I will be the first to admit, I had never heard of Bump TV - have you?   Wait for it . . . From Bump Tv's website:  "Bump! is the world's first gay and lesbian travel and lifestyle television series. It is unique and international in scope. In each episode Bump! presents a new gay-friendly destination in a stylish and upbeat format. Bump! travels the globe in search of fascinating gay human-interest stories. From gay tourism hotspots like Miami and London, to urban centres such as Montreal and Los Angeles, Bump! focuses its lens on gay and lesbian communities around the globe." They focus on such places as New Orleans, Paris, Prague and, wait for it . . . Drum roll please . . .     THEY CAME TO MY HOMETOWN of GANANOQUE, ONTARIO!!!  " Gananoque and the 1000 Islands will be featured on a ... 09/11/2011

Gananoque, On 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 August 2011)   In The Town of Gananoque: Listings Year to date 2010:  138 Homes Listings Year to date 2011:  142 homes  Sales Year to date 2010: 60 homesSales Year to date 2011: 65 homes Average Sales Price YTD 2010:   $218,334 Average Sales Price YTD 2011: $199,005 So now you know! This is how 2011 compares to last year. In my opinion, the lower Average Sales Price is due to the lessor amount of high end riverfront properties selling this year.   We h... 09/11/2011

Gananoque, Ontario is a wonderful community that has property for just about every budget.  Today we have 67 residential properties available for sale as per our MLS. They range in price from $95,000 for a 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo  up to $760,000 for a 4 bedroom, 3 bath home situated on almost 4 acres! No matter what price range your new home falls into, I'm sure we have something to please so give me a call and you could be celebrating the holidays in your new home! Come for a visit and stay for a lifetime, Respectfully, Susan Emo   09/07/2011

Gananoque, On Just for Sally Weatherley  . . .  my recipe for the Fresh Corn & Bacon Chowder I made yesterday when it was so cold and damp here in Gananoque.  Autumn is coming!  I served it with fresh, warm from the oven Irish Soda Farls -  YUM ! Ingredients 1 tbsp butter2 or 3 strips of bacon  (or tbsp of bacon fat)1 onion, finely diced1 carrot, finely grated1 celery stalk, finely diced3 or 4 ears of corn, cooked and removed from cob (I used leftover from the night before) I suppose you could use frozen and probably 3 cups would work1 bay leaf3 cups whole milk1 cup cream or 1/2 and 1/21 medium potato, peeled and dicedKosher salt and pepper to taste6 sprigs of fresh time, leaves only! In a large soup pot or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and add the bacon (if using)Fry until bac... 09/06/2011

Gananoque, Ontario Registration begins for Autumn Classes at Dreams in Motion, Performing and Fine Arts School. Location:  365 William St South, Gananoque www.DreamsInMotion.ca New Classes are being offered such as: Acting for the Mature Adult Flamenco Dancing Irish Step Dancing Singing for Enjoyment Pilates Step out of your comfort zone and try something you've been dreaming of! Call Dreams in Motion on 613 382 6700 09/04/2011

Waddell Apples - Orchard & Bakery is owned and operated by Charlie and Marita Waddell. Apple growing has been a part of Charlie's family for over 130 years. Marita's parents also grew apples, and she has turned her talents for cooking and baking to the farm bakery. They invite you to their 3rd Annual APPLEFEST, this Sunday September 4th.    You can find them at: 2645 Washburn Road, (10 minutes North of the 401 off Highway 15)   Their main orchard is made up of 1200 trees on 5 acres. Most of the trees are on semi-dwarf rootstock and grow 8 - 10 feet high, providing lots of apples within easy reach for pick-your-own visitors of all ages. The trees range in age from 3 to 40 years, and there are even 6 big old McIntosh trees near the Rideau Canal that were planted in the 1940's!   Each year... 09/03/2011

Gananoque still has the power to attract investor clients!      We're a small town of only 5200 people and situated halfway between the two cities of Kingston and Brockville, 20 minutes in either direction!       The town's name is pronounced "Gan - uh- Nock- way" and is an oboriginal name which means Town on Two Rivers.                     Gananoque is the Gateway to the world renowned 1000 Islands in the St Lawrence River, over which the International Bridge to New York State crosses.                 My clients come mainly from out of town, out of province and more often, out of country.  Most of whom have a desire to purchase in my hometown, Gananoque or the surrounding rural area . . . We like to think people come for a visit and stay for a lifetime!   This week I am pleased to sha... 09/02/2011

We grew up in Fort Henry Heights at the base of Old Fort Henry in Kingston, Ontario.  We played in the moats, tobogganed down the steep hill, pretended to be soldiers firing the cannons . . .   all the fun stuff kids used to be allowed to do! But the one thing we never did was attend the Sunset Ceremony at the Fort . . .  until last night, my Mother's 83rd birthday! We decided to surprise her with Dinner and a Show at the Fort and were we ever impressed with the Show that was put on at sunset. For a bit of background: The original Fort Henry was built during the War of 1812, between Great Britain (Canada being at that time a British colony) and the United States of America, and bears no resemblance to the existing fort. Between 1832 and 1837, a second fort was built on the site of the f... 09/01/2011

Be angry with me if you wish, but I, Susan Emo , am one of those people who does not believe that the posted speed limit is merely a suggestion! I set my cruise at the posted limit and you can enjoy sign language all you like, but I'm not going to speed to keep you happy! When I saw this creative way to reduce speeding on the roads I just had to share it with you! Speed cameras were designed to photograph and ticket speeding cars but what if they also photographed cars that obey the speed limit?! Those drivers are then entered in a lottery for a chance to win money. What a concept: rewarding POSITIVE behaviour!!! I'm hoping it will arrive here becase IT WORKS! 08/20/2011

Thought I'd share what we're having tonite in Gananoque, on the deck.   It is simple but tasty . . . and now that the tomatoes are fresh . . .  YUM! Grilled Pork served with Coconut Chile Tomato Salad, by Tyler Florence - thank you Tyler!!! Pork Tenderloin: 2 pork tenderloins, 1 1/2 to 2-pounds total Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 lime, juiced Chile-Coconut Sauce: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1 lemongrass stalk, white part only, chopped into small pieces 1 fresh red jalapeno, cut into rounds 1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk 1 teaspoon sugar 1 lime, juiced 1 tablespoon fish sauce Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Stems from 1/4 bunch fresh cilantro Chil... 08/16/2011

How does a Gananoque Realtor keep a Kingston Seller satisfied? By SELLING their home!!      I am pleased to report 56 Brant Avenue in Kingston Ontario has SOLD!  This is a solid little 2 bedroom home with a 2 bedroom in law suite complete with private entrance.  A wise Buyer realized the potential in this property and didn't hesitate to make an offer.   They will proudly take possession the beginning of October.   Now the Seller and I begin our search for the perfect replacement home!  She knows that I'm a full service Realtor who conducts my business along the St Lawrence River corridor.  That means, from my base in Gananoque, the Gateway to the 1000 Islands, I can easily work with Buyers and Sellers from Brockville to the east and up to Kingston to the west and all points in between! ... 08/13/2011

Watch out for this scam!!!!! Police say that the gang usually is comprised of four members, one adult and three younger ones.While the three younger ones, all appearing sweet and innocent, divert their "mark" (or intended target) with a show of friendliness, the fourth -- the eldest -- sneaks in from behind the person's back to expertly rifle through his or her pocket or purse for any valuables. Be on the alert!!!Scroll down to see a photo from a recent attack that was captured on film . . .           08/12/2011

Starting school is a big step in a child’s life.  If your child will be 4 or 5 years old by December 31, 2011, it is time for Kindergarten!   This year if you live within the boundary of the The Upper Canada School Board, you will have the choice of three types of kindergarten programs: Early Learning Kindergarten which is a Full-Day Ready 2 Learn Alternate Days    Early Learning Program (ELP)   The Early Learning Program (ELP) will be offered during the regular school day, offering full-time learning during the core school day for 4 and 5 year olds at no cost to parents. These classes will be staffed with a teacher and an early childhood educator, at a 13:1 (child to adult) ratio. Teachers and early childhood educators will work as partners to plan and deliver a high-quality, play-base... 08/09/2011

