Transitions-Oakville, Burlington and Mississauga Real Estate Blog

FOCUS - The Key Element to Success in All Things

Sun, 16 May 2010 16:49:22 -0400

F For

O Optimum

C Concentration

U Use

S Self-discipline

How often we get mired down in a litany of small issues that eke their invasive tendrils through the tidy garden of our thoughts.
The result is a tangled mess where even the most beautiful aspects of our lives begin to resemble gnarled weeds.

When I find myself in this negative state of mind, I pause to recall an old Ojibway saying,

"Sometimes I go about pitying myself and all the while a great wind is bearing me across the sky."

When I remind myself of this saying, a warm tingling sensation spreads across my upper back and the worries of my day begin to recede.
I suddenly feel more fortunate than words could adequately describe.

We are in an age where information is multiplying at a faster rate than our brains are able to adequately process.

This mass of information leads us down a path enshrouded in fog where we gradually lose sight of those things that should matter the most.

In order to achieve our goals, we require focus.

Focus is a key element to success in every process or end point we are working on.
Understanding this enables us to lead a more fulfilling life both personally and professionally.

In today's hectic world, it's not always an easy task to stay focussed. There are, however, a number of things we can do to help us stay on track.

Written Goals and Plans - Having written goals, and plans to achieve those goals, helps to set our internal 'accomplishment mechanism', better known as our subconscious, to work for us. This is a very easy way to help us on the path to staying focused.
Remove Distractions - Staying focused is much easier when there are no distractions. This is something usually within our own control. We have the ability to control the environment in which we work and play to a certain degree.
Accountability - Having accountability partners in our lives helps us to stay focused on the end goals or on the those things we should be focusing on in our lives. An accountability partner could be a spouse, friend, family member, business associate or even a group to which we belong.
Maintaining Good Personal Health - There's an old saying , "If you have your health, you have everything". If we're not feeling well or are facing a serious illness, it's extremely hard to stay focused on anything other than the discomfort we're experiencing. Have a plan for good health maintenance and stick to it as much as possible.
Declutter - When it comes to decluttering, we have to address not only our physical environments, but also our mental and emotional environments. If there are outstanding issues you should be facing, don't put them on hold. It may be difficult to bring them out into the open and discuss them with the appropriate party, however by not discussing them and failing to reach some resolution, our minds will be unable to properly focus on those things we should be focusing on.
Commit - I wrote a post awhile back called The Power of Commitment; if you have a problem with commitment, please read it.
Live with Purpose and Passion - On the same lines as commitment, living a life filled with purpose and passion ensures being able to be focus on those things that matter to us, both in our business and in our personal lives. We know when we are doing what we should be doing because it is at those times that we lose ourselves and are able to completely focus in an effortless way. Find your passion and follow it.
Take Regular Breaks - No matter what you are trying to accomplish, it is important to take regular breaks to refresh your body, mind and spirit. Taking breaks applies to both our short term lives and our long term lives. Schedule regular holidays for yourself every 2-3 months, depending on how hard you are working on a weekly basis.
Practice Meditation - Learning how to meditate teaches us how to have a disciplined mind wherein we are able to totally focus on whichever we want to focus at will. Meditation classes can be found in most communities now and many of them are free.
Complete One Thing at a Time - Don't leave jobs undone. When starting on one job, make sure you see it through to completion. After completing a job, you will feel energized and will experience a rise in self-esteem and well-being. All of these contribute to your focusing power for the accomplishment of future goals.

Success in any aspect of our lives comes down to mastering the art of focusing.

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

Odd Couple Spotted in Old Oakville

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 12:28:04 -0400

Sometimes we lose our way in life and in so doing, we lose the ones that we belong with. Not knowing what to do, we try to fit in with the closest thing we can find to our way of life and the individuals we are most familiar with.

This works out fine, sometimes. Often we find it too hard to try and be something we're not and eventually, after misplacing integral parts of ourselves, we decide we miss our tribe and our old way of life.
Then we pack up and go back to the place and people that feel like 'home'.

Humans are lucky that way. They're able to remember where they belong and who they belong with. Birds aren't always so lucky.

Such is the case with this lone Snow Goose who, for reasons we're not privy to, found himself living with a flock of Canada Geese.
Being lonely and wanting a mate, he chose one of the Canada Goose females.

The pair seem happy enough; however a closer look reveals some marital discord.
It's always him following her.
She seems totally oblivious to his amour and more intent on doing her own thing wandering around Erchless Estate in Old Oakville.

I felt kind of sad for this Snow Goose. He seemed so out of place.

Perhaps one day, maybe when the flock he's chosen to be with is stopped somewhere along their migration route in the fall, he'll spot a band of Snow Geese and will recognize them as his own.

Until then, he's happy to just follow along and pretend he's a Canada Goose with a lovely Canada Goose mate.

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

A Taste of Burlington - Media Launch

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:21:02 -0400

Last Wednesday I was fortunate to be given two tickets to attend the media launch of 'A Taste of Burlington'.

The event was held at the beautiful Burlington Art Centre in the Shoreline Room, overlooking Lake Ontario.

Numerous of Burlington's finest restaurants who are participating in the summer season's A Taste of Burlington program were present.

They served a wide variety of their specialties and attendees had a pleasant afternoon dining on samplings of Burlington's best.

The wines of Ontario were well represented also and we were able to sample some of the finest wines Ontario has to offer.

Musical entertainment played softly in the background while we were treated to a delicious afternoon lunch from Burlington's finest.

A Taste of Burlington runs from Monday, July 19th to Monday, August 2, 2010. During this time period diners will be able to experience the finest restaurants in the region as 23 of Burlington's restaurants offer prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus.

During the summer program of A Taste of Burlington, participating restaurants will offer 3 course meals for $20 (lunch) or $30, $35 or $40 (dinner).

A Taste of Burlington is a very popular program for locals and tourists alike.

Reservations are recommended.

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

The Power of Commitment

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 19:16:43 -0500

Commitment.

When I think of the word commitment, I think of other words. Conviction. Resolution. Dedication. Surety. Unwavering.Determination.

Commitment leaves no room for doubts, chance or indecision. Once you make the decision, be it consciously or subconsciously, to commit to something/someone, you step out in boldness and you know that you will succeed. There is nothing left to do but to succeed.

The universe is with you now, you have committed. You have made it clear that what you formerly half-heartedly desired, is now firmly entrenched in your very being. Your subconscious mind picks up on this and begins to conspire with all of the universe to bring your commitment to you. There is no more room for failure; only growth, only lessons, only forging forward with a steely eyed determination and a singular vision.

It takes on a life of it's own, your commitment.

I've heard it said that where there is the shadow of a doubt, there is room for failure. We've long prayed 'deliver us from temptation' and this is not without top ranking in the realms of the universal laws. The minute you allow your brain to entertain a temptation for even an instant, you may be lost.

Your conscious thoughts continually program your subconscious mind. From there, your subconscious mind, which makes up the greatest majority of your brain power, goes to work to bring the bit of program code about. You MUST be THAT careful to guard the gates of your conscious mind lest something get past and enter your subconscious mind.

Your subconscious mind does not understand pros or cons. It is but a servant to you and your conscious mind. Anything you give it to work with, it will begin to masterfully enact and it has at it's disposal all of the universe to bring your thought into being .

The subconscious mind exists only as a creator. It interprets every thought you give it as something that you desire.
You can't say to your subconscious mind that you 'don't wish for such and such to happen' and expect your subconscious mind to stop that thing from happening.

Your subconscious mind works only in a positive way, hence if you are dwelling on something negative, your subconscious mind interprets the thought as being something you desire and will work towards making that thing come true.
Therefore, it's paramount that you turn all negative thoughts around and think of only the positive aspects of that which you wish to see take place.

Leave no room for doubts or insecurities in your conscious brain and do not for one second give the merest of thought to the possibility of failure.
In nature there is no failure, only lessons and forging forward. It must be the same for you. Never stand still, unless it is to reflect positively on what you envision as part of your commitment.

Fear is an emotion that is there to trick you into coding negative thoughts into your subconscious mind. Fear is a self-fulfilling prophecy since it freezes you or causes you to retreat. You can only go forward by remaining unfrozen and there is no room for fear when you are forging bravely forward.

What is the difference between the successful and the not successful? Is it brains, talent, beauty or skill? No. None of these things amounts to anything without the attribute of bravery and stepping into the centre of any fear that should rear it's holographic head.

The successful move forward. They have no time to think of failure or to be afraid of failure; they are too busy doing. They are too busy taking the chances that the unsuccessful fear to take.

