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    <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
    <link>https://cathyguenette.ca/blog.html</link>
    <description>Real Estate Blog</description>
    <copyright>Copyright (C): Cathy Guenette, https://cathyguenette.ca</copyright>
    <pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2026 04:17:36 GMT</pubDate>
    <dc:creator>Cathy Guenette</dc:creator>
    <dc:date>2026-05-10T04:17:36Z</dc:date>
    <dc:rights>Copyright (C): Cathy Guenette, https://cathyguenette.ca</dc:rights>
    <item>
      <title>Summer Fun In and Around Calgary for Families</title>
      <link>https://cathyguenette.ca/blog.html/summer-fun-in-and-around-calgary-for-families-9011041</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Where to Play, Learn, and Explore This Summer&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Summer in Calgary is a fantastic time to get outside, explore, and make memories with the kids. Whether you’re looking for adventure, nature, hands-on learning, or just a great place to cool off, our city is packed with family-friendly destinations. Here are a few of my favourite spots to check out with your crew this summer.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Calgary Zoo&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;A classic Calgary favourite! Wander through lush animal habitats, explore the butterfly garden, and don’t miss the dinosaur animatronics. There’s always something new to see.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Heritage Park&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Step back in time and explore Canada’s largest living history museum. Ride the steam train, visit the candy store, and meet characters from the past.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;City Parks &amp;amp; Splash Pads&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Calgary is home to dozens of beautiful parks, perfect for a summer picnic or splash. A few local gems:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Fish Creek Provincial Park – Trails, wildlife, and plenty of picnic space&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Somerset Park – Beloved splash pad and playground&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Bowness Park – Paddle boating, picnic shelters, mini train ride&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Valleyview Park – Great views, spray park, and tons of open space&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;TELUS Spark Science Centre&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Unleash your curiosity with interactive science, tech, and art exhibits. Kids love the Creative Kids Museum and the outdoor Brainasium park.&amp;nbsp; (220 St. George’s Drive NE)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;A few lesser known gems you might not have on your summer bucket list yet:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Downhill Karting by Skyline&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Part go-kart, part toboggan – this gravity ride zooms down a 1.8 km track with 50+ twists and turns. Fun for kids (age 2+) and adults! (WinSport Canada Olympic Park, 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Bow Habitat Station&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Learn about Alberta’s aquatic life through hands-on exhibits, a working fish hatchery, and outdoor wetlands. Try trout fishing at the “Kids Can Catch” pond! (1440 17A Street SE)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Calgary Farmyard&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;From jumbo jumpers to pony rides, corn mazes to mini golf—this is outdoor family fun at its best. Don’t forget the fairground treats! (284022 Township Rd 224, Rocky View County: just SE of Calgary&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Granary Road&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;A 36-acre Active Learning Park filled with climbing structures, animal play zones, and an adorable petting zoo. Grab local produce, cheeses, and more at the market. (226034 112 Street W, Foothills: just SW of Calgary)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Inglewood Bird Sanctuary&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;A peaceful, free nature escape right in the city. Bring a lunch and enjoy 2.5 km of easy walking trails. Spot birds, mammals, and beautiful plant life. (2425 9 Ave SE)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Ann &amp;amp; Sandy Cross Conservation Area&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Looking for a different location for a hike or picnic? This 4,800 acre park is a great option, with focus on protecting habitat and native species of wildlife. (20-194001 160 Street West, Foothills: just south west of Calgary&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;Whether your family loves science, animals, nature, or just being outdoors—Calgary has something for everyone. Summer goes by fast, so get out and enjoy it!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p" style="text-align: start"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;🌟 Local Tip: Many of these spots have special activity events. Be sure to check their websites or follow them on social media for updates.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
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      <pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2026 03:41:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://cathyguenette.ca/blog.html/summer-fun-in-and-around-calgary-for-families-9011041</guid>
      <dc:date>2026-05-10T03:41:46Z</dc:date>
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    <item>
      <title>Spring Home Maintenance</title>
      <link>https://cathyguenette.ca/blog.html/spring-home-maintenance-9011040</link>
      <description>&lt;h3 style="text-align: center"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Get Your Home Ready for the Summer Season&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Spring in Calgary is the perfect time to give your home a thorough check-up. After the long winter months, it’s important to catch small issues before they become costly repairs. Whether you’re preparing to sell, just moved in, or simply staying on top of upkeep, this simple checklist will help keep your home in great shape.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Safety First&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – Replace batteries if needed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Inspect fire extinguishers – Make sure they’re accessible, fully charged, and not expired.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;HVAC &amp;amp; Air Quality&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Change your furnace filter – Ideally every 3 months.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Clean your humidifier – Mineral build-up can reduce efficiency.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Test your air conditioner – If you have central A/C, make sure it’s working before the summer heat hits.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Plumbing &amp;amp; Appliances&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Flush your hot water heater – Helps remove sediment and extend its life.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Clean and inspect dryer vents – Lint build-up is a major fire hazard.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Exterior Check-Up&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Inspect the exterior for damage – Look for peeling paint, cracks in the siding, and gaps around windows and doors. Seal and caulk as needed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Look for water issues – After a rain, check for pooling water around the foundation or in window wells.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Clean gutters and inspect the roof – Ensure proper drainage and check for any missing or damaged shingles.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Test outdoor electrical outlets – Make sure they’re functioning and safe.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Landscaping &amp;amp; Irrigation&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Check your sprinkler system – Look for leaks or broken sprinkler heads.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Tidy up the yard – Remove debris, trim dead branches, and assess the health of trees and shrubs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Tip:&lt;/strong&gt; Staying on top of these seasonal tasks helps preserve your home’s value and gives buyers peace of mind if you’re planning to sell.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Edit Site Footer&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
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      <pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2026 03:35:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://cathyguenette.ca/blog.html/spring-home-maintenance-9011040</guid>
      <dc:date>2026-05-10T03:35:12Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Welcome to the Real Estate Blog</title>
      <link>https://cathyguenette.ca/blog.html/welcome-to-the-real-estate-blog-8908021</link>
      <description>&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Welcome to our Real Estate Blog! Here you can find timely updates of my latest properties, open houses, just solds and much more.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;Whether you are interested in &lt;a target="" rel="" href="https://cathyguenette.ca/buying.html" data-type="link"&gt;buying&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a target="" rel="" href="https://cathyguenette.ca/selling.html" data-type="link"&gt;selling&lt;/a&gt; real estate, I am here to help guide you every step of the way.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="block-p"&gt;If you have any questions about real estate from &lt;a target="" rel="" href="https://cathyguenette.ca/home-evaluation.html" data-type="link"&gt;home evaluations&lt;/a&gt; to &lt;a target="" rel="" href="https://cathyguenette.ca/mortgage-calculator.html" data-type="link"&gt;mortgages&lt;/a&gt; to &lt;a target="" rel="" href="https://cathyguenette.ca/recip.html" data-type="link"&gt;searching for properties&lt;/a&gt; in your area, don't hesitate to &lt;a target="" rel="" href="https://cathyguenette.ca/contact.html" data-type="link"&gt;contact me&lt;/a&gt; today!&lt;/p&gt;</description>
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      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 02:05:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://cathyguenette.ca/blog.html/welcome-to-the-real-estate-blog-8908021</guid>
      <dc:date>2026-02-04T02:05:53Z</dc:date>
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