Good Morning!

You know, I have found that the best thing about living in the country, is waking up to the sound of nature, ‘instead of an alarm clock’.

It’s a foggy morning waking up here in the north. The mist is thick, keeping things quiet and still. But once the sun starts doing its job, things will clear up, and the day will come to life. I have always felt that living away from the cities, mornings like this were made for me. No rush, no noise…just quiet. And there is nothing better than…sipping a cup of coffee on the porch and watching as the sunlight breaks through the trees. ‘Life as it should be.’

Highway 522 did pick up a wee bit yesterday, which brought quite a few folks into our gift shop. They really liked our hand made items, all made right here at our home. No offshore stuff in our shop, just the real deal, and you know…folks these days are starting to appreciate that. ‘Which is nice to see!‘

On another note, my lovely wife and I managed to get our grass cut yesterday. I have to say once finished, our property looks great, all neat and tidy. After we put things away, we got cleaned up and took a break to sit on the porch, while enjoying a cold drink, and taking in the view. It’s nice to see the results of our hard work and enjoy the peaceful setting. Kinda makes me wonder why more folks don’t swap city life for something this relaxing. But then again…living in the country isn’t for everyone. It takes a ‘special kind of person‘ who’s got it in their blood to really make a go of it and appreciate the simple life.

Today once again I am not sure what I will be doing, maybe my wife and I will take the day off and enjoy what we have… other than work. It’s good to do that occasionally. ‘Don’t ya think?’

With that, I am off for my breakfast that my little woman has made for me.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this to ponder on: “A calm day in the country is proof that nature has a better handle on things than we do.”

The Best Times For Fishing on Friday
08/23/24

Major Times
3:25 AM-5:25 AM
3:50 PM-5:50 PM

Minor Times
10:54 AM-11:54 AM
9:32 PM-10:32 PM

Day Rating: Not the best day for fishing, I only give it a 1-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. But, hey! One never really knows till they have their line in the water. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: You know, fishermen years ago would make their own lures from bits of metal, wood, or even repurposed items like old spoons. I remember my old Dad saying: “If you can’t make it yourself, you weren’t fishing properly…imagination is your best lure!” He’d go on to say.

Good Morning!

Nature’s Got Its Own Clock, and I’m Tryin’ to Keep Up

It’s a bit cool here in cottage country this morning, with the temperature rolling out of bed sitting at 11.2°C (52.16°F). Makes you think twice about stepping outside without a vest or jacket of some kind, that’s for sure. But in saying that, it won’t be long before the sun gets to work, warming things up and reminding us that summer hasn’t quite packed up and left us yet.

Even so, there’s a feeling in the air…a sort of nudge that says, “Hey, don’t get too comfortable. Fall’s on its way.” It should also be noted that, the leaves are starting to think about changing their outfits, and the days… seem to be in a bit more of a hurry, as if they’ve got somewhere important to be. “I’ve always believed that nature often gives us a heads-up about what’s coming. It’s up to us to pay attention and understand its signs.”

Highway 522 was a bit busier than usual yesterday, with town folks buzzing about, going here and there. For a small place, you’d wonder what keeps ‘em all so busy. Most of them weren’t in any big hurry though…just taking’ their time, driving slow, looking around, checking out what their neighbors were up to. You know how it is in the country…if someone’s painting a fence or fixing a shed, it’s a town event! Everyone’s got to have a peek, maybe offer some advice, whether it’s wanted or not. Heck, around here, you don’t even need to read a newspaper to find out what is happening. Just start up your chainsaw, and folks will come a running!

On another note, with the nice weather yesterday, I spent some time getting things ready for winter. Seems like there’s always something that needs doing this time of year. My wife, well, she kept busy making tomato sauces and such, which we’ll sure be thankful for when the snow flies. Store-bought ones just don’t have the taste. Some folks claim they like them, but I figure they’ve forgotten what a real tomato’s supposed to taste like. I’ve been eating ours every day since they ripened, and I’ll miss them when they’re gone. But that’s why my little woman’s been putting them up. I’m a lucky man to have her…she’s always one step ahead, making sure we’re set for the long cold days ahead. Truth told, I can’t imagine life without her, and I’m not just talking about the tomato sauce!

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made. After that, I’ll get to cutting the grass. Man, it’s growing like crazy. But that’s what happens this time of year with the cool and wet weather…it sure loves it.

You all have a great day and remember: “If you can’t find peace in nature, maybe you’re not looking hard enough.” Us country folks though…know where to look. Take Care. GW

Fishing Times for Thursday
08/22/24

Major Times
2:34 AM-4:34 AM
3:00 PM-5:00 PM

Minor Times
9:32 AM-10:32 AM
9:11 PM-10:11 PM

Day Rating: Not the greatest day for fishing, I only give it a 1-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. But in saying that, one really never knows. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: If the fish aren’t biting, try changing your lure. Sometimes, a different colour, or size can make all the difference. I’ve always figured: “If the fish don’t like your first choice, give ‘em a second date, so to speak…just like people!”

Good Morning;

“Lookin’ outside, the dew’s on the grass, the sun’s peekin’ over the northern pines, and today’s just beggin’ for a story to be told.”

Looks like we’re in for another fine day here in Cottage Country. The sun’s shining like it’s got nothin’ better to do, the birds are pickin’ through their breakfast at the feeder like it’s a country diner, and the grass…well, it’s growin’ so fast I reckon I’ll be dustin’ off my old mower by tomorrow morning.

Highway 522’s been pretty quiet for this time of year, not too many new faces passing through. But that’s how it goes when the air starts getting a touch cool, and parents are busy gearing up for the kids to head back to school. It’s hard to believe summer’s nearly packed its bags. Just a reminder that up here in the north, you’ve gotta make hay, while the sun shines…because before long, you’ll be swapping out your garden gloves for a snow shovel, wondering where the warm days went.

On another note, my wife and I took a little trip to North Bay yesterday. We had a list of groceries and a few other things we’d been needing, so we figured it was time to stock things up. We navigated the store, crossing things off as we went, and before long, we had everything we came for…plus a few extras, we didn’t know we needed until we saw them. Seems that always happens!

After all that shopping, we treated ourselves to a Canadian Pizza with the works at East Side Mario’s, washed down with an ice tea. It hit the spot, let me tell you. Then, we couldn’t resist stopping by a local coffee shop for a hot cup of coffee, to sip on the way home.

The drive back was nice, with the trees starting to show the first hints of fall. We took our time, windows down, just letting the breeze and the scenery remind us, why we love living up here in the north. It’s funny how a simple trip can turn into something more, like a reminder to slow down, and take in the little things. In these parts, you learn that a good day isn’t measured by how much you get done, but by how well you enjoy what you’re doing, and yesterday, I’d say my lovely wife and I did just fine.

You know... I’ve seen folks get so caught up in rituals and rules, believing that’s what makes a life worthwhile. In my way of thinking, it’s not about how often you attend services, or having someone tell you their way is the only way. No Sir! A good day, for me, is about finding joy in simple things…like a quiet drive, or a shared meal, with the ones you love.

Today I am not sure what I will be doing, I guess I will have to wait and see.

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me and will then get to enjoying this great looking day.! As it should be!

You all have a great day and remember The best things in life are often the simplest. Take care now!

Fishing Times for Wednesday
08/21/24

Major Times
1:44 AM-3:44 AM
2:09 PM-4:09 PM

Minor Times
8:09 AM-9:09 AM
8:52 PM-9:52 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 3-Star Rating for catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Poppers create a lot of surface noise, and are great for top water action. Cast them into open water, or near an old stump or a Lillie Pad, and give them a few pops. I’ve always said that: “Poppers are like a knock on the door…with fish come to see who’s causing a fuss!”

Mornin’, everyone! “The best part of wakin’ up in the country? The peace, the quiet, and the chance to do it all again.”

It’s a cloudy, wet morning here in Cottage country and I have to say since yesterday we’ve been getting a bit of rain here in Port Loring, and while you might think it’s from that hurricane heading up the coast, it’s not directly the cause. What’s happening is a bit more complex. The local weather systems are doing their usual thing, but with the hurricane down south stirring things up, we’re seeing some extra moisture making its way up here. So, even though we’re not in the path of the hurricane, it’s still nudging our weather a bit, giving our gardens a good soak which in truth is needed. It’s just one of those reminders that even when a storm is miles away, it can still reach out and touch us in unexpected ways. Mother Nature has a funny way of keeping us all connected.

Highway 522 has been quiet lately, and that’s just how my wife and I like it. As truth told, we enjoy the peace and quietness of country living. But even with the slow traffic, our gift shop has been quite busy with folks stopping by to see what we’ve got. They’re picking up some of the one-of-a-kind items we make right here in my old woodworking shop. You know, we don’t carry offshore items, the reason being there’s already plenty of that around, and we prefer not to be sending our hard-earned money elsewhere. We’re proud to offer unique, locally crafted pieces that truly reflect the spirit of our work.

Bug Report: All is well in that department.

On another note, with yesterday’s weather being all over the place, I spent the day indoors working on stories for my newspaper columns along with a few magazines. Actually it turned out to be a productive day, though some days flow better than others.

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife is or has made for me and will then do some more writing. Not the greatest day for outside work.

You all have a great day, and remember: “Wisdom is like a good pair of shoes—those who need it most often seem to be walking around without it, stumbling over the same old mistakes.”

Fishing Times for Sunday
08/18/24

Major Times
–:—–:–
11:29 AM-1:29 PM

Minor Times
3:54 AM-4:54 AM
7:44 PM-8:44 PM

Day Rating: Actually if it wasn’t for the rain it’s a good day for fishing. I give it a 4-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Learn a few simple knots to keep your hooks and lures secure. The improved clinch knot is a favorite. I’ve always said, ‘A good knot is like a good handshake—firm and reliable!’