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Good Morning! As my old Dad used to say, ‘Every sunrise is a handshake from nature—don’t leave it hangin’.

Here’s the weather forecast for Port Loring, Ontario:

Today (January 14):

• Daytime: Cloudy and colder with a couple of snow showers.
  • High: -6°C (21°F)
• Night: Clear and very cold.
  • Low: -18°C (0°F)

Tomorrow (January 15):

• Daytime: Plenty of sunshine, but cold.
  • High: -8°C (18°F)
• Night: Clear skies.
  • Low: -12°C (10°F)

You know! : “It’s so cold, the chickens are lining up to sit on my old wood-stove!”

Highway 522 is snow-covered this morning in most areas, but it should start to melt off as the morning wears on. Not too many folks are out and about, aside from the locals—though around here, if you see a truck parked in the middle of the road, it’s probably just two neighbors catching up on the latest news!

On another note, yesterday was a solid day in the woodworking shop—after we tackled the snow, of course. I took care of the driveway while my lovely wife handled the decks—all three of them. She says it’s to keep them in good shape, but I think she just likes showing the snow who’s boss. Once the shovels were hung up and the cocoa mugs were drained, I got to work on that yellow pine harvest table I’m making for her. Made a lot of progress, too! If the stars align, I might finish it today, aside from staining it. But, as I always say, you never know what a day will bring—life’s got a way of surprising you, much like finding an extra screw in the bottom of the toolbox when you’re sure you used them all.

With that, I’m off to enjoy my morning breakfast—once again, put together by my little woman. After that, we’ll settle in with our usual cup of hot cocoa and have a good ol’ chat, just like we do every morning. It’s one of those simple joys, like the satisfying sound of the first crack of firewood in the stove—warm, familiar, and the perfect start to a day.

You all have a great day, and remember, the best moments are often the simplest ones—like a quiet morning shared with someone special.

Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW

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Morning, folks! As my old Dad always said, ‘A slow start’s fine, just don’t stop till the day’s done.

So I noticed walking out to my woodworking shop early this morning that we had another three inches of snow. The good news is, at the moment, it isn’t all that cold, with the temperature at the time of this post sitting at -1.4°C | 29.48°F.

Today’s Weather (Port Loring, ON):
Periods of snow throughout the day, with 3–6 cm expected. High of 2°C | 35.6°F, and a low of -9°C | 15.8°F.

Tonight’s Weather:
Cloudy with a chance of light snow. Low of -9°C | 15.8°F.

Tomorrow’s Weather:
Colder with scattered snow showers, adding another 1–3 cm. High of -6°C | 21.2°F, and a low of -18°C | 0°F.

It’s shaping up to be a chilly one—stay cozy out there!

Highway 522 is partially snow-covered this morning, and with more of the white stuff coming down, traveling won’t be all that great. It might just pay to stay home today.

On another note, yesterday I got a lot done in my woodworking shop on my wife’s new Yellow Pine Harvest Table. If all goes to plan, I should be close to finishing it today. I still have to make the drawer, install the rails for it to slide on, and add the top. So yeah, there are a few things left to do, but it’s coming along nicely.

The best part? I’m really happy with how it’s turning out. It’s going to be a one-of-a-kind table, all handcrafted with care, made especially for my lovely wife. She sure deserves it after all these years. You see, for most of our lives, we’ve spent our time and energy crafting things for others—customers, friends, and our store. But now, before it’s too late, it’s time to make a few special things just for us.

It never ceases to amaze me how, just a few days ago, this table was nothing more than a stack of rough-cut pine boards standing in my storage shed. And now… well, now it’s coming together into something that’ll hold not just meals but memories. This one is special, made for someone who has stood by me through thick and thin. If you ask me, that’s a project worth taking your time on.

However, in saying all that, looking out at the snow falling, we might have to clear some off the decks and driveway before the day is through. That’s the thing about living up here in the north—you never really know what a day will bring. But hey, that’s just the way it is, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

So, with that, it’s time for me to head off and enjoy the breakfast my little woman’s made for me. After that—well, we’ll take the day as it comes. But first, a warm cup of hot cocoa and a good chat to start things off right.

