QOL - Quality of Life

Phillip Vannini is investigating what it is about Dallas Road that draws people to walk, stroll, run... bring their dogs and kids... or sit on the many benches that face out towards the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Admiring the Olympic Mountains of Washington State might be your thing. Sometimes the peaks and valleys are as sharp as cut-outs, while often they may be somewhat obscured by clouds or fog.For myself I find it is not just the topography but the light. For others it is the sound of water or the oh so interesting sky.Phillip is building momentum in his research while collecting conversations for a book and film on the topic. His interests include the dedication plaques that adorn the benches too. Who sat there? What memories swirl around the sites? If you have impressions, or wish to share your thoughts you can reach Phillip at [email protected] welcomes face-to-face meetings either for a walk or on one of the many beaches and benches... that encourage us to slow down.

I always made a point of visiting the Art Gallery of Ontario during my visits to Toronto. Sometime I had the liberty to "see it all" and other times it was specifically to attend a special exhibition or opening.Come along and find out how the AGO is using technology to improve both your experience and their knowledge of what attendees look at, pause to absorb, glance at, or return to. Thank you to the administration of the AGO for arranging this visit... this interview. This is a revived episode from 3 or 4 years ago so references may be slightly out of date.

Well Marcelo Oliveira got the message at 57... "good-bye and so long" and that was that: laid-off!It was a dark cloud... with a silver lining. He and his wife Christiane evaluated the situation, and especially their finances, sold everything possible (donating the rest) and moved. They have lived in Brazil, Canada, the US and now they make their home in Portugal. Come along for the conversation on how they made their decisions, why the Algarve is ideal, and most importantly, how you don't need to have more than you need.Sunshine, no snow, fresh fruit, a pair of shorts and some sandals. It sounds like heaven!Go read more on Marcelo's experiences:Substack (msolivei.substack.com) or LinkedIn (https://linkedin.com/in/msolivei)

Liz Valdez, the communications expert at Mane in Heaven shared her belief in - and passion for - the "pixie dust" in what miniature horses can do. Whether visiting a long-term care facility, a children's hospital or holding a special event anywhere in the Chicago area, minis bring smiles, laughter, and love to those who need it. Watch this video and then listen to our conversation.https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=mane+in+heaven+video&mid=B6071BAE02D93513D2F9B6071BAE02D93513D2F9&churl=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fchannel%2fUCl9QieHC7GwC70nPmVrExuw&FORM=VIRE

The myth of "the forever home" is making some people's lives unhappy and unrealistic. I recently attended a seminar on selling your home and downsizing. Quite clearly many people delay decisions and actually wait too long to take the necessary steps. Yes, it may feel like you are giving up at first, but a move may reduce anxieties and give you the gift of time. Time to enjoy life not worry about the gutters, the garden, or minor or major repairs and renewals. Sean Provencher is a seasoned (almost 2 decades) realtor and he joins me to share his approach. We walk through the very digestible booklet he wrote as a guide to the process of changing your address... changing your life.

No matter where you are you can always "allow" the BC Ale Trail app to find you a perfect beer destination... or an adventure of connection the dots across this province. Gillian Mann speaks about the many routes that you can jump into at the beginning, end, or the middle, of the region you are exploring. More than events, blogs, and details download this and start the journey:BC Ale Trail Mobile App · The BC Ale Trail

I cherish my stays and moments at Intercontinental Hotels. I am a fan and have an affinity for the experiences. Here are two conversations with top administrators in two of the many properties that circle the world: Athens and Lisbon. In world capitals Intercontinental is the go-to for quality and care. The level of high touch service makes these a touchstone: enjoyment is their genuine goal.

April Fluevog offers more than clarity if you are dealing with an estate... especially if you agreed to be the executor of a will... and you have a house to clear of its contents before it can go on the market. That is another daunting task! What should you dispose of... what should you keep?Visit Simply Estate Services – Senior Transitions & Estate ClearingListen to this episode and learn about emptying a house and how relatives often get predatory. Bequests become more than negotiating points and property becomes a battleground. Do you know you become legally and financial responsible when you agree to be an executor? When someone dies often families fight. It can become a multiyear process. April explains how to follow some valuable steps. The first one is to change all the locks on the doors of the home in question. From her experience this is vital especially if you know someone will be contesting the will. Bitterness between siblings can become poisonous. The executor is an administrator, not a labourer nor counsellor. This Vancouver company can help you... if you live elsewhere maybe there someone else who can be of assistance, but don't be afraid to do what is right, what is necessary to be a good executor.

Our cities are changing so rapidly. Solid sixties and fine fifties homes with fir timber beams and real hardwood flooring are not trash. My guest Glyn Lewis is not just saving materials from landfill, but his company is helping on both ends of the transformation. For the contractor/land acquisition company who might just demolish this is a much better route. www.renewaldevelopment.ca comes in with solutions: recover what can be repurposed, and relocate whole structures... if it is feasible.Think of the logistics! We talk about Vancouver, but why not your city?

Ever notice how sometimes you don't meet people until it is the right time? I walked by Harbourview Church and Living Edge so often, but curiosity never prompted me to look into their streetside gathering spot. Then one day I had to step in and ask what they were about. In this episode of QOL learn how Neil, Terry, and so many volunteers ensure those who have need are given the opportunity to choose food they may not be able to access for themselves, for their families. The price squeeze of 2026 is just one factor in this. Some come for community spirit, while others need conversation, still more need food equity, food equality, The tables are set up, and shoppers (no cash transactions take place) are offered choice and not just cast-offs, day-olds, or beyond best before dates, but quality ingredients.Maybe you have organizations like Harbourview and Living Edge in your community... or maybe you can replicate the idea and help those who need a hand up.