It’s October - relax and enjoy!

As a homeowner, it’s easy to get caught up in continuous home improvement projects – doing them, planning them, or feeling guilty for not doing them. October is a time of Thanksgiving. So for the month of October, or at least for the week surrounding Thanksgiving, let’s put away our “to do” lists* and simply enjoy and appreciate what we have. October is a time to visit a Farmers’ Market, walk through a pumpkin field, and eat turkey. It’s a time to see friends and family, take a country drive, and see the fall colours. It’s time to bake apple pie. Make jams and jellies. Roll in the leaves. Just enjoy.

If you really want a home improvement project for this month, here’s one: go out and buy yourself a home dining accessory – maybe a new tablecloth and matching napkins, a colourful serving bowl, new serving utensils, bright new tea towels, a good pepper grinder, a decorative table centre – whatever you like. Find something that you’ve always wanted, and splurge. Then set a welcoming table and invite friends over for a relaxed dinner. Have fun. Take time. Be grateful. Enjoy.

*Exception - unless a “to do” item is to prevent damage or for safety! Or it’s to buy or sell a home- then call me!

Something else to be thankful for – the real estate market in Toronto continues to set new records:

Another Record Falls! 6,743 Sales in August

Friday, September 3, 2004--Toronto’s resale market felt the heat in August, with 6,743 homes changing hands, the most ever recorded for the month. Transactions were up three per cent over the previous record of 6,549 sales, set in August of 2003, TREB President Ron Abraham announced today.
Meanwhile, prices continued to ease, falling two per cent to $304,509 from the $312,418 recorded in July. “The declines of the last couple of months are entirely seasonal in nature, and year-over-year prices are still up seven per cent over 2003,” Mr. Abraham noted, With people on holidays, and a fairly healthy level of inventory (22,204 active listings at the end of July), this was bound to occur.
Going into the fall market, Mr. Abraham saw nothing but continued good news ahead. “With 1.1 per cent growth in the second quarter, the Canadian economy is still strong, inflation is still holding steady in the two per cent range and interest rates remain historically low. So the Toronto resale market should continue to perform at near record levels. I predict that 2004 will be the first year where sales exceed 80,000 dwellings.”

(Source: The Toronto Real Estate Board)

Here are some ideas to help you enjoy the month of October:

Meet you in the Pumpkin Patch…or perhaps the Tasting Room?!
A great fall outing for both adults and kids is Southbrook Farms between Richmond Hill and Maple. You can pick out a pumpkin right from the field and taste award-winning Ontario wines in one fun stop. Be sure to try the Framboise! www.southbrook.com

Rise and shine for the best of the St. Lawrence Market!
You can’t beat an early Saturday morning at St. Lawrence Market (www.stlawrencemarket.com), especially during the fall harvest season. Over 200 years old, the St. Lawrence market has everything – fresh local produce, cheeses, meats, fish, poultry, baked goods and more. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, order a naturally-raised fresh turkey from Rowe Farms (www.rowefarmmeats.com) – it’s worth the extra. You can phone in your order at 519-822-8794 (limited sizes still available) and pick up your bird on Saturday, October 9th at the North Market. Remember to bring your eco-friendly re-usable bags to carry your veggies and goodies home!

Kleinberg in the fall - Canadiana at its best!
If you haven’t been lately, treat yourself to a visit to the village of Kleinberg. Take in fabulous McMichael Canadian Art Collection (www.mcmichael.ca). Enjoy a walk along the nature trail behind the gallery, then head up the road to the quaint village of Kleinberg for tea and shopping. If you have time, take the scenic route home – you’ll see some gorgeous views as well as some prime real estate!

Harvest’s here - soup’s on!
A special feature this month - here’s a recipe to help you enjoy the season. This is a favourite in our house, and we have been asked for this recipe many times. So here it is:

Sweet Potato and Corn Soup
From The New Vegetarian Epicure by Anna Thomas

1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 ½ Tbs. butter
salt to taste
2 lbs. sweet potatoes
2 cups water
4 cups vegetable broth (the Imagine brand is perfect – 1 box = 4 cups)
3 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen – but fresh if you have it!)
1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
1 small fresh jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (protect bare fingers with glove or small sandwich bag when chopping)
1 cup milk
juice of ½ lemon
pinch of cayenne
2-3 Tbs. cream

garnish: chopped cilantro leaves

Cook the onion slowly in the butter, with a little salt, stirring often, until it is golden brown. At the same time, peel and dice the sweet potatoes, combine them in a pot with the water and vegetable broth, and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20-30 minutes. Add the caramelized onions to the soup, deglaze the onion pan with a little of the broth, and add it back, then puree this mixture in batches in a blender. (Note: Use caution when pureeing the hot mixture – do in small batches and remove the centre piece of the top of the blender to allow the steam to escape.)

Return the puree to the pot and add the corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, chopped jalapeno, and milk. Simmer until the peppers and corn are tender. Stir in the lemon juice and cayenne, taste, and correct the seasoning if needed. Finish the soup with a little cream.

Serve hot, garnished with coarsely chopped cilantro leaves. (optional)

I’m feeling very grateful for my good friends and good fortunes this year. I hope you are too. I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Thank you for your feedback!
Thanks so much for all of your positive comments about this newsletter – it’s great to know you’re enjoying it. If there is anything you want to see in future issues, please send along your suggestions and ideas.

Know someone on the move?
If you know someone who is looking to buy or sell a house or condominium in Toronto, please have them call me, or let me know and I will contact them with your introduction. Most of my clients come through referrals from people like you! Thank you for your confidence!