You all have a great day, and remember—take your time, but make it count. And as my Dad always said, “A slow start’s fine, just don’t stop till the day’s done.” GW

Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW

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Good Morning! Rise and shine—or at least rise. The shine will come once the coffee kicks in!

Weather Forecast for Port Loring, Ontario

Things are about to get interesting around here. Over the next few days, a big storm system is brewing out west and heading our way. They’re calling it a “Border Tracker” storm, and it’s expected to roll through Ontario, bringing snow and colder air as it moves along.

Tonight and Tomorrow (Jan 12-13)

Tonight, the clouds will thicken up, and some light snow will start falling. Temperatures will hover around -2°C (28°F). By tomorrow, Monday, we’ll see on-and-off snow through the day, adding up to about 3–6 centimeters. It’ll warm up a touch, reaching 1°C (34°F) by afternoon, but expect it to cool right back down to -8°C (18°F) at night.

Looking Ahead

As we get into Tuesday and Wednesday, colder air will really settle in. Tuesday will see light snow again, with highs of -3°C (26°F) and dropping to a bitter -18°C (0°F) overnight. Wednesday looks to be the coldest so far, with daytime highs of -5°C (23°F) and nighttime temperatures sinking to -19°C (-3°F). It’ll stay cloudy, and we might see more flurries.

The Bigger Picture

Later this week, we’ll start feeling the effects of that Arctic air moving south from the Yukon. If the forecasts hold along with Nature, we could be in for heavier snow and some icy conditions, especially as the storm front moves in. Best to stock up on what you need and keep the snow shovels handy. I went out this morning and gave my snowblower a pat telling it to get ready.

Stay safe and stay warm. Winter isn’t done with us yet!

Highway 522 is partially snow-covered, with a few icy spots here and there, but overall, if you need to head to the city, the roads aren’t too bad. Just take your time and drive according to the conditions. That said, this is Northern Ontario, and we all know how quickly things can change.

Before you head out, make sure you’ve got a good warm blanket, a set of battery cables, a basic medical kit, and a couple of bottles of water—or better yet, a thermos of hot coffee. And don’t forget to top off your gas tank. It’s always better to be prepared than caught off guard. They call it preventative maintenance, but I call it good old-fashioned common sense.

Keep safe out there, folks! You never know what you might run into on these back-roads.

On another note, I spent the better part of yesterday working away in my woodworking shop. I managed to get the legs and rails all glued up for the Yellow Pine Harvest Table I’m making for my lovely wife. She’s been wanting one of these for over twenty-five years—designed by her and brought to life by me.

I did make her one many years ago out of white pine, but back then, times were a bit tighter. A fellow came along who wanted one in the worst way, and, well, we sold it. I’ve always felt a twinge of guilt over that. She never complained, of course, but I knew it meant a lot to her. Now that life has slowed down some, I figured it’s about time I make it right and build her another one.

She deserves it, let me tell you. There isn’t a harder working woman in the world, and I can say with certainty that I wouldn’t be where I am today without her by my side. She’s been my rock, my partner, and my biggest supporter through thick and thin. This table might just be wood and glue to some folks, but to me, it’s a way of saying “thank you” for everything she’s done and continues to do.

Today, well, I’m hoping to finish cleaning up the glue on the legs where I joined them together. After that, if time allows, I’ll get started on making the drawer. She wanted one to tuck a few things into—our crib board, for one, and a couple of other odds and ends she has in mind. Now’s the time to get that done and put it all together while the top is still off.

After that? Well, I’m not quite sure. Maybe I’ll sit down here at my computer and write up a story. It all depends on where my mind’s at—or, more importantly, how my body’s feeling. We’ll see how the day unfolds.

And if my old Dad was still around I reckon he’d lean back in his chair, maybe with his mug of coffee in hand, and say something like this:

“Son, you don’t rush a good thing. Whether it’s building a table or writing a story, you do it when your mind’s clear and your hands are steady. A job done half-hearted ain’t worth doing. But when you take your time and put your heart into it, well, that’s when you end up with something worth keeping—just like that table for your wife.

And don’t forget—sometimes it’s okay to let the day decide what gets done. Life has a way of leading you where you’re supposed to go, if you’re willing to follow.”

Seems to me, there’s a lot of truth in those words.

So, with that, I’m off to enjoy some homemade cranberry pancakes this morning, topped with a handful of fresh raspberries we froze from last year’s pickings. That should hold me over till lunchtime, no problem. After that, my lovely wife and I will sit down for some hot cocoa and a good chat. Not much we don’t talk about, and the best part is, our conversations always seem to wander into the most interesting places. It’s those little moments that make the day special.

You all have a great day. Take a moment to enjoy the little things—whether it’s a good meal, a warm chat, or just the quiet of the day. Life’s made up of those small moments, and they’re worth holding onto.

Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW

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Mornin’, folks! The sun’s climbing, the coffee’s brewing, and the day’s just waiting to be written.

It’s a hazy morning here in the north, with a few flurries drifting down. Overnight, we had a fresh blanket of snow—about three inches. Not enough yet to wake up the snow shovels and snowblower. My wife and I figure we’ll hold off until tomorrow to see how much more we get. No sense cleaning things up while it’s still coming down.

But I have to say, it sure is a beautiful morning. Walking out to the shop, I couldn’t help but stop a few times just to soak in what nature had to offer. There’s something about mornings like this that makes you pause and appreciate the simple things. The way the fresh snow clings to the branches, the crisp air filling your lungs—it’s like nature’s own masterpiece, changing every day.

Being an old feller now, living out here in the country, I find myself noticing these things more than I ever did in my younger years. Back then, I was always rushing from one thing to the next, but now, mornings like this remind me to slow down and take it all in. There’s a kind of quiet magic out here that city folk miss. Makes you thankful for the life we’ve built and the beauty that comes with it.

Highway 522 is snow-covered this morning, which could make traveling a bit tricky. If you don’t have to head out, I’d say it’s best to stay put and let things settle—or maybe wait for a bit of a melt, which we’ll likely see as the day goes on. At the time of this post, the temperature was sitting at -5.8°C (21.6°F), but I suspect it’ll nudge up a bit as the day moves forward.

Temperatures will hover around -5°C (23°F) for most of the day, with a slight warm-up expected. Tonight, however, things will cool down again, dropping to about -10°C (14°F)—perfect for stoking the fire and staying cozy indoors.

If you do have to venture out, take it slow and enjoy the scenery. The countryside looks like a winter postcard this morning, with fresh snow clinging to the trees and a quiet stillness in the air. It’s mornings like this that make you stop and appreciate the beauty of living up here in the north.

On another note, I spent the day yesterday working away in my old woodworking shop on the new pine harvest table I’m making for my little woman. I got the top finished up, sanded it smooth, and then moved on to joining the legs together. This morning, I’ll be wrapping up the leg work, and after that—well, we’ll see, as I’ll have to wait for the glue to set. But one thing’s for sure, there’s never a shortage of things that need tending to around here, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

For my wife, she’s been busy getting our income tax papers in order for later on. She likes to tackle them early, so she has more time for the things she truly enjoys—like her painting. Over fifty years together, I’ve come to admire just how much she pours herself into everything she does. Whether it’s creating a beautiful piece of art or managing the things that keep us moving forward, she does it all with care and dedication. Her paintings have traveled the world, but to me, it’s her everyday efforts, her love, and her creative spirit that truly make her one-of-a-kind. I couldn’t ask for a better partner.

With that bit of info, I am off once again for my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me and will then enjoy our morning cup of hot cocoa and our chat and then head on outdoors. My old shop should be nice and toasty in there now.

You all have a great day. As my dad used to say many years ago, “A day’s work is never wasted if you’ve given your all—and there’s always something to learn if you’re paying attention.”

Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW

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Morning, Folks! Remember, even a cloudy day can bring the brightest ideas—so don’t let the weather set your mood.

The weather for today: Partly sunny with a high of around -4°C (26°F). Clouds will dominate later in the day, but it won’t feel as cold as earlier.

Tonight: Expect cloudy skies to continue, with temperatures dipping to -6°C (21°F). A calm and chilly evening ahead.

Tomorrow (Saturday): A little light snow is expected in the morning, likely with little to no accumulation (around 1–2 cm). The rest of the day will alternate between clouds and sunshine. High near -1°C (30°F) and a low of -7°C (19°F).

Stay cozy, and maybe keep a cup of something warm close by!

Highway 522 is bare this morning, though I’ve noticed some icy spots here and there. When we headed to town the other day, we saw a few deer crossing the highway. It’s a good reminder to take extra care, especially during the evening hours. Some folks get frustrated with deer being so close to the road, but I always say, “We’re the ones infringing on their territory.”

On another note, I managed to spend the whole day in my woodworking shop yesterday. I picked out all the Yellow Pine boards for my wife’s new harvest table, then got busy cutting them to size and gluing them together. I didn’t expect to get that much done, but things worked out pretty well despite a few hiccups along the way.

Now, I’m planning to put our old table and chairs up for sale on Kijiji in a day or so. It’s a round oak table with four oak chairs, all with nice flat backs. A real solid set. The reason for selling is simple—we don’t need two tables, and we don’t have the room for both. If anyone’s interested, it’ll be priced to sell. Let us know!

Today, well—I’ll be removing the clamps from the tabletop I glued up yesterday and tackling the mess it left behind. There’s glue everywhere, and it’s clinging on like it owns the place. Once that’s cleaned up, I’ll get busy fitting the legs and such. Slowly but surely, it’s all coming together.

Over the years, I’ve learned that when it comes to woodworking, you’ve got to take it slow and easy. Rushing only leads to extra firewood for the wood-stove—and trust me, I’ve warmed the woodworking shop with a few “learning experiences” in my time!

So, once again, it’s time for me to head off and enjoy the breakfast my wife is preparing for me. With the cold weather outside, I’m especially looking forward to a hot cup of cocoa made with almond milk for a change. No sugar—just what I need at this point in my life.

You all have a great day. And don’t forget to take time to enjoy the little things, keep moving forward, and remember—it’s the small moments that make life big.

“Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive!” GW

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Mornin’! The fields may be quiet now, but the day’s got plenty of work waiting—best get to it.

At the time of this post—-21.3°C (-6.34°F).

Today: Partly to mostly sunny and cold, with a high around -10°C (15°F). Light winds adding to the chill.

Tonight: Clear and frigid, with temperatures dropping to about -18°C (0°F).

Tomorrow: A bit warmer with increasing cloudiness, reaching a high of -4°C (25°F). A calm start to the day but clouds may signal a change ahead.

So it might pay to undle up if you’re heading out, and maybe enjoy a warm drink by the fire!

Highway 522 is clear of snow and ice for the most part this morning, which should make traveling pretty good for those venturing out. Living in the country, though, it’s always wise to stay prepared. A thermos of hot coffee, an extra blanket, and a full tank of gas can go a long way if nature decides to throw a curveball.

On another note, I had planned to spend some time in my old woodworking shop yesterday, working on the harvest table I’m building for my lovely wife. But—like many things in life—plans changed. Instead, my wife and I decided to head off to North Bay to pick up a few necessities. It was a cold trip in, but with the sun shining overhead and the car nice and warm, it turned out to be a truly enjoyable day.

While in town, we picked up some groceries along with a few other odds and ends that caught our eye. For lunch, we made it simple: parked the car, sipped on a steaming cup of tea, and chatted while watching the world go by. People-watching in a busy parking lot might not sound like much, but with good company and a peaceful moment, it was perfect—what more could one ask for?

After lunch, we filled up the car with gas, grabbed a decaf coffee for the road, and decided to take the scenic route back home. Truth be told, there are only two ways to get to our place from North Bay, but each route is a journey through the heart of nature, with towering trees and serene landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see. We’ve been making that trip for over 20 years now, and it never ceases to amaze me how there’s always something new to catch our eye—a curious deer, a particularly striking sunset, or just the quiet beauty of the forest.

We pulled into the driveway late in the day, tired but content. It was one of those days that sticks with you—a day to remember. Or, as my wife likes to say, Making Memories.

Today however if things goes to plan I am going to see if I can get the boards for the Harvest Table’s top cut out to size and planned down. And if lucky I might even get them glued up, that would be nice. But we will see what happens.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me—or should I say has already made for me. Afterward, we’ll sit and enjoy our morning cup of hot cocoa, have a bit of a chat about this and that, and then I’ll be heading out to my woodworking shop. I lit the old wood stove earlier, so it should be nice and toasty in there by now. I say should because that stove of mine has a mind of its own. Every so often, it decides to call it quits and goes out. Truth be told, I can’t really blame it. There are mornings I don’t feel like getting out of bed myself.

You all have a great day, and remember what my dad used to say: “The best way to start your day is to put one foot on the floor, then the other, and see where they take you. Just don’t forget to enjoy the journey along the way.” Wise words from a man who’s never far from my thoughts.

Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW

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Good Morning! Another sunrise, another chance to steer life down the right path—grab the reins and go!

Its a cold out there this morning, with the temperature starting at -19.8°C (-3.64°F). You can expect mostly cloudy skies with occasional snow flurries and little to no accumulation. The high will reach around -14°C (7°F).

Tonight: Skies will remain mostly cloudy, and it will stay frigid with temperatures dropping to about -20°C (-4°F).

Tomorrow: Another cold day ahead. Expect partly cloudy skies, with temperatures hovering around -12°C (10°F). And it won’t warm up all that much as the day moves forward.

Highway 522 is clear of snow, making traveling pretty decent—at least in our neck of the woods. The further south you go, though, things could get a bit touch and go. But hey, it’s winter, and for us folks living up here in the north, we know to expect just about anything when it comes to the weather.

On another note, yesterday I spent the day in my old woodworking shop once again. I managed to get the legs for the new harvest table turned on the lathe, which I’m quite pleased about—they do take a fair bit of work. Next up is figuring out what size lumber I’ll need for the tabletop. I brought some boards inside before calling it a day, so they’ll be nice and warm. Warm lumber is a lot more nicer to work with than cold, that’s for sure!

Today, I’m hoping to get the boards for the tabletop cleaned up, and if all goes well, maybe even glue them up and get them clamped so they can dry overnight. We’ll see how it goes—there are a few other things on my to-do list as well. But, as they say, first things first. On top of that, I’ll see how I’m feeling before diving in too deep.

With that, it’s time to head off for breakfast—the one my lovely wife is kindly making for me. She’s not only an amazing cook but also an incredible artist, having painted for over 50 years with her work traveling all over the world. After breakfast, I’ll sit down with her for a cup of hot cocoa and a good chat before heading outdoors. It’s those little moments with her that truly make my day.

You all have a great day! Remember, as my old Dad used to say, “A good start to the day makes the rest of it go smoother—just like a good axe makes chopping wood easier.”

Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW

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Mornin’, folks! Life’s a lot like a fence post—stand tall, weather the storms, and hold things together.

It’s another chilly start here in Port Loring, with the temperature sitting at -11.3°C (11.66°F).

Today	12°-4°	Very cold with a blend of sun and clouds
Wednesday	7°-2°	A little snow at times in the morning with little or no accumulation; otherwise, cloudy and very cold

Stay warm, and perhaps it’s a good day to work on your mystery novel or some indoor woodworking projects!

Highway 522 is clear of snow this morning, making for smooth and safe travel for those who need to head out. It’s a welcome sight for this time of year, especially here in the north, where winter often has its way with our roads.

On another note, I kept myself busy yesterday working away in my woodworking shop. Managed to get two legs turned for my wife’s new harvest table, and if all goes well today, I should have them finished up. But, you never know—things don’t always go as planned, so we’ll just have to see how it all works out.

One thing’s certain, though: there’s nothing quite like spending time in the shop with the old wood stove ticking away, while the cold wind does its thing outside. It’s a good way to take your mind off the not-so-good things.

Today, I figure I’ll be doing much the same as yesterday—back to the shop to finish what I started. I was out early this morning to get the wood stove fired up, and I have to say, no matter how cold it gets, there’s something about that first breath of crisp, fresh air that just makes a person feel good inside. It’s invigorating, like a little reminder of the simple pleasures that come with living up here in the north.

So, with that, it’s time to sit down and enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me, followed by our usual morning chat over a steaming cup of hot cocoa. Now, what could be better than that to start the day?

No rush to be anywhere these days—life isn’t like it used to be, running here and there, trying to keep up with everything. But you know what? We’ve earned the pleasure of taking things a bit easier now. There’s a certain satisfaction in slowing down and savoring these simple moments—moments that, looking back, are really the best parts of life.

In Closing I hope your day is filled with little pleasures, just like mine is starting out. You all have a great day, and until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW

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Good Morning! Life’s like a tractor—hard to start some days, but once it’s running, there’s no stopping it.

Another day begins here in Northern Ontario, and it sure feels like winter has us firmly in its grip. I stepped outside this morning, and the crisp air was enough to remind me that it’s January—and we’re not done with the deep freeze just yet!

Today’s Weather:

Right now, the temperature is sitting at -14.3°C (6.26°F). It’s one of those mornings where you can feel the chill right down to your bones if you’re not bundled up properly!

Tonight’s Forecast:

Expect the mercury to drop even further as the sun sets. The low for tonight is foretasted to be around -18°C (-0.4°F), so it’ll be another cold one.

Tomorrow’s Weather:

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we’ll see a high of about -10°C (14°F), with partly cloudy skies. Still cold, but a touch milder than today—relatively speaking, of course!

Highway 522 Update:

The good news is that Highway 522 is pretty well clear of snow, making traveling easier today for those who need to head into the city. Whether it’s to stock up on supplies or just escape the cabin fever, the roads are looking good. But in saying that—if you’re heading out, don’t forget to layer up and take it slow on the roads, as icy patches could sneak up on you.

As for the locals, not too many are out and about this morning—just a few hardy souls braving the chill. You know the type: the ones who think -14°C is “shorts weather” or figure they’ll “warm up on the way.” Around here, we like to say you can spot a true Northerner by their ability to complain about the cold while wearing a T-shirt in it!

On another note, yesterday was a busy one in my woodworking shop. I spent most of the day fixing up the duplicator for my old lathe. It took a bit of effort and some creative tinkering, but by the end of it, she’s ready to get to work turning the legs for my wife’s one-of-a-kind Yellow Pine Harvest Table. This is the kind of piece you won’t find in any store or factory—handcrafted and truly unique.

I’m planning to document the process and make a video for my YouTube channel as I go along. If you’re into woodworking or just curious about how these things come together, it might be worth keeping an eye out for it down the road.

Today, well—I’m hoping to get the legs for the table all made, but we’ll see how that pans out. At the moment, I’ve got my old wood stove fired up, trying to take the edge off the chill in the shop. It’s a cold one out there this morning, and let’s face it—no woodworker is going to get much done if they’re shivering between cuts.

The wood needs to be warm too; makes it a lot easier to work with. Cold wood is stubborn, much like a northerner before their morning coffee. But with the stove crackling away and a bit of luck, we should both be ready to go before too long!

With that bit of information tucked under your hat for what it’s worth, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife is cooking up for me. After that, I’ll settle in with a cup of hot cocoa and have a good chat with my little woman. It’s how we start every day—just wouldn’t feel right without it.

You all have a great day! As my lovely wife often says, “Life in the country teaches you that rushing gets you nowhere fast—take things slow, and you’ll always get there in the end.”

Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW