Here is a Merry Christmas treat. By 10AM my gal O'Hally and I had tracked up to Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort to take sunrise pictures while the moon still beamed over Lake Pend Oreille above the resort town of Sandpoint, Idaho. Before 11AM we had beef and Monterey Jack fritattas, Dove hot chocolate, and had put a duck in the oven. Right now O'Hally is snowboarding with a family friend, and I am posting these pics for everyone. I have posted all the pics on my Gary Lirette Facebook Photos page. Here are some of the best: Moon shining over Schweitzer Village Clock Tower & 2010 Christmas Tree in Schweitzer Village Schweitzer Mt Daybreak Christmas Schweitzer Mt Sunrise Schweitzer Mt Sunrise Schweitzer Resort 2010 Christmas Lake Pend Oreille under Schweitzer Mountain Lake Pend Oreille unde... 12/25/2010

  PEACE   "When the power of love becomes stronger than the love of power, we will have peace."                                                                 Jimi Hendrix     12/24/2010

Here are some more random pics of North Idaho and Sandpoint: Cedar Street Bridge in Sandpoint winter scene Sailing Lake Pend Oreille Lake Pend Oreille Sunset Sandpoint, Idaho Sandpoint, Idaho Sandpoint, Idaho view over RR bridge Sandpoint Train Depot Train crossing Lake Pend Oreille Schweitzer Mountain in autumn  12/21/2010

Looking through some of my old pictures of Sandpoint, I found these and thought I would share: Sandpoint, Idaho Sandpoint Longbridge Green Monarchs from Lake Pend Oreille Clark Fork River Kullyspell House: Idaho's oldest home and original trading post Lake Pend Oreille from Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort North Idaho Autumn at Dover Bay Pend Oreille River in winter Pend Oreille River in winter Rapid Lightning Creek in winter Gary Lirette, featured in Where To Retire magazine and host of the Tuesday noon local radio shows: North Idaho Business as well as North Idaho Arts. E-mail Gary or call 208-610-1384Read Gary's Blogs   Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty 200 Main StreetSandpoint, Idaho 208-255-3474 www.SandpointID.net - To learn all about Sandpoint and North Idaho www.R... 12/21/2010

The Clark Fork-Pend Oreille Conservancy: A nonprofit land trust that helps willing landowners permanently preserve natural areas,  forests, lakes, streams,  farms,  ranches, recreational areas and wildlife and fish habitat in Bonner County, Idaho and Sanders County, Montana. (I have had the Conservancy on my radio shows many times. Here is what they have recently sent out.) We at the Clark Fork-Pend Oreille Conservancy want to thank-you for your interest over the past year. This is a quick note to wish you all a very Happy Holiday Season and to ask for your support as the year draws to a close. We have experienced great conservation success in 2010. We have permanently protected over 610 acres of spectacularly beautiful and ecologically critical land that borders forest service property... 12/19/2010

Here are just a few pics of Sandpoint one winter night and the next morning.  Historic Panida Theater on First Avenue in Sandpoint, Idaho Christmas Tree at Jeff Jones Square in Sandpoint, Idaho Holiday lights on Main Street in Sandpoint, Idaho Wintery Main Street in Sandpoint, Idaho Gary Lirette, featured in Where To Retire magazine and host of the Tuesday noon local radio shows: North Idaho Business as well as North Idaho Arts. E-mail Gary or call 208-610-1384Read Gary's Blogs   Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty 200 Main StreetSandpoint, Idaho 208-255-3474 www.SandpointID.net - To learn all about Sandpoint and North Idaho www.RealtySandpoint.com - For Sandpoint Realty www.SkiSchweitzer.net - To visit Schweitzer Mountain's Community Web 12/19/2010

I interviewed William Friedman, owner of Zero Point, on Speak Up North Idaho last Thursday. These conversations I have several times a month with various characters and business people from Sandpoint and North Idaho on my three radio shows keep me in touch with my community and help me to be a better REALTOR. Zero Point 226 N. 1st Avenue, Sandpoint, ID 83864 208-244-2522 William also is the owner of another local business: Idaho Stone. The way he puts it, "We have rocks for indoors and bigger rocks for outdoors." Here are some interesting points about Zero Point: ZERO POINT MOVED TO ITS CURRENT LOCATION ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO. 226 N 1ST AVENUE, IN THE HEART OF SANDPOINT. NEXT TO THE PANADA THEATRE. WE SELL UNIQUE GIFTS AND TREASURES FROM AROUND THE WORLD, WE SPECIALIZE IN GEMSTONES. WE SE... 12/19/2010

A lesson about understanding whether you are following your business plan or not.A boat docked in a tiny Mexican village. An American tourist complimented the Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them."Not very long," answered the Mexican."But then, why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?" asked the American.The Mexican explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family. The American asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?""I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, play the guitar, and sing a few songs... I have a very full life."The American interrupted, "I have an MBA from Harvard,... 12/15/2010

By Gary Lirette, host of North Idaho Business radio show on KSPT and KBFI, and REALTOR® for Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty Sandpoint has seen a number of new businesses open in the last year, among them the Pita Pit, and Super One. I have worked for years supporting the arts, local events, and mentoring small businesses, but this year seemed especially important. So far, it looks as though Sandpoint is faring well. Few businesses have closed their doors this winter. Plus, while recently unemployment in Bonner County was at a 25-year high, we have some bright spots. For instance, after losing Harold's Grocery four years ago to the new Panhandle State Bank building, we have had only one major downtown supermarket. Super 1 Foods store opened last summer, providing neede... 12/14/2010

Took these shots about a month ago before the first big snow on the Spokane River: Gary Lirette, featured in Where To Retire magazine and host of the Tuesday noon local radio shows: North Idaho Business as well as North Idaho Arts. E-mail Gary or call 208-610-1384Read Gary's Blogs   Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty 200 Main StreetSandpoint, Idaho 208-255-3474 www.SandpointID.net - To learn all about Sandpoint and North Idaho www.RealtySandpoint.com - For Sandpoint Realty www.SkiSchweitzer.net - To visit Schweitzer Mountain's Community Web 12/09/2010

National recognition and reviews about Sandpoint, Idaho & Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort Sandpoint nation's eleventh Coolest Small Town - Budget Travel in a national poll Best Snowboard Resorts - Schweitzer Mountain among the Top 10 according to Sno.co.uk Schweitzer Ski Resort - West's Best Ski Towns in December 2010 CNN Travel article Most under the radar: Sandpoint, ID - In the West's best ski towns from the December issue of Sunset magazine Big Dig Tells Nuanced Story About North Idaho Town - A team of archeologists unearth some great history from Sandpoint's early days under the new Sand Creek Byway in this November 2, 2010 Oregon Public Broadcasting write up. Sandpoint: A Gay-Friendly Getaway in Conservative Idaho - Sandpoint open and friendly to everyone according to this October ... 12/09/2010

With a blanket of winter white outside and the holidays on our doorstep, I asked Craig Gildersleeve to visit on my Thursday noon show, Speak Up North Idaho, broadcast on KSPT and KBFI in Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry, Idaho. I asked Craig what the most popular items for fish are this time of year. The answer came quickly: Dungenous Crab. While these most delicous crustaceans are sold year-round, but 80% are purchase in December and January, according to Craig. He told me that while frozen Salmon still sells well, other favs are ling cod, oysters, and petrole sole. He said you will find ground fish this time of year. A popular Thanksgiving and Christmas item is salmon, whole or half, grilled or broiled. We talked about the Salmon runs, beginning with the Copper River Salmon in May. I asked... 12/09/2010

I had a conversation with Matt Smart from Mountain Horse Adventures last Thursday on my show: Speak Up North Idaho, broadcast on KSPT and KBFI in North Idaho. Guess you will be the first to read that now, in addition to hosting North Idaho Business as well as North Idaho Arts & Adventure, I took over the reigns of my third show this week. Matt talked about a new event for our area, taking place during Sandpoint Winter Carnival January 15 and 16, 2011. The way Matt calls it 1 Horse, 1 Skier, 1 Rope. What is it? Ski Joring. Also known in Scandinavia as Skijoering, it is simply a skier being pulled by either a dog or a horse, and racing is common. Wikipedia states that skikjøring also can be done with a motor vehicle, but I don't buy it. Skijoring was featured in the 1998 film Silver Wolf,... 12/08/2010

The Roman Nose-Naples, Idaho in winter  Snowflakes I awaken thinking of you. The world outside is cold; winter has made its entrance through two wide doors, the world overwhelmed by its majesty. Snow has fallen, and soon our lives will be blanketed with a cover of white. It is a time for snugs and hugs, fires and carols. Anticipation baits the breaths of skier and snowboarders, ice skaters and fishermen. Almost time. Almost... My thoughts go to walking the Alpine Lakes of the Roman Nose in Naples. I imagine walking with you, hand in hand, frost vaporizing from our short-of-breath open mouths. This is the time of year that the water is glassy tranquil, the ridge peaks reflecting in the smooth mirrored pools. There will be snow, but not too much. The trails will still be passable on foot,... 11/21/2010

While social networking is the bomb, it is also not the only way of connecting with your community. While tweeting and Facebook friends are now part of the real estate and business landscape, there is no replacement for one-on-one contact. Now let's be real. If you are not a good public speaker and are not a social butterfly, maybe blogging is what you need to be looking for. However, if those qualities are elusive, these kinds of meetings and organizations help to hone those skills. Business Network International (BNI) is a business referral network. Based on the philosophy "Givers Gain" it exists to bring small business people together in a structured format which encourages the exchange of business.BNI was founded in 1985 by Dr. Ivan R. Misner. It is founded on the philosophy that "G... 11/18/2010

There have been 51 closed sales for waterfront in our North Idaho MLS region for the time period stated in the last year. While some are indeed secondary waterfront with no views of the river or lake, at least three that have fit this MLS search are on creeks. Still, that leaves 42 closed sales with direct, boatable access and clear views of the water. Click Here to View the Waterfront Sold Listings Here are the overall stats:   LIST PRICE: SOLD PRICE: DOM: HIGH LOW AVERAGE MEDIAN TOTAL PRICE LISTING COUNT $2,950,000 $179,000 $775,688 $530,000 $39,560,099 51 $2,250,000 $177,000 $663,741 $490,000 $33,850,820 1612 0 214 137     Another tidbit of info is that of these 51 sales, 14 were condos. Two notable points is that Seasons at Sandpoint has done very well at moving their inventory, and... 11/18/2010

At the Sandpoint Business & Events Center ! •  December 2nd - Family Night,  4-7pm and free to the public.  Santa will be there, too! •  December 3rd - Holiday Luncheon, doors open at 11am with the viewing of the trees in the gymnasium.  Guests will then be directed to the 3rd floor auditorium where the silent auction will take place.  Buffet lunch at 11:30.  (Tickets are $30.) •  December 4th - The Progressive Gala .  This evening's events will feature virtually 2 events in one.  Guests will be directed to the 3rd floor auditorium where the silent auction will take place with hors d'oeuvres and a no host bar.  Once the silent auction is over, guests will head downstairs for the remainder of the evening with a wonderful dinner catered by Ivano's and the live auction of fabulous trees!  ... 11/18/2010

Sandpoint Upcoming Events - This Week in Sandpoint from the Sandpoint ChamberCoeur d'Alene Upcoming Events - from the CdA Chamber 2nd Friday monthly April - December: Coeur d'Alene - Art Walk The Coeur d'Alene Arts and Culture Alliance has organized a monthly Art Walk, that takes place from 5-8 pm the 2nd Friday monthly, April through December. Enjoy an evening of exceptional art, fine dining and friends in downtown 208-664-3194 www.artsincda.org Starting in November: Coeur d'Alene - Coeur d'Alene Resort Holiday Light Show  More than a million lights sparkle across Lake Coeur d'Alene at the largest on the water resort holiday light show in America! Features over 225 holiday displays ringing the boardwalk at the resort, plus a memorable "Journey to The North Pole" to visit Santa himself!... 11/10/2010

On my radio show North Idaho Business Tuesday I interviewed Steve Dilts, spearheading the fundraising event, dinner, and auction benefitting the Luke Commission, which provides medical care for up to 800 a day at each of the clinics they run in Swaziland, Africa. Here are the details: 12/5/2010 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Christmas for Africa - Idaho Auction  Events Center (map) The Luke Commission Compassionate Medicine team invites you to an evening of deals, dinner, and documenting what Dr. Harry and Echo (PAC) Tuinstra VanderWal are directing in Swaziland. $25 per person or $200 for table of 10. 5 p.m. - Silent Auction5:45 - Dinner & VanderWals Speak 7 p.m. - Live Auction TLC Mission The Luke Commission offers health care in rural Swaziland, southern Africa, to those who have little or no med... 11/10/2010

On Tuesdays I host the North Idaho Business Show on KSPT and KBFI. Last year I interviewed Lonnie Jones of the Ironhorse Riders Association for the first Bash for Cash. The concert was awesome, and the benefit raised lots of money for cash-strapped local charitible causes. This year promises to be just a cool. Bash for Cash Who: The adjustablesSugar Daddy18 ShadesNieghbor JohnEasy Money When: Friday, November 12, 2010 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM PST Where: The Panida Theater300 N. 1st Ave.Sandpoint Idaho 83864 Get Directions Iron horse riders association presents the 2nd annual Community Concert " A Bash For Cash"At the Panida theater in Sandpoint, ID. November 12, 2010. Doors at PM. Event starts at PM. Tickets $12 at the door. $10 in advance. BANDS: 18 ShadesEasy MoneyNeibor JohnSugar DaddyThe ... 11/10/2010