Slight change in plans......

I now go to The Knitting Basket on a Thursday for the knit and sit session, as I have joined a group in the subdivision where we live.  They asked me back in May if I wanted to join and with Angie offering a Thursday session, it all works out.

Angie has never charged for the knit and sit sessions, but now charges a $2 sitting fee and donates each months total to a different charity each month.  For the month of September the fee's will go to the local animal shelter for food.  Isn't that a great idea?

I think supporting local businesses is key to a community and they in turn help out others in the community.  Angie has a heart of gold and this is her to a "T" thinking of others.  That's why I buy all my yarn from her, as I know she helps out others when ever possible.

Are you a big supporter of "shopping locally?"

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This week's "Home of the Week," is on the market for $1.5 million.  It's all about location here, and I must admit I love how bright and airy the inside of the house is.  With the amount of snow we get here, those steps up to the front of the house will be a hazard in winter.  Do love the look of it, but wouldn't buy it.

The "Condo of the Week," is on the market for just under $1 million.  A former Toronto Raptor rented it.........that's a basketball player who plays for the team.  No I wasn't interested in that either!!  It's right smack in the downtown, so that's why it is the price it is.  Not my cup of tea at all, but if you like that kind of thing it will be perfect for you!

The "Cottage of the Week," is on the market for $1.1 million.  Although I love the look of it from the outside; inside is another story.  Look at the master bedroom and it's ensuite bathroom..........why would they do that?  The other bedroom look awkward as well don't you think? Again I'll pass.

Gill's "Cottage of the Week," is on the market for $389,900 in the Port Carling area.  Looks like a true cottage to me and a place to sit and watch the world go by.  Jazzy looking kitchen cabinets, they would maybe have to go!!

Back again................

Not sure where the last week or so went too, but it has gone by fast.  I have been busy knitting of course; I am making (at least) nine gnomes for Our Little Man's birthday in September as part of the take home gifts.  Mind you if you read The Knitting Basket's blog post this week, here, it turns out knitting is good for your health?  Who knew?

The weather of course has been stinking hot and humid.  I am so over summer now, I mean SO OVER IT!!!  Roll on the nice cool Fall weather. And as usual the month of August is just flying by.

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Meanwhile here we are with another week's worth of homes for sale.

This week's "Home of the Week," is on the market for $2 million.  I of course don't like the price, but I do like the house itself.  I love the entrance up to the house.  It's an older home but very bright and airy inside with nice landscaping.

The "Condo of the Week," is on the market for $550,000.  Again it is nice and airy.  It says in the blurb that a couple with two children  live there, but when looking at the photos I get the feeling that they have probably moved out.  As trying to keep a place that tidy with two young children is nigh on impossible.  I just don't see any clutter at all?

Once again the, "Cottage of the Week," is a mansion and is on the market for $2.7 million.  I wouldn't change a thing, but who can afford that price?  Mind you it would be a year round home for us. It is pretty light and airy again despite all that wood.  I would love to be able to sit on that dock and watch the world go by..........though in this case it will probably just be ducks as it's a private lake!!

Now back to reality here is "Gill's Cottage of the Week," is on the market for $459,900 and for that price you not only get a 2 bedroom log home, but 2 guest cabins and 16 acres.  I love it, wouldn't change much and would move there tomorrow!!! Very oldie, worldy, reminds me of Little House in the Big Woods, don't you think?

Finally a bit of a funny story.  You know how I am always complaining about the gardeners and what a poor job they do weeding the gardens?  I transplanted a rhubarb plant from a tub into the garden.  Every time a couple of leaves pop through the soil, the gardeners think they are weeds and chop them off with their hoes.  I have had to put bamboo poles and string around the area, in the hopes they leave it alone.........can't win can I!

Home of the Week and other things.........

This week's "Home of the Week," is not my cup of tea and it's not the $1.2 million asking price that's putting me off; it's the fact that it is a triplex; aka: a three times one bedroom apartments in a two story building.  You can't swing a cat (sorry Jane and fellow cat lovers) in any of the apartment's.  No I'll pass.

I LOVE, LOVE this week's "Condo of the Week,"  It's on the market at $550,000 and is a co-op.  I don't know anything about co-op's but unless you are a cash buyer it could be a little difficult trying to get a mortgage.  It is small at 800 square feet, but look at those views and it does feel bright and airy inside, don't you think?

The "Cottage of the Week," is on the market for $3 million and comes with two smaller islands.  It looks very nice but you can only reach it by boat from what the description says?  Also who has $3 million to spare for a cottage, not me!

