Hidden Island Paradise

Island Wide Kitchen Party Feb 20th, 2012

2012-01-31T14:51:00.000-08:00

"The Biggest Kitchen Party You've Ever Seen!"

"Each year Prince Edward Island celebrates Islander Day - so come February 20th it will be a holiday for ALL who live here – both those native to the Island and those that have moved here from the mainland and away. Then there are those who may only be able to wish that they could be here.

There’s an alliance that has formed to unite both groups called Islanders by Choice and this year they are planning to kick the celebrations up a couple of notches – throwing what they call
'The Biggest Kitchen Party You've Ever Seen'. There will be great entertainment and great food – dancing, playing and above all having fun."

Click Here to read more and find the links. Click Here to join the fun! : )

EVERYONE IS WELCOME - Y'ALL COME... :)

I hope you can mark your calendar and come join "The Biggest Kitchen Party You've Ever Seen!"

Welcome to my Hidden Island Paradise.

I hope you are having an AWESOME day! :D

smiles :)

Gary

PEI Photo Shoot - Simply Awesome!!!

2011-11-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

Have you ever read the book "Anne of Green Gables" by Lucy Maud Montgomery?

It is a romantic novel about a young orphan girl who came to Prince Edward Island to live with an Island family and work as a farm hand. (she was supposed to be a boy)

Anyway this young girl with flaming red hair and seven freckles had the most vivid imagination that led to all sorts of romantic adventures.

The book although written a hundred years ago remains a number one best seller to this day. Romantics the world over have followed their own dreams and found their way to Prince Edward Island to explore for themselves the land of Anne (with an e)

Now it's time to meet a real life Anne who also came to Prince Edward Island . Laura Jane is a true romantic with her very own adventure that also involves Prince Edward Island.

Let's first visit PEI Photo Shoot something organized by a half dozen Island business women some of whom are known as the Island Tweethearts. (need I say more)

To really get the back story on Laura Jane and Cam I need to take you on your very own "Whimfield" adventure.

I really wouldn't feel complete in doing this post on our famous "Anne" character without including a visit to "Cavendish Figurines" This business was started by two friends that I med during my "Community School" days. It has grown into a very successful business with (of course) International sales.

I hope that you have enjoyed this tiny taste of my "Hidden Island Paradise"

If you liked it please leave a comment and feel free to share it with your friends.

Oh yes and please if you liked the photo shoot let them know with a comment. Thanks!!!

Gary

Heating Oil Tank And Fuel Oil Tank Nightmare

2011-08-12T17:14:00.000-07:00

Heating Oil Tank

Do you know what the worst nightmare could be for someone living here on my Hidden Island Paradise?

A Heating Oil Tank or a Fuel Oil Tank leak!

Why?

Because it ruins the fragile Island environment of my Hidden Island Paradise. It can create huge property damage and cleanup bills. It is not uncommon for a typical heating oil tank or fuel oil tank spill to be in to the six figure range.

What is the answer? RUPTUREseal This is a product invented right here on my Hidden Island Paradise to temporarily STOP the leak until there is a permanent solution and the heating oil tank or the fuel oil tank can be repaired or replaced.

Oil and fuel leaks can and do happen anywhere so check out RUPTUREseal to see how this product can save the day, the environment, your property and your bank account.

A simple solution to a nightmare of a problem.

I will post again soon.

Just Another Day In Paradise

2011-08-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

Why do people LOVE my Hidden Island Paradise? Let's let Dr. Dave Stewart tell us.

COME! Enjoy the unique flavor of my Hidden Island Paradise. Once you find this GEM you will never want to leave it.

Thanks for visiting... I will post again soon.

Gary

How To Cook A Lobster (PEI Style)

2011-07-23T08:13:00.000-07:00

When you come visit my Hidden Island Paradise you won't want to miss the taste of our lobster.

I suppose that lobster could be cooked in various ways but you don't have to look beyond learning the art from someone who lives right here.

The video above walks you through of proper PEI way to cook live lobsters. I can attest to the quality of this method.. I have eaten my share of lobster cooked this way and they were mmmmmm good!

It's your choice of how you buy your lobster, live or cooked (cooked is usually 50 cents to a dollar, more per pound)

If iyu buy em live and follow the instructions in the video, you WILL experience the unforgettable taste of lobster from my Hidden Island Paradise.

Enjoy!

TOP SECRET TIP...PEI Tourism Fell Off A Cliff!

2011-07-20T18:37:00.000-07:00

I am showing you an actual real time Google graph for the keyword "PEI Tourism".

Notice anything interesting? I do, The sharp decline in hits on the far Right. As you can see interest peaked last summer when Regis and Kelly were here, dropped away after the off season and began to build again coming into the summer of this year. Right up till the Royal visit and then "Off The Cliff!"

Every cloud has a silver lining. The silver lining in this cloud is a hidden treasure for you. If you have been thinking of coming to visit my Hidden Island Paradise then, NOW IS THE TIME!

With tourism falling like a stone there will be bargains to be had everywhere. I don't have any doubt that you could play let's make a deal and name your own price. Next year will be another year and things will have most likely rebounded by then.

This is a one time opportunity. Unless a tourism miracle happens like, right now! Anyone coming to visit will practically have their own private island. White sand beaches, rolling surf, fresh seafood like lobster (season opens again on August 10th) and Island produce like new Island potatoes, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and all the fresh homemade jams and jellies you can eat. All of the August festivals and fairs including Old Home Week with it's world class horse harness racing Even September can be a beautiful month here on my Hidden Island Paradise with yet another celebration of food with "Fall Flavors".

So, if you were thinking, maybe. I think this silver lining is looking you right in the face. Don't delay, book your vaca today. Come visit me on my Hidden Island Paradise. I know you won't be disappointed

Click Here and do it NOW!

Shhhh... DON'T tell anyone that you found this post. ONLY share it with your very best friends. Remember to say "Hey" when you come by. Thanks!

p.s.I enjoyed a beautiful supper this evening at The Station Cafe on the Montague waterfront. A beautiful evening to enjoy a delicious meal out of doors. Thanks Louise! Earlier I spoke with my friend Teri at the Firerose Gallery next door to "Setting The Trend" in the "Down East Mall". She is just waiting for you to come by for a visit. Oh, and don't forget my friend Cindy at Grandma's Trailside Tea Room. It is also always a favorite stop. You never know I might see you at any of these locations, so don't be shy, say Hi!

I will post again soon.

Kate And The Oyster

2011-07-13T06:22:00.000-07:00

The Duchess of Cambridge enjoying a Raspberry Point Oyster from Prince Edward Island!!

No wonder William is smiling. You know what they say about Oysters.

Learn more at the PEI Flavors Facebook Fan page

I know if my Hidden Island Paradise is the choice of Royals than it should really be your choice a well.

Don't forget to say hi if you drop by. (we can do tea)

A Tender Moment on My Hidden Island Paradise

2011-07-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

A tender moment - P.E.I.

THIS AND MORE great photos of the Royals on Prince Edward Island AKA my "Hidden Island Paradise". Just click on the link below.

MAIL ONLINE NEWS

Grandma's Tea Room Update...

2011-07-01T14:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Grandma's Tea Room

Well it's the 1st day of July 2011 and The Royals (William and Kate) have arrived in Canada. They landed in Ottawa yesterday afternoon and are by now enjoying the Canada Day celebrations around Canada's capital city and around Parliament Hill or "The Hill" as it is commonly referred to by many.

Excitement is mounting on Prince Edward Island as it will be the next stop on the Royal Tour.

Grandma's Tea Room is ready after much heartfelt preparation Cindy and Guy are ready to receive guests.

I posted a few days ago "The Royals Are Coming...Let's Do Tea". Do call Cindy to book your reservation for Royal Tea - Hat's and Hospitalitea at Grandma's Tea Room.

Cindy emailed me some pictures of the newly decorated tea room for the Royal Tour and I have uploaded them for you to see too.

So, don't forget, having tea at Grandma's Tea Room is special any time but this, this is really something special. Don't miss this opportunity. Call Cindy at (902) 367-7851

p.s. I had the opportunity to sample the tea and scones in the tea room along with the wonderful hospitality of Cindy, Guy and Sydney (granddaughter) on Wednesday. I have to tell you that you will not be disappointed. The tea and scones are the best ever! As was the conversation and overall Hospitalitea....

Enjoy the Garden

Enjoy the Experience

Tea for One?

Selection of Hats and Other Precious Things

Interesting Things

Cozy Tea for Two

Conversation and Tea

A Beautiful Place for Tea

Charlottetown Tour 1988

2011-06-19T12:03:00.000-07:00

Charlottetown today

Welcome to all of my HIP readers.

Today a friend posted a video to my Facebook Profile Page. The video is quite long but if you have a little spare time it is well worth watching. It was shot in the City of Charlottetown I think in the summer of 1988. (almost 25 years ago)

The Charlottetown you are seeing in this video would have been very familiar to me as at that time. I was part of the management team of Central Credit Union in O'Leary and spent a considerable amount of time in the City for Provincial meetings, staff training sessions and other Provincial Credit Union functions.

I hope you enjoy this little peek into what my hidden island paradise was like a little more than twenty years ago.

If you wanted to take the time you could go on Google Street View to compare what those same areas look like today. (well at least within the past say two or three years)

Charlottetown is of course considered the birthplace of Canada so this is a rare opportunity to get a tour narrated by a local Charlottetownian and a step back in time as well.

ENJOY!!!

I will post again soon.

Gary

The Royals Are Coming - Let's Do Tea...

2011-06-16T09:12:00.000-07:00

Grandmas Tea Room - Cindy

While the newest Royal couple are visiting Canada and in particular P.E.I. during the first week of July 2011 the Dept of Tourism is promoting some special Royal events.

One of these special events will be :

Royal Tea - Hats'n Hospitalitea!

http://besidethetrail.ca

Tea is becoming quite popular here on my Hidden Island Paradise. (I am not sure if I can take any credit for that)

My friend Cindy Cousineau is hosting this particular event between July 1st and July 9 th inclusive.

You can check out the details . Just Click Here to find out more or you could Click Here to visit Cindy's web page.

If you wanted to find out what other packages are available during the Royal Tour you can Click Here to visit the Dept. of Tourism's web page.

If you are planning on being on my hidden island paradise around the same time as William and Kate then make it a point to give Cindy a call and make a reservation to enjoy .
Royal Tea - Hats'n Hospitalitea!

http://besidethetrail.ca

You never know who might be there. William? Kate? or maybe even yours truly. You just never know. (if you do happen to see me in your travels, please say hello as I love meeting new people) So do plan on getting in touch with Cindy to make your reservation. Enjoy!

Here is a little sneak peek...

ROYAL TEA Hats'n Hospitalitea

Cost: $20.95 per person

Web:  http://besidethetrail.ca/tearoom/index.html

Phone #:       (902) 367-7851

Where: Grandma's Afternoon Tea Room
Name: Cindy & Guy Cousineau

Address: 545 Malpeque Rd (Route 2) Winsloe, Charlottetown

Step from your Royal Coach into our graceful gardens following the tea pots to the great room where you will indulge in a British Flair Royal Tea.


Royal Afternoon Tea-

Pot of tea, crustless sandwiches, scone, strawberry jam cream, sweets.
Photo of your afternoon tea
Dance card (something old)
Victorian Hats (somethings blue)
Beaded Handbags and Beads (something borrowed)
Reservation required (Something you need to do)

ENJOY!!!

I will post again soon.

Gary

William and Catherine

2011-04-29T21:55:00.000-07:00

William and Catherine

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

EXTRA!!! Click Here to get all the latest information on the 2011 Royal Tour.

Welcome to all of our HIP readers,

Wow, the royal wedding is in the history books and now we look forward to the arrival of The Royal Couple "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge" to my "Hidden Island Paradise"

When it comes to royal choices, why not choose my "Hidden Island Paradise". Well one cool local business thinks it's worth it's weight in ice cream. "Cow's Ice Cream" ( makers of those just have to have PEI Cow's Tees) has released their newest addition to the line. As of today April 29, 2011 the Royal Tee is now available.

Have a look: "The Royal Tee"

Prince Edward Island will host Prince William and Princess Catherine for a short Royal Visit this summer.

It might have been that guy Regis and his girl buddy last year but thats old hat. This year, we will host royalty. Not just any old royalty but the creme du la creme royalty complete with a "Royal Tee"

Be sure to reserve your seats now to get the best view of this long to be remembered royal event.

Since we are sure that you were up early this morning (April 29th) and all of the details of the Royal Wedding are fresh in your mind. Here is a couple of interesting suplimental videos for you to enjoy.

First, you may enjoy this interesting video about another Canadian connection and a souvenir that you might like to add to your "Royal Collection".

We of course thought you might also like to watch the couples first official interview

To have "The Royal Visit" will be THE event of 2011 for our "Hidden Island Paradise".

We do hope that you find a great spot and enjoy the visit to it's fullest...

We will post again soon,

Have You Had Your Supper?

2011-03-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

P.E.I Fish Chowder

Welcome to all of my IBCA readers,

What does IBCA mean?

It means Islanders By Choice Alliance. ICBA is a group of people of which individuals could be from anywhere in the world including right here on my Hidden Island Paradise.

It means that in your heart you have connected with my island and you choose to spend time here, live here or long to spend time or live here at some point in your life.

Why does the ICBA exist?

Well, there is this stigma that has always (at least as long as I can remember) existed here about people that were not born on Prince Edward Island and they are commonly referred to as CFA's or "Come From Away's" This circumstance unfortunately can present a negative side to what is otherwise one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Click here to listen to a CBC Radio podcast segment of Maritime Magazine and learn more about this interesting. part of my Hidden Island Paradise and what the IBCA is trying to do about it

Oh, by the way, have you had supper yet? We are only having some fish chowder with homemade bread and molasses but you are welcome to set in and have some. Just give us a minute to set an extra place. Would you like some fresh cow's milk for your tea?

I will post again soon.

Culture PEI LAUNCHES NEW website and Facebook Fanpage!

2011-03-23T07:53:00.000-07:00

Hi to all of my Culture PEI lovin readers,

No fancy picture or a big intro, just the announcement from Henk. Enjoy!

"Our new website has been launched, and it can be found at www.culturepei.ca If you’ve already received an email concerning our new website, my apologies for the overlap.

We can also be found on Facebook – just search us as Culture PEI and “like” us; we’re also on twitter @ CulturePEI.

Best, Henk

Henk van Leeuwen

Executive Director, Culture PEI

367-4460

henk@culturepei.ca

www.culturepei.ca

Facebook & twitter @ Culture PEI"

I will post again soon

A Virtual PEI "Street Art" Treasure Hunt..Oh My!

2011-03-19T17:17:00.000-07:00

Confederation Centre Of The Arts

Hi to all of my HIP "Street Art" loving readers,

Today I want to introduce you to an interesting part of my "Hidden Island Paradise"

As we concluded in one of my previous posts , PEI is a virtual haven for artists and if you look you can find art work in all kinds of places. From architectural design to pieces incorporated into our buildings themselves. An excellent example is the Garden Of The Gulf Museum in Montague.

I have linked into my post a Google Street View of a very popular and photographed street art piece located on Lower Queen St in Charlottetown. The Sir John A MacDonald Bench

Now there are many more all over the Island from mice to giant potatoes and everything in between. Can you find them . You can use the Internet including Street View to locate as many pieces of street art as you can.

Then post a link in the comments to a Street View or a website and tell us something interesting about each one that you find. Just like what I have done in my post.

You can also post links to either your own pictures and videos and/or ones that are available under Creative Commons Licence.

I have given you two examples. 1. "The Garden Of The Gulf Museum" and 2. "Sir John A MacDonald on the bench"

I wish you a fun time exploring my "Hidden Island Paradise" for treasures of street art and look forward to the gems that you find and share with us all. Thanks! : )

Something interesting about the Garden Of The Gulf Museum:

"SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS

The following Romanesque Revival influenced character-defining elements illustrate the heritage value of the Garden of the Gulf Museum:

- the stone foundation quarried locally from the Montague River bank
- the solid brick construction of two-and-one-half storeys
- the steeply pitched gable slate roof with corbelled brick cornice under the eaves
- the fenestration of the windows and doors
- the deeply recessed round arch windows of the first floor and the tall rectangular windows of the second floor
- the dominant round arches of the first floor
- the cut stone window caps and sills
- the triangular dormers with decorative wood detailing
- the style and position of the remaining chimney
- the location of the flag staff attached to the large dormer on the south side
- the Rococo style carvings over the main door featuring Queen Victoria (west) and PEI's oak trees emblem (south)
- the dominant location of the building on an elevation of land overlooking the harbour"

Something interesting about the bench:

"The Confederation Centre of the Arts serves as the axis of the arts scene in Charlottetown. Enjoy the art gallery shopping and dining in addition to the evening performances at the venue. Be sure to also seek out the city’s smaller galleries. A walk along Richmond Street will yield many artistic finds. Charlottetown also features some excellent outdoor art and sculptures including a sculpture of Canada's first prime minister Sir John A. MacDonald reclining on a bench."

You don't have to come to my hidden island paradise to start exploring. Just hop on the Internet and go exploring.

HAPPY EXPLORING! : )

p.s. For those who like gardening as a form of art. (which it is) here is a 33 minute wonderful video on the subject from CBC's Doc Zone:
Gardening Confidential

I will post again soon.

EXTRA! And The Report On Culture Says...

2011-03-17T19:14:00.000-07:00

Hidden Island Paradise

Hi to all of my Island Culture HIP readers,

This morning I along with Tom Rath attended on behalf of the Southern Kings Arts Council an information presentation by Culture PEI. There appears to be a fresh face coming to the culture sector of my "Hidden Island Paradise". One that is recognizing just how important the potential of the culture sector is to the economic well being of our Island.

Apparently they are getting ready to launch a new website to replace the PEICulture website as well as a "Facebook" Fan page. They already have an account on "Twitter". and maybe? they will be on"You tube" and "Linkedin". There are project partnerships being developed or strengthened with a new focus on "Culture Tourism" as a major economic generator.

So what is the driving force behind this fresh focus. It appears to be a recent report done by Hill Strategies Research Inc. and released November 17, 2010.

Please feel free to read the report and if you wish, leave a comment on what you think about providing more support for artisans, entertainers, story tellers and (yes) even online blogers. Is this a good thing?

It is simply amazing to see the numbers that are presented in the Hill reports not only for our island but for the entire country. Of course, when you consider the demographic of the Boomers it should really not be a big surprise.As we roll into our sixties our working days are turning into days of exploration.

I encourage all of my culture related readers to check out the new home for "CulturePEI" (when it is launched) Get ready to ride this wave of "Culture Tourism" into the future of our Hidden Island Paradise.

Thanks for reading and I hope you will share your thoughts (pro or con) about the new focus by leaving a comment. Thanks!

I will post again soon.

Virtual Paint Out Prince Edward Island

2011-03-10T10:11:00.000-08:00

Clark - Upper Hillsborough Street

Carolee Clark - Upper Hillsborough Street

Hi and welcome to all of my HIP readers

Today I want to take you to something that is rather unique. A gentleman in the United States has been doing this interesting project. Artists from anywhere in the world travel the globe by way of Google's Street View and submit paintings and drawings of subject matter that they find on their virtual journey.

Well apparently August of 2010 the project site featured Prince Edward Island as the featured location for works to be submitted. The result being that many artists from all over the world virtually visited my hidden island paradise and completed works of art based simply on a particular Street View image.

Click here to visit his blog and view a number of these paintings and drawings.

Click here to view the CBC Connects page mentioned in the video.

I hope that you enjoy viewing these beautiful paintings and drawings and you too can come visit my hidden island paradise by way of Google's Street View and maybe even create your own PEI painting.

I will post again soon

Revenge of the Lobster Lover Gets A Facebook Boost...

2011-02-17T10:32:00.000-08:00

Revenge of the Lobster Lover by Hilary MacLeod and published by Acorn Press

Welcome to our HIP readers,

The other day I got a message that votes were needed to help the book published by Charlottetown publishing house "Acorn Press" titled "Revenge of the Lobster Lover" snag the "CBC Bookies" award in the mystery category. I then did a little research on the book and the author. I found the website for the book and read the excerpts that were available there.

I found the author on Facebook and sent a friend request. I was very quickly accepted as a friend and her posts began appearing on my Facebook feed.

I found the CBC bookies site and placed a vote for the book. (because I was actually impressed by the writing and look forward to reading the entire book. Of course it was a big plus that the book had been published by an Island publishing house.

It was not just me but many others that followed a similar path that enabled the book to win the category.

The power of web 2.0 social media was at work to promote this book and that is as Martha would say "a good thing". I hope that you will join me in tracking down a copy and devouring it in the same manner that it's succulent namesake would be at an Island lobster supper.

Here is a clip from a local university t.v. station. (where the author teaches) Enjoy!

QNet News TV Feb. 16, 2011 from QNet News on Vimeo.

We will post again soon,

Food Country With Chef Michael Smith...

2011-01-30T20:15:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our HIP readers,

Everybody loves food, right? Of course we do? Well get your taste buds ready and come along to my Hidden Island Paradise where we have a cornucopia of foods for your palate to explore. Don't forget the aromas and the sight of all these foods being prepared.

I have to stop talking about Island foods as my mouth is watering beyond what any normal human should have to endure.

I am just going to introduce you to our most well known chef Michael Smith and let Michael show you what my Hidden Island Paradise has to offer.

Here's Michael in the first of a series of videos titled: "Food County With Chef Michael Smith"

I hope you enjoyed some of our local characters that make up the fabric of my "Hidden Island Paradise".

Now lets peek into the kitchen to see what is on the menu today.

.

I hope that you enjoyed the first 2 videos in the series. Be sure to be a follower of my blog as I will post again soon with the next videos in the series. Look to the upper Right of the post and you should see where you can become a follower. Go ahead and join my following friends that are already there and welcome to my "Hidden Island Paradise". Enjoy!

I will post again soon,

Islanders By Choice Alliance - On Facebook

2011-01-15T14:23:00.000-08:00

Hi to all of my HIP readers,

Well, it has happened A new group has formed on Facebook. The group is named "Islanders By Choice Alliance" or IBCA.

"Carol O'Hanley changed the group description to Are you new to PEI? Have you lived on PEI for a while and have difficulty integrating into your community? Are you planning to come to PEI and want to set up some networks? Are you and Islander who would like to make more connections? If you answered YES to any of the above questions, our group may be of interest to you! We are a friendly alliance of people who choose to call PEI our home. Our goal is to host social events Island wide and offer support for people integrating into PEI communities. Our website is: http://peislanderbychoice.wordpress.com/ This is a brand new initiative so we are looking for people who want to use our group as well as those who would like to help get it going. (Of course you can also do both!) If you moved to PEI and have been successful integrating into your community, we would love to hear from you to get some ideas of what our group can be doing for our members. We have an executive set up as well as some committees we are starting to develop and work on. Co-chairs:Carol O'Hanley/Heather Wilson Vice – chairs: Jodi LeBlanc/Nancy Beth Guptill Communications Officer: Christine Gordon Manley Secretary: Rosemary Ghiz Treasurer: Lori MacDonald Social Media: Carol O’Hanley Committees Events Outreach/Resources Web Development If you would like to help us in any capacity, please contact myself or Heather Wilson. We will accept any contribution of time you are able to give us. If you would like to use our group to make new friends/connections, please join and stay tuned for upcoming events and additional information! We have received a tremendous response from the public for this type of support and expect it to grow quickly".

Many people all over the world want to accomplish a dream of making Prince Edward Island their home.

Some of us are fortunate to have been born here, grew up here, worked and raised a family here.

Now we are in the retirement phase of our lives and we get to enjoy this Hidden Island Paradise" like never before.

Others are retiring here or moving here because they want to. Whatever the reason more and more people are moving here. Since modern technology allows more of us to work from anywhere, our location is not so dependent on our work. With cell phone and high speed Internet service being available throughout the island, if one can work remotely than one can work here.

Now back to the new group. It is being set up to inform, assist and support anyone who might like to live here on my Hidden Island Paradise. Awesome!

Click here to go to the group page and ask to join the group.

Let me take this opportunity to say Welcome! Enjoy, my "Hidden Island Paradise"

I will post again soon.

Gary

People Dream Of Living On PEI

2010-12-11T13:37:00.000-08:00

Welcome to all of my HIP readers,

All of a sudden the topic of moving to P.E.I. is HOT! Imagine, wanting to come and live right here on my very hidden island paradise. As you have come to know I was born here and I grew up here with all of the memories that go with it. I have worked here, raised a family here and now I am retired here.

I guess I have to feel fortunate to have come to spend my entire life as a part of my hidden island paradise. Big smile ;D

Now let's get back to why "come from away's", "islanders by blood" and "islanders by choice" are attracted here. Not to mention others that may have never been here or may have come once on a vacation.

Lets look at two or three blogs that post about this subject. (besides this one of course)

First: "PEIslander By Choice" This blog is an on going discussion about this subject.

Second: "Whimfield" This blog is maintained by my friend Laura Jane and also talks about what draws people to the Island. It als is a heart warming endearing diary of two young people who have actually moved from the other side of Canada and began to build a life here on my hidden island paradise.

Third: "Top Of The Meadow" This blog is maintained by another friend Kim who writes alsoabout the adventures of two young people who have traveled all the way across Canada to fpllow their dream and set up a small farm on P.E.I.

I am sure there are many more such stories and blogs residing on the world wide web so I invite you the reader to leave your comments below and include a link to any stories and or blogs that talk about yearning to or actually moving to my hidden island paradise.

Thanks for reading and if you're dreaming then I hope you will be coming. In my humble opinion Prince Edward Island is a hidden island paradise. It's my hidden island paradise, why not make it yours?

Third:

Through The Eyes Of A Mainlander...

2010-11-22T19:32:00.000-08:00

Welcome to all of our HIP readers

It appears that there are lots of people finding out about my Hidden Island Paradise. In fact a new blog "PE Islander By Choice" has been created centered around the terms CFA (come from away) and IBC (islander by choice).

I mentioned my post here about my cousin Daphne's reference IBB (islander by blood) and the term was quickly added.

Now I want to relate another interesting piece of trivia that I happened upon over this past weekend. First our island is 120 miles long (you can convert to metric if you wish) and it has a population of approximately 140,000 people. now over the weekend four or five different groups traveled over to the mainland to participate in a weekend project. Then on Saturday afternoon as arrangements were being made for overnight accommodation one of the mainlanders mentioned people from two separate groups as if they were traveling together. I made a comment to highlight the fact that there were five separate groups that had come over from the island. To this the mainlander quickly responded. "Well, you are all from the island so you are all together". Apparently, even in the eyes of a mainlander islanders are looked upon as islanders, being in fact one distinct group of people. LOL

I had never actually looked at us as islanders through the eyes of a mainlander before. I was not offended but rather a little surprised to hear it actually verbalized in the manner that it was. Interesting!

So is it any wonder that Carol O'Hanley in her blog has posted a post to begin the conversation about developing a support group for people who move to our island to live. What do you think about a support group? Leave a comment here if you wish. Or, visit either of the other two blogs and leave a comment there.

I will post again soon,

Gary

Heather Wilson - International Speaker And Author

2010-11-12T06:14:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our HIP readers,

Today, I want to introduce you to an Island, on line, international author and speaker , Heather Wilson. Heather is passionate about the freedom to live your life according to you!

Heather uses the world wide web as a platform for her business and has created the website "Heather Wilson International". Please take a few moments of your time to pop by her site and meet Heather. Also check out her book "Your Life According To You!" This is a great book. Heather tells the story of how she took ownership of her life and began living the life of her dreams. I just finished reading it for the first time. I plan to reread, review and do the exercises contained in Heather's book to fine tune my own life.

Heather is mentoring people to take ownership of their own lives and live the lives that they want to live.

Heather is also available as an event speaker as well as organizer. I highly recommend that you check out Heather's website to see just how she can help you.

I encourage you to go visit Heather's' website. You can follow her on Twitter. You can even friend her on Faceboo k and connect with her on Linkedin.

Heather is an Islander with a real passion for the Island. She loves connecting with people and using the Internet to make those connections.

Go! Visit.... "Heather Wilson International"

Smiles :o)

Gary

"Honeydrop" Best In The World!!!

2010-10-15T20:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to all of our loyal HIP readers,

Would you like a Honeydrop in your tea?

Today we would like to introduce you to perhaps the most innovative food product in the world. The "Honeydrop".

The "Honeydrop" was the brainchild of John Rowe of "Honibe" right here on my hidden island paradise. John was determined to find a way to make it convenient rather than messy to enjoy a more healthy product like honey as a sweetener for tea, coffee or just as a sweet treat.

Now John's food product is competing at the SIAL D'Or in Paris France with eight other food products for one of the world's top prizes in the food industry.

Click here to read the story that has evolved so far.

Oct 19, 2010 EXTRA! EXTRA! EXTRA! HONEYDROP WINS BEST IN THE WORLD AWARD!!! - Click here to learn more.

"SIAL (Salon International de l'Alimentation) is the world’s largest food tradeshow. The SIAL d’Or Awards recognizes nine of the world’s most innovative and successful new-product launches that came to market after November of 2008. The SIAL d’Or Awards are judged by a panel that is comprised of 30 judges from 30 different countries. The Global SIAL d’Or is awarded for the best new food product to come to market in the last two years. The selection was made from a product field of over 250 of the world’s best new food products.

After the announcement is made on Sunday we will report the result as soon as it is available here on this post so stay tuned."

In the meantime why not pick up a pack of Honeydrops and try them for yourself.

Island Tweetheart - Christine Gordon Manley

2010-10-07T08:51:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our HIP readers,

Today, I want to introduce you to another Island Tweetheart, Christine Gordon Manley. Christine is passionate about words, running and a real life enthusiast who is focused on being the best that she can be.

Christine uses the world wide web as a platform for her business and has created the website "CGM Editing". Please take a few moments of your time to pop by her site and meet Christine. Also check out her about page on her joint venture site. "Manley Mann Media"

Christine Gordon Manley is a person who will work with clients to achieve the best quality of writing possible.

I encourage you to go visit Christine' website. You can follow her on Twitter. You can even friend her on Facebook and connect with her on Linkedin.

Christine is an Islander with a real passion for the Island. She loves connecting with people and using the Internet to make those connections.

Go! Visit.... CGM Editing, Manley Mann Media, Edwards Magazine and Share The Run

Smiles :o)

Gary

A Little Bit About Me

2010-10-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

photo credit: Joan Sinclair of PEI Heart & Stroke Foundation

Welcome to all of my HIP readers

Today is just a very quick post about me.... Some times we get carried away and never talk about ourselves. ha ha

Well, just in case you are interested in who I am and what drives my passion besides my hidden island paradise I have a couple of links for you.

I post on a few blogs but the one that draws me is titled "Prince Edward Island Stroke Recovery" On that blog there is a post called "Life After Stroke" about an article that Eastern Graphic writer Johnathan Charlton wrote after interviewing me very recently.

You can connect with me on my Facebook page or my Facebook Fan Page or follow me on Twitter

There is always My Homepage but it is in dire need of getting some updates. I think all of the links there are good.

Thanks for visiting and I look forward to seeing you on the net.

Post again soon

Gary

Island Tweetheart - Carol O'Hanley

2010-10-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our HIP readers,

Today, I want to introduce you to another Island Tweetheart, Carol O'Hanley. Carol obviously is also passionate about the Island. In fact she is in P.E.I. real estate sales.

Carol uses the world wide web as a platform for her business and has created the website "PEI Houses". Please take a few moments of your time to pop by her site and meet Carol and Steve.

Carol O'Hanley is a win - win person and wants her clients to win right along with herself.

I encourage you to go visit Carol's website. You can follow her on Twitter. You can even friend her on Facebook and connect with her on Linkedin.

Carol is an Islander with a real passion for the Island. She loves connecting with people and using the Internet to make those connections.

Go! Visit.... PEI Houses

Smiles :o)

Gary

P.E.I. Moments Video

2010-10-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

Hi to all my HIP readers

This video has been copied from my friend Kim's Blog "Top of The Meadow"

Kim and her husband Martin, have moved to my hidden island paradise from British Columbia a few years ago. Kim sees my island through fresh eyes but it is heart warming to see the same images through her eyes that I have grown up with.

Watching Kim's video should leave no doubt in the viewers mind that this is a "Hidden Island Paradise".

Enjoy!

Thanks for visiting.

Till next post...

Gary

Who Are The Island Tweethearts?

2010-09-17T18:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to all of my HIP readers,

In my last Hidden Island Paradise post I introduced you to April Ennis. The reason that I did that is because I came across April at RIJO signs of Montague and I was impressed with her work on the Internet.

Little did I know at that time I was about to let the Genie out of the bottle. As I researched April's work She led me to a group called "The Island Tweethearts". Of course this begs the question WHO, are The Island Tweethearts?

To answer, let me quote from their website.

"A real estate agent, a hair dresser, a copywriter, and a nutritionist walk into a bar. No, it’s not the start of a bad joke—it’s the average supper meeting of the Island Tweethearts, a new PEI networking group.

The idea for the group was conceived during a casual lunch between Twitter enthusiasts Carol O’Hanley, a Charlottetown real estate agent and April Ennis, a Summerville resident in the midst of launching an online magazine.

“Carol was talking about her husband, Steve, also a real estate agent, who meets regularly with friends over lunch to network. I mentioned that I’d recently started meeting for dinner once a month with a group of mothers also affected by autism,” states Ennis who is working on finishing her Bachelor of Business in Tourism and Hospitality. Ennis adds, “Carol proposed that we do something similar so we started building a small group of women we knew from Twitter, each with different professional backgrounds, with whom to share food, ideas, support, and wine every month.”

The first official meeting of the Island Tweethearts took place in May at The Pilot House. The group was made up of six women. Besides Ennis and O’Hanley, the group consisted of holistic nutritionist Rachelle Wood, owner of Insight Marketing Kerry Ann MacDougall, photographer Rachel Peters and UPEIresearcher and lecturer Cheryl Wartman.

Since then, the group has grown to twelve where it has been capped to help keep the meetings intimate. Each Tweetheart represents a different industry.Rounding out the group of twelve are freelance editorChristine Gordon Manley, freelance copywriter Jaime Lee Mann, owner of Rita’s Style, Julie MacIsaac,mortgage broker Lori MacDonald, and Jen MacKinnon who works in business development with a local IT Firm.

.This group has quickly become very tight, with many members connecting at multiple times throughout the month to chat, drink coffee, and/or toss around business ideas. “It’s a tremendous source of support, especially for someone like me who has worked from home for so long,” states Jaime Lee Mann, owner of Morell-based Mann Made Copy.

And the support doesn’t just stay within the group either. “One thing that was important to us was the idea of giving back to the community somehow,” states O’Hanley. She adds, “At every supper, we each chip in $10. We then discuss as a group who we want to help out that month. The first time we did this we had $100 to give to a Twitter friend who was having a difficult pregnancy. The second time, we decided to donate the money to a local family one of us knew was going through a financially draining personal situation.”

“We decided that helping one Islander every month was actually a wonderful thing,” adds Christine Gordon Manley, owner of CGM Editing. “Often times there are many people who need help but can’t access help for whatever reason. And, even more often are those of us who simply need a pick-me-up to help them out of a temporary situation. A hundred dollars or so isn’t much, but it can make someone smile, and that’s what we want to do.”

The Tweethearts do not publicize who they help to protect the privacy of those who accept their donation. You can read more about these acts of Tweetheart kindness here.

You can find out more about each of the Tweethearts here. And, find out what they think about where they’ve eaten by reading their fun restaurant reviews."

I would like to over the next eleven or so blog posts feature one of the Island Tweethearts. Keep an eye open for the first post that should be coming soon. My community banking and economic development background makes me think this is a great story about how the new generation of Island business owners are using the power of the Internet to start , build and maintain twelve dreams right here on my Hidden Island Paradise. If you think so too...Stay tuned!

Till next post, smiles :o)

Gary

Island Tweetheart - April Ennis

2010-09-15T05:37:00.000-07:00

Hi to all of my HIP readers

In case you are wondering about HIP, it stands for "Hidden Island Paradise".

Today, I want to introduce you to a local lady that also has a passion for this island and is using the world wide web to keep followers up to date on island happenings.

April Ennis is an Island blogger, writer and web master. Her online Island Magazine website is Island Insider

I encourage you to go visit April's website. You can follow her blog posts and also on Twitter. You can even friend her on Facebook and connect with her on Linkedin.

April is an Islander with a real passion for the Island. She loves connecting with people and using the Internet to make those connections.

Go! Visit.... Island Insider

Smiles :o)

Gary

Lunch In Montague PEI

2010-08-20T21:40:00.000-07:00

A special Hi to all our visitors this summer.

Only one week left in August and there are still plenty of visitors around these days. Looking for lunch in Montague PEI? Well of course I am going to recommend The Station Cafe on the waterfront. It is licensed and the food is fabulous. Try the daily special or just a bowl of seafood chowder with a fresh made biscuit.

Whatever you have is bound to be delicious and will provide the energy for an afternoon of sightseeing and visiting of friends and family.

We recently gathered as a family to enjoy a beautiful lunch in Montague PEI. (11 of us mostly from Sask and B.C.) Then my sister and I later came back for a cup of chili, blueberry pie with ice cream and a lovely cup of tea. (see picture)

The Island has been so beautiful this summer and the weather has been perfect. We still have the rest of August and the month of September before Louise closes for the season. If you are able to drop by for lunch in Montague PEI, Louise and her staff would love to serve you.

Enjoy your holiday!

Gary

The Station Cafe

2010-08-01T16:05:00.000-07:00

Hello again

I want to tell you about a great place to eat if you are in Eastern P.E.I. It's The Station Cafe and the food is really great. Everything from a light snack to a full meal featuring Island lobster.

Check out the new Facebook page this year and be sure to drop by if you are in the neighborhood.

This cafe, its food, the staff and Louise, the lady who operates it is just another beautiful part of my Hidden Island Paradise.

If you do have the chance to visit and you get to meet Louise just remember to tell her that you heard about her cafe here on the Hidden Island Paradise blog... Thanks!

Enjoy your visit to my Hidden Island Paradise. The weather has been awesome this summer.

Smiles :o)

Gary

Islander By Blood

2010-07-18T13:28:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

It is another beautiful summer day here on my hidden island paradise. I know that it has been quite a while since I have posted to this blog but today I learned a new phrase.

My cousin Daphne and her son Eric has come to the Island for a visit this week. She told me that they live west of New York City in the state of New Jersey. She grew up in Toronto and now of course is living in the US.

We kinda figured out today that it has been about 40 years since we have seen each other. It seems that every time that she visited the Island during that time I was away somewhere and so we kept missing out on seeing each other for the past 40 years.

It was great to reconnect with them today and although the time we had was short we did manage a whirlwind tour of Southern Kings county. Through Montague with a quick look to the Left to see the marina and the Montague waterfront. Then along the Commercial to the Buffalo Ranch but we didn't see any buffalo. Then Left along the Brooklyn/Line road to Sturgeon. Then a Right turn and on to Pamure Island beach. When we left Pamure Island we traveled across country to meet back up with the Commercial again. Then Left and on to Murray River. Leaving Murray River we traveled South to Little Sands and then turned Right on the road that runs along Northumberland Strait toward Wood Islands. As we drove along Daphne spotted the ferry as it was making it's way from Pictou, crossing the Strait to the Island at Wood Island's. After passing through Wood Island's we turned Right to head back to Montague through the Calidonia Hills.

As we drove back through the beautiful hills of Calidonia Daphne began to tell me "you know" she said "to be an Islander, they say you have to be born here". "If you were not born on Prince Edward Island then you are not an Islander" "yes" I replied but we have another term and it is "an Islander by Choice". "No!" she exclaimed "I love it here and my son Eric and I, we are Islanders by blood!".

I loved what Daphne had just said, with my good arm I reached into my case and pulled out our book "Prince Edward Island Tales 2nd edition" "Here Daphne" I said "this is for you!"

We concluded our brief tour back at Timmies in Montague. With a big hug, a promise to call her and a wave, she and Eric were off on their way back to Charlottetown to pick up uncle Everett who is like 94 and take him over to his son Wayne's to meet even more of their cousins and extended family.

Family and family relationships are very important to the people of our Island. Now I learned just how important they are to extended family not born on the Island. Thank you Daphne!

So now there are three ways to be an Islander:

1. You could to be born on the Island.
2. You could be an Islander by choice.
3. You could be an Islander by blood.

By the way Daphne's son Eric did not get left out of the gift giving. Unfortunately Eric is not a sports fan and is not very familiar with hockey. However I thought that he might like one of Brad Richard's early numbered hockey cards from before he became part of the National Hockey League, winning the Stanley Cup, Lady Bing and Con Smythe trophies while playing with the Tampa Bay Lightnings. Of course Brad is an Island boy, born in Montague and raised in Murray Harbour. Brad now plays for the Dallas Stars and they are planning a team Fall training camp in Charlottetown this Fall of 2010. Eric has family in Texas and just might get to see Brad play.

As I conclude writing this post it is evening here on my hidden island paradise and I am contemplating an evening walk to Timmies to have a cup of tea to finish off a perfect day. Would you like to join me?

Smiles :o)

Gary

Why do I love P.E.I.?

2010-02-01T14:42:00.000-08:00

Welcome

That is a very good question. I know why I love Prince Edward Island. (P.E.I.) I was born here, my girls were born here and their children were born here. (ref A Beautiful Day To Be Born page 12 of the book Prince Edward Island Tales written by members of the Montague Library Writers Guild and published by Tom Schultz) Printed by Lightning Source and available on line at Amazon.com

"Here are 49 ways in which life on the Island has inspired members of the Montague Library Writers Guild. Some may make you smile, others shed a tear. All will help you appreciate the hold this Province has on us..."

Now, why would someone that was not born here love it? Maybe it is just the sheer peaceful beauty of the place.

An Islander by choice, Kim, has begun to blog. She is so filled with the spirit of this island she can't keep it contained. It seeps into every post on her blog and today she posted a video of photos set to music.

Her blog is titled Top of the Meadow. and here is a link to the blog post containing her video.

http://peihome.wordpress.com/2010/02/01/158/

I encourage you to check out Kim's blog, her video and the Writers Guild book. I think you will begin to understand why we love P.E.I.

Top of the Meadow

2009-12-31T14:50:00.000-08:00

We would like to welcome Kim Smith a newcommer to PEI.

Kim has begun her new blog "Top of the Meadow" about farm life and life in general here on my "Hidden Island Paradise."

Welcome Kim!

The Best Laid Plans …: "

Welcome to Top of the Meadow. I should have started this blog as soon as we moved here, but better late than never. Not only will I chronicle our ‘farm’ events and life in PEI, I will also try to add a little personal stuff, as well, and maybe even some of my writing.

And photos – I will attempt to post lots of photos, because that’s what makes a blog really interesting. Now to get Martin to show me how his complicated camera works.

Beautiful Place For A Walk

2009-12-16T14:47:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

I just wanted to share this beautiful video. If you ever wanted to just walk and forget all of your cares Prince Edward Island is the perfect place to do it.

This is why Hal Lone Pine sang that Prince Edward Island was heaven to him.

Click here to watch the video

Watch it as many times as you like as it is soooo peaceful.

Till next post.

Smiles :o)

Gary

Sites To Know : Whimfield : Modern Pre-Industrial Living

2009-10-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

Sites To Know : Whimfield : Modern Pre-Industrial Living: "

Though I began life in Montreal, our family moved to Prince Edward Island in 1970. It is in every way my home. It is where I feel grounded, safe, calm, trusting that life will always bring ease. I need never worry because all things great and small go well and end better. The sailing is very smooth in this little paradise.

The Maritimes in general, and PEI especially, have a heavier gravity than anywhere else. PEI magnetizes its children back. When Islanders meet, we discuss how our conniving to return permanently is progressing. I’ve got it down to July and December so far.

