“Mornin’ to you and yours! Let’s make today a tale worth tellin’.”

Looking outside this morning, it is a touch cloudy. But the good news is we didn’t have any more snow through the night, as a matter of fact we did have a lot of our snow melt yesterday afternoon. However, it did take my lovely wife and I all morning yesterday to clean things up. Maybe we should have waited and let nature do it on her own? Hmm.

Highway 522 is very quiet these days. Actually, “Our town is so quiet that the snowflakes apologize for the noise when they fall.” Only in Canada A.

On another note, after we cleaned up the snow around our home, along with our neighbour’s place, I got back to my editing of these videos I have made so far. I actually did quite well, if I do say so myself. Today I will be working away in my woodworking shop, as my wife has a bunch of things she wants me to bring to life. But first a bite to eat is in order, along with a hot chocolate. I gave up coffee awhile back. Why, some might ask. Well, a sip of hot cocoa it seems is just what this old-timer needs to recapture a bit of that youthful vigor. I sure do enjoy it, especially throughout the cold days of winter.

So, I will leave you all with this: “Living where we do, here in the country, I don’t count the days; I make the days count, especially when there’s Hot Chocolate involved, or some Homemade cookies, that my lovely wife has made for me.” GW

“Good morning, where each sunrise whispers the stories of our ancestors.”

So how you all doing on this Dec Morning? Good I hope. Yea, I know I have missed a few days here on my Blog, but I have good reason, as I have been busy moving snow, working in my woodworking shop and sitting here at my computer editing some of these videos that I have made thus far. I have to tell ya, it has been a challenge figuring out how to do things. But hey! I figure I still have a few good years left to walk this land of ours, so why not try new things, go to, see new places and enjoy life amongst nature as much as I can. To me, there is nothing more satisfying than to do new things.

On another note, we have had a lot of snow lately in and around our small community. Waking up this morning, we had another four inches or so on the ground, which will mean we will have to clean our driveway once again. One thing can be said about all this snow is that we have no reason to go and buy exercise equipment to keep us fit. Not unless you’re a city slicker and well that’s another story. As a matter a fact, I wrote a story about exercise equipment years ago that folks enjoyed.

Highway 522 is partially snow covered in certain areas, but not so bad that it should stop you from heading into town to do some Christmas shopping. For my wife and I, we’re sittin’ back and while the rest of the world spins in a whirlwind of chaos, we would sooner perfect the delicate balance of sipping hot cocoa and avoiding any unnecessary movements.

Wrapping up this morning’s chat with a piece of countryside philosophy: “Life’s a bit like a country road, full of twists and turns. Enjoy the ride, and don’t forget to appreciate the view.” GW

As I used to tell our boys: “Turn the key slow, give it a moment to breathe, and then crank ‘er up. Life’s the same; take a moment, breathe, and then tackle the day.”

Good Morning!

So yea, I took a little break from sharing, but I’ve been knee-deep in sawdust over at our woodworking shop. I also have been busy with video editing—yeah, still figuring that one out. My lovely wife, she’s been busy jazzing up her studio and gift shop, sketching out ideas for me to bring to life in the workshop, along with a lot of other things. Sure, there’s a bunch on the ol’ to-do list, but I’m enjoying the ride. I have always believed in getting things done while the gettin’s good. It keeps the hands busy, the spirit alive, and the heart full.

Highway 522 is quiet these days, Rush hour: Our traffic jams involve a few folks stopping to appreciate a particularly good-looking maple/pine tree.

On another note, I will be working steadily here in my shop today, but first a bite to eat is in order that my lovely wife is making for me.

Have a great day, stay safe. GW

“Rise and shine, like the northern pines.”

Good Morning!

It’s a cloudy, snowy morning here in cottage country. Walking to my old woodworking shop, we had around three or four inches of snow overnight. As my old friend Grey Wolf would say many years ago when I was a boy visiting his cottage: Winter has laid down its ceremonial robe, transforming our surroundings into a sacred space, a canvas painted by the hand of the Great Spirit. He sure had a way of words that man, and I do miss him a lot, especially when things go wrong, as he always had an answer that made sense.

Highway 522 is snow covered this morning, but while outside I did notice the snowplow going by. I suspect though that the snow will melt as the day progresses. But in saying that, looking at the moon before going to bed last night, it was telling me we could get another inch or so later on in the day. But we will see what develops as the day moves forward.

On another note, I worked steadily here at my computer yesterday editing some more videos and will continue on today. However, the new studio desk is finished sitting in my shop, so later on we will bring it into its new home. It sure is amazing what can be made from some old pieces of lumber. From lumber to handcrafted furniture that will stand the test of time, pretty amazing. I also made a video of it being made, and will add it to my YouTube Channel in the coming days, along with some others that are in the works, and one of me building some shelves for some of my electronics here by my desk. Should be an interesting project.

With that I am off for a bowl of oatmeal and an English muffin with some of my lovely wife’s homemade jam. Which should be a tasty treat to get this old body of mine moving.

I will leave you with this: “Morning’s a bit like a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet – starts slow, but the results are worth the wait. Here’s to a day seasoned just right.” GW

Wake with the sun, work till the day’s done.

Good Morning!

And a good morning it is. The sun is shinning and there’s barely a whisper of a breeze in the air. It’s so fresh I had to stop this morning walking to my shop to take it all in. It seems I can never get enough of what a day like this has to offer. We also had a touch of frost this morning, glistening and sparkling, catching the sun like it’s nature’s own jewellery. Life, well, it’s treating me right these days, every sunrise feels like a nod from the universe saying, “You made it to another one, enjoy.” And I will do just that.

On another note, today, I’m back in the saddle, steering through this digital frontier of editing these videos I have made over the past couple weeks. It’s getting a touch easier, as I am getting more used to the editing program my son Karl got for me. But I have to say it hasn’t been an easy trek, but it has been interesting to say the least.

I also lit our wood furnace once again in our basement this morning, as no use burning a lot of oil when we have wood sitting there, wanting to make some heat. My wife and I sure enjoy the wood heat, as when you come in from the cold, nothing will warm up the old bones than it.

Well, folks, that there’s the mornin’ yarn for today. Tackle the day with a grin, and don’t forget, them wrinkles on this old face of mine tell a tale or two worth spillin’. I’ve etched quite a few of ’em over the years, which is probably why I still look so darn handsome. Ha ha, and remember!! … Age ain’t nothin’ but a number! GW

“In the morning, nature’s wisdom speaks loudest.”

Good Morning!

For a change, we are having a wee bit of sunshine waking up. Although we have had some nice looking morning skies along with some in the evening hours, which is sure nice to see. Makes me wonder how many folks truly take a moment to reckon with these wonders of nature. At any rate, I sure do, along with other things nature has to offer.

Highway 522 is still very quiet these days, with most folks enjoying their home/cottage. We do live in a great part of the country, that’s for sure. I couldn’t see myself living in the city. And why is that George? Some might ask. Well, I ain’t saying city life is bad. It’s just different. Folks there might be chasing after something, always in a hurry. But out here, we country folks know the value of patience. Which is what I believe is important in life. So, when some ask me why I couldn’t see myself in the city, George, it’s not just about the space or the view. It’s about a way of life, a connection to the land, and the wisdom that comes from living close to nature. There’s a richness in simplicity, a wealth in the quiet moments, and that’s something you can’t find in the hustle and bustle of the city.

Switching gears for a moment, I’ve been busy editing some videos lately, and I’ll be sharing them with you soon. It’s been a bit tough, but I’m getting the hang of all these gadgets and tools more each day. I also wrapped up crafting my wife’s fresh studio desk, crafted from some seriously aged lumber I’d been stashing away for a good while. I must admit, the final result is downright splendid. Furthermore, I did make a video of how it all came together, which will be added to my YouTube channel when I get them edited. I will be working on them today. They will be shown in parts as it took me a week to make it.

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

Have a great day. GW

As I used to say to my boys waking up on the farm many years ago: “Plant hope in the morning, reap joy by evening.”

Good Morning!

It’s a cloudy morning here in Cottage country. However, it still isn’t all that cold, and the snowstorm they called for didn’t develop, which is what I figured would happen, as it was too warm.

Highway 522 is still quiet these days and will remain that way now till spring. But we will have a wee uptick in activity when/if we get some snow, as the snowmobilers will be roaming around.

On another note, I’ve been really busy in my old woodworking shop for the past two weeks, working on a studio desk for my lovely wife. I’ve also been recording the process on video. I still need some practice with the recording part, but I believe I’ll get better over time. The challenging parts have been figuring out where to place the cameras, having the right equipment like cameras and stands, and a few other things. To improve the video quality, I’ve decided to invest in a nice camera made special for what I want to video, and my son Karl is helping me with that. He is the technologist in the family and knows the in’s an out’s of these things. I have always believed in doing things right, so I am/have been doing research and figuring out all the details before jumping into it. Let’s see how it goes in the coming days!

When talking about our small town, it should be noted that this time of year, the biggest race is the one to find the coziest blanket.

“That’s my two cents for the morning. Keep it real, keep it simple, and I hope your day will be as smooth as a well-worn rocking chair.” GW

I used to tell our boys getting out of bed that: “The The morning sun is a farmer’s first hired hand.”

Good Morning Folks!

Well, starting things off, it is a cool morning with the temperature sitting at -4.2 C | 24.44 F. We could also see around 3 inches of snow for Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning. Which in turn will/should give us a white Christmas. For the past twenty years of living here in the North, we have always had snow for Christmas. It’s one of the things I enjoy the most, and you know why? Well, I will tell you: It’s because it makes things a lot easier for Santa to get around in his sleigh. And what would a Christmas be without Santa. He is what Christmas is all about.

Highway 522 is very quiet these days. Most of our locals are enjoying the warmth of their country homes, and pretty well all the hunters have left us for another year, heading back to the big cities with tall stories to tell of the huge old buck that got away. Insisting, they made eye contact with it just before it disappeared. I can hear them now as they tell their tall tales, with their wife’s exchanging amused glances with each other.

On another note, I have been working steadily in my woodworking shop for the past week or so on a studio desk for my lovely wife, which as I told you in a past post that I will share with you in a YouTube video in the coming days. Today I am hoping to finish it and if lucky I might even get to putting on a coat of stain.

With that I am off for a bowl of oatmeal/porridge that my little woman is making for me and will then head on out to the woodworking shop.

“Well, that’s my morning on what’s happening. Take it easy today, and don’t forget to enjoy the little things. Until next time, folks!” GW

“Sunrise is nature’s way of giving us a fresh start.”

Good Morning!

I know it’s been awhile since my last post, but I have been busy working in my woodworking shop. I do have a handful of projects in the works, but I’ll keep the details under my hat for now, as I am planning to showcase ’em in a YouTube video once everything’s shipshape. So far it is working out okay, but there is a lot of preparation work to be done before, while working, and after I am finished for the day setting things up and taking things down. And I should remind ya it is going to take some getting used to and I suspect my first videos won’t be the best, but I am sure I will get better as I go along.

Other than that things are quiet around town these days, most of our hunters have left us for another year and the locals are taking things a bit easy. Which is a good thing in part.

For my wife and I we are always busy doing something and our days are full. But it’s been that way all our life and thinking of things, I kind of figure it will remain that way for the remainder of our days. We just can’t set around, and love doing new things.

Weather wise, it has been quite nice for the past month or so. We did have a touch of snow earlier on in the month, but that has left us. But I am sure it won’t be long before we get some more. However, in saying that it has been cold enough to warrant me lighting the wood furnace in our basement and I have also been steadily keeping our shop stove going. Which is necessary if I want to work comfortable out there.

With that I am off for a bowl of porridge that my lovely wife is making for me and will then get to work, or maybe I should say doing the things I enjoy.

As I sip my morning hot chocolate, I’m reminded that life, like the hot chocolate, is best enjoyed slowly. Take your time today; let every sip and every moment be meaningful. GW

“Morning, wisdom folks! Life is a puzzle; don’t force the pieces. Let them fall into place while sipping your morning coffee.”

Starting things off, we are in the midst of a lot of clouds this morning, and we did have another light shower earlier on. And the temperature has risen up to where it is more comfortable when working outside.

For myself, I haven’t been out all that much lately as I have been busy working away here at my computer writing up some new stories for my columns along with getting used to a number of different items to make some YouTube Videos.

However, in saying that, I am planning on making a new one of a kind desk for my wife’s studio in the coming days. I’ve been hoarding these old 20-inch wide yellow pine boards. Old as the hills, they’ve been sitting there, patiently waiting for their moment. And if things goes to plan, I will make a video showing how I make it. I will see how that pans out.

With that I am off for an egg on an English Muffin that my lovely wife is preparing for me and will then see what the day has in store.

“Time to put the blog out to pasture for today. Remember, just like crops, good thoughts need time to grow. Till next time, keep planting positivity.” GW

“Morning comes early, but so does opportunity.”

Good Morning!

It’s a very cloudy morning, waking up here in Cottage Country. We also had a light shower. However, we should see a glimmer of sunshine throughout the day and the temperature will rise to where it will be quite nice, maybe nice enough to do some front porch sittin’

Highway 522 is slow these days, with most folks enjoying their home or cottage. And a lot of hunters have left us for another year. Which is fine with me as I like the quietness.

On another note, I have been very busy working here on my computer setting up my YouTube Channel, and it is coming along. I have one on there now and more will be added in the coming days. But as I say you will have to bear with me as it has been challenging learning everything. At any rate, for those that have asked, here is my Channels Address.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFZgmNzfz2OI0tjOoiqYECg

Today I will work on another and see how it turns out.

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife is preparing for me and will then get to work.

“Leaving you with this: in every goodbye, there’s a promise of a hello waiting to unfold.” GW

Good Morning!

“How’s the coffee today? Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.”

Starting things off, we are having some clouds this morning, but the good news is we should be seeing some sunshine later in the day. And on top of that, the temperature will start to rise through the week as to where we will be able to do some front porch sittin’. I am thinking the warmer temperatures will start entering into the picture around Sunday.

Highway 522 is or has been quiet for the past few days, which is normal for this time of year. The only congestion we have is when old friends stop in the middle of the highway for a chat.

On another note, I worked steadily here editing a few YouTube videos yesterday at my computer, along with enjoying a cup or two of hot chocolate with my lovely wife. I sure do enjoy my hot chocolate twice a day. You know, way back when, I’m not sure if my sister Barb still remembers, but she made the absolute best hot chocolate ever. I think, she used Carnation Milk. It’s amazing what stays in ones mind throughout the years. However, the way my wife makes it these days is sure tasty too. Especially with a little whipped cream or marshmallows on top. Ya, I know, but what can I say? I love it, even better than fresh perked coffee.

Today I am going to carry on once again learning this editing thing and if Lady Luck gives me a little wink, I might just conjure up a few videos. It sure has been a learning process, but I am happy with what has taken place so far.

So with that I am off for Egg on an English Muffin that my lovely wife is putting together for me, with some cheddar cheese on top.

Have a great day. GW

Good Morning! “Sun’s up and so are we.”

Well ... the sun is up there somewhere, but we aren’t seeing it, as looking outside there is nothing but clouds.

Highway 522 has slowed down some with the snow we had yesterday. My wife and I did take it upon ourselves to clean off our neighbours deck along with ours. My lovely wife did ours as I decided to start our snowblower and clean our driveway. It wasn’t all that bad, but being that the snow was so wet and the temperature was threatening to drop below freezing through the night, I figured we should get it cleaned out as if it froze we would have a heck of a mess. But as it happened it didn’t freeze and most of the snow we did have melted. Which is okay with me. But in saying all that, more snow will arrive in the coming days, that I am sure of.

On another note, I have still been working on getting used to this new equipment I have for making YouTube Videos. The hard part is figuring out how these things work and what they are capable of doing, along with figuring out where to set the camera. I have to tell you it sure is challenging to say the least. But I am slowly making headway for those that have been asking me what is happening. Ha ha

Today I will do some more work on things here at my computer as I am now trying to learn the editing part, which is getting used to some more programs and things. I kind of think the editing is going to be the hard part. I was contemplating the ‘leave it as is’ approach, but subjecting you to that chaos? “Nah, I wouldn’t do that to ya. Ha ha!”

With that, I am off for a bowl of Oatmeal, or Porridge as I have been calling it since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. And I have also asked my lovely wife to drizzle a spoonful of local honey over it. Which should make this young feller at heart mighty happy.

So, it’s time for me to mosey on out of this digital corral. Remember, life’s too short for dull moments and bad coffee, so stir in some laughter and enjoy the good stuff. Until next time, may your Wi-Fi be strong, your troubles be weak, and your snacks be plenty which I surely enjoy.

Until tomorrow’s sunrise, keep smilin’. GW

Good Morning!

Well starting things off we had our first snowfall, not a great amount only 4 inches or so, but there is enough to get a feller into winter mode. Today up till noon we could see some more snow and there is a risk for some freezing drizzle this morning. At the moment it isn’t all that cold out there with the temperature sitting at -0.4 C | 31.28 F. You could say it is just hovering on the freezing mark.

Highway 522 is quiet this morning with the hunters in the bush along with the snow we had overnight keeping folks in bed longer. I can’t say I blame them neither, as my bed felt pretty good. But life moves on and laying in bed after a good nights sleep is wasting a day.

On a different note, I decided to tidy up my woodworking workshop yesterday. Now, it looks much better, and I can easily find my tools. My lovely wife helped me for most of the day, which made a big difference. We make a great team, just like the two old Clydesdale’s we had years ago. Those horses were always together, they slept, worked, and had fun together. When one was tired, the other picked up the slack. It’s pretty amazing, just like my wife and me. That’s why we’ve been together for over 50 years. You don’t see that kind of partnership much these days, and it’s a bit of a shame.

Today my wife and I will clean off our decks along with our neighbours and I might bring out my snowblower for the first time and clean our driveway, or I could just wait till it melted as things should warm up as the day moves forward. The snow on the highway has melted now.

So with that I am off for a bowl of porridge and a half a bagel, and will then see what the day has in store.

Have a great day, make it a great day. GW

Good Morning!

It’s a cloudy morning starting things off, and we are also having some high winds. It got so bad there through the night it blew my lawn chairs off our deck. Maybe it’s telling me that I need to put them away for winter. However, in saying that we should see some sunshine off and on throughout the day, which will be nice as I do like sunshine. You could say it brightens up my day.

Highway 522 has been a wee bit busy for the past few days, being that it is deer season, with a lot of out-of-towner hunters in our area. One more week left, and it will be over for another year. Although some do hunt with bows, which lasts till December.

On another note I decided to light my old wood stove in the woodworking shop yesterday, and after it warmed up some and had my breakfast I started to work on a small foot stool for under my desk here at my computer. I might have told you that the other day. Anyway, I have it about half done and will complete it today. Once finished, I will take a picture and let you have a look see.

While out in the shop I did set things up, so I could take a video of what I was doing, and I thought things were going along pretty good chatting away to you, that were or would be watching. I even checked to make sure it was recording okay. But then when I went for lunch, I found that the camera stopped as the battery went dead. So … I had to recharge it. So I am not too sure how much I recorded. I will have a look at it later on this afternoon. However, I did set it back up in the afternoon and this time I left the camera plugged in while it was recording, so we will see how that turns out. Once I edit a bit, if necessary, and it looks okay, I will post it on my new YouTube Channel. Again, I will have to see how things look. I am also not sure how the sound will work with me talking and being a fair piece away from the camera. But the good news is I did order a new microphone for it and when it arrives I will see how that works. It should make a world of difference. At any rate, it is a learning process to say the least.

With that I am off for a bowl of oatmeal that my lovely wife is making for me and will then see what the day has in store other than what I have planned.

Have a great day! GW

“Hello, world, and good morning!”

We are starting the day off with lots of clouds along with some off and on showers. The good news is, it’s still not all that cold, with the temperature waking up sittin’ at 4.2 C | 39.56 F. We could see some snow nearing the end of the week.

On another note, my lovely wife and I had to go into North Bay yesterday to pick up a few items. We got what we needed, had our lunch in our car while people watching and headed on home, enjoying a coffee along the way that she made for us before we left. All in all, it was a good day, other than what it cost us. I have to tell you, food is still expensive in our area. I hate walking up the check-out counter as I know I am going to be a bit poorer. But I am not really complaining, as we do live in a great part of the country. And every day, my wife and I let each other know how lucky we are not having to live in the city. That in itself is a good reason to get out of bed.

Today I am going to work in my old woodworking shop as I have a few projects that need doing. One is a desk for my little woman for her studio, and another is a stool that I can put my feet on while I work away here at my computer. Which will keep me busy for the next week or so. I like to work in my shop for a day or so, then work another day or so here at my computer. Sitting to long for my old body isn’t the best thing to be doing, or so it seems.

So with that. I am off for a bowl of porridge and an English Muffin with a bit of peanut butter on it for desert.

Have a great day and stay safe as there is a lot of sickness in and around our area. While in town yesterday, there were all kinds of folks coughing up a storm. It was a full time job staying away from them. Ha ha GW