Gill's "Cottage of the Week,"is on the market for $189,900 and yes it needs a little work!!  Okay it needs a bit of work, but is on 31 acres.  I love it and will be showing dh this one.  The bathroom does worry me...........A LOT!!  The kitchen needs work and the deck outside is DANGEROUS but the potential is there and oh did I mention the 31 acres!!  I wonder how long that would take me to cut the grass??  I'M JOKING!!!

Okay now I am confused thank you everyone for pointing out the link doesn't work.  So I went back to the listing only to find it's not there anymore?  I have to assume it has sold, as I know I saw it yesterday......senile I may be getting but I know I saw it!!!  I was even planning in my mind what I would do to make it ours; what changes I would make.....oh well I will look for another cottage and post it tomorrow.

I posted a book review yesterday for "The Chaperone," by Laura Moriarty. It's a super book and our book club choice for September, you can read it here.

I am a gnome knitting factory at the moment.  I have 9 (I think) to make for Our Little Man's birthday party as take home gifts.  I volunteered for it.  

Home of the Week and a blast from the past.

This week's "Home of the Week," is on sale for $3.9 million and I actually love it.  Mind you it doesn't even have a garage and is a townhouse (terraced property).

This week's "Condo of the Week," costs $700,000 and is not my cup of tea.  I am not a fan of concrete floors and open duct work, but that's just me!

This week's "Cottage of the Week," is on sale for $4 million and it does include an island for that price.  I love the cottage it is gorgeous and I wouldn't change a thing.  Just a shame it's not on the market for $400,000, then I would be more interested in it!!

Gill's Cottage of the Week, is on the market for $389,900  It's on the Bruce Peninsula overlooking Georgian Bay.  Now they do get some stormy weather up there, but the views from this place must be stunning when a storm comes in over the lake?  This is the type of cottage we rent when we go down south.  Will say though I am not 100% sure if I could live in this type of home forever, as those log walls get very dusty and full of cobwebs.........well the rental places do!!

I am painting some more trim so I have the music on.  I heard this song:



Now if you are British you will immediately recognize this as the theme song from the Benny Hill show.  I had no idea this was an "actual song."

Benny Hill was a British comedian who's antics would not be "politically correct," nowadays but back in the day was classed as very funny.  He even had a number one music hit in 1971:


and here is a clip of what he used to do!!  Please be aware it's sexist and not politically correct.....

Home of the Week and Our Little Munchkin

This week's "Home of the Week," is a very elegant home with a pretty hefty price tag of $3.1 million on it.  It is very tastefully decorated and rather large.  It would make a lovely family home though for someone with a big pot of money.  Again it's a location thing that's why it's that price.

This week's "Condo of the Week," is on the market for $649,000.  Only has one bedroom, with no door, but does have a large office, so you can work from home.  The way it is decorated leaves no room for children with sticky hands visiting!!  The upstairs outdoor space is very cozy and usable.  Perfect for a single person, or possibly a couple.

As usual the "Cottage of the Week," is more like a bloody mansion with the price tag to match!  For $2.6 million you can have this "cottage," and if I had the money I wouldn't say no.  I love how it is decorated and the brightness in the place but that's a lot of money for a vacation home.

For Gill's "Cottage of the Week," I thought I would see what we could buy for under $200,000 this week.  I came up with this one, which is on sale for $199,000.  I was in two minds about showing you guys this one, as I really like it and don't want any of you buying it!  It's on the river and quite substantial and not badly decorated.  I could live here myself.......must show dh it....

Someone had a hard day at daycare/school on Thursday.  She fell asleep in her swing at home:

She is holding her snack jar in her hand, and she sucks her thumb when she goes to sleep.

Home of the week.

This week's "Home of the Week," is all about location and that is why it's $5.2 million. It's not for me, much too modern and I don't think the photos do it justice.  I do like the kitchen though, but otherwise I'll pass on the rest.

This week's "Condo of the Week," is also all about location and that is why it's $1.5 million, and for that you get the privilege of people looking at you from all the surrounding buildings.  Talk about living on top of one another.  It doesn't mention the monthly condo fee, but I am betting that is also quite high.  Even when inside it is nothing exciting, so again I'll pass.

This week's "Cottage of the Week," is as usual mansion-like rather than cottage-like and has the price tag to match at $4.9 million.  It's all very nice and I do like the black sheep on the front lawn, but it's not a cottage.  I am also "confused" about the decor.  I realize they want it to be cottage-like with some rustic touches, but overall it's very modern and I don't think it works.

Now back down to reality and Gill's "Cottage of the Week." is under $300,000 and you get an island as well as the property on it.  It is only water access, but at least you can say "I OWN AN ISLAND."  It's on Sturgeon Lake, near Bobcaygeon, so not miles and miles from civilization, and actually the property is quite nice.  The boat access would put me off a bit, as it does not mention mainland parking etc.  However if you want no neighbours and peace and quiet this would be perfect!

There are more "realistic" cottages here as well.

Home's of the week, and Goat Weed..........

So this week's "Home of the Week," is a cute "cottage like" home from the outside on the front, but the $1.5 million price tag, suggests otherwise.  It's actually quite spacious because of the extension and because it is a heritage house, it's been done up very nicely.  The area that it is located in, is very pricey so that explains the price.

The "Condo of the Week," is on sale at $729,000 and parking is an extra $45,000.  I am guessing that is a one time fee for the purchase?  It's got a nice big window, but otherwise not for me.  Plus the building is butt ugly, don't you think?  It really does look like an office block.

This week's "Cottage of the Week," is ONLY $3 million, and for that you get an island and TWO houses!  I don't know about you, it doesn't really excite me.  Everything is fine.........but just fine.  What are your thoughts?

Gill's "Cottage of the Week," is in Port Carling, Ontario and on sale for $300,000.  Look at the view from the deck?  Very rustic inside, does need updating but for the price a lovely property.  

When I was at The Knitting Basket, I noticed all the insects on this bush.  Angie said it was Goat Weed?  Never heard of it myself, have you?

So here we go again, another "Cottage of the Week"

I think I am going to have to drop a line to Toronto Life to ask them to show us an actual normal size cottage for sale, as this week's isn't much better than last.  I mean how hard could it be to find a cottage under $500,000.  Here is one which isn't too far away from the featured one.  Here is another one which is what I call a "real" cottage, it's further north.  The further you go from Toronto the cheaper they are.

This week's "Cottage of the Week," is only $5.2 million which is a bargain after last week's "Cottage!"  Once again it's a mansion.  I mean it's gorgeous, but it's no cottage.  It even cost's nearly $20,000 a year just for the property taxes.........

This week's "Home of the Week," is on sale for $4.5 million.  It's not my cup of tea and after reading the comment posted I would be wary about buying it anyhow.  It's too modern for my tastes.

This week's "Condo of the Week," is priced at $1.5 million and is a three bedroom unit, which I am led to believe is not too common for condo's?  You should read the comments,  It's an okay condo, but not for me.

Dh is off today, as it's his "Canada Day."  So we are working in the gardens.  Should be interesting as it's also the day the gardeners come!!

I have a lot on at the moment, so visiting other people's blogs is taking a back seat at the moment.  I am sorry; but I will catch up with everyone as soon as I can.

Can't wait to see what your comments are today.....

Every week, the Toronto Life magazine/website posts in their real estate section, Home/Cottage/Condo of the week.  Not every week; I in turn post about them on here.

So my question is when you hear the word cottage what do you envision?

Why am I asking this?  This week's "Cottage of the Week," to my mind is NOT a cottage.  Not only is it an island, which is fine, but it has a price tag of $12 million.  My idea of a cottage is somewhere small, cozy and a place you can relax, without worrying that you may or may not disturb or make a mark on the designer decor.

The "Home of the Week," is pricey at $5.8 million, but according to one of the comments on the post, it's the going rate.  When I was looking at the photos I kept thinking there was something missing, it wasn't until I got to the end I realized what....painting's, there is nothing hanging on the walls.  One of the closets is full of clothes so someone must live there?

On a side note.  Our daughter and son-in-law got married at the Golf and Country Club that this house backs onto.  Nice area, close to the city, so that's why the price is what it is.

The "Condo of the Week," is on the market for $700,000.  It's okay but doesn't show well, as it looks cluttered to me and I am not a huge fan of that sort of duct work being exposed, but that is just me.  The outdoor terrace is nice though, but if that a/c unit is noisy it won't be a great area to sit.

I spent a great couple of hours at The Knitting Basket, helping Angie out with a couple of things with her blog and Facebook page.  Pop by and say hello if you have a minute.  I love the shawl pattern she posted on there.  That yarn she is featuring would be lovely knit in it.  But NO I WILL NOT BUY ANY MORE YARN UNTIL I FINISH SOMETHING!!!!  The two balls I picked up on Thursday while there don't count do they???

Look who is back from their vacation.......

Now just to muster up enough energy to start sewing.  I have a lot to catch up on that's for sure.

This week's "Home of the Week," is quite nice but of course pricey at $990,000.  Again it's all about location.  I love the roof line, and learned something new; it's called a "Mansard Roof."  I will say I do like the outside more so than the inside.  For city living it's nice as long as you don't mind being in such close quarters with all your neighbours!!

This week's "Condo of the Week," is a lot nicer inside that outside.  However even at "only" $470,000 I'll pass.  It's very sterile inside, or should we say "well staged!"  And I still can't get over the outside.  It reminds me of a hard done by, run down council estate, where the renters don't care.

So this week's "Cottage of the Week," is again a huge mansion with an equally as huge price tag of $2.7 million.  If you are looking for a never lived in house, then this is for you.  This one was custom built, but then the owner's decided not to move in????  It is a nice looking clean cottage/mansion I wouldn't mind owning, if it were only $270,000!!!

By the way, luckily I am thick skinned, as I don't know how many people I have talked to via the telephone or internet this past week have all said the same thing to me:

"Would love to see you, BUT, don't come anywhere near me until you are well!!"

But I want to share everything with you all....LOL

A Simple Supper and the home of the week

This is one of the fastest easiest meals to make.  

Chicken with Pasta and Veggies.

Ingredients:

1 chicken breast per two or three people, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp minced garlic or too taste
Salt and Pepper
Pasta Sauce, whatever your favourite is
Veggies (see below)
Pasta
Oil

In a saucepan with a little oil, brown the chicken breast.  Remove the chicken from the pan and add onion and garlic, and soften.  

Add the chicken back to pan along with the veggies that you are using.  In my case I had mushrooms and broccoli.  The more veggies you use the more this meal will stretch.

I had a jar of Alfredo Sauce, so I added that to the pan and let it simmer. 

 Meanwhile, in another pan I cooked the pasta.  In this case it was a Tricolour Rotini.  Again use what you normally would when you are making yourself or your family a meal.

With prep time, this meal could be on the table in 20 minutes or so.  It is so adaptable with using as much or as little meat as you want.  Adding more veggies and you can switch it up by using rice, noodles or even mashed potatoes.   A side of salad and some garlic bread would make this a simple fast meal for a weekday.

This week's "Home of the Week,"is a $1.6 million beauty.  The inside is gorgeous, but the outside area looks a little iffy???  Gorgeous floors, and very tastefully renovated.  I would take the house, but would have to move it to a different area.

This weeks, "Condo of the Week," is not bad from the inside, but it's a sketchy area where it's located.  At $850,000 it's not cheap either.  You are right downtown so it's all about location.  There is a lot of light coming inside of the home, but that could be just how the photographs were taken?, b

The "Cottage of the Week," is GORGEOUS, but at $2.4 million is it a cottage?  I don't think so, but it is perfect, I could just move in there and not change a thing.  Hopefully they would sell all the furniture with the place as well, as that is also perfect.  Now just to win the lottery!!!

Helped out Angie at The Knitting Basket yesterday with the blog and got another blog post out and sorted some more things out from a marketing point of view.  Enjoying doing it and looking forward to the sock knitting class in the Fall now!!

A new blog

As you know I have been attending knit and sit sessions at The Knitting Basket in Rosemont every Tuesday.  Although Angie has a Facebook page, she didn't have a blog.  So on Thursday morning I went over and set up a blog for her called The Knitting Basket.  As it says on her first post, it's under construction, and I know there will not be another post on there until next Tuesday, as that is when I will see her next.  Now to ask you a HUGE favour, would you mind popping over and saying a quick hello for me; just click on the names in blue above.  

Although Angie is a very talented knitter, blogging is quite a foreign concept to her, and like it was for all of us, there is going to be a bit of a learning curve.  However if you do follow the blog I can guarantee there will be a lot of great things in the future that she will be featuring.

I took a couple of photos while in the store this morning:

Have to say I had a great time with Angie setting this up.

This week's "Home of the Week," isn't bad and would be perfect if it didn't cost $1.4 million, too expensive for me.  Even the back yard is nice with a lot of plantings.  I agree though the red of that sitting room, is going to take a lot of primer to cover it before painting it a more neutral colour and red is my favourite colour!

At $1.2 million for this week's "Condo of the Week," I don't think it is a bargain despite it being owned once over by Robertson Davies.  Don't worry I had no idea either who the heck he was that is why I put a link in with his name.  IF YOU DON'T DO ANYTHING ELSE WITH THIS POST, PLEASE CLICK ON THIS CONDO LINK AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK OF THE PICTURE IN THE SECOND PHOTO.  I am not going to tell you what I think, but I would think my face would have the same expression!  Overall the condo isn't bad, but I don't love it.

The "Cottage of the Week," is back; now for those of you who are familiar with my posts, "cottage" is a word open to interpretation when it comes to these posts!!!  This weeks, has a $3.3 million price tag on it and is nearly 6,000 square feet, which is four times the size of an average house for goodness sakes?  The photos of the outside were taken last year, especially the one showing you the path to the dock, as the flowers aren't out yet in that area.  In fact we had frost last night, so if the first one was taken recently those annuals would probably be dead unless they took them in overnight.  Beautiful "cottage" but you would need a housekeeper to keep a place that size clean.

Finally Our Little Munchkin is sick AGAIN!!  More to follow on that.