All posts by George Walters

News, Information & Events, What's Happening

Summer Cottage For Rent in Port Loring Ontario

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So after a lot of work, we now have a small cottage for rent here by our home. Sleeps two. None Smoking, No Pets. It has everything one needs and then some.

Other than a nice location, it comes with a barbecue on the deck and a fire pit with free campfire wood. All utensils, air conditioning, electric space heater, Small Fridge with small freezer, High Speed Internet (Star Link) … Satellight TV (Shaw,)

It is also walking distance from two restaurants, two hardware stores, gift shops along with the LCBO almost right across the street. And to top it off, we are surrounded by some great places to fish.

We also have a small gift shop on the property and a vegetable garden with lots of fresh veggies when in season. Nothing like a tasty toasted tomato sandwich.

For more information, pricing and dates, you can call us at 705 757 1640. Your Hosts George & Ruth Walters.

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Gardening

It’s That Time of Year … Garlic Scapes

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Don’t throw them garlic scapes away. My wife takes them in the house, cuts them into small pieces and puts them onto trays in our dehydrator. Once dry, she grinds them up and puts it in small glass jars and stores them in a cool, dry dark place. Come winter she adds a dash here and a dash there in her soups, stews, spaghetti sauce or what ever. It makes things taste just that much better along with having tons of health benefits. This Dehydrator works quite well.

What more can you ask for?

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News, Information & Events

Fire Ban For Port Loring Info

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A note by the Argyle Fire Department here in Port Loring issued on July 11/2023 at 3:54 PM

Hello everyone, I’m sure it’s news that a lot of people want to hear, we have just been informed that the fire ban has been lifted for our area. We are still under the no daytime burning ban which means you can only burn from two hours before sunset until two hours after sunrise, we would like to thank everyone for their cooperation and patience during the time of the fire ban and thank you for keeping our area fire safe. Thank you.

Weather, What's Happening

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on July 13/2023

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Good Morning!

It’s a cloudy, rainy morning here in cottage country waking up, and by the looks of things it will continue like this for most of the day. However, we do need the rain, or more so the earth needs the rain along with everything on it. The good news is I don’t have to water my vegetable garden today. The not so good news is we were going to cut our grass this morning, but it will have to wait. Probably tomorrow.

Highway 522 is very quiet for this time of year due to the cost of things. Simply put, most folks can’t afford to go anywhere or do things they want to do, being taxed to death. There isn’t much that isn’t taxed these days, hell, even when you die they are taxing folks on everything you worked all your life for. And it shouldn’t be that way. A day of reckoning is coming, let me tell ya. My old Dad always said, what goes around, comes around. And I believe that to be true. I just wished it would happen sooner than later to certain folks. I guess that is how we humans learn patience. Ha ha.

But Report: All is well these days in that department.

On another note, being Market Day here in town, my wife and I decided to head on into North Bay to pick up some supplies and things. The local market here doesn’t carry the specific things we require. I have to admit it was busy in North Bay with most of the parking lots were full of cars. While there we picked up what we needed, had our lunch in our car while people watching, chatted to a couple that was from our town doing the same as we were doing and then headed on home. All in all, it was a great day, other than the cost of things.

Today my wife and I will take it a bit easy being that it is raining outside, I might head on out to my old woodworking shop as I do have some projects on the go and my shop does need a bit of cleaning. Then later I will pick some fresh beans and garlic for supper. They sure are tasty this time of year.

Have a great day. GW

Weather, What's Happening

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on July 12/2023

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Good Morning!

Well, it’s a bit cloudy this morning, but the sun is trying her hardest to break through, and it will as the day moves forward. There is a slight chance of a sprinkle of rain later on. The thunderstorm that went past us yesterday didn’t amount to anything. And by the looks of things, there isn’t hardly any rain now for the next week. But the good news is the temperatures are going to be perfect for doing about anything outside.

Highway 522 is quiet these days, not many people moving around, other than the locals. There is also a lot of building going on, as I noticed a lot of truck loads of lumber moving up and down the highway. Not sure if that is a good thing or not. Time will tell.

Bug Report: Other than a few deer flies, things are good these days.

