Good Morning, everyone!

Starting things off, it should be noted that as the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to fall, there’s a distinct chill in the air that serves as a reminder – winter is steadily approaching. Meanwhile, a frigid front is gathering strength in Alaska and the Yukon Territory, And if that doesn’t give you a shiver of what’s to come, just take a look at what is happening around us in nature, as the birds, plants and trees-they’re all trying to tell us something. One just has to take a few minutes and listen.

Highway 522 is still very quiet, but there are a lot of hunters in the bush lately, so care should be taken if out exploring the area or traveling through it.

On another note, yesterday my lovely wife and I made a trip to North Bay as it was our son’s birthday. While there, we picked up some more supplies and then took him out for lunch at Casey’s there in town. We had a good time, enjoyed our meal along with a bottle of White Zinfandel Wine. I have to say being a farmer for many years and growing all different kinds of grapes, it is one of the best, especially while enjoying a meal. After we finished, we dropped our boy off back at his apartment and headed on home, taking in what nature had to offer. Which was a lot, as the leaves that still remain on the trees were sure putting on a show. The older trees have shed most of theirs, but them young’uns tend to hang on to theirs a mite longer. It’s just the way the young are, always trying to be a different.

“Wishing you the strength of a mighty buffalo and the wisdom of an old storyteller.” GW

Good Morning!

It’s a bit cloudy this morning and we are having some light rain. What I am hoping for is some sunshine, but we will have to see how that works out as the day moves forward.

Highway 522 is slow these days, with only the locals takin’ in every little thing happening around these parts. Makes me scratch my head in wonder sometimes, but they are getting their exercise for the day, which is a good thing.

Switching gears, I couldn’t make it to my woodworking shop yesterday, as I found myself focused on writing stories for the newspapers I write for. In fact, it turned out to be a productive day for writing, and I made significant progress. Some days are like that, where words flow effortlessly like a gentle creek on a warm summer’s day, while on other days, finding the right words can be a bit more challenging.

Today will probably be much the same as yesterday, but as they say, “I never truly know what a day might bring.” Just like navigating the twists and turns of a country road, the only thing a feller can do is go with the flow and make the best of things. Such is life.

“Take care, and remember, life’s too short to be serious all the time.” GW

Good Morning!

It’s a bit cloudy this morning, but there are a few blue patches trying to show themselves amongst all them clouds. So I suspect we will see some sunshine as the day progresses. Which I am looking forward too as my wife and I are wanting to do some front porch sittin’.

Highway 522 is quiet, which is normal for this time of year.

On another note, my wife and I did do some outside work yesterday. Starting the day off, I brought out my rototiller and tilled up a spot more than what it was; we then both got busy planting our garlic. I have to tell you it gave us a good feeling knowing that we will have an abundant supply next summer. Garlic is one of the best vegetables one can eat, especially when it comes to staying healthy. Also for those that doesn’t know this, it is also a very strong antibiotic and can fix a lot of ailments like strep throat along with other things. It can even ward off bad energy that might be lurking outside your doors, if you’re into that kind of thing. Ha ha.

After we had that planted, I decided to move a couple plants that didn’t like where they were growing, one being a red current bush. So we will see what happens next year. I had a talk to it while I was planting it, telling it had better get to growing and producing some berries. At any rate, Nature has a way of doing things, but I do try and help it out when I can.

Once that was done, we brought over some pieces of pine that I had in the bush using my old mower and trailer. I thought it would make things easier come winter when the snow is blowing and up around your ears. It will save me having to carry it by hand from the bush to my woodworking shop.

Afterward, I spent some time on my computer setting up things, so I can create videos about natural and herbal remedies, farming methods, gardening, woodworking, and other things I’ve learned over the years, including what’s happening daily around our home. Once I get the hang of it, I’ll start posting these videos on YouTube for those who are interested. If you have a moment, I’d like to hear your thoughts on this and if you would be interested in watching how I go about doing things.

With that tidbit of information lingering in your thoughts, I’m heading off to enjoy an English muffin accompanied by a freshly cooked egg and a generous serving of cheddar cheese that my lovely wife has prepared for me.

“May your day be as pleasant as you are!” GW

Good Morning!

It’s a cloudy morning here in Cottage Country, and we could see a shower or two throughout the day. But remember, whether it’s cloudy or clear, a day is what you make of it, just like a country song – you’re the star of your own show.

Highway 522 is slowing down these days. Most of our hunters are either sleeping in or sitting in the bush. It’s a real head-scratcher, that’s for sure!

On another note, I didn’t do all that much yesterday with it being wet and cool outside. I don’t relish the cold all the much anymore, or the dampness for that matter. I did, however, write up a story for my newspaper columns. You might say that a little productivity, even on them lazy, wet days, keeps the wheels turnin’ in this here life of mine.

Today I am thinking I will get some exercise and plant my garlic for next year. But I never really know – you start with the best-laid plans, and Mother Nature, or maybe just my own haphazard ways, leads you down a different road. Which truth be told is what life is all about. And you know … I kind of like it that way.

So with that I am off for a bowl of porridge this morning that my lovely wife is making for me and will then see what develops after that. And maybe I will have another cup of hot chocolate like I did yesterday. I might even add a marshmallow to it as my sister Barb does. She says it is pretty tasty.

“Keep smiling, it makes people wonder what you’re up to.” GW

Good Morning!

It’s a cool, cloudy, rainy morning here in Cottage Country. But in saying that, we should see some sunshine later on in the day. Which is what is needed as I want to plant next year’s garlic. I like to get it in a week or so before it freezes, as it gives it some time to get established. However, we do need the rain, as the plants and trees need to store up for their long winters nap.

Highway 522: It’s been a bit busy for the past few days with hunters moving into our area in hopes of getting some meat for the table. This will continue until the end of December. After that, things will ease off some, making it, so people can walk through the bush safely. Which my wife and I enjoy doing if we feel up to it. On the other hand, we do get a lot of exercise moving snow from our decks and the neighbors deck, along with our driveway. We just have to ease into it and not go gun hoe in the beginning.

On another note, yesterday I got involved in writing up a couple stories for the newspaper columns I write for, which took most of the day. Unfortunately, we also received some really sad news. My good friend, Kerry Booth, passed away. We shared some incredible moments and had some fantastic chats over the years. I’m really going to miss him. He was truly an exceptional person, to say the least.

With that I am off for an egg on an English Muffin this morning, that my lovely wife is preparing, and just because I can, I think a Hot Chocolate afterward will be in order with a touch of whip cream.

Have a great day, stay safe as I have heard there is a lot of sickness in our area at the moment. GW

Good Morning!

Starting things off it is a cloudy wet morning here in cottage country. And the clouds will remain with us for most of the day. Tomorrow however we should see a wee bit of sunshine which will brighten up everybody’s day. In truth, too many days without sunshine isn’t good for our constitution being humans and all, as our bodies need it to survive. But you all knew that, right?

In other news related to the weather, things have started to cool down some, and it will continue to do so with each passing day. My wife and I have had to turn on our oil furnace every morning with it being a touch cool, but for most parts it’s the dampness that gets to us more than anything. It seems the older I get, the more I despise the changeable weather. But what can ya do? Mother Nature’s got her own way of keepin’ us on our toes, and we’ll just have to roll with the punches.

On another note, my lovely wife and I went to the big city of North Bay yesterday, picking up some things that will make our winter a bit easier. I have to tell you the price of food was outrageous, but in saying that there are some good deals out there at the moment, one would be onions as you can buy a 15 pound bag of cooking onions for around $2.50 cents. Pretty hard to beat that. Hell, I can’t grow them for that price. There were some can goods that were also on sale that we picked up, as some of the expiration dates were saying they were good until 2025. It never hurts to have a few extra things in the pantry come winter in this country, and the way things are going now in Canada I am thinking we all should be doing up more food and putting it away. Lately, I’ve been feeling an unexplainable urge, almost like an itch that won’t go away, telling me to ensure we are well-prepared. It might be nothing, but over the years, I’ve learned that it’s wise to trust one’s instincts. Following my intuition throughout life so far has often spared us from a lot of unnecessary issues.

Saying that yesterday just before I left walking around our car to get in I noticed one of the tires on the car seemed a bit low, but shrugged it off saying to myself that all radials look a bit low when they aren’t. But I had that nagging feeling and about halfway to North Bay my sensor light came on in the car saying we had a pressure problem in one tire. We made it okay and when I got to a gas station I filled it up. Actually, Radial tires have a tendency to lose air when the temperatures get colder. Usually they leak around the bead of the tire. Which is fixed by breaking down the tire, cleaning the rim and putting some glue around it before airing it back up. Especially on these new wheels that are on the cars today. So in saying all that if I had listened to that nagging itch I could have saved two dollars as that is what it costs for air nowadays. Actually four dollars as the first place we stopped I put in my two dollars and the air pump wasn’t working, so had to go to another. Sons a gun wouldn’t refund my money, neither. You can bet I let the know about it too, which didn’t help one bit, truth be told. The only thing it did was give me the satisfaction of giving them a piece of my mind for what it was worth.

But all in all it was a good day.

Stay safe my friends. GW

Good Morning!

It’s a touch cloudy here, waking up in cottage country. It is also going to start getting a wee bit colder, which is to be expected this time of year. In saying that, though, my lovely wife and I did enjoy a cup of tea sitting on our front porch yesterday while chatting. It seems that even after fifty some years we still find a lot of interesting topics to talk about. And you know, we are damn good at it too.

Highway 522 is kind of busy with the trucks and all, but other than that it is quiet with just the locals moving around looking for something to see or do. That’s what small towns are all about. Of course, they won’t tell you that. Ha ha.

On another note, I did finish up the project I was working on in my woodworking shop yesterday, and it turned out pretty good. At least now, my mouse for my computer won’t be falling on the floor all the time while sitting in my lazy boy chair. I know some would ask. “George, why do you need a lazy boy chair, for your computer.” Well, simply put, it is the only chair I have that I can get my legs up to the right position that doesn’t hurt me. However, this year, I treated myself to a new laptop, and my son is currently setting it up for me. He’s installing Linux on it because he doesn’t like Microsoft, and my wife and I have grown to like Linux too after using it for a while. One great thing about it is that you don’t have to worry about viruses, and it’s maintained by smart computer experts for free. In contrast, Microsoft can be expensive and sometimes has issues. The only good version they made, in my opinion, was Windows 7. The others have been frustrating. This has also been profitable for computer repair shops. How would I describe it in lay mans words.

Well, maybe this will help.

Imagine your computer is like a super smart friend who helps you do everything, from watching videos to playing games. Linux is like a special type of smart friend who can do all that, just a bit differently. It’s a popular computer system that lots of people use because it’s free and can do cool things, just like the other big computer systems you might have heard of, like Windows or Mac.

One really neat thing about Linux is that it’s like a Lego set for your computer. You can build it up and change it in all sorts of ways, making it work just the way you want. It’s also excellent at keeping your computer safe from bad stuff that might try to sneak in and cause trouble, like viruses. So, it’s like having a reliable buddy who’s always got your back when it comes to keeping your computer safe and sound.

So with that bit of info swarming around in your mind, I am off for a bagel this morning with some of my wife’s freshly homemade jam, which I am looking forward to.

Have a great day. GW

“Yá’át’ééh” (Good Day)

It’s not too bad of a looking day out there, waking up. And with the blue showing in the sky, I suspect we will be having some sunshine. If we are lucky. It is a bit cool this morning, with the temperature sitting at 5.1 C | 41.18 F. Knowing that we have been turning on our oil furnace in the mornings for an hour or so, which takes out the dampness in our home. It also makes the old body move around a bit better. Some of these specialists today though are saying that the weather doesn’t affect our body. I say … In the world of farming, we know that weather and our bodies are like two peas in a pod. We’ve got a PhD in predicting rain by the way our knees/back’s creak, and we can tell you the temperature to within a degree just by sticking a hand out the barn door. So, the next time someone tries to tell us that weather doesn’t affect us, we’ll just smile and nod, knowing that our cows, crops, and joints beg to differ!

Well, I’ll tell ya, it’s been truck city on ol’ Highway 522 lately! Those big rigs are carrying everything but the kitchen sink – and who knows, they might be hauling that too. But it is that time of year with everyone wanting to get things done up before the cold days of winter hits.

On another note, my lovely wife and I finished up most of our outside work yesterday. We also closed up our cottage and winterized it, along with putting the last of our outside things away out of the weather. Today I am going to do some work in my woodworking shop as I want to build an apparatus that hooks on the side of my lazy boy chair to hold my mouse when I am working here at my computer. Should be an interesting project.

Thanks for tuning in, folks. Remember to take good care of yourselves, GW

Good Morning!

For a change, we are in the midst of some fog this morning. Caused by the warm air meeting the cold air. But the good news is, we should also be seeing some sunshine later on today and into the weekend, and along with that some warmer temperatures will be easing into our area. Nothing like we did have, but a lot warmer than it has been for the past few days.

Highway 522: It has been quite busy with trucks moving around hauling this and that, along with a few hunters, not to forget the locals wanting to be noticed. All in all, it’s just another regular, run-of-the-mill day in our small town.

On another note my lovely wife and I cleaned up most of our Maple Leaves yesterday putting them in the vegetable garden. Once done, I got my old Rototiller running and tilled it up, working the leaves in. Now they will decompose over winter and come spring the soil will be ready to plant. And the best part of it all is that it didn’t cost us a cent other than a bit of work, which we enjoy when we are able.

Today we are going to close up our cottage and put our outside things to bed for winter. It’s a necessary step in our rural life, where the elements can be quite unforgiving. If we don’t take the time to safeguard everything now, come spring, we will be in a sticky situation. That’s just the way of life up here in the north. But to be honest, we wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

With that, I am off for a boiled egg this morning, and I am thinking after that a hot Chocolate would be in order. Then a chat with my lovely wife. You see, the secret to a perfect day isn’t just in the food, but in the delightful/beautiful company that comes with it.

Have a great day! GW

Good Morning!

For a change, we are seeing some sunshine breaking through the clouds this morning. Which is sure nice to see. As sunshine is what we are all in need of living in this country, or anywhere actually, as it gives us for free what is needed to stay healthy, or survive for that matter.

Highway 522: It has been a bit busier for the past few days with lots of locals moving around, going here and going there, spending their hard-earned dollars on ??? There are also a lot of hunters from other towns and cities in our area, which will be a norm for the next couple of months.

On another note, I did finish up putting away most of my herbs, plants and roots that has been drying for the past few weeks. I am happy to have them here in the house if we need them. There are still a few things that we need to buy in the grocery store, as I like to have an ample supply of certain things in the event that our world gets a bit crazier than it is now. Right now we are in the midst of some dangerous times, with the wars, and the powers that be wanting more control over the people themselves. Not a good thing, and if asked I would say to get yourself prepared, if you’re unsure about what steps to take or what to prepare, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask those who have knowledge. At any rate it’s all up to you, being reliant on the Powers That Be could/will make your life very uncomfortable in more ways than one. Now here again, what you do is your business, I am just stating what I feel is going to take place in the near future.

Today I am going to put our cottage to bed for the winter and then get busy and clean out our vegetable gardens and then rototiller it up, so it is ready for next spring. Which will make us that much more self-reliant along with being able to feed ourselves. After that, I am thinking some time sitting and chatting with my lovely wife on our swing under our Basswood tree will be in order.

Have yourselves a mighty fine day now, and don’t forget to grab hold of them essentials in life. You, and your family, will be glad you did. GW

Good Morning!

It’s another cloudy morning here in Cottage country. But on the good side of the coin, it’s not raining. However, in saying that, we have had our share of rain the past few days, which in turn is what the plants and trees need to get ready for their long winters nap.

Highway 522: It’s been quiet for the past few days, with folks staying home, or gone visiting family or friends for Thanksgiving. Both our boys have left and made it back home safe. It was sad to see them go. But … such is life.

On a different topic, things have been pretty quiet at our house lately. Today, I plan to go to my woodworking workshop and transfer all the herbs, roots, and other items I’ve been drying there into quart-sized jars for later use. It’s going to be a busy day, and I still need to gather a few more before the ground freezes. Along with getting our vegetable garden ready for winter and I also have to plant some garlic for next year. So ya, lots to do.

With that, you all have a great day. GW

Good Morning!

A thick cloud cover, windy and cold with a couple of showers is what is taking place here in Cottage country this morning. And it will remain like this for the next two days. After that, if lucky, we should see some sunshine, which will be nice.

But in saying that, all in all, Thanksgiving weekend wasn’t all that bad. “Believe it or not, it’s been a lifelong phenomenon for me. Whenever I’ve had plans that depend on good weather, it’s almost as if the universe and I have a clandestine arrangement. You could call it my secret pact with the weather spirits. Or, if we’re being practical, maybe it’s just a series of fortuitous cosmic coincidences. No matter, I’ll gladly accept the meteorological assistance!”

Yesterday and the day before, I focused on spending quality time with our boys here at home. We had heartfelt conversations and cherished the moments we had together. Our oldest left yesterday due to work commitments, and the other one will be departing later today. It’s always bittersweet to see them go, considering we don’t have the opportunity to come together as often as we’d like. But that’s just a part of life, at least for now.

With that I am off for a soft-boiled egg on toast with a bit of cheese on top and will then see what the day has in store.

Don’t let the turkeys ruffle your feathers too much, and may your Thanksgiving be as full as a hay barn after a good harvest. GW

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Good Morning!

It’s a touch cloudy here this morning and we are having some light rain. The temperature has also cooled down some, with it sitting at 9.9 C | 49.82 F. It will warm up a wee bit as the day evens out. And tomorrow will be even colder. I am thinking I will cover my remaining lettuce tonight, just in case. It does like the cool weather, but it doesn’t like it too cold, and right now it is sure looking good and tastes fantastic.

On another note, one of my boys made it home for Thanksgiving yesterday and our other one will arrive later on this morning. It sure is nice to get together.

Today I am not going to be doing much other than entertaining and possibly enjoying some of them pastry treats that my lovely wife made. Then later on we will have our turkey dinner which I also am looking forward too. Nothing like a juicy turkey with all the trimmings. With Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Turkey of course, ? A fresh salad with homemade dressing and some of my wife’s stuffing which is mouthwatering good. And after that, a homemade apple pie with a piece of aged cheddar cheese. You know the old saying: “An Apple Pie Without The Cheese Is Like a Kiss Without a Squeeze.” It’s an oldie, but it’s a true statement.

So, my friends, as they say in Cottage Country, go out there and have a fantastic day. There might be a few clouds and a dash of rain, but remember, it’s just nature’s way of adding a little extra excitement to your Thanksgiving weekend. After all, life is a bit like the weather – unpredictable, occasionally soggy, but always an adventure! ?️ GW

Good Morning!

It’s looking as if we are in for a nice day. Waking up, the sun is shinning, and the birds are at our feeder enjoying their breakfast. As for me and my missus, we’re stretchin’ our bones and gettin’ ourselves ready for the day ahead, whatever it may bring. You just never know. Although both of our sons will be visiting us this weekend being Thanksgiving. Which we are looking forward too. One is on the road now heading our way, but it will take him awhile as it is a 6-hour drive from his house to ours. That’s the only downfall of living so far apart, but we make the best of it.

Bug Report: There are a lot of them no-see-ums around, especially when a car, truck or lawnmower is running, and I have to say they can be annoying. But fear not, my friends, ’cause with the cooler weather creepin’ in, their days of mischief are numbered. Good riddance, you little buggers! ?

On a different note, yesterday was one of them “rain, rain, go away” kind of days, and yours truly didn’t venture much outside. I swear, that rain was playin’ a game of peek-a-boo, ’cause it sure knew how to come down hard and fast, then take a breather, just to surprise us again. Mother Nature’s got quite the sense of humor, I tell ya!

Today my lovely wife will be getting things in order around the house here getting ready for our boys. Myself, I have some work to do in our woodworking shop. I have a lot of plants and roots hanging drying, so I need to keep an eye on them. Once dried, I will bring them into the house and get to preparing some of my natural remedies. I enjoy making them, knowing we have a supply ready if someone is in need.

With that you have a great day and if possible take advantage of the sunshine. GW

Click on Image to Enlarge

Good Morning!

We are in the midst of some changes in the weather here this morning in Cottage Country. The sun is no longer with us, and there are some clouds floating by that have a threat of rain in them. But it is that time of year when things start to change in Nature, as does the leaves on the trees. You could say some things are getting ready for a rest. You know, thinking about that, it has been the same for my wife and I over the years. Especially when we were farming. Throughout the summer we were busier than beavers making sure our crops were in, and had enough money, food and heat to last us through winter. Truth be told, there for a while we had some pretty stressful years. But as with a lot of things I found over the years, troubles, problems and yes even stress made us stronger in a lot of ways. “And what we have today … can be chalked up to just that.“

Highway 522 has gotten a wee bit busier for the past few days. I chalk it up to Thanksgiving closing in on us, with folks picking up a few things that they are in need of. For us, our two boys are coming for a visit, which will be nice. We only see them once or twice a year, so when ever we see them in body form it is nice. However, we do stay in touch daily through modern technology, which has come a long way within the last few years. Hard to believe, but I can remember when there was no television or running water in the house. And to go to the bathroom one had to venture outside in all kinds of weather to the old outhouse. Yep, times have sure changed, and I have to admit I am happy with a lot of the changes, especially visiting the outhouse on them cold snowy winter nights. Ha ha

Yesterday, my wife and I worked outdoors most of the day. My lovely wife mowed our grass around our home for the last time this year, while I worked on installing a light in one of my outbuildings, which will make things a lot nicer when I am searching for things. I have wanted to do that for the past ten years or more, but always something more pressing came along to steer me in another direction. After that we both got cleaned up and sat outside on our swing under the basswood tree, taking advantage of the nice weather that is about to leave us for a spell.

Today, being that it might rain, I will clean up my shop after I harvest some more roots and herbs for my natural medicines. I want to get them picked/dug, and brought into the house before it gets too cold. Right now, the roots are at their peak of what they have to offer, with them getting ready for their long sleep. I found you have to work with Nature over the years, as there is no way she is going to change her ways for the likes of us humans.

So with that, I am off for some waffles this morning that my little woman is preparing for me, and will then head on outdoors taking in some of our fresh northern air. Which is another thing I enjoy living where we do.

Have a good day. GW

Good Morning!

It’s another really nice morning here in Cottage country. Looking out our bedroom window, with the sun shinning, was an irresistible inspiration to rise and greet the day. But in saying that if you have any outside work that needs doing it would be a good idea to get it done, either today or tomorrow, as this summer like weather isn’t going to last. With rain and cooler temperatures moving into our area nearing the end of the week.

“Highway 522: Where the Only Commotion is Locals Wondering ‘What’s Happening?'”

Bug Report: For most parts them annoying parasites has left us for the year, but there are some, what I call no-seums flying around, especially when you are mowing the grass. And I found that they can bite occasionally. I have had to put my old hat to work for the past week or so, swatting them.

On another note, I’ve been collecting plants and roots recently to make my own herbal remedies. I’m gathering what I need now, and when the weather isn’t great, I’ll start making them. It’s good to have these things on hand, just in case. It’s too bad more folks doesn’t take advantage of what these plants have to offer. I call it being self efficient, not having to rely on others.

Today I will carry on with gathering some more while the weather is permitting, and after that come Thursday my wife and I will close our store for the winter. We still have to get our gardens put to bed and plant our garlic, but that can wait for another week or so. This time of year one has to keep an eye on what is taking place weather wise.

So with that, I am off for some scrambled eggs this morning with some homemade strawberry jam spread on top of an English Muffin that my wife made up a few weeks ago. I have to tell you that jam tastes like the real thing, not like the store bought stuff. You could say it’s mouthwatering good.

“Have a wonderful day, and if you can, enjoy some sunshine while it’s up high in the sky. It’s another natural remedy that many people don’t take advantage of these days.” GW

Good Morning!

As the last traces of September’s warmth give way to the gentle chill in the air, there’s a sense of anticipation that fills the atmosphere. The calendar has finally flipped to a new page, and it’s that time of the year again—October has arrived!

So how you all doing this morning? Good I hope.

Ruth and I are well these days with lots to do preparing for winter. I have to say I sure have enjoyed summer this year, as last year I wasn’t up to doing very much, feeling like I was. In the beginning of this year things didn’t look all that promising health wise, but seeking out some of my natural remedies for years past, and bringing them to being I slowly started to improve. I am still not 100%, but I am well enough to do things that need doing, which takes a load off my little woman. She has enough to do without having to do my work.

Yesterday, I spent my time gatherin’ up more of nature’s gifts – plants. Today, I’m gonna do the same thing. Once I’ve got ’em all collected and dried up, I’ll start mixin’ up my special brews. These potions, I reckon, will come in handy when winter rolls around.

Over the years, I’ve learned that Mother Nature’s got just ’bout everything we need to keep ourselves healthy, if we’re willin’ to put in the effort to find ’em. And that’s exactly what I’m doin’ now, before these plants disappear for winter.

Today’s mission is pickin’ some Golden Rod leaves. They’re growin’ aplenty ’round here. After that, I’ll gather some Comfrey Roots and a handful of their healthy leaves. Nature’s bounty is right at our doorstep, and I aim to make the most of it.

Well, folks, it’s time for me to enjoy an English Muffin with some homemade jam, got plum on one side and peach on the other that my lovely wife has made for me. I tell ya, them things are just plain ol’ yummy. I can’t resist those tasty treats. Take care, y’all, and don’t forget to savor the good stuff in life!

Good Morning!

It looks as if we are in for another really nice day here in Cottage Country. The sun is out, showing off, and the temperature is climbing as I type. We sure have been having some nice weather for the past couple weeks or so. No one should have any complaints relating to our weather.

On another note, my lovely wife and I took a trip to North Bay yesterday to pick up some groceries and things. Before we left, we moved everything from our living room to other rooms, and I then put on a fresh coat of Polyurethane Oil Base for floors to spruce it up some. It had worn down some over the years, but now she is like new. Thinking about that, I remember my old friend Frank in Michigan, real nice fellow for sure, gone now taken by the virus a couple of years ago. Damn shame too. Anyway, he put down all new wooden floors made from real wood as he was a woodworker like me, and after he was finished I asked him how it looked. He said, “George it turned out great, other than it looks to new, so I am going to leave it for a few months and let the dog run around on it with his nails to scratch it up some along with the grandkids before I stain and cover it with Polyurethane. Which will make it look a lot nicer.” Which he did, and I have to tell you it sure looked nice when all said and done. Something like ours here at our home. I would never remove all the dents and scratches from the floor before redoing, as that would remove all the character. To me and my wife, every scratch and dent has a story to tell. It amazes me that so many people pay so much money to remove them. At any rate, to each their own. All I know, is that this morning now that it has dried and everything is back in place, it looks like a floor should look like.

While in town, we took in the sights and picked up what we needed. The only downside of going to town is that when I return, my pocket book is a lot lighter. After we picked up our items we headed on home while enjoying a coffee taking in the sights that Nature had to offer. Which was a lot with the leaves changing color and things. My wife said that Mother Nature is sure a great artist when she wants to be. I also noticed that this year we are having a lot more vibrant red colors, which means that the minerals in the soil has improved somewhat this year from other years.

All in all, it was a great day for a drive.

Stay safe as there is a lot of sickness out there these days. My wife and I are still wearing our mask when in the large stores, where there are a lot of people, and we still keep a bottle of sanitizer handy after we touch things, like shopping carts and gas pumps nozzles. GW

Good Morning!

It looks as if we are in for another really nice day at our home here in Cottage Country. The sun is shinning without a cloud in the sky. It is a touch cool starting things off with the temperature sitting at 6.1 C | 42.98 F. However it will warm up a lot as the day moves forward. Which is a good thing, as my lovely wife and I sure enjoy warm weather and the sunshine.

Another thing that is strange, that most wouldn’t realize, is that the winds have been coming in from the North East for the past few days. The thing that is interesting, is that when the winds come in from the East, especially the north-east at this time of year means, that we are in for some not so good weather, but in 2023 it has changed to nice weather. It seems that Mother Nature is changing her ways behind the scenes. I have also found over the years that she’s also got her own mood swings. Especially when it comes to her trees. Some years, we might have plenty of rain and sunshine, which helps them trees grow up tall and strong, and they tend to have a nice, pointy top. Other years, though, it might be dry as a bone, or we might have too much rain that can make ’em grow a bit wild and unruly, givin’ ’em a less-pointy look. Which is what took place this year. So what has that got to do with anything? Well, it tells me that when these changes in nature occur, there are often consequences on the horizon for us as human beings. In other words, it’s a signal that we need to be prepared for potential effects on our lives, and that’s precisely what I am attempting to bring to light.

On another note, I worked all day yesterday restoring my porch on the side of our home by the driveway. I have been working on it now for three days and finished it at the end of the day. Now it has been brought back to its natural state with a coat of wood preserver. It should now last for another five years or more. Being that it is white cedar, it could last even longer. I hope so, as with what they are charging for lumber these days it makes it hard to replace or build anything. At any rate, it is finished and couldn’t be at a better time going into winter.

Today, my wife and I have our mowing to do around our home, which we will get at as soon as we enjoy a couple of pancakes stuffed full of cranberries and raspberries. With a drizzle of syrup over the top just to sweeten up our lives a touch.

Have a great day and enjoy the sunshine! It’s what we all need to stay healthy. GW