I LOVED THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!    (not thrilled with the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc but . . . ) Can you remember arriving for the first day of the school year, sitting down at your desk with your brand new pencils, crayons, notepads and a fancy new backpack, (book bag in my case cuz I'm old) and feeling proud to have entered the next grade fully equipped to succeed? Each September should present every child with a fresh start to a successful school year. Unfortunately, there are many families who simply can’t afford the steep cost of purchasing a long list of required school supplies for their children.  “In the last two years, we have seen the demand increase for our backpack program almost twofold,” says Major Ken Ritson, Director of The Salvation Army Family Services. How you can help: ... 08/09/2011

ICECREAM ICECREAM - WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICECREAM!  - YOU KNOW YOU WANNA !!! Mark your calander for this Thursday!!   From their website: Kids love DQ® and the feeling is mutual. That’s why $1 or more from each Blizzard Treat sold at participating locations on Miracle Treat Day, August 11, 2011, will help sick and injured children at your local Children's Miracle Network Hospital. Since 1984, DQ has raised over $86 million for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals-including $5.5 million in 2010. Let's make 2011 a record-breaking year! Join DQ and help make miracles happen. Dairy Queen®   Canada donates ALL proceeds to CMN   08/08/2011

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 JULY 2011)   In The Town of Gananoque: Listings Year to date 2010:  124 Homes Listings Year to date 2011:  128 homes  Sales Year to date 2010: 56 homesSales Year to date 2011: 54 homes Average Sales Price YTD 2010:   $227,101 Average Sales Price YTD 2011: $204,331 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... 08/08/2011

How Old is grandma? Stay with this -- the answer is at the end. One evening a grandson was talking to his grandmother about current events.  The grandson asked his grandmother what she thought about the shootings at schools, the computer age, and just things in general... The Grandmother replied, "Well, let me think a minute . . . I was born before: ' television ' penicillin ' polio shots ' frozen foods ' Xerox ' contact lenses ' Frisbee s and ' the pill   There were no:' ball-point pens ' credit cards ' laser beams or ' ball-point pens     Man had not invented: ' pantyhose ' air conditioners ' dishwashers ' clothes dryers ' and the clothes were hung out to dry in the fresh air and ' man hadn't yet walked on the moon We never heard of FM radios, tape decks , CD's, electric typewriters, ... 07/31/2011

I had this dry rubbed pork last night (again) and I only thought to take a photo AFTER we were finished!  I make up a large batch in advance and keep it stored in an air tight container for when I'm in a hurry.             The following is enough to cover 2 pork tenderloins. 2 Tablespoons ground paprika 1 teaspoon granulated sugar1 teaspoon kosher salt1/2 teaspoon each of the following, ground:black peppergingercardamomcuminclovescinnamonallspicecayanne pepperplus1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder Combine all the ingredients and if not using immediately, store in an airtight container. To use, liberally coat the meat at least 6 hours prior to cooking.  Overnight is best.  Works well on Chicken, Pork or Duck. Enjoy! 07/31/2011

OTTAWA - July 15, 2011 - According to statistics released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), home sales activity over MLS® Systems of Canadian real estate Boards climbed in June 2011 compared to May. Highlights: Sales activity climbed from May to June, with a big year-over-year gain reflecting falling demand in June 2010. Year-to-date sales remain in line with the ten-year average. The number of newly listed homes also rose from May to June. National housing market remains firmly entrenched in balanced territory. National average price still being skewed upward by the value of sales in expensive Vancouver neighbourhoods, with price gains in other markets providing additional loft. Seasonally adjusted national home sales activity rose 2.6 per cent in June 2011 compared... 07/19/2011

Well that's the way I see it and you're not changing my mind! Why wouldn't he?? Kevin and his band, The Modern West, will be playing at venues very near me in September: Sept 9th 2011 he will look for me from the stage at Belleville's Empire Square and then the next day, he will travel to the Spencerville Fair.  You can buy tickets in advance or at the door. If you've not heard Kevin's band, have a listen: (but he will mainly be playing for my ears only!!)   07/18/2011