Gananoque, On My life was saved today by The Socialist Pig in Gananoque -  our newest business to open its doors in Gananoque Ontario!!   I hadn't slept a single wink last night and was struggling to keep my eyes open.  Oh what I would give for a Starbucks expresso!   Not in this town.  On every corner throughout the States but can we have one here in Gananoque? NOT!!! Then the lightbulb went off over my head -  we have a new coffee shop down across from the town park at 21 King St - THE SOCIALIST PIG !!!!! If you have the chance, stop in for a visit.  Shannon Treanor, one of the owners, made me the most amazing doubleshot expresso which allowed me to continue on to my scheduled appointments without fear of dozing off.  They have every concoction of tea and coffee available as well as f... 08/25/2010

Gananoque, On When I first caught this video I couldn't believe my eyes. I watched it over and over again. I read comments about it only to discover that others were affected the same way. How could a dog do something that these many many motorists failed to do? Watch this video and then tell me you didn't get goosebumps!!! I dare you. I double dog dare you! 08/15/2010

This is our summer dining space at Emo's Eating Emporium in Gananoque, On  - our back deck (waiting to be refinished when the weather cooperates)  The granite table we had made for us in Belfast by a tombstone company and I insisted that we ship it to Canada when we moved.  It doesn't suit the Victorian dining room we now have so it has become our outdoor dining table year round! This Bougainvillea fits in with our yellow and pink theme - I've never had one before so I hope it will survive coming indoors for the winter for our more formal dining experiences. When it is too hot on the back deck, we move to the front of the house . . . These beautiful old century homes in Gananoque have amazing features including thissunporch which has removable windows for the summer months.  It was an ... 08/12/2010

Gananoque, On We don't ever have to look far for a reason to celebrate at Emo's Eating Emporium in Gananoque and this month's GOAT CHEESE plus PANINI both being celebrated, calls for a very special sandwich.  For those of you who are not familiar with both or either: Panini, which is now recognized internationally, is actually Italian in origin - They are basically sandwiches. A simple Panini sandwich recipe consists of a bread roll and has cheese, veggies, chicken, meat, ham, turkey, salami or other food inside as filling. The loaf is cut horizontally and is served hot and grilled mostly. You can get a Panini grill or grill them on your stove top! The special thing about a Panini is its bread which is a traditional focaccia. It is light in feel and soft in the centre. Other flatbreads ... 08/11/2010

New Doctor in town -  Love his advice!!! I love this Doctor!  Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life.  Is this true? A: Your heart only good for so many beats, and that it... Don't waste on exercise.  Everything wear out eventually.  Speeding up heart not make you live longer; it like saying you extend life of car by driving faster.  Want to live longer?  Take nap.  Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?  A:  No, not at all.  Wine made from fruit.  Brandy is distilled wine, that mean they take water out of fruity bit so you get even more of goodness that way.  Beer also made of grain.  Bottom up!Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio? A: Well, if you have body and you have fat, your ratio one to one.  If you have two bodies, your ratio two to one, etc.Q: Wh... 08/10/2010

What's cookin in Gananoque?  To celebrate National Mustard Day on August 8th, Emo's Eating Emporium will be enjoying lovely Lamb in Mustard with Wine Reduction - YUM YUM!    To begin: 2 racks of lamb, cleaned (have your butcher do this for you) Kosher salt and cracked pepper 3 tablespoons of olive oil 1 cup of red wine such as Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon 1 cup of chicken stock (low sodium is best) 3 bay leaves 1 bunch of tarragon, roughly chopped (save a few sprigs for garnish) 1 egg yolk 1/4 cup of grainy mustard 1 cup of coarse bread crumbs Salt and pepper Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Season the meat with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Preheat a sauté pan large enough to hold both lamb racks over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and the lamb racks, meat side down and bro... 08/06/2010

Gananoque, On Blooming proudly in amongst my scattered zinnias I discovered this lovely gift from my friendly neighbourhood squirrels! The brick is part of the original stable from the 1800's which now serves asour drive-thru garage which comes in quite handy. Sunflowers appear with no warning as the squirrels raid the feeders andstash away their treasures.  It compliments the thieving of tulips bulbs fromour neighbours which we discover blooming in alternate shades from ourown each spring! UPDATE:  What a difference a week makes! 08/05/2010

