Good Morning: Where each sunrise is a reminder that yesterday’s troubles are but stepping stones to today’s triumphs. Or in other words, without yesterday, the future would hold no interest.

It’s a beautiful morning here in Cottage country. The sun is shinning, bringing happiness into one’s mind. It seems I always feel better inside when I start the day with sunshine. Maybe it’s the farmer in me, as many a morning while heading back to the orchards years ago, I would have to set down and look up at the sun and take in what she had to offer. I miss my farming days, but I don’t miss the politics that started to surround it. As it is today. These fellows sit in their fancy offices and truth told, most doesn’t know one end of a pitchfork from the other.

So yesterday I did manage to head on out to my woodworking shop and worked away on a new axe handle for an axe I found awhile back, while transplanting some raspberry plants out behind our house. I call them hidden treasures, and I suspect there are millions of items hidden below the earth, waiting for someone to come along and bring them back to their natural glory. You know, I sorta feel bad for ’em. But hey, I’ve always been like that, I treat my tools and stuff like they’re alive. Truth is, they kinda are, in a way. Just like us, as they’re made up of all those tiny molecules and stuff. We’re not so different from them when you think about it.

Today I will carry on as I have a good portion of it finished, but first we are going to have to clean our driveway and our decks of snow, as we did have around 4 inches or so of new stuff, which started around supper time last night for an hour or so. Doesn’t take long to build up where we live here in the north. At any rate, we will be getting some exercise, that’s for certain.

Politician Humor: Politicians are like the weather here in Cottage Country – if you don’t like it, just wait five minutes, and it’ll change! The trouble is, it ain’t always for the better.

With that, I am off for a bit of nourishment that my lovely wife is making for me, and will then mossy on outside and wake up our shovels and snow blower.

Have a great day and remember: Here in the north, we measure distance not by miles, but by the stories shared along the way. Or at least I do. GW

Good Morning! “Another day dawns, another chance to see the world with eyes weathered by time and warmed by memories.” Speaking for myself, of course.

Walking to the woodworking shop this morning, I found the air isn’t as cold as it has been for the past two days. Which means spring is in the air, but in saying that we can still see some not so good weather living where we do.

Highway 522 is quiet this morning, which is to be expected, especially this time of year.

Remember When: Years ago, I remember when a handshake was as good as gold and a man’s word was his bond. Nowadays, you need a lawyer just to say hello.

On another note, yesterday I worked away here at my computer along with feeding my shop stove and our furnace here in the house. My wife she kept busy as usual with her housework, which is never ending, along with looking after me, and trying to keep up with her orders for our gift shop. Busy lady for sure.

Today I am thinking of doing some work in my shop, but we will have to see how that works out, my old body hasn’t been up to par for the past couple days.

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife is preparing for me, and will then see what takes place. One day at a time, sometimes … one hour at a time.

You all have a great day and remember: “Life in the north is like maple syrup – slow to boil, but oh-so-sweet in the end.” GW

Good Morning! They say laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face. Well … let’s hope we have plenty of sunshine today.

On February twenty-four, my wife and I have always set down with the books, to see where we’re at financially … and what adjustments we might need to make it through another year. It’s important to glance ahead and consider what the future holds. As just as seeds today promise crops tomorrow, without tomorrow’s planning, there’s no harvest ahead. Taken from a farmer’s perspective.

Highway 522 is slow this morning, but the good news is, it’s clear of snow and ice, which will make traveling good for those that are in need of some supplies, that can’t be had here in town.

I have always said that you know you’re in a small town when the biggest news of the day is who found a four-leaf clover in their backyard, or who’s growin’ the tallest sunflower. Rivetin’ stuff, I tell ya.

On another note, yesterday I got busy in my woodworking shop getting ready for another project, and with that and getting it warmed up a bit, I plumb forgot about doing my blog. But as they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Politician Humor: How does a politician resemble a snowdrift?
They both promise a lot and seem big at first, but when the sun shines like today, they disappear! It seems it’s been like that all my life, and I have been around for a while.

With that I am off for a bowl of porridge and another grapefruit that my lovely wife has put together for me, and will then see what the day has in store. I am thinking I am going to make an axe handle today for an old Walters Axe I found here on our property a year or so ago. Which should be an interesting project! I will also see about setting up my cameras, and make a video of how I go about it. It will be interesting to see how things unfold, like the story revealing itself … one grain at a time.

You all have a great day and remember: “In a small country town, you’re never lost – just temporarily misplaced, waiting for someone to give you directions, and … maybe a slice of pie.” GW

Good morning, where the stillness of the morning air reminds us to pause, breathe, and appreciate the quiet moments that make country living so special.

It’s a foggy morning here in cottage country, caused by the temperature being a touch warm meeting the cold snow. However, the sky should clear as the morning progresses, with the sun breaking through, giving us some Vitamin D3, which is what we all need to stay healthy. If more folks were taking it as a daily supplement throughout the winter months, and getting outside into the sunshine in the summer months, there would be a lot less trips needed to the doctor’s office. Another thing about vitamin D3 is that these so-called specialists in my mind should be making it part of your check-up, that is for those that gets a check-up. Others like myself, we pretty well know what is wrong with us, and lean towards fixing things on our own. But that is the way things were back in my day, and I never really changed. My old doctor retired now told me George no one knows your body better than you, all you need me for is to chat too about the things you can do yourself. Nice man for sure. It’s hard to find a doctor these days that will take the time to sit and talk to you about things. Another doctor I had many years ago owned a farm like we did and when I went to chat to him most of our chat was about what kind of fertilizer we were going to be putting down on our grapes. Had some great talks too.

Highway 522 is bare this morning, which will make traveling good for those heading on into the larger towns or cities.

On another note, that is exactly what my lovely wife and I did yesterday as we decided being a nice warm day to go into North Bay and pick up a few things that we were in need of. Had a good trip there and back, had lunch at a restaurant there in town, picked up a decaf coffee and headed on home while chatting away to each other, which by the way we are good at. As we have been at it for a good number of years. As a matter of fact, my wife and I are going to celebrate our 51st wedding anniversary next month. Hard to believe as it seems like just yesterday when we got together. Hard to find folks that stay married that long anymore, but there are a few of us old timers still kickin’.

Politician Humor: Years ago, a feller asked me, “George, how does a politician resemble a leaky roof?” “Beats me,” I replied.
“Well, I’ll tell ya. They promise to fix it, but you end up with a bigger mess when they’re done!” I believe that to be true. More so these days.

With that I am off for a bowl of oatmeal and a grapefruit from Florida this morning which will give us some added Vitamin C.

You have a great day and remember, “Troublemakers are like weeds; they’ll pop up wherever there’s fertile ground, but a good gardener/farmer knows how to pull them out.” But hey, I’ve decided to see the bright side – they may be a nuisance, but they sure do contribute to the circle of life! Trouble today, fertilizer tomorrow. GW

Good Morning, where the critters are stirring like they’re plotting something mischievous, and the coffee’s brewing like it’s got secrets to spill!

Heading out to my shop this morning, I soon noticed it’s a lot warmer this morning than it was yesterday. Which in turns means it won’t take all that much wood to heat our home or the shop. I have to admit, there is nothing that can compare to wood heat. Other than hot water. Years ago when we had our farms we installed into our home we built. We sure liked it.

On another note, yesterday I did do a bit of work in my shop and outside playing around with a few things. I also made a video which I will share with folks on my YouTube channel in the coming days. I try and put one new one on a week. So far, it’s been a real hit with folks wanting to see what this old feller is up to. One that I put on a few days ago is now reaching the 100,000 viewers. And people are subscribing daily to see more as I make them live. I have to say I am pretty amazed at how many folks are interested in how we did things years ago.

Highway 522 is pretty well bear this morning, which will make traveling good for those in need of things in the larger towns and cities. We don’t go all that often but every so often my wife and I get the urge to go see what the other half is doing, along with picking up a few things that can’t be found here in town.

Politician Humor: How does a politician resemble a stubborn mule?
Well, they both refuse to budge unless you dangle a carrot or two in front of ’em! And even then when they do move, the things they do, most of the time, costs the working man more money.

With that I am off for a bowl of porridge and a half a grapefruit that my lovely wife once again is making for me. I’m a pretty lucky guy to have a woman like her.

Have a great day and remember, “Trouble is like a stray dog; if you feed it, it’ll keep coming back for more scraps.” GW

Happy Family Day & Good Morning, where the cold’s nippin’ at your nose and the only thing warmer than the sunrise is the fire burning in my wood furnace and shop stove.

And it is a down right cold morning here, waking up in cottage country. The temperature getting out of bed was sitting at -25.1 C | -13.18 F, but in saying that it was a few degrees lower through the night.

The crunching while walking to my woodworking shop was like the sound of gravel under an old truck’s tires. Truth told, it brought back some memories of years past. Winter isn’t finished with us yet, which in some ways is a good thing, as there are folks that rely on the freezing temperatures so they can make ends meet.

On another note, my wife and I were kept busy yesterday cleaning snow from our decks/neighbor, along with our driveway and trails that I make, so I can get to my wood pile for my shop stove. I have to tell you, we both were ready to sit down when all said and done. I am happy though we did it yesterday in the afternoon, as if we didn’t, it would be really hard to move with it being so cold this morning. Once again, my instinct paid off. It’s a gift every human has, but not many people use, or for that matter know it exists. I was taught it by my elders while growing up, something that isn’t done that much anymore. Darn shame too.

Today being so cold, I will work away here in the house for a bit, and then will head on out to my shop, as I have a few projects that I want to make. So all in all, my day as my wife’s will be full. She has been steadily keeping busy working on orders along with getting new things done up for our small gift shop for spring, along with her regular housework and cooking meals. She’s a busy lady.

Highway 522 is partially snow covered and there are some icy sections throughout.

Politician Humor: It was said many years ago, that you can’t trust a politician any more than you can trust a rooster in a hen house – they’ll crow all day, but they ain’t laying no eggs. Pretty well the same as it is today.

With that I am off for a bowl of cereal and a grapefruit that my lovely wife is preparing for me and will then get to doing something.

Have a great day and remember: “Sometimes you’ve got to climb a few fences to see what’s on the other side – just don’t get caught in the barbed wire.” GW

Good Morning! Another sunrise means another chance to chase dreams and mend fences, just like grandpa used to say.

So … we are all waking up to some more snow here in cottage country. I would say we had another good 6 inches or so. Which in turn means my lovely wife and I are going to be getting our exercise. We will also see some more for the next hour or so.

Highway 522 is snow covered this morning which will make traveling not so good, or at least till it melts a bit, which it will do as the day progresses. The good news is the snow is light which will make it easier to move, and the temperature is not too cold. So all in all, not a bad day.

On the subject of Politicians this morning. My old dad used to say back on the farm: Politicians are like foxes in a hen house? They are always up to something, and most of the time you know damn well, it ain’t good!

On another note, yesterday I once again worked away here at my computer and got lots done. Today, well … with all the snow we had, we will be kept busy outside.

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife is getting ready and will then see what the day has in store. Life is a mystery, that’s for certain.

Have a great day, and as my old friend Gray Wolf used to say: “A problem shared is a problem halved, but a problem solved is a problem that won’t come back to haunt you.” GW

Good morning, where the snow blankets the fields and the trees whisper secrets of winters past. That is, if you take the time to listen!

It’s a cold morning waking up here in cottage country. However, the sun is shinning which in turn means that most everything is good, at least at our home.

Highway 522 is snow and ice covered this morning, which will make traveling not so good. But saying that, it has been quiet with most folks staying home these days. Actually, even the crows holler ‘Quiet!’ before they take flight. That is when you see one. I kind of think they are holed up where it’s warm at the moment. But it won’t be long, and they will be back building their nests. My wife and I always look forward to their return, especially those two faithful ones that visit us every year.

On another note, yesterday my wife and I kept busy for the morning clearing snow from our decks/neighbors, along with our driveway. It took us most of the morning. It was cold starting off, but by the time we were finished we both enjoyed a chat sitting on our bench out back of our home. Which in turn cooled us down a bit, before heading on into the house for a hot cup of cocoa. Tasted darn good, too.

Today I have a bit of work left to do here at my computer, and will then head on out to my shop for a bit. Then later on I will chat to our son Karl on the phone, as I have a few things that need looked at here on my computer. He does it remotely. It’s remarkable, really, how he keeps us up to date with all these changes that are taking place in the world. You could say he keeps us moving forward, which is what life’s all about. But you know, it’s not just about the new gadgets and gizmos. There’s something to be said about the old ways, too. They’ve also got their charm and their usefulness, especially when they complement the modern stuff. It’s like having the best of both worlds. Keeps life interesting and well-rounded, just the way it oughta be.

Politician Humor: Why do I say politicians are like a rusty gate?
They make a lot of noise but don’t get you anywhere!

So with that, I am off for my breakfast and will then see what the day has in-store, other than I have planned.

Have a great day and remember: “If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging – unless you’re digging for buried treasure, then keep at it!” GW

Good Morning! Another sunrise, another chance to make mistakes, learn lessons, and … maybe even get it right this time!

It’s a cloudy morning here in cottage country. We did have another six inches of snow yesterday, which means that my wife and I will get our exercise once again this morning.

Highway 522 is partially snow covered, with some icy sections throughout. So winter isn’t quite finished with us country folks yet, but we are closing in on March, so no matter how one looks at things, warmer weather isn’t that far off.

On another note, once again I worked away here at my computer doing up another video I made awhile back. I have to admit so far all I have made is a hit, with a lot of folks watching them. Some have well over 35,000 views and rising, which is sure nice to see. So what that means to me is, there are a lot of folks out there these days, interested in …” Reviving The Simple Life” as it was many years ago. Which is the name of my YouTube Channel.

Politician Humor: Sittin’ by the fire, Joe scratched his head as he heard raccoons rummaging in the trash again. “Seems like critters got more sense than some folks,” he chuckled. “Least they know what they’re after – can’t say the same for them politicians!”

With that, I am off for a bowl of oatmeal and a grapefruit, that my lovely wife is preparing for me, nothing like Florida Grapefruit this time of year. There is no other in the world that can compare to the ones grown in Florida. We have a great neighbor, the USA, that’s for sure.

Have a great day and remember: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way, but sometimes the way might involve a few detours and wrong turns.” GW

Good Morning, where the snow’s saying, ‘I’m baaack!’ and the cold’s saying, ‘I never left!’

We are waking up to some more snow here in Cottage country, and by the looks of the sky and what my old weather station is saying … we could get up to 8 inches or so. It will depend on which way the snow tracks. One thing is for sure, someone is going to get it. And from what I have seen over the years, if anyone gets snow, we do. But as I said, we will see what happens in the coming hours.

Highway 522 does have some snow covered areas, and a few icy sections throughout, which is to be expected with the snow we did get the other day, along with the colder temperatures.

Small Town Humor: You know, they say in small towns, everyone knows your business. Hell, I found that sometimes they know it before I do!

On another note once again I worked here at my computer writing up a couple stories for my newspaper columns, and today being that it is snowing, I think I will carry on with another couple. I will also head on out to my woodworking shop in a bit to put some more wood in the stove, as I like to keep it warm through the winter months, just in case I have an urge to make a few things.

I can’t forget a bit on Politicians: Why did the old farmer say politicians are like weeds?
‘Cause no matter how much you try to get rid of ’em, they keep popping up!

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has prepared for me.

And remember, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink – unless you’ve got a salt lick handy, or …. a carrot or two.”

You all have a great day! GW

Good Morning, where the sun’s greeting us with open arms like a long-lost friend, but the cold’s giving us the cold shoulder!

Yes it is a cold one waking up here in Cottage country, but as I said, the sun is shinning which makes it feel a lot nicer. The temperature at the time of this post was sitting at … -17.4 C | 0.68 F

Highway 522 does have some icy sections throughout, especially going towards Highway 69, but it’s always that way, or so it seems. I find that time slows down driving on Highway 522 chocked up to all the neat things you see along the way. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about enjoyin’ the journey, one mile at a time.

Politician Humor: “Back in my day, politicians were like hens in a hen house, always clucking, never laying any eggs! They haven’t changed all that much over the years.”

On another note, yesterday, my wife and I managed to get our driveway cleaned out and the snow off our decks. Took us a bit, but we enjoyed the fresh air and the exercise was nice too. In part.

Today, well, I never really know what I will be doing, I reckon you could say I’m like a prospector with a rusty shovel, digging for nuggets of wisdom, occasionally striking it rich, and always discovering little treasures along the way! Life is sure interesting to say the least.

With that, I am off for a bowl of porridge that my lovely wife is making for me.

Have a great day, and remember: A fence that’s built to last is built one post at a time. Take each day as it comes, GW

Good morning! Where last night’s snowfall turned the town into a picture-perfect scene straight out of a holiday card! Actually better.

So we all woke up to some snow here in cottage country. I would say so far we had 6 or so inches. Which means I will have to wake up our snowblower a bit later on today or … wait until tomorrow. It’s still snowing, so I will wait till it has it out of its system. The good news is, the snow is real light, which will make shoveling a lot easier.

Highway 522 is snow covered throughout, and so far this morning I have only seen one truck roll by our home. But If you are planning on going somewhere today, remember: Fresh snow is as slippery as a politician in election season! Keep a grip and stay safe!

Dad would sometimes tell me tales of winters past, about when the snow was piled so high that it covered the fences and turned the world into a sparkling wonderland. “Why, you couldn’t tell where the yard ended, and the sky began!” he’d say, his eyes twinkling with the memories of what it was like when he was growing up. I would smile, knowing … that, in the north, winter isn’t just a season, it’s a way of life. As it is here in Cottage country today.

On another note, I worked once again here at my computer, writing up a couple more stories for my newspaper columns. I like to get a few ahead so I won’t have to be sitting in the house when the warm weather arrives. I do enjoy writing, though, and look forward to bringing words to life. But I must say that this winter so far, I have been doing more things outside than I was doing. Which is a good thing, as it keeps the mind spry and body moving, and I sure need it. And with the snow we had overnight, my wife and I will be getting some more exercise a bit later on in the day, or tomorrow.

With that, I am off for a bowl of porridge and a piece of toast that my lovely wife has put together for me, and then will see what the day has in store.

I hope you all have a great day, and remember: “You can’t milk a cow by whispering sweet nothing’s. Sometimes you have to roll up your sleeves, grab a bucket, and get your hands dirty – just watch out for the kickback.”

You might have had to milked cows by hand to understand that statement. GW