature show of fine and studio furniture (Touch Wood). For more info. on the fair, call Salt Spring Woodworks at 250-537-9606. It's held at the Victoria Conference Centre. See you there! Julia Lucich is taking those great Party Animals off to a Vancouver Island solo exhibition, at the Victoria Arts Connection. If you haven't been by the Landing Party gallery, on North End Road, to enjoy Julia's whimsical and engaging paintings, don't delay! Her show runs (2750 Quadra Street) between Nov. 21st and January (opening reception on the 21st, 6 to 9 p.m.). Don't forget the Stravinsky and Beyond concert, at ArtSpring, at 8 p.m., on November 29th. Congratulations to Wilco Construction, for their great showing in the recent CARE Awards. They achieved 3 Silver Awards. CARE is sponsored by the Canadian Home Builders Association. Photos of winning homes designed and built by Wilco are on the CARE website (www.careawards.com). Check out the Stone Walrus Gallery for their wonderful Christmas array of decorations and gifts. Their 60% off sale continues, as they are clearing out their inventory, preparatory to closing down. (Note: their building sold and the gift/retail part continues until inventory is all gone). Bruce Wood & Matt Salo have purchased the former TLC location in Harbour Centre. Bruce is the exceptional chef, from Ottawa, who created the buzz at Rock Salt Cafe. Cooking classes are in the offiing, and we can also expect Bruce to create a sterling take out menu. A name change is forthcoming, too. The Library is looking for help. Donations are welcome, and can be sent to SSI Public Library, 129 McPhillips Avenue, Salt Spring Island, B.C., V8K 2T6. Drop by my personal office, and say hello, next time you're in Ganges "seaside' Village. I'm in the Clement, Murphy, Woodward building, at the corner of Lower Ganges (main road) and Rainbow Roads, with parking behind, off Rainbow. My office has a side entrance, off the lawn area of this property, and my windows look out onto the main road, plus across to the Harbour and marinas. Easy to find! I'm also very pleased to announce that Jean Davis has come to work with me, as my Executive Assistant. The office number is: 250-537-8763. If I'm not "in", it will automatically go through to my cell (250-537-7647). Look forward to saying hello "in person". (P.S. Although I am running my licence through an international company, where I'm an Associate Broker, and its main office is in Whistler, I am definitely still living and still working on Salt Spring Island! I am the local representative for the Sea to Sky Premier Properties company on Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands. Local representation, then, with a true global exposure presence -- the best of all worlds!). November 20, 2008. Yes, keep your boat at home, here! Live in the panabode style two bed/one bath cottage/home, while building your dream house on this private and sunny (s/sw/w exposures) property. In prestigious Scott Point area, just minutes from all of Salt Spring's Village amenities, and with a panabode style double garage, too, for extra storage or those classic cars, this gem of a property awaits your design ideas. A great investment/holding property, meantime, or, rent it out, or, use as a summer/weekender for now. Bring your architect, and walk this one, soon. You will be amazed at the wide-angle panoramic viewscapes of ocean/islands/mountains. Sunsets from here, too! The dock and the two lovely oceanside decks have just been completed, and are "state of the art". Enjoy! November 19, 2008. "The trick is growing up without growing old." (baseball manager, Casey Stengel) November 18, 2008. Here's the best oceanview opportunity on special Salt Spring Island! On 5 + very private and sunny acres, with totally wide-angle expansive ocean, islands, and mountain viewscapes (almost 270 degree sweep of dramatic views), and in an area of quality homes, close to park walking/hiking trails, and to several excellent beach accesses (warm ocean swimming in this area), and to shopping, marinas, golf, theatre, galleries, restaurants, lakes, and yet in its own serenely beautiful world, this dramatic custom designed and built home offers immense appeal. Sunny (s/sw/w), with sunsets forever, and with an entertainment size deck to expand summer living pleasures (outdoor kitchen, outdoor fireplace, hot tub, al fresco dining options), dramatic living and entertainment size dining, with a cook's dream kitchen, pantry, wine storage to satisfy the conoisseur, sep. state of the art laundry room, powder room, plus full bathroom, library/den (potential guest), superb home office, formal entry/foyer completes the main level. The master/sitting, with his and hers walk-in closets, plus amazing ensuite, is in its own "wing" (deck off). Storage, electrical room, exercise room, garage, plus wonderful "guest wing" (bed/sitting room, deck off, sep. entry or from main home, wonderful bathroom/laundry...hugely appealing. Wood burning fireplace (stone) in living room, plus gas fireplace in library/den, in master bedroom, and in guest bedroom. Suiperb electronics, too! This is a home to treasure, and it's ready to just move into and