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Good Morning, Folks. The sky’s got that look today, like it’s deciding whether to rain or just brood awhile. I know the feeling!

And with that, here’s the forecast for today for us in cottage country.

Today, Thursday, June 12

Daytime: Expect hazy sun, with a high near 66 °F (19 °C).

• Tonight: Skies will clear out after sunset. Temperatures will dip to around 42 °F (5 °C) under mostly clear skies.

Tomorrow (Friday, June 13)

• Daytime: A mix of clouds and sunshine, with a chance of a passing shower or two in the afternoon. Highs around 61 °F (16 °C).
• Tomorrow night: Remaining cloudy, with lows near 46 °F (8 °C).

Highway 522 is still pretty quiet these days, but we did have a lot of new vehicles going by the house yesterday. There was an accident over near Britt—another one between a transport and a car, so they rerouted all the traffic off Highway 69 across to Highway 11. In all my years, I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many transport-related accidents. It’s no real surprise, though, when you look at who they’ve been letting behind the wheel lately. The old-time drivers, the ones who’d been on the road for decades, they knew how to handle those big rigs. These days, a good number of them just don’t have that same experience or training, and it shows.

Bug Report:
Well, I’m happy to report that yesterday I spent the whole afternoon out in our vegetable gardens and didn’t see a single black fly. Not one. The only pest that showed up was a deer fly, and if you’ve ever met one, you know they don’t come to visit, they come to bite. Once they find you, that’s it. You’re their afternoon project. I swear, those things are like flying bloodhounds with wings and a bad attitude.

On another note, like I mentioned earlier, I managed to clear out some weeds in our vegetable garden and hoe up the soil around the tomato plants. It took some doing, but I’ve always enjoyed working the land. Been that way all my life. There’s just something about the smell of freshly turned soil and being surrounded by growing things that settles a person down.

Back when I was farming full-time, I used to say, “You can tell how your day’s going by how the dirt feels under your boots.” If it’s soft and rich, chances are you’re doing alright. And if the weeds pull easy, well, that’s just a bonus.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today’s mowing day here at the Walters home, which I suspect will take up most of the morning. The good news is the grass has finally slowed down a bit, and we just might be able to start mulching it. That makes things a lot easier in the long run. But we’ll see how it goes once we get into the thick of it, so to speak.

With that, I’m off once again to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me, and then I’ll head on outdoors. One has to take advantage of this nice weather while you can.

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

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Good Morning Folks.
It’s a new day, and I’m reminded how farming and writing have something in common. What would that be? Well, I found that you can’t rush either. Both need patience, steady hands, and the kind of care that only comes with years under one’s belt.

Well, she is another rainy old morning here in Cottage Country. The kind of day that makes one think that an extra cup of coffee/cocoa might be in order before heading on out to the old woodworking shop.

Here’s what the weather’s cooking up for us in Port Loring, Ontario, for today, tonight, and tomorrow:

Today (Tuesday, June 10): We’re looking at a mostly cloudy day with a good chance of showers. Temperatures will reach a high of around 62°F (17°C). The wind will be coming from the southwest, around 11 mph (18 km/h).

Tonight: The rain should taper off, leaving us with partly cloudy skies. It’ll cool down to a low of about 50°F (10°C), which means it might be a bit chilly out there.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, June 11): We can expect a mix of sun and clouds, with a chance of passing showers. It’ll warm up a bit, with a high near 70°F (21°C).

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Highway 522 is still slow traffic wise these days, which is understandable being that the weather sure hasn’t been the greatest so far this spring. But, with all that said, the trees are sure enjoying the moisture and cooler temperatures.

Bug Report: With these cooler temperatures and wet weather, the bugs have slowed down some, but don’t you fret because they’ll be back, seeking out some fresh, warm blood in the coming days.

On another note, yesterday I worked the day away, fixing up a few things around the house. Seems like there’s a never-ending list of chores that always needs attending to. Which, in a way, is a good thing, because it keeps the old mind entertaining good thoughts and staying sharp, just like a well-used saw.

So what are you up to today, GW? Well, today I suspect, given that it’s raining outside, I’m thinking I’ll get to fixing up some window frames that are in need of repair. As much as I hate to think this way, winter will be coming, and it’s always best to be prepared. Besides, this is the time to do it, when it’s nice and warm outside.

So, with all that in mind, I’m off for the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. Then I’ll settle into my old Lazy Boy chair and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while having a morning chat with my little woman. What would a day be without that? Not much in my eyes, that’s for sure.

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