This is the story of Laura-Jane and Cameron. It begins 2 years ago in Victoria, BC. In December, they packed their possessions into trailer, sold the condo, put away the tight skirts and high heels, acquired a pair of snow boots, and headed East towards a hazy horizon on which sat an old blue PEI farmhouse listed on the MLS site.

They moved into a wood-heated, uninsulated old farmhouse in the midst of PEI’s worst month, a -20C February. They were told that they were going to die. As one who has hunkered through many a PEI February, believe me when I tell you that it is a miracle that they didn’t.

Dreams of growing their own berries and living the back-to-the-land dream soon gave way to the reality of melting snow in pots to have water, and shovelling out 3ft snowbanks from one single storm. The indescribably luxurious nearby motel, with hot water of all things, was home for a month. Miserable at the time, it somehow became magical in reading their account of it, probably because it wasn’t happening to me, and I’ve learned that you don’t die from it.

Eventually, windows and running water were installed. At some point, you’re committed enough to not be able to turn back. Like being 6 weeks pregnant, like taking on a new life dream and saying farewell to an old one that doesn’t speak to you any longer, there are still moments of questioning. So much of life, and of relationships, is about stability shifts. You just tip the scale a little and keep balancing on the side you made heavier.

Can you reach adulthood in Canada and not own a pair of these? I’ve been seen at the mall in mine. And proud of it.

Laura-Jane took up a blog to chronicle the daily progress and activities, but also the evolution and reflections of their life’s dream. You’ll find it at Whimfield: Modern Pre-Industrial Living.

Laura-Jane’s blog posts and photographs are wonderful on so many levels. This site speaks of going after happiness and not denying restlessness, of not knowing all the answers ahead of time, of not looking back with regret, and of how little risk there really is relative to what we perceive there might be.

Reality transitions allow you to go back if you need to. I wonder how often that really happens. Seldom, I would guess. Doing that thing that lifts your feet off the ground has an energy of its own. It can take a lot of hits before it caves. Do read the About page, where you can be inspired by their message.

Why Bother? is a recurring theme in many posts. Laura-Jane’s answers are grounded in her relationship with Cameron. Slowly, she is defining the life she wants to share with him and what she’s willing to trade in to do it. Those discoveries are shared with a deeply touching honesty and exposure that few would be comfortable in attaining. The ultimate answer to Why Bother? is that it feels so good to love and be loved.

In many of her posts, Laura-Jane is trying to figure out HOW to contact her inner voices. Like so many of us, she trusts that they’re there to guide her, but how do you go about hearing them? How do you recognize them in the first place? In the very beautiful Big Wheels Keep On Turning , she expresses fear that the loudest that these guides ever get is a whisper. It’s up to us to do the rest.

I love the genuine voice with which she writes. So many of her feelings are simple worries that we all share if we’re trying to change the present. Fragile delights arrive every day, just waiting to be noticed. It feels like a daily dose of reconnecting to what really matters most.

About seeing what you want to see, in This Is Our Bedroom. The photographs are so honest, so not-postcards, that they glow with the unassumingly breathtaking beauty of this gentle place. There are no busy effects. It’s just life at its least complicated. Nature seems to express its beauty through a powerful, pervasive serenity that can be missed or too easily ignored.

About why it’s just good enough to live with those you love and not need more in I Love Living In The Country :10 Reasons Why.

As they work to experience this transition to the fullest, they grow and learn more about what they want to be part of their life and what they consciously choose to reject. As Laura-Jane says, “eventually the quiet voices get louder and the louder ones subside”. On the days when that seems too hard and too far away, eat brown sugar from the spoon and read the Sears catalog.

Thank you for subscribing to A Greener Tea. If you are subscribing via email, please be aware that in order to comment on this thread, you will need to visit this post on the Web: Sites To Know : Whimfield : Modern Pre-Industrial Living. Replies via email will be seen only by Christine.

Amanda And John

2009-09-13T15:01:00.000-07:00

Hi

Have you ever been to Kings Playhouse in Georgetown? Well I think we could call it a jewel in the crown that is my hidden island paradise.

Yesterday my friend, Kent Jackson called to ask if I would like to attend the annual fund raiser for the playhouse last evening.

You see, Kent's daughter Amanda and another friend John Cain would be doing a couple of songs together to entertain the crowd.

I agreed that I would go.

The evening was a great success raising over $11,000.00. for the Playhouse expansion project.

It was a very fun evening with some wine and cheese hosted by the Rossignol Winery

There was also a silent auction of many items donated by local businesses.

I did attempt to record Amanda and john on my older Flip cam. Given the size of the space we were sitting in, the distance from the stage and the subdued lighting I guess it came out ok.

Check out my web page just click this link

Join my Net Friends just click this link

Till next post.

Smiles :o)

Gary

P.S I have been playing with a new feature from Google in Google Reader, my RSS service.

A little feature called "send this". It lets me post interesting things that I come across directly from the reader onto my blogs.

So keep an eye open for one of those posts appearing from time to time.

Dunn Creek Farm

2009-09-10T22:22:00.000-07:00

Dunn Creek Farm: "We recently visited John Quimby of Dunn Creek Farm who was kind enough to have us over for a tour of his certified organic farm in Murray Harbour North.
He was also kind enough to stuff us full of organic veggies at his kitchen table and send us home with baskets of organic potatoes, yellow beans, [...]"

Dream House on Prince Edward Island

2009-09-09T15:59:00.001-07:00

Dream House on Prince Edward Island

Posted using ShareThis

Guardian Newspaper Book Article

2009-08-06T05:13:00.000-07:00

photo credit - MARIE

Welcome back

Just a quick update on a bit more media coverage on our book "Prince Edward Island Tales"

Sally Cole a writer for our local daily paper has written an article about our book.

Here is just a little intro to Sally's words:

LIFESTYLES

Prince Edward Island Tales featured in The Buzz...

2009-08-03T22:27:00.000-07:00

Hi again everyone

The new issue of The Buzz is on news stands across Prince Edward Island. Much to our delight our book "Prince Edward Island Tales " is featured in the current issue.

Here is a brief exert from the article:

Prince Edward Island Tales

Montague Library Writers Guild

"Prince Edward Island Tales - Montague Library Writers Guild

Nine writers, nine lives and fifty ways to view the Island and its inhabitants: this is what Prince Edward Island Tales, by the Montague Library Writers Guild, offers its readers. The newly released collection is filled with stories, poems and prose dwelling on various aspects of life on the Island—everything from moving a house down a road and across a bridge to an early morning ferry crossing, to the study, hunt and killing of cluster flies.

In September 2008 librarian Swarna Chandresekera’s suggestion to form a writers guild at the Montague Library was taken up with a lot of enthusiasm by a small group of dedicated writers. The main purpose of the group was to motivate and inspire its member to produce the best works they were capable of. To further stimulate the creative process they decided it would be a good idea to work towards publishing an anthology. The result is Prince Edward Island Tales."

Of course to read the entire article you just need to click here

We are very pleased that the good people at The Buzz saw fit to feature our book.

Thanks for checking out this post about our new book and just so you know more people are signing up on my "Net Friends" list where I share great FREE stuff and the occational low cost item that I feel could benefit you greatly.

To get your FREE stuff and become one of my "Net Friends" simply click here and sign up.

In the meantime here is a little You Tube video clip from the movie Aladdin that I really like and I would love to share with you. (it reminds me of when my girls were small and this was one of their favorite videos in their collection)

You never had a friend like me

Till next post...

Smiles :o)

Gary

p.s. Our book is also available online at Amazon.com for those of you who might like to get your own personal copy this way.

If you love Prince Edward Island then you will love this book.

commandN comes to Prince Edward Island

2009-07-05T13:58:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone

Maybe you are a fan of commandN.tv or maybe it is something totally new to you.

Amber and Jeff MacArthur produce this weekly web based tech show along with Will Pate.

The MacArthur's are P.E.I. born and their parents operate a business in Charlottetown called "Best of PEI"

The quality of their show is excellent and you can connect with them on twitter if you wish.

The neat thing about this show is that it was shot in Charlottetown giving viewers a sneak peek at this welcoming provincial capital city located right here on my Hidden Island Paradise.

Click Here to visit the commandN.tv web site to find lots more shows.

I hope you enjoy the show and the site, and that you become a regular follower of commandN.tv

Every day more fans are also joining my Net Friends List and you can too. Just Click Here to signup.

Till next post enjoy.

Smiles :o)

Gary

A Sneak Peek At My Favorite Island

2009-06-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

photo by Jack Slade, of Montague, Prince Edward Island

Sailing on the Brudenell River

Hi Everyone

There is nothing better than a day on the water....Or is there?

Here is a little video to give you a taste of what YOU can experience if you decide to come visit my Hidden Island Paradise.

If you feel the urge to share my paradise island, come visit and to get more info click here to link to my Hidden Island Paradise visitor information.

Don't forget to stop by for a tea while you are on the island. I would love to treat you to tea on the patio at the Station Cafe with a fabulous view of the Montague River I might even consent to be your guide while you are in my part of the island.

If you like what you see, hear and feel, why not sign up as one of my Net Friends to receive more free goodies on a regular basis. New Net Friends are being added every day, just click here to become my next Net Friend.

Till next blog post,

Smiles :o)

Gary

Prince Edward Island Tales

2009-06-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

This cover just draws you in as indeed does our hidden island paradise...

Hi everyone

I just wanted to put up a quick post to draw your attention to a new book that has just been published.

This wonderful little book is the product of nine individual writers working cooperatively. They are all members of the Montague Library Writers Guild, drawn together by their common love for the written word.

Since all of these writers make their home right here on Prince Edward Island it seemed only natural that they would all reflect the flavor of Island life in their work.

The book is now available on Amazon.com and here is a snipit of what they have to say about the book.

Product Description

Product Description
"This collection of poems and short prose pieces showcases the talents of the Montague Library Writers Guild members. They have focused their talents on accounts of life on Prince Edward Island, Canada ranging from a description of cluster flies, to an account of a 5-year-old making the rounds of his community over 50 years ago. There are poems about the shore, fishing, and a youth hockey match. A piece describes why someone should choose to live on PEI while a poem describes the exhilaration of a February day."

Don't waste a minute pondering as to whether or not to buy this book. If you love Prince Edward Island or know someone who does then just go ahead and buy this book today (now)

You will not regret your taking action on this opportunity but hurry as supplies are limited.

Buy it right now at Amazon.com

Don't forget, you can receive free stuff from me on a regular basis. Sign up for my Net Friends list.

Wishing you many enjoyable hours with this wonderful book as it reflects the beauty of my Hidden Island Paradise.

Till next post.

Smiles :o)

Gary

Tour de PEI 2009

2009-06-13T12:56:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

Well this past week brought some beautiful weather as well as women to Prince Edward Island.

It was the week of the Tour de PEI 2009.

This is the week that 100 fast women literally took over the gentle country roads of my hidden island paradise.

I was out and about (as they say in Canada eh) on Wednesday and managed to catch them as they flew by. Once on the Wood Island Hill in Montague and again at the finish line in Georgetown.

