Most Monday's finds several restaurant owners and chefs cooking our dinner for one and other. This last Sunday we joined Tom and Lisa Guscott of Arlo's Ristorante, Gary Malloy from 41 South, myself of Dish Home Cooking, and friends Nancy and my gal O'Hally enjoying Memorial Day. The two Garys honored our fallen brothers, both being veterans, and the others joined by Max the cat. Arlo's Ristorante is one of Sandpoint's grand ol' restaurants, with great food and live music. Check out their website here: http://arlossandpoint.com/ Total fun, no customers complaining about the fare, and sipping good wine. Great day. Here are the pics: Chef's Party Chef's Party bag head Man this is a big cell phone Tom's day as a dancer Chef's Party-the gang Chef's Party-Cat walk Chef's Party-Cat walk Chef's... 06/02/2010

Took a stroll along Lake Pend Oreille on the Pend d'Oreille Trail this week. It is a great nature walk that starts at City Beach in Sandpoint, goes past Seasons, and ends up in Kootenai almost two miles away. To learn more about the nature hike, visit Friends of Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail. Here are some pics of our walk: Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail in Sandpoint, Idaho 1.1 Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail in Sandpoint, Idaho 1.2 Ducks on the Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail in Sandpoint, Idaho Clouds along the Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail in Sandpoint, Idaho Flowers blooming along the Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail in Sandpoint, Idaho Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail in Sandpoint, Idaho 1.3 Bird along Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail in Sandpoint, Idaho Bird along Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail in Sandpoint, Idaho Gary Lirette, featured in... 05/28/2010

I have always been a busy REALTOR, in that I have a busy real estate career plus I host two radio shows. Since my friend opened his great little restaurant, Dish Home Cooking, I have managed the cafe a couple of days a week for about a year now. My broker has legitimate concerns as to whether I can do all the jobs well, much less realty. So far, I have been a producer for the company and in the top 20% of my MLS last year, and #12 in our company. Certainly Dish is doing okay. I wrote the book Passion for Wine published by Hastings House, and our wine list gets tons of attention. Dish was voted the Best New Restaurant in Sandpoint, and in the June issue of Country Living, an article titled Seven Reasons to Visit Sandpoint named Dish one of the seven best things to do in our small town. I... 05/26/2010

So, in a previous post I had mentioned that Sandpoint, Idaho would be featured in the national magazine Country Living, and we were represented in the Out & About segment in an article titled "Seven reasons to visit Sandpoint, Idaho." I haven't scanned the article yet for you to peruse, but will soon. Anyway, out of the seven reasons, my best friend's restaurant, Dish Home Cooking, was one of the seven reasons. I manage the eatery on Thursdays and Sundays so that they can have a day off, so it is pretty cool that Dish was chosen. Anyway, Sandpoint in the national news again. 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 BlogFor more detailed ... 05/24/2010

According to a report published May 24th, 2010 in the Wall Street Journal, the NAR reports existing homes sales on the rise. Here is the article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704113504575264272784586514.html?mod=djemalertNEWS 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 BlogFor more detailed local info & real estate   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 05/24/2010

Sandpoint Upcoming Events - This Week in Sandpoint from the Sandpoint Chamber Coeur d'Alene Upcoming Events - from the CdA Chamber Check out all daily Sandpoint Events in the Bonner Daily Bee Weekly - Sat. & Wed.: Sandpoint - Farmer's Market An open-air market Sandpoint tradition where you can find locally grown fresh produce, crafts, flowers, food and music at Farmin Park, Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm and Wednesdays from 3-5:30 pm. For more info get this pdf 2nd Friday monthly April - Dec: 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 Weekly - Saturdays: Sand... 05/24/2010

Here are some pics of North Idaho from the last eighteen months. View of the Longbridge from 41 South View of Sandpoint & the Longbridge with sunset from Forever View View of Sandpoint & the Longbridge from Granite Ridge Pack River, North Idaho Pack River, North 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 BlogFor more detailed local info & real estate   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 05/24/2010

