Category Archives: My Opinion Only

Sunshine, Good or Bad?

I read somewhere that we should be using sunscreen even if we are in the house, as the sun that is coming in the house through the windows, can possibly cause us trouble.

Now I ain’t no doctor or claim to be, but back in my day, the sun was more than just a ball of fire in the sky. It was like a good friend, keeping me company from sunrise to sunset. That sun gave me energy and something called vitamin D3. Nowadays, it seems like folks are treating it like an outlaw. But, let me tell you, there’s something special about feeling the sun on your skin.

Now, I’m all for progress, but when it comes to our health, I think we should tread carefully. As to me them, store-bought sunscreens may be convenient, but what about the long-term effects of those chemicals that they are made with? I’ve seen my fair share of changes over the years, but I can’t help but wonder if we’re swapping one problem for another.

Here’s a thought – why not ease into the sun? Our skin ain’t no delicate flower; it’s hardy, just like the soil that is all around us. In other words, spend a bit of time each day in the sun, let your skin get acquainted with it. It’s like tending to a crop; you gotta give it time to grow strong and healthy.

So there you have it, food for thought. As an old feller who’s seen his fair share of sunny days, I say let the sun be your friend, not your foe. Take it easy, let your skin do its thing, and maybe, just maybe, we can keep ourselves healthy without getting tangled up in all them complicated chemicals.

My Opinion Only!

Crisp Air and Cozy Cabins: The Essence of Northern Canadian Life on January 2/2024

Good Morning! The north may be cold, but our hearts are warm, and our humour is as dry as a nice pile of seasoned firewood.

So here it is a brand-new year 2024 and New Year’s resolutions are flyin’ around like sparks from a bonfire. Now in this next statement it’s not that I like to spread gossip, but I heard from an old friend of mine, that he swore he’s going to give up his daily ration of maple syrup on pancakes. Well … we will see how long that lasts; a man without his syrup is like a sled without dogs – just ain’t right. Especially having Mike Clappertons Maple Syrup right here in town, who actually in 2019 won the award of being the world’s best.

Highway 522 is very quiet these days with it being Christmas.

On another note, my wife and I have been taking each day as it comes to us. Actually, I got lots done in my woodworking shop, along with editing videos here at my computer over the Holidays. My lovely wife also kept busy painting up a bunch of things, for our small gift shop along with other things, which will be on display come spring. Today, I will be working away in my shop on a few new projects I have in mind. And I am hoping to make a video on how they are made and come together. We will see how that turns out.

With that I am off for a bowl of cereal that my little woman is making for me, after that I will have my hot cocoa and then get to doing what I do best.

So as the sun climbs higher in the sky, it’s my cue to say goodbye for today. Remember, life is short, so savour your hot Cocoa, laugh at the small stuff, and don’t forget to check for mismatched socks before leaving the house! GW

Food For Thought

You know, lately, I have been scratchin’ my head like a confused chicken. Back in 2018, the folks in charge started treatin’ our wallets like a never-ending ATM. More than 80% of us hardworking middle-class families had to dish out an extra $840 a year in federal taxes. And that was just the starter course – before they brought out the grand feast of the carbon tax.

Now, as we’re rollin’ toward 2024, it’s like they’re throwin’ everything at us but the kitchen sink. They’re talkin’ about more taxes – payroll, carbon, and even on the liquid sanity we call booze. Rumour has it, they want to add $700 to $1,300 more on every family’s tax bill. It’s like they’re playin’ Monopoly with our money, and we didn’t even get to pass go.

Wrap your head around this: even on the lower end, since 2015, we’ve been slapped with about $2,500 more each year. That’s enough to make a scarecrow do a double-take. Just imagine, we could be pocketin’ an extra $200 every month if it wasn’t for the decisions these folks been cookin’ up for the past eight years.

As I sit here in front of my computer pondering on things, I can’t help but think our hard-earned cash is playin’ hide and seek, and it ain’t us doin’ the hiding. It’s like we’re the punchline in a joke we didn’t sign up for. Time for a change, or maybe we should send ’em a shovel – they seem to be really-good, at diggin’ holes for our money.