enjoy. The property is zoned for sep. guest cottage and sep. studio. A dream! Ready to be yours! November 17, 2008. Mark your calendars for some great events: Salt Spring Concert Band, (Dawn Hage, director), will be showcasing "Stravinsky & Beyond: a celebration of new talent", and introducing Matthew Stubbs, pianist, the 2008 Solo Contest winner, on Saturday, November 29th., at 8 p.m., at ArtSpring. Don't miss this! If you love Gilbert and Sullivan, then be sure to attend The Rivals, at ArtSpring, on November 22, at 2 p.m. Tickets at the Theatre, or, call: 250-592-6707. Steve Oda performs at Salt Spring Centre on Nov. 21st (the classical music of India), with the concert beginning at the Blackburn Road centre at 8 p.m. A vegetarian meal is also available, at 6 p.m. Call 250-537-2326 for more details & ticket information. Tuned into Randy's Vinyl Tap yet? Catch this on Saturdays, 7 to 9 p.m., on CBC Radio 1 (or Sirious Channel 137). Salt Spring Arts Academy is offering an 8 week Expressive Drawing Workshp for teens and adults, to be held at Mahon Hall, on Thursdays. Call 250-537-4294 for more details/fees. Have you checked out Pegasus Gallery lately? Unusual treasues abound, here, and if you haven't been by for awhile, you will enjoy their newly reconfigured space. On November 26th, Compadres in Concert will be playing at ArtSpring, at 8 p.m. Celtic and folk tradition mixed in with Latin fire and spirit...enjoy! Call 250-537-2102 for ticket info. November 20th, from 6 to 8 p.m. (cash bar), discover 3 artists with 3 different mediums, on site at Cafe Talia (on Hereford Street). This is the opening night, with artists in attendance -- display will be visible, at Cafe Talia, for some days on. Ulrike Benner, Nathalie Carles, and Lisa Lipsett are featured. Wave if you see me! The results of the civic election are in: Salt Spring re-elected George Ehring and also Christine Torgrimson (who replaced Peter Lamb on that "ticket"). The new CRD director is Garth Hendren. The bid to add two more trustees was turned down, but the bid to go forward with an expansion of the solid waste project in Burgoyne Valley was passed. November 16, 2008. "There are no ancients before me, No followers behind: Only the vastness of heaven and earth On this mountain terrrace. Though heaven may know the ultimate, Joy or sorrow is our own will." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") November 15, 2008. BBC news reports : Eurozone officially in recession G20 urged to reject protectionism Heart test 'cannot predict risk' Exoplanets finally come into view European debuts for '$100 laptop' Burma court jails more protesters India battles diabetes 'epidemic' Syria uncovers 'largest church' Fire destroys California mansions Russian MPs back presidency move November 14, 2008. Tomorrow is the civic election in B.C. On Salt Spring, there are two trustee positions and a CRD (Capital Regional District) director position open. There are also some proposals needing input from the electorate: One of the current trustees is running for re-election, and he is running with a new person, and as "one being". This is what he did in the previous election, three years ago, and his then running mate has decided not to seek re-election, this term. In running two people as one ticket, they are hoping that they will both get in, again, and that any new person elected would be just "one" voice. Last time around, the two who ran as one were the only ones elected, and so there was only one voice available to the Islanders, and no alterrnative thought. During their three years in office, their agenda was to rewrite the OCP (Official Community Plan) and thus the bylaws governing the Island. Their agenda was very specific, and a lot of dissension was created on the Island. The Islanders for Self Government group came into being, as an antidote to the trustees very specific agenda for change. It's so important to vote. Make sure your voice is heard, too. It's your Island. Apathy is not the way to secure a viable Island lifestyle! The two items that the Islanders will be asked to vote on are: having four trustees, only two with the power to vote on issues, and approving a substantial amount of money to enlarge the solid waste treatment plant in the middle of private property/public park land, in the Burgoyne Valley. The Islanders for Self Government have approached the specific agenda of the incumbent trustee, during the past three years, by simply asking for a referendum to find out what the Islanders would like. Several years ago, the Provincial Government asked Salt Spring whether or not they would be interested in a Gulf Islands Municipal structure. The Trust would remain, and there would be a mayor/council to decide what might currently fall under the CRD supervision. At that time, Salt Spring voted "no", perhaps fearing that taxes would rise, etc., if the Island became this specialized form of a municipality. Taxes have gone up dramatically in any case, most of it caused by the current trustees approach. In having four trustees, even though voting rights would only be applied to two of them, will increase taxes, too. The CRD is not, perhaps, a viable way to