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Good Morning! As my old Dad being a farmer used to say: “George the day’s an empty field….what you plant is up to you.”

We’re having a bit of sunshine here this morning, but even with the sun shining, it’s still cool. The ice in our rain barrel is a sure sign that spring hasn’t quite made its way here yet.

Weather Forecast For Today!

Today (Tuesday, March 18):
We’re looking at a day where the clouds start to thicken up. Temperatures will climb to around 49°F (9°C), which ain’t too bad for this time of year.

Tonight:
The skies stay cloudy, and it’s gonna cool off some, with temperatures dropping to a chilly 34°F (1°C). Might be a good night to keep the wood-stove fired up.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, March 19):
You can expect some milder weather rolling in, but with that comes on-and-off rain and drizzle throughout the day. The mercury will rise to about 59°F (15°C), so it’s not all bad—just make sure you got your rain gear handy.

Looks like a mixed bag, but at least it’s warming up a touch!

Highway 522 is bare and dry this morning, with traffic starting to pick up a wee bit. It won’t be long before the folks with cottages start thinking about opening them up for the summer. And with that, the tourists will be rolling into the area, which is sure to put a smile on the faces of all the local business owners.

On another note, I spent most of yesterday working away in my old woodworking shop. Got a lot more sorted out and even started installing that new tire and tube on my cart—the one I use for moving the bigger, heavier things. Trouble is, the new tube I bought a couple of years ago turned out to be defective, so I had to order another one. Seems like things sure aren’t made like they used to be. Anyway, I set it aside and will finish the job once the new tube arrives. That old cart sure seems stubborn about being fixed for some reason.

So, what are you up to today, GW? Well, I still have a few boxes to go through, and once that’s done, I’ll be tackling the mess I’ve made over the past few weeks while sorting things for the sale this spring. Which, should keep me busy for most of the day. I’ll be glad to get it out of the way because, with spring just around the corner, I’m looking forward to spending time outside, tidying up our gardens and soaking in the fresh air and sunshine.

So, with that, I’m off once again for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me. After that, I’ll head out to the woodworking shop—well, after we have our regular hot cocoa and chat. Can’t forget that!

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

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Good Morning! Spring Ain’t Here Yet, But She’s Thinkin’ About It.

It’s a cold morning waking up in Whispering Pines; however, in saying that, it is sunny, which makes things, at the very least, look nice.

Today (Monday, March 17):
Breezy and colder with intervals of clouds and sun. High around 39°F (4°C), low dipping to 28°F (-2°C). Winds coming from the north at 12 mph (20 km/h) before calming down later in the day.

Tonight:
Clouds will be rolling in early this evening, bringing a 60% chance of flurries overnight. Light winds at around 9 mph (15 km/h). Low near 23°F (-5°C).

Tuesday, March 18:
The day will start off cloudy with a 40% chance of flurries, shifting to a mix of rain showers or flurries in the afternoon. South winds at 12 mph (20 km/h) will calm down later. High reaching around 48°F (9°C).
Evening will remain cloudy with a low of about 36°F (2°C).

So, whether you’re planning on cutting some wood or just sitting by the fire with a hot cup of coffee, it’s good to be prepared. And it sure doesn’t hurt to keep that umbrella close by, just in case!

Highway 522 is dry and clear of snow this morning. Mind you, with the temperature dropping last night and the rain finally tapering off, we did get a light dusting of snow—just enough to remind us that Old Man Winter ain’t quite ready to pack his bags yet. But truth be told, it ain’t much to fuss about, not even worth mentioning here on my blog.

On another note, I spent most of the day yesterday tinkering away in my old woodworking shop. Seems like every time I turn around, there’s another pile of odds and ends waiting to be sorted. I still have more to go through, trying to figure out what’s worth keeping and what should be set aside for our big spring sale. Like I’ve been saying here for the past few weeks, I swear I don’t know where all this stuff came from. It’s like the wood, tools, and knickknacks just keep multiplying when I’m not looking.

So, what are you up to today, GW?

Well, first off, I’m going to be putting a new tire on that old cart of mine. You know, the one I use for lugging around things that are too damn heavy for me to move by myself. I can’t be pushing my luck too much these days, as it seems the older I get, the more my body squawks at me when I overdo things.

Anyway, I picked up a new tire and tube for it last year. Now, where I put ‘em is another story. They could be buried somewhere here in the shop, or maybe tucked away in one of the outbuildings. Wherever they are, I’ll have to dig ‘em up and get ‘em installed. Truth told, i been meaning to do that for, oh, I don’t know…a few years now? Somehow, it just keeps getting put off.

The tire on there now looks like something you’d find on an old relic from the scrap yard—cracked all to pieces, cords sticking out like whiskers on a grumpy old dog. It’ll hold air for about half an hour, if I’m lucky, just long enough to move whatever I need moved before it goes flat again. And then, like always, that new tire gets put back on the old back burner.

But not today. Nope, this morning I’m gonna finally take care of that problem. With all the boxes and things I’ve got to haul for this spring sale, that old cart is gonna be my best friend. So yeah, that’s what GW’s up to this morning. I think.

Well, I suppose I best be getting on with it. The missus has breakfast ready, and if I don’t make my way to the table soon, she might just leave me to fend for myself with nothing but cold toast. After that, I’ll be settling in with a hot mug of cocoa and our usual morning chat. Funny thing is, after fifty-some years together, we still find plenty to talk about. Guess that’s how you know you’ve found the right gal.

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

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Good Morning! Coffee’s brewing, thoughts are stewing, and the day’s just waiting for something worth doing.

It’s a wet and wild morning here in Whispering Pines Country—perfect weather for a second cup of coffee and watching the storm roll through.

Weather Forecast;

Today:
A wet and wild one, with rain coming down steady this morning. Temps will climb to around 54°F (12°C) by afternoon before cooling off. By evening, expect a mix of rain and maybe even a few flakes, dropping to 36°F (2°C) before nightfall.

Tonight:
The rain eases up, but the cold settles in. Skies will start to clear, and temperatures will take a nosedive to around 19°F (-7°C) overnight. A good night to throw an extra log on the fire.

Tomorrow:
A fresh, crisp start with a mix of sun and clouds in the morning, sitting around 28°F (-2°C). By afternoon, the sun makes a stronger appearance, warming things up to 39°F (4°C). Come evening, temps slide back down to 27°F (-3°C), with a chance of a few flurries overnight.

So, it’s a wet start but a chilly finish, which sounds like a perfect excuse to take it slow and enjoy a warm drink by the fire.

Highway 522 is slow these days, but with the roads clear of snow and ice, traveling’s a lot nicer. People are taking it easy, and with the deer roaming more freely, it’s best to keep an eye out and slow down even more. Seems like the only thing in a hurry these days is the weather!

On another note: I spent another day wrestling with the chaos in the old woodworking shop, sorting through years of… well, stuff. Uncovered things I’d completely forgotten I owned. But I got a decent chunk cleared, aiming to finish the rest today. Now comes the fun part: boxing it all up for the spring sale. Right now, my benches and equipment are practically buried under a mountain of jars and tins … you’d think I was running a hardware store . Never thought I’d become such a pack rat, collector, hoarder, whatever. But once this is done, I am thinking that the shop’s actually going to be better than it ever was. I might even be able to find things without needing a search party.

So, what’s on the agenda for today, GW? Well, as I mentioned earlier, today I’m hoping to wrap things up in the woodworking shop. Been at it for a week or more now, and let me tell you, I’m ready for a change. Sorting through jars, boxes, baskets, and tins of who-knows-what has its charm, but it’s starting to feel like I’m living in an antique store.

Still, I’ve got one more big task ahead—going through all the electronics I’ve collected over the years. With two boys in the electronics biz, I’ve ended up with more hand-me-downs than I can count, most of which I never use. Time to pass those along at the spring sale, too. And don’t forget, my lovely wife has been steadily boxing up all the house items she’s clearing out for the sale as well.

So, yeah, lots done, but plenty more to go. Guess we’re not running short on things to keep us busy!

With that, I’m off for my morning breakfast, made by my lovely wife, then our regular chat, and of course, can’t forget our hot cup of cocoa. What would a day be without that?

Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

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Good Morning! Living where we do, if you listen close, you can hear the quiet wisdom of the woods waking up.

It’s a bit cloudy this morning here in Cottage Country. We did have a touch of sunshine sneaking over the horizon earlier, painting the eastern sky with a warm, rosy glow. Sure was a sight for tired eyes to see, and a great way to kick off the day. Nothing’ like a good sunrise to put a feller in the right frame of mind, even if the clouds are trying’ to take over.

Today (Saturday, March 15):

• High: 56°F (13°C)
• Low: 49°F (10°C)
• Outlook: It’s looking like a mild but cloudy day, with some showers passing through. So, if you were thinking of digging in the garden, you might want to put that on hold—not that you’d get a shovel into the ground with all that snow still stickin’ around.

Weather Forecast For Today Here In Port Loring, Ontario, Canada!

Tonight:

• Low: 49°F (10°C)
• Outlook: Clouds are rolling in with a 60% chance of rain. Perfect night to kick back with a hot drink and a good book.

Tomorrow (Sunday, March 16):

• High: 55°F (13°C)
• Low: 22°F (-5°C)
• Outlook: Things are warming up a bit during the day with some rain expected, but by nightfall, the temperature’s dropping like a stone, and we might even see some flurries. Winter sure likes to stick around longer than it’s welcome.

Special Weather Statement:
They’re calling for some heavy rain this weekend, with totals between 0.6 to 1.6 inches (15 to 40 mm). Funny thing is, when you hear it in inches, it doesn’t sound all that bad. Just another reason why I ain’t a fan of the metric system as it sure knows how to make things sound worse than they really are! The frozen ground isn’t soaking much of it up, so keep an eye out for pooling water and local flooding. Good day to stay dry and enjoy a little time indoors.

Highway 522 is bare and so far dry which once again will make traveling good if your in need of heading into the big city for supplies.

On another note, I spent the day once again in my woodworking shop, sorting things out and getting ready for the sale later this spring. I’m making some good headway now, which sure feels a lot better. I have to admit, when I first started, it was a real dilemma—like trying to carve a straight line out of a twisted log. But, just like any project, if you tackle it a bit at a time, the pieces start to fit together. As any woodworker would tell ya,

With that, I’m off for the breakfast my little woman’s been putting together. Then, we’ll settle in with our regular cup of hot cocoa—just like we’ve been doing every morning for over fifty years.

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

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Good Morning! As the Laura the lady that raised me used to say: “Sunrise doesn’t ask permission to shine, GW, and neither should you.”

It’s looking like we’re in for another nice day here in the north. The sun is shining, and the temperature is rising. The kind of day that makes an old feller feel like getting out to the shop and doing some work. Though, after all the sorting and cleaning I’ve been doing in there lately, it’s starting to look so organized I’m almost afraid to mess it up. Almost.

Here’s the weather forecast for Port Loring, Ontario, Canada

Friday, March 14:

• Day: Mainly sunny with a high around 56°F (13°C).
• Night: Partly cloudy, low near 43°F (6°C).

Saturday, March 15:

• Day: A few showers expected with a high near 56°F (13°C).
• Night: Rain likely, low around 48°F (9°C).

Special Weather Statement:

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the weekend, indicating significant rainfall is possible from Saturday evening through Sunday night. Total rainfall amounts of 20 to 40 mm (approximately 0.8 to 1.6 inches) are expected, with locally higher amounts possible due to the risk of thunderstorms. The frozen ground may have a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall, leading to localized flooding in low-lying areas and water pooling on roads.

Once again, I worked the day away in our old woodworking shop, sorting out jars, boxes, and tins of things I never even knew I had. At this rate, I’m starting to think I could open my own hardware store,,,’Walters’ World of Odds and Ends.’ And let me tell you, between all the stuff I’ve been digging out of the shop and all the treasures my lovely wife has been gathering in the house, we’re gearing up for one heck of a sale later this spring. If this keeps up, folks might be leaving here with everything from antique screws to who-knows-what gadgets…most of which I’m pretty sure I saved for reasons I can’t remember!

So, what are you up to today, GW?

Well, that’s not too hard to figure out. My bench is piled high with all sorts of things I’m trying to decide whether to save or get rid of. So, yeah, that’s what I’ll be doing for most of the day, I suspect. But you know, I’ve learned over the years that you can’t look at the big picture when you’re tackling a jobs like this. If you do, you’ll just end up feeling overwhelmed before you even start. The trick is to just get to it, one jar or box or project at a time, and eventually, things all get done. And by the looks of things in my shop, I’d say I’m about halfway done! At least I think I am.

Highway 522 is bare and dry this morning, which should make traveling pretty good for those out and about. As for my wife and me, we’re all set, no need to head off to town anytime soon. And with the cost of food and gas these days, well, let’s just say it feels like you need to take out a small loan just to buy a loaf of bread and a jug of milk.

But, you know, in saying that, when it comes to all these tariffs, there’s a flip side. While they might raise the price of some things, they also give a boost to local production. With imported goods getting pricier, Canadian businesses have a better chance to compete, which means more jobs and more products made right here at home. That could help build a stronger economy, reduce reliance on supply chains from overseas, and maybe even lower prices in the long run.

So, while things may feel a bit tight now, there’s a chance that all of this could pay off with a more resilient local market. No need for folks to get too riled up, it’s a bit of a shake-up, but in the end, it might just be good for us all.

With that, I’m off for my morning breakfast, that my lovely wife put together for me. And after that, we’ll enjoy our usual cup of hot cocoa and have our regular morning chat, which helps keep the mind on the straight and narrow for the rest of the day… or at least, that’s the hope.

Until next time: Keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW

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Good Morning! You know being a farmer, woodworker, and writer means I’m never short on work, but it seems I always have time for coffee.

It’s another cloudy morning, but hey, the good news is, things are warming up quite a bit. Those cool mornings followed by nice days… well, that’s what spring is all about up here in the north. It’s like Mother Nature’s way of nudging us awake gently before she cranks up the heat.

Now, here’s what’s cookin’ weather-wise for Port Loring, Ontario, Canada:
Today, we’ll be seeing a high of 52°F (11°C). Not bad at all, unless you’re one of those folks who can’t warm up till the mercury hits a full-blown summer’s day. The clouds will be sticking around for most of the day, but there’s always the chance the sun might poke its head out just to say, “Howdy!”

Tonight, temperatures will drop to a low of 37°F (3°C). So, if you’re out and about, might want to hang on to your woollies a little longer.

As for tomorrow, well tomorrow, things are shaping up nicely with temperatures climbing to around 55°F (13°C). Now, if you’re the sort who insists on hearing Celsius first, well, I guess you could flip those numbers around. But for me and my lovely wife we like the ol’ Fahrenheit system. You could say it’s like coffee versus tea: One’s just got a bit more kick to it.

Highway 522 is pretty well bare of all snow and ice these days, which makes traveling to the big cities a whole lot nicer if your in need of supplies, that you can’t get here locally. But before you get too comfy with that gas pedal, remember... we still have to keep an eye out for deer, moose, and the occasional wild turkey. Those turkeys seem to think they own the road these days, strutting across like they’re in some kind of bird parade. So ya, it’s not just the potholes trying to ruin your day!

And as the locals like to say, around here, you’re not just driving the roads, you’re negotiating with nature. I have even heard that some folks claim their trucks know the way to town better than they do, especially on those early morning runs when the coffee hasn’t quite kicked in. Others swear the best way to avoid hitting anything is to belt out a good tune while driving, loud enough to scare off the critters. And of course, there’s the classic bit of advice: if you see a deer standing by the road, you can bet its cousin is lurking just behind it, waiting to make your day a whole lot more exciting. ‘Not sure if its a kissin’ cousin or not.‘

So once again yesterday, I spent the whole day out in my old woodworking shop, sorting through things for the big sale we’re planning a little later this spring. And let me tell you, it’s shaping up to be a good one, judging by the sheer amount of stuff I’ve been sifting through. And I haven’t even touched the things I’ve got stashed away in the corners that I barely use anymore.

Honestly, I have no idea where half of it came from. It’s like the sawdust fairy’s been dropping off tools and gadgets while I wasn’t looking. But one thing’s for sure… it all has to go sooner rather than later. Otherwise, I’ll be featured on one of those shows where they have to dig folks out of their own workshops. Who knew a woodworking shop had such a knack for multiplying when you’re not paying attention?

So, what’s on the agenda today, GW? Well, not much has changed in that department. I’ll be carrying on with sorting things out for the sale. That should keep me busy most of the day…except for the occasional coffee breaks with my lovely wife, of course. Now, she’s been working just as hard as I have, only inside the house, and I’ve gotta tell ya, she’s got her hands full.

She’s one tough cookie, that woman, never complains. Well, not much anyway, as the air does get a little blue if things don’t go quite her way, but hey, we all have our moments, right? She’s been sorting through everything one drawer at a time. Boxes are filling up!

And don’t forget about all the small gift shop items we’ve got to get rid of. All of it’s got to go, like I’ve mentioned before, but it doesn’t hurt to remind folks. We’re clearing house/shop and store here, and I think by the end of it, we’ll have just about everything but the kitchen sink in the sale. But trust me, even that might be up for grabs if we keep going at this pace!

So, with that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my little woman has made for me. Pancakes are on the menu this morning, along with our hot cocoa and, of course, a nice morning chat afterwards. It’s one of those little traditions that makes everything else seem a bit easier to tackle.

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

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Good morning! As my old dad used to say, “George, if you want to be a northerner, you better love the smell of fresh-cut wood and the sound of geese heading north.” Well, we’ve got the fresh-cut wood…though “a year old” might be more accurate…and as for the geese, I haven’t seen any flying north just yet. But I suspect it won’t be long now.

Well, I have to tell you… either my fingers are getting old, my gloves are wearing thin, or it’s just plain cold out there this morning. I’ve been warming up in the house for a while now after splitting some wood for the furnace, and my hands are still feeling it. Makes a feller wonder if winter’s got a little more left in its bag of tricks.

Highway 522 is mostly bare, but there are still a few icy spots and patches of snow here and there. Shouldn’t be too bad for those heading into town for supplies or whatever they might need. As for my wife and me, we’ve got everything we need. In fact, we’ve been working on emptying the freezer, with my wife whipping up different meals so we can refill it this summer with fresh things. Living up here, you’ve got to stay on top of these things.

On another note, I didn’t make it out to the shop yesterday. My wife and I spent most of the morning clearing snow off the decks and out of the driveway. After that, I settled into my old chair at the computer and got to writing. Turned out to be a good day—I managed to finish four stories for my columns. When the words are flowing, I stick with it, because I know from experience that days like that don’t come around all that often.

So, what’s on the agenda today, GW? Well, since I spent most of yesterday inside, I figure it’s about time I tackled the top section of my woodworking shop. I’ve been stashing things up there for over 15 years, and at this point, I have no idea what’s even up there anymore. So, that’s the plan—sorting and straightening things out. Should keep me busy for a couple of days, give or take.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my little woman is whipping up for me. After that, I’ll settle into my old recliner, put my feet up, and enjoy our morning chat over a nice, hot cup of cocoa. As you can see, life up here in the north is pretty rough.

Until Next Time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. – GW

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Good Morning! The rooster’s running late this morning, but the coffee’s right on time. And that is all that matters at least in this household.

So walking out to the woodworking shop earlier this morning, I noticed that it isn’t as cold as it has been, and my old shop stove still had a few coals in it from the night before. Which… made lighting it that much easier. Laid in some wood and before I turned around it was burning nicely.

Now, let’s see what Mother Nature’s got in store for us here in the north.

Today (Friday, February 21, 2025):
☀ Morning: Mostly sunny, sitting’ around 12°F (-11°C).
⛅ Afternoon: Partly sunny and not quite as bitter, climbing’ to 23°F (-5°C).
🌙 Evening: Slipping’ back down to a chilly 11°F (-12°C).

Tomorrow (Saturday, February 22, 2025):
☁ Morning: Cloudy skies with some snow rolling’ in, dropping’ an inch or two (2-4 cm).
❄ Afternoon: Staying’ cold, high around 26°F (-3°C).
🌨 Evening: Dropping’ to about 18°F (-8°C), so best keep the fire stoked.

Looks like a good day to hunker down, keep the coffee hot, and maybe get a few things done in the shop.

On another note, I didn’t get any work done in the shop yesterday. Ruth and I had to head to town for some supplies—and to see a specialist about a few things I’ve been dealing with. I won’t get into the details, but I will say this—some of these so-called medical professionals seem to have forgotten that their job is to help folks, not just rush ‘em through like an assembly line. No real conversation, no real care—just in and out. Disappointing, to say the least.

But I’ll tell you one thing—I’m not the type to just sit back and do nothing. Not me. So now, Ruth and I are going to seek out a good naturalist, someone who actually listens and understands that there’s more to health than just prescriptions and procedures. On top of that, I’ll be pulling together everything I’ve learned from my old friend Grey Wolf, along with all the knowledge Ruth and I have gathered over the years. Between all that, we’ll figure out the best path forward.

After that appointment was done, we picked up what we needed, had a nice lunch at a friendly little spot, grabbed a coffee, and made it home late in the day, worn out. So, we put our feet up, talked things over, and figured out what comes next. Life keeps moving, and so do we.

So, what’s on the agenda today, GW? Well after a good chat and a meal made by my lovely wife, I’ll be heading back to the woodworking shop to work on the flutes I’ve been shaping. They’re coming along, slowly but surely, though… there’s still a good bit of work to do.

When I work with wood, it’s not just about the carving. It’s about feeling the strength of the tree in my hands, understanding the flow of the grain. You know, the wood has its own rhythm, its own life. Truth told as I shape it, I let it guide me. The flute will play when it’s ready, when the wood and I have worked together in silence. It’s not just my hands at work…it’s the spirit of the wood showing me the way.

You all have a good day.

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