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Good Morning Folks! One thing I have learned over the years is: Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.

Highway 522 is looking not so good this morning! The snow plow has been through, but other than pushing the fresh stuff around, well lets just say it isn’t good.

Best to hunker down at home today—grab a blanket and some hot cocoa, because adventure on the icy/snowy road ain’t worth the risk. Stay safe, and let the snow settle a bit.

“Port Loring, ON: Weather:

Today – Snow flurries, high of -2°C (28°F), low of -10°C (14°F).
Tonight – Clear skies, low of -15°C (5°F).
Tomorrow – Sunny, high of -5°C (23°F), with a chance of light snow late afternoon.

Now, on another note, I didn’t get much done in the woodworking shop yesterday. It was just too darn cold, especially with that biting wind. I did manage to light up my shop stove, which has been keeping things cozy just in case the urge to work struck me. But, it didn’t happen. Instead, I spent most of the day at my computer, getting into a new book I’m gearing up to release in the spring—maybe even two, depending on how things pan out.

Today, I’m considering a bit of a split shift. With the weather feeling a touch warmer, I might spend half the day at my computer, then head out to my old woodworking shop to wrap up the day. Of course, we’ve got some snow to clear off the decks and driveway first, so that’ll be the deciding factor. We’ll see how it goes!

Other than that not much happening in and around our small town.

With that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me… a dish we used to simply call ‘Breakfast Bread.’ Nowadays, it seems everyone prefers the fancy name: French Toast. I’m the kind of guy who likes to stick with tradition, even though I know that sometimes, the only way to go is forward.

You all have a great day.

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

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Good Morning! The day’s like a blank page—ready for whatever story you write on it.

It’s another cold morning here in the north, but not as cold as it was yesterday. At -21.3°C (-6.34°F) getting out of bed wasn’t easy, but we northerners are used to mornings like this—it’s just part of life up here.

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Weather Forecast for Port Loring, Ontario:

Today: It’ll be a cold one, but the sun will peek out now and then, trying its best to warm things up. The high will reach around -12°C (10°F), so it’s not exactly a heatwave, but it’s a step in the right direction. The winds will stay light, which is a good thing—no need for frostbite sneaking up on you.

Tonight: The skies will clear right up, and temperatures will dip back down to around -20°C (-4°F). A good night to stay indoors where it’s warm. If you’ve got to go out, make sure to bundle up good and tight.

Tomorrow: Another cold start to the day, but it’ll warm up slightly with a high near -10°C (14°F). Plenty of sunshine to keep things bright, even if it doesn’t do much for the thermometer. A light breeze might remind you winter’s still got a firm grip on things.

Days like these remind me of how tough we have to be to live up here, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Stay warm and keep a pot of coffee on—you’ll need it!

Highway 522 is snow-covered this morning, making traveling a bit of an adventure. For those determined souls heading off to the city for supplies, take it slow and steady—you’re not in a race, and the grocery store isn’t running away. Around here, we know the old saying holds true: “Better to be late than to end up in the ditch explaining to your better half why you didn’t listen to the forecast.”

Speaking of taking it slow, keep an eye out for deer. The last time we went to town, there seemed to be more of them than folks at the coffee shop on a Saturday morning. And it should be noted that they’ve got a habit of appearing out of nowhere, and if you see one, you can bet there’s another not too far behind. Around here, we call it “deer roulette,” and trust me, it’s not a game you want to win. So keep your eyes peeled and your foot light on the gas.

I’ve also noticed there still aren’t all that many snowmobiles buzzing around just yet. Of course, the trails haven’t been groomed, so that likely explains it. But with February just around the corner, I’d imagine they’ll be getting to it soon. After all, once March rolls in, the warmer weather isn’t far behind, and the snow starts to get softer than a fresh-baked loaf of bread.

That doesn’t leave the sledders much time to get out there and enjoy the trails, but that’s the way it goes around here these days—winter sneaks in slow, and before you know it, it’s packing up and heading out. Hopefully, the groomers get moving soon so folks can make the most of what’s left of the season. Because if there’s one thing we northerners know, it’s that you’ve got to grab the good days while you can.—well, at least some of us northerners.

On another note, with it being so cold yesterday, I didn’t spend much time in the woodworking shop. Instead, I stayed put here at my desk, working away on something that’s been on my mind for a while now. I was planning to edit another video for my YouTube channel, but as often happens, I got to thinking about all the stories I’ve written over the years. Before I knew it, I’d decided it was time to start putting together my eighth book.

To be honest, I’ve got enough stories to fill three more books if I put my mind to it. Over the past four years, I’ve had so many folks asking, “When’s the next one coming out?” It’s been humbling, to say the least, knowing there are folks out there who enjoy reading my work. It’s those kind words and nudges that keep me going, even on the days when it feels like I’ve written all there is to write.

These books aren’t just stories; they’re pieces of life—my life, your life, the kind of tales that stick with you. Some will make you chuckle, some might make you think, and others might remind you of days gone by. For me, writing isn’t about rushing to finish something; it’s about putting a little piece of myself on each page.

So, if you’re one of those folks who’ve been waiting, sit tight—it’s coming. And if you’ve got a spot on your bookshelf that’s been waiting, I promise it’ll be worth the wait. These stories aren’t just about life here in the north; they’re about the moments that connect us all, no matter where we call home. They’re for anyone who’s ever paused to appreciate the simple things, shared a laugh over coffee, or felt the pull of a good tale that stays with you long after the last page.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me—she always knows how to start the day right. After that, I’ll be diving back into work on my new book, which will feature 50 of my favorite short stories. Each one has already been published in newspapers across Canada, enjoyed by folks from coast to coast. It’s a collection of memories, moments, and musings that I hope will bring a bit of joy, a chuckle, or even some reflection to those who read it. Time to get at it—this book isn’t going to write itself!

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

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Morning, folks! Another day, another chance to make something out of nothing.

Well—she’s another cold morning with the temperature waking up was sitting at 24.8 C | -12.64 F. But with that in mind, it isn’t as cold as it was yesterday morning. …But hey, that’s winter in Northern Ontario for you—always keeping us on our toes.

As for today’s forecast here in Port Loring, Ontario: expect partly cloudy skies with a few stubborn rays of sunshine trying to warm things up. Highs will creep up to a balmy -6°C (21°F). Tonight, temperatures will drop back down to a crisp -15°C (5°F), so if you’re venturing outside, make sure your coat’s zipped and your hat’s snug and set right.

Tomorrow? Looks like we might see a dusting of snow to freshen things up—Mother Nature’s way of redecorating!

So, grab a coffee, stoke the wood-stove, and settle in. It’s the perfect day to stay warm and cozy!

Highway 522 is partially covered with snow this morning, with a few icy patches just to keep things interesting. It’s nothing we haven’t seen before—around here, we’re practically born knowing how to drive on this stuff. You might see a few locals out early, giving their trucks a good workout or testing out how much snow their boots can actually handle.

If you do have to venture out, take it slow and steady—unless you’re one of those folks who thinks winter driving is a spectator sport. And don’t forget to share a friendly wave with your neighbors; chances are, they’re grumbling about the cold as much as you are!

On another note, I didn’t get all that much done in the old woodworking shop yesterday. That said, I did have a fellow drop by for a chat about this and that, which was a nice change of pace. It’s always good to catch up and see what the other half’s up to these days. Up here where we live, most folks tend to stick to themselves and let others go about their business. It seems to be the way of things nowadays—not like back when I was a young lad. Back then, you couldn’t go a day without hearing from someone, whether they were dropping in unannounced or hollering a greeting as they passed by. Times sure have changed.

At any rate, I did keep the old wood stove going in the shop—just in case the urge struck to get out of the house for a bit. There’s something about the crackle of a fire and the smell of wood smoke that makes a man feel grounded. I did stay busy editing a video however, for my YouTube channel. Still lots to do, but you know how it is—everything starts with that first step, even if it’s just deciding to sit down and do it.

Today—well, once again, I’m not entirely sure what I’ll get up to. I’ve been eyeing a few flutes I’ve been meaning to work on. It’s been a while since I’ve made any, and let me tell you, they’re a challenge even on the best of days. If you don’t keep up with these intricate projects, the mind has a way of misplacing those little but oh-so-important details. Might be best I dust off the tools and get back at it, though, because there’s a lot of work that goes into making them.

If I do get to making them, I might even set up the camera and make a video to show how I’ve been crafting these flutes for over thirty years. They’re one of those projects where people tend to keep their methods close to their chest, guarding their secrets like gold. And that’s fine, I suppose, but I figure, being the age I am, if I don’t share what I know, all those years of learning and trial and error will be lost forever. What a shame that would be. Knowledge is meant to be passed along, not hoarded, and if I can leave behind a little something for others to pick up and run with, I’d call that time well spent.

So with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has prepared for me. She’s patiently waiting, as always, with her cocoa in hand and her thoughts on country living. She often says life out here has its own rhythm—a quieter, slower pace that lets you appreciate the little things, like a good meal, a hot drink, and the company of someone who gets it.

You all have a great day!

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