“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

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

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