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Good morning. You know, over the years I’ve learned not to force the words …just open the door, and see which ones wander in.

Starting things off, we’re seeing some sunshine in our area, but that southwestern sky is looking kinda dark, which could mean that there’s something brewing weather wise.

Seeing that, here’s your weather forecast for Port Loring, ON:

Today (Saturday, July 12):
– Expect very warm and humid conditions today, with highs around 87 °F and a low tonight near 67 °F.
– There’ll be occasional rain and drizzle, so keep your raincoat handy if you’re heading out.

Tonight (into early Sunday):
– Skies will stay humid and cloudy, with scattered showers likely continuing into the evening.
– Lows will dip to about 67 °F.

Tomorrow (Sunday, July 13):
– Humidity remains high, with a chance of morning rain and a possible thunderstorm. During the day, we’ll see hazy sunshine mixed with cloud cover.
– The high will reach around 81 °F, with overnight cooling to 60 °F.
– Be aware that smoke from area fires may increase in our area. Depends on which way the wind is coming from.

Highway 522 has been picking up a wee bit, but surprisingly, it wasn’t all that busy yesterday. Sales in our gift shop slowed down some, but we’re still seeing a few folks dropping by and picking up our one-of-a-kind items.

And I have to tell ya, the one thing about our store—it isn’t like all the others. Most of what we carry is designed and made right here at home. And when you think about it, every piece we sell comes with a story. So really, you’re not just buying something, you’re taking home a little piece of us, and a story to go with it.

You won’t find that in most other shops these days. Unless it says “Made in China”—but hey, we all know that story.

Fishing Report for Port Loring, Ontario – Saturday, July 12, 2025

Well, the best times to be out on the water today are early this morning from 6:30 to 8:00 AM and then again this afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, with action likely carrying into the early evening. Fish tend to be more active, early in the summer, with the weather being warm and humid and the threat of some rain in the air. Gets too hot though, they are looking for the shady spots, Same as us humans.

Lure of the Day:
For Largemouth Bass, try a top water plug like a Whopper Popper near weed beds or structure.
For Pickerel or Pike, go with a spinner bait or shallow crank bait, you know the kind, something flashy that moves water and gets their attention.

Good Luck and remember: “Catchin’ fish is great, but sometimes just floatin’ around with a coffee is good enough.”

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, with it being a touch cooler this morning, I’m thinking I’ll clean up some weeds in the vegetable gardens, the ones that like to sneak in and hide around the base of our tomato plants. After that, weather permitting, I plan on taking it easy and enjoying the outdoors with my lovely wife, out back on our swing under the basswood tree. My wife sure loves that swing. And hey, if it doesn’t get too hot, we might even get a game of horseshoes in. We’ll see how that pans out as the day rolls along.

On another note, yesterday I spent the day helping folks who stopped by our gift shop and garage sale. Yep, the garage sale is still on, and we’ll keep it going through till August.

Here’s the thing: those garage sale items have to go, no ifs or buts. So knowing that we’re open to all offers, and we’re ready to make deals to move them out. The store items are specialty pieces, so while they’re marked down, we can’t just give those away. But the prices are more than fair.

So if you’re looking for bargains, there are plenty waiting for you… right here at 11588 Highway 522 in Port Loring, Ontario. We are open from 10:00 AM – 4:00PM.

With that, I’m off to enjoy breakfast that my lovely wife is fixing for me, which will consist of two eggs easy over and a couple of slices of bacon without any preservatives added. After that, I’ll head out to our front porch with a cup of coffee and my little woman, and we’ll take in the nature all around our home here. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind piece of property, let me tell ya.

And if you’re curious about what’s next for us, well, this special place is up for sale as we’re getting ready to turn the page and start a new chapter in our lives. So if you’ve ever dreamed of calling a slice of Port Loring home, maybe now’s the time to drop by and see it for yourself. Along with meeting the writer and the artist.

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

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Good Morning from the North, Where the Bears Sleep Longer Than We Do, and the Trees Have Seen More Than We Ever Will.

We’re starting off the morning with a few clouds hanging about, but give it some time, and they’ll wander off, leaving us with clearer skies. Here’s how the weather’s shaping up for us folks here in Port Loring, Ontario.

Today (Thursday, July 10)
Looks like the sun’s fixin’ to smile on us most of the day, though there’s a chance some old-time thunderheads might roll through by late afternoon. If the crickets start chirpin’ louder than usual, best keep an eye on the western sky. Expect it to warm up to about 80 °F (27 °C).
Tonight: Once those storms wander off, the stars ought to come out clear and bright, almost close enough to touch. Low around 56 °F (13 °C), a good night to pull up an extra quilt.

Tomorrow (Friday, July 11)
The sun will be up early, and it should be mostly sunny, with the air warming nicely to about 84 °F (29 °C).
Tomorrow Night: Clear again, with a gentle night settling in around 59 °F (15 °C), maybe a good evening to sit on the porch and listen to the doves carry on.

Highway 522 has sure picked up over the past few days, with lots of tourists wandering through our area. Most folks are just passing by on their way to the government parks, or at least that’s what they’re telling my wife and me. Then there are the regulars, coming back to their cottages like clockwork every summer, and the day trippers who figure a little country air might do them more good than all the concrete and noise back home.

Bug Report: Well, with it being so damp and warm, the mosquitoes are out in full force these days. And along with the heat come those pesky deer flies that, once they find you, won’t leave you alone. I have to say, they can be downright annoying at times. The no-see-UMS are buzzing around too, especially if you’re out mowing — they seem to have a taste for exhaust fumes. But other than that, it’s not too bad.

Northern Fishin’ Report:

If you’re thinking about wetting a line today, I’d say your best bet is to head out around 4 to 7 in the evening, once the sun starts to slide down and the heat lets go of its grip. The fish seem to perk up about then, same as us old folks do when the day starts cooling off.

As for tonight, just before dark around 8:30 to 9, that’s a fine time too. You might catch the old moon stirring up the water, and that’s never a bad sign. My granddad used to tell me, “If the frogs are singing and the water’s whispering, you best get your line in, as something’s bound to bite.”

So take it slow, keep an eye on the ripples, and don’t be too quick to haul in. Half the joy is sitting there waiting, soaking in the evening, and knowing you’ll have a good story to tell later on, whether the fish cooperate or not.

Lure of the Day

For a good day chasing pike, pickerel, or large mouth bass out here near Port Loring, I’d reach for a classic silver spoon lure. It’s been a favorite around these parts for years, flashing through the water like a fleeing bait fish, which is hard for those big teeth to resist.

And remember to keep your retrieve steady but not too fast, let the spoon do its dance. And if you feel a tug, hang on tight; these fighters don’t give up easy. My old Dad always said, “The silver spoon’s like a shiny piece of trouble, good trouble you want to get into.”

So with that, I’m off once again to the breakfast my lovely wife is fixing — grass-fed bacon and two eggs, easy over. After that, we’ll see what the day brings, which will likely include mowing the grass around our home here.

Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

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Good morning. You know, I’ve been doing this long enough to know that not every morning has a lesson to be learned, but in saying that… some still manage to surprise me.

Here’s the low-down on our weather for today, tonight, and tomorrow:

• Today (Wednesday): Expect intervals of clouds and sunshine, with a spotty thunderstorm this afternoon. High close to 79 °F (26 °C), dipping to around 60 °F (15 °C) tonight. Perfect fishing morning, but keep an eye on the sky later, as those afternoon storms can sneak up.
• Tonight: With that low around 60 °F (15 °C), a light jacket might be just the thing once the sun sets, if out by the camp fire. The breeze will be calm, so you’ll get a quiet night.
• Tomorrow (Thursday): It’s shaping up to be mostly sunny and downright delightful—high near 79 °F (26 °C), low about 57 °F (14 °C). Ideal for morning fishing or porch-sitting.

Fishing Times for Port Loring – Wednesday, July 9

Well, if you’re thinking about dropping a line today, here’s the sweet spots:

• Best time to wet a line: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
• Pretty fair early bite: Around 3:15 AM to 4:15 AM (if you’re up with the loons)
• Evening stir: Just before dark, from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM

Fishing Tip of the Day:
If the bite slows down, don’t go changin’ your whole setup right away. Sometimes all it takes is moving twenty feet or throwing from a different angle. Fish aren’t always fussy, but they can be moody. Give it a little time before you start second-guessing yourself.

Highway 522 Report:
Traffic’s been picking up these days with lots of campers rollin’ through, trucks towing boats behind them, all of them looking to settle into their favorite fishing holes. Others just want a glimpse of how we live up here in the north. And honestly, who can blame them? This really is one of the finest places in all of Ontario. More folks are setting their sights on this area too—some just visiting, but more and more are lookin’ to stay. Can’t say I blame ’em, especially with places like ours hitting the market. There’s a lot to love up here, that’s for sure.

On another note, yesterday, my wife decided to head off to North Bay to pick up a few things we were in need of. While we were there, we filled up the car with gas. Looking around, we saw that half the gas stations were selling regular for $1.43 a liter, and the other half were down around $1.26. Actually, it was the same the last time we were in town. So when we see a place gouging folks, we just move along to the cheaper one. Makes me shake my old head at what they’re doing.

At any rate, we picked up what we needed—and then some. Ended up having a Canadian pizza at East Side Mario’s with a nice cup of iced sweet tea, had a nice chat with our favourite waitress, and then grabbed a coffee for the ride home. We then took our time, enjoying everything back roads had to offer—which, if you keep your eyes open, is quite a bit. Pulled back into our driveway around 5:00 PM. All in all, a long, busy day—but a good day.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, being market day here in our small town means there’s a good chance, folks will be out and about. So we’ll be putting our garage sale signs back up and opening the doors to our gift shop once again.

We’ve had a steady stream so far of people stopping by this spring, picking out things that caught their eye. But there’s still plenty left, so don’t be thinking we’re all picked over. That sure isn’t the case. Especially in the gift shop, where we’ve added all sorts of new pieces we designed and made over the winter, right here in our own workshop. Each one is unique and just waiting to find the right home.

We also just set out a fresh batch of our handmade flutes and opened a new box of books I’ve written. Truth be told, we’ve been having a hard time keeping them on the shelves with the way folks have been picking them up lately.

So if you’re in the area and feel like seeing something a little different, drop by 11588 Highway 522 here in Port Loring, Ontario. You won’t leave empty-handed, and I reckon you’ll be glad you came.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife made for me—a couple of breakfast sausages wrapped in fresh lettuce, along with a soft-boiled egg. It’s the kind of meal that’ll stick with you right up till lunchtime and keep a fellow going.

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

Only On The Walters Post

Now, I’m not here to tell folks what to think, I’m just sharing what life has shown me. Take from it what makes sense, leave the rest, but maybe let it sit with you a while.

So, there’s Carney, strutting around the Calgary Stampede wearing a cowboy hat like he owns the place. Now, don’t get me wrong, cowboy hats have their charm, but let’s just say not everyone can pull off the look. And Carney, well, the hat might be doing more work than he is.

Now some folks have that natural cowboy vibe, the face, the swagger, and the confidence that says, “Yeah, I’ve been riding bulls and riding horses since I was knee-high.” But Carney looks more like he just wandered in from a tourist bus, trying to blend in with the locals by borrowing someone’s hat. It’s not that the hat’s bad, it’s just, well, I kind of think, that Carney’s hat is the star of the show and Carney’s playing backup.

Still, you have to admire the effort. It takes guts to wear a cowboy hat in a place full of real cowboys all around. Maybe that’s the point, it’s not about looking perfect but about joining the fun, tipping your hat even if it’s a little sideways, and soaking up the Stampede spirit.

So here’s to Carney, the man, the myth, and the cowboy hat legend in his own way. Truth be told, the hat’s a lot easier to root for than the guy wearing it, but that’s just part of the Stampede story.

Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

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Good Mornin’ from the North; Where the Sky’s Bigger, the Days Are Longer, and Life’s a Whole Lot Simpler.

So starting things off we’re waking up under a sky that’s partly sunny this morning, The humidity’s hanging around, but nothing one can’t handle.

By midday, temps will climb fast toward a hot 85°F (29°C). Expect plenty of sunshine with just a few clouds drifting by. A light southwest breeze will also roll in around lunchtime, just enough to stir the leaves, but not your hat.

Tonight, things will stay mild and a bit sticky, with the low sitting at 69°F (21°C). You can expect some clouds to drift in, with a 40% chance of a late-day thunderstorm. You might even hear a rumble if you’re on the porch, so keep an eye skyward.

Tomorrow rolls in cooler and wetter: highs near 75°F (24°C), lows around 55°F (13°C). Expect rain and even a thunderstorm, especially in the afternoon, so best to keep your raincoat handy if you’re heading out.

Highway 522 has been picking up traffic every day, which is about what you’d expect for this time of year. And with our gift shop and garage sale set up here at 11588 Highway 522 in Port Loring, we’ve been seeing a steady stream of new faces pulling in.

Selling a few things is always nice, sure, but that’s not the best part. The real pleasure comes from chatting with folks, hearing about what’s going on in their lives, and stepping outside your own little world for a bit. The thing is, most people have a story worth hearing if you take the time to really listen.

You know, it makes my day when someone drops by and shares a tale or two. You could say it reminds you just how connected we all really are, and we are, though not always in ways most folks truly understand. To explain it properly, well, that’s something best done face to face. Some things just don’t come through the same in written words.

But I’ll say this much. It has to do with energy. Not the kind you measure with wires and gauges, but something quieter and deeper. It’s the pull between people, the kind you feel when someone’s really present, or when a story lands just right. That energy is always there, surrounding us, and it ties us together in ways we can’t always explain, but somehow know are true.

So if you ever find yourself heading down this way, don’t be a stranger. There’s always a chair to sit on, some shade out back, and usually a bit of time to share, if the feeling’s right.

Bug Report: This morning, as I was picking rose petals for some health remedies, those pesky mosquitoes were out in full force. It was all I could do to get the petals picked, and I was more than happy to get back inside. That said, they should ease off once the sun comes out… let’s hope so.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today is shaping up to be a nice one, and with rain on the way for tomorrow, I figure I’ll get busy digging some more dandelion roots, along with comfrey roots and mullein leaves. It’s always good to have those tucked away come winter when they aren’t fresh and handy. My wife and I have leaned on them for years now to help with all sorts of aches and ailments, so having a good stock is a kind of quiet insurance.

That’ll keep me busy for most of the day, though if time allows, I might tackle cleaning up my old woodworking shop again. I’ve gotten a bit sloppy in there over the past few days, and it feels good to bring some order back now and then. And of course, we’ll be sure to make time for folks dropping by the garage sale and the gift shop. It’s always a pleasure to see new faces and catch up with old friends.

I have to tell you, this year is shaping up to be one for the books when it comes to selling flutes and the books we’ve put together that are filled with hard-earned knowledge about life, natural health remedies, and gardening. Not to forget all my stories of life in general. You know, for me, it feels good to share those stories and lessons, knowing they might help someone else find their own way. Which is the way things should be, especially in a world as complicated as we all are living in now.

So with that I am off for my breakfast once again that my lovely wife is making for me and will then head out to our front porch for a cup of hot cocoa which will give us a good start on the day ahead. You just never know what a day might bring, and I really mean that.

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

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Good morning, folks. You know, I’ve said and written a lot over the years, but mornings still find new ways to bring something to the surface.

Well, she’s looking like another really nice day here in cottage country.
The sun is shining through the pines, the morning doves are at our feeder, the bluebirds are steadily bringing food to their young who made a home in the birdhouses I built awhile back, and to top it all off, the temperatures are just about perfect.

Right now, it’s sitting at a comfortable 60°F (16°C), and by the time midday rolls around, we’ll be looking at a high of about 79°F (26°C). It’s the kind of day where one should take advantage of the nice weather while you can. Whether that means puttering in the garden, taking a walk around one’s property, or just sitting with your coffee and letting the birds do the talking.

Tonight, we’ll see things cooling off to a pleasant 57°F (14°C). Good sleeping weather if you leave the window cracked a touch.

Tomorrow’s shaping up to be a hot one. Expect a high near 86°F (30°C) with a mix of cloud and sun. The morning might start off a bit overcast, but it’ll clear some as the day goes on. Overnight temps will only dip down to around 69°F (21°C), so it’ll stay warm right through the evening.

All in all, not a thing to complain about. If you’ve got outside chores, I’d say get at them early before that heat sets in. And if not, well, maybe just enjoy a cool drink in the shade and take the day as it comes.

Highway 522 was busy with traffic yesterday, and we had another good day with folks dropping by the gift shop and picking up items from our garage sale. Hard to believe we had that much stuff tucked away that we never used, but we’re slowly working through it. Judging by how many folks are stopping in, I figure we’ll find a home for whatever’s left before too long.

Now in saying that, we’ve still got plenty to browse through, and that includes more than just garage sale odds and ends, as our little gift shop is also filled with one-of-a-kind pieces we’ve made right here on the property—things you won’t find anywhere else. And the best part? Most everything inside is marked at half price. We have deals outside and inside waiting for ya. What could be better than that?

So… if you’ve got a mind to hunt for a few treasures, drop on by. We’ll be right here at 11588 Highway 522, Port Loring, Ontario, open from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Bug Report:
Well, while we were out mowing yesterday, we sure noticed a fair number of no-see-UMS, mosquitoes, and deer flies buzzing around and bothering us. Now, I’ll admit, they don’t bite me all that often, but they sure do their best to annoy me. My wife, on the other hand, isn’t so lucky. I figure it’s because she’s a whole lot sweeter than I am—and the bugs know it, too.

So with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my little woman’s fixing up, and after that, we’ll be out on the front porch with a warm cup of turmeric tea, watching the morning unfold. There’s always something to see around here—birds at the feeders, squirrels up to no good, and the wind dancing through the pines. It’s a peaceful place, the kind you don’t come across too often anymore. No matter where you stand on the property, it’s as pretty as a picture.

So, If you’re out and about, feel free to stop in. Between the garage sale and the gift shop, there’s plenty to look at—and while you’re here, take a stroll around the place. This property of ours is up for sale, and I’ll tell you, it’s something special. Folks always talk about waterfront, and sure, that’s nice, but in my books, being tucked just a little inland has its own kind of charm. It’s quieter, more private, and you don’t have to worry about the blackflies breeding right at your doorstep. Ha!

It’s one of those places you have to see for yourself—close to everything, but just far enough away to feel like you’ve stepped into your own little piece of country.

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

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Good morning, folks. Looking outside, it’s the kind of morning that reminds you why the quiet hours matter, and why I keep coming back to this page.

And it is looking like a really nice day. The sun is shining, the humidity has eased off, and we’re in the midst of a light breeze coming in from the west at 2 MPH.

Today will be mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 74°F (23°C). Tonight, it’ll cool down nicely, dropping to around 50°F (10°C).

Tomorrow looks just as fine, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 78°F (26°C). The low tomorrow night will settle around 57°F (14°C). Nice for sleeping with your windows open.

Highway 522 is picking up traffic-wise more and more each day. Yesterday, we had a steady stream of folks dropping by our gift shop and the garage sale we’ve been running for the past month. It’s nice to see people stopping in and picking up one-of-a-kind items, like the flutes I make, and my wife brings to life.

We also have books filled with stories from years gone by, and they don’t stop there. I write about what’s happening today and, if the mood strikes, what I think might happen down the road.

And we can’t forget my wife’s paintings and the many creations she’s brought to life—all right here in our gift shop at 11588 Highway 522, Port Loring, Ontario.

It’s a place you won’t want to miss, so be sure to jot it down on your list of things to do. You’ll be glad you did.

Bug Report: Everything’s pretty good in that department, aside from a few deer flies and the occasional mosquito bothering folks these days.

On another note, yesterday was one for the books. My wife and I were kept on our toes from the moment we opened at 9 a.m. straight through to 4 in the afternoon. It was a steady stream of folks coming through the doors, and I don’t think we sat down once.

Sales-wise, it was a fantastic day—but more than that, we made a whole bunch of new friends. That’s the part that sticks with you. Sure, it’s nice when the till’s busy, but it’s the handshakes, the laughs, and the stories shared between strangers who leave as friends that make it all worthwhile.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today’s mowing day, which means my wife and I will be kept busy for most of the morning. Come afternoon—well, that depends on how the mowing goes. Some days we’ve still got a bit of spring left in our step, and other days, those chairs on the front porch start calling our names louder than usual.

That said, our gift shop is still open, and no matter how the day unfolds, we always make time to look after folks who stop by. Whether you’re here for a visit, a chat, or to pick up something special, we’ll be glad to see you.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me, then we’ll see if those mowers are up for a day’s work. You never really know with them—they’re a bit like the two of us, getting older and not always firing on all cylinders.

These days, things seem to break down a little more often than they used to, but that’s just how it goes. What will be, will be.

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

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Good morning, folks. Another morning, another page, and I’ve got a few thoughts worth putting down before the day pulls me away.

Well, looking out my window by my old desk here, it looks as if the day is shaping up to be a nice one. The sun is up, and the birds are feeding at our feeder.

Today’s Forecast (Tuesday, July 1):
Expect mostly cloudy skies, with a high near 78 °F (26 °C). Temperatures will dip to a low of 57 °F (14 °C) tonight, so a light jacket might come in handy.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, July 2):
It should be mostly sunny through the day, with highs around 79 °F (26 °C). Toward late afternoon, there’s a chance for heavy thunderstorms, possibly with some gusty winds and small hail, before cooling to about 57 °F (14 °C) overnight.

Around here, the skies have their own way of keeping us humble, sunshine in the morning, thunder by supper.

Highway 522 is starting to pick up traffic-wise, with tourists making their way into our area for the summer months. But then again, it is July 1. The kids are out of school and folks are itchin’ to find something to do that takes them away from the hustle and bustle of city life. I get it. After months of concrete and commotion, the pull of the quiet, the trees, and the slower rhythm of things starts to look real appealing.

Out here, time moves different. You hear the wind before you hear a car. Nights aren’t filled with sirens or streetlights, they’re wrapped in crickets, the occasional owl, and the kind of silence you can actually feel. We do have bright lights up here, though, they’re called stars. Millions of them, scattered across the sky like someone spilled a bucket of diamonds. And the best part? You don’t have to pay admission or fight for parking to see them.

Bug Report: Things have been pretty good for the past couple days, other than a few mosquitoes seeking out a meal or two.

On another note, yesterday my wife and I kept ourselves busy with folks stopping by the gift shop, picking up everything from handmade pieces to the odds and ends we’ve set out under the carport as part of our garage sale. Rain or not, we had a steady stream of visitors all weekend, which surprised us, in a good way.

I’ve got to say, I’m thankful I spent time last winter making up a good batch of flutes as lately, they’ve been flying off the shelves. Seems like more and more folks are drawn to something real, something made by hand. My books have also been moving pretty well too, and my wife’s paintings and greeting cards have been catching a lot of attention.

What my wife and I sell here isn’t the kind of thing you find in big box stores or tucked into rows of cookie-cutter souvenirs. Everything is one of a kind, made with care, right here at our home. Each piece carries a bit of who we are. Around here, we don’t just sell things. We share stories, whether it’s in wood, paint, or words.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today being such a nice day, we’ll be carrying on with our garage sale while also tending to folks who stop by our gift shop. There are plenty of good deals to be had, if you’re looking.

I’m also planning to put that old hoe of mine back to work. The weeds in our vegetable garden are starting to sneak in again, and it’s always easier to take care of them now rather than later.

So with that I am off for some pancakes that my lovely wife has made for me while they are hot.

You all have a great day and: Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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Well, it’s a sunny start to the day here in Port Loring. It feels fresh out there this morning, sittin’ right around 58 F, which is about 15 C if you’re keeping track that way.

As the day moves forward, it’s looking to stay nice, a bit of sun, maybe a few clouds drifting by, but overall just a good, solid day. High should climb up to about 80 F, or 27 C. Good day to get things done outside or maybe just sit a spell in the shade if you’ve already done enough.

Come tonight, it won’t cool off too much. Expect it to dip down to around 62 F, or 17 C. Should be a quiet evening, maybe a few bugs depending on where you’re standing, but otherwise pretty mild.

Now tomorrow, that’s when things start to shift. It’s gonna cloud up some, and they’re saying we might get a couple showers, maybe even a thunderstorm in the mix. Air’s gonna feel heavier too, real warm and sticky. High’s supposed to hit around 86 F, or 30 C, with the low tomorrow night sittin’ close to 65 F, or 18 C.

Might be one of those days, where you get your outside work done early and then just keep an eye on the sky.

Highway 522: Well, traffic wise, it has picked up a lot. Campers, trailers, you name it, they’re all moving into our area. But it is the long weekend, the kids are out of school, and the city folks are wantin’ to leave that city life behind for a bit.

And I can’t say I blame them, neither. Up here, the air is fresh, the fish are waitin’ to eat some worms and keep the fishermen/women on their toes, and the blackflies are gone for another year.

They call it The Call of the Wild, and there ain’t no stronger force than nature, let me tell ya.

Bug Report:

All is quiet on the bug front… for now. But if this heat keeps creeping in like it might, you can bet those pesky deer flies and mosquitoes will be back out and about.

You see, they have been lying low, holding little bug meetings somewhere out in the bush, just waiting for the right time to come out and start irritating folks. And they always seem to seek out that nice warm city blood first. It’s a real treat to them.

Now, some folks think they are safe with bug spray, but I will tell you, most of that stuff today is not good for your health and truth told, it just works like a dinner bell letting the bugs know exactly where you are.

Instead of piling on bug spray, try not to put on any perfume or strongly scented soap. Wash your clothes in unscented soap, too. I use Dove or Ivory unscented, and it helps a lot.

So if you are heading outside, don’t forget your hat. It is your first line of defense. After that, you might be better off learning to swat fast and doing a little two-step than relying on a can of chemical hope.

On another note, yesterday despite the rain and the not-so-great weather in the morning, I ended up cleaning my woodworking shop. And in the afternoon, I wrote up another story for the newspapers I write for. All in all, it was a good day.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, with a day this nice, I’m planning to get outside and work in our vegetable gardens. I already spotted a few weeds trying to sneak in and get a foothold, and I’m not about to let them get the upper hand.

Speaking of the garden, I have to say, with all this wet weather we’ve had, things like tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, squash, and a few others have really taken off. They’ve grown so much in just a few days that they’re starting to crowd each other like old neighbors at a family reunion.

That’s good in one way, but in other ways it’s not so great. Looks like I’ll have to do some thinning out soon, give everything a bit more breathing room before they start stepping on each other’s toes.

So with that bit of info out there for you to read, I am off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. After that, I will head on out to our front porch, with a cup of green tea for a change, since it’s such a really nice day.

My wife and I sure do enjoy sitting outside just taking in our beautiful piece of property. It is one of those small things about living in the country that makes all the hard work worthwhile.

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