There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She told her boyfriend, 'If I could only see the world, I will marry you.' One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend. He asked her,'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?' The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him.   Her boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine.'   This i... 07/17/2011

A mate of mine recently admitted to being addicted to brake fluid. When I quizzed him on it he reckoned he could stop any time. I had a mate who was suicidal. He was really depressed, so I pushed him in front of a train. He was chuffed to bits. I went to the cemetery yesterday to lay some flowers on a grave. As I was standing there I noticed 4 grave diggers walking about with a coffin... 3 hours later and they're still walking about with it...thought to myself, these guys have lost the plot!! I was at an ATM yesterday when a little old lady asked if I could check her balance. Not being one to disappoint I pushed the old dear over. A new middle east crisis erupted last night as Dubai Television was refused permission to broadcast 'The Flintstones'. A spokesman for the channel said.... '... 07/16/2011

Gananoque, Ontario There is lots of discussion with regard to what is happening in our local Real Estate Market. People are asking how this year compares to last year in our Gananoque Residential Home Sales Market. It seems everyone has an opinion on what is going on! Let me provide you with the Facts . . . Stats from our MLS (as at the end of JUNE 2011) In The Town of Gananoque: Listings Year to date 2010:  111 Homes Listings Year to date 2011:  110 homes  Sales Year to date 2010: 52 homesSales Year to date 2011: 49 homes Average Sales Price YTD 2010:   $227,662 Average Sales Price YTD 2011: $202,911 So now you know! This is how 2011 compares to last year.  It is an ever changing world and I'll provide you with an update next month.  Til then, If you are thinking of Buying or Selling i... 07/11/2011

Dock Dogs, fun for entire family and pets, will be taking place on Aug. 12-14 at Gananoque Town Park.  Here is a video of the World Record Dog jumping over 28 feet in California! I am so excited about this pet themed weekend and we're all hoping it will become a signature event here.  DOCK DOGS ROCK! These events have become so successful because it is something the whole family can enjoy. Anyone can try it and have fun with their dog . . . the only restrictions are that the dog must be at least six months old and their handler must be at least seven years old. There will be dockdiving, a Frisbee competition and other demonstrations throughout the weekend.  This event is being put together with the help from the town of Gananoque, the BIA and the Chamber of Commerce. So I hope to see m... 07/07/2011

I'm so sorry to be late with this 4th of July recipe for you to enjoy, but our internet service was down in the entire area.  We're still without at home (including TV) but have it back on at the office (for awhile they tell us)  Something major has gone wrong and they've been working on it day and night, God love them, on a long weekend too!!! Anyways . . .  better late than never:  HAPPY  INDEPENDENCE  DAY   my friends! FIRECRACKER SHRIMP  Makes 12 pieces (BELIEVE ME, YOU'LL NEED MUCH MORE IF YOUR PARTIES ARE LIKE MINE!) This can be prepared a day ahead of time and then deep-fried just before you're ready to serve.   Ingredients: 12 large shrimp 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon garlic salt, divided 4 sheets spring roll wrappers 24 carrot strips (3 X 1/4 inch) 1 egg, beaten Dipping Sauce: ¼... 07/04/2011

Gananoque, Ontario Over 20,000 visitors will come to Gananoque's 6th Annual Ribfest this weekend.  Get ready to enjoy live music, great food and some fantastic deals! Ribfest is held over the Canada Day long weekend in the Town Hall Park in the heart of the beautiful town of Gananoque, the Gateway to the world famous 1000 Islands. Now in its 6th year, this popular event is jointly organized and hosted by the Rotary Club and the Lions Club of Gananoque.  Children will be delighted with the free pony rides and the other events and attractions designed especially for them. This year the Ribfest is a GREEN event and you will find recycling stations placed around the park to make it easy for everyone to help keep the area clean and reduce waste.  I personally ask that you not leave any bones... 07/01/2011

Gananoque, Ontario Friday, July 1, 2011 Canada Day Opening Ceremonies Starting time:  1:10 pm  July 1st Town Hall, Pavilion Participants gather at 1:00 pm  Town Crier Opens Ceremonies at 1:10 pm Welcome - Introduce Colour Party Oh Canada - Choir Introduction of Guests MP Gord Brown MPP Steve Clarke Mayor Erika Demchuck (Town) Chief Kai Lui (Police) Ask Colour Party to "March off the Colours" Announcement of afternoon program - Chair Canada Day Thanks & name committee members Thank you to all sponsors who made Canada Day Celebration possible; the Town of Gananoque, Celebrate Canada Program and the Ontario Tourism Event Marketing Program by the Ministry of Tourism Activities available. Free hot dogs, drinks and cake while quantities last following opening ceremony. Closing remarks Join u... 06/30/2011

Who's Your Role Model for 2011?   This is fun.  I promise you WILL love finding out the identity of your role model.   NO CHEATING! I was really surprised to find out the name of my role model. Don't scroll down yet ...    To find the identity of your personal role model, do the math below...  Then scroll down to find your hero.     It is crazy how accurate this is!   NO PEEKING! 1.) Pick your favourite number between 1 - 9   2.) Multiply by 3   3.) Add 3   4.) Then again multiply by 3... I'll wait if you need a calculator   5.) You'll get a 2 or 3 digit number   6.) Add the digits together   NOW SCROLL DOWN      And with that number, see who your ROLE MODEL is from the list below:      1. Einstein   2. Oprah Winfrey   3. Snoopy   4. Bill Clinton   5. Bill Gates   6. Gandhi   7. Barack... 06/28/2011

Gananoque, Ontario Yesterday was the day to hit the road, Jack . . . I had many properties to preview for out of town clients and all were waterfront - yippee, the sun was shining!!! I decided to take my Mother along for a nice day out for her, and company for me; maybe another picnic? The highlight of our journey was going to be touring Howe Island; a quick ferry ride to the 4th largest in the world famous 1000 Islands in the St Lawrence River.  Howe Island is approx. 8 miles long by 3 miles wide. Two ferry services connect to the mainland across the Bateau Channel, making it possible to drive much of the length of the island without retracing the route--but few visitors are aware of this, or even of the island! One is at the Kingston end of the island and the other at the Gananoque en... 06/28/2011

Today in Leeds and 1000 Islands, Ontario (not including Gananoque or Lansdowne) there are 122 properties available for sale. The least expensive property on the market today has an asking price of $36,500.  It is a 12` X 48` 2 BEDROOM MOBILE HOME IN `PINERIDGE VILLAGE`. FURNACE `06, OIL TANK `03, ROOF `04.  AMPLE PARKING. SITE FEE $192.24 PER MONTH INCLUDES MAIN ROAD SNOW REMOVAL. WATER $54.00; HYDRO $80.00 AND OIL $1300.00. Of course at the other end of the spectrum, there is a spectacular waterfront estate on the Bateau Channel with an asking price of $5,795,000.  IT IS SET WELL BACK AMID 28+- ACRES OF METICULOUSLY GROOMED LAND, THIS 7000 SQUARE FOOT (APPROX.) HOME OFFERS FIVE BEDROOMS AND EIGHT BATHS, STUNNING GOURMET KITCHEN AND EXCEPTIONAL RECEPTION ROOMS OPENING ONTO A FABULOUS IT... 06/21/2011

Gananoque, Ontario $37,900 is the lowest asking price today for property for sale in Gananoque.  This property is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath mobile home on block foundation with municipal water and sewer. Corner lot with 1 car detached garage. Home needs work and is being sold `AS IS`.                   another 75 homes are available for sale today with the highest asking price being $2,425,000 for a beautiful 6 B/R and 6 bath waterfront home overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Completely rebuilt, large master bedroom with ensuite, finished lower level with full bath, gas fireplaces. Nicely landscaped and dock. Million dollar view! If you are interested in Buying or Selling within The Town of Gananoque, please give me a call   to discuss the opportunites available today. 06/21/2011

A little boy goes to his father and asks 'Daddy, how was I born ?'   The father answers, 'Well, son, I guess one day you will need to find out anyway!  Your Mom and I first got together in a chat room onYahoo.  Then I set up a date via e-mail with your Mom and we met at a cyber-cafe.  We sneaked into a secluded room, and googled each other.  There your mother agreed to a download from my hard drive.  As soon as I was ready to upload, we discovered that neither one of us had used a firewall, and since it was too late to hit the delete button , nine months later a little Pop-Up appeared that said:  Scroll down....You'll love this .......        'You've got Male! 06/21/2011

Gananoque, On Look what was delivered to my office today (and in my fave colour too!) This beautiful bouquet is from some happy clients of mine and it couldn't have arrived at a more perfect, more opportune time . . .  I was explaining to potential new clients how I work my business.  How I actually 'hire' my clients and that not everyone is a good fit. I was just at the point of completing the part about how the majority of my business comes from referrals and how much I enjoy working with them.  I was saying nice people refer nice people (these people are referrals too!)  and there was a knock at my office door. I was a little surprised because my secretary knows to not disturb me when I'm with clients.  There she was, holding these gorgeous flowers and when I read the card, I shared ... 06/20/2011

YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE!  TOO LATE - SOLD - TOO LATE - SOLD - TOO LATE - SOLD - TOO LATE - SOLD Another happy Seller in Gananoque!!!  This Cutie Patootie sold in less than 30 days which proves the market is alive and well in Gananoque.  There are Buyers out there looking for properly priced properties (say that 3 times fast!) Already this morning I've had 3 more requests for showings today -  Can you say S O L D !!! This couple will now be able to move on with their lives and they are celebrating that they chose the best realtor for the job - ME!!!   Stay tuned for their testimonial (I'm blushing!) Who wants a SOLD sign on their lawn?  You?  Of course you do! Give me a call   and we'll make it happen together, sooner rather than later! 06/19/2011

Gananoque, Ontario There is lots of discussion with regard to what is happening in our local Real Estate Market. People are asking how this year compares to last year in our Gananoque Residential Home Sales Market. It seems everyone has an opinion on what is going on! Let me provide you with the Facts . . . Stats from our MLS (as at the end of MAY 2011) In The Town of Gananoque: Listings Year to date 2010:  96 Homes Listings Year to date 2011:    101 homes  Sales Year to date 2010: 41 homes Sales Year to date 2011: 35 homes Average Sales Price YTD 2010:   $233,750  Average Sales Price YTD 2011:  $245,143 So now you know! This is how 2011 compares to last year.  It is an ever changing world and I'll provide you with an update next month.  Til then, If you are thinking of Buying or Selli... 06/17/2011

Today, on Thankful Thursday, I am thankful for my climbing roses that came into bloom today!  My sunporch is going to be a beautifully fragrant place to have evening cocktails tonite - who wants to join us? (last year's photo but I'll update it later!  It looks much nicer this year! But the cocktails are just as good!!) UPDATE:  here is 2011 - different coloured flowers this year! I love the lazy overhead fan just moving the air enough to get the scent of the roses - mmmmmm   Can you see the church steeple?  And below is the slate water feature that just glows with the light under the copper header.  I love the sound of running water!   06/16/2011

With the abnormal amount of huge storms and tornados touching down the past few weeks, we are seeing many many trees uprooted and damaged. I know many of my neighbours have been devastated at the loss of some of their huge trees.  Many have come down on houses, on cars and have caused massive damage. But others have just been split such as this one to the right. There are few options such as having the tree removed, roots and all.   Or, if you have a creative streak, this is what can be created from the ravages of the storms . . .                     Sort of like when you're given lemons, make lemonade? I saw these carvings when driving past one of my listings in Gananoque, the other day.  These owls are one street over from my listing at 660 Hillside Drive, Gananoque priced at only $17... 06/13/2011

Guess what we're having for dinner tonite . . . Shrimp in Coconut Sauce This is a Thai-inspired dish that's creamy, sweet, and deliciously satisfying.  It is a must-try; it's lighter on the spice and easy to digest.  Serves 4 Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk1 tablespoon fish sauce1 teaspoon sugar¼ teaspoon sea salt1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper2 tablespoons olive oil1 pound medium uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined½ cup chopped onion4 cloves garlic, minced2 cups chopped asparagus2 cups chopped mushrooms2 cups cooked rice¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro Directions: In a small bowl, whisk together coconut milk, fish sauce, sugar, salt, and cayenne. Set aside. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3 minutes. Remove and set aside. A... 06/12/2011

Judy Klein wrote a lovely post the other day BEGUILED BY A SHADOW  which inspired me to share this photo of my Australian Shepherd, Sheila giving a morning kiss to my Mother's 13 year old poodle named Sandy.   Double the pleasure, double the fun!  Love is in the shadows!! These two have quite the relationship as my Sheila was introduced to my Mother's two toy poodles when she was just 6 weeks old. She would spend hours herding them and chasing them in circles whenever she would visit, which they seemed to enjoy. When the decision was made to have my Mother move with us to a multii-generational home, the 3 dogs made the change with no issues. Then we introduced Kylie, our rescue Aussie, to the mix. Not so good.  This little Sandy poodle hated her on sight and still charges her at every o... 06/09/2011

Baby Boomers, Generations X and Y:  Can they happily exist all under one roof? Many people are now finding themselves in what's now known as the "Sandwich Generation" . . .  caring for their children whilst caring for aging parents.  Is that you? According to Statistics Canada, in 2006, about 515,000 grandparents shared a home with their grandchildren.  That's up from about 466,000 in 2001.   "People are living long enough that we're seeing more four-generation households", says Barbara Mitchell, professor of sociology and gerontology at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, B.C..  In 2008 alone, 2.6 million Americans became part of multi-generational households. Susan Newman, author of Under One Roof Again: All Grown Up and (Re)learning to Live Together Happily , says,   "The economic do... 06/04/2011