“A Peek at Our Fall Colors Surrounding Our Property”

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Good Morning! You know, at my age, if you wake up achin’, it’s a good sign you’re still alive and kickin’.

Once again, it looks like we’re in for another fine day here in Northern Ontario, Canada. The leaves on the trees are sure putting on a show this year. If there was a contest for the best painter, ‘Aside from my Lovely Wife‘, Mother Nature would take the top spot. Walking around the property, I can’t seem to get enough of her surrounding beauty. The colors, the way the trees sway in the breeze, it’s a reminder of how lucky my wife and I are to live here in the north. Simple as that. Nothing fancy, just pure, natural beauty.

Highway 522 was a bit busier than usual yesterday, with hunters making their way into the area. It’ll stay like that until after Christmas, I figure. Still, it’s nice to see folks out and about, enjoying themselves while this good weather lasts.

Yesterday, my wife and I took some time to sit out on the front deck with a freshly perked cup of coffee. It was real nice, just enjoying the view of our property. After that, I finally got around to cleaning up the woodworking shop, it sure was a mess after all the work I’ve been doing lately. Not that I’m complaining, mind you. Where would I be without it? My old Dad always said, “Tools are only as good as the man usin’ them,” and boy, he was right. Nowadays, you’ve got fellas with gadgets so fancy, you’d think they were fixing to build a rocket. But hand them a hammer, and you might want to stand back, or put your hard hat on!

On another note, today I’ve got some more outside work to do. With the weather being so nice, I can’t stand the thought of being cooped up inside. So after my lovely wife makes breakfast for me, I’ll head on outdoors. Hmm, maybe I’ll enjoy a cup of turmeric tea on the front porch first. Good stuff for keeping the inflammation down, which is something a lot of us old timers are all too familiar with these days. ‘It’s pretty hard to beat Mother Nature when it comes to her healing properties.‘

With that, you all have a great day, and I will leave you with this. “Your life and body are like a well-tended garden—take care of it, and you’ll enjoy the harvest for years to come.” GW

Good Morning! I’ve got a true story to share with you today, one that’s been on my mind for years.

I remember sitting on a stump by a creek with my old friend Gray Wolf. I was just a kid back then, not sure what to do with my life. My dad had sent me off to live with someone else, and I felt like he didn’t want me anymore. It hurt, but I didn’t know how to fix it.

Gray Wolf sat beside me, quiet as always. I looked up at him and asked, “What do you think about life? Mine sure doesn’t feel like much right now.”

He didn’t answer right away, instead, he watched the creek, letting the water talk for a bit. Then, in that calm, steady way of his, he said, “Life, boy, is like this stream. It don’t stop when it hits a stone. No… it moves around, finds a new path. You have to be like the stream. You make your own way, even if it twists and turns.”

I listened. He didn’t say much, but he didn’t need to. The creek spoke for him, and I began to see that life wasn’t about everything going smooth; it was about learning to flow around the rocks and keep moving forward, no matter what.

Then Gray Wolf looked at me again, his dark eyes full of something I couldn’t quite understand at that time. “The path don’t matter much,” he said, “as long as you keep going. You choose which way. The stones… they help you find it.”

As I grew older, his words made a lot of sense.

I never forgot those words and you know—over the years I have found that sometimes life takes you places you didn’t expect, but there’s always a way around, just like Gray Wolf said. I have also found that sometimes, the rocks in the stream aren’t there to block you—they’re there to guide you.

So there you go, an event that happened many years ago. You can take it for what it’s worth.

On another note, we’re in the midst of a few clouds this morning here in Cottage Country, and we might see a brief shower or two. But after that, things should clear up, and the sun will be with us once again. I have to say, it’s a beautiful time of year. Truth be told, I even love the smell of the air right now. Everything seems to carry a touch of freshness—the earth, the trees, even the breeze feels like it’s whispering that fall is on its way.

Highway 522 has quieted down considerably, yet the locals still wander about, making their way here and there. There isn’t much to see, but somehow they always manage to find something to keep themselves occupied. It makes me scratch my head from time to time. But then again, as I always say, to each their own.

