Click On Image to Enlarge!

Good Morning!If you want to be a northerner on days like this, you’ll get used to checking the sky, the wind, and your knees before trusting the weatherman.

Heading out to my old woodworking shop this morning was a chore in itself, what with all the ice on the driveway from yesterday’s thaw. One wrong step, and I would be sitting on my backside wondering what happened.

But instead of hauling the ashes from my wood furnace to the pile like I usually do, I put them to good use, sprinkling them over the ice. Just like that, no more slipping or sliding.

Up here in the north, you have to always be thinking.

Here’s the weather forecast for Port Loring, Ontario, from today through tomorrow, with temperatures in Fahrenheit first, just the way you and me like it.

Thursday, March 6:

• Daytime: Overcast skies with periods of snow, expecting’ about 1 to 2 inches (3 to 6 centimeters). High around 26°F (-3°C).
• Nighttime: Snow tapering’ off to mostly cloudy conditions. Low near 13°F (-10°C).

Friday, March 7:

• Daytime: A mix of sun and clouds, with a couple of morning snow showers. It’ll turn breezy later on. High around 32°F (0°C).
• Nighttime: Partly cloudy skies with temperatures falling’ to near 10°F (-12°C).

Weather Alerts:

• Flash Freeze Warning: Temperatures are expected to drop rapidly early this morning’ which it did, causing’ any standing’ water or slush to freeze quickly. This could lead to icy and slippery conditions.
• Winter Weather Advisory: Snowfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) are anticipated today, with northwesterly winds gusting’ up to 30 mph (50 km/h). Reduced visibility in snow and local blowing’ snow is possible.

Highway 522 is covered in snow and ice this morning, which will make traveling tricky. If you do not have to be out and about, my advice, for what it is worth, is to stay home where it is warm. The way I see it, there is always another day, but there is only one you.

Small Town Living: Living in a small northern town is something else. News travels faster than the wind off the lake in November. For example; If you buy a new shovel, half the town knows before you even get home, and the other half is waiting to borrow it.

Winter? They do not shut things down for a little snow up here. If the plow has been by and you can see the top of your car, you are good to go. And if you cannot find your car, well, that is just part of living in the north.

Seasons are simple… winter, mud, black-flies, and a few good weeks before the snow starts again. But for all the cold, the bugs, and the endless potholes, there is no better place to call home.

On another note, yesterday was another full day spent in my old woodworking shop. First off, I gathered up all the Native American flutes I have been working on for the past few weeks… or should I say months… and brought them into my wife’s studio. Now it is her turn to work her magic and make them look pretty. She has a knack for that sort of thing. Me? I just make the sawdust.

I have to say, these flutes are a lot of work, but the end results… well, you will just have to come by and have yourself a look-see… and a listen.

So what are you up to today GW? Well this morning, I will finish up the weather sticks I started on late in the day yesterday and once finished will bring them over to our little store so folks can pick up a one-of-a-kind item. There is something nice about having a couple of old folks in town who still know how to make things the way they used to be made.

Am I right? Well, judging by what we have heard over the years, a lot of folks seem to think so.

With that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me. She always takes care of me, making sure I’m well-fed and ready to take on the day. After that, I’ll settle into my old recliner with a hot cocoa and start chatting’ with her. I tell ya, I don’t know what I’d do without her, and looking’ outside at the weather, I just might go for a second cup.

Until next time…keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW

Click On Image To Enlarge!

Good Morning. One thing I have told people moving into our area is If you want to be a northerner, you better love your coffee strong and your woodpile taller than you.

She’s a rainy old start to the day here in Port Loring, and I ain’t complaining one bit. That wet stuff is working’ its magic, melting away a lot of winter’s grip. And let me tell ya, I’ve seen enough snow this season to last me ‘til next Christmas.

Looking’ ahead, seems Mother Nature’s got a mixed bag for us:

Today:
A steady drizzle will stick around most of the day, mixing’ in with a bit of that slushy white stuff at times. But don’t go worrying’… it won’t be sticking’ around long. Temps are sitting’ around 44°F (7°C) for the high, then dropping’ down to 25°F (-4°C) come nightfall.

Tonight:
Rain should pack up and move along, leaving’ us with a cloudy sky and a bit of a chill in the air. Might wanna throw an extra log on the fire if you’re like me and prefer to stay toasty.

Tomorrow:
The mercury won’t climb too high, topping out at 35°F (2°C) and then dropping’ to a downright nippy 13°F (-10°C) overnight. There’s even a chance of some flurries, just in case winter thinks it ain’t done with us yet.

So there ya have it! A wet and wild start to March, but hey, that’s just another day in the north.

Highway 522 is partially covered with slushy snow this morning which should melt as the day moves forward being that it so warm outside. As a matter of fact i let my old wood furnace go out last night and turned on our oil furnace as the wood heat is too warm. Which is a sign that spring isn’t all that far off.

Yesterday I spent the whole day out in my old woodworking shop, putting’ the final touches on a batch of my flutes. Got all the totems carved, sanded, and ready to go. Before calling’ it a night, I even gave ‘em a nice coat of clear stain, and let me tell ya, they’re looking’ real sharp. Now, they’re headin’ over to my wife’s studio, where she’ll work her magic and make ‘em downright beautiful. After that, all that’s left is fine-tuning’ the sound, and they’ll be ready for their new homes.

Now, here’s the big news—we’re closing up shop at the end of the year, which means everything has to go! If you’ve ever wanted one of my flutes or any of the other one-of-a-kind treasures we’ve got, now’s the time to scoop ‘em up. No holding’ back, no saving’ for later—once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.

I was selling’ my specialty flutes for $250, but this year, I’m letting’ ‘em go for $200—you won’t find a deal like that again, I guarantee it. And it ain’t just the flutes—everything in the store is up for grabs, priced to sell.

So, if you’re looking’ for a handcrafted piece with a story behind it, or maybe a gift for someone special, now’s the time to stop in. Doors will open soon, shelves are full, and prices are low—come on in and take home something truly unique!

So, what’s on the agenda today, GW?

Well, now that my flutes are all wrapped up, I’m shifting’ gears to work on some one-of-a-kind weather sticks—something I’ve been making’ for over 35 years using knowledge passed down from my old dad. Let me tell ya, these little sticks are the real deal. I ain’t one to twist your arm, but once you see ‘em in action, you’re gonna want one. Truth be told, they can predict the weather just as good as a $1,000 weather station—maybe even better.

And the best part? They’ll be up for grabs at a fair price once we get the shop doors open—won’t be long now, just as soon as this snow clears out!

So, with all that rattling’ around in your mind, I’m off once again for my morning breakfast—hot cup of cocoa in hand—and, of course, our regular morning chat with my lovely wife. But I suspect you all know that by now, after all these years. Are you getting’ tired of me telling’ ya?

Well, too bad, ‘cause I ain’t about to stop! Some things in life are just too good to change, and a good conversation over a warm drink is one of ‘em.

Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW

Click On Image to Enlarge!

Good Morning: You know I have found that a real northerner knows the sound of ice cracking, is either good news or bad news, it depends on where you’re standing.

Weather For Today (Tuesday, March 4):
Spring is slowly making an appearance, but it is taking its time. Although we are starting the day with some light rain, which is helping to get rid of some of the snow. The sky will remain cloudy throughout the day, with temperatures reaching 38°F (3°C).

Tonight:
The clouds will stick around, bringing occasional drizzle and the temperatures will hold steady at 34°F (1°C).

Tomorrow (Wednesday, March 5):
A mix of rain and snow will move in throughout the day, making things a bit messy, and believe it or not there is even a chance of a thunderstorm later on. The high will reach 44°F (7°C), before dropping to 24°F (-4°C) overnight.

Special Weather Statement:
With the combination of rain and melting snow, some areas could see flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Rainfall amounts could reach about an 1 inch 15-25 mm, with heavier showers and possible thunderstorms by Wednesday afternoon and evening. It might be a good idea to keep an eye on roads and driveways.

---

It looks like a wet couple of days ahead.

On another note, I once again worked the day away in my old woodworking shop. The good news is, I managed to finish tuning all the flutes I have been working on, and I have to say, that put a smile on my face. Out of twenty, I lost only one, not the best outcome, but that is how it goes sometimes.

Woodworking life has a way of keeping a fellow humble. You measure twice, cut once, and still, every so often, the wood has a mind of its own. Sometimes a flaw in the grain shows up where you least expect it, or a small mistake sneaks in when you are not looking. But that is just part of the trade. You learn to roll with it, take what you can from the lesson, and move on to the next piece.

One thing is for certain—there is no better feeling than bringing something to life with your own two hands. Seeing those flutes lined up, each one unique in its own way, makes all the effort worthwhile.

Now, if only the weather would cooperate as nicely as most of my flutes did today!

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, now that I have the flutes all tuned up and sounding the way they should, my next task is making the totems for the tops of them. That will likely take up the better part of my day. But before I get to carving, I have to dig through my woodpile and see if I can find some unique pieces. The totems need to be made from hardwood—something with a bit of character to match the flute it will sit on.

That is always an interesting part of the process. Every piece of wood has a story, and the trick is finding the right one to bring that story to life. Some pieces look plain on the outside but have hidden beauty beneath the surface. Others, well, they let you know right away they are meant for something special . Either way, it will be a day of sawdust, carving, and a bit of trial and error—but that is half the fun.

So yes, that is what my day will entail. A bit of searching, a bit of shaping, and hopefully, by day’s end, a handful of totems ready to bring these flutes to life.

With that, I am off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. There is no doubt in my mind that I would not have made it this far without her—that is for certain.

They say a good meal keeps a man going, but the truth is, it is the person behind it that makes all the difference. For over fifty-some years, she has been there, day in and day out, taking care of things in ways that often go unnoticed but are never unappreciated. Whether it is a hot meal on a cold morning, a few wise words when I need them most, or simply the steady presence of someone who knows me better than I know myself—she has been the heart of it all.

A man can build a lot in his lifetime, but the best thing he can ever have is a partner who stands by him through it all. And I was lucky enough to find one of the best.

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

Click On Image to Enlarge!

Good Morning: One thing I have learned over the years is living where do here in the north… you must accept that “Spring” is just a rumor until at least June.

So starting things off, we are all waking up here in the north under cloudy skies, but the silver lining’ is it’s a mite warmer than yesterday morning’, and that’s just dandy by me.

Here’s a look at the weather forecast for Port Loring, Ontario:

Today: Monday, March 3

• Daytime: Mostly cloudy with a 30% chance of flurries. High around 28°F (-2°C).
• Night: Partly cloudy. Low near 26°F (-3°C).

Tomorrow: Tuesday, March 4

• Daytime: Snow in the morning, possibly changing’ to rain or flurries by noon. Risk of a touch of freezing’ drizzle early on. Snowfall could tally up to about 0.8 inches (2 cm). High near 36°F (2°C).
• Night: Periods of snow. Low around 32°F (0°C).

Wednesday, March 5

• Daytime: Expect periods of rain or snow. High around 39°F (4°C).
• Night: Continued periods of rain or snow. Low dropping’ to 16°F (-9°C).

So, keep that umbrella or snow shovel handy, depending’ on how Mother Nature decides to roll the dice.

Now, as for the roads: Well Highway 522 has a few snow-covered spots, but for the most part, traveling’ should be fair today. Of course, living out here in the sticks, that can change quicker than a blink of an eye. One minute it’s clear, the next you’re wondering’ if you should’ve packed a lunch before heading to town.

That’s small-town livin’ for ya. Ain’t no fancy city crews rushing’ out to salt and plow at the first sign of snow. We just take it as it comes, same way folks have done for generations. And honestly, that’s just fine by most of us… we like our peace and quiet, even if it means putting up with a few extra inches of snow and a bumpy back road or two.

So, wherever you’re headin’ today, take ‘er slow, keep your wits about ya, and maybe wave to a neighbor or two… chances are, you’ll know ’em.

Yesterday was one of those bitter cold days that made a fellow think twice about stepping outside. So, I did the sensible thing—stayed in where it was warm and put in some time at the computer. Turned out to be a productive day, too. The words came easy, and I managed to get a good number of stories written for my newspaper columns. Always makes my day when things flow the way they should. Some days, writing feels like work, but then there are days like yesterday when everything just falls into place. Those are the ones that remind me why I’ve been at it for so long.

So what are you up to today GW? Well, today I plan on getting back to tuning those Native American flutes I’ve had on the go for the past few weeks. Be nice to get them finished up. If all goes as planned, they should be looking good and singing even better in another week. That’ll put a smile on my face, as with spring just around the corner, I’ve got plenty of other things in mind that need doing.

With that, it’s time for my morning bowl of porridge, made by my lovely wife, along with a hot cup of cocoa. After that, I’ll be heading out to the shop… well, once we finish our regular morning chat. Can’t forget that.

Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW

Oh… and Happy Birthday Dad! This would have been his birthday, March 3. I miss the old feller!!!

Click on Image to Enlarge!

Good Morning! The snow’s knee-deep, the shovel’s worn thin, and the only thing keeping my wife and I going is the thought of spring, that is, whenever it decides to show up.

Well folks, she’s a downright cold morning here in good old Northern Ontario, Canada. Waking up, the temperature was sitting at -21°F (-29.6°C)—the kind of cold that makes you question why you got out of bed in the first place.

Port Loring, Ontario Weather Forecast

Today (Sunday, March 2):
Mostly sunny, but don’t let that fool you, it’s still cold. High of 16°F (-9°C) with a light breeze that makes it feel a touch cooler. I would think its probably not the best day for standing around outside unless you enjoy frost forming on your mustache, if you had one.

Tonight:
Clear skies, which means it’s going to get even colder. You can expect a low of -3°F (-19°C), so if you were thinking of sitting out on the porch looking at the stars, you might want to rethink that.

Tomorrow (Monday, March 3):
Clouds moving in, bringing a 30% chance of flurries. High of 27°F (-3°C), so at least it’s trying to warm up.

Tomorrow Night:
Still cloudy, still a 30% chance of flurries, and a low of 23°F (-5°C). Not tropical, but better than tonight.

Looks like a good day to keep the wood-stove going and maybe work on a project indoors.

Highway 522 is quiet this morning, with a light covering of snow, just enough to remind us it’s still winter. Might be why folks are staying put, that and the fact that it’s a lot more enjoyable to admire winter from inside with a hot coffee in hand. I went out earlier and plugged in my old car to warm it up a bit, not that I’m planning on going anywhere. Just figured I’d give it a fighting chance against the cold. The only problem is, with hydro prices these days, every time I plug it in, I feel like I should be taking out a loan. So, I don’t leave it on long—just enough to keep the old girl from freezing up solid.

You know, after all these years, I’ve found that living in a small town up here in Northern Ontario has its charms, that is if you don’t mind everyone knowing your business before you do. News travels faster than the internet, and by the time you finish your morning coffee, half the town already knows what you had for breakfast. Saves time on visiting, though, no need to update anyone, when they already have the full report!

On another note, yesterday my wife and I managed to get our decks and driveway cleared of snow, but I have to tell ya, it sure was a struggle, to say the least. I kind of think that the snow doubled in weight overnight! Anyway, by the time we finished, we were more than happy to head indoors and enjoy a cup of hot coffee, let me tell ya. This aging thing sure takes a toll on a feller, or gal, I’ll tell ya that much.

So, what are you up to today, GW? Well, with it being so downright cold, I’m thinkin’ I’ll just hang around inside the house and maybe write up a story or two for my columns. Them flutes can wait for a warmer day. Now, I’ve got the shop stove going, so if the urge hits, I might head out there later on in the day. We’ll see how it goes, one never really knows what a day’s gonna bring.

With that I am off once again for my bowl of porridge my lovely wife has made for me along with a piece of toast. Should hold me over till lunch time.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open And Your Stories Alive! GW