Good Morning, and as my old dad used to say: Life’s like a good cup of coffee; take it slow and savor every drop.

It’s one beautiful day here in the north. The rain has left us, for a while, the sun is shinning with just a couple of fluffy clouds, the humidity is starting to drop, and the wind coming in from the North West is light. You could say it’s been a perfect spring and summer so far. And by the looks of things it is going to continue. “What’s all the fuss about global warming? Sure, there are changes happening in some parts of the world, but it’s nothing the planet hasn’t experienced before.”

On another note, we did have a lot of much-needed rain over the past week or so, which really made everything start growing. Today, I plan on doing some hoeing in my vegetable gardens, as those pesky weeds are starting to show themselves in earnest. I just cut them off and leave them where they fall, since they rot and act as fertilizer. It would be a shame to waste them.

I remember years ago when my wife and I were farming. Every winter, we had to trim our grapevines, which left a lot of brush between the rows. Most people would drag it out in piles and burn it, but I had an idea. I decided to hook up my rotary mower to the back of the tractor and cut the brush into small pieces, thinking I wouldn’t have to burn it anymore, which would save a lot of work. It worked great! Before long, folks from miles around were doing it too. Another benefit was that the small pieces would rot and act as fertilizer, which the plants loved. Sometimes, it just takes a bit of ingenuity, which isn’t as common today.

Highway 522 has picked up a wee bit, but not as much as it has over the past years. But that could change being that we are heading into July. Thinking of that, it seems time is sure flying by fast this year.

Bug Report: As I mentioned in my last post, the black flies have left us for another year, but with all this warm, wet weather, the mosquitoes are having a field day feasting on us humans. Additionally, the deer flies are particularly bad this year. They are so bad that they are forcing deer and moose out of the bush and onto the highways. We saw several spots along the highway going into town yesterday covered with blood where someone had hit one. So, best to be careful if you are out and about.

Today along with doing some hoeing in the gardens I am also going to get this old boat of mine ready to put out front of our home for sale. I was going to do it the other day but got side tracked. Which is normal for my wife and I, as we head off to do one thing and a lot of times do something totally different. Such is life living here in the country.

With that I am off for my breakfast that my little woman is preparing for me and will then, enjoy a cup of coffee on the front porch with my lovely wife, before I get to work, just because I can.

You all have a great day and don’t forget, every day’s a gift. Take care, folks

Fishing Times for Wednesday
06/26/24

Major Times
4:20 AM-6:20 AM
4:45 PM-6:45 PM

Minor Times
–:—–:–
10:05 AM-11:05 AM

Day Rating: I give it a 1-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Not the greatest day for fishing but hey! You never know. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Look for bubbles on the water’s surface. They’re often a sign of fish movin’ below, stirrin’ up the bottom. Cast your line where you see the bubbles, and you might find a school of fish.

“Good morning on this June 24th, 2024. Another day, another chance to make it count.”

It’s looking like a nice day is shaping up for us here in Cottage Country. Which is fine with me after all the rain we have had in the past few days. But the good news is it will cut down most off all the forest fires in our area. And along with that the trees, plants and things, all had a nice drink. I think our vegetable gardens grew a foot, especially our tomatoes, lettuce, pumpkins, zucchini, squash and corn. Which means we will be having some more fresh veggies and things for our table sooner than later. Although, we have been eating fresh lettuce every day.

Now, let me tell you this: I have no use for that hydroponically grown stuff. I’ve been growing vegetables all my life in good old dirt, and there’s just no comparison. Plants need soil to get what they need to stay healthy. The richness of the earth gives them a taste and nutritional profile you just can’t get with those water-based growing methods.

The soil-grown veggies are the real deal. There’s something about the way the roots dig into the ground and pull up all those nutrients that make them taste better, and be better for you. It’s the way nature intended, and that’s the way I like it. You can’t beat the flavor and wholesomeness of a vegetable grown in good, honest dirt.

On another note, yesterday being so wet once again, I worked steadily here at my computer writing up stories for my newspaper columns I write for. I had another productive day, which always puts a smile on my face.

Today I am going to clean up my boat, motor and trailer that I am selling, and hook up the trolling motor. It’s a nice combination for someone that enjoys being out on the water. After that, I have some weeds to look after, in our vegetable gardens. They also are liking all this rain we have had.

Highway 522 is not too busy these days, but closing in on the long weekend, I suspect things will pick up a bit.

Bug Report: Other than them bloodsucking parasites, the mosquitoes, things are pretty good these days. The black flies have left us for another year, but in saying that in some areas the deer flies are pretty bad.

With that, I am off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me, and will then head on outdoors and enjoy some of that much-needed sunshine. It’s what everything that is alive here on earth needs to stay healthy.

You all have a great day and remember: “It’s in the simple moments, that we find the greatest joys. Take care and enjoy your day!”

Fishing Times for Monday
06/24/24

Major Times
2:31 AM-4:31 AM
3:00 PM-5:00 PM

Minor Times
7:23 AM-8:23 AM
11:18 PM-12:18 AM

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

Advice from an Old Angler: You can’t go wrong with a juicy nightcrawler. Thread it on your hook, let it wiggle a bit, and watch the fish come swimmin’. They’re like candy for fish. GW

Good Morning! And as I have always said: “The secret to a long life? Keep breathin’ and don’t take yourself too seriously.”

It’s a muggy, damp morning here in Northern Ontario. The rain poured down all night, sometimes really coming down hard, giving everything a good soak. Now, let’s break down the upcoming weather.

There’s a persistent heatwave hanging around down south. Our northern climate and the occasional thunderstorm are trying to push it away, but it’s a stubborn one, bouncing back stronger each time, almost like it has a mind of its own.

Next weekend, a hefty storm is forecasted to sweep through, bringing rough conditions close to our borders, and maybe us here too. Meaning a few storms and a drop in temperatures, but nothing too extreme. Looks like we’ll be holding onto the warm weather for a while longer.

So, expect some possible storms and a bit of cooling, but it’ll generally stay pretty warm for us here in cottage country.

Highway 522 has slowed down some, but with the long weekend approaching, things will pick up by midweek. This is normal for our area during the summer months. However, many people are struggling due to excessive taxation and the high cost of living. The situation overseas with ongoing wars only adds to our concerns.

We need to stop pouring money into other countries when we need help here in Canada. Our country is heading towards bankruptcy with all this spending, and it’s not making any difference. Countries like Russia and its allies are stronger than ever. We should focus on strengthening our own nation. Right now, we are losing our ability to sustain a good quality of life. And truth told… is what our unfriendly countries want.

Helping other countries is important, but if we don’t prioritize our own needs first, we won’t be able to help anyone, including ourselves, in the future. We need to take care of Canada so we can be strong and self-sufficient, and we need to do it now………

On another note, since it was so wet yesterday, I decided to work on a few more stories for my weekly newspaper columns. It turned out to be a great day for writing, and I managed to get several done. With the weather being what it is this morning, I think I’ll keep the momentum going and continue writing. As a writer, when the words are flowing, it’s best to strike while the iron is hot!

With that I am off for some pancakes that my lovely wife is making for me and will then see what the day has in store.

Have a great day and don’t forget, a good day starts with a hearty breakfast and ends with a grateful heart. See y’all tomorrow!

Fishing Times for Sunday
06/23/24

Major Times
1:32 AM-3:32 AM
2:02 PM-4:02 PM

Minor Times
6:04 AM-7:04 AM
10:46 PM-11:46 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 3-star rating for catching a few, that is, if the rain leaves us. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: “After a good rain, the run-off brings all sorts of goodies into the water. Fish love to feed on worms and bugs that get washed in. Grab your gear and head out after a good rain for some prime fishin’.”