Hitch a Ride to Yesteryear: Tales from the Countryside Roads on Dec 31/2023″

“Well, good mornin’! In the 50s, life was simpler – just like my Hot Cocoa, this morning sweet and no-nonsense.”

So here it is the last day in 2023. Time sure flies by.

Starting things off, I remember chatting to my old Dad while enjoying a well needed rest at his cottage in Sarasota, Florida, around this time of year. I was talking about it being so cold and desolate back home in Canada. I told him that nothing seemed to be alive back on the farm. Pointing at the ground, Dad said, “George, the earth rests beneath the blanket of snow and frozen ground, preparing for the awakening. It’s a lesson, son. Life may seem still, but beneath the surface, there’s a quiet, patient transformation taking place. Trust the dormant season/future, for it’s where the seeds of tomorrow lie.” I never forgot them few words, and today I know he was telling the truth. And you know, I didn’t mind going back home.

On another note, Highway 522 is still very quiet. Actually up here in cottage country, our idea of a wild night out, is sitting on the porch, listening to the symphony of crickets and debating whether that distant screechy howl is a wolf, or just old …. rehearsing for her Church Social.

Yesterday, I spent my day working away at my desk, writing a couple of stories for Post Media. I write 52 stories a year for them. I find it comforting to stay a bit ahead of schedule—it helps me sleep better at night, knowing I don’t have to scramble and get them done at the last minute.

Today I am thinking of heading outside to my woodworking shop as I have a few projects I want to do. I might even make another video regarding one of them. I will see how that works out. However, it is cold out there so I lit the wood stove, which is perking away nicely, warming things up. Which should be nice by the time I finish up my breakfast, that my lovely wife is making for me.

So with that. “I wish you a morning as easy as an old time radio hit as truth told, life’s like a vintage camper – cozy and full of stories. Sip your hot cocoa, tune in to the memories, and let the day play on.” GW

“New Beginnings in the Countryside: Setting Goals for the Year Ahead on Dec. 28/2023”

Good Morning! Another sunrise, another chance to enjoy the humour of small-town life, where everyone is a character.

Once again, it’s a cloudy day here in Cottage country. However, it is still quite warm with the temperature sitting at 3.5 C | 38.3 F. Walking out to my woodworking shop this morning it felt more like spring. The grass is greening up and the birds were chirping, can’t get much better than that. I sure do like living in the country.

On another note, yesterday once again I worked away here in front of my computer. You know, my idea for a good number of years relating to high-tech was a good pair of overalls and a pitchfork. Now, don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t anti-technology; I just preferred my gadgets to have four legs and a tail. Today, though, I have enjoyed a few of these so-called modern marvels, which in turn you could say has given me a new outlook on life. Which is what I think is needed to stay healthy. One needs a reason to get out of bed.

With that, I am off for a bite to eat that my lovely wife is preparing for me.

You all have a great day and stay safe. There is a lot of sickness around these days. GW

“Country Comforts: A Christmas Day Tale with an Old-Timer Twist on Dec. 25/2023”

Well, good mornin’! In the country, Christmas Day finally arrives!

And Merry Christmas to you all!

It’s a cloudy morning here in Cottage country, and most of our snow has melted. Weather wise, it is a touch dismal out there, with rain in the forecast for the next couple of days. But we can’t let that get the better of us as today is Christmas, a day when you share what you have, and it could be as simple as…..

No, it isn’t just about fancy presents or big to-dos; it’s ’bout gatherin’ ’round the kitchen table, sharin’ stories, and passin’ down traditions.

Christmas is a time when families come together, sharing laughter, stories, and creating cherished memories. It’s about reconnecting with loved ones, whether they’re near or far, and celebrating the warmth of togetherness.

Christmas is about finding joy in life’s simple pleasures. Whether it’s sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace, enjoying festive music, or taking a leisurely stroll through decorated streets, it’s the little things that make the season special.

And for me, growing up on the farm, Christmas was also a time to appreciate the land that fed us. The winter chill would settle in, and we’d gather ’round the wood cook stove, feelin’ the warmth not just from the fire but from the love we shared.

I also remember what my friend Grey Wolf said one time while visiting him at his cottage one Christmas day. He said, “George Christmas, for us elders, was a time when the cold wind carried tales of our ancestors. We’d sit by the fire, passin’ down stories like gifts, each one holdin’ the wisdom of those who walked before us. It wasn’t just about the snow on the ground but the stories in our hearts.

Gifts? Oh, they were like treasures hidden in plain sight—kind words, a handmade doodad, or a good belly laugh. It wasn’t about the biggest box; it was ’bout the thought tucked inside.

So, I will leave you all with this. “As you navigate through this Christmas, don’t let the hustle and bustle drown out the simple pleasures. Take a moment to enjoy the quiet moments, savour the memories, and let the spirit of Christmas sneak up on you like an old friend. May your Christmas be as rich and genuine as the stories these old eyes have seen. Merry Christmas, folks!!! GW

Sipping Cocoa and Stories: A Gentle Christmas with an Old Feller on Dec. 23/2023″

Good Morning! The country air carries the scent of evergreens and the promise of Christmas, which isn’t that far off.”

It’s a cloudy morning here waking up in cottage country, but the good news is it isn’t as cold as it has been with the temperature sitting at -1.8 C | 28.76 F. And the temperature is going to rise well above the freezing mark for the next few days. Which will get rid of any snow we have/had.

For my wife and I snow is nice, but not so much as we have to move it.

Highway 522 is bare and quiet these days. Our road is so tranquil that the speed limit signs are more like friendly suggestions.

On another note, Christmas is getting closer every day. Our son was going to drop by for Christmas, but at the moment he came down with a bug that put him in bed. So we will have to see how that pans out. But it is that time of year, it’s a breeding ground for all sorts of bugs with folks in large groups getting together, along with all the shopping in malls and things. You know how it is – ’tis the season for both joy and a bit of caution, especially with these darn bugs floatin’ around.

Moving along, yesterday was a good day in the old woodworking den. Spent most of it wrestling with machines – straightening them out and giving them a good talking to. You know, they can be a bit unruly sometimes. I also did some cleaning too; sawdust doesn’t clean itself, unfortunately. I also managed to do some editing on a video I made a few days ago, so it will be ready soon to put on my YouTube channel.

With that I am off for a bowl of porridge that my Lovely Wife is preparing, and will then see what the day has in store, other than what I have planned. You never know.

Closing this mornin’ with a nugget of country wisdom: “Life’s like a good huntin’ dog, loyal and full of surprises. Sip your hot chocolate, stay warm, and let the day fetch you some good moments.” GW

Watching Out for Each Other

As the days get shorter and the air gets crisp and Christmas nears, there’s something on my mind that I’d like to share. You see, back in the good ol’ days, folks not only looked after their own kin but also kept an eye out for everyone in the community. It was like one big family, even if we weren’t all related by blood. Nowadays, it seems like everyone’s rushing around, and we’ve forgotten the joy of helping out our neighbours, especially the older ones. Those silver-haired friends who’ve seen more seasons than most of us – they need a bit of help and company. Back in the day, when someone needed a hand fixing a fence or just a friendly chat, folks would show up without being asked. It was the neighbourly thing to do. It made the community strong, like a bunch of trees standing together against the wind. So, as the leaves fall and the world gets a bit quieter, I’m thinking we should bring back that old spirit of looking out for each other. If you notice an old feller/gal next door struggling with his/her groceries or someone across the street feeling a bit lonely, why not lend a hand or share a smile or stop in for a chat? It’s not just about helping your own folks; it’s about being a good neighbour to everyone. We’re all in this life together, after all. A little kindness goes a long way, like sunshine after a rainstorm. Let’s make this time of year about more than just gifts and turkey. Let’s make it a season of giving, caring, and looking out for our neighbours, young and old. Because in the end, a community is only as strong as the bonds we build by helping each other along the way.

“Spirit of December: Hear the Stories of What’s Happening Near Our Home”

“Rise and shine, folks! Another day to gather wisdom.”

Good Morning!

First off I would like to say I was away for a couple of days on business which is the reason I wasn’t putting out any content here at my Blog. But I am back now and things will be back in full swing.

