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Good Morning. My old Dad used to say, “Some days you drive the tractor, some days it drives you.” Life’s about knowing which kind of day you’re having.

Backwoods Weather Report – Port Loring, Ontario
Monday, November 17, 2025

Well, I stepped out earlier than I meant to—just one of those mornings where you wake up and the house feels a bit cooler than usual. The yard had that stiff, frozen look, and the quiet was thick enough you almost didn’t want to break it. Our weather station’s saying 26.8°F (–2.9°C). Humidity’s up at 79%, and the barometer’s sitting low at 28.93 inHg. You can tell by that number alone the air’s thinking about something. Wind’s pointing north but not even a whisper out there.

So for today:
Looks like the cold plans on sticking around. The still air makes it a bit easier than a windy day, but it’ll numb your fingers quick if you’re out there fiddling with anything metal. With the pressure sitting where it is, clouds might build through the day, maybe a touch of unsettled weather later on—though nothing wild. It’s just that kind of low, quiet November mood.

Tonight will probably dip a little colder once the sun gives up.
Wouldn’t surprise me if the frost thickens right up.

Tomorrow might turn a shade brighter if the barometer decides to climb.
Hard to trust it yet; mornings like this hold back more than they give.

For deer hunters, the best times look to be just at first light and again late afternoon.
Cold mornings like this make the woods slow right down. Deer will move—just not in a hurry. You’ve got to sit still longer than you want to.

As for nature’s signs—not much sound out there. Trees locked still, not a shake out of them. The sky had that dull edge along the treeline, like it can’t decide if it wants to lighten or darken. Didn’t hear the chickadees much, which usually tells me the weather’s gearing up to shift, even if it hasn’t shown itself yet.

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On another note, this morning before first light I fired up the shop stove, which should take some of the chill off. Yesterday slipped by in the old woodworking shop, working on those flutes I’ve been shaping. Got a couple far enough along that they’re starting to look like real flutes, so today I’ll keep at it and see where it goes.

Later, some friends stopped by. We had one of those long, easy chats you only get out here, where nobody’s rushing. After they left, I stoked up the wood furnace, here in the house as we got it going now, and after that settled down with my feet up for a bit. All in all, not a bad day. Even my old body cooperated.

You know... living out here away from the cities, there’s a kind of satisfaction in the simple routines—warming the shop, working with your hands, sitting with friends. Kinda, makes you appreciate the slow, steady rhythm of country life. Oh… and appreciate what you have.

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So, what am I up to today? GW

Well, today I’m planning to spend some time out in the woodworking shop—something I always look forward to, especially when it’s cold and the skies are grey. Truth is, there’s really no better place to be… unless it’s sitting with my lovely wife, sharing a good chat over a cup of fresh-perked coffee.

You know… at my age, you really learn to appreciate these simple comforts. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned along the way, it’s that you have to be honest with yourself and your thoughts. It’s the little pleasures that truly matter.

With that, I’m off once again for the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. Afterward, we’ll sit down together for our regular cup of tea and morning chat, a daily ritual I wouldn’t trade for anything. A day just wouldn’t be a day without that bit of time together to start things off right. Then, I’ll head out to the shop and see what the day brings.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW