October 31, 2007. Happy Hallowe'en! See you at the fireworks, in Ganges Village, this evening. (Watch out for all the trick and treating children, when driving). Hats off, too, to all the people in the various business locations who "dressed for the occasion". Some great costumes!
October 30, 2007. If you're on Island, please plan to attend the Nov. 1st official trust meeting (the first one after the recent round of public input meetings, on the proposed changes to the OCP). The trust meeting will be at ArtSpring -- call the Trust office for the time, or check the Driftwood newspaper for their advertisement of the meeting. It's important to be there, to hear the followup discussion on the recent public meetings. If you disagree with the proposed changes, have you emailed the two trustees and copied same to the MLA for this area? (Peter Lamb: plamb@islandstrust.bc.ca AND George Ehring: gehring@islandstrust.bc.ca AND Murray Coell: murray.coell.mla@leg.bc.ca). It's important to be on record as disagreeing with the proposed changes, if you do, especially the setback increase (from 30 to 100 feet) for waterfront properties, the boundary change for Fulford Village (would allow greater density), the capping of house size at 3000 sq. ft. (regardless of property size or topographical issues), and the downzoning of large land by 20%. If you disagree with any of these proposals, there won't be a second chance to state it. The cut-off date for emails could be the end of this month (tomorrow). Be informed! Act.
October 29, 2007.
Super oceanfront home, custom designed and built in the late 80s, with a beautiful renovation in 2002. Totally deer fenced, with easy-care landscaping, stairs to swimming cove (foreshore licence in place; build your dock & keep your boat at home!), and panoramic ocean vistas. Sunny (s/sw/w exposures), private and quiet neighbourhood of quality homes. On comm. water system. Home offers open plan living/dining, cook's dream kitchen, den area, office, master "suite", two further bedrooms/full bath, lots of storage, plus self-contained one bedroom suite -- would make a perfect B & B, or family retreat. Double garage, plus workshop/storage. You will love this beauty! Ready to just move into, and enjoy!
October 28, 2007. "Invisibility is the best advantage. But if forced to a confrontation, Come out with all your skill." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
October 27, 2007. Don't forget to either pick up, at the local Trust office, or download from the Trust's website (www.islandstrust.bc.ca/ltc/ss/projects.cfm), the proposed changes to the Official Community Plan (OCP). Be informed! There is a limited time left, to write or email the two trustees (Peter Lamb at: plamb@islandstrust.bc.ca OR George Ehring at: gehring@islandstrust.bc.ca), plus copy same to the MLA for this area, Murray Coell (his email is: murray.coell.mla@leg.bc.ca), to be able to be on record as not agreeing with the changes, as proposed. It's essential to make one's disagreement known, or the trustees will simply announce that the public did not protest, and therefore they will view this as having the support of the majority of the island community. This is not a time to be apathetic and to assume it "doesn't matter". The proposed changes to the OCP are both profound and far-reaching, and they will bring division to the Island, if passed without change. Are the changes valid, or are they simply the ideological bias of the two trustees? You decide. Be informed, make your decision, and, if it is "non-agreement" with the trust's agenda, then make your thoughts known, in writing. Do so soon, as there is a time limit for giving opinion, in this OCP review process. (The cut-off date for further input could be by month's end). It's important! It's your island, too, and if you don't agree, you must make this known -- it's part of the process.
October 26, 2007. Salt Spring will be getting its own commercial radio station! The station, to be known as CFSI-FM at 107.9, is headed by Richard Moses & Gary Brooks under the Salt Spring Radio Corp. Their proposal includes 123 hours of local programming weekly, including varied musical selections, and information and discussion programs. The station will also broadcast 60 minutes of aboriginal programming and 90 minutes of religious programming weekly. Exciting news! Mmmm...own flag, own currency, own communications...what's next? Don't forget Visions In Stone, at Pegasus Gallery -- the show runs through till November 4th. J. Mitchell Gallery, Steffich Fine Art, Frankly Scarlet, all located in Grace Point Square, are there to be enjoyed -- excellent local art on display! Don't forget the fireworks display on Hallowe'en Night, in Ganges Village. Craft Fairs will soon be underway, leading up to Christmas festivities -- these are great places to get gift ideas/make purchases, and so support your local artists. Yes, it's Fall and soon to be Winter, officially. Enjoy the Island in this "off season" calm. Sun splashed afternoons, the fiery colours of the Maples in the Park, a crisper evening, mists across the Harbour in the early morning...beauty everywhere. Take a moment, and enjoy!
October 25, 2007. The Official Community Plan (OCP) review process arrived, this past week, at the only designated public meetings, so that Islanders, generally, could have input about the very dramatic proposed changes, as organized & administered by the two current trustees. The first two meetings were held on October 17th, with an afternoon (1 - 4) & an evening (6 - 9) time period, at ArtSpring, in Ganges Village. Sunday, October 21st, offered an afternoon meeting (1 - 4) at Lion's Hall, in Ganges Village. On October 22nd, there were two meetings at Fulford Hall -- again, an afternoon one (1 - 4) & an evening one (6 - 9). At each meeting, the public input revolved around four key issues: setbacks from the natural boundary of the sea, for all waterfront properties; downzoning of large land by 20%; capping house size at 3000 sq. ft.; and proposed changes to the boundary lines of Fulford Village (which also might include changes to the ferry set-up, as it now exists, re parking/loading). An initial meeting, organized by home owners in the Fulford area, at an earlier time, had resulted in the "Friends of Fulford" being formed; this group was well organized and spoke very articulately to the issues. With very few people speaking in support of the focus group proposals, the majority of home owners, at all of the meetings, asked that these four very contentious items be removed from the table, so that other items in the very extensive report of proposed changes (250 pages, in all, which can be viewed on the Trust's website at: www.islandstrust.bc.ca/ltc/ss/projects.cfm) could also be debated. The trustees refused to consider this. The main reason given for the 100 foot setback (from the current 30 foot requirement) was global warming. Although global warming is a very serious issue, and deserves everyone's attention, it is not a reason for two trustees to afflict the property values of around 65%, possibly more, of island residents. Insurance is an issue, the very minute that a property is downzoned to nonconforming status. If a house that is nonconforming is destroyed, by fire or earthquake, it would not be possible to rebuild. It is laudable to address global warming concerns, but it is artificial, arbitrary, and possibly even sly, to make such a dramatic change in zoning, that will affect the nest egg of hardworking owners, without due process. Today, there was a meeting of all the realtors, with the two trustees, to further discuss the four "hot buttons" that came up, during the five public meetings. The trustees did not comment on criteria for choosing those who sat on the eight focus groups that they struck, between October and April. The focus group members created proposals on issues that the trustees suggested for consideration. The trustees said, at each public meeting, in their prefatory remarks, that the proposals had nothing to do with them, and they were just there to listen. It became clear, though, as the meetings progressed, that this may not truly be the case. The precautionary principle was mentioned, as well, as an underpinning of their review process. If this is seriously the case, then the trustees might want to listen to the approximately 450 people (not counting repeat attendees) who turned up at the meetings, to protest these four hot button items, and might want to slow down their agenda for change. It is reported that they want these proposals to become bylaws by summer, 2008. The public input process is over, except for letters to the trustees. It is important to write to them, and also to send a copy to the MLA for this area, Murray Coell, so that the government is aware that all islanders do not support these significant changes. It might also be important to join the "Islanders for Self-Government", not necessarily to vote for incorporation, down the line, but simply as a way to show a substantial number of islanders do not agree with the agenda of the current trustees. They ran, in the last election, as one person, but the one incumbent who was running again did not get returned. Thus, the two trustees are of one mind; there is no alternative voice. If you don't agree with the proposed changes, you need to get your letter of disagreement into the trust office, asap. If emailing, it's important to also email Murray Coell, just to make sure that the protest is in the file. These are significant changes, and the island's future is at stake, here. Be informed, and be active.
October 24, 2007. If anything can go wrong, it will. If anything can't go wrong, it will. If Murphy's Law can go wrong, it will. If a series of events can go wrong, it will do so in the worst possible sequence. If several things that could have gone wrong have not gone wrong, it would have been ultimately beneficial for them to go wrong. (Murphy's Law Book Two by Arthur Bloch)
October 23, 2007.
Here's a "best buy" oceanfront opportunity, for your consideration -- sweetie cottage (ideal summer/weekender retreat) currently in place, plus year round dock (owner keeps his 30+ foot sailboat year round, at his private dock) in lovely Duck Bay location. Warm swimming water, here, too! Build your dream home later, and enjoy the Salt Spring lifestyle "now". See Li for more details!
October 22, 2007. See you at the Fulford Hall meetings, today -- one to four and six to nine (two choices!). It's essential to attend, and to make your views known, about the proposed changes to the Official Community Plan (OCP), in this current review. Pick up the proposals at the Trust office, or download from the Trust website. If you can't attend the meetings, make sure your views are in a letter and send same to both the Trust and to the MLA for this area, Murray Coell. The changes are dramatic, and will affect all property owners. Please be informed!
October 21, 2007. Pegasus Gallery of Canadian Art presents an exhibition of stone themed paintings and sculptures, with the show running from Oct. 25th (opening reception, with artists in attendance, from 4 to 7 p.m.). Salt Spring Woodworks is holding their Cabin Sale until the 31st of the month -- all woodworks in the Cabin & Gazebo will be 20% off (& sometimes more). The Woodworks Gallery is open 10 to 5, Thursday through Monday. Sid Filkow's "Salt Spring Blues" play opens on Nov. 1st, at ArtSpring. Call ArtSpring Ticket Centre for details of times/ticket prices. Sunday Dinner Jazz continues at the Salt Spring Inn -- enjoy! Haven't been to Hastings House for dinner, yet? They'll be closing for the season, in early November -- try to catch this now, for that "special dinner out". Their a la carte menu is a gem. Looking for a quick lunch? Try the new TLC (next door to the Local) -- gourmet burgers, sandwiches made fresh daily, and can dine in or take away (open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday). Enjoy! Don't forget that the OCP review meeting is on today at Lion's Hall, on Drake Road, from 1 to 4 p.m. The changes to the Official Community Plan, currently under review by the two trustees now in power, are very dramatic. As a property owner, it's essential to read the proposed changes document (pick it up at the Trust office, for $18) or download from the Trust's website. Every property owner will be affected by these proposed changes. Make sure that you're informed. If you can't attend the public meetings, then you need to write to the Trust, with any objections that you might have, and also make sure to send a copy of same to our MLA for this area (Murray Coell). Emails may or may not be on file, but a letter is. Unless the government hears from residents with a different opinion, they will assume that the current trustees are a majority opinion representative. Make sure you respond -- it's a very important issue. The last public meetings are on Monday, the 22nd, at Fulford Hall (1 to 4, and 6 to 9). If you're on Island, make sure you attend one or more meetings. If you're off Island, read the trustee's proposals for change, and make your views known, in writing. It's important!
October 20, 2007. "Linguine with beans, potatoes and basil pesto 1. Blend or process basil pesto ingredients until mixture forms a coarse paste. 2. Boil, steam or microwave beans and potato, separately, until just tender; drain. 3. Meanwhile, cook pasta in large saucepan of boiling water, uncovered, until just tender; drain, reserving 1/2-cup cooking liquid. 4. Combine beans, potato and pasta in large bowl. Stir reserved liquid into pesto; pour over pasta. Add cheese; toss gently to combine. Serves 4 Ingredients: 250 g green beans, cut into 5 cm lengths 2 medium potatoes (400 g), sliced thinly lengthways 500 g linguine 100 g piece pecorino cheese, shaved Basil Pesto 1 cup firmly packed fresh basil leaves 1/4 cup (20 g) finely grated pecorino cheese 1/4 cup (40 g) toasted pine nuts 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1/2 cup (125 ml) olive oil (Note: Pecorino is the generic name for Italian cheeses made from sheep milk. If not available, use parmesan)." (Women's Weekly Best Food Fast)
October 19, 2007.
Looking for a waterfront pastoral gem? Here it is! 9+ acres, pasture and forest mix, with hundreds of feet of oceanfront along tranquil Booth Canal. This tidal estuary is a bird sanctuary, and offers an experience that would be like living on the Thames River. Build your dream home, here -- keep sheep or horses, and kayak or canoe when the tide is in! Close to golf, shopping, restaurants, galleries, ferries, theatre, yet in its own sunny and tranquil world. Don't overlook this gem -- call Li for appt. to view. The Salt Spring country lifestyle awaits!
October 18, 2007. "Don't be afraid to explore; Without exploration there are no discoveries. Don't be afraid of partial solutions; Without the tentative there is no accomplishment." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
October 17, 2007. Today, there are two trust meetings, one at 1 to 4 p.m., and the other at 6 to 9 p.m. (both held at ArtSpring). Another meeting, to be held at Mahon Hall, on Oct. 21st (1 to 4 p.m.) and two further meetings, both on Oct. 22nd (both at Fulford Hall) -- one at 1 to 4 p.m., and the other at 6 to 9 p.m., will be the only times that you, as a property owner, can have input into the Official Community Plan (OCP) review process, currently underway on Salt Spring Island. Please check out the Trust website (www.islandstrust.bc.ca) for details on Salt Spring's proposed changes to the current OCP. Some of them are very dramatic, and may have far reaching implications, for property owners/purchasers. It's important to "know what is". If you disagree with any of the proposals, it's important to write to the two trustees, and written response is the only thing that will make it into the minutes of the Trust, or be on file. An email may not be of value. It's also important to send a copy of the letter to the MLA for this area, so that the government is aware that you have a concern about the proposed agenda of the two current trustees on Salt Spring Island. Be informed! If you're on Island, you can pick up the focus group reports, which the trustees are basing their proposed bylaw changes on, at the Trust office (in B.C. Hydro building). Don't delay on this. See you at the meetings!
October 16, 2007. Don't forget the 2nd Annual Grape Harvest Ball, this coming Saturday, Oct. 20th, at the Fulford Hall. Dinner & Party is $45 & dinner is served at 7:30 p.m. Tickets from The Local or from Salt Spring Vineyards. Don't miss this fundraiser event. Salvaged is the show currently on display at ArtSpring's Gallery. Ten artists, using salvaged materials, are involved. Peter McFarlane, a noted local artist, is adamantly opposed to using new materials in his art, feeling there is far too much waste in the world. Check this show out, before it's over, on Oct. 20th. The Writer's Trust of Canada presents three SSI writers, through the Writers' Workshop Program, at the local Library. On October 20th, meet and hear Kathy Page. On November 3, it's Peter Levitt, a noted poet who now makes his home on SSI. On November 17th, enjoy Derek Lundy. Attendance is free, but space is limited (contact kgreenwood@writerstrust.com for further details). Don't miss Birgit Freybe Bateman's photography exhibition at Galleon's Lap. It runs through till the 20th. Kathy Robertson's showing of new work (titled Close to Home) is on display at Salt Spring Woodworks. If you haven't been by this wonderful gallery, lately, don't miss this, either! The show continues into November. Lots more to see and to do, in this "off season" Fall moment -- enjoy!
October 15, 2007. "asparagus, mushroom and lemon pilaf 20 g butter 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 large red onion, chopped finely 3 cloves garlic, crushed 200 g swiss brown mushrooms, quartered 1 1/2 cups basmati rice 1/2 cup red lentils 3/4 cup dry white wine 1 1/2 cups vegetable stock 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon rind 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 1/4 cups water 300 g asparagus, trimmed 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh lemon thyme leaves 1 tablespoon toasted flaked almonds 1. Heat butter and oil in large saucepan; cook onion and garlic, stirring until onion softens. Add mushrooms; cook, stirring, until just tender. Stir in rice and lentils; cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add wine; cook, stirring, until liquid is absorbed. 2. Add stock, rind, juice and 2 cups of the water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is just tender. 3. Meanwhile, cut asparagus in half lengthways, then in half crossways. 4. Stir asparagus, half of the thyme and remaining water into pilaf; cook, covered, over low heat, about 5 minutes or until asparagus is tender. 5. Divide pilaf among serving plates; sprinkle with nuts and remaining thyme." (Women's Weekly: Vegie Food low-fat & delicious)
October 14, 2007.
A brand new custom designed home (contractor is one of Salt Spring's best!), on beautiful oceanfront, with sunny (s/sw/w exposures) privacy, and superb ocean/mountain vistas! Dock is in place -- keep your boat at home! Dramatic design, "green choices" in building materials, and both ocean and "rural/pastoral" viewscapes -- unique! Double garage/workshop, plus double carport -- if you have classic cars, here's the home for you! Close to all amenities, yet in its own serene world -- you will love this one! See Li for more info./appts to view (note: 24 hour notice essential)..
October 13, 2007. When one lives here, busy with one's own life, it's easy to overlook the many things that make Salt Spring Island so unique! For one thing, we have our own flag (it's blue on one end and green on the other, with a red maple leaf on a white background, in the middle section). We also have our own money (backed by Canadian dollars, in the Island Savings Credit Union vault). The Salt Spring Dollars can be spent on Island, and are accepted in restaurants, grocery stores, etc. The bills were designed by Island artists and are very beautiful to look at! If you want, you can purchase some just to keep as souvenirs, but, remember, it really is a "local currency". Two different groups are seeking a CRTC licence, to have a commercial radio station on Salt Spring -- more about this, when it's clear which group will have achieved the requisite licencing. What about all the wonderful restaurants, many of them "world class"? It's possible to dine out, every night of the week, and to have a great experience/wonderful food, each evening! Enjoy the many galleries on the Island, with serious and exceptional artistic creations, most of them "local". Along with the microclimate, known as "cool Mediterranean", which offers a very temperate weather pattern here, one can enjoy the vineyards and wine tastings, the organic produce and baked items, all local, and the rich cultural life offered on this beautiful and totally unique Island. We're all lucky to be here! Enjoy!
October 12, 2007.
The very best oceanfront property on Salt Spring Island! Almost 4 acres, with approximately 750 ft. of lowbank waterfront (walk on beach, when tide is low), plus year round dock (keep your boat at home!), and sunny (s/sw/w exposures) privacy! Country style main home offers the opportunity to create a separate suite, on lower garden level, if desired. The property would be ideal as a corporate retreat, or as a very high end B & B option. A family compound is another potential -- the six bedrooms/bathrooms offer lots of different scenarios! A separate oceanside guest cottage awaits your pleasure, too! This private acreage was once a part of a very large orchard, from the turn of the last century, and there are myriad historic apple and pear and plum trees, here. Your own forest trails, plus deer fenced garden area. Close to all of Ganges Village's many unique amenities, and yet in its own private world. Just move into this gem, and enjoy the Salt Spring lifestyle! See Li for more details.
October 11, 2007. Don't overlook the current shows at some of our wonderful galleries: J. Mitchell Gallery and Steffich Fine Art, both in Grace Point Square, are showcasing extremely talented artists, all local. Don't miss these two exceptional galleries. Birgit Freybe Bateman's photography exhibition is on at Galleon's Lap Atelier-Gallery, until the 20th. Don't miss this! Tom Koppel's new book, "Ebb and Flow: Tides and Life on Our Once and Future Planet", is available at Sabine's book store, in Grace Point Square. The All Saints Music programme is back, for a sixth season. The organ recital series, called Simply Organic, is offered by Music Makers of the Anglican Church, and it begins at 10:10, every Wednesday, except the first one of the month. The 2nd Annual Grape Harvest Ball, sponsored by Salt Spring Vineyards, is held on Oct. 20th, at the Fulford Hall -- all funds raised are to be donated to feed Aids orphans in Africa and to the Fulford Hall Society. Get your tickets at Salt Spring Vineyards (250-653-WINE) or "The Local" (250-537-WINE). Dinner and Party, $45, with dinner served at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy! Calvin's Thai Food Festival is on right now! Appys are featured at Salt Spring Inn, this season. Harbour House Hotel has introduced a new menu (check it out!). Piccolo's continues to present "fine food", and Artist's Bistro offers "fresh daily/freshly prepared for you" fine dining. Something special? Hastings House offers a la carte dining, now, along with a daily "fresh sheet" set menu choice. Auntie Pesto's, Seaside Kitchen, and Rock Salt Cafe are all offering fresh and special dining choices. Wave if you see me! Enjoy the lovely Fall season!
