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Good Morning, and as my old Dad used to say: “Hard work won’t hurt you, but bad habits might.”

It looks as if we are in for another nice day here in the north. The sun is showing herself and nature is waking up after her long winter’s nap, which is fine with me, as I’ve had enough of winter. The snow’s gone from the fields, the robins are pulling worms like no tomorrow, and the grass is greening up faster than I can sharpen the mower blades.

And the thing is, around here, one has to take advantage of this nice weather while you can. That means there’ll be plenty of folks outside today—splitting wood, raking up what winter left behind, or just sitting a spell with a cup in hand, letting the warmth soak into their bones. I know I’ll be doing a little of all three.

As for the weather, today we’re looking at mainly cloudy skies with just a slight chance of a passing shower. The high should hit around 73°F, or 23°C if you’re using the metric side of the tape. Tonight will stay on the mild side, with some clouds hanging around and a low near 59°F, or 15°C. Tomorrow’s shaping up pretty similar—cloudy again with a chance of a few sprinkles and another high around 73°F, or 23°C. Not much to complain about if you don’t mind a bit of gray.

So get out there, breathe deep, and enjoy what the day has to offer. It sure beats shoveling.

Highway 522 is picking up, traffic-wise, a bit more every day. But it’s that time of year, with folks wanting to get away from the cities, and others heading north to open up their cottages for the nice days ahead. You’ll see trucks with canoes strapped on top, trailers bouncing behind, and the odd car packed to the roof like they’re movin’ up for good. Can’t rightly say I blame them, neither. If I had to trade the sound of loons and wind in the pines for honking horns and concrete, I’d be heading north, too.

Bug Report:

Well, them black flies are starting to swarm now, so if you’re one of the lucky ones they can’t resist, best dig out that bug jacket, as you’re gonna need it. They’re zipping around like all get out, and unfortunately, that somewhere is usually your neck or behind your ears.

As for me, well, they buzz around a bit but don’t seem all that interested. I guess I’m not sweet enough, or just not on the menu. Now and then, though, one gets bold and takes a test bite to see if I’ve ripened up since yesterday. Usually it just shakes its head and moves on, disappointed.

At any rate, it’s part of living in the north, and you have to take the good weather with a few freeloaders.

On another note, yesterday I worked the day away outside. Decided to put a coat of penetrating oil on our decks—or should I say, two of our decks. It was a nice dry day, so I figured it’d be a good time to get ‘er done. Now, if the sun sticks around for most of the day, it’ll dry up nicely and be all set for the summer.

As for my lovely wife, she’s been busy getting our gift shop ready for the summer, which will be opening this Friday, along with getting things prepped for our huge garage sale, also starting this Friday, May 16th, 2025. So, yeah, we’re both staying busy. But when you love what you do, it never feels like work.

But in saying all that, our bodies sure feel it by the end of the day.

So, what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today, with a few showers closing in on us for tomorrow morning, my wife and I are planning on cutting our grass for the first time this year. I have to say, it’s been growing like crazy, and it’s starting to look a bit shabby around the house. So, figured we better get to it if we want everything looking good for our big spring sale. At least that’s the plan—let’s hope everything works out.

With that, I’m off once again for my morning breakfast, courtesy of my lovely wife. After that, I’ll enjoy a cup of hot cocoa—maybe out on the swing out back, since our front porch isn’t quite dry yet from me putting on that penetrating oil.

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

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Good Morning… Do what you can with what you’ve got.

So starting things off… It looks as if we are in for another really nice day here in Cottage Country.

The sun’s up, the sky’s clear, and we’re heading for a high of about 72°F, or 22°C. Just warm enough to enjoy without breaking a sweat. Tonight will cool off a bit, down around 50°F, or 10°C, and tomorrow’s shaping up much the same—maybe even a touch warmer. No complaints on this end.

Highway 522 has picked up somewhat, but not as much as it was last year. With the weather being the way it has been, that’s understandable. Things will pick up, though, as the days move forward.

Bug Report:
Well, the black flies are out now. Still not as bad as they’re going to be, but just enough to annoy folks somewhat—especially the deeper you are in the bush. It won’t be long before the critters start roaming alongside the roads and crossing here and there, trying to get away from them, so care should be taken if you’re out and about.

On another note, yesterday I had plans to get some more outside work done around the house here, but I’d forgotten my wife had a dentist appointment in North Bay. So, we headed off to town. While there, we picked up a few things we were in need of, had lunch in our car while people-watching, and then grabbed a coffee before heading back home, taking in all the spring colours along the way.

In my mind, the spring colours are every bit as nice as the fall ones, with all the trees, plants, and flowers starting to show off. Sure is a sight to see them all waking up after their long winter’s nap. All in all, a great day.

So with that, I’m off for the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me, and then I’ll see about tackling the things I planned on doing yesterday. As I keep on sayin’, life is one ongoing mystery, as one never knows what a day will bring.

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

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Good Morning… It’s all right to not have it all figured out.

Well, it looks as if we’re in for another nice day here in cottage country. The sun’s just peeking up over the trees, the stripe-headed birds are out there picking off black flies, and the trees, still a little shy from winter, are finally starting to show off their leaves for summer. It’s that time again when the whole bush seems to come alive overnight.

Today’s Weather Forecast for Port Loring, Ontario, Canada:
We’re in for mostly sunny skies today, with a high reaching around 76°F (25°C). There’ll be a nice breeze from the southwest at about 5 to 10 miles per hour, just enough to keep the bugs guessing. Tonight, the skies will stay clear and temperatures will dip down to a low of about 53°F (12°C).

Looking ahead to Tuesday:
It’ll be a warm one, with the mercury climbing to around 83°F (29°C) under mostly cloudy skies. Winds will be light and variable, and by tomorrow night, it’ll cool off just a bit with a low near 60°F (16°C).

Might be a good couple of days to get some outside work done, or just sit back and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer. Either way, it looks like we’ve got a good stretch ahead.

Highway 522 is getting busier every day. Even our locals are starting to move around, which means spring has officially arrived — folks are dusting off their trucks, checking if the coffee shop’s still standing, and acting like they haven’t seen each other in years, even though they bumped into each other last Thursday.

Bug Report: Well, the black flies are out, but they ain’t in full attack mode just yet. They’re buzzin’ around, testin’ the waters like they’re not quite sure if it’s worth the effort. Might be the cool mornings slowing ‘em down, but one thing’s for sure — once they get that first taste of blood, all bets are off. They go from curious to downright mean, and after that, you might as well be wearing a “Free Buffet” sign on your forehead. For some, that is.

On another note, yesterday I spent the whole day outside, cleaning up around the yard, fixing up our fishpond, and straightening out one of the sheds. I even managed to squeeze in a bit of painting here and there. All in all, it was a busy day — but a good one.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, with it being so nice outside today, I figure I’ll spend some time in the woodworking shop. And if I get a chance, I’ll fire up the old rotivator — bought that thing back in the ‘70s, and it works the soil a lot finer than a tiller. Not many folks make ’em like that anymore, if any. The vegetable gardens… are about due for their first turn over, but I think I’ll save the actual work for Wednesday, let the ground dry out a bit more.
And if the day keeps going the way I’m hoping, my wife and I will end up out under the basswood tree on that swing I built awhile back. It’s been calling for company, and I think it’s about time we gave it what it’s askin’ for.

So with that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me — well, after she finishes watering her plants, of course. They’ve been giving her the ol’ “thirsty look” for the past couple of days, so I’m sure she’s got her hands full with that. I’ll just sit tight and try not to let the smell of coffee make me too impatient, while she plays plant whisperer.

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

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Good Morning Folks… Not every day needs to be big to be good.

It’s looking like one fine day here in Cottage Country. The sun is showing off, and the temperature is on the rise.

Today, Sunday: Sunshine from start to finish, with a high around 61°F, or 16°C. There’s a little breeze picking up out of the southwest this afternoon, just enough to keep the bugs from getting too comfortable. A good day to hang laundry, turn soil, or sit with your coffee and let the world drift by. Tonight will cool off to around 43°F, or 6°C, under partly cloudy skies.

Monday: The sun returns and holds steady. Expect a high of 72°F, or 22°C. The wind will ease off, and it’ll feel like spring has finally settled in for good. The evening will stay calm and clear, dipping down to about 50°F, or 10°C.

Tuesday: The heat keeps building, climbing up to 79°F, or 26°C. It’ll be a mix of sun and cloud, still fine weather for just about anything you’ve got planned. There’s a small chance of a shower come nightfall, with the temperature holding at a mild 55°F, or 13°C.

Looks like we’ve got ourselves a stretch of real decent weather for a change. One has to take advantage of it while you can.

Highway 522 is starting to pick up traffic-wise, with plenty of new vehicles moving up and down the road these days.

Bug Report: I’ve been seeing a few Black Flies over the past couple of days. So far, they’re not biting, but that’ll change once the temperature starts to rise. If you’re one of those folks they like to nibble on, it might be a good idea to bring out your bug jacket.

On another note: Yesterday, I worked the day away outside, fixing this and that. I had one heck of a time with the pump I use for my fishpond. In the end, I replaced it with another one I had kicking around. Took a bit of doing, but the old water wheel is back to work again for the summer—well, at least I hope it is. You never know with equipment, they always seem to have a mind of their own.

My wife, on the other hand, has been real busy reorganizing our gift shop and getting things ready for our upcoming sale here at home on May 16, 2025. The sale isn’t just for one day—we’ll keep it going until everything’s sold, even if it takes a month. Daytime hours are from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. So yeah, she’s been, and still is, one real busy lady, let me tell ya.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today I’ve got a lot on my plate—cleaning up the shop and getting everything ready for the upcoming sale. It’s hard to believe how much stuff we’ve accumulated. We never dreamed we had this much to get rid of! Not sure where it all came from… guess we’ve both been a little too good at holding on to things.

So with that, I’m off for my morning breakfast, and then I’ll see what the day has in store—aside from what I’ve already got planned. It’s always a mystery.

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

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Good Morning Folks! The days are stretching, and I suppose I should too.

So, starting things off with this. The sun did show herself early this morning, but writing this, the sky has clouded up somewhat, and it’s shaping up to be one of those in-between kind of days.

Weather for Port Loring, Ontario

Saturday, May 10th:
Mostly cloudy with a high around 58°F, or 14°C. Tonight will be colder, dropping to 31°F, or -1°C, so it might be a good night to toss an extra blanket on.

Sunday, May 11th:
Plenty of sunshine in the forecast, warming up to about 64°F, or 18°C. Overnight low around 44°F, or 7°C.

It’s that kind of weather that keeps a person guessing—do you haul out the rake or head back inside for another cup of coffee? Either way, best to keep your boots by the door and your plans flexible.

Highway 522 Report:
Traffic’s been picking up, more and more each day now. Cottagers are starting to roll in, opening up their places and getting their boats ready for the water. It won’t be long before fishing season kicks off for another year, and that always brings a few more folks into our area.

Bug Report:
Well, like I mentioned yesterday, the blackflies are starting to make themselves known. So far, at least around our place, they haven’t started biting—but you can bet once they get that first taste of blood, there’ll be no stopping them. That said, things won’t stay in their favor for long. Once the birds start picking them off and the dragonflies wake up, well, that’s when the real action begins. Those dragonflies don’t mess around—they clean them up in a hurry. You could call them human and animal lifesavers, and you wouldn’t be wrong.

On another note, yesterday, my wife and I spent the whole day outside. She was busy transplanting flowers, placing them in all the right spots to make our property look that much better. She’s got a real eye for it—but then again, she spent years designing homes back when we ran our landscaping business, so it comes naturally to her.

As for me, I worked on a few other things, including getting the pump installed for our fishpond, which runs our water wheel. Had a few issues there, and it took me a while to figure out what was going wrong. I’ll be back at it again this morning—weather permitting, of course.

So, What Are You Up to Today, GW?

Well, like I mentioned, I’ll be working on getting the pump for our fishpond running again. After that, I’ve got to tackle my woodworking shop—it’s a bit of a mess with everything we’ve had on the go lately. Tools and scraps here, there, and everywhere.

And then, if the sun decides to show herself, and it warms up a bit—and the blackflies don’t get too bold—I’m thinking a little time on the swing might be in order. Just sitting back, taking in the view of our place. It really is something special around here, if I do say so myself.

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

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Good Morning Folks! The world’s greening up again, slow and sure.

So starting things off this morning, I have to say, in spite of it being a touch cool, it’s sure looking nice outside. It’s got that early spring feel to it, too.

Today (Friday):
We’re in for a pretty decent one. Highs will creep up to around 66°F (19°C) by mid-afternoon. The sun will be playing tag with the clouds all day, but it’s expected to come out the winner more often than not. Light breeze out of the southwest at about 10 mph—just enough to keep the air moving and bugs off your neck.

Tonight:
Once the sun slips away, we’ll cool back down to around 47°F (8°C). The skies ought to stay mostly clear, which’ll make for a good, crisp spring evening. Might be just right for sitting out with a cup of something warm, or tucking in early if you’ve got a big Saturday planned.

Tomorrow (Saturday):
Now Saturday’s looking like the pick of the week. Expect a high near 72°F (22°C) under sunny skies. The wind’ll be mild, and the day should hold steady—perfect for yard work, fencing, cleaning out sheds, or even putting some new line on that fishing pole of yours, if you’re getting anxious.

Highway 522 is—or has been—picking up traffic-wise as each day passes by. Lots of new, or I should say different, vehicles than we usually see roaming around town. And there’s been a steady stream of trucks towing four-wheelers and boats, all heading into the backwoods. It’s only going to get busier as the weather warms up.

On another note, yesterday I worked the day away outside, building a new stand for the swing I made a while back. Got it all finished up, and my wife and I set it—and the swing itself—under the old basswood tree at the back of our property. Real nice spot there. We’ve got a pretty good view of most of our land, and when the sun gets a bit warm, that tree will give us some much-needed shade. My wife sure loves that swing, and I do too. It’s nice to have it up and running again.

After lunch, my wife came outside and helped me with some garden work. We did a bit of raking and cleaning up, and even had time to sit on our swing and take in all that nature has to offer. All in all, one great day.

So What Are You Up To Today, GW?

Well, today I’m planning to fill up our fishpond. I cleaned it out about a week ago, so it’s good and ready. Then, if I’m up to it, I’m going to hook up the pump, which gets the water wheel turning on that little mill I built a few years back. It sure looks nice, turning away there through the summer months. Once it’s going, it really adds something special to the yard. My wife and I sure do enjoy sitting on the front porch, taking it all in and listening to the water as it trickles by. Just one of those simple pleasures that makes a day feel complete.

Bug Report:
Well, as much as I hate to say it, the black flies are just starting to show themselves. Yesterday while I was working outside, I saw a few buzzing around. They didn’t bite us yet, but with this warm weather moving in, it won’t be long before they become downright annoying. Especially for my wife—they love to get under her hair, around her neck and ears. When that happens, the old bug jacket comes out of the closet.

As for me, well, they don’t usually bother me too much. I chalk it up to not being as sweet as the womenfolk. That said, they do get me swatting them away from my eyes with my old hat when they get thick. Not sure what I’d do without that hat—it’s got a lot of miles on it over the years.

So with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has put together for me. After that, we’ll see what the day has in store—right after we sit down for our turmeric tea. Occasionally, I like to spice life up a bit.

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

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Good Morning… The world’s greening up again, slow and sure.

It’s a cold and cloudy morning here in cottage country. Sure doesn’t feel like spring, more like a late fall day. But the good news is, it’s not raining, and if we’re lucky, we just might see a bit of sunshine later on.

Port Loring, Ontario Weather Forecast

Today: Cloudy skies sticking around for most of the day. A few sunny breaks are possible this afternoon if the clouds decide to give us a little grace. High of around 50°F (10°C). Winds staying light, which helps some.

Tonight: Cloudy again and dipping down to a low near 36°F (2°C). Might feel a touch colder if that breeze picks up overnight.

Tomorrow: Still mostly cloudy, though there’s a better chance of some sun peeking through. A little warmer too, with a high near 55°F (13°C). It’s not quite porch-sitting weather yet, but we’re getting there.

Highway 522 is a bit quiet this morning, but that’ll change as the day moves along. Already seeing a steady stream of trucks, cars and 4x4s making their way up and down the highway, which is a sure sign we’re edging closer to tourist season. Folks are starting to open up their camps, check on cottages, and get a feel for how the land made it through the winter.

Bug Report:
Not much to report just yet, with it being such a cool spring. But it won’t be long now before the blackflies come knocking. As a rule of thumb, they usually show up right around Mother’s Day and tend to stick around ’til Father’s Day. So, it might be a good idea to get your bug jacket out and hanging by the door, just in case they decide to show themselves. But one thing is for certain, they won’t be showing up today, being as cold as it is.

On Another Note…
Yesterday was a busy one for my wife and me, even though I wasn’t feeling a hundred percent. We finished cleaning up our basement, and dragged out a bunch more stuff that’s going into our big spring sale. It starts on April 16th and runs until it’s all gone — and believe me, there’s a lot to go.

We’ve got just about everything under the sun. Jars full of screws, nails, bolts, nuts, and washers. Instant Pots, Kitchen gadgets galore, tables, fishing gear, reels, a fish finder, rakes, hoes, and shovels. Electronics galore — keyboards, a mouse or two, speakers, and more wires and cords than you can shake a stick at, enough to hook up just about any gadget out there.

And that’s just scratching the surface. On top of all that, we’ve also got everything from our gift shop — things my wife and I brought to life with our own hands — and it all has to go too. I’m even offering some great deals on the handcrafted flutes I make, and most everything else will be marked half price.

Heck, I’ve even got a good solid cement mixer up for grabs. Truth is, there’s just too much to list. You’ll have to come by and see it for yourself.

I swear, I don’t even remember where half of it came from, but it’s all got to go. So if you’re in need of anything — and I mean anything — drop by. I’m even parting with some of my woodworking tools and gear, which is saying something.

We’ll be putting up signs once things get rolling, but in the meantime, if you know someone looking for a deal or just loves a good treasure hunt, send them our way. We’d sure appreciate the help spreading the word.

Hope to see you next week — and come early if you want the good stuff!

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today I’m planning on fixing up a proper stand for that swing I made a while back. That way, my lovely wife and I — or maybe some of our customers — will have a nice place to sit and relax. I’m thinking we’ll set it out under that big old basswood tree out back, we’ll see how that works out.

That is, if it warms up a bit. I’ve got to say, I’m not a fan of the cold like I used to be.

With that, I’m off to enjoy my morning breakfast, which my little woman has ready for me. After that, I think a nice cup of hot cocoa will be in order, then we’ll get into our regular morning chat — the one my wife and I do every single day. It’s a good way to start the day, and I’d say it’s one of the things that’s necessary for a good marriage. We never hide anything from each other, always keep things open and honest.

I’ve heard that nowadays some couples even have their own bank accounts. It’s funny, because after fifty-some years together, what I have is hers and what she has is mine — it’s always been that way. Funny how things have changed over the years, isn’t it?

I suppose you’d have to live as long as we have to really understand it. But for the younger folks getting married today, if you want a marriage to last, it might be something worth considering. Just a thought, mind you.

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

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Good Morning! The robins are back and so are the potholes, which is a sure sign that winter’s lettin’ go.

It’s a cloudy morning here, waking up in cottage country. The kind of sky that makes you reach for that second cup of coffee.

Today, well today it’s going to stay on the cool side with a high of just 48°F. No real sign of the sun breaking through, just a grey ceiling hanging over us most of the day.

Tonight, it’s going to get downright chilly, as we’re looking at a low of 30°F, which is kind of cool for this time of year. So you might want to toss another blanket on your bed before retiring for the evening.

Tomorrow however looks brighter. We’ll see the sun showing herself and the temperature will climb to a more comfortable 57°F. Still jacket weather, but not bad if you keep yourself moving. Tomorrow night dips back down again to about 33°F, so it’s not time to leave the windows open just yet.

But in saying all that, that’s the way things are here in the north, a typical spring, a little back and forth as the season tries to make up its mind.

Highway 522 is getting busier every day with folks leaving the cities, looking for something quieter. Some are just passing through, but more and more are sticking around, buying up little spots of land or fixing up the old cabins their grandparents left behind. But there’s also a quiet sort of shift unfolding, not loud or rushed, just steady. Kinda makes you wonder what this area will look like in another few years.

On another note, being that I wasn’t feeling the best yesterday, I spent part of the morning working away at some desk work, slow but steady. But when the sun broke through in the afternoon, I couldn’t sit still any longer and had to get outside. It’s one of those things, when the weather’s nice, it’s like something out there calls my name.

So what are you up to today GW?

Well, once again, not feeling quite up to par this morning, I figure I’ll take it easy here at my computer for a while. Although, if I start feeling a bit better, I might make a run to the dump later on this afternoon.

Dump days are always a bit of an event around here. You never know what—or who—you’ll run into. It’s where old things go to die and small talk thrives. Some folks treat it like a social outing, swapping stories over bags of garbage like it’s Sunday dinner.

So with that, I’m off once again for my morning breakfast—made by my lovely wife, who always knows how to get the day started just right. And after that, I’ll see what the day has in store, as around here, you never really know what’s coming next, one minute you’re set on a plan, and the next, life’s handed you something else entirely.

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

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Good Morning… One thing at a time, that’s how things get done.

It was a bit damp earlier this morning, but the sun is trying to make an appearance now, which I suspect will be short-lived. The good news is, for the first time this year, we slept with the window in our bedroom open all night long. Kinda nice for a change.

Today (Tuesday, May 6):
Expect a mix of sun and clouds through the morning, with increasing cloud cover and scattered showers developing this afternoon. High around 67°F (19°C). Winds out of the southwest at 5 to 10 mph. There’s a 70% chance of rain, so don’t wander too far without a raincoat or a jacket.

Tonight:
Cloudy skies with periods of rain continuing into the evening. Low near 47°F (8°C). Winds will stay out of the southwest at 5 to 10 mph. Still about a 70% chance of rain overnight, so it’ll be a damp one.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, May 7):
Skies will stay mostly cloudy through the day with a chance of showers in the morning, tapering off as we head into the afternoon. Expect a high around 55°F (13°C). Winds will shift and come out of the north at 5 to 10 mph. Rain chance drops to 30%.

Tomorrow Night:
Things clear up overnight, bringing mainly clear skies. The temperature will dip down to a chilly 29°F (-1°C), so you might want to close that window again. Winds will be light and variable.

Highway 522 is slow this morning, which is normal for our area, but in saying that it has picked up traffic wise a lot over the past few days. Lots of new faces and vehicles roaming around, and it will only get busier as the days goes by.

On another note, yesterday I finally got around to cleaning up my woodworking shop—with the help of my wife, which sure made things a lot easier. It took us all morning, and in the afternoon we tackled the basement. It’s amazing what one can accumulate over the years. At any rate, we’re making a lot of headway these days. The place has never looked so good.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today I think I’ll be taking it a bit easy, as I’m not feeling all that well—guess I’ve been overdoing it a bit lately. So, I’m just going to relax for a while.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife made for me. After that, I’ll sit back and enjoy our morning cup of—well, I think I’ll go with green tea this morning for a change. Just feel like something different. And of course, our regular chat. Can’t start the day without that.

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

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Good Morning. As Laura, the lady that raised me used to say: “George, The Day Won’t Wait, But You Never Skip Breakfast.”

It’s another nice day here in cottage country, sun is out and things has warmed up some.

Port Loring, Ontario – Weather Forecast

Today (Monday, May 5):
Mild and mostly cloudy throughout the day.
High: 71°F (22°C)
Low tonight: 56°F (13°C)

Tonight:
Staying mostly cloudy with a mild breeze.
Temperatures will dip to about 56°F (13°C) overnight.

Tomorrow (Tuesday, May 6):
Mostly cloudy with a chance of a few afternoon showers.
High: 72°F (22°C)
Low tomorrow night: 48°F (9°C)

Looking ahead to Wednesday:
Cooler with some cloud cover and a possible morning shower.
High: 55°F (13°C)
Low: 29°F (-2°C)

If you’ve got chores to do outside, you best getter done before that midweek chill sneaks in.

Highway 522 is picking up traffic-wise with lots of new faces roaming around town. City folks, you know—they roll in with their fancy coffees, Bluetooth headsets, and cars that look like they ain’t never seen a gravel road.

On another note, my wife and I had a real busy day working in our basement, cleaning things up and sorting through what we’re putting out for the garage sale. By the time we were done, we were more than ready to sit down. I swear, I discovered muscles I didn’t even know I had.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, being so nice out and knowing we’re in for cooler, rainy weather after tomorrow, I’m thinking it’s time to get some outside work done, breathe in the fresh air, and then settle in for some front porch sittin’. One has to take advantage of this nice weather while you can

So with that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my little woman has made for me, and then we’ll enjoy our hot cocoa along with our regular chat. Might even take it outside and soak up some of that sunshine. We’ve got this nice little cove we sit in on these spring mornings—a peaceful spot tucked out of the way where we can take in the nature all around us, and believe me, we’ve got plenty of it right here by our home.

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

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Good Morning Folks… Out here, the stories grow right alongside the weeds.

It’s a cool, wet morning waking up here in cottage country. But the good news is, things are going to start to warm up with some sunshine showing herself a bit later on in the day

Saturday, May 3

Morning: Overcast and damp, with a bit of drizzle hanging in the air.
Afternoon: Some sun breaking through the clouds, helping to dry things up a bit.
High: 52°F (11°C)
Low: 33°F (1°C)
Evening: Partly cloudy and cooling down quick.

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Tonight

Mostly clear skies with a few clouds drifting by.
Low: 33°F (1°C)
A cool one—might want to throw an extra log on the fire or grab an extra blanket.

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Sunday, May 4

Morning: Bright and sunny, a fine start to the day.
Afternoon: A mix of sun and cloud, just enough to keep things interesting.
High: 61°F (16°C)
Low: 34°F (1°C)
Evening: Calm and clear, with just a hint of a breeze.

Looks like the weekend’s shaping up nicely after a damp start. So, dust off those patio chairs and get ready to enjoy some well-deserved sunshine!

Highway 522 is dry this morning and traffic has been picking up. Not as much as last year at this time, but that’s understandable with the weather being the way it is. However, that’ll all change in the coming weeks as folks start opening up their cottages and getting their boats in the water—not to forget the tourists looking for new things to do and see, away from the noise and bustle of the cities.

On another note, being that the weather wasn’t so nice yesterday, my wife and I spent the day working away here in the house. We got a lot done for our sale, which is closing in fast—just two weeks now. Still lots to do, though, but we’re slowly getting things to where we want them.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today being so cool and wet outside, I’m thinking I’ll work away here at my desk—at least until the sun shows herself and things warm up a bit. And if that happens, I’ll head on out to the old woodworking shop and do some cleaning up out there.

With that, I’m off once again for the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. Then we’ll both settle into our La-Z-Boy chairs and enjoy our morning chat with a good cup of hot cocoa.

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

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Good Morning Folks… Out here, every fence line has a story to tell, and I’ve written half of ’em.

She’s another cool, rainy morning here in Port Loring, and along with that, the wind has picked up a bit, which makes things feel just a touch worse. The good news is, we still have power—and it looks like the sun will show herself tomorrow.

Weather for Port Loring, Ontario

Today, Friday, May 2, it’s a cool and rainy day. We’re looking at a high of 48°F (9°C) and a low of 34°F (1°C). The skies are overcast, and rain is expected throughout the day, so it’s a good idea to keep the rain gear handy. Winds will be light, so it won’t feel too breezy.

Tomorrow, Saturday, May 3, things should improve a bit. Expect a high of 55°F (13°C) and a low of 34°F (1°C). The day will start with some cloud cover, but we should see some sunshine peeking through as the day goes on. It’ll be a bit warmer, so a nice change after today.

All in all, a good weekend ahead to get out and enjoy a bit of nature—just keep an eye on the skies in case the weather changes.

Highway 522 has picked up some, traffic-wise, and we can expect a lot more as the days move forward.

On another note, yesterday wasn’t a great day, so my wife and I headed into North Bay to pick up some supplies we needed. Along the way, we met a lady who had seen some of the things we have for sale on Marketplace and Kijiji. While we were there, we also filled up our gas cans… since the power was out, I figured it was best to top them up. With the way the weather has been lately, it seemed wise to have a little extra on hand.

Once we were finished, we stopped off for a pizza at East Side Mario’s and enjoyed a nice drink. After that, we picked up a coffee at our local coffee shop and headed home, taking in everything nature had to offer. All in all, it turned out to be a great day.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today, with the weather not being so good, I’m planning on scanning a bunch more newspaper columns from years past that I wrote. I have boxes of them, so by doing this, we’ll have them all in one place and no large boxes to move. Which will keep my busy for most of the day.

So, with that, I’m off for some grass-fed sausages we bought, along with a boiled egg. After that, we’ll enjoy our hot cup of cocoa and have our regular morning chat. Then, we’ll see what the day has in store.

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

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Good Morning Folks… Coffee’s hot, pen’s ready, and the buds on the trees are slowly starting to show themselves.

It’s a frosty and cool morning here in Cottage Country, with the mercury waking up at 28.9°F (-1.7°C).​ And as my old Dad used to say: “George, a warm May can fool you fast, but the ground don’t lie. Feel the soil, not the sun.”

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🌤️ Port Loring Weather Forecast

Today – Thursday, May 1

Clouds will linger through the morning, giving way to periods of rain by afternoon. The high will reach around 55°F (13°C), with a low dipping to 42°F (6°C).​

Tonight

Expect continued rain through the evening, tapering off overnight. Temperatures will settle near 42°F (6°C).​

Tomorrow – Friday, May 2

The day will start with rain and drizzle, transitioning to cloudy skies by afternoon. The high will be around 53°F (12°C), with a low near 39°F (4°C).​

Highway 522 is bare and dry this morning, and we are seeing a touch of sunshine which is slowly getting rid of this frost we had through the night. Which in turn will make things good for traveling.

On another note, with the power out yesterday morning, my wife and I took the opportunity to go through items we’ll be adding to our spring garage sale. All in all, it turned out to be a productive day, and we got a lot done. There’s still plenty more to go through, but little by little, we’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today I’ve got a bit more computer work that needs my attention, and if the weather warms up a little, I plan to head out to the woodworking shop to start tidying things up. With everything that’s been going on around here the past few months, it’s gotten to be quite a mess, but it’s nothing a little time and effort won’t fix.

So with that, it’s time once again for the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. Afterward, I’ll see what the day has in store. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that you can plan all you like, but the weather, the world, and life itself often have a way of writing their own script.

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

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Good Morning Folks…
You know, years ago, mornings smelled like fresh-cut wood and hot coffee. The sound of an axe or a saw was never far off, and a good cup of coffee warmed your hands while you planned the day ahead. It was simple, honest living, and somehow, it just felt right.

And today for those in the city, mornings are filled with horns honking, engines roaring, and people hurrying down crowded sidewalks. The air smells more like pavement and smoke than fresh wood or clean earth. It’s a different world, one where the old quiet ways are easy to forget.

Well, lookin’ out over Port Loring today, it’s mostly cloudy, but the air’s got a good, easy feel to it. Should warm up nice, hittin’ around 70°F (21°C) by mid-afternoon. A good day for getting a few things done outside or just sitting on the porch with a hot cup in hand, listening to the birds wake up the bush. Which my wife and I sure enjoy doing throughout the day.

Highway 522 is bare and dry this morning, so traveling should be real good. Mind you, traffic has picked up a little. I have been seeing quite a few new vehicles rolling through, loaded down with camping gear and supplies. Looks to me like folks are getting the itch to leave the cities behind for a while — and to be honest, I can’t say I blame them one bit. And with the price of gas being much lower, I am thinking a lot more folks will be hitting the highways and back roads this summer.

On another note, yesterday, my wife and I worked the whole day outside, getting things ready for the big sale we’re planning in a couple of weeks. We got a lot done, and there is nothing like making the most of a good day’s work.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today my wife is planning to finish up her outside work, and I’m hoping to tackle a few things myself. First on my list is refilling our fishpond, which I drained a few days ago, I like to clean it up a bit for the warmer days ahead; it just makes everything look that much better. After that, I’m going to bring out the water pump and hook it up, which powers the water wheel at one end of the pond. It’s always a nice sight to watch it turn through the summer.

And then, if I’m still feeling up to it, I might install a new post for some birdhouses. I made them a couple of months ago, and they’ll be a great addition to the ones we already have. But as I’ve always said, that’s the plan — the results, well, we’ll see what the day brings.

So, with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife made for me. After that, we’ll sit down for our morning chat with a hot cup of cocoa, and then, as I said before, we’ll see what the day has in store.

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

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Good Morning Folks… I used to tell my boys years ago that: The Best Plans Were Written in Dust on the Tractor Hood.

It is one beautiful day here in cottage country. The sun is shining, the grass is slowly turning from brown to green, and the trees are starting to show their buds, which is a sure sign that the leaves are not far behind.

As for the weather here in Port Loring, Ontario, Canada:

Today:
Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 63°F (17°C). Winds will be light and variable.

Tonight:
Clear skies, with a low around 37°F (3°C).

Tomorrow:
Another sunny day is on the way with a high of 68°F (20°C). Winds will remain light, making it a perfect day to be outdoors.

Highway 522 is bare and dry this morning, which will make travelling to the larger cities a go today. As for my wife and me, we’re all stocked up, as we made the trip to town yesterday. We figured that since it was a rainy old day, and we couldn’t do much outside around our home, we might as well pick up a few things we were needing.

While we were there, we stopped in for a visit with our son, and afterward, he took us out for dinner at a nice restaurant called Lot 88. It wasn’t too bad of a place to eat, a touch expensive, but then again, what place these days isn’t? Even an A&W burger meal for two people will set you back twenty-some dollars or more. The thing is, it’s only a hamburger. Sheesh. I’m not sure where they get off charging so much, but the truth is, businesses have a lot of overhead these days. Wages, hydro, rent, insurance, and even the cost of the ingredients have all gone through the roof.

That is what’s driving prices up everywhere you look. It’s not always that they want to charge so much—it’s that they have to if they want to keep the lights on and pay their staff. Years ago, things were simpler. Folks grew a lot of their own food, fixed what they had instead of buying new, and took more time to enjoy life. Today, it’s all about making money, rushing here, rushing there, always looking for the next thing. In doing so, we’ve traded some of the simple ways for what many call “progress,” but to me, it doesn’t always seem like a step forward.

At any rate, we had a nice chat with our son, enjoyed a good meal, picked up our groceries and a few other things, and grabbed a coffee for the road home. The rain never did let up, but I’ve found that no matter what kind of weather a day brings, it’s all in how you look at it. Yesterday, we made it into a good day, and that is what counts.

So, what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today, with the sun back with us, and it supposed to warm up a lot, I’m thinking I’ll get to unpacking all the things we’ve put together for our big garage sale coming up in a couple of weeks. We’ve got so much stuff that I figure it’ll take us most of the day to get everything out where folks can see it.

You know what they say—got to make hay while the sun’s shining.

So yeah, that’s what GW and his lovely wife will be up to today, along with enjoying a cup of coffee or two while sitting outside and soaking up some of that sunshine.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has put together for me. After that, we’ll be settling in with a hot cup of cocoa, and planning out the day ahead—something we always look forward to and sure do enjoy every morning.

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

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Good Morning Folks… Another Morning, another story.

​Well, she’s a wet morning here in the North, and it rained off and on through the night, and by the looks of things, the rain will continue for most of the day.

Here’s the weather forecast for Port Loring, Ontario:

Today – Saturday, April 26:
Rainy and overcast, with temperatures around 46°F (8°C). We could see about 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain. Winds will be coming from the north-northwest at around 15 mph (24 km/h).

Tonight:
Light rain tapering off, becoming mostly cloudy. Temperatures will drop to around 34°F (1°C). Winds will stay steady from the north-northwest at about 15 mph (24 km/h).

Tomorrow – Sunday, April 27:
A pleasant change with sunny skies and a high of 63°F (17°C). Winds will shift slightly, coming from the west-northwest at about 6 mph (9 km/h).

Tomorrow Night:
Clear skies, with temperatures falling to around 36°F (2°C). Winds will shift again, coming from the south-southwest at about 8 mph (13 km/h).

There is also a rainfall warning in place today due to the combination of steady rain and melting snow, which could cause some localized flooding in low-lying areas.

Highway 522 is moving slow this morning, but I suspect things will pick up as the day rolls along. With all this rain, it’s not a bad day to leave the car outside — free car wash included, no appointment necessary!

On another note, with the weather not being all that great yesterday morning, I decided to get busy here at my computer. By the time the weather started to shape up, I was already too deep into what I was doing to stop. So, I just carried on working away at my desk. Some days are like that — once you get rolling, it’s hard to put the brakes on.

So, what are you up to today, GW?

Well, seeing as it’s a pretty miserable day out there, I figure it’s a good one to stay inside and tinker away at a few projects I’ve got going here at my computer. Mind you, it is Dump Day here in the North, so I might just load up the SUV and make a run over there. Around here, a trip to the dump is about as close as we get to a town meeting. You drop off a few bags of trash, catch up on all the local gossip, and if you’re lucky, maybe find a chair or a rake that’s still got a few good years left in it. Truth be told, some days you come home with more than you left with!

So, with that all said, I’m off to grab some breakfast my little woman’s whipped up for me. After that, I’ll see what the day throws at me, planned or not. Bein’ so wet out there, I might just sit back for a spell and have a second cup of hot cocoa before I get too carried away. Days like this, a fella’s got two choices … fight it or take it easy. I’m leanin’ toward the easy side.

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