Doris Gee

Well, school is officially out and the kids are off for summer holidays. We’ve had a pretty full house the last couple of days since the kids wanted to spend as much time with their friends before everyone took off for the summer. Some might say I’m crazy, but I actually enjoy a bustling house. I think it’s partly because I grew up in a house filled with kids (there are six kids in total in my family). The neighbourhood kids always got together and congregated at someone’s house. Often, it was our house or at the park across the street. So I suppose seeing a house full of rugrats reminds me of my childhood. Plus, I’ve learned that our kids aren’t

It’s been an eventful week and a half! We celebrated Father’s Day by visiting Phil’s dad during the day and then had dinner with my dad and entire family in the evening. Since it was also my sister and her boyfriend’s 11th anniversaryl, she chose Saigon Fusion to celebrate the occasion - the same restaurant where they had their first date. What can I say, she’s the sentimental type.

Despite the slow service, we all had a good time. Since it’s so difficult to get a big group like ours together, it was great to have a good visit. During the lull before dinner was served, my sister Marilyn, suggested that my dad open his presents. He complied.

Growing up, one of my favourite elementary school events was Sports Day. I always loved the preparations, anticipation and excitement associated with the day. What could be more fun for a child than spending the morning outside (free from studies and homework!), chumming with buddies and having hot dogs and ice cream for lunch? Plus it was only a half day of school! Those were the days!

I was reminded of these childhood memories when I attended our two youngest kids’ Sports Day today. It was great fun for everyone. The school field was decorated and set up for the morning’s events. Kids filled the field. The only downside was the rain.

Today is my sister Marilyn’s birthday, but I’ll be kind and not disclose her age! She is however, very young at heart. Let’s just put it this way - every Sunday Marilyn and the kids argue over who gets the head chair at the dinner table. Marilyn, being the bigger (and more stubborn ) kid always wins.

I always enjoy family birthdays because they’re a great reason to celebrate. Since I’m close to all of my sisters, I suggested that we all get together and surprise Marilyn by taking her for lunch today. It was perfect timing too. Turns out she was in a rush this morning and didn’t have time to pack a lunch. So we went to her office at noon

If you have children preparing for upcoming piano exams, your house, like ours, is probably filled with the sound of music. We booked the kids’ piano exams a couple of months ago and while they have been practicing with their very talented teacher, we haven’t heard much tinkering outside of their set practice times. So over the last week, we’ve made sure they’ve put in extra practice times on their own - much to their dismay.

One of the reasons why we are so adament that our children learn to play the piano is because we know that it builds character. I watch the kids practice and I see the patience and perserverence that’s required

If you’ve been on top of your mail (as well as your finances), you’ll know that the deadline to pay your property taxes is just around the corner - July 5th to be exact. Some home owners were surprised to find much higher tax bills than they had expected. In some cases, property taxes increased by well over a thousand dollars. How can this be, you might ask?

Well, remember a couple months ago when you received your property assessment? You were probably happy to see the value of your property rise so drastically. In fact, we had a handful of clients who called to see why their home values increased so much (over $100,000 in couple of cases!).

If you think the real estate market in Greater Vancouver is busier than ever, you’re right! A recent report released from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) shows that overall residential sales for May 2005 reached an all time high. In fact, thanks to low interest rates and continued high demand for homes, sales in May 2005 were 13.2 per cent higher than sales in May 2004. Sales for detached homes rose to their highest levels since April 2002 while attached properties recorded their highest figures since March 1992. Condo sales for May 2005 fared even better - posting their best numbers ever on record. It’s not surprising condo