October 10, 2007. "One side of a ridge is cold and foggy, The other is hot and dry. Just by choosing where you stand, You alter your destiny." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
October 9, 2007. Alert! The Islands Trust will be having meetings between Oct. 17th and Oct. 22nd, on Island, to present their desired changes to the Official Community Plan (OCP). Their OCP review has been underway for sometime (began in Spring, 2006), and they struck 8 focus groups to address various issues & to bring forward recommendations. These 8 groups met between October 2006 and March 2007. Their findings were compiled and available to the public by May, 2007, and there was a meeting of the Trust, where the public could go and watch process, but not speak to issues, in June, 2007. These next meetings, then, will be presentation of the summary of the 8 groups, with the major ideas that the Trust would like to see implemented. Apparently, the Trust would like to see the changes become bylaws by August, 2008. I've been regularly recommending to everyone I meet that they needed to ask for a copy of the 8 focus group reports. The proposed changes were very dramatic and, in my opinion, not reflective of what the majority of owners might desire. The current "synopsis" of the focus group reports is on the Trust website, and it amounts to 250 pages. It's important to download same, and to go over the items being discussed for change. As an owner, it's vital to be informed. Potential buyers are also being informed that this synopsis of the Trust changes MAY come into being, and be the new bylaws for Salt Spring Island (this OCP review affects Salt Spring). Some buyers may choose not to move here, based on the amount of interference to lifestyle that some of these changes would seem to propose. If you are a seller, this could then hamper your ability to sell, and so affect your property valuation. Everyone is affected. If you own undeveloped land, and haven't built yet, then you may find that you can't do what you thought you could do. If you own a developed property, and, horrifically, your house is burned, you may not be able to rebuild. If you own developed property, and the house is a "tear down", you might find that you can't dramatically renovate or rebuild, as planned. This is just one tiny item, among many other serious changes. The Trust is there to "preserve and protect for the benefit of all B.C.". This has the support of the Islanders, on all of the Islands. For Salt Spring, though, these potential changes, being discussed as the Salt Spring OCP review, are outside the sphere, perhaps, of the government mandated original Trust document, and may be a reflection of personal thought, by the current two trustees. This is an extremely important issue. Be informed! Check the Trust website for details of the proposed changes. If you're on Island, ask at the Trust office for the proposed changes (it's in print, and they must give you a copy). Make sure that you write a letter of complaint, to the Trust, and to the MLA in charge of this area, if you do not agree with these proposed changes. If you haven't joined the Islanders for Self-Government, yet, then do so -- the government will definitely pay attention to a body of potential voters, numbering in the 1000s, who are not in favour of the potential changes to the current Trust bylaws, in place right now. What is of concern isn't the Trust itself, but it is with the interpretation that the current two trustees are bringing to the review process. If you think that they are stepping beyond the boundaries set by the original Trust document, then you need to make your voice heard. More details? Call Li!
October 8, 2007. Happy Thanksgiving!
October 7, 2007.
Looking for dramatically different? Here's a super opportunity, at Salt Spring's tranquil "south end". A custom design, with 16 foot ceilings in the principal rooms, and nine foot ceilings in the lower (garden) level. Terrific ocean/islands/mountain vistas from all rooms (including superb Mt. Baker viewscapes). Quiet, sunny, unique finishes and design (a European flair, here), and easy access to the beach (walk for miles, when the tide is out!). Don't overlook this gem -- motivated sellers and a unique opportunity to own good waterfront, on Salt Spring Island. See Li for the details!
October 6, 2007. Anyone going to Ontario? If you're anywhere near Kleinberg, make sure that you drop into the retropective exhibition of Robert Bateman's work, now on display at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. Featuring 60 pieces spanning Bateman's entire career, it's the biggest Bateman show since 1987 (at the Smithsonian Institution, in Washington, D.C.). The show began on Sept. 1st and runs to Oct. 28th, when it will move on to four U.S. cities Omaha, Denver, Jackson Hole, and San Diego). The show wraps up in January, 2009. Salt Spring is exceptionally lucky to have Bateman as a resident, and easily accessible. Interested in fashion? Two live model vintage clothing shows, by fashion historian Ivan Sayers, will play at ArtSpring on Friday at 7:30 p.m. (A matter of Taste: What Makes Fashion Beautiful) and Saturday at 2:30 p.m. (I Can't Believe She Wore That Dress). Info. and tickets at ArtSpring. The shows are to benefit SSI Weavers and Spinners Guild's support for an African Aids initiative. From Sept. 28th to October 24th, J. Mitchell Gallery, in Grace Point Square, will be showcasing Lineage...in the company of daughters, an exhibition of new work by 4 local artists and their daughters. Ronald T. Crawford, Michael Robb, LeRoy Jensen, and Nicola Wheston will be featured. Don't miss this! Galleon's Lap is showcasing Birgit Freybe Bateman's latest photographic works. The show, titled "What Remains", runs from Oct. 5 to Oct 20th. The Gallery is open from 11 to 5, on Wed through Saturday. See you there!
October 5, 2007. Did you know that the Chemainus Theatre is presenting Ibsen's A Doll's House to start this Fall season? It's possible to do "dinner and the theatre" from Salt Spring, on a Saturday evening. The Chemainus Theatre offers seatings in their lovely restaurant, and the play is "after", and it's a short drive back to the ferry at Crofton, to return to Vesuvius (an 11:05 p.m. sailing back to Salt Spring). Phone the Chemainus Theatre for more details/bookings. It's a treat! At this time of year, it's lovely to do the triangular drive -- either Fulford to Swartz Bay, meander the Saanich Peninsula byways, re- emerge on the Island Highway, heading north, through Goldstream Park, up the lovely Malahat Drive, then drop off the main highway again, and meander through Cherry Point, Cobble Hill, and along the Old Island Highway, through Cowichan Bay. (If it's dinner time, try the Masthead Restaurant -- you'll add this to your list of places to stop, when in the area). If not, buy bread and cheese, just up the street -- a true "old fashioned" bakery, here! Another interesting place to have dinner is the Grapevine Restaurant in "old" Maple Bay. You're just 15 minutes from the ferry from Crofton back to Vesuvius, at this point, and it's a lovely trip, on the alternate road route, past farms and forests. Sometimes, a "day trip" is exactly the right thing to do. (If you do this triangular drive, in reverse, Vesuvius to Crofton, then down to Victoria and out Saanich Inlet, to return to Salt Spring via the Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour route, and there's time for dinner on the "other side", then a great new place to try is the restaurant in the Pier (Sidney's newest hotel -- delicious food and super views!)). Enjoy!
October 4, 2007. "Alternate between the solitary and the social. Whether alone or with others, keep serenity." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
October 3, 2007. I was very lucky to be able to attend an annual global luxury real estate conference, held this year in Vancouver and Whistler. The 2010 Winter Olympics are to be held at Whistler, which may have been the reason behind the venue of Vancouver/Whistler, this year. The attendees at this conference were from Europe, the U.K., from South America, from Australia & New Zealand, from Hawaii, from Asia, and from all over North America (U.S. and Canada). It was a "by invitation only" event, and I was very glad to be there. More details, later!
October 2, 2007. (Fall dinner suggestion:) "Rigatoni with slow-roasted tomato sauce: Ingredients 1 pound rigatoni 1 batch slow-roasted tomatoes 1 cup fresh basil leaves, rinsed 2 tablespoons olive oil Shavings of parmesan cheese (Serves Four) * cook the pasta until al dente *meanwhile, place the slow-roasted tomatoes in a food processor with the rinsed fresh basil leaves. *roughly puree with a few short bursts. With the motor running, gradually add the olive oil. *toss the tomato sauce with the hot rigatoni and serve with shavings of Parmesan cheese. French Lentils With Goat Cheese, Olives, and Fresh Thyme: Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups French lentils 5 cups water 1 bay leaf 1 carrot, peeled and diced 1 shallot or small onion, peeled and diced 2 sprigs fresh thyme 1 cup green olives, pitted and chopped 3 ounces goat cheese, crumbled 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper to taste (Serves Four) *rinse the lentils thoroughly in a colander, then place them in a saucepan with the water. *bring to a boil, then add the bay leaf, carrot, shallot or onion, and thyme sprigs. Simmer for about 30 minutes until the lentils are tender. *drain and transfer to a serving bowl. Add the olives, goat cheese, and extra virgin olive oil and stir well to mix all the ingredients. *season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately. Warm Escarole Salad with Lemon Garlic Dressing: Ingredients: 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 1 teaspoon salt 1 small lemon, juiced About 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 large head escarole, washed and chopped Fresh ground pepper (Serves Four) * in a small wooden bowl, mix the crushed garlic, salt, and lemon juice. * whisk in enough olive oil to form a thick emulsion. * heat a cast-iron pan and add the washed, chopped escarole. Toss while cooking until it begins to wilt. * Remove from the heat and transfer to a serving platter. * Drizzle with the dressing and serve. ("Three Bowl Cookbook" -- David Scott & Tom Pappas)
October 1, 2007. "What did I do today? I exercised. I said good-bye To a departing friend. I went to market, ate my meals. Took a walk. Took out the garbage. Read a little. Meditated. Slept. This was my mandala." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")