Good Morning Folks! “Ain’t nothing like a good cup of coffee to remind you the day’s worth getting up for.”

I have to say, with the leaves out in full color, it sure looks nice. But even as I think that, my mind switches to what’s going on in the world today. Wars, killings in the cities and abroad, people here in Canada not able to see a doctor or get medical help, and let’s not forget the homeless. Then there are those working so hard just to make ends meet, while the government takes half or more of what they earn in taxes.

What really gets me is when they send that money to countries that are fighting and killing, calling it a good thing, when that money could’ve done so much good right here in Canada. It makes me shake my head and wonder where their minds are. Everything in those cities at war is destroyed, never to be the same again. Children and their parents killed in horrible ways, soldiers dead—and for what?

That’s the question we should be asking: For what? Some say for their country, but now they have no country. For their people? Over half are dead, and many more have fled to other countries, never able to return. For their beliefs? Well, their beliefs didn’t save them. And it just goes on. I shake my head because, in my mind, war doesn’t solve anything.

It feels like these wars might be a way to deplete resources from countries like the USA, Canada, and others. If that’s the case, it certainly seems to be having that effect. Once, Canada was only a few million in debt, now we’re trillions in the hole, and it keeps building every day. And what are we doing about it? Just getting deeper in debt, handing out more money.

With Thanksgiving coming up, I can’t help but feel a little sad thinking about it all. Should we be thankful for what we have? In some ways, yes, we should. We still have homes, food, and family, and there’s something in that to hold onto. But in other ways, I’m not so sure. With everything that’s happening in the world, it’s hard to feel completely grateful when so many are suffering, when our own country is struggling, and when it feels like the powers that be are just making it worse.

So, with that off my chest on this fine morning, I’ve got to say, yesterday turned out to be a pretty good day. I took advantage of the sunny parts, got the mowing done for the week, cleaned up some leaves and spread them around the vegetable gardens, then gave the shop a good cleanup. I also started moving things around outside my woodworking shop—set up my chopping block and got the firewood stand I built a while back into place right beside the door. That’ll make it easier to grab wood for the stove when I need it. Felt like I got a lot done, which always feels good.

While I was out there, my wife was busy inside, getting things ready for Thanksgiving. Our family’s coming home, and we’re both looking forward to it. We don’t get to see them much with everyone spread so far apart, so it’ll be good to catch up. From the looks of it, the weather’s going to cooperate too—might get a few showers on Friday or late Sunday, but nothing too bad, and it’s not supposed to get too cold. Should make for a nice weekend.

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With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me and will then head on out to my shop as I have a few things on the go out there. Well, after I have a hot cup of cocoa. Still a bit cool out there, so might have to enjoy it sitting in my old lazy boy chair.

You all have a great day and remember: “The secret to happiness is just like a good biscuit: it’s all about the right ingredients and a little bit of warmth!” GW

Good Morning. You know, if you’re anything at all like me, the best part of gettin’ up early? You get to see the sunrise before anyone else.

Ah, it’s another fine morning here in Northern Ontario. The sun’s up, doing what she’s supposed to, warming things up just right. The birds that haven’t packed their bags yet are having a feast at the feeder, and the night air has just the right nip to make sleeping a real pleasure. I’ve got to say, with the leaves showing off their fall colors, it’s hard to beat this spot where my lovely wife and I live—it’s one of the nicest places in Ontario, no doubt about that.

But, I’ll be honest with you—living here isn’t for everyone. You’ve got to love the cold and snow because we get plenty of both. Over the years, I’ve seen folks move up here thinking they’d found paradise, only to pack up and sell their place a few winters later. It’s not for the faint-hearted, that’s for sure.

You also need to have the right tools and equipment on hand because when things go wrong—and trust me, they will—you’ll need to fix them yourself. And you’d better be ready to work. Unless you’ve got a deep wallet to hire help, you’re going to be doing the heavy lifting yourself. Not to mention, finding help out here is about as easy as finding a sunbather in January.