Other than that, I don’t have much to share this morning, other than, my wife and I managed to get the grass cut yesterday, and gathered a nice pile of leaves for the vegetable garden. Later, I’ll rototiller them in to help things grow next spring. It’s a good way to make use of what we have, and it doesn’t cost a thing!

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has put together and will then see what the day has in store.

You all have a great day and I will leave you with this. “Life’s a bit like a good cup of coffee: take it slow, savor each sip, and don’t let it get cold.” GW

Good Morning! My old Friend Gray Wolf while sitting on his front porch one time said. “George the owl watches and waits—sometimes wisdom comes not from speaking, but from listening”

It’s a pretty good-looking morning here in Northern Ontario, Canada. The sun is slowly making it’s way higher in the East, and I have to say it sure looks nice with it shining through all the coloured leaves. That are all out in full force right now. Well—at least here where we live. And—by the looks of things that are taking place all around us, the weather will stay quite nice for the next week or so. Other than a couple of showers on Sunday and Monday. However, in saying that it has cooled down a bit, especially at night, but I am not complaining as it makes sleeping mighty nice.

My wife and I have been really busy for the past few days, getting our outside work done up for winter. I have also been writing up stories for my columns I write for, so I will have a few ahead for winter. My wife, well—she has been working steadily on finishing up some paintings that customers has ordered and if things goes to plan she should have them looked after by Thanksgiving.

On another note, we did take a trip to North Bay on Tuesday as we were in need of some supplies and groceries. We also picked up a nice turkey for Thanksgiving as all our family is coming home this year for a few days. While there, other than picking up our groceries we stopped off for a pizza at East Side Mario’s, enjoyed that with a drink or two, then stopped for a coffee at a local coffee shop and sipped on it while on our way home, taking in all the Fall Colours. I noticed that they are really out in full force in some areas, while in other places they haven’t started yet. Just goes to show you, no matter how much we think we can control things, Mother Nature has her own way of doing things. She moves to her own rhythm, untouched by what we humans want. There’s something kind of comforting in that, especially when you look at how our so-called leaders try to run the world. Makes you realize who’s really in charge

Highway 522 has slowed down a lot these days, but it is that time of year with the tourists staying close to home. I have also noticed that some of the folks that have cottages in our area have been closing things up, and a lot have been putting their boats away for winter. In truth, though, we can still get some very nice weather for the next few weeks or so.

On the flip side, our gift shop’s been bustling with folks stopping by to check out the unique items we offer. My wife’s paintings were a big hit this year—she sold most of her pieces and even picked up quite a few custom orders. She’s one talented gal, no doubt about it

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me, and will then head on out to my shop and see if our mowers are awake yet, as it is mowing day here for us.

You all have a great day and I will leave you with this. “The secret to a good life ain’t in having more—it’s in enjoying what you already have.” GW

The Sedum on our property is really putting on a show these days, along with all our other plants. It’s a never-ending display of what nature has to offer.

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Good Morning! My old Native Friend Gray Wolf used to say: “George, the quiet of the morning has a lot to say, if you’re willin’ to listen.”

It’s another beautiful day here in the North. The sun’s shining, the temperature’s climbing as I sit here typing, and there’s just a light breeze in the air. I’ve also noticed many of our songbirds have already left for warmer places, and it’s always a bit sad to see them go. My wife and I sure do enjoy watching them at the feeder every morning—and throughout the day, for that matter. But that’s life; things are always changing. It kind of reminds you to appreciate what you’ve got while it’s here. Weather-wise, though, I can’t complain—it’s been one fine summer.

On another note, I had planned to clean up my woodworking shop yesterday, but never quite got around to it. I ended up getting tied up at the computer, working on a couple of stories for my columns. But all in all, it was still a great day, and that’s what counts. My wife and I did manage to get outside in the afternoon and soak up some sunshine, which felt pretty good. Best to enjoy it while we can, as up here in the North, the weather can change on a dime.

