“Howdy & Good Morning to Ya! They say the early bird gets the worm, but at my age, I’m more interested in the coffee. Let’s start this day right!”

It’s one nice lookin’ day here in cottage country. The sun is shining, with just a couple of fluffy clouds drifting lazily across the sky. It’s a perfect day for relaxing on your front porch, working in the garden, or maybe throwing a line in the water to catch your supper. However you choose to spend it, today is shaping up to be a beautiful one.

On another note, yesterday, my wife and I managed to get the grass cut in the afternoon. It was quite a challenge with the heat, but we got it done, and I must say, it sure is looking nice. I can’t begin to tell you how well our vegetable garden is growing; truth be told, it has never looked this good. And with that nice rain we had, the lettuce and spinach have grown a good four inches or so. That means… we’ll be having our first lettuce salad from our garden tonight with supper. Now, what could be better than that?

Today, I’m planning to put in that row of winter potatoes so come fall, we won’t have to be running to the store. The potatoes in the grocery stores these days are getting worse and worse—soft, sprouting eyes, and sometimes even rotten ones in the bag. It’s a sad state of affairs, considering we live in a country that once had some of the greatest farmland in the world.

Nowadays, though, a lot of that good land is being covered with houses. Our powers that be keep saying we need more homes for immigrants. Now, don’t get me wrong, there’s a need for new homes, but it shouldn’t be at the taxpayers’ expense. If someone wants to buy a new home, the cost should fall on them, not the rest of us.

And while I’m on the subject, there’s plenty of land out there that’s not so great for growing fruits and vegetables. That’s where homes should be built, not on our prime farmland. I also believe that too much immigration isn’t good for us either. From what I’ve seen and learned over the years, we’re going to pay the piper for it here in Canada if we don’t bring it under control.

The bottom line is, immigration as it stands now isn’t about what’s good for our country; it’s about votes. That’s my feeling on the subject. Hmm, how did I get onto that? Sheesh! Anyway, on to other things.

Highway 522 is bustling with more traffic every day now, as campers and tourists flock into our area. Many of them have been stopping by to visit our gift shop and take a look around our property, curious about how we keep it so beautiful. It seems folks always leave here with a smile and a bit of that peace we’ve worked hard to cultivate over the years. It’s mighty rewarding to see.

With that… I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has prepared for me and will then head on out to our front porch and take in our beautiful piece of paradise.

Fishing Times for Friday
06/14/24

Major Times
6:37 AM-8:37 AM
6:56 PM-8:56 PM

Minor Times
1:12 AM-2:12 AM
1:11 PM-2:11 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 2-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few today. Good Luck!

Fishing Tip Of The Day: Being that it is going to get hot for the next few days, you have to remember that hot days can slow down the fishin’. Keep your bait cool by storin’ it in a shaded spot or usin’ a cooler with ice packs. Fresh bait makes all the difference.

“Good morning’, the rooster’s callin’. And as I have always said: A day well begun is half done.”

Looking outside this morning, we are seeing some rain, accompanied by the sound of thunder. It appears the rain will continue for a couple of hours and should stop around 9:00 or 10:00 AM. If we’re lucky, we might even see some sunshine afterward. However, the rain is expected to return later this afternoon.

Being Thursday it’s our mowing day, but as last week, it might have to wait for a couple of hours before we can get to it. Not much we can do about that. On the bright side, the grass isn’t growing as quickly, making the task a bit easier for us two old timers.

On another note, yesterday, my wife and I spent the entire day working around our property. We got so much done, I can’t even remember everything we tackled. There’s always something to keep us busy when you own your own home. But you know, it’s satisfying to own our place outright these days. Some folks say to me, “George, it must be nice not having a mortgage and living where you do.” I tell them, “Well, you’re not wrong, but it took a whole lot of hard work and time to get here.” Seems like nowadays, some folks want everything right away without putting in the sweat and time like we had to do. Now I said some folks. Sheesh. Back in my day, you could speak your mind without tiptoeing around everyone’s feelings. Nowadays, mentioning a few folks and suddenly you’re on trial! Can’t offend this, can’t ruffle that—it’s like navigating a social minefield with a blindfold on!

Highway 522 was on the slow side yesterday traffic wise, but being that the weekend is closing in on us, it will pick up a bit.

Bug Report: Black Flies are all but gone now, mosquitoes are out there but not so bad in the sun. Actually, yesterday I never noticed any while working outdoors with my lovely wife.

With that, I am off for a bowl of cereal, and we will then have to see what this weather is going to do. If it keeps on raining I will write up a story or two for my columns, I like to have a few in reserve. If the rain stops, we will get to mowing.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you this morning with this: “Keep your boots dry and your heart light.”

Fishing Times for Thursday
06/13/24

Major Times
5:57 AM-7:57 AM
6:17 PM-8:17 PM

Minor Times
12:57 AM-1:57 AM
12:07 PM-1:07 PM

Day Rating: Not the greatest day to be out there fishing, I give it a 1-star rating out of 5 for catching a few. But if you do decide to head on out, don’t forget your raincoat and… Good Luck!

Fishing Tip/Wisdom of The Day: When the fish are nibblin’ but not takin’, try this trick: tie on two hooks about an inch apart. Thread your bait through both hooks. Sometimes, they can’t resist takin’ a second bite!

Good Morning! Living this long, one thing that I am certain of, and that is the best things in life are the simple mornings like this.

Waking up in cottage country, it’s a bit cloudy, but the sun will break through soon. This is good news because I have some weeds to take care of in our vegetable garden. Some folks dislike weeds, but I see them as an asset. When they first appear, I cut them off and let them lie around our plants. This creates a fantastic fertilizer, rich in nutrients that our plants love and need. Many people spend a lot of money on store-bought fertilizer, but the truth is, if you look closely, everything you need to grow delicious veggies is usually right in front of you.

Yesterday, I spent the whole day tinkering on a new creation for our fishpond, and I must say, it turned out right nice. Now, my wife is busy making a fine sign to hang from it, explaining what it is and putting the finishing touch on the project. We’ve always been a good team, her and me, and we always will be. Funny how some couples do everything apart; I reckon that’s why a lot of marriages don’t last. For us, what’s mine is hers and what’s hers is mine. We also share all our thoughts, good or bad. That kind of mutual support and collaboration keeps our bond strong and makes all our projects that much more satisfying.

Highway 522 did pick up a wee bit yesterday traffic wise, and if the past tells a story it should continue.

Bug Report: Actually yesterday, other than a few pesky mosquitoes annoying us while had our coffee in the shade, things were pretty good.

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me, and will then head on outside and take care of them weeds in our vegetable garden, and if time, I will plant a row of late potatoes for winter. I sure do love my potatoes, gravy, and… horseradish, let me tell ya. And you thought it was just gravy and potatoes, didn’t ya? Nope! It’s the horseradish that gives it that extra kick. It’s like a square dance in my mouth, and the horseradish is the caller, keeping everyone on their toes!

You all have a great day, and I will leave you this morning with this: “Sometimes you have to let go of the old to make way for the new – even if it’s just an old pair of boots.”

Fishing Times for Wednesday
06/12/24

Major Times
5:16 AM-7:16 AM
5:37 PM-7:37 PM

Minor Times
12:39 AM-1:39 AM
11:02 AM-12:02 PM

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

Fishing Tip of The Day: “Fishin’ ain’t the same all year round. Spring’s for spawnin’, summer’s for deep water, fall’s for feedin’, and winter’s for slowin’ down. Know your seasons, and you’ll know your fish.”

Good Morning! Life’s short, but mornings like this make it all worthwhile. Enjoy the little things today.

It looks like a beautiful day is unfolding here in Northern Ontario. The sun is shining brightly in a cloudless sky. Earlier, as I took a walk around our property, I noticed our yellow lilies in full bloom. They looked so stunning that I had to pause for a few minutes to fully appreciate their beauty. I can’t seem to get enough of what nature has to offer; it feels like an addiction I simply can’t resist.

However, the temperature did drop quite low overnight, hovering just above the frost line. I was a bit worried there for a while, but everything turned out okay. You never know what Mother Nature has in store, and like all women, she can be quite unpredictable.

Highway 522 isn’t too busy these days, but activity is picking up with many campers and trailers moving into our area for the summer. It’s kind of nice to see new faces and the area bustling a bit. However, as much as I enjoy the influx of visitors, I hope our community doesn’t grow too fast and that we can maintain the solitude we enjoy. It’s a delicate balance, welcoming tourists while preserving the tranquility we love.

On another note, being so cool and gloomy yesterday, I made the best of it by working here in my computer writing up a few stories for my newspaper columns. Worked out pretty good with three new ones ready to go.

Today though, being the sun is upon us looking and feeling good, I am planning on doing some staining on part of my woodworking shop. After that I have some welding to do on a project my wife and I are creating, and after that… well I am thinking a drink and some front porch sittin’ will be in order for the remainder of the day.

Bug Report: Black Flies are pretty well gone, but the mosquitoes are out in full force, but with the sun out and the dragon flies roaming around looking for a meal, it shouldn’t be all that bad.

With that I am off for my morning bowl of cereal that my lovely wife has made for me, and will then have a cup of hot cocoa and head on out to my woodworking shop. I also think I will have to wake up my hoe, as the weeds in our vegetable garden are starting to show themselves.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this: “Trouble is like rain; it’s bound to come, but it’ll pass. It always does.”

Fishing Times for Tuesday
06/11/24

Major Times
4:33 AM-6:33 AM
4:55 PM-6:55 PM

Minor Times
12:18 AM-1:18 AM
9:54 AM-10:54 AM

Day Rating: I give it a 2-star rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Fishing tip of the Day: “If the bees are busy and the birds are chirpin’, it’s a good day to fish. Nature’s critters know when it’s a good time to be out and about.”

Good Morning! Living where we do, I found that the land away from the cities for some whisper old stories. So why not take a walk and let them fill your mind of what’s to come, and what has taken place years ago. Never fear the past or the future, as they are merely chapters in the book of your life… each holding lessons that shape your journey and lead you to your true self.

It is a bit cloudy here waking up in cottage country, but that being said the sun will eventually make her appearance, oh…. I would say around 9:00 or 10:00 AM, and it should remain with us for the remainder of the week, and along with that it will warm up starting tomorrow.

Here we are, starting the second week in June, and we had to turn on our oil furnace just to take the edge off the cold and damp this morning. So much for global warming? Now, don’t get me wrong… I’m all for doing our part to help the planet. But let’s take a closer look. Here in Canada, our efforts are just a drop in the bucket. What we are doing to help the environment hardly makes a dent… it’s like a drop of water on a pin. Now the larger countries are the real culprits these days, and until they step up, well… things won’t get better.

But it’s not just humans causing havoc on our world. Not by a long shot. There are natural factors at play too, like volcanoes and forest fires, among many others. And let’s not forget, at least in my mind, that the Arctic used to be warm years ago. So, I think a lot of what’s happening today, might just be a natural occurrence. But hey, to each their own on what they believe, as I’ve always said.

On another note, my wife and I took a trip to North Bay yesterday to pick up my laptop. Our son Karl installed a new hard drive because the old one had given up the ghost. It seems that companies today use the cheapest parts they can find, which in turn don’t last long, which is exactly how they want it, so they can make more money. And, of course, we consumers end up paying the price. While there we took him out to Casey’s for lunch, had a nice chat, picked up a few groceries and things, picked up a coffee for the road, and headed on home enjoying each other’s company and taking in nature that was all around us. All in all, a good day.

Today I am going to do some work here at my computer setting things back to how I had them, and if time maybe being a bit cool outside, I will write up a story or two for my newspaper columns.

Highway 522 is still pretty quiet, not too many folks roaming around, but I suspect things will pick up as it always does come the end of the month.

Bug Report: The ones now irritating folks are the mosquitoes, as they sure like this damp weather. Once the sun comes back out, things should get better. There are a few blackflies still around, but for most parts they have left for another year, which is fine with me.

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has gotten ready for me, and will then enjoy the day as it should be.

You all have a great day and remember: A quiet morning with a hot cup of cocoa is worth more than a noisy day in the city.

Fishing Times for Monday
06/10/24

Major Times
3:45 AM-5:45 AM
4:09 PM-6:09 PM

Minor Times
–:—–:–
8:44 AM-9:44 AM

Day Rating: Not the greatest day for fishing, I give it a 1-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few!
Fishing Tip of The Day: Patience ain’t just a virtue; it’s a requirement. Sit still and quiet like a rock. Fish can sense a jittery fisherman a mile away. GW

“Good morning! Being a farmer, I have learned that the farm teaches us that every problem has a solution – you just need to dig deep enough to find it.”

It’s a cloudy morning here in cottage country, and we are having some light rain off and on. The rain along with cooler temperatures will remain with us right up till Monday. After that… things are looking pretty good weather wise.

Bug Report: The black flies are still around, but they’re not too bad. Mosquitoes, on the other hand, are a nightmare. Those blood sucking parasites are out there like tiny vampires, ready to suck up every drop of blood they can find! Reminds me of… well, I won’t get into that this morning.

Highway 522 hasn’t been all that bad for the past few days, but that is to be expected with the not so good weather, along with the bugs. But things will pick up a bit when the kids are out of school for the summer.

On another note, yesterday my wife and I started mowing, but we had to stop because of the rain. Fortunately, we managed to finish up after lunch when it cleared up for a few hours, which was all we needed. I have to say, our property sure looks nice when it’s all manicured. No need for us to go to any resort or park, that’s for sure.

Moving along, our gift shop has seen a lot of new faces, with folks stopping by and picking up their favorite items. It’s been great to see so many people enjoying what we have to offer. The steady flow of customers has really brightened up the place, and it’s wonderful to see our shop buzzing with activity.

Today, I’m planning to tidy up my woodworking shop a bit. After that, I’ll get busy making some comfrey fertilizer and comfrey insecticide for our fruit trees. Over the years, I’ve replanted many comfrey plants, and now they’re growing all over our property. Comfrey is one of the most useful plants you can have, especially if you grow your own fruits and vegetables. Not to forget the health related benefits it offers.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife is making for me: a bacon and cheese toasted sandwich topped with some lettuce. I don’t have bacon very often, but every so often, I get the urge. Just the smell of the bacon cooking makes my mouth water. After that, a hot cup of cocoa will be in order and when finished, I will head on out to my woodworking shop.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this: “Sometimes the best therapy is a walk in the woods and a deep breath of fresh country air.” Which is something my wife and I have lots of here in the north.

Fishing Times for Friday
06/07/24

Major Times
12:58 AM-2:58 AM
1:28 PM-3:28 PM

Minor Times
5:22 AM-6:22 AM
10:30 PM-11:30 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 4-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few today!

Fishing tip of the Day: Over the years, I have learned that… some of the old folks got stories and tips that ain’t in any book. Listen well to those, ’cause their words are worth their weight in gold. Now mind ya I said some, not all!

Good Morning! “Remember, in life, you can’t harvest what you don’t plant. Let’s make sure we’re planting the right things today.”

It’s a bit cloudy here in cottage country this morning, but we are seeing some sunshine. We also had some much-needed rain, yesterday, which started late in the day and lasted for a few hours. It came down so hard it filled our rain barrels in about ten minutes. I am happy about that, as now we will have lots to last till our next rain. At least, I think we will, we will have to see, it all depends on how hot it gets. More heat, the more water we need.

On another note, my wife and I took a trip to visit an old friend of ours in Coldwater for a couple of days. It sure was nice to see her. After that we headed on over to Orillia to do some shopping and then moseyed on to Huntsville where we spent the night. Had a nice meal at Kelsey’s, enjoyed our room at the Best Western, had breakfast which was included with our night’s stay, and headed on home, taking in sights we haven’t seen in a while. All in all, we had a good trip, but as always, it is nice to be home. The more I see the hustle and bustle of city life, the more I love the peace and quiet of our northern country property. Living here in the countryside, I really hope it doesn’t get any busier than it already is. We moved here to enjoy the peace and solitude, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s not that we don’t enjoy the company of others, but there’s something special about the quiet charm of this place that we’d like to preserve. Simple livin’ suits us just fine.

And then when we arrived home, I booted up my computer and found that the hard drive died, so we had to take it into North Bay for my son to fix. So that will take him a week or so, as he is very busy at work. Luckily, I have him to help me out, along with my old one to fall back on, which I am using now. Other than that, things are rolling along these days.

Highway 522 is picking up with traffic every day now, with more tourists and cottage owners closing in on us, and it will remain that way now for the next three months.

Bug Report; There are still a few black flies irritating folks, but for most parts the dragon flies have cleaned them up. We have lots of them flying around my shop and gardens, which is nice to see. Some even land on my old hat occasionally for a rest. The mosquitoes are out there in full force, but as with the black flies, the dragon flies are chowing down on them as well.

With that I’m off to enjoy my morning breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me, and then I’ll wake up our mowers since it’s mowing day for us, which will take up the morning. After that, I’ll tidy up my woodworking shop, and then if the sun is still shining, we’ll spend some time relaxing in our lawn chairs out front, taking in the sights of our new fishpond, and the water wheel I made a while back. There’s always something to appreciate living here, surrounded by nature.

You all have a great day and remember: “Life’s simple: work hard, treat folks right, and take time to watch the sunset.”

Fishing Times for Thursday
06/06/24

Major Times
–:—–:–
12:28 PM-2:28 PM

Minor Times
4:31 AM-5:31 AM
9:30 PM-10:30 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 4-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Fishing Tip of the Day: Over the years I have learned that on hot days, fish like to stay cool, just like us. Cast your line in the shady spots and under overhangs where they’re likely to be hiding. GW