A warm house and a good stockpile of food are essential, too. Living this far off the beaten track, it’s not like you can just run to town whenever you need something—especially in winter. So, if you’re thinking about moving up here, give it some serious thought. If you can handle the work, the cold, and the isolation, there’s no better place to be. But if you’re not cut out for it, well, that “for sale” sign will be back up before you know it.

Highway 522—well, it’s still quiet these days, but that’s to be expected with winter right around the corner. The calm gives folks around town the chance to focus on getting ready for the cold months ahead. You’ll see them chopping wood, getting their snowblowers in working order, and stocking up on supplies.

But when they’re not busy with that, they seem to enjoy taking a drive around, keeping an eye on what everyone else is up to. It’s almost become a local pastime—seeing if the neighbor down the road has finished up his last-minute repairs, or if the garden’s been put to bed for the season. Seems like people around here get just as much out of checking on others as they do from getting their own winter preparations done!

And hey, no harm in a little neighborly curiosity, right? Just part of the charm around these parts—after all, if you’re living here, you probably enjoy a bit of friendly checking up now and then. It’s all in good fun, or at least we like to think so! Ha!

On another note, yesterday, my wife and I got the lawn mowed for the week. It’s surprising how quickly the grass keeps growing, even with these warm, dry days. Those cool nights really help by bringing in dew and keeping everything green. I also managed to apply some wood preservative to the side deck. Now it should be protected for a couple of years. It’s one of those tasks you need to stay on top of. If you let it go, you could end up facing some costly repairs. So—it’s better to take care of it now, than deal with the consequences later.

Today, I’m planning to take it somewhat easy. I might tidy up my woodworking shop this morning, but later on, I think some time on the front porch will be just what my wife and I need. We ought to enjoy this nice weather while we can, as the leaves are changing, and everything looks great right now. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, take in the view, and appreciate the moment.

With that, once again I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me, and will then retire to the front porch with a hot cup of cocoa. Where some good old-fashioned chatting will be in order. And you know what? My wife and I are darn good at it, too.

You all have a great day, and let me remind you: A day without laughter is like a tractor without fuel—just not going anywhere. So why not fill up on smiles today? GW

Good Morning! Today’s a blank page—make sure you write a story worth telling.

Looks like we’re in for another gorgeous day here in cottage country, which means I’ll be able to tackle some more outdoor chores before winter settles in. This morning, I’m planning to give my front deck a fresh coat of wood preservative. It’s starting to show a bit of wear, and I like to reapply the preservative every two years or whenever it starts looking like it needs a little extra TLC.

You might wonder why I don’t use a sealer. Well, here’s the scoop: sealing wood, as some experts suggest, traps moisture inside, making it harder for the wood to dry out. This can lead to rot from the inside out. No matter how much sealer you use, it won’t stop rain and snow from getting in. On the other hand, wood preservative lets the wood breathe and dry out while protecting it. Think of it like this: just as we need to breathe to stay healthy, wood also needs to breathe to stay strong and last longer. “But, as they say, to each their own.”

Highway 522 is quiet these days, with mostly locals going about their usual business. Our gift shop, though, has been seeing a lot of traffic lately. Folks are coming by to pick up my wife’s paintings, my books, flutes, and other unique items we make ourselves.

It’s nice to hear people appreciate finding things that aren’t mass-produced or imported. With so many gift shops filled with stuff from overseas, it’s clear that supporting local craftsmanship is more important than ever.

The truth of the matter is-–we need to focus more on boosting what’s made and grown right here at home. It’s high time we put “Make Canada Great Again” at the top of our list—starting with the things we create and grow ourselves. We should at the very least be able to feed ourselves and not rely on others.

With that, I’m off to have breakfast and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa on the front porch with my lovely wife. Then it’s time to get to work. You never really know what a day has in store. My motto? Go with the flow and take things as they come. After all, sometimes the best parts of the day are the ones you didn’t see coming!

You all have a great day and keep in mind: while the city runs on coffee and deadlines, we run on sunshine and fresh air. Although, coffee is tasty occasionally—because who doesn’t enjoy a good cup? GW

Good Morning! Country livin’ teaches you patience—just like the trees grow slow, so do the best things in life.

It looks like our day is shaping up to be another great one here in cottage country. The sun’s slowly climbing higher in the sky, giving us folks here in the north a good dose of what it has to offer – warm temps that’ll stick with us most of the day. I’ve got to say, we’ve been lucky with a downright nice summer. No one around here can or should complain about the weather this year, that’s for sure. Heck, even the mosquitoes and black-flies seemed to take it easy on us for a change.

You know, there’s something about living out here that never gets old. The mornings come with that perfect quiet, broken only by the sound of birds getting started on their day. And when that sun sets behind the trees? It’s like the world just slows down, letting you soak in the colours, and the peace of it all. We also don’t have the hustle and bustle like in the city, and I wouldn’t trade our simple sunrises and sunsets for anything. Makes you appreciate the small things – and realize they’re not so small after all.

Highway 522 is still very quiet, which is to be expected at this time of year, living where we do. No complaints, though, as my lovely wife and I enjoy the quietness. Truth be told, that’s why we moved to this area in the first place. We like the slower pace of life, away from all the noise and crowds. Not that we don’t enjoy seeing a few new faces now and then, but we’d rather not be overrun. We came here for the peace, and we hope it stays that way. Too many people takes away the charm of living out here in the country. You know, there’s something special about hearing the birds, feeling the breeze, taking in the fresh northern air, and knowing you’ve got space to breathe, elbow room so to speak. It’s the simple things that make it home, and we’d like to keep it just like that – quiet, peaceful, and ours.

With that, I’m off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has prepared for me, which consists of egg bread, smothered with Maple Syrup made right here in the north. Afterward, I’ll retire to our front porch with a hot cup of cocoa. Life is good, as it should be.

Wrapping things up for the morning. Remember, it’s not about how fast you go, but enjoying the view along the way. And where we live here in the country, the view’s pretty darn nice, at least for now. GW

Good Morning Folks! You know, if there is one thing I have learned over the years it’s that; “Living on a farm or in the country, teaches you to appreciate the small things—a warm breeze, a good meal, and a quiet morning.”

It’s a damp, overcast morning here in Northern Ontario. The rain came down off and on through the night, and by the looks of the sky, it seems determined to stick around for most of the day. The air has a crispness to it this morning, a gentle reminder that the season is beginning to shift. Tomorrow, though, the skies will start to clear, and we’ll get a break from the gloom. But don’t put away the short sleeves just yet, as by Monday, we’ll be back to some fine, warm weather, and next week’s looking to be downright nice.

Highway 522 was slow yesterday, not much traffic rolling through, but you wouldn’t know it from the number of folks stopping by our gift shop. We had a good handful of new faces, all eager to see what we’ve been working on. Honestly, I’ve been surprised by how many people have been dropping by—especially on Sunday and Monday. It’s heartening to see so many taking an interest in our handcrafted items, each one made right here on our property. There’s something rewarding about knowing folks appreciate the time and care that goes into creating something unique, something you can’t just find anywhere else.

On another note, my lovely wife and I finally got our kitchen all spruced up, along with a fresh coat of paint that really brightens the place. I have to say, it’s looking better than ever. You know, all my life, even growing up on the farm, the kitchen always felt like the heart of the home. It was where life seemed to slow down just enough to be appreciated. The smells drifting from the old wood cook stove, the warmth of a meal in the making—it drew everyone in. And if someone had a problem, well—the kitchen table was where we sat down to hash it out. And no matter how cold I was, I could always count on the wood-box by the stove to warm me up. There wasn’t a cozier spot in the house.

Even now, the kitchen is still one of my favorite places, especially when you’ve got a good cook like my little woman. She’s got this knack for turning the simplest ingredients into something that’d rival any fancy restaurant. Gourmet cooking, they call it—but to me, her meals are better because they’re made from the heart. And you know, it doesn’t matter if it’s a humble stew, or a plate of biscuits, she always manages to make it something special, with flavor you won’t find anywhere else.