Moving along, it is a cloudy morning here getting out of bed. And we did have a dusting of snow through the night. Not enough to warrant me to bring out my snowblower. However, it has cooled down a lot to where I am back to lighting my wood stove in my woodworking shop along with the wood furnace here in our home. I have to tell you it sure if feeling good.

Highway 522 is partially snow and ice covered in certain areas this morning, and walking to my shop I noticed we are having an uptick in traffic. I chalk it up to Christmas with folks heading into the big cities to spend some money. You could say that winter might be givin’ us a chilly howdy-do, but the holiday spirit’s warmin’ up them engines. For my wife and I we are all set. We have everything we need including a nice turkey which will make us a tasty meal come Christmas day. And to top things off, we will have Karl, one of our sons, coming for a few days over the holidays.

Christmas, to my lovely wife and I? Well, I would say it’s like plantin’ seeds of kindness and watchin’ ’em grow. It’s about sharing what you got, even if it’s just a smile or a warm cup of cocoa. And if you ask my wife, she’ll tell ya, “The best present you can give is a piece of your heart.” So, we may not have all the fancy jingles or glittery lights, but we got the wisdom of our elders, and the joy of a simple act of kindness. And it should be noted that for my wife and I, Christmas isn’t wrapped up in religious doctrine; it’s more about the spirit of Santa Claus that dances through the air like snowflakes in a gentle breeze. Now, don’t get me wrong – we respect everyone’s beliefs like we respect a good apple pie recipe – but for us, it’s less about hymns and more about ho-ho-hos.

With that bit of Christmas Logic flowing through your mind, I am off for a bite to eat, an English Muffin with an egg and cheese to be exact, and will then head on out to my woodworking shop.

Have a great day. GW

The Important Things in Life??

Howdy folks.

It’s been a while since I shared my thoughts on certain issues, but recent news about our life expectancy taking a hit for the third year has my mind working like a plow in the fields. Now, I’m not one for city talk, but it seems we’re investing a heap of coin in tackling viruses, and rightly so. However, I can’t help but wonder if there’s another crop needing our attention – the relentless weed we call cancer.

I’ve seen kin and neighbours wrestling with this persistent foe. It’s not a sudden storm; it’s more like a shadow that hangs around. Now, I’m no scholar, but if we’re pooling resources to fend off one threat, maybe it’s time to shine a lantern on the path to finding a cure for cancer. After all, a healthy crop needs more than just defence; it needs proactive care.

I appreciate the strides we’re making with vaccines, like reinforcing the homestead against invaders. But, let’s not forget the ongoing battlefields. Cancer is like an old tree stump, demanding patient effort to uproot it. Maybe it’s time we put a bit of that same determination into the fight against this slower, but equally formidable, adversary.

I’m just a simple man, but I’ve learned that a balanced approach is key. You can’t just mend the fences and ignore the orchard. Our health is that orchard, and it deserves attention from both the swift storms and the persistent drizzles.

As the sun sets on another day, I’m sending a message to the decision-makers – let’s sow the seeds of health where they’re needed most. It’s a dance with nature, and we need to waltz with both the quick steps and the steady rhythms.

Wishing for fields of health and prosperity!! GW

“Woodworker’s Wisdom:” Let Me Tell You What’s Happening on November 28/2023

“Rise and shine, just like a well-aged oak in the morning sun.”

Good Morning Folks!

Well, I made it to another day. The sun is trying its best to show herself in spite of the north-west wind making it downright cool. Waking up, the temperature was sitting at -11.9 C | 10.58 F. However in saying that, relating to the cold, the temperature will start to rise and will remain warmer for the next few days. Which in turn will give us a touch more snow tomorrow. At least … that is what the birds are telling me. So we will see how that pans out. So far throughout my life my predictions have been pretty well right on the money. Technically I am just passing on what nature is saying, they are the true weathermen/women.

Highway 522 has been very quiet for the past few weeks. As is our town. But in saying that “Our coffee shops are busy, you could say they are the social hub, the place where everyone’s business becomes everyone else’s news. If you want to know who’s dating whom or what Mrs. Johnson’s cat did this time, just order a coffee and eavesdrop. It’s the only drive-thru gossip service in town. Been that way for years and … I hope it never changes, as that is what country living is all about.

And while on the subject of country living, just the other day while heading to my woodworking shop I noticed my wife making a snowman. Yep you heard that right, making a snowman, You hardly see that anymore, but for my wife, well … “Making a snowman is like meditation,” she says. You roll, you stack, and suddenly, you’ve achieved a state of frosty enlightenment/enjoyment. Her snowmen might not be perfect, but they’ve got character, just like the person who build ’em.”

On another note I am still working away here editing a few of the videos I made of making a new desk for my wife’s studio/gift shop out of old lumber I had lying around for the past twenty years or more, other than the legs, for those I purchased some 4×4 rough cut pine from Gary at the Mill here in town. A nice fellow for sure. If you’re ever in need of some rough cut lumber, he’s the feller to see.

Today I will continue on with the editing, and then I will get back to doing some more work in my woodworking shop. It’s not good for an old person to be sitting around too long, if you do things stop working, something like sex, if you get my meaning. Of course that last statement is just between you and me.

With that, I am off for some waffles that my lovely wife is making for me this morning, topped with some of Mike Clappertons world’s best Maple Syrup. Which should give me the energy that is needed to get through the day.

“Wrapping up this morning’s porch talk with a bit of country know-how: Life’s a journey, and every mile is a story waiting to be told. Make yours a good one.” GW

“November Winds: What’s Happening in and Around Our Home on Nov 26/2023”

“Good morning, where the lakes whisper wisdom.”

It’s a cool, cloudy morning, waking up in cottage country. The temperature climbing out of bed was sitting at -0.8 C | 30.56 F. But in saying that it was a touch cooler yesterday. Last night, looking out at the evening sky, I noticed that there was a haze around the moon. So I suspect that by the amount of haze I saw, we could see anywhere from 2 to 4 inches of snow throughout the day, or later on tonight. We will see how that turns out. Back in my day, nature was our guidebook, always dropping hints if you cared enough to notice or listen. Sad truth is, that art of understanding her ways has been fading for a good fifty years now. It plucks at the strings of my soul, watching us humans getting steered down the road the Powers That Be lay out for us. It’s a far cry from the days when we used to dance to nature’s tune, I’ll tell ya.

This Sunday, Highway 522 is real quiet. Me and my wife, we don’t do the whole religion thing, so it’s just a regular day for us. No big fuss. The road ahead is like any other day – no special rules. We find wisdom/solitude in the wind and the stories the land/nature tells us. Every day’s like a new page in the book of life, not just Sundays.

On another note, yesterday, I put the finishing touches on a video for my YouTube Channel, and will continue doing the same today. It’s a real joy, but it sure does hog up the clock. Yet, in this process, this old noggin of mine keeps on soaking up the new stuff. It’s like they say, exercising the mind keeps it spry. And I figure, the more we keep those wheels turning, the wiser/healthier we become with every turn.

“Well, that’s my two cents for this morning, and I will leave you with this: Country living teaches you to appreciate the simple things. May your day be filled with ’em.” GW

Wisdom Shared

Anyway, I have a lot on the go here this morning, so I am not going to be able to do my regular blog post. But……

I had this article sent to me and after giving it a look over it came to me that there is a lot of truth in what it is portraying, especially the first part, so being the fellow I am I thought I would share it with those that might be interested.

And yes, we still have our birdfeeder, we just put it a few feet from our house to where we can still see it from our living room window. Oh, and the bottom part of this article does hold some salt to it. Ha ha

I bought a bird feeder. I hung it On my back porch and filled it
with seed. What a beauty of a bird feeder it was, as I filled it Lovingly with seed.
Within a week, we had hundreds of birds taking advantage of the continuous flow of free and easily accessible food.
But then the birds started building nests in the boards of the patio, above the table,
And next to the barbecue. Then came the shit. It was everywhere: on the patio tile, the chairs, the table…everywhere!
Then some of the birds turned mean. They would dive bomb me and try to Peck me, even though I had Fed them out of my own Pocket.
And other birds were Boisterous and loud. They sat on the feeder and squawked and screamed at, all hours of the day and night.
And demanded that I fill it when it got low on food.
After a while, I couldn’t even sit on my own back porch anymore. So I took down the Bird feeder and in three days the birds were gone. I cleaned up their mess and took down, the many nests they had built all over the patio.
Soon, the backyard was like It used to be ….. Quiet, serene…. And no one demanding their Rights to a free meal.

Now let’s see .... Our government gives out Free food, subsidized housing, Free medical care and free Education, and allows anyone Born here to be an automatic Citizen.
Then the illegal’s came by the Tens of thousands. Suddenly our taxes went up to pay for Free services; small apartments are housing 5 families; you have to wait 6 hours to be seen by an emergency room doctor; Your child’s second grade class is behind other schools because over half the class doesn’t speak English.
Corn Flakes now come in a Bilingual box; I have to ‘press one’ to hear my bank Talk to me in English, and People waving flags other Than ”ours” are squawking and screaming In the streets, demanding More rights and free liberties.
Just my opinion, but maybe it’s time for the government To take down the bird feeder.
If you agree, pass it on; if not, Just continue cleaning up the ….!

Climate Issues

“Common Sense Prevails: The Supreme Court’s Decision and Climate Policy in Canada

Howdy there, folks! It’s been a spell since I sat down to write something like this, but I reckon it’s about time. Now, y’all might have heard about the Supreme Court giving Mr. Trudeau’s climate ambitions a bit of a setback. I’m here to tell you why, from the perspective of an old farmer like myself, it’s a good decision, especially here in our great country, Canada.

  1. Keeping Our Priorities Straight: You see, us Canadians are a practical bunch. We sure care about our environment, but we also gotta put food on the table and keep the lights on. The Supreme Court’s decision recognizes that, and it’s a good thing. It’s important to balance environmental goals with keeping our economy rolling. We can’t forget that many of us work in industries like forestry, mining, and oil, and we need a little extra time to transition to cleaner ways of doing things without hurting our own folks.
  2. Protecting Provincial Rights: Our country is vast and diverse, and each province has its own unique challenges and opportunities. The Supreme Court’s decision gives our provinces more say in how they tackle climate change. Now, that makes sense to me. Who knows better what’s right for their own backyard than the folks who live there? Letting the provinces set their own rules respects our differences and allows us to find solutions that fit our own needs.
  3. Thinking About Our Neighbors: You see, if one province goes hog wild with climate regulations while others don’t, it can mess things up for everyone. It’s like trying to bail out a leaky boat with a sieve – not too smart. The Supreme Court’s decision is kinda like asking us all to work together, neighbor to neighbor, to figure out what’s best for the whole country. We don’t want to see our emissions just drifting off to other places – we need to find ways to cut ’em down together.
  4. Keeping It Practical: Now, I’m all for clean air and clean water, but we gotta be practical about it. The court’s decision is like tellin’ us to take one step at a time. We can’t just toss out what we’ve been doing for years without a plan. It’s about balance, letting us make the shift to cleaner technologies and practices at a pace that won’t put us out to pasture.
  5. Listening to the People: One thing I’ve always liked about our country is that we have a say in what’s going on. The Supreme Court’s decision means that we get to have our say in how we deal with climate change. It’s about listening to the folks who work the land and live in these small towns. We get to have a say in what we think is right, and that’s a good thing for us.

So, there you have it, folks. The Supreme Court’s decision might have given Mr. Trudeau’s climate ambitions a bit of a knock, but it’s a good thing for us Canadians, especially those of us who’ve been working the land for generations. It’s a decision that respects our way of life, keeps our priorities in check, and lets us find common-sense solutions to protect our environment and our future. It’s a good day for Canada, and I reckon that’s worth being a touch happy.

In The News Today

Electric vehicle owner?

Get up to $110 & help enable a greener Ontario
You can now enrol your electric vehicle or charger in myEnergy Rewards and help make a positive impact on the environment.

However, it’s important to note that our infrastructure isn’t fully prepared for electric vehicles, and the environmental aspect might be used to influence people’s perspectives.

Food For Thought

Sending $33 million in air defense missiles to Ukraine while people are homeless on the streets in Canada doesn’t seem logical to me. But one thing is for certain, providing financial aid to countries engaged in conflict is draining our own nation’s resources, which I believe we will all pay for in the near future. There is a limit to what a country can do, or give.