On another note, we’ll see what today brings. Maybe I’ll finally get to cleaning my shop, or perhaps I’ll continue writing—or who knows, I might even work on another YouTube video. Truth be told, I never really know what I’ll end up doing. I seem to start in one direction and wind up somewhere else entirely. But that’s alright; it keeps life interesting.

So with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. After that, we’ll see what the day has in store—although one thing’s for certain: once breakfast is done, my wife and I will be sitting on the front porch with a cup of hot cocoa, taking in our beautiful piece of property, before I tackle anything else.

You all have a great day and remember: “Life’s like a well-tended garden—take care of it, and you’ll enjoy the harvest for years to come.” GW

Our Sweet Orange Peppers Are Sure Tasty This Time of Year

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Good mornin’! Each day brings a fresh start—are you out there tendin’ to your dreams? Or— just plowin’ the same old field?

It sure is a beautiful day here in Northern Ontario. The sun’s just coming up, shining through the trees, lighting up the fall colours in a way that makes you stop and stare. The thing is— it changes with every passing second, and I can’t help but stand there, not wanting to walk away. There’s something about this time of year that gets to me, hard to explain. Makes me wonder how many folks miss out on these little moments.

Highway 522’s still slow, like it always is this time of year. But truth be told, there’s no other road I’d rather be on in the fall. It’s one of those stretches where you don’t have to hurry, giving you the chance to really take in all that nature has to offer. Every so often, a critter will wander across the road, or you’ll see one grazing along the edge. And with those fall colours all around, well, let me tell you, it’s a sight that sticks with you.

On another note, my wife and I got the grass cut the other day. With the cooler temps and heavy dew in the mornings, it’s been growing leaps and bounds. My wife has been saving the clippings along with the chewed-up maple leaves, spreading them across our vegetable garden, now that it’s done for the year. Once the leaves finish falling and the grass stops growing, I’ll till it all under, and that’ll give the garden what it needs for a good crop of veggies next year. No need for chemical fertilizers around here. After we finished up, we sat on our swing with a cold glass of water, just taking in everything around us. When it’s all done up like that, it sure is a sight to see. Gotta tell ya, “it’s a fine place to live.”

Today, I’m not quite sure what I’ll do yet. It’s a nice day, so I’m thinking about tidying up the woodworking shop to get it ready for some projects I want to tackle later this year. I also need to bring over some firewood from the bush beside the house. It’s pine, which is softwood—I don’t use it for heating the house because it builds up too much creosote, but it’s perfect for the old shop stove. I’ve always enjoyed working in the shop when it’s cold outside and snow is blowing around. There’s something about that old stove burning away that makes everything feel just right. I can’t quite explain it, but it’s a good feeling.

With that, I’m off for a bowl of cereal this morning—Shreddies for a change. After that, I’ll head out to the front porch with a cup of hot cocoa to share the moment with my lovely wife.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you all with this to ponder on. “A kind word is like a seed; plant it where you can, and watch it grow.” GW

Good Morning! You know— when people say George, “you can’t change the world, I tell them, maybe not, but I sure can change my corner of it.”

Well, it looks like we’re in for a bit more rain this morning. Sure can’t do much about it, so I reckon I’ll just let it be. It’s been steady, and by the looks of things, it won’t ease up till the afternoon. After that though, they say the sun’ll be poking through, and we’re supposed to have six days of decent weather ahead. I’ll believe it when I see it, as this time of year, anything can change at the drop of a hat. It seems like every season’s got its own tricks, and you learn to roll with it, living out here as long as I have.

I remember my old Dad saying once, “George, when you live here on the farm, you learn to take things as they come. No use fussing over the weather like they do in the city. We live day to day, one moment it’s warm as toast, and the next, there’s frost on the pumpkins. Keeps a man humble, knowing he’s not in charge— the thing is, nature’s running the show, and we’re just here for the ride.”

Highway 522 has slowed down some traffic wise with mostly locals roaming around. Which is normal for our neck of the woods, especially this time of year.

