Betsy Carstairs

After I finished my business in Ashcroft I decided that I would head up to visit my cousin Angus in Canum Lake. It seemed close to Ashcroft & it was a very hot day so off I headed towards 100 Mile . 2 hours later I was rewarded with a swim in Canum Lake, a visit with my adorable cousin & a tour with my nephew of lake front real estate from a 20 year old's persepctive. Most interesting seein ...

I just returned from Ashcroft. Went up to do some business & visit with some friends. Although I have been up The Canyon many times before I had forgotten how impressive the Mighty Fraser River is. We went swimming in the river & watched the salmon jumping over the rocks swimming up stream to spawn. I stayed overnight at a lovely B&B  Willow'n Bed & Breakfast & was treated to a yoga class aft ...

I wanted to make sure that you knew about the new rules taking affect on October 15th by CMHC. I’ve heard from a good source that the other two insurer’s, AIG and GE, will follow suit. No more 40 year Amortized Mortgage. Reduced to 35 years. Which is not that huge of a problem. It’s the minimum 5% down that concerns me a little. They say they’re trying to prevent a huge crisis in Can ...

Last Sunday was car free day on The Drive. This happens once every year. The 5 block strip on Commercial Street is closed off to cars & opened up for the people to take over. The street was packed with curious Vancouverites anxious to dance on the street, celebrate diversity & listen to protesters. I always enjoy this day. There are bands, jugglers, barbeques & great food samples from the e ...

It is interesting how many times a prospective purchase needs to see Her/His house/apartment before they can decide if they want to submit a offer. Statistics will say a prospective purchaser will view the property 12 times before they commit to putting a formal offer forward. Those 12 viewings could be driving by or walking around the house or of course going inside. At my open house on a ...

This year I am turning 60. Yahoo! I have decided to have a birth month. Yes, I will be taking 1 month ... 30 days to celebrate who I have become. There will be structured "event" days & free days. Invitations will be extended for the "event" days & on the free days, I will be open to "hang out" with special friends going for a walk, kayaking or having chat over tea. It wil ...

   Jan, Claire and Judy kibitzing at the Blogging Workshop! Last Sunday was a day steeped in the world of blogging. Yes I am becoming a full fledged official blogger.Valerie Gregory's  SFU Blogging course behind me & now Claire Robson's 1 day express course. I hosted this event to up my awareness on the subject. Was I inspired by the writing skills of the 10 other participants when th ...

I have noticed a increase in inventory of homes in the last few weeks. The bidding war senerio with homes going above asking price has been repalced with properties being on the market for 2-3 weeks then a reduction. Statistics will show that when a property gets to that magic number of being within 5% of what the market deems it's value then & only then will that house start getting offers. ...

I quite happily take suppliments to help improve my quality of life. We can not allow a bill to be passed that would take away our rights of free choice.We must stop this bill from being passed Canada’s C-51 Law To Outlaw 60% of Natural Health Products Don’t Let Big Pharma Do This To Canada   Glob ...

I have been listening to the reports on rising food costs such as this article discussing a 70% increase in rice this year & have decided it is time to take action & put in my own organic Victory vegetable garden this year. That way I will put my composting to work & be able to harvest pesticide free crops from some heritage seeds I have been saving.  Now we just need some warm weather. ...