As summer gets fully underway, lots of events will grace our shores of Lake Pend Oreille. Next big thing: July 4th 2010. Here are some pics of last year's soiree. Sunsets at City Beach on July 4th Swimming area at Sandpoint City Beach Sun goes down and lights twinkle off Lake Pend Oreille July 4th 4th of July fireworks at City Beach in Sandpoint 4th of July fireworks at City Beach in Sandpoint Sandpoint City Beach illuminated by fireworks July 4th 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 BlogFor more detailed local info & real estate   Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty 200 Main StreetSandpoint, Idaho 208-255-3474 www.San... 05/24/2010

By all accounts, this was a great Lost in the 50's. Bigger crowds, perfect weather, more cars, and two different groups playing at the sock hop. Here is an article published in the Bonner County Daily Bee: click here. They reported over 600 cars in the vintage car parade. To see what was going on, visit www.Lostinthe50s.org Here is what it looked like on the Saturday: Band playing at Farmin Park Looking down Main Street from the clock tower in Farmin Park Kids playing in the fountain at Jeff Jones Square Over 600 vintage cars on display Arlo's Ristorante, like most businesses, was packed This bike was in Easy Rider Big crowds at 2010 Lost in the 50's Big crowds at 2010 Lost in the 50's Cool cars at 2010 Lost in the 50's Gary Lirette, featured in Where To Retire magazine and host of the ... 05/20/2010

In the June issue of Dupont Registry, a home listed by Cheri Hiatt of Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty was featured not only in an article but graced the front page. Pretty cool. 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 BlogFor more detailed local info & real estate   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 05/19/2010

Spent a half day hiking below Scotchman's Peak near Clark Fork and Hope, Idaho. It was misty and cool and wonderful. My girlfriend, Northside firefighter, O'Hally and I took some great pics. Hope you like them. Mist rising off the mountains Rapid Lightning Creek  Distant view of Lake Pend Oreille  Gary & O'Hally Gary & O'Hally Farm Entering Clark Fork Green Monarchs from Hwy 200 Hope Marina Hope Marina Sunset QuackHonk Honk, honk Livin' in paradise with the woman of my dreams. Gotta love North Idaho 05/18/2010

  SANDPOINT WINS THE 2010 4A DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS!   As a good Realtor® and ambassador for Sandpoint (Idaho’s “crown jewel”) it is, once again, my duty to report the developments surrounding the amazing Sandpoint High School tennis team.     The 2010 team has successfully defended its 2009 District crown with a dominating performance in Moscow, Idaho at the University of Idaho tennis courts and Moscow’s high school courts.  The boys won 61-30 and the girls won 59-38.  The State Tournament begins Friday, May 21 in Boise at Boise State University.   Above are the individual State qualifiers.  Sandpoint set a school tennis record by qualifying 11 players this year! From left to right: Danette Mauck & Kane Wijngaarden – mixed doubles; Meranda Carter & Mica Wolcott - girls doubles; Sophia ... 05/16/2010

In a current search of waterfront homes sold in the last year, 45 listings have transpired. The criteria for this search are all homes in the immediate Sandpoint/Sagle/Hope area that are on Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille River. These include homes directly on the water, but also homes with water access. To be sure, some did not have water views. Here are the stats:   LIST PRICE: SOLD PRICE: DOM: HIGH LOW AVERAGE MEDIAN TOTAL PRICE LISTING COUNT $2,199,500 $185,000 $686,868 $570,000 $30,909,063 45 $1,922,500 $125,000 $611,046 $549,000 $27,497,070 1612 0 224 102     Noting the numbers, the homes that are selling are still averaging prices in the $550,000 to 700,000 range. In the past, people have decided to wait until homes fell below that magic half million level. While we have ... 05/16/2010

The Knockout Cancer Benefit Concert PANIDA THEATER - SATURDAY, JULY 3rd, 2010 To benefit local cancer charities and patients The Panida Theater presents the Knockout Cancer Benefit Concert at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.), featuring Charley Packard, Neighbor John Kelly and Norton's Knockouts. General admission is $20. 208-263-9191 FEATURING Norton Buffalo's Knockouts Norton succumbed to cancer in October of 2009 and his band, the Knockouts, led by guitarist Johnny Vernazza, is touring in celebration of his life. The Knockouts donate the profits of their performances to Norton's widow, Lisa, who is expected to attend the show. The funds will be used to master and release previously unheard Norton Buffalo material. Neighbor John Kelly Band Neighbor John's wife and artist, Karen Silva, suc... 05/15/2010

Last year we showed you a bit of what it is like to set up the Festival at Sandpoint. Here is the link. 888-265-4554· www.festivalatsandpoint.com In August, 2007 The Festival at Sandpoint celebrated its 25th season of music in Sandpoint. What began in 1982 as a quest by a few pioneering and visionary classical music lovers to bring symphonic music to their town of 5,000, has expanded to become one of the largest arts organizations in Idaho. As The Festival has grown it has continued to honor its original mission to bring classical music to the area, however, it has expanded its vision to include quality jazz, blues, folk, world, and popular music. The Festival now draws audiences upwards of 20,000 per season throughout the region to its diverse and eclectic summer concert series, presen... 05/15/2010

I had my first experience with Yappy Hour yesterday. Yappy Hour brings responsible dog owners together to allow their pups to commune and to do likewise with each other. Once a month they come in droves - 20, 30. 40 - to a local eatery, and spend the better part of an afternoon sipping wine and beer while their pets play. They set up in an area, hopefully with grass, and fence it off, provide some tents, and have a blast. Thursday saw the group at Dish. They certainly provided a boost to business for that day. They have the stated goal of providing a 'more dog friendly Sandpoint,' but also hope to create an environment that allows our puppies in parks: something Sandpoint currently denies. A great idea and fun held by all. To learn more, visit their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.co... 05/14/2010

ALL ABOARD!  "Cruise" through our Commerce & Community Expo presented by Horizon Credit Union on May 20th to explore the businesses and organizations that make the Greater Sandpoint area a great place to live and work.  You'll be welcomed by tour guides and receive a map and passport for your journey, touring the ship and ports of call excursions.  After touring the expo with your passport, enter to win a North Idaho 3-Day Getaway Giveaway and enter to win many fabulous prizes while on board!    EVENT DETAILS Date/Time May 20, 2010 3 to 7 pm Location Bonner County Fairgrounds, 4203 N. Boyer Av. Ship Tours PURSAR'S OFFICE Horizon Credit Union - ANCHOR SPONSOR Panhandle State Bank STCU US Bank GANGWAY SPONSORS Bonner County Daily Bee AAging Better In-Home Care K102 Reynolds Auto Sales Mo... 05/12/2010

For eight weeks, starting May 5th, the Northwest Film Institute will be hosting a lecture series with some great filmakers and Hollywood's finest at the Panhandle State Bank Auditorium. An 8-part series of 3 hour, weekly lectures presented by film industry professionals -- all experts in their field. The series is designed to provide the novice with a well rounded understanding of the complete filmmaking process and offer seasoned professionals some new tips, tricks and contacts with industry experts. The lectures take place every Wednesday, beginning May 5th through June 23rd, from 6-9pm at the Panhandle State Bank Auditorium - 414 Church St, Sandpoint (second floor). Enrollment is limited to the first 75 registrants per lecture. Sign up ala carte or save 15% by registering in advance... 05/12/2010

On May 22, 2010 from 9am to 2pm at the Sandpoint Business & Events Center will be the first Senior Empowerment Expo 2010. This venue is to provide trusted resources for seniors and caregivers. Several guest speakers and presenters will be there to give info and resources for seniors and their families to learn about options for the twilight years. I interviewed Rob Redford of Hearthstone Village and Annie Miller from the Sandpoint Life Care Center on Tuesday on my show: North Idaho Business broadcast on KSPT and KBFI. Visit the Event Center at 102 S. Euclid Avenue in Sandpoint, Idaho for this great show. 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... 05/12/2010

At our weekly Wednesday morning meeting for Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty, we are very ardent at keeping up with current market trends, education, and staying involved in our real estate essentials. While in a previous blog article we have covered the malaise affecting our entire region (http://sandpointid.net/N.Idaho_Market_Conditions.html) our economy and housing is reflected by both Coeur d'Alene and Spokane. (See page 2 of my Activerain blog for more info on our economy and housing numbers) In that market analysis, the numbers were sobering. However, there is additional data that points to our market in Bonner County (smaller than our MLS region) being better than we thought. Cindy Bond, associate broker for Sotheby's Realty had this info: http://www.mgic.com/gu... 05/12/2010