Good Morning! I’ve got a true story to share with you today, one that’s been on my mind for years.

I remember sitting on a stump by a creek with my old friend Gray Wolf. I was just a kid back then, not sure what to do with my life. My dad had sent me off to live with someone else, and I felt like he didn’t want me anymore. It hurt, but I didn’t know how to fix it.

Gray Wolf sat beside me, quiet as always. I looked up at him and asked, “What do you think about life? Mine sure doesn’t feel like much right now.”

He didn’t answer right away, instead, he watched the creek, letting the water talk for a bit. Then, in that calm, steady way of his, he said, “Life, boy, is like this stream. It don’t stop when it hits a stone. No… it moves around, finds a new path. You have to be like the stream. You make your own way, even if it twists and turns.”

I listened. He didn’t say much, but he didn’t need to. The creek spoke for him, and I began to see that life wasn’t about everything going smooth; it was about learning to flow around the rocks and keep moving forward, no matter what.

Then Gray Wolf looked at me again, his dark eyes full of something I couldn’t quite understand at that time. “The path don’t matter much,” he said, “as long as you keep going. You choose which way. The stones… they help you find it.”

As I grew older, his words made a lot of sense.

I never forgot those words and you know—over the years I have found that sometimes life takes you places you didn’t expect, but there’s always a way around, just like Gray Wolf said. I have also found that sometimes, the rocks in the stream aren’t there to block you—they’re there to guide you.

So there you go, an event that happened many years ago. You can take it for what it’s worth.

On another note, we’re in the midst of a few clouds this morning here in Cottage Country, and we might see a brief shower or two. But after that, things should clear up, and the sun will be with us once again. I have to say, it’s a beautiful time of year. Truth be told, I even love the smell of the air right now. Everything seems to carry a touch of freshness—the earth, the trees, even the breeze feels like it’s whispering that fall is on its way.

Highway 522 has quieted down considerably, yet the locals still wander about, making their way here and there. There isn’t much to see, but somehow they always manage to find something to keep themselves occupied. It makes me scratch my head from time to time. But then again, as I always say, to each their own.

Other than that, I don’t have much to share this morning, other than, my wife and I managed to get the grass cut yesterday, and gathered a nice pile of leaves for the vegetable garden. Later, I’ll rototiller them in to help things grow next spring. It’s a good way to make use of what we have, and it doesn’t cost a thing!

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has put together and will then see what the day has in store.

You all have a great day and I will leave you with this. “Life’s a bit like a good cup of coffee: take it slow, savor each sip, and don’t let it get cold.” GW

Good Morning! My old Friend Gray Wolf while sitting on his front porch one time said. “George the owl watches and waits—sometimes wisdom comes not from speaking, but from listening”

It’s a pretty good-looking morning here in Northern Ontario, Canada. The sun is slowly making it’s way higher in the East, and I have to say it sure looks nice with it shining through all the coloured leaves. That are all out in full force right now. Well—at least here where we live. And—by the looks of things that are taking place all around us, the weather will stay quite nice for the next week or so. Other than a couple of showers on Sunday and Monday. However, in saying that it has cooled down a bit, especially at night, but I am not complaining as it makes sleeping mighty nice.

My wife and I have been really busy for the past few days, getting our outside work done up for winter. I have also been writing up stories for my columns I write for, so I will have a few ahead for winter. My wife, well—she has been working steadily on finishing up some paintings that customers has ordered and if things goes to plan she should have them looked after by Thanksgiving.

On another note, we did take a trip to North Bay on Tuesday as we were in need of some supplies and groceries. We also picked up a nice turkey for Thanksgiving as all our family is coming home this year for a few days. While there, other than picking up our groceries we stopped off for a pizza at East Side Mario’s, enjoyed that with a drink or two, then stopped for a coffee at a local coffee shop and sipped on it while on our way home, taking in all the Fall Colours. I noticed that they are really out in full force in some areas, while in other places they haven’t started yet. Just goes to show you, no matter how much we think we can control things, Mother Nature has her own way of doing things. She moves to her own rhythm, untouched by what we humans want. There’s something kind of comforting in that, especially when you look at how our so-called leaders try to run the world. Makes you realize who’s really in charge

Highway 522 has slowed down a lot these days, but it is that time of year with the tourists staying close to home. I have also noticed that some of the folks that have cottages in our area have been closing things up, and a lot have been putting their boats away for winter. In truth, though, we can still get some very nice weather for the next few weeks or so.

On the flip side, our gift shop’s been bustling with folks stopping by to check out the unique items we offer. My wife’s paintings were a big hit this year—she sold most of her pieces and even picked up quite a few custom orders. She’s one talented gal, no doubt about it

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me, and will then head on out to my shop and see if our mowers are awake yet, as it is mowing day here for us.

You all have a great day and I will leave you with this. “The secret to a good life ain’t in having more—it’s in enjoying what you already have.” GW

The Sedum on our property is really putting on a show these days, along with all our other plants. It’s a never-ending display of what nature has to offer.

Click On Image to Enlarge!

Good Morning! My old Native Friend Gray Wolf used to say: “George, the quiet of the morning has a lot to say, if you’re willin’ to listen.”

It’s another beautiful day here in the North. The sun’s shining, the temperature’s climbing as I sit here typing, and there’s just a light breeze in the air. I’ve also noticed many of our songbirds have already left for warmer places, and it’s always a bit sad to see them go. My wife and I sure do enjoy watching them at the feeder every morning—and throughout the day, for that matter. But that’s life; things are always changing. It kind of reminds you to appreciate what you’ve got while it’s here. Weather-wise, though, I can’t complain—it’s been one fine summer.

On another note, I had planned to clean up my woodworking shop yesterday, but never quite got around to it. I ended up getting tied up at the computer, working on a couple of stories for my columns. But all in all, it was still a great day, and that’s what counts. My wife and I did manage to get outside in the afternoon and soak up some sunshine, which felt pretty good. Best to enjoy it while we can, as up here in the North, the weather can change on a dime.

On another note, we’ll see what today brings. Maybe I’ll finally get to cleaning my shop, or perhaps I’ll continue writing—or who knows, I might even work on another YouTube video. Truth be told, I never really know what I’ll end up doing. I seem to start in one direction and wind up somewhere else entirely. But that’s alright; it keeps life interesting.

So with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. After that, we’ll see what the day has in store—although one thing’s for certain: once breakfast is done, my wife and I will be sitting on the front porch with a cup of hot cocoa, taking in our beautiful piece of property, before I tackle anything else.

You all have a great day and remember: “Life’s like a well-tended garden—take care of it, and you’ll enjoy the harvest for years to come.” GW

Our Sweet Orange Peppers Are Sure Tasty This Time of Year

Click on image to enlarge!

Good mornin’! Each day brings a fresh start—are you out there tendin’ to your dreams? Or— just plowin’ the same old field?

It sure is a beautiful day here in Northern Ontario. The sun’s just coming up, shining through the trees, lighting up the fall colours in a way that makes you stop and stare. The thing is— it changes with every passing second, and I can’t help but stand there, not wanting to walk away. There’s something about this time of year that gets to me, hard to explain. Makes me wonder how many folks miss out on these little moments.

Highway 522’s still slow, like it always is this time of year. But truth be told, there’s no other road I’d rather be on in the fall. It’s one of those stretches where you don’t have to hurry, giving you the chance to really take in all that nature has to offer. Every so often, a critter will wander across the road, or you’ll see one grazing along the edge. And with those fall colours all around, well, let me tell you, it’s a sight that sticks with you.

On another note, my wife and I got the grass cut the other day. With the cooler temps and heavy dew in the mornings, it’s been growing leaps and bounds. My wife has been saving the clippings along with the chewed-up maple leaves, spreading them across our vegetable garden, now that it’s done for the year. Once the leaves finish falling and the grass stops growing, I’ll till it all under, and that’ll give the garden what it needs for a good crop of veggies next year. No need for chemical fertilizers around here. After we finished up, we sat on our swing with a cold glass of water, just taking in everything around us. When it’s all done up like that, it sure is a sight to see. Gotta tell ya, “it’s a fine place to live.”

Today, I’m not quite sure what I’ll do yet. It’s a nice day, so I’m thinking about tidying up the woodworking shop to get it ready for some projects I want to tackle later this year. I also need to bring over some firewood from the bush beside the house. It’s pine, which is softwood—I don’t use it for heating the house because it builds up too much creosote, but it’s perfect for the old shop stove. I’ve always enjoyed working in the shop when it’s cold outside and snow is blowing around. There’s something about that old stove burning away that makes everything feel just right. I can’t quite explain it, but it’s a good feeling.

With that, I’m off for a bowl of cereal this morning—Shreddies for a change. After that, I’ll head out to the front porch with a cup of hot cocoa to share the moment with my lovely wife.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you all with this to ponder on. “A kind word is like a seed; plant it where you can, and watch it grow.” GW

Good Morning! You know— when people say George, “you can’t change the world, I tell them, maybe not, but I sure can change my corner of it.”

Well, it looks like we’re in for a bit more rain this morning. Sure can’t do much about it, so I reckon I’ll just let it be. It’s been steady, and by the looks of things, it won’t ease up till the afternoon. After that though, they say the sun’ll be poking through, and we’re supposed to have six days of decent weather ahead. I’ll believe it when I see it, as this time of year, anything can change at the drop of a hat. It seems like every season’s got its own tricks, and you learn to roll with it, living out here as long as I have.

I remember my old Dad saying once, “George, when you live here on the farm, you learn to take things as they come. No use fussing over the weather like they do in the city. We live day to day, one moment it’s warm as toast, and the next, there’s frost on the pumpkins. Keeps a man humble, knowing he’s not in charge— the thing is, nature’s running the show, and we’re just here for the ride.”

Highway 522 has slowed down some traffic wise with mostly locals roaming around. Which is normal for our neck of the woods, especially this time of year.

On another note, with the rain keeping me indoors yesterday, I spent the day tinkering away on the computer. Turned out to be a productive one. Felt pretty good to sit a spell and let the old bones take a break. They’re starting to feel a bit more like their usual self, which is a good thing because there’s still plenty of work waiting outside. Winter’s got a way of sneaking up on you around here, and if you don’t get ahead of it while the weather holds, well… you might just find yourself in for a rough go.

Today however being still raining off and on I am thinking I will spend another day writing up some stories, or I might just edit up another YouTube Video I made awhile back. I have to admit I enjoy doing those things, that is when it isn’t nice outside, as I hate being inside on beautiful days.

With that I am off once again for my breakfast that my lovely wife has prepared for me, and will then see what the rest of the day has to offer.

You never know what the day might bring; often, it’s the simplest moments that turn out to be the sweetest. Living out here where we do, away from the cities, I’ve come to understand that life isn’t just about the chores that need doing. Not by a long shot. It’s also about savoring those little things—the warmth of a good meal, the gentle patter of rain on the roof, and— the comfort of having a loved one like my little woman by my side.

You all have a great day and remember: “Every day’s a gift—just don’t forget to open it slow-like.” GW