look after some items, now, with the growth in population on the Island. Make sure you speak with the candidates. Hope you attended some of the all candidates meetings. Understand the issues. Please vote. November 13, 2008. "The secret to my success was that somehow I always managed to live to fly another day." (test pilot Chuck Yeager) November 12, 2008. Here's a superlative oceanfront property, ready to just move into and enjoy. Foreshore licence in place; build your dock and keep your boat at home, Easy access by stairs to Duck Bay (offers protected moorage) and warm ocean swimming. Sunny (s/sw/w) and private property, this beauty was custom designed and built in the late 80s, and was renovated in 2002 by current owners. Lovely living room, with music area/office off (can fit a concert grand piano into this space!), country dining, cook's kitchen, plus cosy den/t.v. room off, beautiful master/sitting with ensuite, and all with exceptional ocean/island/mountain viewscapes. Spacious decking, reached from all principal rooms, expands summer living pleasures! Separate entry (or reach from main level, too) guest/inlaw suite also would allow for a "high end" b & b option. Two further guest rooms plus bath (one is currently an office), plus storage with shower for beach activities or dogs. Easy care "natural" landscaping, double garage, sep. workshop...the property shows "as new", and is wonderfully maintained by owners. This is truly a "best buy" waterfront opportunity, in an area of quality homes, on special Salt Spring Island. November 11, 2008 November 10, 2008. Looking for a great space to enjoy a coffee and a "goodie"??? Salt Spring is lucky to have several! Give yourself a treat, and enjoy a "sweetie" out and about. Rendezvous Cafe is in the Salt Spring Marina complex, facing over towards Moby's and the marina docks. Owned by Bruno and Brigitte (you may remember them from the Saturday Market in the Park, during the "season", and from the Tuesday Farmer's Market in Ganges Village, also "in the season"), this wonderful hint of France, in "downtown Ganges", is not to be missed. Time it for a great quiche, right out of the oven, and enjoy the pastries that Brigitte is justifiably famous for. They do special orders (ask to see the book of suggestions), and they also cater. Practice your French, admire Bruno's great photographs (on the wall), and soak up the European flair along with the delicious bakery goodies, a la francaise! Another super spot is Cafe Talia, on Hereford Avenue. Light lunches, coffees and teas, plus pastries (some suipplied by Brigitte). A lovely window on the world. Winter hours are Tuesday to Saturday, and, in the "season", they're open seven days a week. Salt Spring Inn is offering Afternoon Tea on Tuesdays, 1 to 4 p.m. Enjoy! Auntie Pesto's, in Grace Point Square, also offers coffees/teas & desserts, as does the Tree House Cafe, adjacent to Mouat's Home Hardware. T.J. Beans, Salt Spring Roasting Company, Barb's Buns...all in the Ganges core area, also offer treats for coffee or afternoon tea times. Give yourself a treat! While in the Village, wander the galleries, and check out the opportunities for some holiday gift giving. Jill Louise Campbell's Gallery offers cards and appealing prints for those gift suggestions! If you haven't dropped by for awhile, be sure to take in this wonderful ambiance. Jewellery items can be found at Frankly Scarlett, and at J. Mitchell Gallery (local artists, here). The Salty Shop offers cards and stocking stuffer ideas. West of the Moon is a great children's store, with books and toys. Salt Spring Soapworks is there with boudoir beauties! Small items are also available at the Salt Spring Woodworks location at the corner of Upper Ganges and Churchill Roads (these are the people who organized the great Sculpture Garden, that also involved Hastings House). Houseboat, at the corner of Jackson and Hereford Avenues is full of decorative ideas, too. Don't overlook this eclectic venue. Windlflower Moon, next door to Admiralty Foods, on Fulford-Ganges Road, offers the metaphysical options, gems and flower remedies, and eclectic clothing lines. Lots of ideas for gifts, here, too. More suggestions? Ask for "Li's List"! Your ideas? Always welcome! November 9, 2008. Here's a diamond in the rough, just needing to be "loved" and returned to its former charm. An authentic 40s guest cottage (once a thriving b & b) is separately sited from the main home. Main home offers 3 bed/3 bath, and lower (daylight) level can easily be used as a guest/inlaw option. Wood floors, library, den, open plan living/dining/kitchen, master/ensuite, guest bath on main level. Some Harbour views from main home. Spacious decking to expand summer living pleasures, plus workshop for the handyman. An appealing mix of forest (walk your own trails) and sweeping lawn/flower garden. Sunny (s/sw/w), private, and walking distance to Ganges Village. On comm. water, and close to exceptional beach access, to golf, to marinas. Churchill Road is a preferred address. Bring your best ideas to this one, and enjoy the results! Note: tenants in place, who would remain, if desired. November 8, 2008. Here's something new! Salt