The greatest fears of mankind are abandonment, rejection and harm. When you dissect any feeling of fear, you will find at it's root the fear of one of those three. And so we freeze. Rather than risk the pain of being rejected, abandoned or harmed, we allow fear to enter turning us into statues frozen in time.

Risk leads to self-confidence and no matter how many times a step forward might not work, without stepping forward it is guaranteed never to work.

More doors will open for you when you step forward, than those that will be slammed in your face. The static universe is powerless in the face of boldness and commitment. Those who are commited to a result take firm steps in the direction in which they wish to go and they have found that by making the conscious choice to commit to a business, cause, idea or a person, everything around them conspires to help and the doors will be opened as they forge bravely forward.

Make the choice today to commit to that which you believe in/desire and then follow the signs along the way as the universe shows you where to go and directs you to the next open door.

Leave no room for doubt or negativity and you will have given your subconscious mind a positive outcome to work towards. When you begin to practice this, you will notice all fear dissipates and you are given exactly what you need to make all of your visions materialize.

©2007JoSmith

Signs of Spring Everywhere in Oakville, Ontario

Sun, 02 May 2010 20:51:34 -0400

Spring has arrived in full force here in Oakville, Ontario.
Fruit trees are in bloom across the city with white and the most beautiful shades of crimson and pink blossoms I've ever seen.

The fact that I think the same thoughts every spring, has no bearing on it. Every spring seems like the most beautiful spring I've ever experienced.

Along with the blossoms come new generations of life, curious and fresh and happy just to be here.

Spring fever has caught up with the birds and the bees as creatures everywhere find a warm place in the sun to relax and relish in the return of another season filled with hope and renewal.

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

I May Not Have Any Grandchildren Yet, But.......

Wed, 12 May 2010 20:56:50 -0400

I have a lovely Grand-cat named Nanuk and beautiful Grand-dog named Pika. They are David's (my oldest son) and Angie's family and are the best of friends.
They live in Kelowna, BC so I don't get to see them much. When we were there this past September, Nanuk and Pika were always getting into some kind of mischief together, especially when they were home alone.

Left to their own devices, Nanuk, with the dexterity her paws offer, would open doors and cupboards and get out paper towels or toilet paper for Pika to unravel and shred all through the house.
This was a habit of theirs. Every time we would come home, it would be to a floating sea of white tissue everywhere. ((-;
Other than that, they are very well behaved.

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

Who Says Gold Isn't Free? - Compost GiveAway Days in Oakville and Halton Region

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:46:26 -0400

Oakville and Halton Region Free Compost Days Are Here Again!

Sitting under our sink is a small beige plastic pail with a lid. This is not just any plastic container.
It's a container for treasure that is destined to become black gold.

Green waste is comprised of the following:

fruit and vegetable peelings
left over dinner items
stale bread and food items
paper towels
bones
meat
shells from seafood and nuts
plant clippings
and more

Once picked up by Halton Waste Management, the green waste is turned into rich, dark compost at a central composting facility in Hamilton, Ontario.

Leaves, brush and yard waste are picked up at the curb by Halton Waste Management and are subsequently turned into compost at the

Halton Waste Management Site
5400 Regional Road 25 in Milton

In 2009, over 30,000 tonnes of yard waste material was collected and composted at the Milton site.
From May 10th to May 15, Halton residents by the thousands visit the Halton Waste Management Site to pick up the compost made from yard waste material, for use in their gardens and landscaping projects.

This year's Compost Giveaway is being held from 8am - 4:30pm each day (May 10th-May 15th).

Those wishing to pick up some compost are asked to bring a non-perishable food item or a cash donation. The food and money raised is donated to food banks throughout Halton region.
In 2009, residents picking up compost donated $12,172 and 7 tonnes of food for this worthy program.

If you would like to pick up some free compost for your garden, you are required to bring your own bags or containers. There is a maximum of 7 bags or containers of compost per household and residents must bring their own shovel to fill their containers.

To beautify your garden with life giving compost, it should be mixed with topsoil at a rate of 60% topsoil/40 % compost .

Call 311 for more information on the Halton Region Compost Giveaway.

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

Students 19 and Under, 'Celebrate Biodiversity' in Oakville and Beyond With a Contest

Wed, 05 May 2010 17:25:36 -0400

Canadian students 19 and Under are invited to celebrate biodiversity in Oakville and across the globe by entering a contest!

Canadian artist Robert Bateman started a program called 'Get to Know' to help promote environmental awareness amongst young people.

The theme for this year's 'Get to Know' program is 'Celebrate Biodiversity' and at no time more than the present is this theme more important with thousands of plant and animal species becoming endangered or extinct on a daily basis.

If you know a student who is 19 years or under, encourage them to enter this year's 'Get to Know' contest.

Not only will they have the opportunity to learn more about the beautiful planet we live on and display their creative talents, they will also have the opportunity to win some great prizes and perhaps have their work published in the 2011 Get to Know contest calendar or be used for the 2011 Youth Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp!

To enter the contest, students are invited to get outside and get creative. Paint, draw or photograph nature in it's glory and submit your work of art.
Students who prefer to write are encouraged to submit a work of art using the written word that talks about wildlife or biodiversity.

Prizes*
Entrants have the opportunity to win one of the following prizes:

the winning art or writing entry will be published in the 2011 Robert Bateman Get to Know Contest Calendar
One winning entry will be featured as Wildlife Habitat Canada's 2011 Youth Wildlife Habitat
Conservation Stamp
A week-long art and nature camp in one of Canada's stunning national parks, joined by outstanding mentors and the American contest winners (sponsored by Parks Canada; for age 12 and up only)
Cash prizes
The winning entry published on www.gettoknow.ca
VIP invitations to special events, held across the country
Personal written congratulations from Robert Bateman
Digital cameras from Panasonic (for photography winners)
Additional prize packages from Opus Framing and Art Supplies and Scholastic (for art and writing winners respectively)

General Rules

This contest is open to ALL Canadian students 19 and under and no purchase or payment is necessary in order to win.

Entrants may submit more than one entry, however all entries must be received in the mail or online by Get to Know no later than 4:00 PM Eastern (1:00 PM Pacific) on May 28, 2010.

For more information, click on the banner below.

*Prize list taken from Get to Know Contest website

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

Life at 50 (Through the Eyes of a 20 Year Old)

Mon, 03 May 2010 19:30:57 -0400

Malcolm posted the most touching and brilliant video I've seen in a long time....

it caused me to think of the people I know, and how some of them fall into the first category.

Thankfully I know more who fall into the second...including my wonderful sons.

Thanks for posting this Malcolm!

Via Malcolm Johnston (Remax Trent Valley, Trenton, Ontario):

This video was created by a 20 year old and entered into a contest sponsored by the AARP. The purpose of the contest was to find out what 20 year olds thought life would be when they reach the age of 50.
I have to say that this is a very clever video, but you have to watch the whole thing to understand just how clever this young person is. It's well worth 1 minute and 44 seconds of your time to be inspired by this.

I don't remember being that clever when I was 20
Trenton Ontario Real Estate Trenton homes for sale Trenton home values

Halton Region Annual Rain Barrel Sale Starts Today!

Sat, 01 May 2010 20:15:18 -0400

Halton Region Annual Rain Barrel Sale Starts Today!

Rain barrels will be for sale starting today and for the next three Saturdays in Oakville and the Halton Region.
If bought through retail, rain barrels may well cost over $200 however Halton Region offers them to residents for the low price of $36 each. Residents may buy only one rain barrel per household.

In 2009, Halton residents purchased approximately 6,200 rain barrels. These rain barrels had the potential to reduce water consumption in Halton by more than 1.2 million litres.

Why Use a Rain Barrel?

Rain barrels divert rain water from entering our sewer systems and stop pollutants from being swept into the surrounding streams, reducing run-off by as much as 70%

Rain barrels store a great abundance of unchlorinated water for use on gardens and lawns

Rain barrels help homeowners save money on water bills

Rain barrels are simple to install and easy to use

Rain barrels lower the demand on city water systems, especially during the hot summer months

Purchase your rain barrel from 8am - noon on the following days:

Saturday, May 1st          Mohawk Raceway, 9430 Guelph Line, Campbellville
Saturday, May 8th          Oakville Place Mall, 240 Leighland Avenue, Oakville
Saturday, May 15th        Robert C. Austin Operations Centre, 11620 Trafalgar Rd., Georgetown
Saturday, May 29th        Mapleview Centre, 900 Maple Avenue, Burlington

Conserving our water and diverting storm water run-off away from our streams and water bodies is something we can all take part in by buying and using a rain barrel.

Mark your calendar and make plans to visit one of the above locations to pick up your rain barrel during the 2010 Halton Region Rain Barrel Sale Days, on now.

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

Oakville Taste 2010 - A Culinary Delight

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:58:09 -0400

Oakville Taste 2010 - A Culinary Delight

Enjoy a fine dining experience?

Appleby College in Oakville is the place to be on Sunday, May 30th when some of the region's finest caterers, restaurateurs and bakers will be serving up a culinary extravaganza at Oakville Taste 2010 in support of Oakville's Kerr Street Ministries food bank.

From 2-6pm, patrons will enjoy a wide sampling of signature foods from particpating chefs.

Local producers of beer and wine will join the restaurateurs, bakers and caterers in offering a fine selection of their best to pair with the delectable assortment of food styles.

Patrons will also be able to place their bids in a silent auction with proceeds going towards the Kerr Street Ministries food bank.

The following Restaurateurs, Bakers and Caterers will be providing a wonderful sampling of their fare:

Oakville Taste 2010 Exhibitors

To purchase tickets for this memorable event visit

Oakville Taste 2010

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

Free Comic Book Day and Workshop at Oakville Public Library!

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 10:56:57 -0400

Free Comic Book Day and Workshop at Oakville Public Library

Boys and Girls between the ages of 12 and 18 are invited to celebrate Free Comic Book Day this coming Saturday, May 1st from 12-4pm.

To take part in this fun event, register with Elise, the Teen Services Librarian at the Oakville Public Library by email at ecole@oakville.ca or by phone at 905-815-2042 Ext 5037 .

On Saturday, May 1st, stop by the Comic Connection at 146 Kerr Street in Oakville and pick up your free comic. Comic Conection opens at 11 am on Saturdays.

The Free Comic Workshop will be held at the Oakville Public Library Central Branch Auditorium.
Artist Bruce Outridge will be teaching the workshop.

This event is sponsored by the Oakville Public Library, Comic Connection and Friends of the Oakville Public Library.

If you're a teenager in the Oakville region who loves to doodle and sketch, make sure to reserve your spot for the Free Comic Book Day and Workshop at the Oakville Public Library today!

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

Old Oakville Heritage Conservation District

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:35:03 -0400

Old Oakville Heritage Conservation District

Designated in 1981, the Old Oakville Heritage Conservation District is a unique, living historical account of what the original village of Oakville, first surveyed in 1833, was like.

Extending along the Lake Ontario lakeshore from Allan Street in the East to Sixteen Mile Creek in the west and Robinson Street to the north, the Old Oakville Heritage Conservation District retains much of it's original charm with many of Oakville's original early homes having been preserved.

The original homes of Oakville are commemorated with a white plaque near their doorstep.
The plaque, erected by the Oakville Historical Society, indicates the year the structure was built and who the original owner was.

The original survey of Oakville, completed in 1833, consisted of the area south of Rebecca and Randall Streets, east of Brock Street and west of Allan Street.
The area was subdivided into 1 1/2 acre blocks. Each block was further broken down into 6 lots and the lots were lettered alphabetically from A to F.

In May of 1833, the most valuable town and water lots were sold publically. This was the first public sale of lots in what was to become the Town of Oakville.

Conditions were placed on the sale of the lots and each buyer had to agree to build a structure no less than 24' x 18' within 18 months of owning the lot.

You can just imagine the building activity that took place during those 18 months in 1833 and 1834.
The little harbour village would have been alive with hammers and workers as the exciting anticipation of each family's first home took hold of the community.

The years passed and Oakville prospered. In 1851 census records show a population of 916.

The town of Oakville, named after the great abundance of Oak trees in the area and after it's founding father, William 'White Oak' Chisholm, grew to a village of 130 frame homes and 4 brick homes by the mid 1800s.

Today you can take a walk through this Old Oakville Heritage Conservation District and view many of these quaint and beautiful historical homes, that have stood the test of time and are still alive today with residents, gardens and activity.

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

Natural Oakville - What Homeowners Can Do to Help Slow Bee Decline

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 19:38:52 -0400

What You Can Do to Help Slow Bee Decline - Natural Oakville

Around the globe a crisis of monumental proportions is taking place.
Bees are disappearing at an unprecedented rate and with them go up to one third of the world's food supply.

There are many factors that scientists say are contributing to the alarming disappearance of the bees. Amongst those being studied are:

1. Radio waves

2. Pesticide and Herbicide usage

3. Parasites and Disease that seem to be more successful now due to bee's weakening immune systems

4. Mono-culture of plant species over thousands of acres

5. Air pollution

6. Global warming

All of these factors combined are escalating and compounding the rate of demise that all species of bees are experiencing.

Bees are the most valuable pollinator for plant species on our planet.

Here in Ontario, scientists are not only studying the disappearance of commerical honeybees; native species of wild bees are also showing drastic decline and many species are near extinction.

Peter Kevan, a professor and Entomologist at the University of Guelph, is raising the alarm on the plight of our native bee popluations.
Peter states that two of most common bumblebee species in Ontario are experiencing a "massive decline" and in select areas of the province may already be extinct.

Bee decline is particularly evident in the Niagara region and in southern Ontario. The Niagara region, with it's great abundance of fruit farms, has already experienced a 90 % drop in bee populations.

Scientists are attributing this to pesticide and herbicide use which weakens the bees immune systems to the point where they become extremely susceptible to diseases which cause death.

Another factor in highly populated areas such as the GTA and QEW corridor, is the extremely poor air quality.

Oakville is known as having the poorest air quality in Ontario. A high particulate matter in the air reduces the scent of flowers by up to 90% leaving bees with one of their greatest navigational tools, their sense of smell, in a useless state.
Without being able to find flowers, the bees are unable to gather nectar, the food source for the colonies.

There are a number of things homeowners can do to help the plight of our bee populations:

1. Use a wide array of flowers in your garden, paying particular attention to indigenous species such as Black-eyed Susans, Purple Coneflowers, Bergamot, Dogwood, Serviceberry, Violets, Sunflowers and Wild Strawberries.

2. When planning your garden beds, use a diverse array of flowers so as to have blooms from early spring until late fall.

3. Do what you can to help alleviate global warming and air pollution. Even the smallest actions can make a difference.

4. Avoid the use of pesticides and herbicides in your garden and yard.

The plight of humanity will hang in a precarious balance if bees disappear from the planet and many scientists believe mankind will not survive without these small, hardworking insects we share the planet with.

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

Bronte Outer Harbour Marina - Boat Launch Day for Ronin

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 16:48:01 -0400

Bronte Outer Harbour Marina - Boat Launch Day for Ronin

The most commonly heard expression amongst boaters this time of year is ' Have you got your launch day yet?'

Today was launch day for Ronin at Bronte Outer Harbour Marina. After a long winter sitting on dry land, she's afloat on her water home once more.

Ronin on dry land at Bronte Outer Harbour Marina

Here comes the Travelift at Bronte Outer Harbour Marina. The Travelift will pick Ronin up and transport her to the water.

The Travelift carefully backs up while Ronin waits patiently.

Strapping Ronin in to the Travelift at Bronte Outer Harbour Marina.

Ronin gets lifted off her cradle at Bronte Outer Harbour.

The Travelift carries Ronin to the water on launch day.

Almost home again at Bronte Outer Harbour.

Travelift has lowered Ronin back into the water. Another successful launch day.

Ronin, home on the water again at Bronte Outer Harbour Marina in Bronte, Oakville, Ontario

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

Transitions-Oakville, Burlington and Mississauga Real Estate Blog

FOCUS - The Key Element to Success in All Things

Odd Couple Spotted in Old Oakville

A Taste of Burlington - Media Launch

The Power of Commitment

Signs of Spring Everywhere in Oakville, Ontario

I May Not Have Any Grandchildren Yet, But.......

Who Says Gold Isn't Free? - Compost GiveAway Days in Oakville and Halton Region

Students 19 and Under, 'Celebrate Biodiversity' in Oakville and Beyond With a Contest

Prizes*Entrants have the opportunity to win one of the following prizes:

General Rules

Life at 50 (Through the Eyes of a 20 Year Old)

Halton Region Annual Rain Barrel Sale Starts Today!

Oakville Taste 2010 - A Culinary Delight

Free Comic Book Day and Workshop at Oakville Public Library!

Old Oakville Heritage Conservation District

Natural Oakville - What Homeowners Can Do to Help Slow Bee Decline

Bronte Outer Harbour Marina - Boat Launch Day for Ronin

Prizes*
Entrants have the opportunity to win one of the following prizes: