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Good Morning. One thing I have told people moving into our area is If you want to be a northerner, you better love your coffee strong and your woodpile taller than you.

She’s a rainy old start to the day here in Port Loring, and I ain’t complaining one bit. That wet stuff is working’ its magic, melting away a lot of winter’s grip. And let me tell ya, I’ve seen enough snow this season to last me ‘til next Christmas.

Looking’ ahead, seems Mother Nature’s got a mixed bag for us:

Today:
A steady drizzle will stick around most of the day, mixing’ in with a bit of that slushy white stuff at times. But don’t go worrying’… it won’t be sticking’ around long. Temps are sitting’ around 44°F (7°C) for the high, then dropping’ down to 25°F (-4°C) come nightfall.

Tonight:
Rain should pack up and move along, leaving’ us with a cloudy sky and a bit of a chill in the air. Might wanna throw an extra log on the fire if you’re like me and prefer to stay toasty.

Tomorrow:
The mercury won’t climb too high, topping out at 35°F (2°C) and then dropping’ to a downright nippy 13°F (-10°C) overnight. There’s even a chance of some flurries, just in case winter thinks it ain’t done with us yet.

So there ya have it! A wet and wild start to March, but hey, that’s just another day in the north.

Highway 522 is partially covered with slushy snow this morning which should melt as the day moves forward being that it so warm outside. As a matter of fact i let my old wood furnace go out last night and turned on our oil furnace as the wood heat is too warm. Which is a sign that spring isn’t all that far off.

Yesterday I spent the whole day out in my old woodworking shop, putting’ the final touches on a batch of my flutes. Got all the totems carved, sanded, and ready to go. Before calling’ it a night, I even gave ‘em a nice coat of clear stain, and let me tell ya, they’re looking’ real sharp. Now, they’re headin’ over to my wife’s studio, where she’ll work her magic and make ‘em downright beautiful. After that, all that’s left is fine-tuning’ the sound, and they’ll be ready for their new homes.

Now, here’s the big news—we’re closing up shop at the end of the year, which means everything has to go! If you’ve ever wanted one of my flutes or any of the other one-of-a-kind treasures we’ve got, now’s the time to scoop ‘em up. No holding’ back, no saving’ for later—once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.

I was selling’ my specialty flutes for $250, but this year, I’m letting’ ‘em go for $200—you won’t find a deal like that again, I guarantee it. And it ain’t just the flutes—everything in the store is up for grabs, priced to sell.

So, if you’re looking’ for a handcrafted piece with a story behind it, or maybe a gift for someone special, now’s the time to stop in. Doors will open soon, shelves are full, and prices are low—come on in and take home something truly unique!

So, what’s on the agenda today, GW?

Well, now that my flutes are all wrapped up, I’m shifting’ gears to work on some one-of-a-kind weather sticks—something I’ve been making’ for over 35 years using knowledge passed down from my old dad. Let me tell ya, these little sticks are the real deal. I ain’t one to twist your arm, but once you see ‘em in action, you’re gonna want one. Truth be told, they can predict the weather just as good as a $1,000 weather station—maybe even better.

And the best part? They’ll be up for grabs at a fair price once we get the shop doors open—won’t be long now, just as soon as this snow clears out!

So, with all that rattling’ around in your mind, I’m off once again for my morning breakfast—hot cup of cocoa in hand—and, of course, our regular morning chat with my lovely wife. But I suspect you all know that by now, after all these years. Are you getting’ tired of me telling’ ya?

Well, too bad, ‘cause I ain’t about to stop! Some things in life are just too good to change, and a good conversation over a warm drink is one of ‘em.

Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW

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Good Morning: You know I have found that a real northerner knows the sound of ice cracking, is either good news or bad news, it depends on where you’re standing.

Weather For Today (Tuesday, March 4):
Spring is slowly making an appearance, but it is taking its time. Although we are starting the day with some light rain, which is helping to get rid of some of the snow. The sky will remain cloudy throughout the day, with temperatures reaching 38°F (3°C).

Tonight:
The clouds will stick around, bringing occasional drizzle and the temperatures will hold steady at 34°F (1°C).

Tomorrow (Wednesday, March 5):
A mix of rain and snow will move in throughout the day, making things a bit messy, and believe it or not there is even a chance of a thunderstorm later on. The high will reach 44°F (7°C), before dropping to 24°F (-4°C) overnight.

Special Weather Statement:
With the combination of rain and melting snow, some areas could see flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Rainfall amounts could reach about an 1 inch 15-25 mm, with heavier showers and possible thunderstorms by Wednesday afternoon and evening. It might be a good idea to keep an eye on roads and driveways.

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It looks like a wet couple of days ahead.

On another note, I once again worked the day away in my old woodworking shop. The good news is, I managed to finish tuning all the flutes I have been working on, and I have to say, that put a smile on my face. Out of twenty, I lost only one, not the best outcome, but that is how it goes sometimes.

Woodworking life has a way of keeping a fellow humble. You measure twice, cut once, and still, every so often, the wood has a mind of its own. Sometimes a flaw in the grain shows up where you least expect it, or a small mistake sneaks in when you are not looking. But that is just part of the trade. You learn to roll with it, take what you can from the lesson, and move on to the next piece.

One thing is for certain—there is no better feeling than bringing something to life with your own two hands. Seeing those flutes lined up, each one unique in its own way, makes all the effort worthwhile.

Now, if only the weather would cooperate as nicely as most of my flutes did today!

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, now that I have the flutes all tuned up and sounding the way they should, my next task is making the totems for the tops of them. That will likely take up the better part of my day. But before I get to carving, I have to dig through my woodpile and see if I can find some unique pieces. The totems need to be made from hardwood—something with a bit of character to match the flute it will sit on.

That is always an interesting part of the process. Every piece of wood has a story, and the trick is finding the right one to bring that story to life. Some pieces look plain on the outside but have hidden beauty beneath the surface. Others, well, they let you know right away they are meant for something special . Either way, it will be a day of sawdust, carving, and a bit of trial and error—but that is half the fun.

So yes, that is what my day will entail. A bit of searching, a bit of shaping, and hopefully, by day’s end, a handful of totems ready to bring these flutes to life.

With that, I am off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. There is no doubt in my mind that I would not have made it this far without her—that is for certain.

They say a good meal keeps a man going, but the truth is, it is the person behind it that makes all the difference. For over fifty-some years, she has been there, day in and day out, taking care of things in ways that often go unnoticed but are never unappreciated. Whether it is a hot meal on a cold morning, a few wise words when I need them most, or simply the steady presence of someone who knows me better than I know myself—she has been the heart of it all.

A man can build a lot in his lifetime, but the best thing he can ever have is a partner who stands by him through it all. And I was lucky enough to find one of the best.

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