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Good Morning: You know there is one thing I have learned living where my wife and i do, is that” If you want to be a northerner, you better know that spring is just winter in disguise—until the black-flies show up.

Weather for Port Loring, ON
Current Conditions: Mostly cloudy, 21°F (-6°C)

This Week’s Forecast:

• Sunday, March 09: Thick clouds with some snow flurries this afternoon, but don’t expect much to stick. High: 32°F (0°C), Low: 24°F (-5°C).
• Monday, March 10: A cloudy day but warming up a bit. High: 43°F (6°C), Low: 35°F (2°C).
• Tuesday, March 11: Some sun and clouds, a little breezy in the morning, but the chill’s easing up. High: 44°F (6°C), Low: 14°F (-10°C).
• Wednesday, March 12: Another cloudy one. High: 38°F (3°C), Low: 23°F (-5°C).
• Thursday, March 13: Might see a few morning flurries, but nothing to worry about. High: 42°F (6°C), Low: 22°F (-5°C).
• Friday, March 14: Clouds in the morning, but the sun should peek out later. High: 46°F (8°C), Low: 34°F (1°C).
• Saturday, March 15: Warmer, but still cloudy. High: 51°F (11°C), Low: 33°F (1°C).

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What It Means for You:
Well, it means that winter’s loosening its grip, but it ain’t done yet, as we’ll start the week on the chilly side, with a few snowflakes here and there, but… by next weekend, it’s looking more like early spring.

I’ve farmed for a good number of years, and when you work the land, you learn to read the signs, like how the birds move, how the air smells before a change, even how the animals act. Between that and my own weather station, I can tell you this: Spring is on the way.

The warm southern winds are creeping in, pushing winter back where it belongs. We’ll still have some cold nights, but by the time next weekend rolls around, you’ll start to feel that shift in the air… the kind that makes you think about getting the garden ready or fixing up the fence line. So Hang in there folks.

Not too bad of a morning starting things off, we did have a skiff of snow through the night but not enough to warrant me to wake up my snowblower or bring out the snow shovels. Which is just fine with my wife and I.

Highway 522 does have some snowy patches throughout but with the temperatures rising it will be short lived, which again is fine with me as we are ready for some front porch sittin’.

Well, yesterday was quite the day, let me tell ya. I spent most of it out in the woodworking shop, and while that might not sound like much to some folks, it turned into a real adventure. See, I decided to pull down everything I had stored up high—you know, the stuff I don’t use all that often.

Now, I don’t know if you’ve ever watched any of them hoarder shows on TV, but once I got everything down where I could see it, I started to wonder if I might need to call for backup. The shop was packed full of things I didn’t even remember having. It was like opening a time capsule, only instead of finding buried treasure, I found a whole lot of stuff I should’ve dealt with years ago.

So, what does that mean? Well, it means I’ve got my work cut out for me over the next few days, sorting through it all. And once I’m done, I’m going to have one big sale to clear things out. If you’re in the market for some good old tools, odds and ends, or just feel like rummaging through a pile of forgotten treasures, keep an eye out—I’ll be putting up a sign out front when everything’s ready.

Might even throw in a free story or two with every purchase—just don’t expect any refunds on those!

So, what are you up to today, GW? Well, like I just said, my days are going to be full of sorting through things I didn’t even know I had. How I’m gonna go about it, well… that’s still up in the air. But one way or another, it’ll get done—same as everything else does, sooner or later.

With that, I’m off for my morning breakfast—the little woman’s got it ready and waiting, and I sure ain’t about to keep her waiting.

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

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Good Morning! I found over the years that you can tell a real northerner as they don’t complain about the cold, they just talk about how it used to be worse.

Well, I made my way to the old woodworking shop this morning, and it didn’t take long to figure out that my wife and I have some extra work ahead of us. Turns out, we’ve got another 4-5 inches of that white stuff covering everything. Guess we’ll be busy shoveling today!

Here’s what’s in store for the weather around Port Loring.

Looks like we’ll be seeing a bit of everything today. This morning, a few snow showers are drifting in, but the sun might poke through here and there. Don’t let that fool you, though—it’s going to get breezy as the day goes on, with temperatures hovering around 32°F (0°C).

By tonight, the clouds will thicken up, and the temperature’s set to drop to a chilly 11°F (-12°C). So if you’re out and about, bundle up!

Tomorrow’s shaping up to be another cloudy one, with highs around 28°F (-2°C). And come nightfall, we’re right back down to about 11°F (-12°C) again. All in all, it’s looking like a good couple of days to keep the fire stoked and the coffee hot. If you’ve got shoveling to do, best get at it before that wind picks up!

Highway 522 is mostly bare, but don’t get too comfortable, there are still enough snow and icy patches to keep you on your toes. Or at least, they should!

Up here, road conditions don’t always decide if folks head to town, as if the coffee’s on and there’s good gossip at the local establishments, you’ll see trucks rolling in, no matter what the weather’s doing.

With things caught up in the woodworking shop, Yesterday I spent the day at my computer doing something that’s been a big part of my life for over 40 years… writing stories for the newspapers. Funny how time slips by, but one thing’s for sure: folks must enjoy what I have to say because no one’s ever told me to stop yet!

If you haven’t read one of my stories, maybe now’s the time to give one a try. You might just find a tale that makes you chuckle, gets you thinking, or… helps you see things in a new light. And if nothing else, you’ll know there’s still at least one feller out there who enjoys wrangling words on a computer… though I’ll admit, it’s not quite the same as putting pen to paper!

What are you up to today, GW? Well, with all the snow we got yesterday, it’s pretty obvious what’s on my to-do list. I told my wife the other day I was putting the snowblower away for the summer, thinking winter was finally over. But, as usual, life laughed and said, ‘Nice try, buddy.’ So, guess who’s hauling the snowblower out of the shed again? Yep, that’d be me, an old feller who thought he knew it all, until the snow decided to prove me wrong!

So, with that, I’m off for my breakfast made by my lovely wife, which will consist of a soft-boiled egg and a piece of toast. I’ll need a bit more protein this morning with all that snow to move. As for the hot cocoa, we’ll save that for after we get things cleaned up outside… tastes a lot better that way, along with our usual morning chat, of course.

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

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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

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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