On another note, with the rain keeping me indoors yesterday, I spent the day tinkering away on the computer. Turned out to be a productive one. Felt pretty good to sit a spell and let the old bones take a break. They’re starting to feel a bit more like their usual self, which is a good thing because there’s still plenty of work waiting outside. Winter’s got a way of sneaking up on you around here, and if you don’t get ahead of it while the weather holds, well… you might just find yourself in for a rough go.

Today however being still raining off and on I am thinking I will spend another day writing up some stories, or I might just edit up another YouTube Video I made awhile back. I have to admit I enjoy doing those things, that is when it isn’t nice outside, as I hate being inside on beautiful days.

With that I am off once again for my breakfast that my lovely wife has prepared for me, and will then see what the rest of the day has to offer.

You never know what the day might bring; often, it’s the simplest moments that turn out to be the sweetest. Living out here where we do, away from the cities, I’ve come to understand that life isn’t just about the chores that need doing. Not by a long shot. It’s also about savoring those little things—the warmth of a good meal, the gentle patter of rain on the roof, and— the comfort of having a loved one like my little woman by my side.

You all have a great day and remember: “Every day’s a gift—just don’t forget to open it slow-like.” GW

Good Morning! Ever wonder if we’re chasing time, or if time’s just watching us run?

Weather wise here in Port Loring: It looks like we’ll stay in this pleasant phase for a bit longer. The cooler air will likely start creeping in slowly as the month goes by, but nothing dramatic just yet. It’s towards the end of October that things might get a little more unpredictable, especially if any cold air meets up with whatever is happening over the Atlantic.

For now, though, we’re in the clear. No rush into winter—just a steady ease into the cooler days ahead. Keep enjoying this early autumn while it lasts.

But in saying all that, after today, it looks as if we will be getting some rain for the next few days.

Highway 522 is slow this morning, but that’s no surprise, it being Sunday and all. Most folks around here take the day off, enjoying the break. As for my wife and me, well, every day’s the same. We see each one as carrying its own weight, no more or less than the next. You could say that—life just flows better when you walk to the beat of your own drum.

On another note, yesterday my body decided it needed a rest, so I gave in and took it easy for a change. I spent the day tinkering away here at my computer, putting together a couple of stories for my columns. And you know what? It turned out to be a great day for it. You know, some days, the words just fall into place like they’ve been waiting for you all along. Other days? Well—it’s like they’ve up and vanished, leaving me sitting here, scratching my head and wondering where they’ve run off to.

Today, I’m thinking of doing much the same, but I’ll be putting the writing on the back burner. Instead, I’ll get into editing some YouTube videos I’ve been piecing together throughout the summer. It’s funny how quickly you can lose touch with modern technology; if you don’t stay on top of it, you might forget the ropes entirely. So, I figure it’s best to get to it now and refresh my skills before they slip away. And just a heads-up: be sure to keep an eye on my YouTube channel for some exciting new videos rolling out this winter. You won’t want to miss what’s coming next! Check it out at George Simplicity Wisdom.

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me and will then settle into my lazy boy chair with a cup of hot cocoa.

You all have a great day and remember: life is like a country road—sometimes bumpy, but it’s all about enjoying the ride. So buckle up and enjoy the view! GW

Good Morning Folks! Remember, the only bad day is the one you didn’t get up to meet.

Looks like we’re in for another warm, sunny day up here in the north, and the fresh air is just waiting for us to breathe it in. The sun’s climbing a little higher as I write, but it’s sure taking its time—just another sign the days are getting shorter, and winter’s creeping closer. Most of the songbirds have already left for the year, and for weeks now, my wife and I have watched the geese fly south in their perfect V-formations. Well—most of the time, occasionally the ones behind the leader are off course a touch. Kids these days.

You know, living out here in the country, far from the noise and rush of city life, there’s a calm that settles in. No traffic, no crowds—just the sounds of the land and those peaceful moments that come with it. Every day feels like a blessing, breathing in the clean air and looking out at nature that surrounds us is sure something to see. I have found that life moves at its own pace here, and it’s the simple things that make it all worthwhile. Like sitting here in the mornings talking to you.

On another note, I finally got around to putting a coat of wood preservative on the front deck yesterday. It took some effort—getting down on my knees isn’t as easy as it used to be. And no, before you ask, I wasn’t praying! I use a brush to work the preservative into every crack and crevice, which is essential with all the rain and snow we get up here in the north. The only challenge was the sun beating down on me, but that’s actually the best time to do it. The heat dries it up quickly, just how you want it.

Highway 522 is still quiet these days, which is normal for this time of year. It’s just the way I like it—peaceful and calm. Only the locals are out and about, probably fishing or catching up on the latest gossip at the local diner. It’s the kind of quiet where you can just enjoy the calm and the occasional wave from a passerby.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me and after that, I’ll head outside to get the mowers fired up as it’s mowing day. You know—there is always something to keep us busy around the old home!

You all have a great day, and remember: Every sunrise is a new chance to make today better than yesterday. So, take a moment to appreciate the small joys—they add up to a good life. GW

Good Morning! You know, if there is one thing the farm or country’s shown me over the years, is that most problems work themselves out if you just give ‘em enough time.

It’s a bit misty here in cottage country this morning, caused with the cool night air meeting the warmer morning air. The truth of the matter is—nature’s showing us we’re in for a warm week ahead. Perfect weather for a bit of yard work or just relaxing on the porch. Truth told, the porch is looking mighty fine to me. I think I heard it calling for a bit of company?

Highway 522 has certainly quieted down recently, but we had a great day at our gift shop yesterday. A whole busload of folks dropped in, and they were all smiles, admiring my wife’s paintings, my flutes, and my books. They mentioned they were seeking out special, one-of-a-kind places and had heard about us on their travels. We enjoyed a great chat with them, and they picked out some favorites before continuing on their way. It’s sure nice to see so many people valuing homemade, unique items these days.

On another note, yesterday I started cleaning up our vegetable garden for the year, getting it ready for winter. I should be able to finish it up this morning. But I won’t till it up for another few weeks yet, as we still have some lettuce and orange peppers, and we wouldn’t want to bother them. Nothing like fresh salads right from one’s garden come supper time.

With that, I’m off to enjoy some pancakes my lovely wife has made just for me. After that, I’ll head out to our front porch for a hot cup of cocoa before getting into work. It’s sure great to do what you want, when you want, without any interference from the outside world.

You all have a great day and I will leave you with this: Country living might not have all the excitement of the city, but the trade-off is worth it when you’re waking up to a calm morning and the sound of the birds, not the honking of horns. GW

Good Morning! You know, after all these years, I’ve come to know that life’s like a good pair of boots—takes time to break them in, but once they’re right, they’re with you for the long haul.

Well, it’s been a few days since I last checked in here, the reason being that my lovely wife and I took a little trip south of us, just to see what the other half is up to. I have to say, after a few days among the hustle and bustle of city life, we sure were glad to get back to the quiet of the country.

First off, the traffic! You know! I have no idea how people handle it day in and day out. Cars whizzing by in every direction, horns blaring… not exactly what we’re used to, that’s for certain. And those houses? Packed in so tight, you could pass your neighbor a cup of sugar right through the window without leaving your kitchen. I think if I lived there long enough, I’d start missing the privacy of my own porch real quick.

Then there was the whole adventure of finding a place to stay. Now, my wife and I have seen our fair share of motels over the years, and I have to tell you, things haven’t gotten any better. Actually, years ago, things were somewhat better in a lot of ways. One thing is that, today, we’ve learned to ask for a look at the room before handing over any money, but even that doesn’t prepare you for what you find once you’re actually in it. Sometimes, what looks fine at first glance ends up being something else entirely by the time you’ve unpacked your bag. I won’t even mention the shower.

We also figured we’d try a night at the movies. Well, here again we’ve been to plenty of theaters in our day, but this one might take the cake. The place smelled like they hadn’t opened a window since the 70s, and the seats? I’d have been better off sitting on a log. As for the popcorn, let’s just say it had a texture that made me think it might’ve been leftover from the last showing of Gone with the Wind. We didn’t even make it halfway through the bucket before tossing it. And believe me, if you knew my wife’s love for popcorn, you’d understand what a tragedy that was.

Now, I know this might sound like a lot of griping, but that’s not really it as hell, I’m more than willing to pay for things if they’re worth the price— but to me, it just seems these days, you don’t always get what you’re paying for.

But all in all, we did enjoy a few days away, even if it mostly reminded us of how good we’ve got it here. There’s just something about coming home, stepping out onto your own porch, or walking around your property, taking in the stillness that city folks couldn’t even dream of. Hell, I’d bet most of ‘em haven’t heard a cricket chirp in years.

Truth be told, after this trip, I’m more convinced than ever that my wife and I got it pretty good here in the country. At least out here, if something smells funny, it’s usually just our compost pile—not the theater seats, or??

On another note, after we got home, my wife and I tackled the grass yesterday, and I must say, the property is looking mighty fine. I also noticed that traffic around here has eased up quite a bit. I’m guessing it’s a combination of the kids being back in school and the price of things, which we got a firsthand look at during our four-day trip.

Today—well, today I’m thinking of cleaning up our driveway a bit, in other words, making it look a touch nicer. Leave a driveway long enough without tending to it, and eventually, it’ll start to look like a lane-way from years ago, with all the grass and weeds that start to take over. I didn’t mind it years ago though, as it gave the place an authentic look of where one was living.

With that, I am glad to be back home, and now going to have my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me; and then will head outdoors and enjoy the remaining days of summer here in the north. And you know— while the city’s chasing its tail, I think we are pretty darn lucky, to be able to watch the world turn, one slow sunrise at a time. Life is good, my friends, life is good. GW

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Morning, folks! You know, if there’s one thing the country and age has taught me, it’s this; “Slow down, because life will move fast enough without you chasin’ it.”

Starting off the day, we’ve got a rainy morning here in the north. The rain began around 2:00 AM, and it looks like it’ll be with us on and off for most of the day, through the night, and into tomorrow. As I’ve mentioned in earlier forecasts, we’re in for a cool spell over the next few days. But don’t worry, summer hasn’t given up entirely, as we’re still in for a few more sunny days with pleasant temperatures, which suits my wife and me just fine, as we’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer just yet.

In saying all that, tomorrow will give us a glimpse of what’s to come. It’s almost like Mother Nature is giving us a heads-up to get ready. The trouble is, it seems like fewer people are paying attention to her signals these days. And with all the talk of global warming, you’d think folks would be more tuned in. But the truth is, these changes have been happening for thousands of years, and will keep on going, no matter what we do.

Speaking of being prepared, I spent a couple of days bringing in our firewood I think we’ll need for winter. Let me tell you, my old body was certainly feeling it once all was said and done. But, I’m glad to have it done before the damp, rainy weather sets in—which, as you know, can be quite frequent up here in the north. Dry wood is like a wick; when it rains, it soaks up the moisture and takes forever to dry out. Some folks wait until it’s cold outside to get their wood in, but I have found that early September is the sweet spot.

I also keep the dehumidifier running in the basement to help keep the wood nice and dry. Once the air is less humid and the furnace kicks in, I turn it off for the winter. Little things like that can save you a lot of headaches later on. It’s the way I was taught, and it’s served me well for, let’s just say, many years. Now, I’m not saying I’m old, but I do remember when the only thing on TV was snow.

And I can’t forget to mention my lovely wife, who’s been running herself ragged reorganizing the whole house lately—upstairs, downstairs, and every nook in between. She’s also been cleaning up after me, which truth told, is a full-time job by itself. That woman of mine, she’s been by my side for over fifty some years, and I am darn lucky to have her in my life.

Today, with the rain and my body still aching from yesterday’s hard work, I think I will stay inside. I’m learning that as I age, taking it easy and enjoying some downtime is more important than ever.

Highway 522 has quieted down quite a bit lately, with many folks back in their homes in the cities. I actually like it this way; it’s quieter and gives me time to enjoy what’s truly important in life.

With that I am off for my morning breakfast that my little woman has made for me and will then see what the day has in store, other than what I have planned. One never knows.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this: Out here, life’s about enjoying the simple things—a contrast to the city’s constant rush. Sometimes, the best things are found in the quiet. GW

Good Morning! You know—after decades of working with seeds and words, I’ve learned that patience is what makes them grow strong.

Well, it’s a cloudy morning here in cottage country on this first day of September. We’re getting a few showers, but the good news is we should see some off-and-on sunshine a bit later. Not that I’m complaining, mind you—it’s that time of year when the seasons are changing, and the weather likes to keep us on our toes.

I’ve got to say, we’ve had a pretty good summer, managing to get a lot done around the property—and even inside the house, for that matter. One thing that surprised me was how well the equipment behaved. They only needed a few minor fixes here and there, which is a small miracle with some being a touch old. At any rate, it’s always nice when things go to plan; as there is nothing worse than starting a project, only to have something break down, and having to spend the rest of the day figuring out how to get it back up and running.

On another note, yesterday I spent the day working away inside our home, applying paint and tackling all those little things that seem to pop up out of nowhere. I thought I’d have it all finished, but—well, you know how that goes. It’s funny how just when you think you’re in the home stretch, the finish line decides to move a few more miles down the road.

Today, I’ll get back to work and see how it turns out. The silver lining is that this year, I’m feeling stronger and healthier than I have in the past two. Let’s hope it stays that way. The truth is, good health is the foundation of everything. Without it, all the projects and plans in the world don’t mean much. So, take care of yourselves, eat right, get some exercise, and just do what’s good—for you.

My wife has also been running on all cylinders—looking after the customers in our gift shop, keeping up with her housework, and following me around cleaning up my messes. Let me tell you, that’s practically a full-time job on its own! I’m sure lucky to have her; as she keeps everything running smoothly and makes each day a lot brighter. We are a team, that’s for sure, as we have worked together now for over fifty some years. Truth is, she knows what needs doing before I even realize it’s a problem!

With that, I’m off for my breakfast, which is my usual morning routine, and then I’ll get to work.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this to ponder on. “Every day is a new page, and it’s up to you to fill it with some great stories.”

Took a picture of a Yellow Rose in our garden yesterday that just opened up. Sure is pretty—and smells down right nice too!

Click on image to enlarge!

Good morning! If there’s one piece of wisdom I’ve picked up over the years, it’s this: “Don’t sweat the small stuff, because most of it is just that—small stuff.”

Looks like we’re in for another fine day up here in the north. The sun’s already peeking through the trees, casting a warm glow on everything it touches. The winds are quiet, coming in from the WNW, barely enough to rustle the leaves. And the temperature? Well, it’s one of those perfect days, when you can’t help but smile just stepping outside. Not a soul could find a reason to grumble about the weather today—it’s one of those rare days, that makes you glad to be alive.

Highway 522 is pretty quiet these days. The reason being is that a lot of folks are sticking close to home, getting things ready for the kids to head back to school next week. And with the price of things climbing, and those big corporations taking more than their share, folks are feeling the squeeze. Not to forget the taxes we have to pay for things these days, as they sure aren’t making it any easier, either. Times are tough, and truth told, people are doing what they can, just to make ends meet.

But in saying all that, living up here in the north is something special. The peace, the quiet, and the natural beauty makes it one of the best places to call home. Every day, you wake up to fresh air and the sounds of nature. It’s a place where you can truly feel at ease, surrounded by the beauty of the land. If you’re looking for a place that feels like home, this is it.

Other than that, my friends, not much else is happening in and around our small little town. It’s one of those quiet mornings where the most exciting thing might just be—a good cup of coffee.

With that, I’m off for my morning breakfast, prepared by my lovely wife. Afterward, I’ll get back to painting the kitchen—I’m slowly but surely making progress. Might even finish it today.

I will leave you with this to ponder on. The old saying goes; “The best way to predict the future is to create it—but don’t forget to take the time to enjoy each moment along the way!”

In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well! GW