Good Morning! And remember, every day is a new start. And if it starts with coffee or…., even better!

It looks like we’re in for another nice day here in the north. It is a bit misty now, but the sun is slowly burning it off.

Highway 522 is seeing a bit more traffic lately, though it’s still not as busy as in previous years. I reckon many folks are feeling the financial pinch these days, which means more of them are staying close to home.

Bug Report: All is good in that department, except for a few mosquitoes lurking in the shady, damp areas. It’s also that time of year when they like to sneak into the house, just to irritate folks, right when they’re drifting off to sleep. I guess they think we’re their midnight snack!

On another note, my wife and I took a trip to North Bay yesterday. We got what we needed, had lunch in our car while watching the world go by, picked up a coffee and donut, and headed on home, taking in what nature had to offer, along the way. All in all, it was a good day. There’s something about these little outings that just lifts the spirits!

Today is mowing day for my wife and I, which will keep us busy for the morning. With all the rain and cooler temperatures, everything is growing like crazy. So far, it’s shaping up to be a great summer. As I always say, so much for global warming. Mother Nature has been running the show for millions of years, and no matter what we do, she’s going to keep doing her thing. It’s almost like she enjoys keeping us on our toes!

After we finish that up, being a nice day, I am thinking some front porch sittin’ will be in order, taking in our beautiful piece of property, and maybe a drink of sweet tea… just because we can.

With that, I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me, which will be a bowl of porridge this morning for a change. Kind of a healthy way to start the morning!

You all have a great day, for me: It’s time to get my boots dirty and see what the day brings. A little dirt never hurt anyone, right? GW

Fishing Times for Thursday
07/04/24

Major Times
–:—–:–
11:14 AM-1:14 PM

Minor Times
3:10 AM-4:10 AM
8:18 PM-9:18 PM

Day Rating: Better; Actually, I give it a 4-star rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Sun Data
Rise: 5:32 AM
Set: 9:11 PM

Day Length
15 hrs. 39 mins.

Moon Data
Rise: 3:40 AM
Set: 8:48 PM
Moon Phase

2% Waning Crescent

Advice from an Old Angler: Cast with the wind at your back. Not only does it help with longer casts, but fish often face into the current, so your bait will come to them naturally.

Good Morning! Time to rise and shine, or at least rise. We’ll… work on the shine part later.

It’s looking like another nice day here in cottage country, the kind of morning that makes you glad to be living in the north. The sun is shining, and there’s a crispness in the air that you just don’t get anywhere else. In my mind, it’s a pretty nice part of Ontario to be living.

You know, I didn’t move to this small town to strike it rich. Truth be told, I came here to escape the noise and rush of the big city. I was looking for elbow room, a bit of space to breathe and stretch out without bumping into someone every five minutes. And let me tell you, my wife and I found it. We settled in, enjoying the peace and quiet, the kind that lets you hear the crickets at night and the birds in the morning.

But as with all good things, time and people bring change. If you stick around long enough, you’ll see it happen. What was once open and free starts to close in on you again. They call it progress. More houses, more people, more hustle and bustle. It’s a bit ironic, isn’t it? Moving to get away from it all, only to have ‘it all’ catch up with you.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying it’s all bad. Where we live is still pretty darn nice. There’s still room to stretch out a bit, and you can still hear those crickets at night if you listen hard enough. And the folks around here are good people, just like us, trying to find their own bit of peace in this fast-paced world.

So, while progress rolls on, I remind myself why we came here in the first place. It wasn’t for the money or the amenities. It was for the quiet moments, the elbow room, and the simpler way of life. And despite the changes, there’s still a lot of that to be found if you know where to look.

Highway 522 did pick up a lot yesterday with a lot of new folks entering into the picture.

Bug Report: Other than those pesky mosquitoes, things are pretty good these days. Honestly, they aren’t all that bad if you stay out of the shady areas. Of course, that’s where the best fishing spots are, so it’s a bit of a trade-off. But hey, it’s summer, and summer is summer here in the north. We take the good with the bad, and the bad with a bit of bug spray. Or at the very least wear long sleeve shirts. I don’t personally care for bug spray.

Yesterday was quite the busy day for my wife and me; as our gift shop saw a steady flow of new faces, each person picking up items of their choice. It was nice, really, because along with the sales, we got to hear about what’s going on in other parts of the world. It’s always interesting to learn something new from folks passing through.

Today I have some outside work that needs attending, like weeding our vegetable garden, cleaning up our woodworking shop and… working on our lean-too where we keep our car, which I will get at after breakfast, that my lovely wife has made for me. Oh, and can’t forget our cup of hot cocoa on our front porch, or swing by our fishpond, taking in our beautiful piece of property.

With that, you all have a great day: I am off to see what the day throws my way. Take it easy, folks! GW

Fishing Times for Tuesday
07/02/24

Major Times
9:17 AM-11:17 AM
9:46 PM-11:46 PM

Minor Times
1:49 AM-2:49 AM
5:58 PM-6:58 PM

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

Sun Data
Rise: 5:31 AM
Set: 9:11 PM

Day Length
15 hrs. 40 mins.

Moon Data
Rise: 2:19 AM
Set: 6:28 PM
Over: 10:17 AM
Under: 10:46 PM

Moon Phase

12%
waning
crescent

Advice from an Old Angler: Keep an eye on the water’s surface. If you see fish jumping, or schools of bait fish, that’s where you want to cast. Fish activity means feeding time

It’s the first day of July: Good Morning! Another day…another chance to not step in something that the cows left behind.

It’s looking as if we are in for a real nice day here in cottage country. The sun has finally made its appearance, hardly a cloud in the sky. Just the kind of mornings I enjoy waking up to.

Highway 522 is still very quiet these days other than the locals roaming around looking for things to do and see. In a small town, the road may be empty, but the stories are always flowing.

Bug Report: All is good… other than a few mosquitoes.

On another note, yesterday I worked the day away here in front of my computer writing up a story. You know, some days the words flow like a river, and other days it’s like trying to squeeze water from a rock. Yesterday felt more like the rock, but I did manage to get one out in the open.

Today, I plan on fixing up the building where I keep my lumber. It’s been a mess for over a year now. So today, I’m going to see if I can organize it, so I can get to things. It’s going to be a job, but it needs to be done. There’s nothing worse than wanting to work on a project in my woodworking shop and not being able to get to what I need.

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me, and after that, a cup of hot cocoa out in the fresh country air before I settle into the day’s work. Pretty rough life, huh?

With that, you all have a great day: And remember, life’s what you make of it! GW

The Best Fishing Times for Monday
07/01/24

Major Times
8:23 AM-10:23 AM
8:50 PM-10:50 PM

Minor Times
1:22 AM-2:22 AM
4:39 PM-5:39 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 2-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Sun Data
Rise: 5:31 AM
Set: 9:12 PM

Day Length
15 hrs. 41 mins

Advice from an Old Angler: Thread several small worms onto a single hook to make a worm ball. Creates more movement and scent in the water, which attracts more fish!!

Good Morning! Over the years, I’ve learned that life is a lot like farming. You have to put in the work and be patient. As we head into July, let’s take it one day at a time.

It’s a cloudy last day of June here in Cottage Country, and it seems those clouds will hang around most of the day. The cooler jacket weather is perfect for outdoor work, though, which suits me just fine. But a little sunshine would also be a nice-added touch,

Looking ahead, tomorrow promises some sunshine, a welcome sight for those enjoying the long weekend before returning to work.

Highway 522 is still quiet these days, with fewer folks out and about … a sign of the times, I reckon. It’s no surprise, though, especially when you consider that about half of the working man’s paycheck goes to taxes. They already pay enough in taxes on essentials like food, clothes, and gas along with other things; taking more from their paycheck seems like pure greed on the government’s part. Personally, I believe paychecks should be left alone.

Bug Report: Everything’s ticking along just fine, though those persistent mosquitoes are still buzzing around, doing their best to annoy folks … but hey, they’re not as bad as they could be!

On another note, with the rain keeping me indoors yesterday, I spent the day here at my computer. I had planned to write up some stories for my newspaper columns, but it wasn’t quite the day for it. No matter how I tried, nothing worthwhile seemed to materialize. Such is the life of a writer, but there are always days like these. Here’s hoping today brings a bit more inspiration, especially for writing.

With that, I’m heading off for breakfast, prepared by my lovely wife. Perhaps some more bacon and eggs sunny side up, with a slice of toast for dipping, and a couple of cups of coffee to go along with it. Just because I can.

You all have a great day... I’m off to enjoy the morning. And remember: ‘Life’s lessons are found in the fields/country and under the open sky.’ Take care now! GW

Times to be out Fishing on Sunday
06/30/24

Major Times
7:33 AM-9:33 AM
7:59 PM-9:59 PM

Minor Times
1:02 AM-2:02 AM
3:20 PM-4:20 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 2-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Use a jig with a pork rind trailer. The combination of the jig’s movement and the pork rind’s scent can be irresistible to bass.

“Good mornin’! Start the day slow and steady, like a good ol’ tractor… that sometimes needs a push to get going.”

Well, the long weekend is upon us, and we are all waking up to some rain. Not that we really need it, as we have had our fair share over the past few weeks. It also hasn’t been all that hot, which I like, as it makes things a lot nicer when working outdoors. Truth told, it has been a great year weather-wise.

You know… over the years, I’ve seen and done a lot. From tending fruit trees on my farm to working on a dairy farm as a boy, to running a tire and landscaping business, and even carving out a woodworking shop. Nowadays, I’m retired and living up north, enjoying the simpler life.

My writing journey has been just as varied. For over 30 years, I’ve penned columns for newspapers around the globe, sharing stories from my life experiences. I’ve published seven books so far, though none of them delve into the sci-fi realm. In saying that, currently, I’m working on a sci-fi mystery novel, hoping it’ll turn into a series.

Speaking of mysteries, there’s one that’s been on my mind lately – global warming. Now, don’t get me wrong, I believe we’re seeing changes in the climate, but I also believe it’s part of a larger cycle. Way back when, millions of years ago, carbon levels were much higher than they are today. The Earth has gone through warming and cooling phases long before we humans started driving cars and burning fossil fuels.

But here’s the kicker – while scientists are scrambling to figure it all out, I can’t help but think that maybe Mother Nature is just having one of her mood swings. After all, she’s been around a lot longer than we have, and she’s got a knack for keeping us on our toes.

So… yes we have to do our part, along with being mindful of our planet, but remember – Mother Nature always has the last laugh.

Highway 522 is quiet this morning, likely because it’s early and raining. But I suspect traffic will pick up later on. Tomorrow, we might see more showers in the morning and a lot of clouds, but later in the day, we could be greeted by some sunshine as this weather pattern moves away. It’ll be cooler, though. Monday should be real nice. Perfect timing for everyone to enjoy the last day of the long weekend!

Bug Report: Everything’s fine around here, except for those pesky mosquitoes – those blood-sucking freeloaders!

With that, I’m off for my breakfast… a couple of eggs sunny side up, a couple of slices of bacon, and… a piece of toast for dipping. You know, over the years, I’ve found that the yolk in eggs is what folks should be eating, not just the whites. It’s been proven that yolks hold a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and plenty of other good things that keep a person healthy, especially for the eyes and… well, you get the idea!

You all have a great day, and remember; “If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging. Take it easy!” GW

The Best Fishing Times for Saturday
06/29/24

Major Times
6:45 AM-8:45 AM
7:09 PM-9:09 PM

Minor Times
12:42 AM-1:42 AM
2:01 PM-3:01 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 3-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few if you do venture out there, and don’t forget your raincoat.

Advice from an Old Angler: “When reeling in, try a drift and pause technique. Reel in a bit, then pause. This stop-and-go action mimics an injured bait fish, tempting predators to strike.”

Good Morning! A new day means new chances. Try not to mess ’em up too much.

It looks as if another nice day is shaping up for us here in Cottage Country. The sun is shinning, our property is looking nice, and the birds are chirping outside our windows. Pretty hard to beat that.

Yesterday, my wife and I worked the morning away, mowing grass. After lunch, she worked in her flower gardens pulling weeds and grass, and trimming back some bushes that were getting out of hand. Myself, I tackled fixing the deck on our old Roper Mower. One spindle that drives the blades finally gave up the ghost.

While at it, I decided to hunt for some new blades, only to find out that no one carries them anymore. With the mower being so old, they’re as scarce as hens’ teeth. So, unless I can scrounge up a couple, I’ll have to put the old ones back on.

It’s an old mower, well over 30 years, but it runs pretty good. And given the cost of a new one, fixing this old girl, makes a lot of sense. Besides, it’s got character. Just like our place out here in the country—where the grass keeps growing, and the work never ends, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Today I am planning on weeding our vegetable garden, which I was going to do yesterday but got side tracked… which I am finding out happens a lot lately.

Highway 522 has sure picked up lately, likely thanks to folks gearing up for the long weekend. Everyone’s hoping for a good time, but Mother Nature might have other plans. The forecast isn’t too promising… it’s calling for humid weather with a thick cloud cover, along with a few afternoon showers, and maybe even a thunderstorm on Saturday. Sunday isn’t looking much better, cooler with a lot of clouds. Monday is looking beautiful though, sunny with peasant temperatures.

But it is what it is. On the bright side, Saturday and Sunday will be perfect weather for indoor projects—or maybe a good excuse to finally start that book you’ve been putting off. And hey, at least the mosquitoes will have a tough time flying in the rain!

Bug Report; Other than a few mosquitoes, things are pretty good. Even the deer flies aren’t all that bad. We worked outdoors all day yesterday and hardly seen a one.

With that, I’m off for a bowl of porridge this morning, courtesy of my lovely wife. After that, I’ll head out to our front porch, cup of hot cocoa in hand, and take in the view of our beautiful piece of property. We sure do love living here in cottage country, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a great way to start the day, let me tell ya.

You all have a great day and as my old friend Gray Wolf used to say: “Life’s like a river, go with the flow but steer your own course. Stay well!” GW

Fishing Times for Friday
06/28/24

Major Times
5:51 AM-7:51 AM
6:21 PM-8:21 PM

Minor Times
12:24 AM-1:24 AM
12:43 PM-1:43 PM

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

Advice from an Old Angler: “Take the young’uns fishin’. Teach ’em the old ways and share the stories. It’s not just about catchin’ fish; it’s about passin’ down traditions.”

“Mornin’, folks! Time to rise and shine, or at least rise. We’ll work on the shine part later.”

This morning in cottage country started off with some clouds, but now the sun is trying hard to break through. That will be nice, as my wife and I have some mowing to do. It seems there’s always something to be done when you own a home, especially in this neck of the woods.

You know, I retired up here in the north many years ago, wondering what I was going to do. The thing is, I’ve been busier now than I ever was when we had our farm along with two other businesses. Turns out, retirement is a full-time job… without the paycheck!

Highway 522 is picking up a wee bit, traffic-wise. With the long weekend closing in, I suspect it’ll get busier. Then again, if we have a rainy weekend, it might keep a few folks at home. So far this year, most of our weekends have had some rain, which is fine by me but not so good for those who only have weekends off. Not much one can do about that other than to find other things to do inside.

Bug Report: Actually, things are pretty good out there these days. My wife and I worked outside by my woodworking shop all day yesterday, and we hardly saw any. Which made it a real nice day.

With that, I’m off for my breakfast—a bowl of porridge that my lovely wife is making for me. After that, I’ll see if our old mowers are going to run. One never knows, being that they’re getting up there in years. Kind of like me!

You all have a great day and remember, the best fertilizer for the field is the farmer’s footsteps. See you next time!

Thursday
06/27/24

Major Times
5:09 AM-7:09 AM
5:33 PM-7:33 PM

Minor Times
12:05 AM-1:05 AM
11:25 AM-12:25 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 2-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: “Use a sliding bobber to adjust your bait’s depth easily. This lets you fish at different depths without constantly retyin’ your rig.”

Good Morning, and as my old dad used to say: Life’s like a good cup of coffee; take it slow and savor every drop.

It’s one beautiful day here in the north. The rain has left us, for a while, the sun is shinning with just a couple of fluffy clouds, the humidity is starting to drop, and the wind coming in from the North West is light. You could say it’s been a perfect spring and summer so far. And by the looks of things it is going to continue. “What’s all the fuss about global warming? Sure, there are changes happening in some parts of the world, but it’s nothing the planet hasn’t experienced before.”

On another note, we did have a lot of much-needed rain over the past week or so, which really made everything start growing. Today, I plan on doing some hoeing in my vegetable gardens, as those pesky weeds are starting to show themselves in earnest. I just cut them off and leave them where they fall, since they rot and act as fertilizer. It would be a shame to waste them.

I remember years ago when my wife and I were farming. Every winter, we had to trim our grapevines, which left a lot of brush between the rows. Most people would drag it out in piles and burn it, but I had an idea. I decided to hook up my rotary mower to the back of the tractor and cut the brush into small pieces, thinking I wouldn’t have to burn it anymore, which would save a lot of work. It worked great! Before long, folks from miles around were doing it too. Another benefit was that the small pieces would rot and act as fertilizer, which the plants loved. Sometimes, it just takes a bit of ingenuity, which isn’t as common today.

Highway 522 has picked up a wee bit, but not as much as it has over the past years. But that could change being that we are heading into July. Thinking of that, it seems time is sure flying by fast this year.

Bug Report: As I mentioned in my last post, the black flies have left us for another year, but with all this warm, wet weather, the mosquitoes are having a field day feasting on us humans. Additionally, the deer flies are particularly bad this year. They are so bad that they are forcing deer and moose out of the bush and onto the highways. We saw several spots along the highway going into town yesterday covered with blood where someone had hit one. So, best to be careful if you are out and about.

Today along with doing some hoeing in the gardens I am also going to get this old boat of mine ready to put out front of our home for sale. I was going to do it the other day but got side tracked. Which is normal for my wife and I, as we head off to do one thing and a lot of times do something totally different. Such is life living here in the country.

With that I am off for my breakfast that my little woman is preparing for me and will then, enjoy a cup of coffee on the front porch with my lovely wife, before I get to work, just because I can.

You all have a great day and don’t forget, every day’s a gift. Take care, folks

Fishing Times for Wednesday
06/26/24

Major Times
4:20 AM-6:20 AM
4:45 PM-6:45 PM

Minor Times
–:—–:–
10:05 AM-11:05 AM

Day Rating: I give it a 1-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Not the greatest day for fishing but hey! You never know. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Look for bubbles on the water’s surface. They’re often a sign of fish movin’ below, stirrin’ up the bottom. Cast your line where you see the bubbles, and you might find a school of fish.

“Good morning on this June 24th, 2024. Another day, another chance to make it count.”

It’s looking like a nice day is shaping up for us here in Cottage Country. Which is fine with me after all the rain we have had in the past few days. But the good news is it will cut down most off all the forest fires in our area. And along with that the trees, plants and things, all had a nice drink. I think our vegetable gardens grew a foot, especially our tomatoes, lettuce, pumpkins, zucchini, squash and corn. Which means we will be having some more fresh veggies and things for our table sooner than later. Although, we have been eating fresh lettuce every day.

Now, let me tell you this: I have no use for that hydroponically grown stuff. I’ve been growing vegetables all my life in good old dirt, and there’s just no comparison. Plants need soil to get what they need to stay healthy. The richness of the earth gives them a taste and nutritional profile you just can’t get with those water-based growing methods.

The soil-grown veggies are the real deal. There’s something about the way the roots dig into the ground and pull up all those nutrients that make them taste better, and be better for you. It’s the way nature intended, and that’s the way I like it. You can’t beat the flavor and wholesomeness of a vegetable grown in good, honest dirt.

On another note, yesterday being so wet once again, I worked steadily here at my computer writing up stories for my newspaper columns I write for. I had another productive day, which always puts a smile on my face.

Today I am going to clean up my boat, motor and trailer that I am selling, and hook up the trolling motor. It’s a nice combination for someone that enjoys being out on the water. After that, I have some weeds to look after, in our vegetable gardens. They also are liking all this rain we have had.

Highway 522 is not too busy these days, but closing in on the long weekend, I suspect things will pick up a bit.

Bug Report: Other than them bloodsucking parasites, the mosquitoes, things are pretty good these days. The black flies have left us for another year, but in saying that in some areas the deer flies are pretty bad.

With that, I am off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me, and will then head on outdoors and enjoy some of that much-needed sunshine. It’s what everything that is alive here on earth needs to stay healthy.

You all have a great day and remember: “It’s in the simple moments, that we find the greatest joys. Take care and enjoy your day!”

Fishing Times for Monday
06/24/24

Major Times
2:31 AM-4:31 AM
3:00 PM-5:00 PM

Minor Times
7:23 AM-8:23 AM
11:18 PM-12:18 AM

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

Advice from an Old Angler: You can’t go wrong with a juicy nightcrawler. Thread it on your hook, let it wiggle a bit, and watch the fish come swimmin’. They’re like candy for fish. GW

Good Morning! And as I have always said: “The secret to a long life? Keep breathin’ and don’t take yourself too seriously.”

It’s a muggy, damp morning here in Northern Ontario. The rain poured down all night, sometimes really coming down hard, giving everything a good soak. Now, let’s break down the upcoming weather.

There’s a persistent heatwave hanging around down south. Our northern climate and the occasional thunderstorm are trying to push it away, but it’s a stubborn one, bouncing back stronger each time, almost like it has a mind of its own.

