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Good Morning Folks! The days are stretching, and I suppose I should too.

So, starting things off with this. The sun did show herself early this morning, but writing this, the sky has clouded up somewhat, and it’s shaping up to be one of those in-between kind of days.

Weather for Port Loring, Ontario

Saturday, May 10th:
Mostly cloudy with a high around 58°F, or 14°C. Tonight will be colder, dropping to 31°F, or -1°C, so it might be a good night to toss an extra blanket on.

Sunday, May 11th:
Plenty of sunshine in the forecast, warming up to about 64°F, or 18°C. Overnight low around 44°F, or 7°C.

It’s that kind of weather that keeps a person guessing—do you haul out the rake or head back inside for another cup of coffee? Either way, best to keep your boots by the door and your plans flexible.

Highway 522 Report:
Traffic’s been picking up, more and more each day now. Cottagers are starting to roll in, opening up their places and getting their boats ready for the water. It won’t be long before fishing season kicks off for another year, and that always brings a few more folks into our area.

Bug Report:
Well, like I mentioned yesterday, the blackflies are starting to make themselves known. So far, at least around our place, they haven’t started biting—but you can bet once they get that first taste of blood, there’ll be no stopping them. That said, things won’t stay in their favor for long. Once the birds start picking them off and the dragonflies wake up, well, that’s when the real action begins. Those dragonflies don’t mess around—they clean them up in a hurry. You could call them human and animal lifesavers, and you wouldn’t be wrong.

On another note, yesterday, my wife and I spent the whole day outside. She was busy transplanting flowers, placing them in all the right spots to make our property look that much better. She’s got a real eye for it—but then again, she spent years designing homes back when we ran our landscaping business, so it comes naturally to her.

As for me, I worked on a few other things, including getting the pump installed for our fishpond, which runs our water wheel. Had a few issues there, and it took me a while to figure out what was going wrong. I’ll be back at it again this morning—weather permitting, of course.

So, What Are You Up to Today, GW?

Well, like I mentioned, I’ll be working on getting the pump for our fishpond running again. After that, I’ve got to tackle my woodworking shop—it’s a bit of a mess with everything we’ve had on the go lately. Tools and scraps here, there, and everywhere.

And then, if the sun decides to show herself, and it warms up a bit—and the blackflies don’t get too bold—I’m thinking a little time on the swing might be in order. Just sitting back, taking in the view of our place. It really is something special around here, if I do say so myself.

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

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Good Morning Folks! The world’s greening up again, slow and sure.

So starting things off this morning, I have to say, in spite of it being a touch cool, it’s sure looking nice outside. It’s got that early spring feel to it, too.

Today (Friday):
We’re in for a pretty decent one. Highs will creep up to around 66°F (19°C) by mid-afternoon. The sun will be playing tag with the clouds all day, but it’s expected to come out the winner more often than not. Light breeze out of the southwest at about 10 mph—just enough to keep the air moving and bugs off your neck.

Tonight:
Once the sun slips away, we’ll cool back down to around 47°F (8°C). The skies ought to stay mostly clear, which’ll make for a good, crisp spring evening. Might be just right for sitting out with a cup of something warm, or tucking in early if you’ve got a big Saturday planned.

Tomorrow (Saturday):
Now Saturday’s looking like the pick of the week. Expect a high near 72°F (22°C) under sunny skies. The wind’ll be mild, and the day should hold steady—perfect for yard work, fencing, cleaning out sheds, or even putting some new line on that fishing pole of yours, if you’re getting anxious.

Highway 522 is—or has been—picking up traffic-wise as each day passes by. Lots of new, or I should say different, vehicles than we usually see roaming around town. And there’s been a steady stream of trucks towing four-wheelers and boats, all heading into the backwoods. It’s only going to get busier as the weather warms up.

On another note, yesterday I worked the day away outside, building a new stand for the swing I made a while back. Got it all finished up, and my wife and I set it—and the swing itself—under the old basswood tree at the back of our property. Real nice spot there. We’ve got a pretty good view of most of our land, and when the sun gets a bit warm, that tree will give us some much-needed shade. My wife sure loves that swing, and I do too. It’s nice to have it up and running again.

After lunch, my wife came outside and helped me with some garden work. We did a bit of raking and cleaning up, and even had time to sit on our swing and take in all that nature has to offer. All in all, one great day.

So What Are You Up To Today, GW?

Well, today I’m planning to fill up our fishpond. I cleaned it out about a week ago, so it’s good and ready. Then, if I’m up to it, I’m going to hook up the pump, which gets the water wheel turning on that little mill I built a few years back. It sure looks nice, turning away there through the summer months. Once it’s going, it really adds something special to the yard. My wife and I sure do enjoy sitting on the front porch, taking it all in and listening to the water as it trickles by. Just one of those simple pleasures that makes a day feel complete.

Bug Report:
Well, as much as I hate to say it, the black flies are just starting to show themselves. Yesterday while I was working outside, I saw a few buzzing around. They didn’t bite us yet, but with this warm weather moving in, it won’t be long before they become downright annoying. Especially for my wife—they love to get under her hair, around her neck and ears. When that happens, the old bug jacket comes out of the closet.

As for me, well, they don’t usually bother me too much. I chalk it up to not being as sweet as the womenfolk. That said, they do get me swatting them away from my eyes with my old hat when they get thick. Not sure what I’d do without that hat—it’s got a lot of miles on it over the years.

So with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has put together for me. After that, we’ll see what the day has in store—right after we sit down for our turmeric tea. Occasionally, I like to spice life up a bit.

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

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Good Morning… The world’s greening up again, slow and sure.

It’s a cold and cloudy morning here in cottage country. Sure doesn’t feel like spring, more like a late fall day. But the good news is, it’s not raining, and if we’re lucky, we just might see a bit of sunshine later on.

Port Loring, Ontario Weather Forecast

Today: Cloudy skies sticking around for most of the day. A few sunny breaks are possible this afternoon if the clouds decide to give us a little grace. High of around 50°F (10°C). Winds staying light, which helps some.

Tonight: Cloudy again and dipping down to a low near 36°F (2°C). Might feel a touch colder if that breeze picks up overnight.

Tomorrow: Still mostly cloudy, though there’s a better chance of some sun peeking through. A little warmer too, with a high near 55°F (13°C). It’s not quite porch-sitting weather yet, but we’re getting there.

Highway 522 is a bit quiet this morning, but that’ll change as the day moves along. Already seeing a steady stream of trucks, cars and 4x4s making their way up and down the highway, which is a sure sign we’re edging closer to tourist season. Folks are starting to open up their camps, check on cottages, and get a feel for how the land made it through the winter.

Bug Report:
Not much to report just yet, with it being such a cool spring. But it won’t be long now before the blackflies come knocking. As a rule of thumb, they usually show up right around Mother’s Day and tend to stick around ’til Father’s Day. So, it might be a good idea to get your bug jacket out and hanging by the door, just in case they decide to show themselves. But one thing is for certain, they won’t be showing up today, being as cold as it is.

On Another Note…
Yesterday was a busy one for my wife and me, even though I wasn’t feeling a hundred percent. We finished cleaning up our basement, and dragged out a bunch more stuff that’s going into our big spring sale. It starts on April 16th and runs until it’s all gone — and believe me, there’s a lot to go.

We’ve got just about everything under the sun. Jars full of screws, nails, bolts, nuts, and washers. Instant Pots, Kitchen gadgets galore, tables, fishing gear, reels, a fish finder, rakes, hoes, and shovels. Electronics galore — keyboards, a mouse or two, speakers, and more wires and cords than you can shake a stick at, enough to hook up just about any gadget out there.

And that’s just scratching the surface. On top of all that, we’ve also got everything from our gift shop — things my wife and I brought to life with our own hands — and it all has to go too. I’m even offering some great deals on the handcrafted flutes I make, and most everything else will be marked half price.

Heck, I’ve even got a good solid cement mixer up for grabs. Truth is, there’s just too much to list. You’ll have to come by and see it for yourself.

I swear, I don’t even remember where half of it came from, but it’s all got to go. So if you’re in need of anything — and I mean anything — drop by. I’m even parting with some of my woodworking tools and gear, which is saying something.

We’ll be putting up signs once things get rolling, but in the meantime, if you know someone looking for a deal or just loves a good treasure hunt, send them our way. We’d sure appreciate the help spreading the word.

Hope to see you next week — and come early if you want the good stuff!

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today I’m planning on fixing up a proper stand for that swing I made a while back. That way, my lovely wife and I — or maybe some of our customers — will have a nice place to sit and relax. I’m thinking we’ll set it out under that big old basswood tree out back, we’ll see how that works out.

That is, if it warms up a bit. I’ve got to say, I’m not a fan of the cold like I used to be.

With that, I’m off to enjoy my morning breakfast, which my little woman has ready for me. After that, I think a nice cup of hot cocoa will be in order, then we’ll get into our regular morning chat — the one my wife and I do every single day. It’s a good way to start the day, and I’d say it’s one of the things that’s necessary for a good marriage. We never hide anything from each other, always keep things open and honest.

