Good Morning!

Starting things off we did have some more rain overnight and by the looks of things we are going to have a lot more rain in the coming days. And nearing the end of September, things are going to get a bit cool. So … with that in mind I plan on getting things done that is needed doing, while the weather is nice. Like some front porch sittin’

Highway 522 is back to being quiet these days. However, there have been a lot of trucks moving up and down the highway bringing in lumber and things from other parts of the country. Which means there are still some folks building new homes and things.

On another note, I picked my first tomato yesterday and had it along with my supper. And I have to tell you it sure tasted good, nothing like what you buy in the grocery store. Full of flavor that makes you want to eat more. Which is what is supposed to happen, as your body knows when something is good. It’s its way of letting you know it likes what you are feeding it. Today for lunch I am going to pick a couple more and have a toasted tomato sandwich. Can’t wait. But on the topic of tomato’s while we were in town the other day the price they are charging for tomatoes is outrageous. One Farmers Market we stopped at were charging $2.00 apiece. But they aren’t the only ones that are charging these ridiculous prices. And the thing is, if someone blindfolded you, and gave you a bite of one, you wouldn’t even know it was a tomato. Well, maybe not everyone, as I wouldn’t hesitate to bet that a lot of folks doesn’t really know what fresh farm grown fruit or vegetables are supposed to taste or smell like. And another thing that bothers me to no end, is that a lot of these folks that are selling this produce, saying that they are farmers … really aren’t. They go to Toronto at the market there, buy up fruit from other countries, put it in Baskets that has Ontario Grown on them and then sell them to folks. Being a farmer, I can spot them a mile away. Sure is a shame what we are becoming here in Canada these days. But, if you want to help the real farmers, the ones that work hard day in a day out, strike up a conversation with them, and ask these so-called ones where their farms are, and how many acres they have, do they do up preserves for winter, what kind of tractors and implements they use, and what kind of fertilizer they use, how and if they irrigate, and then take a good look at the produce they are selling, and around their tables or in their trucks. And another would, be what kind of tomato, Early girl’s, Beef-stake, Glamour, or what kind of peaches are they selling, meaning the name of the peach, like are they Freestone, Split pits, what kind are they, Sun Haven, Red haven’s ? And then watch their faces when you are asking them questions, you can tell when they aren’t telling the truth, if not … you need to sharpen up your senses. Pretty well every farmer I knew, including myself, enjoy talking about our farms and how we worked the land and grew things.

With that I am off for some pancakes, topped off with some of Mike Clapperton’s Maple Syrup, that my lovely wife is preparing for me, and will then head on outside and do some mowing around the house here, while … my little woman will be making sweet pickle relish. Just one more item in our treasure chest for winter. She is sure doing up a lot of different things this year. Which means … that it is going to be a long, snowy cold winter.

Have a great day! GW

Good Morning!

Climbing out of bed, it looks as if we are in for another really nice day here in Cottage Country. The sun is shinning with just a few fluffy clouds floating by, which makes things look just that much nicer. No rain overnight. We slept with the windows open, breathing in the fresh northern air.

Bug Report: All is good.

Highway 522 was a wee bit busy yesterday with some folks moving around. Today being Market day, a few more will be out having a look see at what is going on.

On another note, my lovely wife and I went to Sundrdige yesterday as we had some things that needed attending there. We finished up, bought some fresh buns and some meat at a store in town, and went to a park where my wife made us a nice sandwich. It used to be a bit cheaper to do that, but with what they are charging for a few slices of cheese and luncheon meat it isn’t anymore.
$6:00 for enough meet for two sandwiches. Put the cheese on the buns, and you’re up to almost $10.00. This country of ours is sure changing, and not all for the best. At any rate, we sat chatted and ate our lunch and headed on home while sipping on a tea that my wife made for us before we left. All an all, besides the price of things, we had a good day while taking in the sites along the way. We also saw that they had most of all the new culverts in on Highway 522 and have started to repave it. They can sure do a lot in one day. It will be nice to get it all finished up. Today I have a bit of outside work that needs attending and will get to that once I have a bite to eat.

Have a great day. GW

Good Morning!

It has been a touch cool in the mornings here in Cottage country, with the morning temperature sitting at 15.4 C | 59.72 F. However it will warm up a lot as the day moves forward, and we will see some sunshine later on. Which means that folks can get back to their front porch sittin’ , which my lovely wife and I will be doing more of. We have been so busy with things that needed attending the past month or so now that I am feeling better that we haven’t had the time, but that is going to change now. I am also hoping I can get out and do some fishing with my fishing buddy Barry in the next few days. We sure would like a taste of some Pickerel. With the virus, weather and not being well I haven’t been out fishing now for the past three years. I sure do miss it.

Highway 522 is still picking up with a few tourists coming into our area, a lot of them are day trippers out for a drive. Nice to see them out and about. The rest is locals that go here and go there, taking in what is going on in the area. Which is normal for a small town. Ha ha

On another note, I decided to put together another book of short stories. We have 7 books out there now, but it’s been a few years since our last one, and with so many folks asking for a new one, I decided to make another. I have no shortage of stories writing for the Newspapers now for over thirty some years. So knowing that and talking to folks yesterday I got busy and started to work on it being that it was raining outside. Got lots done too. Today will do the same, along with bugging my lovely wife. She has steadily been doing things up for winter, which sure will be tasty.

With that, I am off for some bacon and eggs this morning, eggs easy over and bacon crisp. You know it is hard to find good bacon anymore in the stores, most are all fat along with a lot of it being too thick. I sure miss the old days when Laura and Reg, the folks that adopted me, made their own. It sure was tasty, and it sure didn’t bother me health wise as it didn’t have all the chemicals that are in what they are making today Some of the names on the package that they contain I haven’t a clue of what they are. Usually if I can’t identify what’s in things, I don’t eat them, but being that I enjoy bacon I do indulge now and then.

At any rate, you all have a great day. GW

Good Morning!

It looks like another really nice day is shaping up for us here in Cottage Country. The sun is shinning with hardly a cloud in the sky. You know you’re in the north when the sky is blue as can be and the air is so fresh it feels energizing, with every breath you take. The temperatures also have been nice for sleeping the past few days with the windows open. Nothing is nicer to lay in bed, feeling the gentle breezes flowing through the house. I am sure going to miss it when the real cold arrives. But it makes you appreciate what you have at the moment.

Highway 522 is still very quiet these days. However, we have had a few folks drop by our small gift shop picking up a few items of choice. And in doing so we made some more fine friends. One couple that originated from Italy, just like my wife, and I’s parents, and with roots in Germany too, we chatted to for over an hour or so. It was an incredible experience to exchange stories about our shared cultural backgrounds, reminisce about the customs and traditions of our ancestors’ homelands, and bond over our love for Italian and German cuisine. The conversation felt like reconnecting with long-lost family, and it further strengthened our pride in our heritage. In short, it made our day.

Bug Report: Not much to talk about these days, all is good. Other than a group of busy Bumble Bees gracefully carrying out their daily tasks. Which are sure nice to watch. They have a lot to offer if you take the time to watch them.

On another note, my wife and I have kept busy, her doing up preserves for winter with me getting the outside things done up that I haven’t been able to do for the past few years. It sure is nice to be able to move around. Things if let go sure have a way of getting out of hand. But I pretty well have everything back to normal.

Today I will finish working on a new Bird Feeder I have in mind. I started it yesterday but got side tracked by folks visiting our gift shop and a few other things. Life is a mystery, that’s for sure, I never know what a day might bring. I start off in one direction and end up doing something totally different. But I like it that way, as it keeps life interesting.

With that, I am off for a bagel with some molasses brown sugar, with cinnamon this morning, that my lovely wife is making for me. Which should give me enough energy to get through the day.’

Have a great day. GW

Good Morning!

It’s a nice looking morning here in Cottage Country. The sun is shinning, and the temperature is sitting at 15.5 C | 59.9 F. it will warm up as the day moves forward. Actually, it will be one of the nicest days of the summer. Can’t beat that.

Highway 522 is still quiet these days, and I suspect it will remain that way now for the rest of the summer. There was a lot of building going on earlier, but that has slowed down too. It won’t be long before I start getting things ready for winter. Usually I bring my firewood into the basement nearing the end of September, along with filling our oil tank. Winter oil isn’t available at the moment. And … I am not looking forward to what it will cost to fill it. If they dropped the tax from heating oil, it would make things a lot easier for folks, especially here in the north. Will they do such a thing? Nope, they are making too much money and unfortunately making money is above what is good for the people, or so it seems. It’s one hell of a world we are living in these days. But we have to carry on making the best of things.

On another note, I finished up building a trailer I started awhile back. I have it for sale now, asking$500.00. It’s a nice trailer for an ATV or Riding mower. Or, you could put it on the road, as it does have a spring suspension. At any rate, what will be, will be. If no one wants it, I will use it myself. Today I am going to work on a new bird feeding station as the one we have now is a touch too small. My wife and I enjoy watching them throughout the winter months. That should look after most of the day. My wife has and is doing up preserves for winter as the price of food this winter is going to soar more so than it is now, and I also suspect we will be having a lot of shortages, caused by the hot weather we have been having around the world. So the warnings are there of what’s to come, and it’s up to each individual on how they heed them warnings. Being an old farmer, I have always kept an eye on these things over the years, and took precautions when needed. Animals do it all the time.

With that, I am off for a bite to eat. Not sure what is on the menu yet.

Have a great day! GW

Good Morning!

Actually, not much is happening these days in cottage country. But you never know it could change being the that August is here, along with it closing in on Fall which arrives this year on September 23.

Highway 522, well, it isn’t what it used to be, not by a long shot. Back in the day, it was a quiet little road, not much traffic to speak of. But truth be told, I don’t mind it staying that way. My lovely wife and I came to these parts over 20 years ago ’cause we wanted some space, some elbow room. And this place gave us just that.

Life’s been a simple one for my wife and I, we’ve seen things change, folks come and go, but we have learned to roll with the punches. That’s how it’s always been for us – adaptin’ to whatever comes our way.

Progress, they call it. Can’t stop it, no matter how much I might wish to. The world keeps movin’ forward, and you have to move with it. I might be an old-timer, but I ain’t stuck in the past. Change is a part of life, and I’ve learned to accept it. So, as the world changes around me, I’ll just keep on doin’ what I do best – tendin’ to my land, watchin’ the seasons change, and cherishin’ the memories of quieter times on Highway 522.

Bug Report: All is good these days other than a few pesky mosquitoes. But I can live with them.

On another note, I worked outside most of the day with my wife getting the mowing out of the way for another week. Sure looks nice when all said and done. Better than any park there is out there today, where millions are spent on keeping it that way. For most parts, I like nature the way she is, but I do like unveiling it occasionally so to speak, showing how beautiful it really is/or can be. After we got the mowing done the rain moved in giving everything a much-needed drink. Enough to fill my rain barrel, too, which I will use in the coming days to water the new vegetables I just planted. You can never have enough fresh rain water on hand living in this neck of the woods. It also comes in handy to flush the toilet when the power goes out.

With that, I am off for some home-made waffles my wife is preparing for me with some of Mike Clappertons Maple Syrup. After that, I will see what mischief I can get into. At least that is what my little woman keeps on tellin’ me.

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

Good Morning!

It’s a cloudy morning, waking up here in Cottage Country. We didn’t have any rain overnight. But in saying that, we could see a bit of rain later on in the day. Maybe even a thunderstorm or two. We should also see some sunshine off and on. Which would be nice. The nice thing is the hot weather is behind us and I suspect that the temperatures will remain quite nice for the remainder of the summer. Nearing the end or the middle of September, though, temperatures will drop a lot. Which is normal for our area. I am thinking we will have to deal with a lot of snow this winter.

Highway 522 was a bit busy yesterday, but it was mostly the locals moving around. The tourists are staying at home this year with the taxes being so high along with the food, gas prices and interest rates causing them some grief. It seems the Powers That Be are corralling everyone into their pen, so to speak. At any rate, from what I make from all this, is that a time is coming when the working man/woman will start to rebel, more so than some are doing now, which is probably what is needed, as much as I hate to say it, to bring things back to normal. But it is going to be hard being a multicultural country with so many different views on things. Kind of a shame it has to be that way, when all it would take is a few good government officials that think like the working man, along with what is good for Canada, to straighten things out. That’s my prognosis for this morning and the coming days.

Bug Report: Other than some mosquitoes, things are pretty good these days.

On another note, I did manage to work up a part of my vegetable garden where I had our garlic planted. Once cleaned up, I got busy and planted some more Lettuce. Spinach, Beans and Onions which will be tasty in a month or so.

This morning, if it doesn’t rain, my lovely wife and I will see if we can get our mowing out of the way for the week. We will have to see how that pans out.

With that, I am off for a bowl of cereal and will then see what the day has in store.

Have a great day. GW

Good Morning!

It’s been a few days since my last post as my lovely wife and I, along with our son Karl, took a drive down to Niagara to see our oldest son Craig. We had a nice time and took in a lot of sights while there. The only issue we had, which could have turned into a disaster, was that the drivers side wheel just about fell off. I guess the nuts holding it on came loose. We heard a noise in Barrie when we stopped for coffee. So hearing that, we decided to take it into the Ford Dealer that was close by. They took a look and after inspecting everything they found the loose wheel and two bad tie rod-ends. They said we were very lucky. At any rate 2 hours later along with a $1000.00 we were on our way. The rest of the trip was good. While there as I said we took in the sights along with picking up some fresh fruit, along with other things, had a good visit with our boy and came on home, stopping here and there along the way. We even had an ice cream in Cooks town, which was pretty tasty, along with some fresh picked corn. Once home, it took us all day yesterday to unwind. Ha ha. Today we have some peaches to do up and get into the freezer for winter. We picked up some at a friend of ours farm near where our farm used to be years ago. They are what you call peaches, not like what is in the stores up here, let me tell you. Nice and sweet and a good size. Like a peach should be.

Highway 522 is still very quiet these days in our area. We did however have a lot of people drop by our gift shop yesterday, which was nice. Half were from the USA. Nice folks too.

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

On another note, it is dry out there, so I had to water our vegetable gardens when we got back home. A person has to keep on top of these things if they want some nice vegetables for the table or to do up for winter. Nothing like fresh veggies taken right from your own garden.

With that, I am off for a bowl of cereal this morning and will then see what the day has in store.

Have a great day and stay safe. GW

Good Morning!

Well, things are looking pretty good, weather wise. We did have a nice rain overnight, which is what we needed for our vegetable gardens. They sure spruce up after a rain, let me tell ya. It is a bit hazy out there this morning, as it has been for the past few mornings, but once the sun gets to doing her thing it will clear things up.

Highway 522 was a bit busy yesterday with folks moving around checking what the town has to offer.

Bug Report: Everything is good in that department, other than a few deer flies.

On another note, my wife and I did get the mowing done around our home yesterday, it was getting pretty long with all the rain we have been having lately. It took us most of the morning. In the afternoon, we looked after customers that dropped by our gift shop. Actually, we had a fair amount of folks coming in picking up things. Some has been here before, along with some new faces too.

Today I will clean up my shop a bit, and then take it easy as one of our sons, Karl, is going to come out for a visit.

With that I am off for a piece of toast and will then see what the day has in store other than I have planned.

Have a great day. GW

Good Morning!

It’s another foggy morning here in Cottage Country. The same as yesterday, but in saying that it will clear up as soon as the sun gets to doing her job. It is possible this morning that we could see a shower, but it kind of depends on which way the clouds track. We will have to wait and see.

Bug Report: Nothing to report in that department.

Highway 522 is very quiet these days, hardly any tourists in our area, and for this time of year it is anything but normal. But as I said many times, there are a lot of people out there hurting these days financially.

On another note, I did work on my trailer for most of the day yesterday and finished it up. It turned out real nice and will be a great trailer for towing behind the ATV. I might sell it for $550.00, as I do have another that I have been using for the past fifteen years or so. It’s a nice little trailer with a good frame. I will post a picture or two later on today or tomorrow.

With that, I am off for a bow of cereal that my lovely wife is preparing for me, and will then see about doing some mowing. With all this rain and cooler temperatures, it has been really growing.

Have a great day! GW

Good Morning!

It’s a foggy morning here, waking up in cottage country. Caused by the cool, morning air meeting the warm earth below. Along with some smoke higher up that causes some issues thrown in for good measure. Other than that, it is shaping up to be a good day. We could see a shower or thunderstorm later in the day.

Bug Report: Everything is hunky-dory in that department, other than a few deer flies being a bit annoying.

Highway 522 is very quiet for this time of year. It goes to show you how much people are hurting these days with being over taxed and having to abide by so many rules and regulations. I would bet that we could do without half of them. Along with a lot of other things that are being forced upon us these days. At any rate, things will come to a head one of these days, be it good or bad.

On another note, I started to work on a few things outside yesterday, but just when I got going the skies got dark, and we had a good hour or so down pour, with lots of thunder and lightning. So, with that upon us, I decided to have a nap in my lazy boy chair for an hour or so. Later on, I did get some work done. Today I will see how things goes.

With that, I am off for a bite to eat, not sure what my lovely wife is making for me, and will then head on outdoors. It sure is nice to be able to move around after being laid up for most of the spring.

Have a great day. GW

Good Morning!

It’s a cloudy morning here, waking up in cottage country. Which could lead us into a few showers or a thunderstorm this morning. After lunch though things will start to clear up and we should see some sunshine. Lately our rain has come when needed, which makes me happy as I don’t have to water my vegetable gardens. Not that I mind, really, as doing anything outdoors is better than sitting in the house. There is enough time to do that come winter, which is very long in this country. Unless you head on off to the sunny south. I have to say, it does look enticing, going south, that is, especially when my old body doesn’t like the cold all that much anymore. Something to ponder on. We used to go to Sarasota, Florida every winter when my Dad was alive and for years after, but things change as we did and well … we just didn’t get to going. You know, I am not exactly sure why that was, as there was no reason to stop. Funny how the mind thinks as it gets older.

Highway 522 was very quiet yesterday in our area. We did have a few people drop by our gift shop, some have been here before, and some new faces also dropped by for a visit to see what we have. It’s always nice to see old friends and new faces.

Bug Report: All is well in that department.

On another note, yesterday I worked most of the day in my woodworking shop. I started to work on rebuilding an old trailer I had lying around that I started a few days ago, but when it came time to plane down the side pieces, my planer had some issues. So … that took me most of the day to fix. I kind of thought it would be shot being so old, but … after taking it apart I manged to fix the old girl and when started back up it ran like a top. It’s nice to be able to do these things. You know, if I wasn’t able to repair equipment or fix things, my wife and I wouldn’t be where we are today. Jack of all trades is sure a true statement for us old timers. That’s why we never throw anything away, as we never know when we might need something. Some call it hoarding, I call it common sense. Nowadays, these so-called specialists come up with all kinds of things trying to put us old timers out of commission. Kind of sad in a way. To most of the young today, we old fellers and gals are a burden. Makes me shake my head as some of us have so much to offer the young if they only took the time to talk to us. At any rate, what will be, will be, and it’s their loss.

With that I am off for a couple pieces of toast with brown sugar which is strapped with molasses. It’s a good way occasionally to start your day. Gives the body the energy it needs to do things.

Have a great day. GW

Good Morning. I hope everyone is well on this fine looking Sunday morning. Walking out the door this morning and taking in a few deep breaths of our fresh northern air sure felt good. I sometimes think that a lot of people doesn’t realize just how lucky they are to be able to do that. But it’s always been that way for me, as with owning farms throughout my life there is nothing nicer than the smell of the land, plants and trees in the early morning hours. Just something about it that makes me feel good and want to make the most of the day.

Bug Report: Not much to report other than a few pesky deer flies. I might have to buy a new hat as my old one is getting worn out a bit from swatting them.

Highway 522 was a touch busy yesterday with campers and tourists roaming around our area.

On another note, my wife and I took a drive to the big city of North Bay yesterday to pick up a few things along with our fresh Ontario Montmorency Sour Cherries. We buy them every year and put them away for winter. My lovely wife puts them in the freezer for making pies and things. Sour-tasting, flavorful and juicy, Montmorency cherries grown here in Ontario are the best there is in the world and along with that they have a lot of health benefits, especially for those with cancer and dealing with gout. While in town we also picked up some other things had lunch in our car while people watching, my wife then poured us a tea that she made before we left and headed on home taking in what nature has to offer. Oh, and we did stop off at a friends place for an hour or two for a long over do visit.

With that, I am off for a bowl of cereal and will then see what the day has in store.

Have a great day! GW

Good Morning!

Not too much going on in our area these days. Tourists are here, but not as they used to be. But as I keep on saying, a lot of folks are hurting these days, trying to stay afloat. And the price of things along with high taxes on everything isn’t making life easy for anyone, other than some of those that … well, I will leave it at that.

Bug Report: All is good.

Highway 522 has been and is still quiet these days. A few campers and motorcycles roaming around our area. Not too many new folks visiting us these days. Even construction and building is down from what it was.

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

Stay safe and have a great day. It is a nice morning. GW

Good Morning!

We are having a wee bit of rain starting off our day here in Cottage Country. It started around 7:00 AM this morning. We could see some sunshine intervals later on.

Highway 522 is still quiet these days. Although, we have had a lot of people dropping by our gift shop, which is nice. I enjoy seeing and talking to folks.

Bug Report: There are a few deer flies annoying folks along with some mosquitoes if you’re in the dense woods.

On another note, knowing we were going to have some showers today, my wife and I decided to get the mowing for the week out of the way yesterday afternoon. So today I can work away on an old trailer I had given to me a few years ago. It had been sitting for over 40 years or so and was about shot. The top, that is, but the frame and axle once I got all the old wood off it looks like new. So now I will add a new floor and some sides, and it will make one dandy trailer for towing behind our 4 Wheeler. It will make it nice for bringing firewood into the house this fall, along with other things. And Fall isn’t that far off, with August already on the horizon. Time sure flies by. The good news is, I am starting to feel a lot better these days. I am still not able to do what I used to do, but that’s okay. That front porch of ours is looking more enticing every day. Which my wife keeps on telling me we need to do more of. And she is right, but it is a hard thing for a fellow to do when he has worked hard every day of his life and liking it.

With that you all have a great day, make it a great day, and I am off for a couple pieces of toast and jam for a change. I have always said a change is as good as a rest. GW

Good Morning!

It seems we are in for a real nice day here in Cottage Country. The sun is shinning and there isn’t a cloud in the sky. And along with that, the temperature this morning was sitting at 15.1 C | 59.18 F. It made it real nice for sleeping with the window open. Actually, we have had our windows all open now for the past week or so, which is nice. In doing so, it airs out the house and makes things just that much healthier.

Bug Report: Nothing to report these days other than a few deer flies annoying folks.

Highway 522 is kind of busy these days, but not as busy as it used to be before the virus hit. I suspect a lot of people are hurting these days with the cost of everything, interest rates on the rise and being taxed to death.

On another note, my lovely wife and I had to go to Sundridge yesterday, which was sort of uneventful other than a lot of construction on Highway 522 with them installing new culverts and cleaning the ditches.

When we were in town, we got some groceries and headed back home. We had lunch at a small park on the road between Sundridge and South River. But at the grocery store, when we reached the checkout, we were shocked to see that just three nectarines were going to cost almost $10.00! Can you believe that? It’s way too expensive, almost like what they charge for tomatoes, which is also way too much.

I call it price gouging. Anyway, I didn’t want to pay that much, so I told them to keep the nectarines. The worst part is that the stores don’t seem to care about how expensive things are for us customers. It’s really frustrating!

So what can we do. Well, as a farmer working the land for a good number of years, I will share this with you. It’s time we rethink where our food comes from and how we get it. Instead of relying solely on big grocery stores, we need to start supporting our own farmers here in Canada. It’s essential because it ensures we have enough safe, high-quality food for everyone, helps our economy, protects the environment, and preserves our rural communities.

With that, I am off for a bagel this morning and will then see what the day has in store. I never know, really.

Have a great day. GW

Good Morning!

It’s a cloud morning here in cottage country, and we did have a wee bit of rain overnight. Things will start to clear up as the day moves forward, and once it does, we should see some sunshine off an on throughout the day. Temperatures will be in the comfortable zone.

Bug Report: Not much to talk about there, as things are pretty good right now.

Highway 522 was quiet over the weekend, but I suspect it will pick up being Monday.

On a different topic, yesterday, my wife and I dedicated most of our day to working on various projects outdoors that required our attention. If I’m feeling up to it today, I plan to do the same. It’s sure nice to be able to move around. However, I must remember to take it easy despite the desire to push myself.

Have a great day. GW

Good Morning!

We here in Cottage country are in the midst of a lot of clouds this morning. We didn’t have any rain through the night. But in saying that, we could see some rain throughout the day. And by the looks of things, the clouds will be the dominant feature for the day.

Bug Report: All is well, but being so damp and warm out for the past few days a few mosquitoes are starting to enter into the picture and of course we can’t forget the deer flies. Once they get their sights locked onto you, they stay with you, annoying you for no reason. They are just down right mean, Ha ha.

Highway 522 is getting a wee bit busier every day with folks wanting to get away from the cities.

In our area, a lot of the new folks moving in lately have come straight outta them big cities. They’re lookin’ for a place where they can stretch their dollar a little further, and I can’t rightly blame ’em for that. But I just can’t figure out why them Powers That Be keep bringin’ in more immigrants when we’re already short on space, and housing. Right now, a whole heap of ’em are settlin’ down in tents right on the street, beggin’ for a handout.

If we keep on this path, our country’s going to end up plumb broke. Truth be told, we’re already knee-deep in debt, and things are fixin’ to get even worse if they keep at it. Now, mind you, I ain’t got nothin’ against a bit of immigration, but we have to make sure we can take care of ’em, or they can take care of themselves without us dippin’ into the hard-earned money of the workin’ man/woman.

Either way, things are comin’ to a head. No matter where you turn when you head into town, there’s always someone down on their luck standin’ near them buildin’ entrances, askin’ for some spare change. And let me tell ya, some of ’em get downright ornery if you ain’t willin’ to hand over a few bucks.

On another note, yesterday being that it didn’t rain I managed to finish cleaning up our driveway with my lovely wife’s help, and I have to say it sure looks nice. It’s amazing what a feller or gal can do using a bit of ingenuity along with some physical labor. You know, that is the biggest factor of how my wife and I got to where we are today. Doing and making things ourselves along with doing without, a lot of things that most go in debt for.

With that, I am off for a boiled egg this morning with some fried potatoes and a piece of toast, which should give me the necessary protein to last me till lunchtime.

Have a great day! GW

Good Morning!

It’s another fine morning in Cottage country, and wouldn’t you know it, the sky decided to play a little game of hide-and-seek with the sun. In fact, this dance of weather is anticipated to continue over the next three days, with the possibility of rain showers making intermittent appearances.

Bug Report: Actually, I worked outside all day yesterday and didn’t see any, even the deer flies stayed clear.

Highway 522 is a wee bit busy these days, and I have to say we had a very busy day yesterday with folks coming in to our gift shop. But let me tell you about this one old feller who stopped by. He’s a regular reader of my stories in the newspaper, and I reckon he’s got good taste. He’s fixing to celebrate his 95th trip around the sun in just a couple of days. He’s got more years under his belt than the hills in our area got squirrels. He was telling me that he worked for the Hydro, and was one of the fellows that put in the hydro cable up the Pickerel River many years ago. He had a lot of interesting stores to tell, including ones about the old Light House, along with the different lumber mills and where he worked for a short spell making shingles down by the lake here in Port Loring. His stories painted a picture of a time when folks rolled up their sleeves and got things done, no matter the challenge. Spending time with that old feller reminded me of the wealth of stories’ some of these older folks carry with them. It’s a reminder that almost everyone has a story to tell, it was a privilege being able to listen to him. We also had some folks from Michigan and Ohio drop by and bought a few things. They were real nice folks. But then again, all the Americans that drop by are nice. My wife and I have made a lot of good friends from the USA over the years.

On another note I decided to work on my driveway yesterday cleaning it up, moving the stone around a bit that has been packed down over the years. It actually worked out pretty good and looks as if we put in a new driveway. At least half of it, I didn’t have time to finish it with all the customers dropping by. Maybe I will finish it today, that is if it doesn’t rain. I sure enjoy being able to do some outside work.

With that, I reckon I better mosey on over to the kitchen and grab me a plateful of flapjacks whipped up by my darlin’ wife before I wrangle with whatever the day’s got in its back pocket. Ain’t no tellin’ what kind of shenanigans await, but that’s just part of the charm of country living. You never know what surprises a day’s got tucked away, so might as well savor them pancakes and let life take the reins.

Have a great day! GW