Gananoque, On The War of 1812 was a dramatic and important war in Canadian history.  The St. Lawrence River was the key to holding or capturing Upper Canada. All supplies moved up the river to the posts at Kingston and beyond. To cut this line would have resulted sooner or later in the fall of the province. September 21, 1812 Americans raid Gananoque and destroy military depot This month, in Gananoque, you will see people in strange dress, cooking over fires and living in tents, in and around the Gananoque Town Hall Park Aug. 15-16.  This re-enactment, complete with three camps, is termed an "1812 Militia Training weekend".  The three camps are: The civilian camp will be located north of the Town Hall The military camp will be located to the east of the Town Hall. The bateaux camp will ... 08/04/2010

Gananoque, On Historical evidence of a Confederate spy ring operating in the 1000 Islands during the Civil War forms the basis for a newly-published novel by Donna Walsh Inglehart.   Inglehart spent many summers in the 1000 Islands, and her new book, Grindstone represents years of research of local legend, the Civil War Era, and 19th century immigration in Northern New York and Canada. The story is told from the perspectives of one of the Confederate spies and a young Irish woman living alone on Grindstone Island . . .   "Leaving Ireland in the devastating aftermath of the Famine, Anya McGregor finds refuge in an island realm far from the violence of the Civil War, only to discover that she cannot escape its dark undercurrents. For Jonathon Douglas, a Confederate spy, the islands also p... 08/04/2010

SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD Gananoque, On After many months of trials and tribulations, my Buyers have secured their perfect place!  With tears of joy, the final paperwork compete, this wonderful home with beautiful uninterupted water views will be theirs! If you or someone you know would like to experience this same fabulous feeling of owning your own perfect place, please give me a call and we'll have lunch, talk a bit and then arrange a tour of fabulous places that you might call your own! 07/28/2010

Gananoque, ON As promised in my earlier blog, effective Canada Day 2010, I had selected a few local charities for the purpose of giving back to the community through my real estate business, allowing my Buyers and Sellers to feel more a part of the town.   For each closed transaction I decided to provide $150 broken down as follows:    The first $50 to the local charity of my choice and the second $100.00 being chosen by my clients.    Today I was proud to provide $300.00 to our local Gananoque and District Humane Society.  Two of my transactions have closed this month here in the town of Gananoque and I am proud to say my new First Time Buyer on Wellington St, and my Seller on Arthur St, chose the Humane Society to receive $100 each on their behalf.  I chose to provide the Gananoque an... 07/26/2010

Gananoque, ON Friday to Sunday, Aug. 6-8 in Grass Creek Park (between Gananoque and Kingston at 2991 Hwy. 2) - has been named a Top 100 Ontario Event for the second year in a row. First held in 1988, the Sheep Dog Trials is largest event of its kind in Canada attracting more than 140 competing dogs and handlers and 8,000 spectators. This year, Jennifer Clark-Ewers from San Diego, California and Frank Cashen from the U.K. will be judging the event. In addition to the dog versus sheep herding action of Sheep Dog Trials themselves, this year's three-day event will also feature: • 1000 Island Dock Dogs is a series of performance contests for dock-diving dogs who can win in the Big Air, Extreme Vertical, Speed Retrieve and Iron Dog competitions (see www.1000islandsdockdogs.com for details on... 07/22/2010

Gananoque, ON Our two Austrailian Shepherds, Sheila (the blue merle) and Kylie (the red merle - our rescued girl) enjoying their posh summer pool.  The heat was getting unbearable for them and I didn't want to force them to stay indoors so voila - instant cool fun!   Sheila loves the water and insists on immersing her entire head searching for stones and balls.  Kylie on the other hand, came to us with a deadly fear of water.  She was very badly abused by her first THREE owners and has had alot to overcome.   With Sheila's help and guidance, Kylie has had all 4 feet in the water and has allowed it to touch her belly!!!!!   People, this is HUGE.   We're having fun and learning new things about each other every day. 07/14/2010

SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD I love helping my Sellers move on with their lives!   This little cutie SOLD in a matter of days for higher than what it was listed for with another REALTOR prior to me.  We had a great deal of interest generated and my Sellers were thrilled with the response we generated.   The great thing about this transaction is that both the Sellers and the Buyer needed an almost immediate closing and both will have that need met.    YAY - life is so good :) If you know someone who need to buy or sell in the Gananoque area, let's talk! 07/12/2010

SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD First time buyers are finding great success in our Gananoque market . . .  this little one bedroom home, completely re-done inside and out, has found a new owner as of Friday afternoon.  It is located within walking distance of everything in town including the river. The Buyer new Owner will have no worries with the new kitchen, new bathroom, hardwood and ceramic floors, new metal roof, new siding and new windows - virtually maintanance free!   The asking price was only $152,000 so yes, there are still bargains to be had in Gananoque whether you are a first time buyer or a senior downsizing!    If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling in Gananoque, let's talk! 07/12/2010

Dear Neighbour of mine, I was speaking with another of our neighbours the other day and we were discussing the number of homes I've listed for sale and/or sold here in the South Ward during the past five years -  it was surprising just how many!  On Pine Street in Gananoque alone,  I've personally been responsible for the following: 250 Pine St                                       Listed and SOLD                     Nov 2005 259 Pine St                                       Listed *                                 Jan  2007 291 Pine St                                       Listed and SOLD                     May 2007 240 Pine St                                       Listed and SOLD                     July 2007 274 Pine St                                       SOLD                     ... 07/10/2010

Gananoque, On This is what Emo's Eating Emporium is having tomorrow night: Flank Steak with Nectarines Ingredients: 1-1/2 pound beef flank steak 1/4 cup beef broth 1/4 cup honey 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 3 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger root 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 cup minced onion 1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 4 nectarines, cut in half Preparation: Cut the beef in a crisscross pattern 1/2" apart and 1/8" deep on both sides of the steak. Place beef in a zip lock heavy duty plastic bag. Combine beef broth, honey, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes in small bowl and mix. Pour this marinade over beef and seal bag. Place bag in glass baking dish to catch any leaks. Refrigerate for 6-24 hour... 07/09/2010

There are so many things happening in Gananoque on Canada Day as well as into the weekend.  Happy Canada Day from Susan Emo in Gananoque Opening Ceremonies start at 12:45 - Town Hall All around our town you will find loads to do with Ribfest , Huck Finn Derby down confederation Park , Rotary Craft Fair, Live Music ,Kids Zone, Shore Breakfast, FireworksRiver Rat Ralley at the waterfront , Birthday cake at the Heritage Village and Town park and BBQ at the Thousand Islands Playhouse. Check out www.ganribfest.com 06/30/2010

Gananoque, On At approx 1:45 today, my dogs came racing up the stairs from outside, looking wide eyed and frightened.  My first thought was Skunk!  But within seconds the house began to tremble and I could feel the floor moving.   I knew it was an earthquake and moved to the doorway.  It lasted aprox 10 - 15 seconds but the dogs remained concerned for quite a bit longer.  I hear it was measured as 5.5 - 5.7 and came from the Ontario Quebec border.   When living in Montreal in the 90's, my cats woke me up around 5 am patting my face and meowing.  A few seconds later we experienced our first earthquake.  I find it facinating that the animals know before we do! 06/23/2010

Gananoque, On What's cooking tonite in Emo's Eating Emporium?  Lamb Steaks with this gorgeous Layered Salad! LAYERED SALAD  (prep time 5 1/2 hours in the fridge) 4 cups torn spinach, or baby spinach or torn Romaine Lettuce 1 1/2 cups shredded mild chedder cheese, divided 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms 1 small red onion, sliced, separated into rings 2 tomatoes, chopped 1 (10 ounce) package frozen green peas, thawed, drained 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil 4 slices bacon, crisply cooked, drained and crumbled Layer the spinach, then 1 cup of the cheese, the mushrooms, onions, tomatoes and peas in order in 3-qt.serving bowl (clear glass is best as this is a showy layered salad) Mix together the mayo, sour cream and basil. Spread over salad, completely coveri... 06/22/2010