I’ve heard that nowadays some couples even have their own bank accounts. It’s funny, because after fifty-some years together, what I have is hers and what she has is mine — it’s always been that way. Funny how things have changed over the years, isn’t it?

I suppose you’d have to live as long as we have to really understand it. But for the younger folks getting married today, if you want a marriage to last, it might be something worth considering. Just a thought, mind you.

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

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Good Morning! The robins are back and so are the potholes, which is a sure sign that winter’s lettin’ go.

It’s a cloudy morning here, waking up in cottage country. The kind of sky that makes you reach for that second cup of coffee.

Today, well today it’s going to stay on the cool side with a high of just 48°F. No real sign of the sun breaking through, just a grey ceiling hanging over us most of the day.

Tonight, it’s going to get downright chilly, as we’re looking at a low of 30°F, which is kind of cool for this time of year. So you might want to toss another blanket on your bed before retiring for the evening.

Tomorrow however looks brighter. We’ll see the sun showing herself and the temperature will climb to a more comfortable 57°F. Still jacket weather, but not bad if you keep yourself moving. Tomorrow night dips back down again to about 33°F, so it’s not time to leave the windows open just yet.

But in saying all that, that’s the way things are here in the north, a typical spring, a little back and forth as the season tries to make up its mind.

Highway 522 is getting busier every day with folks leaving the cities, looking for something quieter. Some are just passing through, but more and more are sticking around, buying up little spots of land or fixing up the old cabins their grandparents left behind. But there’s also a quiet sort of shift unfolding, not loud or rushed, just steady. Kinda makes you wonder what this area will look like in another few years.

On another note, being that I wasn’t feeling the best yesterday, I spent part of the morning working away at some desk work, slow but steady. But when the sun broke through in the afternoon, I couldn’t sit still any longer and had to get outside. It’s one of those things, when the weather’s nice, it’s like something out there calls my name.

So what are you up to today GW?

Well, once again, not feeling quite up to par this morning, I figure I’ll take it easy here at my computer for a while. Although, if I start feeling a bit better, I might make a run to the dump later on this afternoon.

Dump days are always a bit of an event around here. You never know what—or who—you’ll run into. It’s where old things go to die and small talk thrives. Some folks treat it like a social outing, swapping stories over bags of garbage like it’s Sunday dinner.

So with that, I’m off once again for my morning breakfast—made by my lovely wife, who always knows how to get the day started just right. And after that, I’ll see what the day has in store, as around here, you never really know what’s coming next, one minute you’re set on a plan, and the next, life’s handed you something else entirely.

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

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Good Morning… One thing at a time, that’s how things get done.

It was a bit damp earlier this morning, but the sun is trying to make an appearance now, which I suspect will be short-lived. The good news is, for the first time this year, we slept with the window in our bedroom open all night long. Kinda nice for a change.

Today (Tuesday, May 6):
Expect a mix of sun and clouds through the morning, with increasing cloud cover and scattered showers developing this afternoon. High around 67°F (19°C). Winds out of the southwest at 5 to 10 mph. There’s a 70% chance of rain, so don’t wander too far without a raincoat or a jacket.

Tonight:
Cloudy skies with periods of rain continuing into the evening. Low near 47°F (8°C). Winds will stay out of the southwest at 5 to 10 mph. Still about a 70% chance of rain overnight, so it’ll be a damp one.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, May 7):
Skies will stay mostly cloudy through the day with a chance of showers in the morning, tapering off as we head into the afternoon. Expect a high around 55°F (13°C). Winds will shift and come out of the north at 5 to 10 mph. Rain chance drops to 30%.

Tomorrow Night:
Things clear up overnight, bringing mainly clear skies. The temperature will dip down to a chilly 29°F (-1°C), so you might want to close that window again. Winds will be light and variable.

Highway 522 is slow this morning, which is normal for our area, but in saying that it has picked up traffic wise a lot over the past few days. Lots of new faces and vehicles roaming around, and it will only get busier as the days goes by.

On another note, yesterday I finally got around to cleaning up my woodworking shop—with the help of my wife, which sure made things a lot easier. It took us all morning, and in the afternoon we tackled the basement. It’s amazing what one can accumulate over the years. At any rate, we’re making a lot of headway these days. The place has never looked so good.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today I think I’ll be taking it a bit easy, as I’m not feeling all that well—guess I’ve been overdoing it a bit lately. So, I’m just going to relax for a while.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife made for me. After that, I’ll sit back and enjoy our morning cup of—well, I think I’ll go with green tea this morning for a change. Just feel like something different. And of course, our regular chat. Can’t start the day without that.

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