Spring is starting its own Bioneer group, and this is good news indeed! Turn up at the Lions Hall, at 103 Bonnet Ave. (off Drake Road), on Sunday, Nov. 16th, at 1:30 p.m., for the introductory meeting and more information. See you there! Did you know that the Salt Spring Inn was offering Afternoon Tea on Tuesdays, between one and four? Here's a "civilized" thing to be doing on a winter's afternoon! Wave if you see me! Feel like a quick daytrip off Island, combined with some holiday shopping? Duncan's Christmas Chaos takes place on Nov. 13 & 14, between noon and 9 p.m., and on Nov. 15 & 16 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. It's at the Cowichan Centre, and admission is free. (If you're going to stay over for dinner, don't forget the delectable Grapevine Restaurant, in "old" Maple Bay, right on the waterfront by the government dock. Always a pleasure!). Mona Fertig's new venture, Mother Tongue Publishing, has its first offering now available -- Rock Salt Anthology. This compilation of 108 poets, from B.C., is available at all fine bookstores. Everyone should receive a copy in their Christmas stocking -- order yours now! The Salt Spring Arts Council is looking for volunteers to help out with the Santa Fly-In -- call them today, and "be there" (250-537-0899). Did you know that Rona Robbins and her Upstairs Bears shop has moved to Grace Point Square? Treasures, here! Open Wed. to Sat., 10 a.m to 4 p.m., or by appointment (250-538-0964). Tonight, at Mahon Hall, the Copper Kettle's annual fundraising event takes place -- flea market, auction, and a dance. Doors open at 6:30 and the dance begins at 8 p.m. Support this worthy cause! Looking for supplies for your bakery, cafe, restaurant, hotel, retail & gift, school, janitorial, institutional & industrial needs? Islanders, Connie and Frank, of Tierneys Wholesale, are offering a lot to Island businesses. Call them -- 250-538-0111. The Gary Preston Band plays Moby's tonight, too! Don't forget the very moving Cenotaph service, to mark Remembrance Day, on November 11th. Gather there around 10:30. Tonight is the last Jazz Saturday at El Zocalo...begins at 6:30. Mark your calendars for this essential civic election. Serious issues, here, that affect all Islanders. It's your Island, too, so be sure to vote your wishes. November 15th is voting day. Be there! Looking for some great places to dine out? Calvin's, Bocados Bistro, Piccolo's, Salt Spring Inn, Auntie Pesto's, Harbour House Hotel, Rock Salt Cafe, Seaside Kitchen all remain open and awaiting your dining pleasures, throughout the "off season". Just coffee and...? Rendezvous Cafe, across from Moby's in the Salt Spring Marina area, plus Cafe Talia on Hereford, plus TJ Beans, plus Jada's Bake Shop, Rock Salt Cafe, SS Roasting Company, Auntie Pesto's, Embe Bakery. Take out or eat in? Pomodoro's Pizza, & Pasta Fresca. Enjoy! November 7, 2008. BBC news reports : Eurozone rates lowered to 3.25% UK interest rates slashed to 3% Economic worries push stocks down IMF cuts economic growth forecast UK new car sales in sharp decline Cancer genetic blueprint revealed Probiotics 'may stop pneumonia' Migraines 'means less cancer risk' Safety fears over nanocosmetics Games 'to outsell' music, video Chinese job losses prompt exodus Bush set to meet Obama next week Obama assembles White House team Benedict seeks to end Muslim rift November 6, 2008. "Kicking a pebble by the side of the road, Watching it tumble pell-mell. Chance and randomness become order." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") November 5, 2008. Looking for a pastoral retreat, suitable for horses? Here's a gem in lovely Yellowpoint, on Vancouver Island. Almost 20 acres, with an "as new" log/shingle shake home, offering 3 bed/2 bath, plus den/office, and open plan dramatic living/dining, country kitchen, and easy access from all rooms to patios, herb garden, hot tub, this property enjoys all day sun exposure, and is adjacent to a large park preserve (ensuring privacy). Seasonal creek, pasture areas, super barn and tack facility, sep. double garage (keep your classic cars at home!), and terrific sep. workshop. Close to marinas, one with boathouses for sale, and to all amenities, yet in its own serene and private world. Your horses will be in seventh heaven! Ready to just move into and enjoy. November 4, 2008. This is the U.S. election -- I think the whole world will be watching the coverage of same. From the outside looking in, I'm always amazed at the workings of a democratic society. It's a lesson in civics, and in the creative power of a democracy. The process to arrive at today has been arduous for the hopefuls, and both are to be congratulated for their tireless efforts on behalf of their country. The outcome will decide many other things, in this turbulent moment in global history -- stock markets, financial institutions, currencies, housing markets. It's a shift moment, that's for sure! November 3, 2008. Here's a super lowbank waterfront gem at the special "south end" of Salt Spring Island! Walk for miles when the tide is low -- great sandy beach at your doorstep. A family retreat, or, continue the popular B & B business. Separate guest/inlaw suite, plus two ensuite bedrooms. Master/study with ensuite in its own "wing". Open plan living/dining, cook's kitchen, entry foyer/office area, sep. laundry, solarium, and expansive decking to add to those al fresco summer pleasures. Storage/workshop, hot tub with a view. Easy care landscaping, plus forest privacy. Close to hiking/walking trails, to ferry, to restaurants & shopping, yet in its own serene world. Lovely views! Don't overlook this sweetheart -- ready to just move into and enjoy. November 2, 2008. It's been interesting, this move from one office to another. In real estate, there are no office tenure contracts, and people may leave and people may also be "let go". It's the nature of a commission sales business. I had been at Re/Max since 1997, and had acted as the Managing Broker, for the owner of the franchise/office, for several years. Since I wasn't the owner, I could not make any changes to the office, and managed the office for the benefit of the owner. As the Managing Broker, I was responsible for all the other realtors, and had to oversee their files/contracts, train the new people, etc. At the same time, I was a selling realtor, with my own extensive "Li Read" real estate business to look after. I always try to do my best, wherever I am, and did the Managing Broker option, without recompense, for the good of the office. After several years of this, and with changes in the real estate industry, as a whole, and with the change on Salt Spring from the old days of being a "summer place", with a "local" market, to becoming a secondary home/discretionary market, with the main buyer profile from out of province, if not out of country, and with the slowdown in the economy over the past two years, it seemed a good time to make a change. It's never done lightly, and I did it as gracefully as possible, under the constraints of the real estate business. One realtor at Re/Max, who never came to the office, used own phone number on all signage, never did floor duty, picked up mail, etc. early in a.m. or late in evening, so never around during office hours, and only there to meet potential buyer clientele, before showings, had the same kind of licence that I did, and so became the Managing Broker for the owner. Six people have left Re/Max over a period of time. Always, when people phoned or came in for them, the following was said: "he/she is no longer here. May someone else help you? No? Then, he/she may be reached at (phone number)." I always did the gracious thing, as the Managing Broker there, but this has not been passed along to me, even though other people who left did get the professional response. Instead, even if they know where I am, the office's answer is: "she's not here. No, I don't know where she is". Or, "yes, she'll be back later, yes I can page her" (they don't) , thus leaving a client wondering why I didn't return call. Now, I discover that this same person has said not to put my listings on the Re/Max "driveby list". Thus, my almost fifty listings aren't on the list, and the almost 20 1% Realty listings aren't on it, either. This makes this list only "parital". If you've been in the habit of picking it up, just know that it's no longer a definitive list, and this is sad indeed. I'm at a loss to understand such unprofessional behaviour, but I also know that such things pass, and people are quickly on to where I am now located (in the Clement, Murphy, Woodward building, at corner of main road (Lower Ganges Road) & Rainbow Road). All of my local advertising remains in place, with all my listings highly visible. I do make sure that my buyer clients know of "everything", and I will show all properties that meet their requirements. It's important to me that the buyer gets to "see it all", so that they can make that all important "informed decision". For my sellers, they are both represented optimally in the local venues, and also hugely in the off island/national and international spectrums, and since this is where the buyers come from, this is absolutely essential, too. The "driveby list" is not a key component to sales, at all, and never has been, but to be only partial information, while stating it's all listings, is both unprofessional and untrue. My new company amplifies what I already do, and continue to do, and this is great news for my clientele. Re/Max did not do these marketing extras -- it was all at the energy and expense of "Li Read", and I continue this wide-angle marketing breadth. Please be assured, as listing clients, that your property is hugely represented, and it is on the mls system, too. Every realtor, locally, has the opportunity to act as a buyer's agent, IF they have a client. I cooperate with all realtors. My office move simply adds more resonance to my marketing presence, and brings a hugely improved exposure to my client base. And that was the point of the change! More info? Call anytime (250-537-7647 or 1-866-405-9229). Always quickly available, and always glad to hear from you! November 1, 2008. "We make life real By the thoughts we project." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")

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