Click on Image to Enlarge!

Morning, Folks! The sun may be slow getting up, but it’s here—and so are we!

---

Well, first off, let me tell ya, folks—it was so cold this morning, I had to wrestle with my long Johns just to get ’em on. Haven’t worn those in a while, but when you step outside and your nose hairs freeze faster than you can say “Jack Frost,” it’s time to layer up. The temperature climbing out of bed this morning was a bone-chilling -31.4°C, which, for my friends south of the border, is a frosty -24.52°F. Coldest morning we’ve had here in Port Loring in a few years, and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint. I even caught the squirrels and birds holding little campfires under the trees.

Now, for today’s weather report. Today, we’re looking at mostly clear skies, with the sun doing its best to shine but not offering much in the way of heat. Highs will struggle to climb to around -18°C (or just about 0°F for those keeping score). Wind chill? Let’s just say if you spit, it’ll hit the ground frozen solid.

Tonight, we’re in for another doozy, with lows dropping back down to around -28°C (-18°F). It’s the kind of cold where even your thoughts freeze before you can think ’em. Best to keep the firewood handy and the coffee pot full—you’re gonna need both.

And as for tomorrow, there’s a bit of hope on the horizon. Temperatures might crawl their way up to a balmy -15°C (5°F), but don’t get too excited—it’s still colder than a well digger’s boots. Keep your hat on, your scarf wrapped tight, and your sense of humor close by.

Highway 522 is snow-covered in a lot of spots, with some icy patches sprinkled in for good measure—kind of like Mother Nature’s version of a slip-and-slide. Not much anyone or anything can do about that in these temperatures, let me tell ya! Even the road salt throws in the towel when it’s this cold. If you’re out and about, take ‘er slow and steady; no need to set any land-speed records today.

While walking to my woodworking shop I even saw a couple of deer braving the highway this morning, heads down, tails up, probably wondering why they didn’t migrate south with the birds. Can’t say I blame ’em. I stopped so I wouldn’t scare them—they gave me a look that said, “Thanks, but you’re still crazy for being out here.”

And as for the locals, well, it’s a mixed bag. Some folks are hunkered down by the woodstove, probably throwing another log on and wondering if it’s worth stepping outside for anything short of an emergency. Others are bundled up like Eskimos, trudging through the snow like it’s just another day in paradise. You can always tell who’s lived here their whole life—they’re the ones standing in the middle of it all, chatting away about how this is nothing compared to the winter of ’78.

So, if you’ve got errands to run, be sure to dress for the occasion. The cold doesn’t care if you’re local or just passing through—it’s an equal-opportunity frostbite giver. Stay safe out there, folks, and if you don’t have to go anywhere, well, that’s what a good book and a hot cup of coffee are for!

---

On another note, I didn’t spend much time in the old woodworking shop yesterday. My wife and I brought in the new Yellow Pine Harvest Table I made for her, and let me tell you, it’s sitting proud in our home now. Looks like it was made for the occasion—well, truth be told, it was. We couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. There’s just something about seeing a piece you’ve worked on find its place that warms a feller’s heart, even in this cold.

Later today, I’ll snap a picture and let you all have a look-see. Still need to find the perfect knob for the drawer, though—a detail my little woman has a sharp eye for. Funny thing is, I’ve got over a hundred knobs in my stash—round ones, square ones, knobs that could double as doorstops—but not a single one passes her approval. So, once the shop warms up a touch, I’ll be digging through my collection again. If I strike out, I guess we’ll hunt one down at Home Depot the next time we head to the big city for groceries and other necessities.

But for now, the table’s sitting there looking pretty, just like it’s always belonged. We even gave it a proper welcome—had our lunch on it yesterday, followed by a game of crib. I think the table brought me luck, though my wife says otherwise. Either way, it’s already making itself at home.

What will old GW be up to today? Well, with it being so damn cold outside, you can bet it won’t involve anything out there—that’s for certain. I’m not about to risk freezing my mustache off! Instead, I’ll see if I can tidy up the woodworking shop a bit later and maybe unearth that elusive knob for the drawer. It’s got to be in there somewhere… unless it ran off to warmer weather.

After that, I’ll settle in here at the computer and tackle some editing on the videos I made while building the Harvest Table. Like I’ve said more times than I can count: “It takes just as long to edit the videos as it does to make the table.” We’ll see how far I get with that today—though knowing me, I might end up distracted by something else along the way.

With all that information filtering through your mind, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has whipped up for me—along with our regular hot cup of cocoa. On a day as cold as this one, that cocoa will be a welcome hug in a mug, let me tell ya. She always knows just how to start the day off right, and I count myself lucky every morning for it.

You all have a great day!

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

Click on Image to Enlarge!

Good Morning! The firewood’s stacked, the coffee’s poured, and the day’s off to a solid start.

It’s a downright cold morning here in Port Loring, Ontario, Canada. Waking up, the temperature was sitting at -24.3°C (-11.74°F). However, the sun is making her appearance, which, if nothing else, makes it look warmer.

Today’s Forecast (Sunday, January 19): Expect sunny skies transitioning to cloudiness later in the day. Despite the sunshine, temperatures will remain very cold, with a high of -14°C (8°F). As evening approaches, anticipate increasing cloud cover and a low dropping to -27°C (-17°F).

Tonight: Cloudy conditions will persist throughout the night, accompanied by frigid temperatures. The low is expected to reach -27°C (-17°F), so ensure you’re well-prepared for the cold if venturing outdoors.

Tomorrow’s Forecast (Monday, January 20): Considerable cloudiness will continue into Monday, with temperatures remaining extremely cold. The high will be around -16°C (3°F), and the low will be near -26°C (-15°F).

Suggestions: Given the severe cold, it’s advisable to limit time spent outdoors and dress in multiple layers to retain body heat. Ensure pets are kept indoors, and check on neighbors who might need assistance during these harsh conditions. If you have any outdoor activities planned, consider rescheduling or taking necessary precautions to stay warm and safe.

Highway 522 is doing its usual winter jig this morning—partially covered with snow and a bit of ice. No shocker there, given it’s colder than a brass doorknob on the shady side of an igloo. If you’re planning a trip to the city, you should make out fine, but remember: this isn’t a summer cruise where you roll the windows down and wave to your neighbors.

Around here, a little prep can save a lot of grief. Be sure to pack the essentials: a warm blanket, a thermos of coffee (not just for drinking but for hand-warming too), a bite to eat (because you never know how long you’ll be stuck behind a snowplow), and a full tank of gas. The last thing you want is to end up frozen like a block of firewood in the back of your truck.

As for the locals, well—you’ll spot them out and about, as usual—probably in old pickups with questionable tires and zero worries. They’ve been living way out here so long they’d rather slide into the ditch than admit winter’s slowing them down. It’s just another day in paradise for us country folks—where icy roads and frostbitten noses are practically a badge of honor! Stay safe, and try not to end up as today’s small-town roadside attraction!

On another note, yesterday I put the final coat of polyurethane on the new Yellow Pine Harvest Table I’ve been working on over the past week or so. Let me tell you, it turned out real pretty—so much so that I might just sit and admire it for a while before putting anything on it! Later this morning, my wife and I will wrestle it into the house, and once it settles into its new home, I’ll snap a picture to give you folks a little “look-see.”

I also recorded videos of the entire process, from start to finish. When the mood strikes and I feel up to it, I’ll get those clips edited and polished. Once everything’s ready, I’ll post the whole thing on my YouTube channel for those curious about how a simple pile of lumber turned into something this fine. So—stay tuned—there’s more to come!

After putting the 4th coat of urethane on the table’s top, I decided to tackle the driveway and decks—again—even though I’d just cleaned them the day before. Why, you ask? Well, it was that heavy, wet snow, and knowing the temperature was set to drop, I figured if I left it, I’d need a jackhammer to clear it this morning. So, I got it all cleaned up, and let me tell ya, I’m glad I did.

I also gave the decks a good clearing, which should make the next snowfall a little easier to manage. Around here, you’ve got to stay one step ahead of Mother Nature. If you blink, she’ll have you buried under a foot of snow and working double time to dig out. Life in this neck of the woods keeps you on your toes, that’s for sure!

What’s on my agenda today? Well, with the harvest table finally finished and the cold biting hard, I think I’ll take it easy. Maybe I’ll treat myself to an extra cup of hot cocoa—or even indulge in a nice cup of coffee later on. My wife and I can sit back, sip on our drinks, and admire that new table like it’s the latest masterpiece in an art gallery. Actually, my wife does have her own art gallery right here in our home, so I guess the table fits right in with the rest of the fine work around here!

I might even get around to editing a few videos I recorded a while back—or maybe I’ll dive into the one I made of building the table. But I’ll have to play it by ear; too much time parked in front of the computer doesn’t do me any favors these days. A relaxed day with a bit of productivity sounds just about right.

So—with all that said, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my little woman has whipped up for me. After that, we’ll settle into our usual morning chat, paired with a good, hot cup of cocoa. There’s nothing quite like it, especially on a frosty day like today. It warms you up from the inside out and makes you forget, at least for a little while, that Old Man Winter’s got his icy grip on us.

You all take care, stay warm, and don’t let the snow sneak up on you. And remember:

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

Click on Image to Enlarge!

Mornin’! It’s one of those days where even the snow coming down looks friendly.

We are in the midst of some more snow here this morning in the north. Here’s the weather forecast for Port Loring, Ontario:

Saturday, January 18, 2025:

• Morning: Light snow ending, with accumulations of 1-3 cm (0.4-1.2 inches).
• Afternoon: Increasing sunshine.
• High: 0°C (32°F)
• Low: -21°C (-5°F)

Sunday, January 19, 2025:

• Overall: Mostly cloudy and very cold.
• High: -14°C (6°F)
• Low: -26°C (-16°F)

Given the chilly conditions, especially with lows dipping to -26°C (-16°F), it’s a good time to stay indoors and perhaps enjoy a mystery novel or what ever strikes your interest. Stay Warm!

Yesterday was a busy one, but a good kind of busy. First thing, I put a coat of urethane on that new Harvest Table I’ve been working on. It’s coming along real nice, if I do say so myself. After that, I tackled the driveway while my wife took care of cleaning off the decks. She’s been my partner/wife for over fifty years now-an artist, a homemaker, a mother, and one of the hardest workers I’ve ever known. She has this way of making every task look effortless, even when I know it’s anything but. I guess I can’t help but brag a little—hell, she’s earned it.

Once the work outside was done, we came in for a bite of lunch, then I got back to it and added another coat of finish on the table. In between coats, I spent a bit of time here on my computer, catching up on things. Just before supper, I gave the table its third coat of finish. This morning, as I sit here looking it over, I’m thinking I might just put one more coat on the top. Why? Well, because I can—and let’s be honest, the top’s the part that takes the most wear and tear. Might as well make it look even better while I’m at it.

If all goes to plan, tomorrow we’ll introduce it to its new home. My wife already made room, moving our old table out to the cottage. I have a feeling this new table will look pretty sharp sitting in its place.

Today, as I mentioned, I’ll put one final coat on the top of the new table. After that, I plan to take it easy for the rest of the day—my body’s letting me know it could use a bit of a break

Highway 522 is snow-covered this morning, which doesn’t make for the best traveling conditions. With the wet snow still falling and the cold planning to move in later today, it’s probably wise to stay put. You know—around here, most folks know better than to hit the road unless it’s for something important—like a trip to the post office or the hardware store to “check the mail” or “browse,” which usually translates to catching up on the latest local gossip!

