Category Archives: Weather

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on July 23/2023

Good Morning. I hope everyone is well on this fine looking Sunday morning. Walking out the door this morning and taking in a few deep breaths of our fresh northern air sure felt good. I sometimes think that a lot of people doesn’t realize just how lucky they are to be able to do that. But it’s always been that way for me, as with owning farms throughout my life there is nothing nicer than the smell of the land, plants and trees in the early morning hours. Just something about it that makes me feel good and want to make the most of the day.

Bug Report: Not much to report other than a few pesky deer flies. I might have to buy a new hat as my old one is getting worn out a bit from swatting them.

Highway 522 was a touch busy yesterday with campers and tourists roaming around our area.

On another note, my wife and I took a drive to the big city of North Bay yesterday to pick up a few things along with our fresh Ontario Montmorency Sour Cherries. We buy them every year and put them away for winter. My lovely wife puts them in the freezer for making pies and things. Sour-tasting, flavorful and juicy, Montmorency cherries grown here in Ontario are the best there is in the world and along with that they have a lot of health benefits, especially for those with cancer and dealing with gout. While in town we also picked up some other things had lunch in our car while people watching, my wife then poured us a tea that she made before we left and headed on home taking in what nature has to offer. Oh, and we did stop off at a friends place for an hour or two for a long over do visit.

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 July 22/2023

Good Morning!

Not too much going on in our area these days. Tourists are here, but not as they used to be. But as I keep on saying, a lot of folks are hurting these days, trying to stay afloat. And the price of things along with high taxes on everything isn’t making life easy for anyone, other than some of those that … well, I will leave it at that.

Bug Report: All is good.

Highway 522 has been and is still quiet these days. A few campers and motorcycles roaming around our area. Not too many new folks visiting us these days. Even construction and building is down from what it was.

With that, I am off for a piece of toast that my lovely wife is making for me, and will then see what the day has in store.

Stay safe and have a great day. It is a nice morning. GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on July 20/2023

Good Morning!

We are having a wee bit of rain starting off our day here in Cottage Country. It started around 7:00 AM this morning. We could see some sunshine intervals later on.

Highway 522 is still quiet these days. Although, we have had a lot of people dropping by our gift shop, which is nice. I enjoy seeing and talking to folks.

Bug Report: There are a few deer flies annoying folks along with some mosquitoes if you’re in the dense woods.

On another note, knowing we were going to have some showers today, my wife and I decided to get the mowing for the week out of the way yesterday afternoon. So today I can work away on an old trailer I had given to me a few years ago. It had been sitting for over 40 years or so and was about shot. The top, that is, but the frame and axle once I got all the old wood off it looks like new. So now I will add a new floor and some sides, and it will make one dandy trailer for towing behind our 4 Wheeler. It will make it nice for bringing firewood into the house this fall, along with other things. And Fall isn’t that far off, with August already on the horizon. Time sure flies by. The good news is, I am starting to feel a lot better these days. I am still not able to do what I used to do, but that’s okay. That front porch of ours is looking more enticing every day. Which my wife keeps on telling me we need to do more of. And she is right, but it is a hard thing for a fellow to do when he has worked hard every day of his life and liking it.

With that you all have a great day, make it a great day, and I am off for a couple pieces of toast and jam for a change. I have always said a change is as good as a rest. GW

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

Good Morning!

It seems we are in for a real nice day here in Cottage Country. The sun is shinning and there isn’t a cloud in the sky. And along with that, the temperature this morning was sitting at 15.1 C | 59.18 F. It made it real nice for sleeping with the window open. Actually, we have had our windows all open now for the past week or so, which is nice. In doing so, it airs out the house and makes things just that much healthier.

Bug Report: Nothing to report these days other than a few deer flies annoying folks.

Highway 522 is kind of busy these days, but not as busy as it used to be before the virus hit. I suspect a lot of people are hurting these days with the cost of everything, interest rates on the rise and being taxed to death.

On another note, my lovely wife and I had to go to Sundridge yesterday, which was sort of uneventful other than a lot of construction on Highway 522 with them installing new culverts and cleaning the ditches.

When we were in town, we got some groceries and headed back home. We had lunch at a small park on the road between Sundridge and South River. But at the grocery store, when we reached the checkout, we were shocked to see that just three nectarines were going to cost almost $10.00! Can you believe that? It’s way too expensive, almost like what they charge for tomatoes, which is also way too much.

I call it price gouging. Anyway, I didn’t want to pay that much, so I told them to keep the nectarines. The worst part is that the stores don’t seem to care about how expensive things are for us customers. It’s really frustrating!

So what can we do. Well, as a farmer working the land for a good number of years, I will share this with you. It’s time we rethink where our food comes from and how we get it. Instead of relying solely on big grocery stores, we need to start supporting our own farmers here in Canada. It’s essential because it ensures we have enough safe, high-quality food for everyone, helps our economy, protects the environment, and preserves our rural communities.

With that, I am off for a bagel this morning and will then see what the day has in store. I never know, really.

Have a great day. GW

What’s Happening in Cottage Country on July 17/2023

Good Morning!

It’s a cloud morning here in cottage country, and we did have a wee bit of rain overnight. Things will start to clear up as the day moves forward, and once it does, we should see some sunshine off an on throughout the day. Temperatures will be in the comfortable zone.

Bug Report: Not much to talk about there, as things are pretty good right now.

Highway 522 was quiet over the weekend, but I suspect it will pick up being Monday.

On a different topic, yesterday, my wife and I dedicated most of our day to working on various projects outdoors that required our attention. If I’m feeling up to it today, I plan to do the same. It’s sure nice to be able to move around. However, I must remember to take it easy despite the desire to push myself.

Have a great day. GW

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

Good Morning!

We here in Cottage country are in the midst of a lot of clouds this morning. We didn’t have any rain through the night. But in saying that, we could see some rain throughout the day. And by the looks of things, the clouds will be the dominant feature for the day.

Bug Report: All is well, but being so damp and warm out for the past few days a few mosquitoes are starting to enter into the picture and of course we can’t forget the deer flies. Once they get their sights locked onto you, they stay with you, annoying you for no reason. They are just down right mean, Ha ha.

Highway 522 is getting a wee bit busier every day with folks wanting to get away from the cities.

In our area, a lot of the new folks moving in lately have come straight outta them big cities. They’re lookin’ for a place where they can stretch their dollar a little further, and I can’t rightly blame ’em for that. But I just can’t figure out why them Powers That Be keep bringin’ in more immigrants when we’re already short on space, and housing. Right now, a whole heap of ’em are settlin’ down in tents right on the street, beggin’ for a handout.

If we keep on this path, our country’s going to end up plumb broke. Truth be told, we’re already knee-deep in debt, and things are fixin’ to get even worse if they keep at it. Now, mind you, I ain’t got nothin’ against a bit of immigration, but we have to make sure we can take care of ’em, or they can take care of themselves without us dippin’ into the hard-earned money of the workin’ man/woman.

Either way, things are comin’ to a head. No matter where you turn when you head into town, there’s always someone down on their luck standin’ near them buildin’ entrances, askin’ for some spare change. And let me tell ya, some of ’em get downright ornery if you ain’t willin’ to hand over a few bucks.

On another note, yesterday being that it didn’t rain I managed to finish cleaning up our driveway with my lovely wife’s help, and I have to say it sure looks nice. It’s amazing what a feller or gal can do using a bit of ingenuity along with some physical labor. You know, that is the biggest factor of how my wife and I got to where we are today. Doing and making things ourselves along with doing without, a lot of things that most go in debt for.

With that, I am off for a boiled egg this morning with some fried potatoes and a piece of toast, which should give me the necessary protein to last me till lunchtime.

Have a great day! GW

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

Good Morning!

It’s another fine morning in Cottage country, and wouldn’t you know it, the sky decided to play a little game of hide-and-seek with the sun. In fact, this dance of weather is anticipated to continue over the next three days, with the possibility of rain showers making intermittent appearances.

Bug Report: Actually, I worked outside all day yesterday and didn’t see any, even the deer flies stayed clear.

Highway 522 is a wee bit busy these days, and I have to say we had a very busy day yesterday with folks coming in to our gift shop. But let me tell you about this one old feller who stopped by. He’s a regular reader of my stories in the newspaper, and I reckon he’s got good taste. He’s fixing to celebrate his 95th trip around the sun in just a couple of days. He’s got more years under his belt than the hills in our area got squirrels. He was telling me that he worked for the Hydro, and was one of the fellows that put in the hydro cable up the Pickerel River many years ago. He had a lot of interesting stores to tell, including ones about the old Light House, along with the different lumber mills and where he worked for a short spell making shingles down by the lake here in Port Loring. His stories painted a picture of a time when folks rolled up their sleeves and got things done, no matter the challenge. Spending time with that old feller reminded me of the wealth of stories’ some of these older folks carry with them. It’s a reminder that almost everyone has a story to tell, it was a privilege being able to listen to him. We also had some folks from Michigan and Ohio drop by and bought a few things. They were real nice folks. But then again, all the Americans that drop by are nice. My wife and I have made a lot of good friends from the USA over the years.

On another note I decided to work on my driveway yesterday cleaning it up, moving the stone around a bit that has been packed down over the years. It actually worked out pretty good and looks as if we put in a new driveway. At least half of it, I didn’t have time to finish it with all the customers dropping by. Maybe I will finish it today, that is if it doesn’t rain. I sure enjoy being able to do some outside work.

With that, I reckon I better mosey on over to the kitchen and grab me a plateful of flapjacks whipped up by my darlin’ wife before I wrangle with whatever the day’s got in its back pocket. Ain’t no tellin’ what kind of shenanigans await, but that’s just part of the charm of country living. You never know what surprises a day’s got tucked away, so might as well savor them pancakes and let life take the reins.

Have a great day! GW

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

Here is a picture of a Heritage Lily that grows in our garden in front of our home. It comes back every year, sometimes with only one flower, this year it has around seven. It sure is pretty.

Click on image to enlarge!

Good Morning!

Once again, it looks like another great day is upon us here in Cottage Country. The sun is shinning, and the temperatures are about perfect with it sitting at 16.4 C | 61.52 F. Along with that, the wind is coming in from the SS West. Perfect weather for fishing. Which is something I haven’t been doing lately, reason being getting our boat in the water and set up is just too much for me. But not complaining as I am moving around and able to do things around the house. I guess I am going to have to seek out a secluded place where I can fish offshore. Which is hard to find these days. If any of you happen to know of a spot, I would appreciate hearing from you.

Bug Report: The deer flies are annoying these days, but other than that things are good.

On another note, after the rain ended in the afternoon yesterday, my wife and I managed to get the mowing done up around our property. I have to say once mowed and the weed eating is finished it sure looks nice. Everyone that comes for a visit or drops by our gift shop always comments on how nice things look. You know, in our world, there are two types of people. The first kind owns many tools and gadgets but lacks the skill to use them effectively. The second kind possesses a few tools, but has the ability to create and construct things of great beauty. It’s not about the tools themselves, but rather the person who wields them.

Today being such a nice day, I have some work to do in our vegetable gardens along with cleaning up my old woodworking shop. After that I think a drink will be in order sitting on our front porch. Maybe a game or two of checkers.
With that I am off for a couple pieces of toast and will then see what the day has in store.
Have a great day … make it a great day! GW

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

Good Morning!

It’s a cloudy, rainy morning here in cottage country waking up, and by the looks of things it will continue like this for most of the day. However, we do need the rain, or more so the earth needs the rain along with everything on it. The good news is I don’t have to water my vegetable garden today. The not so good news is we were going to cut our grass this morning, but it will have to wait. Probably tomorrow.

Highway 522 is very quiet for this time of year due to the cost of things. Simply put, most folks can’t afford to go anywhere or do things they want to do, being taxed to death. There isn’t much that isn’t taxed these days, hell, even when you die they are taxing folks on everything you worked all your life for. And it shouldn’t be that way. A day of reckoning is coming, let me tell ya. My old Dad always said, what goes around, comes around. And I believe that to be true. I just wished it would happen sooner than later to certain folks. I guess that is how we humans learn patience. Ha ha.

But Report: All is well these days in that department.

On another note, being Market Day here in town, my wife and I decided to head on into North Bay to pick up some supplies and things. The local market here doesn’t carry the specific things we require. I have to admit it was busy in North Bay with most of the parking lots were full of cars. While there we picked up what we needed, had our lunch in our car while people watching, chatted to a couple that was from our town doing the same as we were doing and then headed on home. All in all, it was a great day, other than the cost of things.

Today my wife and I will take it a bit easy being that it is raining outside, I might head on out to my old woodworking shop as I do have some projects on the go and my shop does need a bit of cleaning. Then later I will pick some fresh beans and garlic for supper. They sure are tasty this time of year.

Have a great day. GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on July 12/2023

Good Morning!

Well, it’s a bit cloudy this morning, but the sun is trying her hardest to break through, and it will as the day moves forward. There is a slight chance of a sprinkle of rain later on. The thunderstorm that went past us yesterday didn’t amount to anything. And by the looks of things, there isn’t hardly any rain now for the next week. But the good news is the temperatures are going to be perfect for doing about anything outside.

Highway 522 is quiet these days, not many people moving around, other than the locals. There is also a lot of building going on, as I noticed a lot of truck loads of lumber moving up and down the highway. Not sure if that is a good thing or not. Time will tell.

Bug Report: Other than a few deer flies, things are good these days.

On another note, my wife and I worked outside most of the day yesterday. We had to fix our eve trough on our cottage which took most of the morning, after that we did some trimming of our bushes around the place. It sure is nice being able to get outside and do a few things. Today I will clean up my shop a bit and my lovely wife will look after customers that come into our gift shop along with other things. Lots to do this time of year, but in saying that, we are getting things done and doing things we enjoy. I also put my Hoe to work yesterday, working up around our plants in our vegetable gardens. I enjoy doing that, takes my mind off the not so good things and puts it on the straight and narrow. Which is what is needed in this old world of ours these days.

With that I am off for another bowl of oatmeal and will then see what the day has in store.

Have a great day. GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on July 11/2023

Good Morning!

It looks like we are in for another really nice day here in Cottage Country. The sun is shinning and the temperatures you could say are … just perfect. However, there is a slight chance of a thunderstorm later on this morning.

Highway 522 has actually been slow for the past few days. I suspect with the price of things along with the forest fires, people are staying home. And I can’t say I blame them. And on top of that, a lot of people are losing their homes with the increase in interest on their mortgages. We here in Canada are being taxed to death, some say it’s the price we pay for what we have today. And I would be okay with that if … the tax money was going to the right places here in Canada. Which it isn’t. You know, I have come to the conclusion this war or wars that are being fought isn’t really about wanting to take over another country, I believe it’s about depleting the rich countries of their resources, which they are doing quite rapidly. I could be wrong, but I don’t think so.

Bug Report: All is well these days, no complaints other than a few pesky deer flies.

On another note, I finished sprucing up our swing I made awhile back. A feller has to keep on top of these things. Either that or lose them. Actually, it’s that way with a lot of things if you own your own home. Seems there is always something to take your hard-earned money, be if food, gas, lumber, appliances, new roofs, or what ever.

With that I am off for a bowl of oatmeal my lovely wife made for me and will then see what the day has in store, other than what I have planned. You never know.
Have a good day. GW

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

Good Morning!

It’s a bit cloudy this morning waking up, and we did have a few showers through the night. Which is fine with me, as now I don’t have to water our vegetable gardens. Not that I mind, mind ya. But I will say this, things are sure growing lately. My tomatoes, garlic, zucchini, onions, squash, peppers, cucumbers, corn and beans have sure grown. It won’t belong before we are enjoying more from our gardens. It will be nice not having to by from the grocery stores.

Bug Report: Everything is good these days in that department. No complaints.

The good news is the real hot weather has moved out of our area, which will make things a lot nicer for doing things outdoors, and it looks like we are in for some really nice weather now for the next couple of weeks. Yesterday was a busy day for my wife and I with a lot of new customers dropping by our gift shop. Along with that, I had some plumbing to do in the basement. It seems plumbing and me doesn’t get along, but with Steve’s help at the Home Hardware along with my wife I managed to get it looked after. I still have one thing to fix, but it can wait for now. My wife and I have had so many things going on this year so far, we now are going to take a break as I am still not back to my old self health wise. At any rate I am not complaining by no means as it sure feels good to be able to do some things. A person doesn’t really realize just how lucky we are being able to do the simplest of things like walking to the front porch or getting out of a chair.

With that I am off for some waffles my lovely wife is making for me topped off with some of Mike Clappertons Maple Syrup. And then I will see what the day has in store other than what I have planned.

Have a great day. The sun just got out of bed. I sure enjoy the mornings here in Cottage country with everything being fresh and new.

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on July 7/2023

Good Morning!

It’s a cloudy morning here, waking up in Cottage Country. But we did have a nice rain starting in the afternoon yesterday and through the night. Today we should see a wee bit of sunshine with a possible thunderstorm. The good news is the rain of course, but the temperature has cooled down a lot, to where it is more comfortable. Which puts a smile on my face.

Highway 522 is still very busy these days with lots of folks moving around, coming into our area from all over. If there is one thing that never changes all that much is people take their holidays no matter what. And I can’t say I blame them. The only drawback is the cost of things these days. I have also noticed that the produce in the stores today are mostly from other countries and what they are selling shouldn’t be allowed on the shelves, as most as much as I hate to say this … is rotten, and I am not kidding. One Isle we went down smelled so bad with bad vegetables it brought tears to my eyes. Another store we went to the cherries were all moldy and rotten, they couldn’t be eaten. Another store we went to the Brussels sprouts we bought as ours weren’t ready yet, they were so stringy and hard that no matter how much you cooked them they would never soften up. Had to throw most away. And that is another thing. We are paying all these high prices, and a lot of things we are getting for our hard-earned dollars isn’t good at all. Hell, even the meat in most of the stores today is cut all wrong and so tough that you can’t chew it even if you cut it in tiny pieces. You know when my wife and I were farming our fruit and vegetables had to pass a lot of restrictions before being allowed on the store shelves. Today it isn’t that way as truth be told most everything we see in the stores are grown in other countries other than right here in Canada and what a shame that is. Now in saying that there are still some very good family farmers out there, but there are also a lot that thinks they are farmers when they aren’t. Today our powers to be, think, that farming can be taught in schools, when in reality good farms are passed down from generation to generation. And it should also be noted that without productive farms eventually a country will fail, as simply put if you can’t support your own you soon parish. And it is happening here in Canada now, but it is being hidden and covered up. And what a shame that is. Anyway, that is my rant for the day, not sure how I got onto that.

Bug Report: Everything is good in that department.

On another note, my wife and I did get our mowing done yesterday before the rain hit, and we also had some folks here in town help us put in a new washer and dryer. It was a challenge for sure as I had to widen our stairway leading into the basement beforehand. But it had to be done eventually, and now we can get pretty well anything up and down the stairs. Today I will put things back together. Which should keep us busy for most of the day. With owning a home, there is always something that needs to be done. But it’s still better than renting, which only makes other folks rich. Not saying renting is a bad thing, but here again the rent they are charging today for apartments and houses is outrageous. And the worst part is we keep on bringing more people into our country when we have no place to keep them or jobs, so they can support themselves. They say we need more people to fill the jobs we have now, but I don’t believe that for a minute. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see what is really happening.
Anyway, you all have a good day. GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country On July 6/2023

Good Morning!

It’s a cloudy morning here, waking up in Cottage Country. We are going to see some rain off and on throughout the day, and maybe a touch of sunshine thrown in for good measure. The rain will or could start around 9 or 10 AM

Bug Report: Just a few horse flies irritating folks these days. The heat we had slowed them down a lot.

Highway 522 is getting busier every day with tourists, day trippers and campers moving in and around our area. No slowing them down, they are wanting to get to where they are going and not stopping for anyone. I had to take my wife to Sundridge yesterday for an appointment, and I was going the speed limit, and they were passing me like I was standing still.

Today is mowing day here for us, but with the rain, I am not sure how much we will get done. We will have to see how that turns out. And I am still not feeling all that well. I can move around, but not for too long before having to sit down.

With that, you all have a great day. GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on July 5/2023

Good Morning!

It’s another sunny morning here in Cottage country and by the looks of things we will be having another hot day. But after today things will get back to normal with some rain in the forecast for Thursday. Which will be nice.

Highway 522 has been busy for the past few days with lots of campers heading towards the government parks.

Lately, our area has witnessed a surge in new home constructions, attracting people from various locations. Many individuals are selling their homes, desiring to leave the bustling city environment. Similarly, some are parting with their cottages in Muskoka due to high taxes and seeking more affordable places to settle down, and our area is on the list of places to move to. This phenomenon is often referred to as progress.

The future holds the outcome of these developments, which will become apparent in the coming months and years.

Bug Report; Nothing much to report in that department other than a few deer flies. This heat has slowed things down a lot this year.

On another note, being so hot yesterday, I was unable to do much outside. However, today I will do some work in my old woodworking shop as I have a few projects that I need to get done up. After that, I will seek out some shade and put my feet up.

With that, I am off for a bowl of cereal and a piece of toast that my lovely wife is making for me.

Have a great day! GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country On July 3/2023

Good Morning!

It looks like another beautiful day shaping up for us here in Cottage Country. Other than the heat, that is. But in saying that where we live, there are a lot of trees, which in turn means … there is a lot of shade. At the moment the sun is shinning, and I suspect it will continue on that way all day. It will also get even warmer for the next few days.

Highway 522 is getting busier and busier every day, as is our gift shop. Yesterday was a very busy day with folks dropping by one after another. It is nice to see folks out and about.

Bug Report: Other than a few of them pesky deer and horse flies along with a few lingering mosquitoes, things are pretty good these days. I am not complaining, by no means.

Yesterday with dealing with the customers we didn’t have much time to do much outside work, but that is okay as I didn’t feel like doing much outside work. Ha ha.

On another note, our vegetable gardens are growing leaps and bounds now. We are eating fresh garlic and lettuce from it every day. And it won’t be long before our cucumbers are ready. It sure is nice to be able to walk out to the garden and bring some in for the table when ever we want it. All organic and fresh.

Also for those that does have a garden it is time to hill up the tomatoes, peppers, garlic and potatoes. I will get at mine tomorrow or the next day. In doing so, it loosens up the soil around the base of the plants and protects them from the hot, dry weather that we will be having for the next two months. So … sharpen up your hoe and get to work. Early morning is the best time to do it.

With that, I am off for a piece of toast that my lovely wife is making for me for a change, and will then see what the day has in store. I never know.

Have a good day!.

What’s Happening In Cottage Country On July 2/2023

Good Morning!

It’s a hazy morning here, waking up in cottage country, but the sunshine will burn it off as the morning progresses. We will also be seeing a lot of hot weather for the next few days, cooling off nearing the end of the week. So … close up those window curtains throughout the day and find a shade tree to sit under.

Bug Report: All is good other than a few deer flies annoying folks. Once they find you, they won’t leave you alone. They are like an itch you can’t scratch. Damn things.

Highway 522 was real busy yesterday with lots of camper trailers moving into our area. We also saw a lot of day trippers dropping by our gift shop, which was nice to see. It kept us busy chatting to folks.

On another note, I did do a bit of work outside yesterday in our gardens and things until it got too warm. My wife was busy doing housework along with looking after our store. Later on we sat outside in the shade relaxing. Today we will do the same.

With that I am off for a bagel that my lovely wife made for me and will then see what the day has in store, other than what we have planned.

Have a great day! GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country On July1/2023

Good Morning!

Well … here it is July 1st. Boy, time sure fly’s by. One minute we are in the midst of winter, the next we are in the middle of summer, heading towards fall. Although, winter isn’t something I am looking forward to at the moment. Looking outside, there is a bit of haze, but that is all it is. There isn’t any smoke in the air … as yet, but that could change in the coming days as we are going to be in for some really hot weather for the next four or five days. Let’s hope it stays clear of our area.

Highway 522 is still quiet, but I suspect it will get busier every day now. But in saying that, we have had a steady stream of folks dropping by our small gift shop picking up a few of our unique items. It’s nice to see folks out and about enjoying themselves.

Bug Report: There are a few deer flies around, but for most parts things are good.

On another note, my wife and I did take it a bit easy yesterday, and today I will see about working up my vegetable garden a wee bit. Our tomatoes and potatoes need to be hilled, along with removing some suckers from the tomatoes. In doing so, we will have some better tasting produce along with them being a touch larger. It’s also time for us to start doing up things for winter. Out with the old and in with the new is our way of thinking. In doing so, we eat healthier along with saving us a lot of money come winter. And I am thinking food is going to get a lot more expensive. And I also believe we are going to lose a lot of the quality as we here in Canada relies too much on other countries for food. We should be growing it here in our own country.

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 June 30/2023

Good Morning!

We are starting the day off with some rain, which will make the plants and things happy. It will also help with the forest fires that are out of control all through the north. We should also see some sunshine throughout the day along with a possible thunderstorm. We will have to see what develops as the day moves forward. The good news is, we don’t have to water our veggie garden for a few days. But in saying that, we are in for some more really hot weather starting on Saturday and lasting until next Thursday. So you might have to follow the shade for a few days, along with wearing a hat.

Highway 522 was quiet yesterday, not many folks moving around. But that will change now that the kids are out of school, along with a lot of people starting their summer holidays.

Bug Report: Things are pretty good in that department these days, other than some small ones that are attracted by the exhaust fumes from your car or equipment. They don’t usually bite, but they are annoying as there are so many of them.

On another note, my wife and I did get all our grass cut and trimmed up yesterday. It took us most of the morning. The grounds around our home looks like a manicured park. Actually better, as over the years my wife and I have developed a knack in making things look pretty. Today I will clean up my shop as it is a mess with all the work we have been doing on the house. After that we will see, if it isn’t too hot in the coming days I might extend one of our decks making it a touch larger. I need room for the new outdoor checkerboard I made awhile back. Ha ha. We will see how that goes.

With that, I am off for some pancakes that my lovely wife is preparing, and will then see what the day has in store other than what I have planned. I never know, really.

Have a great day!

What’s Happening In Cottage Country On June 29/2023

Good Morning Folks!

It’s a sunny morning here, waking up, and the skies are clear of smoke and clouds. How long that will last is another question, that I don’t really have and answer for. The one thing in our favor is that there is hardly no wind at all, and what we do have is coming in from the SS East. Let’s hope the trend continues. On the downside of things, the next rain we get, that is, if we do get any, will be on Friday afternoon. After that we are back into some hot dry weather again for a week.

Bug Report: Actually they aren’t bad at all in our area at the moment, which makes it nice for working outdoors, or just sitting enjoying nature. Which is what my wife and I need to do.

Highway 522 is picking up and as I said yesterday with the kids getting out of school and people starting their holidays for the year, I suspect things will pick up a lot and even more if they lift the fire-ban for nighttime burning. Reason being that people that comes into cottage country like to sit around the campfires at night roasting marshmallows, have a few beers, along with swapping some lies. Or at least that is what I used to do growing up.

On another note, my wife and I finished up installing new eves on the one side and front of our home yesterday. It took a lot out of us having to do everything ourselves from a ladder, but we managed. My wife doing most of the ladder work. Today is mowing day, which takes the morning to accomplish. After that, I suspect we will both be ready for a shower and wanting to put our feet up. We will see how that goes. I still can’t stand or walk too far without having to sit down and rest for a while. But I am moving and doing some things, so not complaining. As I keep on saying, it’s nice to be able to walk to the front porch or chat to folks that drops by. Actually, Barry, my fishing buddy, dropped by yesterday, and we had a good old chat for an hour or so while sitting in the shade. It was sure nice to see him.

With that I am off for a bagel with a sweet topping as my wife says I need sweetening up a bit. Ha ha. Could be she is right. After that, I will head on outdoors.

Oh, and yesterday we had some folks drop by from Beamsville my hometown saying hello. They were telling me one of the owners of Stad’s Lumber reads my Blog every morning, he is in his 90’s. I remember he gave me a great deal on lumber many years ago for our deck when we had our farm on Aberdeen Road. They were great folks to deal with. I wish you all the best, my friend.

Have a great day. GW