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Good Morning, Folks. I dreamt a whole Blog Post last night. Damn shame, I only remember the part about the pancakes and the sun.

Looking out, right here, from my desk window, where all the magic happens, it seems our day is shaping up to be downright nice. At the moment, there’s plenty of sunshine and hardly a breath of wind, the kind of morning that makes a fellow truly appreciate living in the country.

Weather for us today here in Port Loring, Ontario, Canada.

Today – Sunday, June 15 (Father’s Day): Right now it’s sitting around 58 °F (15 °C) and the sun is working its way through the morning sky. We’re on track for a beautiful Father’s Day, with a high of 77 °F (25 °C)

Tonight: Skies will stay mostly clear through the evening, cooling down to about 50 °F (10 °C). A light sweater might be a good idea if you’re stepping out, but otherwise it’ll be a peaceful, quiet night.

Tomorrow – Monday, June 16: No rain on the radar. It’ll be a mix of sun and cloud through the day, starting off around 59 °F (15 °C) in the morning and climbing to about 80 °F (27 °C) by afternoon. It will feel like a good day to be outdoors, whether you’re getting work done or just soaking up what summer has to offer.

Highway 522 got busier yesterday, mostly locals just going about their business. And a good bunch of them stopped by our garage sale. That’s small-town life for ya …everyone’s out and about, bumping into folks they know and maybe a few they don’t, and stopping to chat a bit. It’s like a slow dance where nobody’s in a hurry and the main event is just catching up on the local gossip.

Well, once again, other than a few mosquitoes and a couple of deer flies, things are pretty good out there these days. But like I always say, from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day is blackfly season ’round here, and today being Father’s Day, there’s hardly one to be found. At least not near our place.

On another note, yesterday I worked the day away taking care of customers at our garage sale, and I have to tell you, we had a steady stream of folks dropping by and picking up all sorts of things. On top of that, our gift shop saw a great day too, with plenty of people snagging some of our one-of-a-kind items, all on sale for half price—who could blame them? Plus, people were in a friendly mood, swapping stories and filling the air with good conversation.

And don’t forget, we’ll keep our garage sale going right through the end of July at 11588 Highway 522, Port Loring, Ontario. We’re open from 10 to 4 every day. After July, the garage sale winds down, but our small gift shop stays open until fall, also from 10 to 4. Just like every other year, we’ll be here for you.

So what are you up to on Father’s Day, GW?

Well, I suspect that most fathers might be taking the day off, but I’ve got a mind to stain the deck that wraps around our small cottage, the one we use for friends and family. After that, some time sitting on our swing under the old basswood tree sounds about right, maybe with a coffee or two to enjoy. Hmm, I might even try something different today, we’ll see how that pans out.

With that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me. It’ll be some pancakes covered with grass-fed butter and a touch of syrup, topped off with raspberries and a few blueberries. Keeps things all healthy, right? Well, at least the fruit part does.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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Good Morning, Folks. Some mornings feel borrowed, like you’ve been gifted time from an old friend. This is one of ’em.

Well, looking out my window here by my desk, it sure feels like we’re in for a good one. The kind of day that starts out soft and slow, with a sky that’s clear enough to lift your spirits before you’ve even had your second cup of coffee.

The sun’s already working its way across the yard, casting long shadows off the fence posts and making the grass look just a little greener. It’s sittin’ at a comfortable 78°F, which is about 26°C for those who like their numbers that way. There’s a light breeze out of the southwest, just enough to rustle the lilacs and keep the blackflies guessing.

Tonight’ll be calm and clear, cooling off to around 58°F, or 14°C, which means good sleeping weather if you’ve got the windows open and a quilt at the foot of the bed. And tomorrow, well, it’s shaping up to be a fine one too. They’re calling for 82°F (28°C) and sunny, so if you’ve got outdoor chores piling up like we do, it might be a good time to cross a few things off the list.

One has to take advantage of this nice weather while you can.

Highway 522 is still quiet these days, traffic wise. But then again, we do live off the beaten track, where not too many folks come pokin’ around until the weather starts to cooperate, which by the looks of things is about to happen with summer now just around the corner.

That said, I’ve noticed more and more new faces showing up these past couple of years. A lot of folks have been packing up and heading north, and honestly, I can’t say I blame them. When you look at what’s going on in the world, or more to the point in the big cities, it starts to make sense. Crime is climbing, houses are being built so close together you could almost shake hands with your neighbor while sipping your morning coffee, and the air down there is thick with things I won’t even get into. Let’s just say it’s no wonder so many folks are walking around with allergies and sniffles they can’t quite explain.

And the crowds, damn! The last time we took a trip down south, it was a full-time job just trying to sort out all the different nationalities bustling around. It’s something to see how much our country has changed. I’m not saying change is always bad, but if I’m being honest, I don’t believe it’s all been for the better.

Bug Report

Well, I’m happy to say most of the blackflies have left us for another year. And with this stretch of warmer weather settling in, them blood-sucking parasites we call mosquitoes might not be too bad either. They’re not fans of the heat, mostly because they’re so small, the sun dries them out and finishes them off pretty quick.

Now in the shade, that’s a different story. One still has to be careful come evening, especially if the doors or windows are open. They’ll sneak their way into the house, and once they’re in, well… when it’s time to sleep, they can sure be irritating.

We picked up one of those bug zappers and set it on the kitchen table. Before heading to bed, we switch it on and let it draw them in. Keeps them off us while we sleep. Works slick too. The thing is, living in the country, you learn quick that you’ve got to be on your toes, whether it’s bugs, weather, or something unexpected showing up at your back door.

On another note, yesterday my wife and I had a lot going on, so we didn’t get around to making a morning post here on the blog. We get a few of those days now and then, days when there’s so much on the to-do list, there just aren’t enough hours to get through it all.

But that being said, we still managed to knock off the things we had planned, and on top of that, we had quite a few folks stop by, picking up things from our garage sale. We’re keeping it going every weekend right through to the end of July.

We sold a fair bit yesterday, but there’s still plenty left, and like I always say, my wife and I don’t know where it all came from. It’s simply amazing how much a person can collect over the years without realizing it.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today I’m planning on working outdoors, as there’s a few things around the house that need tending to. And with the sun shining the way it is, I sure don’t want to be stuck inside.

On top of that, our little gift shop is open for the season now, and between that and all the garage sale items we’ve got set out, there’s plenty to keep us busy. But truth be told, we enjoy it. Especially this time of year, when the days are warm, and folks start getting out and about again.

It’s a good kind of busy, though. The kind where the work feels more like a day well spent.

So with that, I’m off to have breakfast my little woman’s made for me, then I’ll head on out to the front porch with a nice cup of hot cocoa and take in the view of our beautiful piece of property. Sure is a sight to see this time of year.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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Good Morning, Folks. The sky’s got that look today, like it’s deciding whether to rain or just brood awhile. I know the feeling!

And with that, here’s the forecast for today for us in cottage country.

Today, Thursday, June 12

Daytime: Expect hazy sun, with a high near 66 °F (19 °C).

• Tonight: Skies will clear out after sunset. Temperatures will dip to around 42 °F (5 °C) under mostly clear skies.

Tomorrow (Friday, June 13)

• Daytime: A mix of clouds and sunshine, with a chance of a passing shower or two in the afternoon. Highs around 61 °F (16 °C).
• Tomorrow night: Remaining cloudy, with lows near 46 °F (8 °C).

Highway 522 is still pretty quiet these days, but we did have a lot of new vehicles going by the house yesterday. There was an accident over near Britt—another one between a transport and a car, so they rerouted all the traffic off Highway 69 across to Highway 11. In all my years, I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many transport-related accidents. It’s no real surprise, though, when you look at who they’ve been letting behind the wheel lately. The old-time drivers, the ones who’d been on the road for decades, they knew how to handle those big rigs. These days, a good number of them just don’t have that same experience or training, and it shows.

Bug Report:
Well, I’m happy to report that yesterday I spent the whole afternoon out in our vegetable gardens and didn’t see a single black fly. Not one. The only pest that showed up was a deer fly, and if you’ve ever met one, you know they don’t come to visit, they come to bite. Once they find you, that’s it. You’re their afternoon project. I swear, those things are like flying bloodhounds with wings and a bad attitude.

On another note, like I mentioned earlier, I managed to clear out some weeds in our vegetable garden and hoe up the soil around the tomato plants. It took some doing, but I’ve always enjoyed working the land. Been that way all my life. There’s just something about the smell of freshly turned soil and being surrounded by growing things that settles a person down.

Back when I was farming full-time, I used to say, “You can tell how your day’s going by how the dirt feels under your boots.” If it’s soft and rich, chances are you’re doing alright. And if the weeds pull easy, well, that’s just a bonus.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today’s mowing day here at the Walters home, which I suspect will take up most of the morning. The good news is the grass has finally slowed down a bit, and we just might be able to start mulching it. That makes things a lot easier in the long run. But we’ll see how it goes once we get into the thick of it, so to speak.

With that, I’m off once again to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me, and then I’ll head on outdoors. One has to take advantage of this nice weather while you can.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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Good Morning Folks.
It’s a new day, and I’m reminded how farming and writing have something in common. What would that be? Well, I found that you can’t rush either. Both need patience, steady hands, and the kind of care that only comes with years under one’s belt.

Well, she is another rainy old morning here in Cottage Country. The kind of day that makes one think that an extra cup of coffee/cocoa might be in order before heading on out to the old woodworking shop.

Here’s what the weather’s cooking up for us in Port Loring, Ontario, for today, tonight, and tomorrow:

Today (Tuesday, June 10): We’re looking at a mostly cloudy day with a good chance of showers. Temperatures will reach a high of around 62°F (17°C). The wind will be coming from the southwest, around 11 mph (18 km/h).

Tonight: The rain should taper off, leaving us with partly cloudy skies. It’ll cool down to a low of about 50°F (10°C), which means it might be a bit chilly out there.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, June 11): We can expect a mix of sun and clouds, with a chance of passing showers. It’ll warm up a bit, with a high near 70°F (21°C).

Highway 522 is still slow traffic wise these days, which is understandable being that the weather sure hasn’t been the greatest so far this spring. But, with all that said, the trees are sure enjoying the moisture and cooler temperatures.

Bug Report: With these cooler temperatures and wet weather, the bugs have slowed down some, but don’t you fret because they’ll be back, seeking out some fresh, warm blood in the coming days.

On another note, yesterday I worked the day away, fixing up a few things around the house. Seems like there’s a never-ending list of chores that always needs attending to. Which, in a way, is a good thing, because it keeps the old mind entertaining good thoughts and staying sharp, just like a well-used saw.

So what are you up to today, GW? Well, today I suspect, given that it’s raining outside, I’m thinking I’ll get to fixing up some window frames that are in need of repair. As much as I hate to think this way, winter will be coming, and it’s always best to be prepared. Besides, this is the time to do it, when it’s nice and warm outside.

So, with all that in mind, I’m off for the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. Then I’ll settle into my old Lazy Boy chair and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while having a morning chat with my little woman. What would a day be without that? Not much in my eyes, that’s for sure.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive! GW

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Good Morning… My old Dad used to say: “George, some folks talk wisdom, others carry it in their boots.”

So starting things off, we are having a bit of rain here this morning, which is just what our tomato plants need, along with the trees too. One thing about the land up here in the north, is that most of it is sand and rock, and that makes it dry out much quicker than a lot of other soils. But under that sand, at least around our place, is clay. That’s a good thing because it keeps everything in balance when the hot weather rolls in. It holds the moisture down deep where the roots are growing, which is a whole other world most folks don’t even think about. These days, people seem more focused on what they can see, not on what they can’t. Kind of a shame, in my eyes, because there is a whole lot more to this world than what meets the eye.

Anyway, today in Port Loring, Ontario, we can expect light rain this morning, with a high around 75°F (24°C). The rain will give way to partial sunshine and possibly a thundershower later in the day, and tonight will cool down to lows near 54°F (12°C) with some lingering showers.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, it will be cooler, with highs near 65°F (18°C). Rain is likely in the morning but should clear to periods of clouds and sun in the afternoon. Overnight lows will drop to about 51°F (10°C). Nice sleeping weather.

Highway 522 is still quiet around here, along with highways 11 and 69. There are plenty of truckers, but not too many tourists just yet, which is understandable given the state of the economy and the weather that hasn’t been very kind over the past couple of months.

Bug Report: Well, yesterday I noticed the black flies have eased off some, but we’re not done with them just yet since Father’s Day is still coming. Over the years, I’ve found they usually stick around until then, annoying folks. That said, if the dragonflies get busy doing their job, things will improve even quicker. But here’s the thing… with all this spraying for underbrush in our forests these days, it’s slowly taking a toll on the dragonflies and other insects, and it’s not just them. The folks spraying these chemicals don’t take into account what these chemicals are doing to our water supply, and they don’t give it a second thought.

On another note, yesterday after our trip south for a couple of days, my wife and I tried to take it easy. Well, if you count me making a sign she wants to paint for a customer, along with her doing the laundry, making meals, cleaning the house, and plenty of other things, then maybe we/she didn’t get all that much rest after all. Still, we both did manage to squeeze in a game of horseshoes and a cup of coffee on our swing under the basswood tree, which was a nice change of pace.

So with that, I’m off to breakfast, and then I’ll see what the day has in store. I’ve got some things to take care of in my old woodworking shop, and since it’s raining outside this morning, what better place to be?

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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Good Morning… You know, I have come to the conclusion, after all these years, that I trust dirt under my nails more than most advice.

Starting the day here in Port Loring, Ontario, we’ve got a blanket of thick clouds overhead. The good news is, it’s not too hot, and the rain has taken a break.

Here’s how the weather is shaping up.

Today (Thursday, June 5):
A mix of sun and cloud, with fog patches clearing later this morning. High of 77°F (25°C). UV index is 8, which is considered very high, so don’t forget to put on a long sleeve shirt.

Tonight:
Clear skies expected, with temperatures dipping to a low of about 52°F (11°C). Great for sleeping.

Tomorrow (Friday, June 6):
Mainly sunny to start, with increasing cloudiness early in the afternoon. There’s a 30% chance of showers overnight. High near 72°F (22°C), and a low around 54°F (12°C). Almost perfect.

Saturday, June 7:
A mix of sun and cloud is expected, with a high of approximately 72°F (22°C). The evening will bring cloudy periods, and the low will be about 50°F (10°C).

Looks like we’re in for some pleasant early summer weather.

Highway 522 is still pretty quiet, which is about normal for this time of year. That’ll change soon enough, though, once the kids get out of school for the summer. Give it a few weeks, and we’ll be dodging campers, boat trailers, and folks trying to read a map while making a left-hand turn with their signal on since Powassan. Just the way it is out here in the country.

Bug Report:
Well, the black flies haven’t been too bad for the past few days, mostly thanks to the cooler, damp weather. But I’ve got a feeling that’ll change today, with things warming up nicely, as it’s just the kind of weather they thrive in. And of course, the mosquitoes won’t be far behind, them blood sucking parasites.

That’s the deal with living up here in the north though, it’s a beautiful place, no doubt, but it comes with a few built-in tests of patience. And one thing’s for certain: anyone who steps outside this time of year gets their exercise, whether they want it or not, with swattin’ bugs like they’re threshin’ grain by hand.

On another note, yesterday my wife and I took the morning to clean our car. After winter, it was one heck of a mess inside and out. Now it looks brand-new. After we finished, I managed to get a coat of wax on the old girl too … not my wife, I mean the car. Got it all done just before the rain started. Nice rain, too, just what our vegetable plants, which we put in the ground a week ago, needed. Saved me from watering them by hand. Seems old Mother Nature knows exactly what to do and when to do it. Most of the time anyway, though occasionally she’s asleep at the switch. But she’s getting older too.

So what are you up today GW?

Well, seeing as our grass is growing leaps and bounds, my wife and I will tackle that next. That’ll take care of the morning. In the afternoon, after that workout, I suspect some front porch sittin’ or on our swing out back under the basswood tree with a cup of coffee will be in order. Why is that? Well, around here, you learn quick that no matter how much work you do, the day’s not done until you’ve had a good rest to appreciate it.

So with all that information out of the way, I am off for my morning breakfast that my little woman has made for me. Once I’ve had my fill, it’ll be time to rouse those old mowers.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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Good morning, from where the only deadline is the sun going down. The way it should be.

Well, waking up, it’s at least looking like another nice day here in Cottage Country.

Here’s your weather for Port Loring:

Today (Wednesday, June 4):
Expect periods of rain throughout the day, with a high around 74°F (23°C). Winds will be from the west-southwest at 10 to 15 mph. Keep an umbrella handy if you’re heading out.

Tonight:
Cloudy skies with a 60% chance of showers. Low near 57°F (14°C). Winds will shift to the northwest at 10 to 15 mph.

Tomorrow (Thursday, June 5):
A mix of sun and clouds, with a 30% chance of showers. High around 80°F (26°C). Winds from the southwest at 10 to 15 mph.

Highway 522 wasn’t all that busy yesterday, but that’s understandable with the way our economy is going—or maybe I should say heading. But in saying that, once things start to warm up some and the blackflies leave us alone for more than five minutes, that northern pull, that urge to get up here, will settle upon folks like a second cup of coffee on a Monday morning. They’ll be packing up the SUV, kids, dog, cooler, and fishing rods, half-ready and half-lost, just to sit in traffic for six hours and call it “getting away from it all.” And you know what? We’ll be glad to see ’em.

Bug Report:
Well, I have to say, even with things warming up yesterday, the blackflies and mosquitoes weren’t all that bad. I’m kind of thinking that the cold, damp weather we had the past few days knocked a good number of them back a bit, not to mention the birds that have been picking them off pretty steady lately.

Last fall, I decided to build six birdhouses and put them up around the yard early this spring. We had to take the vacancy sign down pretty quick, because they filled up fast. One right by our driveway was claimed by a pair of bluebirds, the first time in 20 years they’ve made a home here. By our fishpond, where we placed a couple more, a pair of Swallows moved in and started raising a family. And then out back behind the house, we’ve got two more birdhouses that a couple of Wrens have taken over. Judging by how often they’re flying in with bugs, there must be a hungry bunch of little beaks waiting inside.

My wife and I sure do enjoy watching them throughout the day. It’s amazing how simple things can bring so much enjoyment—not to mention how many insects they eat, which sure makes life a lot easier, especially during blackfly season.

On another note,
Yesterday I worked the day away outside, fixing up a few things that needed attention, and chatting with folks who dropped by our gift shop and ongoing garage sale—which we plan on keeping open for another couple of months.

I have to say, we’ve had a steady stream of people stopping in, picking up all sorts of things we no longer need. That being said, we still have plenty left to sell, and my wife’s been adding new items daily—things we’ve had stored upstairs for years. So, whether you’ve dropped by before or you’re just hearing about us for the first time, it might pay to swing in now and then. You never know, there just might be something you’ve been looking for.

We’re located at 11588 Highway 522, Port Loring, Ontario, and we’re always happy to see a friendly face—new or familiar.

All in all, things have been rolling along pretty good these days.

So What are You Up to Today, GW?

Well, today—weather permitting—I’m planning on doing a bit of weeding in the gardens around the house. And if there’s time left in the day, I’ll head out to the woodworking shop and give it a bit of a clean-up. It’s been needing some tidying for a while now.

And if the weather holds off even longer, my wife and I are hoping to spend some quiet time out on the swing under the old Basswood tree out back. It sure is nice out there, I guess you could say we’ve got a bird’s-eye view of everything going on around the place.

And living where we do, there’s always something happening in nature—whether it’s the birds feeding their young or a few critters raising a ruckus, or just the breeze moving through the trees. Well… you don’t have to look far to find something worth paying attention to.

With that, I’m off for the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. After that, I think we’ll both head out to the front porch by our White Lilac tree—which, by the way, is in full bloom and smelling mighty fine—and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa. Can’t beat that for starting the day off right.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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Good Morning… Some days start with a chore list, others with a memory.

It’s a cool morning here in Port Loring, Ontario, Canada. However, the sun is breaking through the clouds, and it’s looking as if we’re in for a pretty nice day.

Anyway, here’s the weather forecast: For Port Loring Ontario Canada.

Today (Monday, June 2): Warmer with hazy sun; smoke from distant wildfires will enhance the sunset. High: 72°F (22°C), Low: 52°F (11°C).

Tonight: Partly cloudy with a low of 52°F (11°C).

Tomorrow (Tuesday, June 3): Hazy sun; breezy in the afternoon. High: 83°F (29°C), Low: 65°F (19°C).

Wednesday, June 4: Not as warm, with periods of rain. High: 73°F (23°C), Low: 55°F (13°C).

Highway 522 was quiet yesterday morning, but by the afternoon, it picked up with lots of new faces roaming around our area.

Bug Report:
With the cold, wet weather, the black flies have slowed down some. But when the sun shows herself, they will be back with a vengeance, along with the mosquitoes. I actually dislike the mosquitoes even more than the black flies. At any rate, with things warming up today, you can bet some folks are in for a stretch of itchy, swatting days ahead.

On another note, we had another really good day yesterday with our garage sale, with lots of folks dropping by. I thought, being Sunday, it might slow down some—but nope, for most of the day, we had a steady stream of folks picking up things. That said, we still have quite a bit left to sell, so we’ll keep the sale going right up until the middle of July, or until it’s all gone. We figure we might as well get all we can out of what we have, as we worked downright hard for it over the years.

Amazing, though, how much stuff a person can collect without even realizing they have it.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today being so nice out, I’m thinking we’ll do some work in our vegetable gardens. I want to work up around the tomatoes, and we’ll be adding some grass cuttings, which we use for fertilizer. You can’t beat it once it’s had a chance to sit for a while.

The good news is, I was sure glad we covered our vegetables last night before heading to bed as we ended up with a frost, and it would’ve done some damage to a lot of the plants. Just had a feeling we might get one, and sure enough, we did. Pays to listen to those little feelings that come around from time to time.

At any rate, everything looked happy this morning when I uncovered them.

So, with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me, then I’ll be heading outdoors. Hate to waste a day as nice as this.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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Good Morning… Laura, the lady that raised me, used to say: “George, you don’t need much to be rich if you’re counting the right things.”

Well, the sunshine has left us, and it took the warmer temperatures along with it. We’re getting a bit of rain coming down now, and it looks like it’ll be hanging around for a while.

Weather Forecast – For Port Loring, Ontario, Canada:

Today, the rain’s moved in, and it’s settling down like it’s got nowhere else to be. Expect light to moderate showers throughout the day, with a chilly breeze tagging along to keep things damp and cool. Temperatures will hover around 52°F (11°C) by this afternoon, which is a noticeable dip from the warm stretch we just had.

Tonight, things will stay on the damp side. Cloud cover will hold tight overhead, and there’s a good chance the rain will linger through most of the night. Overnight lows will dip down to around 43°F (6°C), so it’ll be a good night to toss an extra blanket on the bed and maybe fire up the wood stove if you’ve got one.

Tomorrow, the clouds might finally start to break up a bit. There’s still a slight chance of an early morning shower, but by late morning or early afternoon we could see some brighter skies trying to peek through. It won’t be warm by any stretch, with highs only reaching 55°F (13°C), but at least it’ll be drier.

So in short, keep the raincoat by the door today and tonight, and maybe cross your fingers for a bit of clearing come tomorrow afternoon. The garden might get a decent soaking out of this, which isn’t all bad.

Highway 522 is still slow traffic-wise these days, which is understandable, being that the weather hasn’t been all that inviting. Truth be told, most folks out this way aren’t in a rush to go anywhere unless the sun’s shining, the road’s dry, or there’s a sale up the line aways. And even then, they’ll think on it over coffee first.

Bug Report:
Well, I have to say, them there black flies and mosquitoes are sure making a nuisance of themselves these days. And my wife isn’t too pleased about it either. Can’t say I blame her, as they get up under her hair and nibble on her ears like they’re at an all-you-can-eat buffet.

As for me, well, they usually leave me be. I did have a couple take a taste yesterday, but I guess I wasn’t sweet enough for their liking. Still, while I was out mowing, I had to use my hat now and then to swat them out of my eyes. They were swarming so bad I almost drove the old Roper Riding Mower into the ditch a couple of times.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today’s a bit wet out there, so I’m planning on helping my wife with some work inside the house. We’ve got plenty to sort through—years’ worth of collected odds and ends. We’ve already managed to put out a fair bit, and with that, we’re gearing up for another garage sale starting tomorrow. It’ll run for three days, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, right here at 11588 Highway 522, Port Loring, Ontario.

Just watch for the red garage sale signs by our driveway, you can’t miss ’em.

And while you’re here, don’t forget to check out our gift shop. We’ve got some great deals on pieces we’ve made ourselves. My wife with her artistic flair and creative spirit, and me with wood, tools, and a stubborn streak. These aren’t mass-produced things here. They’re made slow, with care and know-how, shaped by years of doing what we love.

On another note, my wife and I decided to get our mowing for the week out of the way yesterday, knowing the rain was coming today. Took us all morning, and I’ve got to tell ya, we were both more than ready to put our feet up once we were done. Seems like every year, jobs like that get just a wee bit harder to do.

But hey—no one can say we’re not getting our exercise.

So with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife’s put together for me. After that, we’re thinking of settling in with a hot cup of chicory coffee for a change. Not saying hot chocolate isn’t just as good,,, but every now and then, we’ve found a change can be nice. Not always, mind you, but once in a while it works out just fine.

After that, well, we’ll see what the day has in store. One never really knows, and maybe that’s half the fun of it.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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Well, judging by the sky, it looks like we’re in for another really nice day. That’s just the way I like it, so with that in mind, it’s best I get to enjoying it, which I will do shortly.

Any way, here’s the weather forecast for Port Loring, Ontario:

Today – Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Mostly sunny skies, with a high around 76°F (24°C). A gentle breeze from the southwest at about 5 to 10 mph will keep things comfortable. Tonight, expect clear skies, with temperatures dipping to about 53°F (12°C).

Tomorrow – Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Cloudy with sunny breaks in the morning, becoming mainly cloudy in the afternoon, with a high of 73°F (23°C). Showers are expected in the evening and overnight, with a low of 53°F (12°C).

So, it looks like today is the best bet for soaking up the sun before the clouds and showers roll in tomorrow. Enjoy the beautiful weather while it lasts!

Highway 522 is slowly picking up traffic-wise these days. We’ve had a good number of new folks stopping in at our gift shop, picking up a few things, along with checking out our garage sale and woodworking items. Truth be told, we’ve had quite a few, drop by over the past week or so. But that said, we still have lots to sell, as just yesterday my wife and I put out a whole mess of new stuff we don’t need anymore.

On another note, like I mentioned above, yesterday was a day of sorting through more things for our garage sale and adding them to the pile out under the carport. It’s a good spot for it, since if it rains, we can still stay open and folks can browse without getting wet.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today I want to till up the soil between the new veggies we planted the other day, as it got packed down a bit from all the planting. After that, I’ll work away in the old woodworking shop, as there’s still lots to do in there getting the tools I want to sell cleaned up and ready for folks to see. And if the weather holds—and I suspect it will— my wife and I are planning on enjoying our afternoon coffee out on the swing set I built a year or so ago. It’s a nice spot, where we set it out under the basswood tree. From there, we can pretty well see all of our property, which really is a sight to see this time of year. The trees are in full leaf, the grass is nice and green, a lot of our flowers are showing off, and the lilac bushes are just about in full bloom. And boy, do they ever smell good. Hard to find ones that still carry a scent like that these days.

Bug Report:
Well, the black flies are out in full force, annoying us humans right alongside all the critters in the wild. And if that wasn’t enough, those blood-sucking parasites—the mosquitoes—are starting to join the party. Not much we can do about them either, other than ride it out. Soon enough, the dragonflies will show up, and when they do, they’ll take care of most of the bugs for us.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me, and then I’ll see what the day has in store. One never knows what a day might bring.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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Good Morning… My old Dad used to say: “George, life doesn’t come with instructions — just blisters and the occasional success.”

So, starting things off this morning with this. We’re once again waking up to a sky full of clouds here in Cottage Country. Not the heavy kind that bring a storm, just those soft, slow-moving ones that make everything feel a bit quieter. It’s the kind of morning where the coffee tastes a little better and the chores can wait just a little longer. You get the feeling the day’s still deciding what sort of mood it’s in.

Here’s how things are shaping up weather-wise for Port Loring:

Today, we’re looking at mostly cloudy skies, but there’ll be some sunny patches breaking through later on. It should warm up to around 70°F (21°C). There’s a small chance of a light shower, but it’s more of a spit than a soaking, so no real reason to change your plans.

Tonight, the skies will remain partly cloudy, with a low dipping to around 52°F (11°C). Might be a good night for a light sweater if you’re out checking on the garden or sitting under the basswood tree.

Tomorrow, it’s shaping up to be a nice one, with a mix of sun and clouds, with a high near 73°F (23°C). No big wind to speak of, so it’ll be a fine day to get some work done or… just enjoy being out and about.

Highway 522 has picked up traffic wise a wee bit and will continue that way for the rest of the summer.

Bug Report:
Well, the black flies—as I’ve been saying—have been taking a bit of a break thanks to the cooler, wet weather. But late yesterday, I noticed they’re starting to roam again, drifting around and looking for fresh blood… and meat, for that matter. When they bite, it sometimes feels like they take a piece of you with them.

And then—well, if you give in and scratch it, that’s when the real fun begins. That itch digs in and just doesn’t want to leave.

But here’s a little trick we’ve found helpful. If you dab a bit of hand sanitizer—the kind with around 60% alcohol—on the bite as soon as you can, it’ll ease the itch quite a bit. Not a cure-all, but it takes the edge off.

Also, a reminder: wash all your clothes using unscented soap, and do the same with your body and hands. My wife and I stick to plain unscented soaps like Dove or Ivory up here in the north, and it really does help. You’d be surprised how much of a difference that simple change can make. Oh, and It even cuts down on mosquitoes, which, by the way, are starting to show up now too. Might be a bad year for them with all this damp weather hanging around.

On another note:
Yesterday, I worked the day away—part of it outside and the rest in the woodworking shop—setting out more of the things we’ll be putting up for sale. Between that and looking after the folks who dropped by, we were kept on our toes pretty much all day. Never a dull moment when you’re trying to clear space and make a few bucks at the same time.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, glad you asked. Today, my wife and I are planning to get our vegetable gardens planted. First, though, I need to till it up one more time. I already went over it twice earlier this month, but since I covered it with grass cuttings from the last two mowings, it needs another good working-in. That’ll help give the soil some life—and the veggies some real flavour. The kind you just can’t buy in a store these days.

You know, if someone blindfolded you and handed you one of those store-bought tomatoes, most folks wouldn’t even know it was a tomato. No taste whatsoever. These days it’s all about looks, not flavour—or what’s actually good for you.

At any rate, that’s the plan around here today. Once the planting’s done, we’ll sit back and let summer unroll around us, just the way it’s meant to.

So with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. After that, I’ll get to work—well, right after we’ve had our morning chat and a cup of hot cocoa.

I sure do enjoy that little ritual each day. There’s just something about cocoa in the morning that sets the tone. It warms you from the inside out and slows the world down for a while. Kinda makes the day feel a little more grounded before the noise starts. You know, some folks need coffee to get going, me… I’ll take that quiet moment with cocoa and conversation any day. Especially if it’s with my little woman.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW