Our Phlox are looking real fine this year. They’ve got a sweet smell that reminds me of cherries. It’s like they’re trying to bribe us into spending more time in the garden.

Click on image to enlarge!

Good Morning!

Old Truths: You can learn a lot just sittin’ on the porch, watchin’ the world go by, especially in small towns.

It’s another perfect day here in cottage country. The temperature’s just right, and there’s not a hint of humidity to speak of. Everything’s growing like it’s in a race, and honestly, I’m just trying to keep up! Truth be told, it’s been a fantastic summer so far, at least weather-wise.

Even the mosquitoes seem to be on vacation, probably off annoying someone else for a change. The sun’s shining, the birds are enjoying our bird feeder, the breeze is gentle, and I’m starting to think I could get used to this— at least until winter rolls around, which reminds me that it won’t be long before my wife and I have to put in our firewood for winter. It’s like everything around here has a mind of its own, and we’re just the unpaid help! But hey, keeps me… out of trouble… mostly.

Highway 522 hasn’t been all that busy this year. Oh, there are a few folks roaming around, but for the most part, it’s been pretty quiet. A couple of campers here and there, maybe a family out for a Sunday drive, but nothing to write home about. It’s almost as if the highway is on vacation itself. But our gift shop has seen a lot of new faces so far this year, which is nice.

On another note, my wife and I have been busy in our gardens, these days, along with other things that need attending, mostly in the mornings. My afternoons for a week or so are reserved for writing. I’m getting ahead on my stories so that when winter arrives, I can concentrate on other projects—like finally finishing that sci-fi mystery novel I’ve been working on. At the rate I’m going… it might solve itself before I do!

With that, I’m off for breakfast, which my lovely wife is making for me. After that, I’ll head out to our front porch with a cup of hot cocoa, take in the peaceful country view, and enjoy the quiet of the morning.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this to ponder on: “Enjoy the little things in life, because one day… you might look back and realize they were the big things.” GW

Fishing Times for Saturday
08/10/24

Major Times
4:27 AM-6:27 AM
4:47 PM-6:47 PM

Minor Times
11:59 AM-12:59 PM
10:23 PM-11:23 PM

Day Rating: Not the greatest day for fishing, I give it a 2-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: A stringer keeps your fish fresh until you’re ready to head home. Just tie it to a dock, the side of your boat, or a stick in the water. I’ve always said, “A fish on a stringer is like a kid with candy—keeps ’em from wandering too far away!”

Good Morning!

Old Truths: “The best way to stay young is to hang out with old folks who refuse to grow up. Like me GW!”

Well, what can I say, other than we here in cottage country are in the midst of a really nice day. The sun is shining, the lakes and rivers are calm, and the air carries that sweet scent of pine and wildflowers. It’s the kind of day that makes you appreciate the simple pleasures of life.

You can hear the distant sound of a motorboat now and then, a reminder that even in this peaceful place, folks are out and about, enjoying the water and the warm weather. The birds are singing, and every so often, you catch sight of a deer at the edge of the woods, nibbling on the fresh green shoots.

It’s the kind of day that takes me back to when I was younger, when life was a bit slower, and our connection to nature was stronger. I remember when my kids were little, and we’d spend days like this fishing off the dock, skipping stones, and just being together without the distractions of modern life. Those were good times, and days like today bring back those fond memories.

Highway 522 has slowed down somewhat, but yesterday, my lovely wife Ruth and I took a drive into North Bay to pick up a few things we needed. I have to say, there was a lot of traffic on the highways. But that’s normal for this time of year, with folks wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities.

The stores were busy, but not so much that we couldn’t enjoy ourselves. After we picked up our needs, not our wants, we had a Canadian Pizza at East Side Mario’s. Now, I have to tell you, that’s about the best pizza I’ve ever tasted, and I’ve had quite a few in my day. Washed it down with some iced tea. My wife and I enjoy going there. Ruth’s Italian, so we fit right in, especially with the food.

After that, we picked up a coffee at a little coffee shop and headed on home, taking in the beauty of nature as we drove. The trees were nice and green, and the wildflowers were in full bloom, making for a scenic drive.

All in all, it was one great day! Oh, and the weather couldn’t have been any better. Just a perfect day for a drive. As they say, it’s the simple things in life that bring the most joy. And sometimes, a good pizza and a drive through the countryside with a beautiful woman by your side, are all you need to set things right. Remember, folks, it’s not about what you buy; it’s about the memories you make along the way.

Bug Report: Truth be told, it’s not all that bad out there these days, other than a few pesky deer flies. Once they set their sights on you, they won’t leave you alone. Pain in the… that’s what they are.

With that, I’m off for my breakfast that my little woman is making for me. After that, I’ll see what the day has in store. I never know—every day is a new chapter waiting to be written. And as they say, the best way to face the unknown is with a full belly and a heart ready for whatever comes.

You all have a great day and remember: “You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.”

Wednesday
08/07/24

Major Times
2:30 AM-4:30 AM
2:49 PM-4:49 PM

Minor Times
8:46 AM-9:46 AM
9:37 PM-10:37 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 3-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Crank baits are handy for covering lots of water when you’re fishing. Just reel them in steadily and change up your speed to see what the fish prefer. I’ve always thought of crank baits like a good story: sometimes you need to take it slow and easy, and other times you let it run wild and free. GW

Good Morning!

Food For Thought: I was taught at a very young age that: “If the path seems too easy, it might not be leading anywhere worth going.”

Once again, it’s looking as if we are in for another nice day here in cottage country. The sun is shining and there’s hardly a breath of wind in the air. Sure is nice living here in the north. The lake’s so still it could pass for a mirror, and the birds are having a good old chat at our feeder. You know, days like this make you appreciate the simple things—like a cup of coffee on the porch and the peaceful rustle of leaves. Sometimes, it’s the small pleasures that remind us why we chose this slice of paradise in the first place.

Highway 522 has slowed down a wee bit, but in saying that, my wife and I are still seeing a lot of new faces dropping by our gift shop, picking up one-of-a-kind items made right here in our old woodworking shop. No mass-produced stuff here—just good, honest Canadian craftsmanship. It’s a shame to see so many folks grabbing things from far-off places these days. We should be putting our money into homegrown/made talent/items like we did years ago.

Bug Report; No complaints, best to enjoy it while we can.

On another note, with it being a touch warm yesterday, I spent the day at my computer, chipping away at a couple more stories for the newspapers and magazines I write for. Truth be told, it was one of those days when the words just seemed to flow effortlessly. Sometimes, you get into a groove and everything falls into place, like the stories are practically writing themselves. It’s days like that when you remember why you took up the pen in the first place.

With that, I’m off to enjoy breakfast, thanks to my lovely wife who’s making sure I start the day right. After that, I’ll dive into whatever comes next—more writing, a bit of tinkering in the shop, and maybe even squeezing in a nap if I’m lucky. If breakfast is any indication, it’s shaping up to be a good day. Here’s to hoping the rest of it is as satisfying as my lovely wife’s cooking!

You all have a great day, and I will leave you this morning with this: “The older I get, the better I understand that it’s okay to live a life others don’t understand.“

Sunday
08/04/24

Major Times
12:19 AM-2:19 AM
12:43 PM-2:43 PM

Minor Times
5:23 AM-6:23 AM
8:46 PM-9:46 PM

Day Rating: Other than the heat, it should be a great day for fishing. I give it a 4-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Fish tend to bite better when the barometer drops before a storm. Pay attention to the weather and fish before the rain hits. I have always said. “Fishing with the weather is like fishin’ with a friend—it makes all the difference.”

Good Morning Folks

Food for thought: The sun doesn’t complain about rising every day, and neither should we.

It’s another sunny morning here in cottage country, and I suspect we’re in for another warm day. Truth be told, it’s the humidity that makes it feel a lot warmer than it really is. But it is summer, and we’ve had our share of rain, so there shouldn’t be too many complaints. That said, over the years, not much has changed weather wise here where we live.

On the cooler side of things, starting Monday, a cold front is expected to move in, bringing cooler temperatures and a welcome break from the heat. This shift should make things more comfortable and give us a chance to enjoy the outdoors even more.

Highway 522 has quieted down, with many folks opting to stay close to home or in their cottages. I can’t say I blame them. The taxes these days are ridiculous, and what we get in return doesn’t seem to match up. The powers that be, have driven prices so high, making it hard for people to get out and enjoy themselves. With the rising costs of gas and the burden of paycheck taxes, every outing feels like a strain on the wallet. Personally, I believe paychecks shouldn’t be taxed at all. It’s no wonder people prefer to stay put these days.

Bug Report: No complaints in that department.

On another note, my wife and I have been really busy with folks dropping by our gift shop, along with friends stopping in to say hello and see how we’re doing. It’s nice to see so many faces. And on top of that, with all the work we’ve been doing around our home, tending to the garden, fixing up the house, and working in the woodworking shop, our days are full. But we wouldn’t have it any other way… there’s something special about staying close to home and doing what you love. Which I stated above that a lot of people are doing these days.

Today, with the weather set to be a touch warm, I’m thinking of staying inside and possibly writing up another story or two for my columns. It’s one of those days when the idea of trading the sun for the comfort of my writing desk sounds pretty appealing. Besides, the stories don’t write themselves, though some days it feels like they should!

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my little woman is making. You know, after all these years, I’ve learned that the way to start the day is with her cooking. It’s been over fifty years, and she still manages to make mornings special. Once I’ve had my fill, I’ll see what the day brings, although I’ve learned that with my lovely wife by my side, it’s always worth getting up for.

You all have a great day and remember: “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”

Saturday
08/03/24

Major Times
–:—–:–
11:54 AM-1:54 PM

Minor Times
4:12 AM-5:12 AM
8:21 PM-9:21 PM

Day Rating: Other than the heat it should be 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: Always keep your line tight while fishing. A loose line can mean missing a great catch. I’ve always said: “A slack line is like a poorly tied knot…both will leave you hanging and wondering where you went wrong!”