Next weekend, a hefty storm is forecasted to sweep through, bringing rough conditions close to our borders, and maybe us here too. Meaning a few storms and a drop in temperatures, but nothing too extreme. Looks like we’ll be holding onto the warm weather for a while longer.

So, expect some possible storms and a bit of cooling, but it’ll generally stay pretty warm for us here in cottage country.

Highway 522 has slowed down some, but with the long weekend approaching, things will pick up by midweek. This is normal for our area during the summer months. However, many people are struggling due to excessive taxation and the high cost of living. The situation overseas with ongoing wars only adds to our concerns.

We need to stop pouring money into other countries when we need help here in Canada. Our country is heading towards bankruptcy with all this spending, and it’s not making any difference. Countries like Russia and its allies are stronger than ever. We should focus on strengthening our own nation. Right now, we are losing our ability to sustain a good quality of life. And truth told… is what our unfriendly countries want.

Helping other countries is important, but if we don’t prioritize our own needs first, we won’t be able to help anyone, including ourselves, in the future. We need to take care of Canada so we can be strong and self-sufficient, and we need to do it now………

On another note, since it was so wet yesterday, I decided to work on a few more stories for my weekly newspaper columns. It turned out to be a great day for writing, and I managed to get several done. With the weather being what it is this morning, I think I’ll keep the momentum going and continue writing. As a writer, when the words are flowing, it’s best to strike while the iron is hot!

With that I am off for some pancakes that my lovely wife is making for me and will then see what the day has in store.

Have a great day and don’t forget, a good day starts with a hearty breakfast and ends with a grateful heart. See y’all tomorrow!

Fishing Times for Sunday
06/23/24

Major Times
1:32 AM-3:32 AM
2:02 PM-4:02 PM

Minor Times
6:04 AM-7:04 AM
10:46 PM-11:46 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 3-star rating for catching a few, that is, if the rain leaves us. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: “After a good rain, the run-off brings all sorts of goodies into the water. Fish love to feed on worms and bugs that get washed in. Grab your gear and head out after a good rain for some prime fishin’.”

Good Morning! They say you’re only as old as you feel. Some days I feel 30, some days I feel 90. Today? Well, let’s see what today brings!

So… it’s been a few days since my last post, reason being my wife had another tooth break off, so two trips to town to get it fixed up. And on top of that, our air in the car gave up the ghost, which sure didn’t make the drive in and back very comfortable. But things worked out, and now we can get things back on track.

Today we will see about getting our mowing done up. I was surprised how much it has grown in the past week, being that it was so hot. I suspect, those wood ashes I put down in the spring has helped a lot. So that should keep us busy for the morning. After lunch, I have some staining to do on a new door we made a couple of days ago. After that, well, I am thinking some front porch sittin’ will be in order with a cup of sweet tea.

Highway 522 has seen a slight increase in traffic, but it remains slow compared to previous years. Interestingly, a few homes in our area have recently gone up for sale, which reveals something if you look closely. Many people believe that living in the north offers a great way of life, and it does, but you need to have the right mindset to survive. Living in the north isn’t about money; it’s about the inner strength of the individual. Some people move here, try it for one winter, and then decide they can’t handle it, saying, “To hell with this, I’m out of here.”

Bug Report: With this damp, hot weather, the mosquitoes have been really pestering everyone, and now the deer flies have joined the party in full force. Those suckers, once they find you, just won’t leave you alone. That’s when my trusty old hat comes in handy. But hey, it’s that time of year, and there’s not much you can do about it. Just think of it as nature’s way of making sure we all stay active!

I will leave this morning with this: Life in the country teaches us that hard work and humor are the keys to a good day. And with that bit of wisdom in mind… I am off for my morning bowl of cereal that my little woman has put together for me, and will then head on outside and see about that mowing.

Fishing Times for Friday
06/21/24

Major Times
–:—–:–
12:02 PM-2:02 PM

Minor Times
3:57 AM-4:57 AM
9:09 PM-10:09 PM

Day Rating; A great day for fishing. I give it a 5-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Should be no problem, putting a few in the frying pan for supper. In saying that. Good Luck!

Fishing Tip/Wisdom of the Day: “Get up before dawn and hit the water. That’s when the fish are most active and lookin’ for breakfast. And the best part is… you’ll often have the whole lake/river/creek to yourself.” GW

Good Morning! You know… I’m still learnin’ that the best things in life are the simple ones. Let’s keep it simple today.

It’s a really beautiful day here in cottage country. The sun is shining, and there’s a light breeze coming in from the south-southwest. It’s pretty hard to beat that! Starting today, the temperatures will begin to rise a bit, as they do every year, but they’ll drop back down within a few days.
I never let these warmer days bother me. When they occur, my lovely wife and I simply retire to our swing under our old maple tree and take it easy. And really, all you have to do is think about winter, which isn’t that far off, to appreciate the warm weather.
It’s also worth mentioning that some environmentalists are making a big deal out of this warm weather, I believe, trying to convince folks that global warming is getting worse to serve their own agendas. But the truth is, summer is summer and the world is doing what it’s always done for millions of years. So for me, well I will enjoy the warm weather while I can, especially since winter will be here before we know it.

Highway 522 was quiet yesterday with folks staying at home enjoying their day off work. Well, those that have a day off work. For my wife and me, every day is pretty much the same. If there’s work to be done, we get to it. Yesterday, we spent our time refurbishing our old gravel driveway. I rigged up an old blade of sorts and dragged it behind my mower, which loosened up the packed-down stones and gave them new life. It looks pretty good now, and the best part was… it didn’t cost us a cent, just half a day’s work.

Bug Report: Yesterday we hardly saw a one, it was a great day to get some outside worked done up, without being pestered by them sons a-guns.

Today, I plan to spend some time in my woodworking shop, working on a few ongoing projects. After that, we’ll see how the day unfolds. I might take it easy and give my body a well-deserved rest. It’s been a busy spring for my wife and me, with hardly any downtime. However, we’re doing the things we love, and as long as I feel up to it, I want to make the most of it. You never know what’s around the next corner.

With that I am off once again for my breakfast that my little woman has put together, and will then head on out to our front porch for our morning cup of hot cocoa, and then off to do some work. It makes one feel mighty fine just to be able to do these things.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you this morning with this: Up here in the north, we know there’s no time like now to appreciate what nature has to offer,

Fishing Times for Monday
06/17/24

Major Times
8:37 AM-10:37 AM
8:59 PM-10:59 PM

Minor Times
1:58 AM-2:58 AM
4:28 PM-5:28 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 2-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Fishing Tip/Wisdom of the Day: “Live minnows are a classic bait for a reason. Hook ’em through the lips or tail, and let ’em swim. Predatory fish like bass and pike can’t resist ’em.” And if you’re in our area… Gohm’s Bait and Tackle located at 18 Davis Dr, in Port Loring Ontario has them ready and waiting. Reg the owner is a great feller. GW

“Howdy & Good Morning to Ya! They say the early bird gets the worm, but at my age, I’m more interested in the coffee. Let’s start this day right!”

It’s one nice lookin’ day here in cottage country. The sun is shining, with just a couple of fluffy clouds drifting lazily across the sky. It’s a perfect day for relaxing on your front porch, working in the garden, or maybe throwing a line in the water to catch your supper. However you choose to spend it, today is shaping up to be a beautiful one.

On another note, yesterday, my wife and I managed to get the grass cut in the afternoon. It was quite a challenge with the heat, but we got it done, and I must say, it sure is looking nice. I can’t begin to tell you how well our vegetable garden is growing; truth be told, it has never looked this good. And with that nice rain we had, the lettuce and spinach have grown a good four inches or so. That means… we’ll be having our first lettuce salad from our garden tonight with supper. Now, what could be better than that?

Today, I’m planning to put in that row of winter potatoes so come fall, we won’t have to be running to the store. The potatoes in the grocery stores these days are getting worse and worse—soft, sprouting eyes, and sometimes even rotten ones in the bag. It’s a sad state of affairs, considering we live in a country that once had some of the greatest farmland in the world.

Nowadays, though, a lot of that good land is being covered with houses. Our powers that be keep saying we need more homes for immigrants. Now, don’t get me wrong, there’s a need for new homes, but it shouldn’t be at the taxpayers’ expense. If someone wants to buy a new home, the cost should fall on them, not the rest of us.

And while I’m on the subject, there’s plenty of land out there that’s not so great for growing fruits and vegetables. That’s where homes should be built, not on our prime farmland. I also believe that too much immigration isn’t good for us either. From what I’ve seen and learned over the years, we’re going to pay the piper for it here in Canada if we don’t bring it under control.

The bottom line is, immigration as it stands now isn’t about what’s good for our country; it’s about votes. That’s my feeling on the subject. Hmm, how did I get onto that? Sheesh! Anyway, on to other things.

Highway 522 is bustling with more traffic every day now, as campers and tourists flock into our area. Many of them have been stopping by to visit our gift shop and take a look around our property, curious about how we keep it so beautiful. It seems folks always leave here with a smile and a bit of that peace we’ve worked hard to cultivate over the years. It’s mighty rewarding to see.

With that… I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has prepared for me and will then head on out to our front porch and take in our beautiful piece of paradise.

Fishing Times for Friday
06/14/24

Major Times
6:37 AM-8:37 AM
6:56 PM-8:56 PM

Minor Times
1:12 AM-2:12 AM
1:11 PM-2:11 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 2-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few today. Good Luck!

Fishing Tip Of The Day: Being that it is going to get hot for the next few days, you have to remember that hot days can slow down the fishin’. Keep your bait cool by storin’ it in a shaded spot or usin’ a cooler with ice packs. Fresh bait makes all the difference.

“Good morning’, the rooster’s callin’. And as I have always said: A day well begun is half done.”

Looking outside this morning, we are seeing some rain, accompanied by the sound of thunder. It appears the rain will continue for a couple of hours and should stop around 9:00 or 10:00 AM. If we’re lucky, we might even see some sunshine afterward. However, the rain is expected to return later this afternoon.

Being Thursday it’s our mowing day, but as last week, it might have to wait for a couple of hours before we can get to it. Not much we can do about that. On the bright side, the grass isn’t growing as quickly, making the task a bit easier for us two old timers.

On another note, yesterday, my wife and I spent the entire day working around our property. We got so much done, I can’t even remember everything we tackled. There’s always something to keep us busy when you own your own home. But you know, it’s satisfying to own our place outright these days. Some folks say to me, “George, it must be nice not having a mortgage and living where you do.” I tell them, “Well, you’re not wrong, but it took a whole lot of hard work and time to get here.” Seems like nowadays, some folks want everything right away without putting in the sweat and time like we had to do. Now I said some folks. Sheesh. Back in my day, you could speak your mind without tiptoeing around everyone’s feelings. Nowadays, mentioning a few folks and suddenly you’re on trial! Can’t offend this, can’t ruffle that—it’s like navigating a social minefield with a blindfold on!

Highway 522 was on the slow side yesterday traffic wise, but being that the weekend is closing in on us, it will pick up a bit.

Bug Report: Black Flies are all but gone now, mosquitoes are out there but not so bad in the sun. Actually, yesterday I never noticed any while working outdoors with my lovely wife.

With that, I am off for a bowl of cereal, and we will then have to see what this weather is going to do. If it keeps on raining I will write up a story or two for my columns, I like to have a few in reserve. If the rain stops, we will get to mowing.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you this morning with this: “Keep your boots dry and your heart light.”

Fishing Times for Thursday
06/13/24

Major Times
5:57 AM-7:57 AM
6:17 PM-8:17 PM

Minor Times
12:57 AM-1:57 AM
12:07 PM-1:07 PM

Day Rating: Not the greatest day to be out there fishing, I give it a 1-star rating out of 5 for catching a few. But if you do decide to head on out, don’t forget your raincoat and… Good Luck!

Fishing Tip/Wisdom of The Day: When the fish are nibblin’ but not takin’, try this trick: tie on two hooks about an inch apart. Thread your bait through both hooks. Sometimes, they can’t resist takin’ a second bite!

Good Morning! Living this long, one thing that I am certain of, and that is the best things in life are the simple mornings like this.

Waking up in cottage country, it’s a bit cloudy, but the sun will break through soon. This is good news because I have some weeds to take care of in our vegetable garden. Some folks dislike weeds, but I see them as an asset. When they first appear, I cut them off and let them lie around our plants. This creates a fantastic fertilizer, rich in nutrients that our plants love and need. Many people spend a lot of money on store-bought fertilizer, but the truth is, if you look closely, everything you need to grow delicious veggies is usually right in front of you.

Yesterday, I spent the whole day tinkering on a new creation for our fishpond, and I must say, it turned out right nice. Now, my wife is busy making a fine sign to hang from it, explaining what it is and putting the finishing touch on the project. We’ve always been a good team, her and me, and we always will be. Funny how some couples do everything apart; I reckon that’s why a lot of marriages don’t last. For us, what’s mine is hers and what’s hers is mine. We also share all our thoughts, good or bad. That kind of mutual support and collaboration keeps our bond strong and makes all our projects that much more satisfying.

Highway 522 did pick up a wee bit yesterday traffic wise, and if the past tells a story it should continue.

Bug Report: Actually yesterday, other than a few pesky mosquitoes annoying us while had our coffee in the shade, things were pretty good.

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me, and will then head on outside and take care of them weeds in our vegetable garden, and if time, I will plant a row of late potatoes for winter. I sure do love my potatoes, gravy, and… horseradish, let me tell ya. And you thought it was just gravy and potatoes, didn’t ya? Nope! It’s the horseradish that gives it that extra kick. It’s like a square dance in my mouth, and the horseradish is the caller, keeping everyone on their toes!

You all have a great day, and I will leave you this morning with this: “Sometimes you have to let go of the old to make way for the new – even if it’s just an old pair of boots.”

Fishing Times for Wednesday
06/12/24

Major Times
5:16 AM-7:16 AM
5:37 PM-7:37 PM

Minor Times
12:39 AM-1:39 AM
11:02 AM-12:02 PM

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

Fishing Tip of The Day: “Fishin’ ain’t the same all year round. Spring’s for spawnin’, summer’s for deep water, fall’s for feedin’, and winter’s for slowin’ down. Know your seasons, and you’ll know your fish.”

Good Morning! Life’s short, but mornings like this make it all worthwhile. Enjoy the little things today.

It looks like a beautiful day is unfolding here in Northern Ontario. The sun is shining brightly in a cloudless sky. Earlier, as I took a walk around our property, I noticed our yellow lilies in full bloom. They looked so stunning that I had to pause for a few minutes to fully appreciate their beauty. I can’t seem to get enough of what nature has to offer; it feels like an addiction I simply can’t resist.

However, the temperature did drop quite low overnight, hovering just above the frost line. I was a bit worried there for a while, but everything turned out okay. You never know what Mother Nature has in store, and like all women, she can be quite unpredictable.

Highway 522 isn’t too busy these days, but activity is picking up with many campers and trailers moving into our area for the summer. It’s kind of nice to see new faces and the area bustling a bit. However, as much as I enjoy the influx of visitors, I hope our community doesn’t grow too fast and that we can maintain the solitude we enjoy. It’s a delicate balance, welcoming tourists while preserving the tranquility we love.

On another note, being so cool and gloomy yesterday, I made the best of it by working here in my computer writing up a few stories for my newspaper columns. Worked out pretty good with three new ones ready to go.

Today though, being the sun is upon us looking and feeling good, I am planning on doing some staining on part of my woodworking shop. After that I have some welding to do on a project my wife and I are creating, and after that… well I am thinking a drink and some front porch sittin’ will be in order for the remainder of the day.

Bug Report: Black Flies are pretty well gone, but the mosquitoes are out in full force, but with the sun out and the dragon flies roaming around looking for a meal, it shouldn’t be all that bad.

With that I am off for my morning bowl of cereal that my lovely wife has made for me, and will then have a cup of hot cocoa and head on out to my woodworking shop. I also think I will have to wake up my hoe, as the weeds in our vegetable garden are starting to show themselves.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this: “Trouble is like rain; it’s bound to come, but it’ll pass. It always does.”

Fishing Times for Tuesday
06/11/24

Major Times
4:33 AM-6:33 AM
4:55 PM-6:55 PM

Minor Times
12:18 AM-1:18 AM
9:54 AM-10:54 AM

Day Rating: I give it a 2-star rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Fishing tip of the Day: “If the bees are busy and the birds are chirpin’, it’s a good day to fish. Nature’s critters know when it’s a good time to be out and about.”

Good Morning! Living where we do, I found that the land away from the cities for some whisper old stories. So why not take a walk and let them fill your mind of what’s to come, and what has taken place years ago. Never fear the past or the future, as they are merely chapters in the book of your life… each holding lessons that shape your journey and lead you to your true self.

It is a bit cloudy here waking up in cottage country, but that being said the sun will eventually make her appearance, oh…. I would say around 9:00 or 10:00 AM, and it should remain with us for the remainder of the week, and along with that it will warm up starting tomorrow.

Here we are, starting the second week in June, and we had to turn on our oil furnace just to take the edge off the cold and damp this morning. So much for global warming? Now, don’t get me wrong… I’m all for doing our part to help the planet. But let’s take a closer look. Here in Canada, our efforts are just a drop in the bucket. What we are doing to help the environment hardly makes a dent… it’s like a drop of water on a pin. Now the larger countries are the real culprits these days, and until they step up, well… things won’t get better.

But it’s not just humans causing havoc on our world. Not by a long shot. There are natural factors at play too, like volcanoes and forest fires, among many others. And let’s not forget, at least in my mind, that the Arctic used to be warm years ago. So, I think a lot of what’s happening today, might just be a natural occurrence. But hey, to each their own on what they believe, as I’ve always said.

On another note, my wife and I took a trip to North Bay yesterday to pick up my laptop. Our son Karl installed a new hard drive because the old one had given up the ghost. It seems that companies today use the cheapest parts they can find, which in turn don’t last long, which is exactly how they want it, so they can make more money. And, of course, we consumers end up paying the price. While there we took him out to Casey’s for lunch, had a nice chat, picked up a few groceries and things, picked up a coffee for the road, and headed on home enjoying each other’s company and taking in nature that was all around us. All in all, a good day.

Today I am going to do some work here at my computer setting things back to how I had them, and if time maybe being a bit cool outside, I will write up a story or two for my newspaper columns.

Highway 522 is still pretty quiet, not too many folks roaming around, but I suspect things will pick up as it always does come the end of the month.

Bug Report: The ones now irritating folks are the mosquitoes, as they sure like this damp weather. Once the sun comes back out, things should get better. There are a few blackflies still around, but for most parts they have left for another year, which is fine with me.

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has gotten ready for me, and will then enjoy the day as it should be.

You all have a great day and remember: A quiet morning with a hot cup of cocoa is worth more than a noisy day in the city.

Fishing Times for Monday
06/10/24

Major Times
3:45 AM-5:45 AM
4:09 PM-6:09 PM

Minor Times
–:—–:–
8:44 AM-9:44 AM

Day Rating: Not the greatest day for fishing, I give it a 1-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few!
Fishing Tip of The Day: Patience ain’t just a virtue; it’s a requirement. Sit still and quiet like a rock. Fish can sense a jittery fisherman a mile away. GW

“Good morning! Being a farmer, I have learned that the farm teaches us that every problem has a solution – you just need to dig deep enough to find it.”

It’s a cloudy morning here in cottage country, and we are having some light rain off and on. The rain along with cooler temperatures will remain with us right up till Monday. After that… things are looking pretty good weather wise.

Bug Report: The black flies are still around, but they’re not too bad. Mosquitoes, on the other hand, are a nightmare. Those blood sucking parasites are out there like tiny vampires, ready to suck up every drop of blood they can find! Reminds me of… well, I won’t get into that this morning.

Highway 522 hasn’t been all that bad for the past few days, but that is to be expected with the not so good weather, along with the bugs. But things will pick up a bit when the kids are out of school for the summer.

On another note, yesterday my wife and I started mowing, but we had to stop because of the rain. Fortunately, we managed to finish up after lunch when it cleared up for a few hours, which was all we needed. I have to say, our property sure looks nice when it’s all manicured. No need for us to go to any resort or park, that’s for sure.

Moving along, our gift shop has seen a lot of new faces, with folks stopping by and picking up their favorite items. It’s been great to see so many people enjoying what we have to offer. The steady flow of customers has really brightened up the place, and it’s wonderful to see our shop buzzing with activity.

Today, I’m planning to tidy up my woodworking shop a bit. After that, I’ll get busy making some comfrey fertilizer and comfrey insecticide for our fruit trees. Over the years, I’ve replanted many comfrey plants, and now they’re growing all over our property. Comfrey is one of the most useful plants you can have, especially if you grow your own fruits and vegetables. Not to forget the health related benefits it offers.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife is making for me: a bacon and cheese toasted sandwich topped with some lettuce. I don’t have bacon very often, but every so often, I get the urge. Just the smell of the bacon cooking makes my mouth water. After that, a hot cup of cocoa will be in order and when finished, I will head on out to my woodworking shop.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this: “Sometimes the best therapy is a walk in the woods and a deep breath of fresh country air.” Which is something my wife and I have lots of here in the north.

Fishing Times for Friday
06/07/24

Major Times
12:58 AM-2:58 AM
1:28 PM-3:28 PM

Minor Times
5:22 AM-6:22 AM
10:30 PM-11:30 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 4-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few today!

Fishing tip of the Day: Over the years, I have learned that… some of the old folks got stories and tips that ain’t in any book. Listen well to those, ’cause their words are worth their weight in gold. Now mind ya I said some, not all!