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Good Morning… the air is quiet, and it feels like a good day to get out to the workshop, or maybe even dig around in the garden a bit.

Well, it’s looking like the rain has finally left us, and the sun is starting to break through the clouds. A welcome sight, I’d say.

Forecast for Port Loring, Ontario

Today (Friday, June 20)

• Daytime: A mix of sun and cloud, with things warming up nicely to around 72 °F (22 °C).
• Nighttime Temperatures: Dropping down to a cooler 51 °F (11 °C), which should make for a good sleeping night.

Saturday (June 21)

• Daytime: Cloudy skies, with a few showers and maybe a thunderstorm early on. Breezy through the afternoon, with highs reaching 78 °F (26 °C).
• Nighttime Temperatures: Holding warmer at around 65 °F (19 °C), still a bit humid and damp in spots.

Sunday (June 22)

Nighttime Temperatures: Staying warm and sticky near 66 °F (19 °C)—a sign summer’s really settling in.

Daytime: A muggy one on the way. Cloudy early, then maybe a break of sun before a few pop-up storms roll through in the afternoon. Highs climbing to 87 °F (31 °C).

So, by the looks of things, the warmer daytime temperatures are here to stay for a while.

Highway 522 was still pretty quiet yesterday, though the weather wasn’t all that great, which likely kept folks at home. Out here in the country, that suits us just fine as it means more peace and quiet, which is what most folks living here enjoy. Least my wife and I do.

Bug Report:
Well, there weren’t any bugs to speak of yesterday. With the rain, everything with wings seemed to take the day off. But this morning? The mosquitoes are back at it, raising a bit of hell. They will likely settle down once the sun gets a little higher in the sky.

Of course, that is usually when the deer flies punch in for their shift.

Actually, I have been pretty lucky over the years, as for the most part, none of them actually bite me. They just buzz around my face like they are trying to tell me something. Not sure why that is, but my wife says it is because I am not as sweet as most folks. Could be true.

On another note, with it being a rainy day yesterday, I spent most of my time right here at the computer. Got a couple of stories written up in the morning, and by afternoon I started working on setting things up so I can share my stories on my blog, YouTube, and a few other spots.

What I’ll be doing is taking one story each week from my collection and turning it into a podcast. I used to do that a while back, but after a time I drifted away from it, tried making videos instead, and then drifted from that too. So now I’m heading back to podcasting, which means I’ll be reading my stories out loud once again.

Keep an eye out for them on my YouTube channel and right here on the blog.

So, what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today I’m planning to work on my bird feeder. I had to take it down the other day since it needed a bit of repair. I’ve been experimenting with different ways to keep the larger birds out while still letting the smaller ones in to feed. It’s been a bit of a challenge, but I think I’ve finally figured it out.

So I’ll get it fixed up and back on the post outside our living room window. That way, my wife and I can sit and watch the show throughout the day. We sure enjoy seeing all the different kinds of birds that come to visit.

So yep, that’s what I’ve got on the go today.

With that I’m off for my morning breakfast once again that my lovely wife has put together for me, and then I’ll see what the day has in store other than what I have planned. Every day is a mystery waiting to be made into something.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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Good Morning, Folks. Out here in the country, the coffee tastes stronger, the sky looks w i d e r, and even the silence has something to say.

Well, looking out the old window here by my desk, it looks like we’re in for a rainy day.

Today – Thursday, June 19: Rain’s falling steady this morning, and might keep at it for most of the day. We’ll see a high around 64 °F (18 °C) and dropping to about 49 °F (10 °C) tonight. There’s a rainfall warning on—calling for 40 to 60 mm of rain, which works out to roughly 1.5 to 2.5 inches. We could also hear the odd rumble of thunder in the mix too.

Tonight: Cooler and still damp. The heavier rain should ease into lighter showers by evening, with temps settling near 49 °F (10 °C). Nice for sleeping.

Tomorrow – Friday, June 20: Cloudy for the most part but milder, with the high creeping up to around 73 °F (23 °C) and an overnight low of about 56 °F (13 °C). Might not be bone-dry, but not near as wet as today.

I would say that today would be a good day to stay in, tend to the small stuff, and let the land have its drink. As it sure needs it, especially our vegetable garden.

Bug Report: Other than a few mosquitoes and the odd deer fly irritating folks, things are pretty decent out there these days. Not much to complain about. That said, I have noticed those tiny gnats are starting to show up at night. If you haven’t got the newer style screens on your windows, they’ll slip right through the old ones the minute they see a light on. Not exactly what you want buzzing around your bedroom, especially on a hot night.

Highway 522 was quiet again yesterday. A few locals were out, and some trucks working the area, but not many tourists yet. I expect that will change once July arrives, when the kids get out of school and city folks feel the pull of the country.

The thing is, real country is getting harder to find these days. I mean the kind where no chemicals are sprayed on fields or bushes, the kind that doesn’t kill everything it touches and then spread into the lakes, streams, and rivers. And the worst part is, that, sooner or later, that mess makes its way into our well water too.

Those so-called specialists act like they know it all, but really, they only repeat what they’re taught in fancy schools that have moved away from final exams. Without those traditional tests, it’s hard to tell if students are truly learning anything or just coasting through. Makes me shake my head and wonder where we’re headed here in Canada.

On another note, yesterday being such a nice day I spent most of it outside, working on a few projects and taking care of customers who stopped by our gift shop and garage sale. I have to say, sales went great, with plenty of folks coming by and picking up a good number of our things.

Later, since the grass was dry and rain was expected for the next couple of days, my wife and I figured we’d better get the mowing done. Glad we did, and I have to say, it looks real nice out there now, all cleaned up and tidy.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today being a rainy old day, I figure I’ll be working here at my desk where all the magic happens, at least when I get into writing stories. I’ve got a couple of ideas brewing for my columns that actually pay me to write, so that’s probably what I’ll be doing. But hey, you never know, as every day seems to come with its own agenda.

So with that, I’m off to dig into the breakfast my lovely wife whipped up, pancakes with some good grass fed butter over the top. Then I’ll sink back into my lazy boy chair of mine with a steaming cup of cocoa, just because I can.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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Good Morning, Folks. I’ve found that the stories worth telling always leave a little silence around them.

So starting things off with this… Looking outside, it seems to be shaping up to be a nice day here in Cottage Country.

Today – Wednesday, June 18:
It’s sittin’ around 62°F (16°C) this morning, with mostly cloudy skies. Feels calm and kind of gentle out there. If the clouds behave, we might hit a high of 78°F (26°C) later on. There’s a slight chance of a sprinkle this afternoon, but nothin’ much to worry about if you’ve got things to do outdoors.

Tonight:
It’ll stay mostly cloudy and mild. Temperature should dip down to about 60°F (16°C), which is still decent for sleepin’ with the windows cracked. Might get a touch of light rain, but again, not much of it.

Tomorrow – Thursday, June 19:
Cooler air’s blowin’ in come morning, and it’ll be breezy for a spell. High should land somewhere around 71°F (22°C), which is still good workin’ weather. Rain’s supposed to roll in off and on through the day, so best to plan around it if you’ve got anything you need to keep dry. Overnight, we’re lookin’ at a low of 56°F (13°C).

Highway 522’s got a bit more traffic these days, but it’s still moving slow.
Not sure if it’s the shaky economy, or maybe folks just aren’t wandering as far from home this year. Could be all of it, could be none of it. Hard to pin down.

Still, every now and then, you see a camper roll through, which tells us summers still trying to find us here in the north.

Bug Report:
Well, the black flies have pretty well-packed up and left us for another year, thank goodness. But just as one pest moves out, another moves in. The deer flies are wide awake now, and let me tell you, they don’t mess around.

Once one finds you, well, that’s it, as they circle, they hover, and they just don’t take the hint. And if you stand still too long, they’ll settle in and take a bite big enough to make you take notice. Not exactly what you’d call a pleasant experience.

That’s where my old hat earns its keep. Been swatting bugs with it for years, and it still does the trick.

But truth be told, even with a few deer flies buzzing about, things are pretty good these days here in the north. Warm sun, green trees, and enough quiet to think, can’t complain too much.

On another note, my wife and I decided to head on into North Bay yesterday to pick up some supplies and a few odds and ends. We got what we needed, and, as it usually goes, a little more than we planned.

Afterward, we treated ourselves to a pizza and a cold iced tea over at East Side Mario’s. Sat there for a spell, just enjoying the food and each other’s company. It’s funny how a simple meal, when shared with the right person, can feel like the best part of the whole day.

Then before heading home, we stopped by a little coffee shop in town for a hot cup to go, then made our way back home, soaking in what nature had to offer.

And there’s plenty to notice if you take the time to look, with the wildflowers blooming in the ditches, birds circling overhead, and the lakes catching the last bit of sunlight like they’re holding onto something important.

We’ve also been seeing a lot of new folks moving into the area, buying up properties here and there. Seems to be the trend lately. Some are looking for peace and quiet, or for a fresh start. Either way, the north has a way of drawing people in, and I can’t rightly say I blame them.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, with the weather looking pretty good. I figure I’ll spend some time cleaning up our woodworking shop. I’ve been out there quite a bit lately working on things, and it’s gotten a bit messy, sawdust everywhere, tools scattered, and off-cuts piled up here and there.

But I’ve always said, a clean shop’s alright, but a messy one means things are getting done. I’ve seen plenty of woodworking shops in my day, and some of them are so clean, you’d swear no one ever lifted a hammer.

To me, they are more for show. Give me a bench covered in shavings, a few boards stacked against the wall, and the smell of fresh-cut wood in the air. That’s a real shop.

Still, I do like to keep mine in decent shape, at least tidy enough that I don’t waste half the morning lookin’ for my tape measure.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife’s made for me, then I’ll be heading outside with a hot cup of Barry’s Tea in hand. It’s a fine-tasting tea if you like something smooth and full of flavor. If you’ve never tried it, I’d say give it a go—they carry it at Metro. You won’t be disappointed.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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Good Morning, Folks. I dreamt a whole Blog Post last night. Damn shame, I only remember the part about the pancakes and the sun.

Looking out, right here, from my desk window, where all the magic happens, it seems our day is shaping up to be downright nice. At the moment, there’s plenty of sunshine and hardly a breath of wind, the kind of morning that makes a fellow truly appreciate living in the country.

Weather for us today here in Port Loring, Ontario, Canada.

Today – Sunday, June 15 (Father’s Day): Right now it’s sitting around 58 °F (15 °C) and the sun is working its way through the morning sky. We’re on track for a beautiful Father’s Day, with a high of 77 °F (25 °C)

Tonight: Skies will stay mostly clear through the evening, cooling down to about 50 °F (10 °C). A light sweater might be a good idea if you’re stepping out, but otherwise it’ll be a peaceful, quiet night.

Tomorrow – Monday, June 16: No rain on the radar. It’ll be a mix of sun and cloud through the day, starting off around 59 °F (15 °C) in the morning and climbing to about 80 °F (27 °C) by afternoon. It will feel like a good day to be outdoors, whether you’re getting work done or just soaking up what summer has to offer.

Highway 522 got busier yesterday, mostly locals just going about their business. And a good bunch of them stopped by our garage sale. That’s small-town life for ya …everyone’s out and about, bumping into folks they know and maybe a few they don’t, and stopping to chat a bit. It’s like a slow dance where nobody’s in a hurry and the main event is just catching up on the local gossip.

Well, once again, other than a few mosquitoes and a couple of deer flies, things are pretty good out there these days. But like I always say, from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day is blackfly season ’round here, and today being Father’s Day, there’s hardly one to be found. At least not near our place.

On another note, yesterday I worked the day away taking care of customers at our garage sale, and I have to tell you, we had a steady stream of folks dropping by and picking up all sorts of things. On top of that, our gift shop saw a great day too, with plenty of people snagging some of our one-of-a-kind items, all on sale for half price—who could blame them? Plus, people were in a friendly mood, swapping stories and filling the air with good conversation.

And don’t forget, we’ll keep our garage sale going right through the end of July at 11588 Highway 522, Port Loring, Ontario. We’re open from 10 to 4 every day. After July, the garage sale winds down, but our small gift shop stays open until fall, also from 10 to 4. Just like every other year, we’ll be here for you.

So what are you up to on Father’s Day, GW?

Well, I suspect that most fathers might be taking the day off, but I’ve got a mind to stain the deck that wraps around our small cottage, the one we use for friends and family. After that, some time sitting on our swing under the old basswood tree sounds about right, maybe with a coffee or two to enjoy. Hmm, I might even try something different today, we’ll see how that pans out.

With that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me. It’ll be some pancakes covered with grass-fed butter and a touch of syrup, topped off with raspberries and a few blueberries. Keeps things all healthy, right? Well, at least the fruit part does.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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Good Morning, Folks. Some mornings feel borrowed, like you’ve been gifted time from an old friend. This is one of ’em.

Well, looking out my window here by my desk, it sure feels like we’re in for a good one. The kind of day that starts out soft and slow, with a sky that’s clear enough to lift your spirits before you’ve even had your second cup of coffee.

The sun’s already working its way across the yard, casting long shadows off the fence posts and making the grass look just a little greener. It’s sittin’ at a comfortable 78°F, which is about 26°C for those who like their numbers that way. There’s a light breeze out of the southwest, just enough to rustle the lilacs and keep the blackflies guessing.

Tonight’ll be calm and clear, cooling off to around 58°F, or 14°C, which means good sleeping weather if you’ve got the windows open and a quilt at the foot of the bed. And tomorrow, well, it’s shaping up to be a fine one too. They’re calling for 82°F (28°C) and sunny, so if you’ve got outdoor chores piling up like we do, it might be a good time to cross a few things off the list.

One has to take advantage of this nice weather while you can.

Highway 522 is still quiet these days, traffic wise. But then again, we do live off the beaten track, where not too many folks come pokin’ around until the weather starts to cooperate, which by the looks of things is about to happen with summer now just around the corner.

That said, I’ve noticed more and more new faces showing up these past couple of years. A lot of folks have been packing up and heading north, and honestly, I can’t say I blame them. When you look at what’s going on in the world, or more to the point in the big cities, it starts to make sense. Crime is climbing, houses are being built so close together you could almost shake hands with your neighbor while sipping your morning coffee, and the air down there is thick with things I won’t even get into. Let’s just say it’s no wonder so many folks are walking around with allergies and sniffles they can’t quite explain.

And the crowds, damn! The last time we took a trip down south, it was a full-time job just trying to sort out all the different nationalities bustling around. It’s something to see how much our country has changed. I’m not saying change is always bad, but if I’m being honest, I don’t believe it’s all been for the better.

Bug Report

Well, I’m happy to say most of the blackflies have left us for another year. And with this stretch of warmer weather settling in, them blood-sucking parasites we call mosquitoes might not be too bad either. They’re not fans of the heat, mostly because they’re so small, the sun dries them out and finishes them off pretty quick.

Now in the shade, that’s a different story. One still has to be careful come evening, especially if the doors or windows are open. They’ll sneak their way into the house, and once they’re in, well… when it’s time to sleep, they can sure be irritating.

We picked up one of those bug zappers and set it on the kitchen table. Before heading to bed, we switch it on and let it draw them in. Keeps them off us while we sleep. Works slick too. The thing is, living in the country, you learn quick that you’ve got to be on your toes, whether it’s bugs, weather, or something unexpected showing up at your back door.

On another note, yesterday my wife and I had a lot going on, so we didn’t get around to making a morning post here on the blog. We get a few of those days now and then, days when there’s so much on the to-do list, there just aren’t enough hours to get through it all.

But that being said, we still managed to knock off the things we had planned, and on top of that, we had quite a few folks stop by, picking up things from our garage sale. We’re keeping it going every weekend right through to the end of July.

We sold a fair bit yesterday, but there’s still plenty left, and like I always say, my wife and I don’t know where it all came from. It’s simply amazing how much a person can collect over the years without realizing it.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today I’m planning on working outdoors, as there’s a few things around the house that need tending to. And with the sun shining the way it is, I sure don’t want to be stuck inside.

On top of that, our little gift shop is open for the season now, and between that and all the garage sale items we’ve got set out, there’s plenty to keep us busy. But truth be told, we enjoy it. Especially this time of year, when the days are warm, and folks start getting out and about again.

It’s a good kind of busy, though. The kind where the work feels more like a day well spent.

So with that, I’m off to have breakfast my little woman’s made for me, then I’ll head on out to the front porch with a nice cup of hot cocoa and take in the view of our beautiful piece of property. Sure is a sight to see this time of year.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW