Category Archives: Weather

What’s Happening In Cottage Country On August 31/2023

Good Morning!

It’s a sunny morning here, waking up in cottage country with the temperature sitting at 9.4 C | 48.92 F. However it will warm up a lot as the day moves forward.

Highway 522: Yesterday was a busy day for us at our gift shop, with folks coming in to say hello and picking up a few items of choice. We have also had a lot of folks buying our tomatoes and vegetables for the past week. Yesterday, all I put out on our trailer sold by 4:00 PM. I will replenish it later this morning as we do still have more tomatoes’ Roma, Yellow Low Acid and regular Early Girls. Anyone who has bought our tomatoes or vegetables has always come back saying how good they tasted. Why is that? Simple really as they are all organic, not grown in a Green house or by Hydroponic means. They are grown right where they should be in good soil with a bit of love of the land from me and my lovely wife throw in for good measure.

Switching gears, today is the day we’re going to mow the lawn. My wife and I will be busy with that in the morning. Once we’re done, we like to relax on our front porch and admire how neat and tidy the yard looks.

With that, I am off for a boiled egg and some cottage cheese along with a sliced up tomato taken right from our garden this morning. Can’t beat that for a breakfast to get a fellow moving.

Have a great day. GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country On August 30/2023

Good Morning!

It’s a cloudy morning here in cottage country, and along with that we are having a wee bit more rain. The rain started around 3 yesterday afternoon. Kind of a dismal sort of day. But the trees and plants need it with them preparing for their long sleep, which isn’t that far off. But in saying that, we are going to have a few more hot days before the cold enters into the picture. Which should arrive for Saturday, Sunday, Monday with Tuesday being the warmest. So summer isn’t finished with us yet.

On another note, my lovely wife is still doing up preserves for winter, it won’t be long now before we pick our Acorn Squash. They are ready now, but I like to leave them on till the last minute, in doing so they last all winter long. I also have been busy putting firewood in for winter for the past two days, and I should have it finished after one more day. Then other than cleaning up our vegetable garden we will be ready for what ever comes our way weather wise. Oh, I will also plant our garlic but that won’t happen until the weather gets really cold.

Highway 522 has slowed down considerably these days with folks leaving the country and heading back to their homes in the cities. And with the kids going back to school, most parents have a lot to do getting things ready. It isn’t like it was years ago, that’s for sure. I was lucky to get a new pencil and an eraser. And when I did get them, they were well-used. I never got new clothes, neither, as what we wore all day on the farm was what we wore to school.

With that, I am off for a bowl of cereal this morning and will then see what the day has in store for me. Life is sure interesting.

Have a great day! The sun will shine a bit later on. GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country On August 28/2023

Good Morning!

It’s a sunny morning waking up in cottage country, but in saying that it is a touch cool. It’s the first morning that we had to turn on our oil furnace for an hour or so to take out the dampness and warm things up a bit. My old bones don’t move around as good when it gets cold. It will warm up to where it is nice as the day moves forward.

On another note, we have sold a lot of tomatoes along with other vegetables over the past week or so. I have to admit, the tomatoes are sure tasty this year. We now have some Roma ones for sale as my wife did up pretty well, all we will be needing for winter. They are great for making sauces and things. Lots of pulp and not as much juice. My lovely wife, she just washes them and then dries them and vacuum seals them and puts them in the freezer. Easy to do and come winter when she needs a few for cooking, she simply takes them out of the freezer, runs a bit of hot water over them which removes the skin almost instantly and drops them into what she is cooking. Nice to have when the snow is up around your ears. Today she will be doing up Brussel- Sprouts, Cauliflower and Broccoli. Tomorrow she will be doing up our Shepherd Peppers as she uses a lot of them in different recipes. Shepherd Peppers are huge, big sweet red peppers — very much like standard sweet red Bell Peppers in taste, thickness and colour, but somewhat juicier, and because of their size very easy to work with. Yesterday she also made up some grape jelly which sure will be nice with a toasted bagel this winter along with being good for you, not like that store bought stuff. So she is a busy lady these days.

For myself I think I will start to bring in some of our firewood for winter before it gets too damp outside, as if that happens the wood has a tendency to suck too much moisture, and it doesn’t burn as well as it should. Right now after 4 months or so of drying under our lean-to it is nice and dry, and I like to keep it that way. I won’t bring it all in right away, just the first two rows where the sun has been shinning on it for the past few months. I will let the rest dry a wee bit more. So that is the plan for my day. What are you up too?

Have a great day. GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country On August 26/2023

Good Morning!

It’s a cloudy morning, starting things off. However, we could see some sunshine as the day progresses.

On the other side of the coin, the weather is getting colder, and like I’ve mentioned before, I have a feeling that this winter might not be so great. I think we’re going to get a lot of snow and really chilly temperatures. It might be worse than the winters we’ve had in the last few years. You can just look at how nature is getting ready for it. The fish aren’t biting like they normally do, the leaves on the trees are changing color a lot, and the animals are growing thicker fur.

Even the birds and squirrels are more active than usual, gathering and storing food. My gut feeling is telling me to get things prepared, which is why we’ve been busy making extra preserves and getting ready in ways we don’t usually. I can also sense it in how my body is reacting. So, for those who get ready ahead of time, things will probably be fine. But for those who don’t, they might end up regretting it.

In the end, whatever will happen, will happen. I’m just giving you a heads-up, and what you choose to do with that information is up to you.

On a different topic, my wife and I decided to head into town yesterday because the grapes near our old farm are ripe. My wife wanted to get some Concord grapes to make jelly for the winter. While we were there, we not only got the grapes but also picked up a bunch of other items that we can store away for the winter. My wife always ensures that we have enough supplies to manage on our own if necessary. It’s all about being self-sufficient and not relying on anyone or anything else. We’ve always lived this way and have no plans to change our approach now. Our instincts have served us well over the years.

I think many people could benefit from learning these skills instead of depending so much on authorities. These so-called figures often want you to rely on them, giving them control over what you eat, do, see, read, or hear. Unfortunately, they’ve been quite successful in achieving this.

Anyway, after we gathered what we needed, we had lunch in our car while observing people, and then we headed back home, appreciating the beauty of nature along the way. It was truly a wonderful day.

With that, I am off for a bowl of cereal and will then see what the day has in store.

Have a great day. GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country On August 24/2023

Good Morning!

It’s a cloudy morning, waking up here in Cottage Country. We didn’t have any rain through the night, but it does look like we might have a shower or two later on. We won’t be seeing much sunshine today.

Highway 522: It has once again slowed down with a lot of folks heading off home, leaving the cottage country behind, as in a week the kids are back to school and the cooler weather will slowly edge back into our area.

On another note, my lovely wife figured I would be tired, so she mowed the grass around our home while Barry and I were out fishing yesterday, along with looking after customers that dropped by our gift shop. She had a busy day too. So … today we don’t have to do that. Which is fine with me as I am still tired from yesterday, and it does look like rain. That woman of mine is sure a worker.

With that, I am off for a poached egg mixed with some red peppers and tomatoes fresh out of our garden, topped off with a bit of 5-year-old cheddar cheese. Can’t beat that for a breakfast to get a feller moving.

Have a great day! GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on August 22/2023

Good Morning!

Starting things off, it is a bit cloudy this morning, but we should see some sunshine as the day moves forward. Which would make for a nice day.

Highway 522: It has picked up some, as yesterday we had a lot of people drop by our gift shop, dropping in to say hello and picking up items that they liked. We also have had a lot of folks picking up our tomatoes, which are out front on the trailer for sale. They sure are tasty this year. It is nice seeing and chatting to folks. Makes my day. You know you can learn a lot simply by listening. Something a lot don’t take the time to do these days.

Bug Report: For myself and everyone I have talked to, it has been a good year in that department.

On another note, I did manage to get most of my storage building cleaned up yesterday. I have to tell ya, I sure had a mess on the lawn there for a while. But after straightening things up and moving things around, I now have it in order, so I can get things in and out easily. It’s been a long time coming. Now though I have boxes of things I need to go through which I put in my main shop. If things goes to plan, I will work away on that in a bit. We still have a lot of other things to do getting ready for winter.

With that I am off for a boiled egg and will then see what the day has in store.

Have a great day! GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on August 21/2023

Good Morning!

Actually, there isn’t all that much happening in our area these days. However, there has been an uptick in customers dropping by our gift shop. Saturday and Sunday were really busy with folks picking up a few items of choice. It’s nice to see new faces and hear what is happening in other cities and towns. Along with making a few more friends.

We’ve also had a good number of people staying in our cottage over the last month, which was really nice. And I have to mention, all of them really liked what the cottage provides. Right now, we do have a few available slots if anyone is interested. If you want to know about prices and other details, feel free to email us .[email protected]

Highway 522: It has picked up traffic wise with folks taking advantage of the nice weather. Lots of day trippers.

On another note, both my wife and I kept busy yesterday, with me working outdoors on a few projects I have on the go, and my wife doing up tomatoes for winter, along with her housework, looking after customers, making meals and helping me in between, along with other things. Just too many to name. That woman of mine never stops. But she is sure getting lots of produce and vegetables from our garden done up this year, which will save us a lot of money this winter along with eating healthy. Today I have a shed that needs cleaning. I haven’t been able to do it for the past two years, and it’s’ a mess. So … I am thinking I will tackle straightening it up today. We will see how that pans out in a bit.

With that, I am off for a bagel that my lovely wife is making for me.

Have a great day. GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country On August 20/2023

Good Morning!

It looks like we are in for another fine day here in Cottage Country. The sky has a bit of cloud cover, but you know what they say – every cloud’s got a silver lining, and I reckon that sun’s just sleeping in a wee bit before it decides to rise and shine proper. The nice thing is it has been real nice for sleeping with it being a bit cool.

Highway 522: it has picked up some the past few days with folks from all over driving through. A lot has stopped by our gift shop too, which is nice to see, picking up one of a kind items that you can’t buy anywhere else. Speaking of our gift shop and unique items, I am in the process of making a few more flutes. It is a long process in making them, but I do enjoy working with wood. And it’s nice to be able to do these things. Sometimes, though, it seems the wood is working with me.

On another note, I did manage to clean up my vegetable garden yesterday with the help of my lovely wife. It took us most of the day as I had to remove the suckers on our tomatoes. They die this time of year. You know this is a trend with tomatoes. The thing is when seeing this … a lot of people think that their plants have a disease when really they don’t. The next thing is that bothers me a lot, is that certain folks then tell them they have a blight and things like that, and they have to treat the soil or spray chemicals on the plants to correct the problem. The truth is, this is a natural occurrence this time of year with the plant itself killing off the suckers, so it can feed the tomatoes along with making room for the sun to move in for them to ripen. Nature sure is amazing if you take the time to listen and watch, what she is telling/showing you.

With that I am off for some waffles this morning that my little woman is making for me and will then see what the day has in store other than what I have planned. I never really know for sure.

Have a great day, make it a great day. You’re the only one that can do that. GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country On August 19/2023

Good Morning!

It is a touch cool this morning, with the temperature at the time of this post sitting at10.2 C | 50.36 F. However, it is going to warm up a lot, and it will be a real nice day with lots of sunshine. Which should make it real nice for those that are having a wedding in our area. We wish them well. The winds are coming in from the west this morning, which will help with the fishing for those that like/want to catch a few. I am thinking I will give my fishing buddy Barry a call and see if he wants to get out there in a day or so. I don’t like going out when it’s cold, so if we are going to, we had better get at it soon, with September on the horizon. Time sure flies by these days.

Bug Report: All is well. No one should have any complaints these days, other than a few fruit flies floating around from doing up preserves for winter. But we have a great little bug zapper that takes care of them, along with other ones that manage to sneak into the house occasionally. It works great indoors and sits here on a table in our living room. It’s called [Upgraded] Aspectek 20W Electronic Insect Zapper, Bug Killer for Indoor use – Effective Against Flies, Moths, Mosquitos, Cockroaches, Wasps, Beetles and Bugs – Kill Insects! It is available on Amazonca and costs $53.54. There are cheaper ones, but we found this one to be the best.

Highway 522. There are a few tourists and day trippers driving through our area. We had a steady stream of folks dropping by our one of a kind gift shop yesterday as the days before.

On another note, I did do some trimming outside yesterday, removing some overgrown bushes with the help of my lovely wife. I like to keep them cut down, as they do have a tendency to get out of hand if let go for too long. It sure is nice to be healthy enough to be able to do these things. A feller or gal sometimes doesn’t realize just how lucky they are to be able to walk and do things on their own. We kind of take certain things for granted. Moving along, our tomatoes are looking and tasting good these days. We will be starting to do them up for the freezer starting later on today or tomorrow. They sure are tasty this year.

With that, I’m setting off to savor a delicious bagel, ready to embrace whatever surprises the day has up its sleeve.

Have a great day! GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country On August 18/2023

Good Morning!

We are starting things off with a wee bit of sunshine this morning, which is nice to see. But by the looks of things we will also be seeing a lot of clouds today and possibly a shower or two throughout the day. And it will be a bit cooler than we have been seeing. However, the weekend is looking really nice with lots of sunshine along with the temperatures warming back up.

Highway 522 has picked up a wee bit.

Bug Report: All good in that department. Actually, it’s been a real good year.

On another note, my lovely wife and I got all our mowing out of the way yesterday in the morning. After lunch, I had a friend drop by, and we chatted the afternoon away on the porch. It was a nice afternoon. It’s always nice when folks drop by for a visit. Today I have to do some weeding around my beans that I planted a couple of weeks ago, and after that we will see. Also, our gift shop has experienced a significant influx of new customers, all of whom are drawn to our collection of exclusive, one-of-a-kind items that cannot be found anywhere else. We have sold a lot of my flutes and books this year, with folks loving them. Not only are my Flutes and Books selling well, but there’s also been a significant demand for the beautiful paintings created by my talented wife. All in all, this year has proven to be truly exceptional for our gift shop.

With that, I am off for a bowl of cereal and will then see what the day has in store. Other than dealing with customers and chatting to folks.

Have a great day. GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country On August 17/2023

Good Morning!

We are having some sunshine here this morning and it is a touch windy. But all in all it looks as we are in for a pretty nice day. However, we could see some showers later on in the day, along with more rain moving into our area for tomorrow. But Saturday and Sunday are looking good, which will be nice, as there are a couple of weddings in our area this weekend. I have no complaints about the weather so far this year.

Bug Report: Everything is good in that department.

Highway 522. There is still some construction and new pavement being put down heading into Trout Creek, but by the way they are going, it won’t be too long before it’s finished. Which should make it a lot easier on the front ends of our car for a couple of years.

On another note, being Thursday, my wife and I will be mowing grass around the house here. I like to keep it looking nice, as it makes it nice when folks drop by our cottage or gift shop. We have had so many compliments about how nice we keep it over the years, which makes me want to do more, when I am able to, that is. For the past year or so, not being well it’s been a challenge, but I am about caught up now. The only big project we have to do now is bring in our firewood for winter. We will see how that works out in a bit. I am thinking we will put it into the basement sometime in September, as nearing the middle or end of September things will be starting to cool down a lot. Sign of what’s to come. And by the way things are looking using nature as a barometer so to speak, it is going to be cold with a lot of snow.

With that, you all have a great day. GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on August 16/2023

Good Morning!

It’s a bit cloudy this morning, but the sun is trying to show her self and by the looks of things it will be a really nice day. So in knowing that I will do some work in our vegetable garden a bit later.

Highway 522 is still quiet, and I suspect it will remain that way for the rest of the year, It might pick up a wee bit the first of September when the kids go back to school.

On another note, my lovely wife and I took a trip to North Bay yesterday as we had some things to do along with picking up some groceries. Other than the prices being a touch high, we had a great day while there and on the way home. They are paving the far end of Highway 522 going into Trout Creek. But it isn’t slowing the traffic down all that much, and I have to say they are doing a nice job. I also noticed that they can do quite a stretch in one day too.

With that I am off for a bite to eat that my lovely wife is preparing for me and will then see what the day has in store other than what I have planned. I never know, I start off doing one thing and end up doing something totally different.

Have a good day! GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on August 15/2023

Good Morning!

Looking towards the east, we have a red sky this morning, with the sun easing its way out of bed. It should remain with us throughout the day, with a few clouds blocking it off and on. We could also see or smell some smoke today if the winds come in from the east. At the time of this post, it was coming in from the North East. Caused by the smoldering forest fires in Quebec and some parts of Northern Ontario. So, we will have to see how that pans out. For most parts this year, we here in Port Loring have been lucky without hardly any smoke. Which is fine with us.

Bug Report: Everything is good other than a few mosquitoes.

Highway 522 is still quiet these days.

On another note, I did manage to wash, clean, vacuum and wax our vehicle yesterday. It actually took me all morning and part of the afternoon to complete. But I didn’t mind, as it was a nice day, and I am happy I am able to do these things. But in saying that, my old body last night told me about it. We also had a steady stream of customers dropping by our gift shop on the weekend and yesterday, picking up a few things that struck their interest. We do have a unique selection of things, things that you can’t buy in most gift shops. Things that are created and made right here at our home by my lovely wife and I. None of that offshore stuff that you find in pretty well all the gift shops these days. And that is why they come to us, wanting to meet the people that makes these things and purchase a one of a kind piece from the creators themselves. Which is my wife and I.

With that, I am off for a piece of toast and will then get to work cleaning up my old woodworking shop.

Have a great day! GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on August 14/2023

Good Morning!

Starting things off, we are still in the midst of a lot of clouds this morning. The temperature has cooled down some, which makes it nice for sleeping. It is still quite humid though, but it is to be expected after all the rain we have been having. The seasons here in the north are beginning to change as they always do this time of year, closing in on September.

Bug Report: All is good these days.

Highway 522. It is still quiet and by the looks of things it will remain that way now for the rest of the summer with folks staying at home, caused by the price of things, along with the taxes here in Canada being so high. Pretty soon the Powers That Be, will be taking over half of your pay check. Kind of amazing if you think about it. Here they take half of your pay check and most folks go along with their thinking. Kind of makes me shake my head seeing what is happening these days. But in saying that it can only last so long, and things are, and will, begin to deteriorate more and more every day. It has to, as it can’t keep ongoing like it is. What can we do? Not much at the moment other than sit back and watch things play out. But it isn’t happening just here in Canada, The rest of the world is in trouble too. Bottom line. Too many people with too many ideas. Ideas that are…. Anyway, that is my rant for this morning.

With that I am off for a piece of toast that my lovely wife is preparing for me and will then head on outdoors and enjoy the day. The good part is where we live now, we are away from most of what is taking place in the world today. But it is slowly closing in on us.

Enjoy your day. GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on August 13/2023

Good Morning!

Well, it looks as if the rain has subsided overnight, but I suspect it has a wee bit more in its system. Tomorrow however if lucky we could see a wee bit of sunshine, which would be nice, as I was thinking I might give our car a wash and a coat of wax before winter. In doing so, it will give it a bit of protection from what they are putting on the roads and highways these days. I have to admit, the calcium and salt they are putting down in our area sure takes a toll on the bodies and brakes on our vehicles, along with a lot of other things. The trouble is where we live now, we have an hour and a half drive one way to town for supplies, and in that time a lot of these chemicals get a chance to do their dirty work, so to speak. Put that together and the way they are building cars and trucks these days, a new vehicle doesn’t last very long. Sure is a shame, as vehicles aren’t cheap these days or are the repairs that are non ending.

Highway 522 was busy for the past few days. We have had a steady flow of folks dropping by our gift shop picking up some items of choice. It’s nice to chat to folks.

On another note, being that it rained most of the day yesterday off and on, I did do some work on my next new book of short stories. I made some great headway and by the looks of things I should have it ready for the first part of winter. If so, I can then finish up the mystery novel I was working on last winter, as it is almost complete too. So if things goes to plan, I will have two new books out for next spring. Which should keep my fans/readers happy. Me too for that matter.

Today I will continue on working away here in the house for a few hours, and then I will head on out to my old woodworking shop and clean it up a bit. I still have to bring some wood from the bush and pile it beside the shop for winter. It’s nice having it handy to get at, especially when I think we are in for a lot of cold, snowy weather this winter. But you never know, I have been known to be wrong once or twice in my lifetime.

With that I am off for a couple pieces of toast and will then see what the day has in store.

Each day holds the same value for me.

Have a great day!

What’s Happening In Cottage County On August 12/2023

Good Morning!

Weather wise it isn’t the greatest of days here in Cottage Country, and by the looks of things we are going to be having more rain now for the next 4 days. Which truth be known is what we need, with the trees and plants needing to store up their food supply for winter. It sure is amazing how fast time goes by. The good news for us, is we did get most of all the things that needed to be done this summer, before the snow enters into the picture. Other than putting some more vegetables and things away for winter. Which my lovely wife is doing daily. Taking fresh veggies from our gardens.

Bug Report: Everything is good in that department. My wife and I have been sitting out on our swing set I made a year ago under our old Basswood tree for an hour or so every day, enjoying a drink or two. I have to tell you, it sure is nice, sitting there chatting and taking in what nature has to offer. We need to be doing more of that.

On another note, I didn’t do much outside yesterday, as I was busy doing up fresh garlic for the freezer. We will have enough now to last us up till next year. My lovely wife was busy making Sweet Pickle Relish. If anyone wants some English Cucumbers to make some relish, or whatever, you’re welcome to some. We have more than we need, and they are just going to be thrown away. We like them better than the other pickling cucumbers. Just drop by and we will give you some.

With that I am off for a couple pieces of toast and will then see what the day has in store. Being that it is going to be raining for the next few days, I might work on the new book of short stories I have on the go. There have been a lot of requests for a new one.

Have a great day! GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country On August 11/2023

Three jars ready of Red Pepper Jelly. Four or five more to go.

Click on image to enlarge!

Good Morning!

It looks as if we are in for another really nice day here in Cottage Country. The days are pleasant and evenings are nice for sleeping with the windows open. Waking up, the temperature was sitting at 14.8 C | 58.64 F. It will warm up as the day progresses, and we will be having some sunshine today.

Highway 522 is still quite slow for this time of year as a lot of tourists have been forced to stay home these days, being taxed to death so to speak. But the price of some things are slowly starting to fall, being that if they don’t drop their prices … they will soon be out of business. And I suspect some will be out of business even if they do start dropping their prices, as they waited to long.

Bug Report: Working a lot outside these days, I haven’t hardly seen any of them blood sucking parasites, other than a few mosquitoes in certain areas.

On another note, by the time I got breakfast out of the way yesterday, the sun came out and I manged to get our grass cut. It sure looks nice when all said and done. Makes me want to sit outside and take in what Mother Nature has to offer, which is a lot if a person takes the time to enjoy it. Today I will take it easy as I am not feeling up to par, not sure what happened, but having a bit of trouble walking again. I was doing great. I guess I moved or twisted the wrong way yesterday somehow. At any rate I am still moving which is something.

With that I am off for a piece of toast this morning and will then see what the day has in store, or better yet, what I am able to do. My lovely wife is still doing up preserves, yesterday it was Red Pepper Jelly which is superb on crackers with cheese, or some good Polish Sausage, which actually we bought at a Polish store in St Catharines, while visiting our son last weekend, they have the best there is. Today she is going to be making some more cucumber relish, and after that she is going to freeze up some zucchini as she uses it in soups, stews and lasagna’s. Sure is tasty. She has already done up some zucchini relish.

Have a great day! GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on August 10/2023

Good Morning!

Starting things off we did have some more rain overnight and by the looks of things we are going to have a lot more rain in the coming days. And nearing the end of September, things are going to get a bit cool. So … with that in mind I plan on getting things done that is needed doing, while the weather is nice. Like some front porch sittin’

Highway 522 is back to being quiet these days. However, there have been a lot of trucks moving up and down the highway bringing in lumber and things from other parts of the country. Which means there are still some folks building new homes and things.

On another note, I picked my first tomato yesterday and had it along with my supper. And I have to tell you it sure tasted good, nothing like what you buy in the grocery store. Full of flavor that makes you want to eat more. Which is what is supposed to happen, as your body knows when something is good. It’s its way of letting you know it likes what you are feeding it. Today for lunch I am going to pick a couple more and have a toasted tomato sandwich. Can’t wait. But on the topic of tomato’s while we were in town the other day the price they are charging for tomatoes is outrageous. One Farmers Market we stopped at were charging $2.00 apiece. But they aren’t the only ones that are charging these ridiculous prices. And the thing is, if someone blindfolded you, and gave you a bite of one, you wouldn’t even know it was a tomato. Well, maybe not everyone, as I wouldn’t hesitate to bet that a lot of folks doesn’t really know what fresh farm grown fruit or vegetables are supposed to taste or smell like. And another thing that bothers me to no end, is that a lot of these folks that are selling this produce, saying that they are farmers … really aren’t. They go to Toronto at the market there, buy up fruit from other countries, put it in Baskets that has Ontario Grown on them and then sell them to folks. Being a farmer, I can spot them a mile away. Sure is a shame what we are becoming here in Canada these days. But, if you want to help the real farmers, the ones that work hard day in a day out, strike up a conversation with them, and ask these so-called ones where their farms are, and how many acres they have, do they do up preserves for winter, what kind of tractors and implements they use, and what kind of fertilizer they use, how and if they irrigate, and then take a good look at the produce they are selling, and around their tables or in their trucks. And another would, be what kind of tomato, Early girl’s, Beef-stake, Glamour, or what kind of peaches are they selling, meaning the name of the peach, like are they Freestone, Split pits, what kind are they, Sun Haven, Red haven’s ? And then watch their faces when you are asking them questions, you can tell when they aren’t telling the truth, if not … you need to sharpen up your senses. Pretty well every farmer I knew, including myself, enjoy talking about our farms and how we worked the land and grew things.

With that I am off for some pancakes, topped off with some of Mike Clapperton’s Maple Syrup, that my lovely wife is preparing for me, and will then head on outside and do some mowing around the house here, while … my little woman will be making sweet pickle relish. Just one more item in our treasure chest for winter. She is sure doing up a lot of different things this year. Which means … that it is going to be a long, snowy cold winter.

Have a great day! GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on August 9/2023

Good Morning!

Climbing out of bed, it looks as if we are in for another really nice day here in Cottage Country. The sun is shinning with just a few fluffy clouds floating by, which makes things look just that much nicer. No rain overnight. We slept with the windows open, breathing in the fresh northern air.

Bug Report: All is good.

Highway 522 was a wee bit busy yesterday with some folks moving around. Today being Market day, a few more will be out having a look see at what is going on.

On another note, my lovely wife and I went to Sundrdige yesterday as we had some things that needed attending there. We finished up, bought some fresh buns and some meat at a store in town, and went to a park where my wife made us a nice sandwich. It used to be a bit cheaper to do that, but with what they are charging for a few slices of cheese and luncheon meat it isn’t anymore.
$6:00 for enough meet for two sandwiches. Put the cheese on the buns, and you’re up to almost $10.00. This country of ours is sure changing, and not all for the best. At any rate, we sat chatted and ate our lunch and headed on home while sipping on a tea that my wife made for us before we left. All an all, besides the price of things, we had a good day while taking in the sites along the way. We also saw that they had most of all the new culverts in on Highway 522 and have started to repave it. They can sure do a lot in one day. It will be nice to get it all finished up. Today I have a bit of outside work that needs attending and will get to that once I have a bite to eat.

Have a great day. GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on August 8/2023

Good Morning!

It has been a touch cool in the mornings here in Cottage country, with the morning temperature sitting at 15.4 C | 59.72 F. However it will warm up a lot as the day moves forward, and we will see some sunshine later on. Which means that folks can get back to their front porch sittin’ , which my lovely wife and I will be doing more of. We have been so busy with things that needed attending the past month or so now that I am feeling better that we haven’t had the time, but that is going to change now. I am also hoping I can get out and do some fishing with my fishing buddy Barry in the next few days. We sure would like a taste of some Pickerel. With the virus, weather and not being well I haven’t been out fishing now for the past three years. I sure do miss it.

Highway 522 is still picking up with a few tourists coming into our area, a lot of them are day trippers out for a drive. Nice to see them out and about. The rest is locals that go here and go there, taking in what is going on in the area. Which is normal for a small town. Ha ha

On another note, I decided to put together another book of short stories. We have 7 books out there now, but it’s been a few years since our last one, and with so many folks asking for a new one, I decided to make another. I have no shortage of stories writing for the Newspapers now for over thirty some years. So knowing that and talking to folks yesterday I got busy and started to work on it being that it was raining outside. Got lots done too. Today will do the same, along with bugging my lovely wife. She has steadily been doing things up for winter, which sure will be tasty.

With that, I am off for some bacon and eggs this morning, eggs easy over and bacon crisp. You know it is hard to find good bacon anymore in the stores, most are all fat along with a lot of it being too thick. I sure miss the old days when Laura and Reg, the folks that adopted me, made their own. It sure was tasty, and it sure didn’t bother me health wise as it didn’t have all the chemicals that are in what they are making today Some of the names on the package that they contain I haven’t a clue of what they are. Usually if I can’t identify what’s in things, I don’t eat them, but being that I enjoy bacon I do indulge now and then.

At any rate, you all have a great day. GW