On another note, my wife and I worked outside most of the day yesterday. We had to fix our eve trough on our cottage which took most of the morning, after that we did some trimming of our bushes around the place. It sure is nice being able to get outside and do a few things. Today I will clean up my shop a bit and my lovely wife will look after customers that come into our gift shop along with other things. Lots to do this time of year, but in saying that, we are getting things done and doing things we enjoy. I also put my Hoe to work yesterday, working up around our plants in our vegetable gardens. I enjoy doing that, takes my mind off the not so good things and puts it on the straight and narrow. Which is what is needed in this old world of ours these days.

With that I am off for another bowl of oatmeal and will then see what the day has in store.

Have a great day. GW

Weather, What's Happening

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on July 11/2023

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Good Morning!

It looks like we are in for another really nice day here in Cottage Country. The sun is shinning and the temperatures you could say are … just perfect. However, there is a slight chance of a thunderstorm later on this morning.

Highway 522 has actually been slow for the past few days. I suspect with the price of things along with the forest fires, people are staying home. And I can’t say I blame them. And on top of that, a lot of people are losing their homes with the increase in interest on their mortgages. We here in Canada are being taxed to death, some say it’s the price we pay for what we have today. And I would be okay with that if … the tax money was going to the right places here in Canada. Which it isn’t. You know, I have come to the conclusion this war or wars that are being fought isn’t really about wanting to take over another country, I believe it’s about depleting the rich countries of their resources, which they are doing quite rapidly. I could be wrong, but I don’t think so.

Bug Report: All is well these days, no complaints other than a few pesky deer flies.

On another note, I finished sprucing up our swing I made awhile back. A feller has to keep on top of these things. Either that or lose them. Actually, it’s that way with a lot of things if you own your own home. Seems there is always something to take your hard-earned money, be if food, gas, lumber, appliances, new roofs, or what ever.

With that I am off for a bowl of oatmeal my lovely wife made for me and will then see what the day has in store, other than what I have planned. You never know.
Have a good day. GW

Gardening

Supper Last Night

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My lovely wife prepared a delightful supper last night, which you can see in the picture below. It was not only delicious but also a healthy meal choice. The plate consists of sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables, and a mouthwatering homemade meatloaf. To add some extra flavor, there are a few pieces of aged three-year-old cheese. And, of course, there’s a dollop of ketchup, as I simply can’t enjoy supper without it. Although during tomato season, I would forgo the ketchup. It won’t be long before we can savor the homegrown tomatoes once again.

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Gardening

Our Vegetable Garden

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Growing your own vegetables may seem difficult to some, but it’s actually quite simple. If you have a little bit of space, which doesn’t require much, you can grow the same vegetables that I am growing in the pictures below. And the best part is, you’ll save money because you won’t have to buy them from the grocery store every week, where you don’t know where they were grown or what chemicals were used on them.

Another great benefit of working in your own garden is that it keeps your body active, strong, and healthy. Instead of spending money on drugs or visiting the doctor every month, you can find the solution right outside your back door.

Food for thought.

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Gardening, Ruth's Dishes

Garlic Scapes

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For those that haven’t removed their Scapes from the garlic, this is the time to do it. But don’t throw them away, cut them off, bring them into the house, chop them into small pieces and put them in a dehydrator, if you have one. Then once dry take out your coffee grinder and grind them up into a powder and come winter you will have an abundant supply of garlic powder for your soups and stews. There isn’t anything more tasty than them, and not to forget how healthy they are for you. But wait, there’s more! These Scapes aren’t just ridiculously delicious; they’re also great in an Avocado Dip, or you can add them to your Spaghetti dinner with a touch of Olive Oil. Makes me hungry just thinking about them.

Here’s a recipe for an old-time avocado dip with Garlic Scapes:

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1-2 garlic scapes
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Begin by preparing the garlic scapes. Trim off any tough ends and chop them finely.
  2. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop out the flesh into a bowl.
  3. Mash the avocados with a fork or a potato masher until you achieve a smooth consistency.
  4. Add the chopped garlic scapes, onion, tomato, lime juice, cumin powder, salt, and pepper to the mashed avocados. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
  5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as per your preference. You can add more lime juice, salt, or pepper if desired.
  6. If you like a spicier dip, you can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños.
  7. Once the flavors are well combined, transfer the dip to a serving bowl.
  8. If desired, garnish with chopped cilantro for added freshness and presentation.
  9. Serve the avocado dip with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping.

Bon appétit, my garlic-loving friends!

Gardening

What We Should All Be Thinking of Doing These Days

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Some have asked. George, why not rustle up some good ol’ farmer advice with a pinch of humor for y’all!

Alright then, so listen up, Canada! It’s high time we put on our gardening gloves, grabbed a shovel, and started growing our own veggies and fruits. Why, you ask? Well, let me tell ya!

First off, let’s talk self-reliance, folks. We Canadians are known for our maple syrup, hockey skills, and, of course, being polite. But it seems lately that we have become too dependent on other countries for our grub? What we need to do is take matters into our own hands and grow our own darn food!

Now, imagine this: you step outside your door, pluck a juicy tomato straight off the vine, take a bite, and savor the explosion of flavor. There is no way that store-bought tomatoes can compete with that freshness! You’ll be saying, “Move over, ketchup, I’ve got my own homegrown goodness!” Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

But hey, it’s not just about taste. It’s about knowing what goes into your food. When you grow your own produce, you’re the boss of your garden kingdom. You decide whether to go all organic or add a little somethin’ to keep the critters away. No more mystery chemicals or pesticides. You’ll be the captain of your own pesticide-free ship!

And let’s not forget the savings. Money doesn’t grow on trees, but fruits sure do! By growing your own veggies and fruits, you’re saving those hard-earned loonies and toonies. Sure, there might be some initial costs for seeds and tools, but think about the long-term savings. Your wallet will be thicker than a lumberjack’s beard! Actually, there are a lot of folks growing beards these days, and I am not sure why. Ha ha

But here’s the kicker: we’re not just talking about being self-reliant here, we’re talking about a full-blown gardening adventure! Picture yourself with your overalls, straw hat, and an abundance of veggies. You’ll be part farmer, part superhero, providing for yourself and your loved ones. It’s like having your own personal farmers’ market right in your backyard!

So, folks, let’s roll up our sleeves, grab a shovel, and get down and dirty. Let’s grow our own fruits and vegetables and show those other countries what we’re made of! Remember, with a little humor, a lot of love, and some good ol’ Canadian spirit, we’ll be harvesting the sweetest, juiciest produce this side of the North Pole. Happy gardening, eh?

Weather, What's Happening

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on July 8/2023

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Good Morning!

It’s a bit cloudy this morning waking up, and we did have a few showers through the night. Which is fine with me, as now I don’t have to water our vegetable gardens. Not that I mind, mind ya. But I will say this, things are sure growing lately. My tomatoes, garlic, zucchini, onions, squash, peppers, cucumbers, corn and beans have sure grown. It won’t belong before we are enjoying more from our gardens. It will be nice not having to by from the grocery stores.

Bug Report: Everything is good these days in that department. No complaints.

The good news is the real hot weather has moved out of our area, which will make things a lot nicer for doing things outdoors, and it looks like we are in for some really nice weather now for the next couple of weeks. Yesterday was a busy day for my wife and I with a lot of new customers dropping by our gift shop. Along with that, I had some plumbing to do in the basement. It seems plumbing and me doesn’t get along, but with Steve’s help at the Home Hardware along with my wife I managed to get it looked after. I still have one thing to fix, but it can wait for now. My wife and I have had so many things going on this year so far, we now are going to take a break as I am still not back to my old self health wise. At any rate I am not complaining by no means as it sure feels good to be able to do some things. A person doesn’t really realize just how lucky we are being able to do the simplest of things like walking to the front porch or getting out of a chair.

With that I am off for some waffles my lovely wife is making for me topped off with some of Mike Clappertons Maple Syrup. And then I will see what the day has in store other than what I have planned.

Have a great day. The sun just got out of bed. I sure enjoy the mornings here in Cottage country with everything being fresh and new.

Weather, What's Happening

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on July 7/2023

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Good Morning!

It’s a cloudy morning here, waking up in Cottage Country. But we did have a nice rain starting in the afternoon yesterday and through the night. Today we should see a wee bit of sunshine with a possible thunderstorm. The good news is the rain of course, but the temperature has cooled down a lot, to where it is more comfortable. Which puts a smile on my face.

Highway 522 is still very busy these days with lots of folks moving around, coming into our area from all over. If there is one thing that never changes all that much is people take their holidays no matter what. And I can’t say I blame them. The only drawback is the cost of things these days. I have also noticed that the produce in the stores today are mostly from other countries and what they are selling shouldn’t be allowed on the shelves, as most as much as I hate to say this … is rotten, and I am not kidding. One Isle we went down smelled so bad with bad vegetables it brought tears to my eyes. Another store we went to the cherries were all moldy and rotten, they couldn’t be eaten. Another store we went to the Brussels sprouts we bought as ours weren’t ready yet, they were so stringy and hard that no matter how much you cooked them they would never soften up. Had to throw most away. And that is another thing. We are paying all these high prices, and a lot of things we are getting for our hard-earned dollars isn’t good at all. Hell, even the meat in most of the stores today is cut all wrong and so tough that you can’t chew it even if you cut it in tiny pieces. You know when my wife and I were farming our fruit and vegetables had to pass a lot of restrictions before being allowed on the store shelves. Today it isn’t that way as truth be told most everything we see in the stores are grown in other countries other than right here in Canada and what a shame that is. Now in saying that there are still some very good family farmers out there, but there are also a lot that thinks they are farmers when they aren’t. Today our powers to be, think, that farming can be taught in schools, when in reality good farms are passed down from generation to generation. And it should also be noted that without productive farms eventually a country will fail, as simply put if you can’t support your own you soon parish. And it is happening here in Canada now, but it is being hidden and covered up. And what a shame that is. Anyway, that is my rant for the day, not sure how I got onto that.

Bug Report: Everything is good in that department.

On another note, my wife and I did get our mowing done yesterday before the rain hit, and we also had some folks here in town help us put in a new washer and dryer. It was a challenge for sure as I had to widen our stairway leading into the basement beforehand. But it had to be done eventually, and now we can get pretty well anything up and down the stairs. Today I will put things back together. Which should keep us busy for most of the day. With owning a home, there is always something that needs to be done. But it’s still better than renting, which only makes other folks rich. Not saying renting is a bad thing, but here again the rent they are charging today for apartments and houses is outrageous. And the worst part is we keep on bringing more people into our country when we have no place to keep them or jobs, so they can support themselves. They say we need more people to fill the jobs we have now, but I don’t believe that for a minute. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see what is really happening.
Anyway, you all have a good day. GW

Weather, What's Happening

What’s Happening In Cottage Country On July 6/2023

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Good Morning!

It’s a cloudy morning here, waking up in Cottage Country. We are going to see some rain off and on throughout the day, and maybe a touch of sunshine thrown in for good measure. The rain will or could start around 9 or 10 AM

Bug Report: Just a few horse flies irritating folks these days. The heat we had slowed them down a lot.

Highway 522 is getting busier every day with tourists, day trippers and campers moving in and around our area. No slowing them down, they are wanting to get to where they are going and not stopping for anyone. I had to take my wife to Sundridge yesterday for an appointment, and I was going the speed limit, and they were passing me like I was standing still.

Today is mowing day here for us, but with the rain, I am not sure how much we will get done. We will have to see how that turns out. And I am still not feeling all that well. I can move around, but not for too long before having to sit down.

With that, you all have a great day. GW

Weather, What's Happening

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on July 5/2023

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Good Morning!

It’s another sunny morning here in Cottage country and by the looks of things we will be having another hot day. But after today things will get back to normal with some rain in the forecast for Thursday. Which will be nice.

Highway 522 has been busy for the past few days with lots of campers heading towards the government parks.

Lately, our area has witnessed a surge in new home constructions, attracting people from various locations. Many individuals are selling their homes, desiring to leave the bustling city environment. Similarly, some are parting with their cottages in Muskoka due to high taxes and seeking more affordable places to settle down, and our area is on the list of places to move to. This phenomenon is often referred to as progress.

The future holds the outcome of these developments, which will become apparent in the coming months and years.

Bug Report; Nothing much to report in that department other than a few deer flies. This heat has slowed things down a lot this year.

On another note, being so hot yesterday, I was unable to do much outside. However, today I will do some work in my old woodworking shop as I have a few projects that I need to get done up. After that, I will seek out some shade and put my feet up.

With that, I am off for a bowl of cereal and a piece of toast that my lovely wife is making for me.

Have a great day! GW

Gardening, Weather, What's Happening

What’s Happening In Cottage Country On July 3/2023

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Good Morning!

It looks like another beautiful day shaping up for us here in Cottage Country. Other than the heat, that is. But in saying that where we live, there are a lot of trees, which in turn means … there is a lot of shade. At the moment the sun is shinning, and I suspect it will continue on that way all day. It will also get even warmer for the next few days.

Highway 522 is getting busier and busier every day, as is our gift shop. Yesterday was a very busy day with folks dropping by one after another. It is nice to see folks out and about.

Bug Report: Other than a few of them pesky deer and horse flies along with a few lingering mosquitoes, things are pretty good these days. I am not complaining, by no means.

Yesterday with dealing with the customers we didn’t have much time to do much outside work, but that is okay as I didn’t feel like doing much outside work. Ha ha.

On another note, our vegetable gardens are growing leaps and bounds now. We are eating fresh garlic and lettuce from it every day. And it won’t be long before our cucumbers are ready. It sure is nice to be able to walk out to the garden and bring some in for the table when ever we want it. All organic and fresh.

Also for those that does have a garden it is time to hill up the tomatoes, peppers, garlic and potatoes. I will get at mine tomorrow or the next day. In doing so, it loosens up the soil around the base of the plants and protects them from the hot, dry weather that we will be having for the next two months. So … sharpen up your hoe and get to work. Early morning is the best time to do it.

With that, I am off for a piece of toast that my lovely wife is making for me for a change, and will then see what the day has in store. I never know.

Have a good day!.

My Opinion Only

Growing Older

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About Growing Older …

First ~ Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.

Second ~ The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for

Third ~ Some people try to turn back their odometers! Not me, I want people to know “why” I look this way! I’ve traveled a long way and some of the roads weren’t paved.

Fourth ~ When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra.

Fifth ~ You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks.

Sixth ~ I don’t know how I got over the hill without
getting to the top.

Seventh ~ One of the many things no one tells you about aging, is that it is such a nice change from being young.

Eighth ~ One must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has been.

Ninth ~ Being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.

Tenth ~ Long ago, when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft! Today it’s called golf

And finally ~ If you don’t learn to laugh at trouble, you won’t have anything to laugh at when you are old.

And ... If you have a chance to make life better for others and fail to do so, you are wasting your time on Earth. No matter what our station in life, we are here to serve, even if that sometimes means making the greatest sacrifice of all.

My Opinion Only

Friendship

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My Views on Friendship

Thinking back, I remember, my friend Grey Wolf had many quotes that his elders passed onto him. One was that he said that he chose to be my friend, and it wasn’t because of how I behaved or acted. He simply made a decision to be my friend. And you know what? That friendship really happened, just like he said. Even if we didn’t see each other for a long time or if I got angry with him, he never changed his mind about being my friend. That’s what true friendship is all about.

Weather, What's Happening

What’s Happening In Cottage Country On July 2/2023

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Good Morning!

It’s a hazy morning here, waking up in cottage country, but the sunshine will burn it off as the morning progresses. We will also be seeing a lot of hot weather for the next few days, cooling off nearing the end of the week. So … close up those window curtains throughout the day and find a shade tree to sit under.

Bug Report: All is good other than a few deer flies annoying folks. Once they find you, they won’t leave you alone. They are like an itch you can’t scratch. Damn things.

Highway 522 was real busy yesterday with lots of camper trailers moving into our area. We also saw a lot of day trippers dropping by our gift shop, which was nice to see. It kept us busy chatting to folks.

On another note, I did do a bit of work outside yesterday in our gardens and things until it got too warm. My wife was busy doing housework along with looking after our store. Later on we sat outside in the shade relaxing. Today we will do the same.

With that I am off for a bagel that my lovely wife made for me and will then see what the day has in store, other than what we have planned.

Have a great day! GW