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Good Morning.

Well, we sure have had our share of hot weather so far this summer, but in saying that, I kinda think our weather has been a lot better than what a lot of other folks are putting up with these days.

Highway 522 is picking up traffic wise a wee bit, and it will get even busier as the days move forward. Most folks who know the north wait till the black flies have moved on for another year, and I can’t say I blame them.

Bug Report: The black flies have gone now for the most part, though there are still a few hanging around in the deep woods. Mosquitoes however, them blood sucking parasites, are another thing altogether. Hard to get away from them in the shady areas, which is where they like it, damp and wet. I was just getting ready to make a dump run — I keep my garbage in an old freezer — and had to put my old hat to work swatting the damn things. Also, the deer flies are back. Well, they have been back now for about a month, and let me tell ya, when they find ya they don’t leave you alone. They also have a nasty bite if you let them sit on your hand too long.

Other than that, not too much happening around town here these days. Although, the farmers market is up and running for another year, and both hardware stores are drawing people in, picking up things they need. Nice to see folks out and about again.

Our gift shop has had a steady flow of people dropping by for the past month, picking up the one of a kind items my wife and I make right here on our property. They have been buying my flutes, my wife’s paintings, and my books too. Last winter I had a splurge of energy and did up five new books. Two of them are children’s books with pictures. I also finished up my novel, first in a series, called Strange Occurrences: The Moretti Files. Along with those, I put together two more books of short stories, each one having fifty stories in it. Sold quite a few of them so far too, so no complaints with sales thus far.

I should also mention that our vegetable garden is growing by leaps and bounds this year. We have been eating fresh lettuce every day, and the tomatoes are just starting to show themselves. I can’t wait for one of them to ripen, as I sure do enjoy toasted tomato sandwiches, especially with the homemade bread my wife makes.

So with that, I am off for my breakfast, which my lovely wife is making for me, and will then head on out to our front porch and do some front porch sittin. We bought an umbrella this year, and I have to say, we have sure been enjoying sitting underneath it. Should have bought one years ago.

Anyway, you all have a great day. This hot weather won’t last forever. When it starts getting to ya, find a cool spot under a tree and think about what lies ahead this winter. Personally, the heat doesn’t bother me all that much. Maybe I got thick skin or something that keeps the heat out. Could be. But I will say this — I had to take off my long handles.

In Closing, Keep Your Minds Open And Your Stories Alive.

GW