Today, with it being so wet outside and our firewood all put in for winter, I think I’ll take the day off and relax a bit. Maybe I’ll even sit down and write another story for the newspaper columns I do. I write 52 columns a year for Post Media, which now covers most of Canada. Not too shabby for an old fella like me, wouldn’t you say? I have to admit, I get a kick out of it— and you know, writing has become as natural to me as telling stories around the kitchen table.

Truth be told, it’s my way of sharing what I’ve learned over the years. The lessons, the adventures, and the little moments that shaped me. Writing gives me a chance to pass those on to others, maybe even spark a bit of reflection or a smile. It’s funny how putting words on paper connects me to folks I’ve never met, but somehow, we all end up sharing a piece of the journey together, as it should be.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my little woman has made for me—best to get to it while it’s still hot. After that, well, we’ll see what the day has in store. Life’s full of twists and turns, and you never quite know what’s coming next. But that’s part of the fun, isn’t it?

You all have a great day. I plan to step outside before my breakfast to enjoy a breath or two of that fresh northern air, even if it’s a bit damp this morning.

You know, city folks might have their bright lights, but nothing compares to the peace of a quiet country morning. GW

Here is a picture I took yesterday of a patch of Helen Flowers, that is showing off in one of our front gardens; Thought I Would Share.

Click on image to enlarge!

Good Morning! Where the day’s fresh, the coffee’s hot, and there’s no rush; because out here in the country—time’s a little kinder.

Once again, it looks as if we are in for another beautiful day here in cottage country. The sun is up and starting to do its thing, and with the shadows from the pines, it sure is a sight to see. There’s just something about mornings like this that makes you feel grateful to be right where you are. And on top of that, the cool breeze carries a hint of pine, actually, you can almost taste the freshness in the air.

Highway 522 is quiet this Sunday morning. Most people are off work
and staying close to home. The usual sounds of cars and trucks are
gone, leaving the road open for deer and other animals to wander. The
only noise is the distant call of a loon over the lake, making the quiet
feel almost real.

On another note, yesterday my wife and I were kept busy chatting with folks who dropped by our gift shop, eager to pick up some of our one-of-a-kind items. It’s always nice to see familiar faces and meet new ones, especially when they leave with something handmade and special. In between visits, I managed to sneak in a bit of work on my water wheel, tweaking it here and there to make sure it flows a bit better. You could say it’s a work in progress, like most things around here, but it’s coming along nicely. Meanwhile, my ‘lovely wife‘ was busy inside, cleaning the house and doing the wash. She’s got a knack for getting things done, especially on weekends when the hydro rates are a little friendlier. Every dollar counts when you’re living up here in the north, where the winters are long, and the grocery bills are even longer.

She’s got a saying, “A penny saved is a penny that might just keep the lights on,” and I reckon she’s right. As up here, nothing gets wasted—not time, not effort, and certainly not a chance to save a bit of money.

Bug Report: Other than a few pesky nits that find their way through the screens at night, things are pretty good on that front. Actually, I’ve noticed the bugs haven’t been too bad this year. I kind of figure it’s caused by the kind of weather we have had—plenty of rain, lots of sunshine, and just enough wind to keep things comfortable. Truth be told, this summer has been one of the best I can remember. The days have been warm, the nights cool, and everything’s been just about perfect.

Now, with all this good weather, I can’t help but think about all the talk surrounding global warming. There’s no denying that the world’s changing—anyone with a lick of sense can see that. But for me, I believe it’s something that’s been happening for a long time; long before we started noticing. Hell, we’ve had ice ages, warm spells, and everything in between; Nature, well—she has a way of balancing herself out.

That said, I’m not saying we should just sit back and do nothing. We’ve got a responsibility to take care of this planet, to respect the land we live on, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. Maybe we can’t stop the changes, but we can sure do our part, to make sure we’re not speeding them up. And at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about—doing what we can, with what we have, and leaving the rest to Mother Nature. She’s got a mind of her own, let me tell you. To her, we’re just a speck of dust in the grand scheme of things

With that, I’m off to enjoy my morning breakfast and see what the day has in store. I’m thinking it might involve some front porch sittin’, soaking in the nature around our place, and chatting with my lovely wife. Why? ‘Just because we can.’

You all have a great Sunday—just a reminder, “Wisdom often comes from the quiet moments in between all the noise.” GW

Fishing Times for Sunday
08/25/24

Major Times
5:10 AM-7:10 AM
5:37 PM-7:37 PM

Minor Times
1:38 PM-2:38 PM
10:26 PM-11:26 PM

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

Advice from an Old Angler: Handlining is an age-old fishing technique that emphasizes the importance of being in tune with nature. It’s all about using your hands to feel for the fish’s bite. If you’re not sensing that tug on the line, it means you need to focus more closely on what’s happening beneath the surface.

Good Morning Folks!

The sun’s already up and work’s awaitin’, but before you get to working, don’t forget to take a moment to breathe in some of that, fresh clean northern air, and— enjoy the quiet.

Looks like we’re in for another nice day here in Northern Ontario. This time of year’s about as good as it gets—not too hot, and not too cold. It’s perfect weather for sleeping, with the windows wide open, which lets the cool fresh northern air blow in around one’s bed. And with that happening, you wake up feeling like you actually slept, which is a rare thing these days for a lot of folks.

The truth is,—it’s the kind of day, that makes you want to get outside and do something. Whether it’s fixing up the shed, cutting grass, working in the gardens, or just piddling around in the yard, the weather’s just right for it. Heck! Even the fishing’s not too bad these days,

And that sunshine? It’s like a free dose of Vitamin D3, something that everyone is lacking these days. But best of all, when the ‘work’s done’, there’s nothing like plopping down in a chair on your front porch or under a tree, soaking in what nature’s dishing out and watching the world go by It’s the kind of peace that’s pretty hard to beat.

But let me warn ya! Once you sit down, you might just start thinking you’ve earned yourself a nap. Truth told, I have been indulging in that after my lunch lately. ‘Just Because I Can!’

On another note, yesterday was a busy day for us. My wife and I took the car in for repairs, and thanks to our son, we found a decent place that does good work at a fair price. But I’ve got to say, I really miss my friend Kerry, who used to have a garage here in town. He was one of those guys who truly listened when you told him what was wrong with your car. And no matter how busy he was, he always had time to sit down and chat with me.

You know, people like Kerry are getting harder to find these days, and I really miss him now that he’s gone. He wasn’t just a great mechanic; he was also a good friend who always took the time to listen and work with me, instead of rushing me out the door. The thing is, that here in Ontario, both doctors, and honest mechanics, along with others of course, are becoming scarce, which is just plain ridiculous. I think we are wasting money on things that don’t matter, instead of investing in what truly counts—like making it worthwhile for skilled professionals to stay and work here.

The truth of the matter is, we need to reassess our priorities. If we don’t start investing in the people who genuinely make a difference, we’ll end up in a world where finding top-notch professionals is nearly impossible. That’s not a future any of us want. We also need to take a hard look at our immigration policies. Right now, we’ve got too many people coming in, without the infrastructure to support them properly. I think it’s time to slow things down until we can build up our services and systems to handle the influx. Bottom line, folks, we need to make sure we can take care of the folks already here—before we open the doors wider. It’s about finding the right balance to keep our communities strong and functioning well, which isn’t being done today. If this keeps up, we’re in for some real hard times. As a country that once was self-sufficient will soon become a country—that’s struggling to meet its own basic needs. We can’t or shouldn’t let that happen. My Opinion Only!

Highway 522 has seen a slight increase in traffic lately. This uptick is likely due to many families taking one last opportunity to enjoy the north before their children return to school. However, for my wife and I, this doesn’t pose much of a problem; as we appreciate, and like, the peace and quietness of the countryside.

With that, I’m off to enjoy breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me. It will consist of an Egg McMuffin with cheese and fresh tomatoes from our garden. You can’t beat that to get a guy motivated for the day ahead!

You all take care now, and don’t forget: “The best things in life
aren’t material possessions; they are the simple moments we share along
the way.” Which is what I try and do every morning, at least for those that tune in.

Fishing Times for Saturday
08/24/24

Major Times
4:16 AM-6:16 AM
4:43 PM-6:43 PM

Minor Times
12:16 PM-1:16 PM
9:56 PM-10:56 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 3-Star Rating out of 5 today for catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: “The best bait is patience; fish can sense when you’re in a hurry.”

Our Phlox are looking real fine this year. They’ve got a sweet smell that reminds me of cherries. It’s like they’re trying to bribe us into spending more time in the garden.

Click on image to enlarge!

Good Morning!

Old Truths: You can learn a lot just sittin’ on the porch, watchin’ the world go by, especially in small towns.

It’s another perfect day here in cottage country. The temperature’s just right, and there’s not a hint of humidity to speak of. Everything’s growing like it’s in a race, and honestly, I’m just trying to keep up! Truth be told, it’s been a fantastic summer so far, at least weather-wise.

Even the mosquitoes seem to be on vacation, probably off annoying someone else for a change. The sun’s shining, the birds are enjoying our bird feeder, the breeze is gentle, and I’m starting to think I could get used to this— at least until winter rolls around, which reminds me that it won’t be long before my wife and I have to put in our firewood for winter. It’s like everything around here has a mind of its own, and we’re just the unpaid help! But hey, keeps me… out of trouble… mostly.

Highway 522 hasn’t been all that busy this year. Oh, there are a few folks roaming around, but for the most part, it’s been pretty quiet. A couple of campers here and there, maybe a family out for a Sunday drive, but nothing to write home about. It’s almost as if the highway is on vacation itself. But our gift shop has seen a lot of new faces so far this year, which is nice.

On another note, my wife and I have been busy in our gardens, these days, along with other things that need attending, mostly in the mornings. My afternoons for a week or so are reserved for writing. I’m getting ahead on my stories so that when winter arrives, I can concentrate on other projects—like finally finishing that sci-fi mystery novel I’ve been working on. At the rate I’m going… it might solve itself before I do!

With that, I’m off for breakfast, which my lovely wife is making for me. After that, I’ll head out to our front porch with a cup of hot cocoa, take in the peaceful country view, and enjoy the quiet of the morning.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this to ponder on: “Enjoy the little things in life, because one day… you might look back and realize they were the big things.” GW

Fishing Times for Saturday
08/10/24

Major Times
4:27 AM-6:27 AM
4:47 PM-6:47 PM

Minor Times
11:59 AM-12:59 PM
10:23 PM-11:23 PM

Day Rating: Not the greatest day for fishing, I give it a 2-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: A stringer keeps your fish fresh until you’re ready to head home. Just tie it to a dock, the side of your boat, or a stick in the water. I’ve always said, “A fish on a stringer is like a kid with candy—keeps ’em from wandering too far away!”

Good Morning!

Old Truths: “The best way to stay young is to hang out with old folks who refuse to grow up. Like me GW!”

Well, what can I say, other than we here in cottage country are in the midst of a really nice day. The sun is shining, the lakes and rivers are calm, and the air carries that sweet scent of pine and wildflowers. It’s the kind of day that makes you appreciate the simple pleasures of life.

You can hear the distant sound of a motorboat now and then, a reminder that even in this peaceful place, folks are out and about, enjoying the water and the warm weather. The birds are singing, and every so often, you catch sight of a deer at the edge of the woods, nibbling on the fresh green shoots.

It’s the kind of day that takes me back to when I was younger, when life was a bit slower, and our connection to nature was stronger. I remember when my kids were little, and we’d spend days like this fishing off the dock, skipping stones, and just being together without the distractions of modern life. Those were good times, and days like today bring back those fond memories.

Highway 522 has slowed down somewhat, but yesterday, my lovely wife Ruth and I took a drive into North Bay to pick up a few things we needed. I have to say, there was a lot of traffic on the highways. But that’s normal for this time of year, with folks wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities.

The stores were busy, but not so much that we couldn’t enjoy ourselves. After we picked up our needs, not our wants, we had a Canadian Pizza at East Side Mario’s. Now, I have to tell you, that’s about the best pizza I’ve ever tasted, and I’ve had quite a few in my day. Washed it down with some iced tea. My wife and I enjoy going there. Ruth’s Italian, so we fit right in, especially with the food.

After that, we picked up a coffee at a little coffee shop and headed on home, taking in the beauty of nature as we drove. The trees were nice and green, and the wildflowers were in full bloom, making for a scenic drive.

All in all, it was one great day! Oh, and the weather couldn’t have been any better. Just a perfect day for a drive. As they say, it’s the simple things in life that bring the most joy. And sometimes, a good pizza and a drive through the countryside with a beautiful woman by your side, are all you need to set things right. Remember, folks, it’s not about what you buy; it’s about the memories you make along the way.

Bug Report: Truth be told, it’s not all that bad out there these days, other than a few pesky deer flies. Once they set their sights on you, they won’t leave you alone. Pain in the… that’s what they are.

With that, I’m off for my breakfast that my little woman is making for me. After that, I’ll see what the day has in store. I never know—every day is a new chapter waiting to be written. And as they say, the best way to face the unknown is with a full belly and a heart ready for whatever comes.

You all have a great day and remember: “You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.”

Wednesday
08/07/24

Major Times
2:30 AM-4:30 AM
2:49 PM-4:49 PM

Minor Times
8:46 AM-9:46 AM
9:37 PM-10:37 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 3-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Crank baits are handy for covering lots of water when you’re fishing. Just reel them in steadily and change up your speed to see what the fish prefer. I’ve always thought of crank baits like a good story: sometimes you need to take it slow and easy, and other times you let it run wild and free. GW

Good Morning!

Food For Thought: I was taught at a very young age that: “If the path seems too easy, it might not be leading anywhere worth going.”

Once again, it’s looking as if we are in for another nice day here in cottage country. The sun is shining and there’s hardly a breath of wind in the air. Sure is nice living here in the north. The lake’s so still it could pass for a mirror, and the birds are having a good old chat at our feeder. You know, days like this make you appreciate the simple things—like a cup of coffee on the porch and the peaceful rustle of leaves. Sometimes, it’s the small pleasures that remind us why we chose this slice of paradise in the first place.

Highway 522 has slowed down a wee bit, but in saying that, my wife and I are still seeing a lot of new faces dropping by our gift shop, picking up one-of-a-kind items made right here in our old woodworking shop. No mass-produced stuff here—just good, honest Canadian craftsmanship. It’s a shame to see so many folks grabbing things from far-off places these days. We should be putting our money into homegrown/made talent/items like we did years ago.

Bug Report; No complaints, best to enjoy it while we can.

On another note, with it being a touch warm yesterday, I spent the day at my computer, chipping away at a couple more stories for the newspapers and magazines I write for. Truth be told, it was one of those days when the words just seemed to flow effortlessly. Sometimes, you get into a groove and everything falls into place, like the stories are practically writing themselves. It’s days like that when you remember why you took up the pen in the first place.

With that, I’m off to enjoy breakfast, thanks to my lovely wife who’s making sure I start the day right. After that, I’ll dive into whatever comes next—more writing, a bit of tinkering in the shop, and maybe even squeezing in a nap if I’m lucky. If breakfast is any indication, it’s shaping up to be a good day. Here’s to hoping the rest of it is as satisfying as my lovely wife’s cooking!

You all have a great day, and I will leave you this morning with this: “The older I get, the better I understand that it’s okay to live a life others don’t understand.“

Sunday
08/04/24

Major Times
12:19 AM-2:19 AM
12:43 PM-2:43 PM

Minor Times
5:23 AM-6:23 AM
8:46 PM-9:46 PM

Day Rating: Other than the heat, it should be a great day for fishing. I give it a 4-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Fish tend to bite better when the barometer drops before a storm. Pay attention to the weather and fish before the rain hits. I have always said. “Fishing with the weather is like fishin’ with a friend—it makes all the difference.”