Here are the videos that I shot from those locations. (don't blink or you may miss them)

Tour de PEI 2009 Montague, PEI

Tour de PEI Georgetown, PEI

Check out the Tour de PEI Facebook group for even more videos of the 2009 event.

More people are signing up for my Net Friends list and you can too. Just click here to sign up.

Til next post.

Smiles :o)

Gary

BRITS great fish and chips

2009-05-24T22:06:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone...Welcome back

I just wanted to let you know about a great place to eat if you love fish n chips. I was in Charlottetown on Friday to run a few errands, visit my new grandson and attend the Brain Injury Coalition of PEI's annual fund raiser.

As the afternoon was drawing to a close my mind wandered off to the land of fish n chips. I had heard good things about this place called BRITS on University Ave and so I thought I should give it a try.

I was very happy with the quality of both the food and the service. The London decor added to the atmosphere and the booths allow for privacy. The washrooms were clean and well maintained.

I highly recommend if you are in the area and you have a yen for fish n chips do check out BRITS.

Click Here to see their Lunch on Line Menu.

As I travel around the Island I will continue to post about interesting places that I visit. I also share interesting tid bits of information with my Net Friends as I travel the internet.

Please accept my invitation to join my Net Friends list to receive my emails . Just Click Here to sign up.

Wishing everyone a very enjoyable dining experience on Prince Edward Island.

Till next post,

Smiles :o)

Gary

p.s. Let me know by way of a comment if you would like me to check something out for you if you are considering a visit to our beautiful island. I will see what I can do.

Montague Fanily Fun

2009-05-15T00:46:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone

Montague is a great place to live. Where people take time to spend with their family.

Montague Oktoberfest 2008 from Rodney Smith on Vimeo.

Click Here to visit the Montague Prince Edward Island web site.

That's it, short, sweet and to the point. Besides, if a picture is worth a thousand words then how much is a video worth. - Thank you Mr Smith!

Till next post.

Smiles :o)

Gary

P.S. Oh and by the way, dont forget ! Click Here to sign up for my Net Friends list...Thanks

Road Trip To PEI 09'

2009-05-07T19:18:00.000-07:00

photo credit John Quimby 65 GMC step side

Hello everyone

Welcome back to my Hidden Island Paradise!

Today I would like to introduce you to a person of interest. Mr John Quimby

This is what John says about himself:

" I've been a broadcaster, radio programmer,voice talent, copy writer and media producer. I'm a husband, a dad, a certified organic farmer, an a mature horseman, a dog and kid trainer and a history nut. I've been lucky enough to work with some of the most talented and creative people in the world."

Now, let me take you far away from my Hidden Island Paradise to Santa Barbara, California where John lives with his wife and two sons.

Why?

Because John is traveling from his home in California across the USA to Prince Edward Island, Canada in a vintage 1965 GMC stepside truck. Reason being... well, why don't I let John tell the story.

John writes his personal blog posts at:

Dunn Creek Organic Farm PEI, Canada

"From life in the city to living in the country"

Click Here to go to read John's blog. (you can link to other sites that he has from links on his blog

I know you will really enjoy John's story and please, please don't forget to listen to John's podcasts found throughout his blog posts.

Till next post.

Smiles :o)

Gary

Big Break Prince Edward Island

2009-04-25T19:15:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

If any of you watch the Golf Channel then you might know about the Big Break show that airs there on Mondays.

Well a few months ago they rolled tape right here on Prince Edward Island.

Meet Caroline Larsson, 24, Orlando, Florida. The Stockholm, Sweden, native is an accomplished player on the Duramed FUTURES Tour and competed in the 2007 LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament. Watch Big Break Prince Edward Island - Mondays starting at 9 pm ET on Golf Channel.

Click Here to check it out

If you like golf you will love Prince Edward Island. (my hidden island paradise)

By the way in the opening shot of Caroline beside the West Point Lighthouse, she is standing on my favorite beach spot on all of Prince Edward Island. I love the sunsets there as the red fireball of a sun sinks into the Northumberland Strait to the West. The bigger than life full moon is rising from behind the dunes. It is one of those WOW experiences on the Island. (I guess Caroline being there would make it a double WOW!!!)

Enjoy! and we'll meet you at the 19th hole...

Till next post,

Smiles :)

Gary

Seen From Away

2009-03-26T22:54:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone

There is a question that we islanders are asked more than occasionally. That question is this "is the color of the soil on P.E.I. really red?"

Well when you look at the picture of the cover of my friend Tom Schultz's book "Prince Edward Island seen 'from away'" (above) you tell me. (the picture is a view looking South on route 23 from just North of Newtown Cross Prince Edward Island)

In this quick read book (about 118 pages) that Tom wrote last year he tells the story of how he and his wife came to retire on P.E.I. It is also a description of people, places, and practices on the island as seen by a newcomer.

Tom's book gives you the flavor of just how delicious life can be here on my Hidden Island Paradise.

Tom's book is available for under $15.00 USD by contacting Tom Schultz at

Wood Island Prints
670 Tran Canada Highway RR 1
Belle River, PEI C0A 2B0
Canada

Or email him at schultz@pei.sympatico.ca

Also at Amazon.com

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

"This book describes the people, places, and practices of Prince Edward Island, Canada (the smallest province, located just north of Nova Scotia in Atlantic Canada) as seen by a recent newcomer. "From away" is the local term for anyone not born on the island, no matter how long they have lived there. This book can be a useful visitor's guide or a tool to help long-time Islanders recover an appreciation for the things they have stopped noticing because of long familiarity."

Tom says that his book is "dedicated to the hope of new beginnings inspired by the Creator"

If you are looking to a new beginning on a hidden island paradise get a copy of Tom's book and let him give you a proper introduction.

Don't forget to sign up for my Net Friends list over on the Right hand side of this blog. If you enjoy the subjects that I research and explore I share interesting finds that I come across as I travel.

Mostly these are free and usually contain many times the value of similar products sold on the net for cash.

Till next post,

Smiles :o)

Gary

Tea Time in Paradise

2009-02-28T17:48:00.000-08:00

Welcome

Today I had a special treat. I was out with Franca, Tony and Red when we decided to visit the Farmers Market in Charlottetown. When we got there, there was only about three quarters of an hour til it closed. Not to worry, there was plenty of everything and lots of people too.

This was my very first visit to the market and my what a treat. Everywhere I looked I saw people that I knew. (or knew me) I spent the first bit of time just walking around and getting the lay of the land so to speak. The atmosphere was friendly and the aromas mixed and pulled you along as if on a gentle leash.

I bought hot Italian sausages at Taylor's Meats and Cranberry Almond Biscotti at Lady Bakers Tea Trolley.

I happened to inquire at the Tea Bar as the sign called it if they sold online. She told me that she had just set up a web page but did not have very much traffic as of yet. She asked me to check out her web page and let her know what I thought. I said that I would, gave her a card and was off to the car.

I found the web page and also a Facebook Fan Page which I thought was pretty cool. I think she is on the right track and I plan to be a regular visitor. I have some thoughts for improvements which I will pass on to her if she is interested.

In the meantime I wanted to share with you my readers some information on her business. Now if you are a tea drinker (and many of us are) be sure to check out Lady Baker's Tea Trolley right here in our Hidden Island Paradise. (oh and let them know what you think)

email: sales@ladybakersteatrolley.com

Website:	http://www.ladybakersteatrolley.com
Company Overview:	After catering tea parties in Charlotte, North Carolina, Lady Baker turned over a new leaf and relocated to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, one of Canada's most beautiful provinces. She set up a tea bar at the local Farmers Market and continues to cater her delectable and charming tea parties at Beaconsfield Heritage House on Charlottetown's Harbourfront and at historic Avonlea Village in the summer season. Her loose tea products have a reputation of being excellent quality and with the use of the Affinitea brewing machine at the Market she can make the best cup of tea ever and serve you a latte to die for! And that's not all. Her baked-from-scratch cookies, scones and lemon curd have become so popular she decided to hire extra help. (read less) After catering tea parties in Charlotte, North Carolina, Lady Baker turned over a new leaf and relocated to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, one of Canada's most beautiful provinces. She set up a tea bar at the local Farmers Market and continues to cater her delectable and charming tea parties at Beaconsfield Heritage House on Charlottetown's Harbourfront and at historic Avonlea Village in the summer season. Her loose tea products have a reputation of being excellent quality and with the... (read more)
Mission:	To be full to overflowing with hospitali-tea so friends go away smiling and return soon. Favourite quote: While there is tea there is hope. Arthur Pinero (British Playwright)
Products:	Loose leaf black, oolong, green and white teas; a variety of herbal tisanes; tea accessories; home baking and the traditional tea party experience

Ciick Here to go to the Trolley Facebook Fan Page.

Til next post have a cupa tea and relax mmmm...good

Smiles :o)

Gary

Islanders by Choice

2009-01-17T20:19:00.000-08:00

Welcome everyone

Have you ever considered living on a Hidden Island Paradise? Well my friends Ian and Julie (photo credit) did. My friend Julie tells the story of how they came to be "islanders by choice".

"In December, 2007 we visited friends in PEI. We fell in love with the province, yes even in the winter, came home finished our house renos, sold the house, bought a house on the island and moved here in May of 2008. So now we are islanders by choice.

Ian is starting a roofing business, when he is not sailing that is, and me well I am taking a much needed break. I just wish we had bought a place with smaller gardens so that my break was more relaxing and less gardening."

Click here to visit Ian and Julie's website and in turn view my Hidden Island Paradise through their eyes.

If you enjoy the subjects and people that I blog about on my Hidden Island Paradise then why not join my Net Friends to make sure that you get my new posts whenever they are released as well as other interesting stuff that I will be sharing. Just enter your first name and email address in the form on the Right margin and click submit.

Til next post,

Smiles :o)

Gary

Unique Experiences on Hidden Island Paradise...

2009-01-16T03:02:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone

If you are "from away" as we Islanders say and you are planning to pay us a visit then why visit the same places that everyone will be visiting when you can have a unique experience with these Island folks. Making Shine, is just one of these unique experiences.

Experience PEI has the means to give you a truly unique Island experience. Just read a bit of what they say on their site.

"Prince Edward Island is a wonderful place to spend your vacation and even if all you do is what everyone else does, you'll have a good time.

But at Experience PEI we believe you're looking for more. That's why we have designed our exclusive experiential adventures to take you off the typical tourist routes to meet fascinating Islanders, share their lives and participate in hands on learning activities.

We will show you the real character of the Island... the unique and the unusual as opposed to the common and obvious.

We have grouped our experiences into themes. Check out each of the themes below to find the experiences that most suit your sense of adventure. If you don't see what you're looking for, tell us what you'd like to do and we'll work to create a custom experience just for you.

If you haven't yet decided where you're staying during your visit to Prince Edward Island, the accommodation operators listed on our Links page share our belief in making your vacation memorable."

So do plan to come to our island but make sure that you have at least one unique experience while you are here. Click Experience PEI and book it now!

We love our hidden Island Paradise and we know that you will too.

If this is your kind of experience then sign on to my "net friends" by filling out the form on the Right and click the submit buton to receive more as they become available.

Till next post,

Smiles :o)

Gary

Big Snow in The Old Days

2009-01-09T23:17:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone

This is just a short entry to share a photo that I found of a train stuck in the snow near Murray Harbour, P.E.I.

This is what the website had to say.

"Then as now there were heavy winters with lots of snow. Trains got stuck, especially in “cuttings” where tracks were lower than surrounding land. Train crews were away from home for days or weeks and work trains with 40 or 50 snow shovelers were dispatched to dig them out. The early wooden plows were relative light and had difficult time. These were the days before Employment Insurance and the railway paid well. The years 1905, 1909, and 1923 were particularly bad, predating the use of rotary plows which became available after 1930 when the branch was converted to standard gauge track (56 ½ “ between the rails).
Despite long waits for normally late trains, people in Murray Harbour depended upon the services they delivered. The train was an important daily event that was eagerly anticipated at the end of the line."

Click Here to go to the Murray Harbour website.

So if you are ever feeling down with snow in your driveway think of the train crews of days gone by when they had to shovel (sometimes for days) to get the train unstuck so it could bring needed supplies, mail and passengers to it's destination.

If you have great snow pictures of big snow on P.E.I. during days gone by please let me know. Just leave me a comment or shoot me an email...thanks!

Thanks for reading and till next post.

Smiles :o)

Gary

PS Something new here is my sign up form for my Net Friends List. (on the Right Margin under my profile) Don't be shy I plan to give away free stuff as well as personal updates and tips that work for me.

GG

A Hidden Island Paradise Adventure

2008-11-08T15:31:00.000-08:00

Laura-Jane and Cam

Hi

This post is to highlight a most interesting Hidden Island Paradise adventure. Imagine both you and your partner resigning form your jobs. Then selling your home and setting out in the depths of winter to cross the Canadian Rockies. Everything that you own is packed into a tiny covered trailer attached to a Toyota Land cruiser and you are headed East, four thousand miles East into a land where you have never been before. Why? You might ask, would anyone do such a thing. A great job? A chance to get rich? No, just the image of a tiny house on the internet that was calling to the hearts of two young residents of Victoria B.C.

So leaving family, home and jobs the adventure begins.

Read and see the entire adventure here

This is an adventure that all of us need to become part of.

Join the adventure

Till next post,

Smiles :o)

Gary

Had lunch today at Famous Peppers.....

2008-08-16T18:01:00.000-07:00

Hi again everyone

If you are in Eastern PEI (Prince Edward Island) give Famous Peppers a try...

	Famous Peppers A Healthy Alternative in family dining in the heart of the village
	6876 Water Street Cardigan, PEI C0A 1G0	Tel 902.583.3366

Famous Peppers is fast becoming a favorite lunch spot in Eastern Prince Edward Island.

I had the pleasure of being treated to lunch there today. My friend Peter said I am taking you to lunch my friend and we are going to Famous Peppers. The menu is always on line at Lunch on Line and they have the best pizza around. (we had a great pizza)

Peter and I each ate a quarter of the pizza and Peter had the other half boxed to take home with him.

The location is perfect located in the tiny village of Cardigan you can sit out on the deck and have a commanding view of the marina and of course the always beautiful Cardigan River.

Sidebar: I first saw the village of Cardigan in 1989 when our family was vacationing in the Eastern part of the island. I instantly fell in love with this quaint and beautiful little village. We had the opportunity to live there for a year (1993-4) when we first moved to this end of the island. The people are very friendly and the salt of the earth.

Just as we were finishing lunch a couple from Ontario came in . They were not in the mood for pizza but had a yen for some great seafood so we directed them to a great restaurant about 10 minutes away in the community of Georgetown called the Clam digger. I will save the Clam Digger for another post.

Our Island hospitality is to be experienced not just read about. Come join us here in my hidden Island Paradise. Prince Edward Island.

Till next time.

Smiles :o)

Gary

A beautiful unique momento of Prince Edward Island

2008-06-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

Hello readers

Welcome back to my Hidden Island Paradise.

Inspired by Prince Edward Island's beautiful beaches- swirled with red clay and seaweed and scented with a soothing blend of pure lavender, bay and cedar essential oils. A mini vacation!

Natural scented soap making right here on Prince Edward Island. Check out this very successful local business and learn how they make this beautiful product. Read the comments and if you wish, try out any of the unique natural Island products. If you like this unique line please be sure to tell Jennifer and Marcus.

Click here to visit the site.

Relax and enjoy, mmmmmmmmmm this is the life!

Smiles :o)

Gary

It's Comming Back!...Get Ready...

2008-05-22T08:53:00.000-07:00

Hi

Are you getting excited?... The Tour de PEI is returning to P.E.I. (My Hidden Island Paradise) on June 8th, 2008. Read the exert below and click through to the official website to follow all of the great world-class action... (these ladies are FAST!!!) Be sure to notice the bridge cam link below.

World-Class Cycling Returns to
Prince Edward Island with Tour de PEI

CHARLOTTETOWN – Prince Edward Island’s seaside villages and idyllic countryside will be transformed into Canada’s most exciting new cycling destination with the return of Tour de PEI from June 8-12.

The inaugural race was named Road Event Organizer of the Year by the Canadian Cycling Association in 2007. The event is now attracting a growing amount of interest from athletes around the world.

One hundred female cyclists are expected to participate in the five-day, five-stage race. The new route highlights the Island’s scenic countryside and coastline for thousands of spectators and 600,000 television viewers who are expected to tune into a feature presentation of the race. Media coverage reached one million households during last year’s event.

“Tour de PEI is a perfect fit for Prince Edward Island because it showcases before the world everything the province has to offer,” said the Honourable Valerie Docherty, Minister of Tourism and Honourary President of Tour de PEI. “This event is more than a bike race as it presents Prince Edward Island to the world.”

The participating athletes will cross scenic but challenging terrain covering a total of 403 kilometres, including a 120 kilometre-long race across the hilliest regions in central PEI.

A highlight of the race will take place on Monday, June 9, when cyclists will race in a time trial across the 12.9-kilometre-long Confederation Bridge. The bridge will be closed between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on that day. (Read more....)

Also check out the LIVE Bridge cam. The Confederation Bridge in real time

Smiles :o)

Gary

This is a one time special post!

2008-05-14T20:58:00.000-07:00

Hello to my Social Networking friends. If you think that Barack Obama (see video “Yes We Can!”) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx-mYY can change the real lives of millions of American people. Then Ed Dale, Dan Rain and the Thirty Day Challenge (see video " The Thirty Day Challenge Music Video") http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eX0_EEvUWE can change the real lives of billions of people around the globe in ways they could never imagine in their wildest dreams. I just wanted to share this little known but empowering information with friends within my own social network. Shhh don’t let the cat out of the bag so to speak. You can check it out if you wish at http://www.ThirtyDayChallenge.com/challenge/336

Rodd Brudenell River Resort Set to reopen...

2008-05-07T08:53:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

If you are considering organizing your conference between now and October 2008 this is the place!

Located right here on my Hidden Island Paradise right next door to me I can tell you first hand that your conference will be the success that you desire it to be if you hold it here.

Just read the quick intro below and click through to the site to get the full experience.

Smiles :o)

Gary

You Belong. At Rodd Brudenell

With its four star facilities, tranquil setting within Brudenell River Provincial Park, and wide variety of activities offered on-site, Rodd Brudenell River -- A Rodd Signature Resort offers an unparalleled resort destination in Eastern Prince Edward Island -- only 30 minutes from Charlottetown.

Click Here to Enter the Rodd Brudenell River Resort website.

Experience The PEI Lobster Supper!

2008-05-03T18:39:00.000-07:00

Another Prince Edward Island tradition, The Lobster Supper...I have to tell you. Tonight a group of about twelve of us got together for this fabulous experience.

Fresh PEI Lobster in the shell, Fresh PEI potato salad, fresh home made rolls with real butter and a variety of finger deserts. If you don't think that it is a special experience just read what Marialisa Calta of the Globe and Mail has to say. (Perhaps you might consider a visit to our Hidden Island Paradise just for The Lobster Supper experience)

SOURIS, PEI -- Sure, we've got spectacular scenery and untamed wilderness,
but with the country's burgeoning wine regions and
regional cuisines drawing international accolades,
Canada has a lot to offer the travelling gourmand

Every year, when my husband, two daughters and I make our annual trek to Prince Edward Island, I take the "seafood pledge" -- that no meat shall pass my lips for the duration of my stay in this seafood paradise. It's a pledge I keep happily and, with the exception of an occasional turkey sandwich or a burger, almost successfully. PEI is awash in mussels, oysters, clams, lobster and fish, including Atlantic salmon, char, haddock and cod.

Because we were once campers and now own a cabin on the island, we've done most of the cooking of grilled, fresh fish ourselves.

The island offers the ubiquitous battered-and-fried fish joints and a number of fine dining establishments, but for budget-minded travellers like us with kids in tow, the perfect compromise -- offering fresh seafood, family-friendly atmosphere and excellent prices -- is the PEI lobster supper.

Click here to read the remainder of her article and some links to follow.

Smiles :o)

Gary

Art Gallery B & B

2008-04-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

From kayaking on the Brudenell to being a guest for the weekend at Arno and Linda's Art Gallery B & B in North Bedeque.

I had a wonderful weekend with great friends and the hospitality of Arno and Linda was second to none.

If you have the opportunity to visit our island then please consider the Art Gallery B & B for a night or two. (you won't be disappointed)

Here are just a few of the benefits of being their guest.

quiet, restful century home, located in the country, surrounded by wheat and potato fields.

15 minutes from Confederation Bridge, 8 minutes to Summerside.

Five spacious bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms.

Linger over our 'all you can eat' country breakfast.

Close to beaches,golf courses, theatres, fine dining and shopping, 20 minutes to Cavendish and Anne of Green Gables. *Free Wireless Internet access* . 72 hour cancellation policy. English and German spoken.

Click Here to visit Arno and Linda's web page (Art Gallery B & B)

Kayaking on the Brudenell

2008-03-29T22:52:00.000-07:00

I went Kayaking with Outside Expeditions check it out

"We take great pride in the natural beauty around us and strive to constantly lessen our impact on the environment. We invite you to join us on a self-propelled exploration of our beautiful Island this season, get some exercise and experience the natural world from a unique and exciting perspective"....Quote from the Outside Expeditions website

Click Here to go to the website

Hugh MacDonald an Island Poet

2008-03-24T13:19:00.000-07:00

MacDonald writes about farming on Prince Edward Island where he grew up, and where the earth is hard and red. The poems also revolve around island home life, and the daily life of making a living on the eastern seaboard, buying a car, a first marriage, and the loneliness that a writer can feel when he is left with his thoughts.

Click Here to explore MacDonald's work

Thirty Day Challenge

2007-07-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

No Picture just watch the video!

Hi Team

Free IM training!

Lets all do the thirty day challenge!

Check out this kewl Youtube video

See ya all on the challenge.

Remember it's http://www.thirtydaychallenge.com to sign up.

Official start date August 01, 2007 (but we are already in pre challenge setup so don't delay do it today)

Smiles :o)

Gary

2007-07-07T20:47:00.000-07:00

Entertainment at the Montague Waterfront....

Hi again everyone

How would you like a little taste of that local entertainment that abounds on my Hidden Island Paradise?

Well click here to listen to a short sample of a free open air concert that took place at the Montague Waterfront on Saturday July 7th. 2007. I hope that you enjoy it as much as we islanders do. (the audio clip is 30 minutes of unedited recording live so there is a bit of background noise that goes with being there)

Enjoy,

Smiles :o)

Gary

Great Food with a View.....

2007-07-01T19:48:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...Welcome Back...

If you are in the Montague area of my Hidden Island Paradise and you are feeling a little hungry, I would like to recomend a favourite spot of mine.

It is called the Station Cafe and of course it is located on the waterfront in the old station house. It is licenced and they serve a light menu that will fill that hunger spot in just the right way.

Try a cup of seafood chowder, a lobster sandwich or finish off with one of the fab desserts and a bottomless cup of great coffee.

The food is great but the outdoor deck tables are choice with a wonderful view of the waterfront.

You can just sit and relax while you enjoy the live music of local entertainers next door. You can explore the riverside trail for a few kilometers to work off that great food. You can board the Manada or the Manada II to enjoy some seal watching. Why you can even tour the Garden of the Gulf Museum the oldest museum in my Hidden Island Paradise.

So if you are in the Montague area make sure that you drop by the Station Cafe they are friendly and they have great food with a view.

Maybe I will see you there. Be sure to say hello.

Smiles :o)

Gary

Foods to tempt your tastebuds

2007-06-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone Welcome back...

Islanders and visitors alike will discover the satisfaction that comes from knowing they are getting fresh and wholesome food. They are also getting the natural taste that comes from a long tradition of people who have harvested the rich bounty of the land and sea on this Island for generations. You can also find out more about these products from the people who nurtured them.

This guide has been produced by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture, together with the Department of Tourism, to help you discover the joys of local foods.
If you would like to receive a copy of the 2007 Farm Fresh Produce Directory, please contact the Agriculture Information Desk at 1-866-734-3276.

Click here to check out "Fresh from our farm" foods

Feel free to contact any or all of these friendly island farm folks. They would love to hear from you.

These are just a sample of the friendly folk that produce fresh farm foods here on my hidden island paradise.

Enjoy and Smiles :o)

Gary

Island Living Magazine

2007-06-18T17:24:00.000-07:00

Welcome back

Just wanted to let you in on one of our hidden island paradise's most recent secrets.

This magazine has just published it's priemere issue (June 2007) and the publishers plan to publish quarterly issues.

This is the perfect way to explore my hidden island paradise from the comfort of your own home.

Click here to get your copy today and sign up for a subcription to future issues.

Just read these press releases.

Press Releases:

The premiere issue of a new quarterly publication promoting the Island and it’s rich variety of lifestyles hits the newsstands this month. Island Living Magazine, is a treasure trove of photos, articles, and creative writing about rural and urban life on Prince Edward Island. Contributors to the publication include award-winning food editor, Julie Watson and photographer, Ann MacNeill.

Island Living Magazine, created with the Island in mind and it’s beauty at heart, is a collaborative effort of Island writers and photographers aspiring to best represent and celebrate our way of life. “Like so many others who have moved to Prince Edward Island”, says Publisher Karla Kordyban, “we were literally floored by the beauty of the land, the warmth of the people, and the cornucopia of talent that exists in virtually every corner of the Province.”In its first edition, Island Living will take a walk through a custom designed home near Panmure Island, go on a motorcycle tour of the North Shore, enjoy the excitement of harness racing and invite you to escape into the comfort of Guest Houses that welcome you to relax and enjoy all the beauty that surrounds you. Each issue explores and exalts life on Prince Edward Island and the end result is a vibrant island experience.

The magazine is available in shops across the Island. For contact and ordering information, you may go to www.islandlivingpei.com or order www.bestofpei.com or call 902-954-1154.

Experience the beauty, culture and warmth of my hidden island paradise.

Click here now.

Smiles :o)

Gary

Welcome to Montague the Beautiful !!!

2007-04-17T18:33:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the part of my hidden island paradise where I live.

Montague the Beautiful, as the name suggests, is one of the prettiest towns on the Island. Graced with a tranquil river, lovely tree-lined streets and stately homes, it is a wonderful environment for residents and visitors alike. Montague's location in the heart of Kings County also makes it a regional centre of business and commerce, an excellent place for investment.

The town itself is located along the Montague River in what used to be known as Township Lots 52 and 59. It lies approximately six miles upstream from Cardigan Bay, allowing for easy access by water to the Northumberland Strait and the Atlantic Ocean. The river bisects the town from east to west, providing excellent small port access for transport, fishing and recreation, as well as enhancing the town's scenic beauty.

Enjoy your virtual visit and if you can come for a real visit we would love to give you a personal tour.

Smiles :o)

Gary

A Link for Nick while he is in Portugal...

2007-01-14T17:48:00.000-08:00

Hi Nick and Margaret

I hope you have had a smooth flight and have arrived at your Mediterranean Sea front home safeley.

I have put a link here for you to easily access Sterling Whiteway's latest real estate listings.

Click here to go to Sterling's site.

One of my earlier posts has a link to Brad Oliver and I think Kelvin MacInnis is planning to give me some information and a link that I will post in the near future.

So enjoy your stay, we miss you as allways and look forward to seeing you both when you get back to your Hidden Island Paradise home.

Smiles :o)

Gary

Hidden Island (Green ) Paradise

2007-01-12T16:45:00.000-08:00

Welcome back

Yes our Hidden Island Paradise is more than green fields with dairy cows and golf courses of winding fairways and manicured greens.

Our Hidden Island Paradise has a government that wants us all to recycle our waste. Use our water to make Hydrogen to power our cars and use our wind to make electricity.

So the question is "can we have an environmentally friendly Hidden Island Paradise?"

The proposal is a change for Maritime Electric, which had said that wind power was too expensive.

"The technology has improved dramatically in the past few years," president Jim Lea now says. "The cost has declined and the reliability has increased. That has a big factor on the economics."

There are already eight wind generators at the PEI Energy Corp Site. They're expected to supply two per cent of the province's needs. PEI Energy Corp. is a Crown corporation and the province is pushing wind power because it's a clean, renewable source.

I have also heard that as much as fifteen percent of the Province's electricity could be generated within the near future. (months maybe due to more wind generators rapidly comming online)

Click here to read the entire article

Till next time think GREEN.

Smiles :o)

Gary

Hidden Island Paradise History.. You gotta Love it!!!

2007-01-04T20:37:00.000-08:00

Welcome back

The Community Museums Association of Prince Edward Island was formed in 1983 and grew out of a need felt within the provincial museum community for stronger support services for the community museums. The mandate accepted by the Association was that of fostering and supporting historical societies and community museums, as well as facilitating communication between the various museums, governments, and other relevant organizations. From its inception, the major goal of the Association has been to upgrade the quality of museums on Prince Edward Island by providing the necessary skills and knowledge to museum operators. The movement towards high museum standards through training and the sharing of information is central to our very existence.

Let Barry King of the Community Museums Association of Prince Edward Island give you the Royal Treatment.

Click here to meet Barry and let him introduce you to Island History from an insiders point of view.

Also check out the Museum and Heritage Prince Edward Island site (one museum, seven sites)

Green Gables House form the book Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery

Province House Seat of Island government and birthplace of Canada.

Now I want you to keep in mind that you have just scratched the surface of the rich history and culture of our Hidden Island Paradise.

Other areas of interest remain such as Theatre and arts, Island Architecture, Community histories, The era of land barons, ship building and sail as well as the rich tapestry of Island folklore just to mention a few.

Rent your peice of hidden island paradise...

2006-12-26T21:39:00.000-08:00

Welcome home...

Imagine your own Blooming Point Estate...

Escape to the tranquility of Sandhills Run... the luxuries of upscale living surrounded by ocean views. This four-star waterfront home is on four private acres and offers exceptional living, seclusion when you want it, swimming, beaches, and miles of panoramic views of water, sand dunes, woods, rolling green hills, and brilliant sunsets. Only minutes to the airport, you are close enough to convenience of all island tourist attractions like Anne of Green Gables sites but private enough for a peaceful island getaway. Considered one of the top rentals on the island, you and your family and friends will make memories for years to come.

Click here to look for more paradise options

World Peace....IMPOSSIBLE???

2006-12-25T13:09:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

Prince Edward Island is Canada's smallest and greenest province. Cradled on the waves of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Island is known for the vivid colours of its gently rolling landscape. Prince Edward Island is surrounded by miles of sandy beaches and red sandstone cliffs and is sized just right for touring. Visitors to the Island return home not only relaxed and refreshed - they often claim to have been transformed, which leads us to wonder "What if the World Had Been to Prince Edward Island?"

Click here to find out how you can be transformed in our Hidden Island Paradise

Grab your peice of Paradise.... TODAY!!!

2006-12-08T12:40:00.000-08:00

Whether you are looking for an affordable PEI village home for summer or year round living or for a secluded oceanfront paradise, we can find it for you. Our waterfront properties are as diverse as the coastline they border on.

The Prince Edward Island Department of Tourism has many different approaches to promoting "the Island" to the rest of the world: "cross over to another world" and "the gentle island" to name just two. They aren't just promoting a tourist destination but the people who live here and their way of life.

Brad Oliver Realty also promotes this attitude. Often our clients become our friends and our neighbours. Our goal is not to "sell you real estate" but to find a home for you and your family. A small piece of Prince Edward Island that hopefully you will grow to love and come home to when the rest of the world is moving just that little bit too fast. Life on PEI does move at a slower and more relaxed pace than most other places. Give us a serious look. We may have something for you. Please browse our many listings and we look forward to hearing from you.

Brad Oiver is a good man to talk to.

Click here and Check in with Brad now

LOVE Golf?...Come Golf PEI at it's Finest

2006-12-03T20:55:00.000-08:00

Welcome back

Where to start. Well a lot of people who come to Prince Edward Island love golf....

The Island has one of North America's top rated courses The Links at Crowbush Cove

Just click the link above to view a short video overview of the course.

If you love golf but you just want to enjoy the game and are not at the Crowbush level there are over thirty other courses on the Island both 9 and 18 hole. I am sure that we can find a course that YOU will fall head over heals in love with. Click here to get a little hint of what awaites you.

Enjoy touring the breathtaking and challanging courses and we will blog again next week on another special corner of our Hidden Island Paradise.

Smiles :o)

Gary

Welcome!

2006-11-28T18:06:00.000-08:00

A warm island welcome

On behalf of all of us that reside here on this beautiful island paradise hidden just behind Nova Scotia in the deep blue waters of the Gulf of St Lawrence I wish to welcome you to our island.

Please come back here often and you (like all of us) will soon fall in love with this beautiful peice of earth referred to on maps as Prince Edward Island.

We will try to share something special with you each week. (there are so many special things to share)

We welcome your questions on anything that might interest you about "The Island".

Enjoy as we explore our beautiful island home in future weeks. Please pass on your comments and let us know what aspects of island life you would like us to explore.

Smiles :o)

Gary