Category Archives: Gardening

Spot for you to do some reading on gardening and staying healthy. Also a great place to put your feet up and relax for a bit.

Port Loring’s Bumble Bee’s

One thing we have lots of around our home here in Port Loring, Ontario, Canada, is Bumble Bees. All types can be seen on our Sedum Plants, which are out in full bloom. The scent they give off is also fantastic. Every year I have to take some pictures of these furry little creatures. You know … they are so gentle you can even pet them as they go about their business of harvesting the sweet nectar that these flowers give away for free. Fantastic to see. Below are some pictures I took. For better viewing click on each picture to Enlarge.

The old Mill

Here is a few pictures of our old Mill with a Water Wheel I made years ago. It was about had it, but with a bit of old wood and some tender care, we brought it back to life. We set it at the end of our driveway where folks drive in can see it. Turned out really nice, especially when my lovely wife got finished adding a garden around it. Click on any picture to enlarge.

Morning report

It’s kind of foggy here in Port Loring, Ontario, Canada this morning. It cooled down overnight which I like. Later it will warm up and once the sun does it job the sky will clear. Actually, it is looking like it’s going to be a fantastic week. Today I have some story writing to do for my columns, which will probably keep me busy most the day. But once that is done, it is back working on my Flutes. I was hoping to get them finished before the snow flies. I also have to clean up my vegetable garden a touch and plant some more lettuce. One thing my wife and I enjoy is fresh lettuce for the table all summer long. We have been eating some broccoli lately. It sure is tasty. Deep greenish blue ting, nothing like the store bought stuff. Loaded with enzymes. What could be better. I would say there isn’t any vegetable as healthy to eat as broccoli. With that bit of info, I am off for my morning cup of coffee with my lovely wife, and will let the day unfold around me.

Fishing Times

Sunday
08/18/19

Good Times
3:00 PM-6:00 PM

Slow Times
9:00 AM-11:00 AM

Today fishing will be fair. I give it a 2 Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Winds are light, but they could pick up as the day moves forward. Good Luck and Stay Safe.


Morning Report

Another really nice day here in Port Loring, Ontario, Canada. Nothing is nicer than to wake up to pleasant sunny days. Humidity is low and not too much wind. Can’t get much better than that. Cottage country is at its best right now. If you are thinking of taking a summer vacation this is the time to do it. I should say for those that lives in the big cities. For us, it is a daily event. Come winter though it is a different story. LOL Today I am going to finish working on my lean-too that I store my wood in. Fixing the roof is not an easy chore as I am finding out. But I am half-way finished. My vegetable garden is in full swing now with fresh vegetables for the table daily. I will pick a couple of my tomatoes today for lunch and supper. That I am looking forward to. Nothing nicer than tomato sandwiches. Well other than Bologna sandwiches. I am kind of partial to them. I know, it isn’t the best to eat, but I am thinking there is a lot worse. So with that I am off for my morning coffee with my lovely wife, and will see what the day has in store for me. One just never knows. Have a great day.

Fishing Times

Tuesday
08/13/19

Good Times
12:00 PM-3:00 PM

Slow Times
7:00 PM-9:00 PM

Today fishing should be pretty good. I give it a 3 Star rating out of 5 for catching a few. Winds are light which will make manoeuvring the boat easier into places you need to go. With that good luck, and stay safe.

Morning Report

Another really nice day here in Port Loring, Ontario, Canada. The sun is shinning and not too hot. Can’t get much better than this. The rest of the week is looking good too. On another note I am thinking I will pick one of my first tomatoes today and have it for lunch. A few more are almost ready as well. So taking today’s date in comparison to last year for picking tomatoes, we are exactly two weeks later. On the good side of things that means we will be eating them for a longer time in the fall. Which, is fine with me. Today I have some work to do on my lean-to where I put in my firewood. It needs a bit of attending. Like anything else time takes its toll on things and a few repairs are needed. Same goes for our bodies. Then when that is finished up I might get back to my Flute making for a bit, then maybe take in some front porch sittin’. The summer is going by fast, and I am thinking we should be taking a bit more advantage of the nice weather. So with that I am off for my morning cup of coffee with my lovely wife, and let the day unfold around me. You never know what might occur in one day. Life sometimes throws a twist in amongst things now and then. Have a great day.

Fishing Times

Monday
08/05/19

Good Times
8:00 AM-10:30 AM
5:00 PM-8:00 PM

Minor Times
8:00 PM-10:00 PM

Fishing won’t be the greatest today. I give it a 2 Star Rating out of 5 for catching few. You never know though were one might be lurking. If nothing else, a day on the water is pretty nice in itself. Good Luck and Stay safe.

Morning Report

Not to bad of a looking day waking up here in Port Loring, Ontario, Canada. The sun was shinning and will keep on shinning off and on throughout the day. There is a chance for some early morning showers. Temperatures have cooled down some and it was quite nice throughout the night. I slept with my window open enjoying the fresh air. At the moment temperatures are sitting at 13.8 C | 56.84 F. It will warm up some as the day progresses. But not as warm as yesterday. I would say if I had to pick a time of year I like the most it would be about now. Not many bugs, not to hot and the fishing is good or will get better in a few days. On another note, with this rain we had, the vegetable garden is looking good. I got more colour in my tomato patch and keeping an eye on one that is just about ready for a sandwich or two. Yesterday I got a few stories lined up for the papers and did some computer work. I had a few issues I had to straighten out. Today I will see a bit about mowing around the house here as the rain got the grass to growing once again. So I will get my exercise today, which is a good thing. With that I am off for my morning cup of coffee. Have a great day.

Fishing Report

Friday
08/09/19

Good Times
9:00 AM-11:00 AM

Slower Times
4:00 PM-7:00 PM

I don’t really think fishing will be the greatest today after all the rain we had. I give it a 1 Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. The winds are light this morning coming in from the North, North West. It might pay to take a rain coat if you’re going to be doing a morning fish. Good Luck and stay safe!

Morning Report

Finally, we are getting some rain here in Port Loring, Ontario, Canada. I was going to go for a walk but decided against it, which turns out was a good thing. Although my old Dad used to say when it rained and I got wet. “George … you have to learn how to walk between the drops.” I tried, but seems I always got wet for some reason. Maybe I wasn’t doing it right. Anyways it did cool down a touch through the night which made it nice for sleeping. Temperatures waking up were sitting at 18.7 C | 65.66 F. The rain will continue for a while and once it has it out of its system we might see some sunshine. Today I think I will work here on my computer, I have some stories to write up for different papers and magazines. Could say I will take a day off the physical work, and add a day of mental work. It’s actually a good combination to be doing, as keeping the mind active is a good thing. Saves a whole mess of problems down the road away. Not that I am getting old mind ya. LOL. On another note, this rain is making my vegetable garden happy. I thought I seen a grin on a couple of my tomatoes a few minutes ago looking out. Also, I got my rain barrel filled up with some nice soft water for future use. So what some see as a bad day, in reality is a good day. With that I am off for my morning cup of coffee with my lovely wife. Have a great day.

Fishing Report

Thursday
08/08/19

Major Times
9:00 AM-11:00 AM

Minor Times

3:00PM-5:00 PM

Today it won’t be the greatest for fishing with the rain we are having and the wind coming in from the North West. If it eases off it might pick up a bit, but I am thinking it is a good day to stay home. I give it a 2 Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good luck and stay safe. Better yet stay dry.

Morning Report

The sun is shinning once again here in Port Loring, Ontario, Canada. Temperatures were nice through the evening hours which made it really nice for sleeping. Waking up they were sitting at 57F/13C. It won’t be as hot today. The next few days will remain cooler than what we have been having. Yesterday I did manage to mow our grass which makes things look much nicer. The grass has slowed down some, but I did manage to get two bags of cuttings for my tomatoes. This time of year they are in need of some nourishment, which makes the tomatoes taste that much better. I have some that are the right size but still green. Shouldn’t be long, and we will be having fresh tomato sandwiches for lunch. Today I will stain the back deck. After that my chores for the summer that needed doing are all finished. With that I am off for my morning cup of coffee on the front porch. We hate to not take advantage of this nice weather.

Fishing Times

Saturday
08/03/19

Major Times
3:00 PM-7:00 PM

Minor Times
9:00 AM-11:00 AM

It should be a good day for fishing. I give it a 4 Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Winds are coming in from the South West which is good. Along with that they are light which makes things nice for manoeuvring the boat around. Good Luck and Stay Safe.

Morning Report

It is a really nice day here in Port Loring Ontario, Canada. Sun is shinning, low humidity with temperatures sitting at 18.9 C | 66.02 F. It will warm up a wee bit but all in all, it will be one of the best days so far this summer. For the next week or so things are looking good too. Great weather to do just about anything. Today I will be working in my shop on some orders that came in yesterday and if there is still enough daylight I will continue on with my Flute Making. At the moment I have 25 on the go. Vegetables are at their best right now and certain plants will start winding down for another year. Time sure flies by. Here we are already coming up to August. With that I am off for my morning cup of coffee and a bite to eat, then will see how the day works out. You just never know. Have a great day.

Fishing Report

Wednesday
07/31/19

Good Times
11:00 AM- 1:00 PM
3:00 PM-5:00 PM

Slow Times
7:00 PM-9:00 PM

Today it will be a pretty good day for fishing, and will get better if the winds shift to the south or the southwest. I give it a 4 star rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good luck!

Morning Report

Not to bad a day here in Port Loring Ontario Canada. We did have some rain through the night which was needed. My tomatoes are smiling this morning after the rain. Temperatures waking up were sitting at 18.9 C | 66.02 F. It will warm up as the day moves forward with the possibility of a bit more rain. But for most parts we should see sunshine for the remainder of the week. No complaints weather wise are warranted. Even the pesky bugs have eased off. Today I will see about doing some more work on my flutes. Then in the afternoon I will enjoy a cool drink or two on the front porch with my lovely wife. We solve all the worlds problems chatting about things. With that I am off for my morning cup of coffee and then will enjoy the day.

Fishing Times

Tuesday
07/30/19

Good Times
11:00 AM-3:00 PM

Slower Times
7:00 PM-9:00 PM

Today fishing will be a bit slow. The winds are coming in from the South East and if they change to the south it will get better. I give it a 3 star rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good luck and don’t forget your raincoat. You never know what Mother Nature can spring on a person.


Morning Report

Cloudy morning here in Port Loring. We did have some rain later in the day yesterday and through the night. We sure needed it. No matter how much you water the gardens by hand you can’t match what Mother Nature can do. Seems she puts just what is needed into the water for the plants. Today we should see some sunshine along with warmer temperatures. Then tomorrow we could see a bit more rain. Temperatures waking up were sitting at 18.9 C | 66.02 F. Black Flies are pretty well gone for the year. Horse flies and deer flies are another story. Mosquitoes are with us in the early morning hours and evening hours. Not much you can do about it, it’s summer. With that I am off to do some hoeing in my garden while the air is a touch cool. Then will see what the day has in store for me.

Fishing Times

Sunday
07/28/19

Good Times
9:30 AM-1:00 PM
Slow Times
5:00 PM-7:30 PM

Morning report

Not to bad a day getting out of bed. Cooled down a touch with temperatures sitting at 18.9 C | 66.02 F. Today it will be mostly cloudy, a possible shower or thunderstorm late this afternoon. It will also get a touch warm. Yesterday we went to North Bay for some items, had lunch with our son Karl at East Side Mario’s and came home. Was a great day actually. Stores were really busy with lots of line-ups at the checkouts. You would almost think it is a Holiday and no one was working. Sign of the times. Today I will get back to working on my Flutes. Seems I was distracted lately. Gardens are still looking good and my wife and I are eating fresh veggies every day. I always remember my old Dad saying. “George eat things in season, do that and you stay healthy. ” Makes sense. So with that I am off for my morning cup of coffee and will let the day unfold around me. You just never know what might occur throughout a day.

Fishing Times

Saturday
07/27/19

Good Times
9:30 AM- 12:30 PM

Slow Times
4:00 PM-7:00 PM

Today fishing won’t be the greatest. I give it a 2 star rating out of 5 for catching a few. But as I always say you never know. The winds are coming in from the South east, if it changes direction a bit, fishing will pick up some. Good Luck!


Good Morning

Didn’t get onto my computer yesterday. Decided that I would go fishing with my fishing buddy Barry. We left early in the morning. Had a great day and caught some nice fish. Got home around 3 PM. I will post a picture of our catch a bit later. On another note, we all woke up to sunshine here in Port Loring Ontario this morning. Temperatures were sitting at 16.4 C | 61.52 F. It will warm up considerably as the day moves forward and stay warm for today and tomorrow then cool down a touch. Not complaining mind ya after the winter we had. Today I will do a bit of mowing around the house here and then maybe some weeding in the gardens. I never pull weeds I cut weeds as that way they add more nourishment to the soil which at this time of year is needed. With that I am off for my morning cup of coffee.

Fishing Times

Thursday
07/25/19

The Best Times
8:00 AM-11:00 AM

Slow Times
3:00 PM-7:00 PM

Today fishing won’t be the greatest with the wind coming in from the North West. If it changes, more to the west things will improve. I give it a 3 Star Rating out of 5 for catching some. Good Luck!


Morning Report For Port Loring

Beautiful day here waking up. Sun is shinning and not as warm. Humidity has left us, so a great looking day is upon us. Temperatures were sitting at 18.9 C | 66.02 F. It will warm up as the day moves forward. Great day to do some outside work. Vegetable gardens are looking good now after the rain so that makes me smile. Tomatoes have also grown a half a foot with lots of green ones getting larger. I did take my grass cuttings last week from mowing and put around them. Today I will hill them up, meaning pulling the soil up around them. That is a trick my old dad did years ago when he was alive. He used to plant around twenty acres of them every year for market. Everyone loved his tomatoes. Today I have some inside work to do then will get back to my Flutes in the woodworking shop. It was just to hot out to be in the shop yesterday. Then this afternoon I will do some front porch sitting with my lovely wife with a cool one. I know … it’s a tough life, but someone has to take advantage of it. With that I am off for my morning coffee and let the day unfold around me.

Fishing Times

Sunday
07/21/19

Good Times
4:00 PM-7:00 PM

Fair Times
9:00 AM-12:00 AM

Today fishing won’t be the greatest I give it a 2 star rating out of 5 for catching a few. Winds are coming in from the North West this morning. Good Luck!


Dandelion Coffee

It’s that time of year. The dandelions are out in full force. If you’re wanting a super healthy drink that tastes like coffee without the acid. Then this is for you.
INGREDIENTS
Dandelion Roots
INSTRUCTIONS

Scrub roots, drain, and place on a baking sheet.
Roast at 200 °F (93.33 degree Celsius) until roots are dark and dry (about 4 hours).

Cool and grind roots with a coffee grinder. Store in covered jar until used.

Add 1 heaping teaspoon of roasted roots to 1 cup of water. Steep for 3 minutes. Strain and serve. Add cream and/or sugar to taste.
Pretty tasty let me tell you.