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife whipped up for me—she’s got a knack for keeping me well-fed! After that, we’ll see what the day has in store, beyond what I’ve got planned. Out here, you never know—might just end up staring out the window, watching the snow pile up, and calling it productive.

You have yourself a great day!

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

Click on Image to Enlarge!

Mornin’! As my old Dad used to say. ‘The weather might change, but a good attitude will steer you right.

Here’s your weather forecast for Port Loring, Ontario:

Today, Friday, January 17, 2025:

• Morning: Mostly sunny with temperatures around 16°F (-9°C). A great excuse to enjoy that extra cup of coffee indoors.
• Afternoon: Plenty of clouds rolling in, with a brisk breeze. Highs reaching 33°F (0°C). Hold onto your hat—literally!
• Evening: Cloudy skies continue. Temperatures dropping to a low of 28°F (-2°C). Perfect weather for a cozy night by the fireplace.

Tomorrow, Saturday, January 18, 2025:

• Morning: Light snow ending in the morning, with an additional 1-3 cm expected. After a cloudy start, sunshine makes a comeback. Highs around 36°F (2°C). Time to dust off the snow shovel—again.
• Evening: Clear skies with temperatures taking a nosedive to -7°F (-22°C). A night so cold, even the snowmen are shivering!

Stay warm and enjoy the winter wonderland!

Highway 522 is pretty well bare this morning, but there are a few snowy sections here and there—just enough to keep you guessing. Care should be taken if you’re out and about, though let’s be honest, in this neck of the woods, care should always be taken if you’re out and about. Between the snowy patches and that one neighbor who insists their snowmobile is an all-season vehicle, it’s best to stay sharp!

On another note, I spent yesterday working away in my old woodworking shop. I managed to get it tidied up and even put a coat of stain on the new Yellow Pine Harvest Table I made for my lovely wife. Originally, we were going to stain it Early American, but it didn’t quite appeal to her. So—being the artist she is—she whipped up her own custom stain with what we had on hand, and voilà! I have to say, it turned out beautifully. Not too dark, not too light, just perfect, with a hint of that charming old-time yellow mixed in.

That’s the thing about stains and urethanes these days—they’ve lost that classic appeal. The look of yesteryear seems to have been replaced with something dull and lifeless. It’s kind of a shame, really. It reminds me of how food has changed—everything’s been stripped of its flavor, supposedly for the sake of health. Most vegetables and meats today are tasteless unless you jazz them up with your own spices and seasonings. Just like we had to do with the table—add our own flair.

But I’ll tell you this: the table turned out fantastic. One of a kind, for sure. And I couldn’t be happier with it.

Today? Well, earlier this morning, I stoked up the wood-stove in the shop, and it’s already warming things up nicely as I sit here typing. Once I’ve had a good hearty breakfast, I’ll head back out to put the first coat of semigloss urethane on the new harvest table. After that, my wife and I will tackle the driveway and decks, clearing off the five or six inches of snow we got yesterday. Not a huge amount, but enough to warrant firing up my trusty old snowblower and dusting off the shovels.

It looks like a busy day lies ahead for the two of us, but you won’t hear any complaints. These days, we do things on our own schedule—when we feel like it, not when we’re told to. I’d say we’ve earned that right after all these years. And truth be told, there’s something satisfying about a day spent getting things done, knowing you’ve got a warm fire to come back to and a cozy evening waiting at the end of it. Life doesn’t get much better than that.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my little woman has made for me—just like she does every morning. It’s a simple gesture, but one I treasure deeply. After that, I’ll head out to the shop and get started on the day’s tasks.

You all have a great day, and remember: life is like working with wood—you get out of it what you put into it. Take your time, do things right, and don’t forget to appreciate the grain that makes each day unique. As I have always said, “A good life is built with steady hands and a patient heart.”

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