Yesterday, I picked some of our first tomatoes, zucchini, along with a few beans. There’s something truly special about that first toasted tomato sandwich of the season.

Click on image to enlarge!

Good mornin’! You can’t unscramble eggs, but you can always make an omelette. So… make the best of what you got.

It looks as if we are in for another really nice day here in cottage country. The sun is shinning, the temperatures are comfortable, and the birds are enjoying their breakfast at our bird feeder.

Highway 522 has been picking up traffic wise, with lots of new vehicles roaming around town.

Bug Report; No complaints in that department, things are really nice.

Moving along, my wife and I managed to cut the grass yesterday and tend to our gardens. I have to say, our piece of the world is looking really nice. It takes hard work, but it’s work we enjoy, and that makes all the difference.

Today, I plan to work outside on a few projects that need my attention, which I expect will take most of the morning. After that, with the weather being so nice, I’m thinking some front porch sitting will be in order.

On another note, our gift shop has been bustling for the past few weeks with new faces coming by to pick up our unique, one-of-a-kind items. It’s refreshing to see, especially given how hard it is to find such treasures these days. As the market is flooded with offshore products that barely warrant a second glance. It’s disheartening how people have come to believe that cheap, mass-produced goods are just as good, or even better, than handcrafted items. It really makes me shake my head in wonder.

With that, I’m off for the morning breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. Afterward, I’ll head outdoors to our swing with a cup of hot cocoa—just because I can!

You know, over the years I have found, that sipping a hot drink while relaxing can really lift your spirits? It’s funny how these simple pleasures can make a world of difference in how we feel.

You all have a great day and remember: “When life gives you too many lemons, trade ’em for coffee beans.”

Fishing Times for Friday
07/26/24

Major Times
4:42 AM-6:42 AM
5:06 PM-7:06 PM

Minor Times
11:50 AM-12:50 PM
11:07 PM-12:07 AM

Day Rating: I give it a 2-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few today. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Use a bucket with holes for keeping live minnows. Drop it in the water to keep ’em fresh. I’ve always said. “Happy minnows catch happy fish.”

Good Morning, along with food for thought: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.

It’s a rainy old morning here waking up in cottage country, but in saying that the rain should subside, and we should see some sunshine around 10:00 AM or so. Which will make it nice for some front porch sittin’.

On another note, my wife and I have been really busy looking after customers here at our gift shop for the past few days. The summer tourists are finally returning, and it’s been actually been quite busy. We’ve had folks from all over, each with their own stories and curiosities about our little corner of the world.

And between helping customers find the perfect item and sharing a few laughs, I haven’t had much time to sit at my computer and write. Yep, I do enjoy writing stories and articles, but I also like to be outside when the weather is nice. Winter is long here in the north, and you’ve got to make the most of these warm days. Whether it’s tending to the garden, fixing things around the house, fishing, going for a walk, or just sitting on the porch with a good cup of coffee, chatting with my better half, there’s nothing like soaking up the sunshine and fresh air to lift an old feller’s spirits. It’s in those moments that I feel a spark of motivation to try new things.

You know, over the years, I’ve learned that while the past holds our memories, and the present is what we experience right now, it’s the future that truly fascinates me. The past is set in stone, and the present slips away quickly, but the future is a blank page waiting to be filled. To me, it’s the promise of new adventures and discoveries that keeps life exciting. So, I embrace each new day, filled with hope and curiosity, ready to uncover the surprises that lie ahead, knowing… that every moment holds the potential for something extraordinary.

Highway 522 has picked up some with a lot of new faces roaming around town.

Bug Report: All is good in that department.

This morning with it being so wet outdoors, I will probably do some writing here at my computer, but if the sun comes out, which it is supposed to do, I will trade my keyboard for a hoe, and head on outdoors. We will see what happens, one never knows.

With that, I’m heading off for a bowl of porridge, thanks to my lovely wife who always knows how to start the day right. It should give me the fuel I need to get through until lunchtime. But let’s be honest, there’s always a chance a butter tart might find its way into my day. A little extra sweetness never hurts. Right?

You all have a great day and remember: “Worrying is like a rocking chair—it gives you something to do but gets you nowhere.”

The Best Times for Fishing on Wednesday
07/24/24

Major Times
3:04 AM-5:04 AM
3:29 PM-5:29 PM

Minor Times
9:11 AM-10:11 AM
10:29 PM-11:29 PM

Day Rating: Not the greatest day for fishing. I only give it a 1-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck though!

Advice from an Old Angler: The Johnson Silver Minnow is great for fishing in heavy cover. Put a pork rind or plastic trailer on it, and it’ll cut through the muck. Dad used to say, ‘Fishin’ with a Silver Minnow is like eatin’ pie with a fork—gets to the good stuff without makin’ a mess.’

Guess what I will be enjoying off and on today!

Click on image to enlarge!

Mornin’, folks! If you wait for perfect weather, you’ll never plant a thing, as with anything in life. So… get out there and make your own sunshine.

It looks as if another beauty of a day is shaping up for us here in cottage country. The sun is burning off the mist, revealing the lakes and trees. Birds are already singing their morning songs, and life is waking up all around us. Things can’t get much better than that. Well, other than maybe discovering that the mosquitoes have taken a vacation!

Speaking of bugs, things are pretty good these days, except for those pesky nits that seem to think running gas engines, are their favorite hangout spots. They’re like the uninvited guests at a barbecue, always buzzing around and never bringing anything useful!

Highway 522 has picked up a wee bit, but still not as much traffic as other years.

On another note, yesterday my wife and I tackled a bunch of scrub brush, clearing things up a bit. It made a huge difference in the appearance of our property in certain areas. I have to say, it looks pretty darn nice!

Today, I’m thinking I’ll take it a bit easy…maybe tidy up my shop, write a story or two, and… make the most of this nice weather while it’s still around. It won’t be long before the cold shows up and tries to take over. For now, though, I’ll savor every last warm minute before winter decides to knock on the door!

With that, I’m off to enjoy some bacon and eggs over easy, cooked by my lovely wife this morning. After breakfast, we’ll relax on the front porch, soak up the day, and sip on some hot cocoa. Maybe it’ll lift my spirits…or at least give me a reason to smile a bit more!

You all have a great day and remember: “Life’s a lot like farming: you get what you put into it, so don’t plant onions and expect tomatoes.”

Fishing Times for Saturday
07/20/24

Major Times
–:—–:–
11:48 AM-1:48 PM

Minor Times
3:43 AM-4:43 AM
8:40 PM-9:40 PM

Day Rating: Well, it’s a perfect day for fishing! I’d give it a full 5-Star rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck! And if you happen to reel in more than you need, I wouldn’t mind a little taste. Tight lines!

Advice from an Old Angler: If you’re struggling with those spooky fish, try casting your line close to floating leaves or any bits of debris. The natural cover helps disguise your bait and makes fish less wary.

Here is a picture of a Yellow Rose in our front garden. I thought it was pretty nice!.

Click on image to enlarge!

Good morning! Here’s something to ponder: “Even a scarecrow knows that sometimes… you just gotta stand there and look useful.”

It’s a really nice looking day here in cottage country, the kind of day that makes you wonder if the fish are biting, or if they’re just admiring the sunshine like the rest of us.

Highway 522 is still quiet for this time of year. Despite this, the locals and those who own, or rent cottages in our area are keeping busy, with them roaming up and down the highway. But in saying that, our gift shop has sure been busy with folks dropping by picking up one-of-a-kind items. Which is a welcome sight in these quieter times.

Bug Report: Things are pretty good these days.

On another note, my wife and I managed to get the mowing done yesterday morning. In the afternoon, we tackled some smaller trees that were crowding certain areas. I’m not usually a fan of taking down trees, but this time it was necessary. Now, the larger trees have room to thrive and hopefully, we’ll see a more balanced landscape soon.

Since we worked so hard yesterday, I’m thinking today will be a day to relax and enjoy our beautiful piece of property. After all, what’s the point of making it look so nice if we don’t take the time to appreciate it?

With that I am off for a bowl of porridge this morning that my lovely wife has put together and then we both will retire to the front porch with a cup of coffee for a change.

I hope you all have a great day! Just don’t let yesterday take too big a bite out of today… make sure to squeeze in a moment of relaxation or a bit of fun. Life’s too short not to enjoy the little things!

Fishing Times for Friday
07/19/24

Major Times
–:—–:–
10:47 AM-12:47 PM

Minor Times
2:38 AM-3:38 AM
7:52 PM-8:52 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 4-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. It’s a great day for fishing. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Fish can be real jittery. Best to sneak up on ’em quiet-like, and make sure you’re not throwing any shadows. Move slow and keep low to the ground, especially if you’re fishing from the shore.