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Good Morning! The snow’s knee-deep, the shovel’s worn thin, and the only thing keeping my wife and I going is the thought of spring, that is, whenever it decides to show up.

Well folks, she’s a downright cold morning here in good old Northern Ontario, Canada. Waking up, the temperature was sitting at -21°F (-29.6°C)—the kind of cold that makes you question why you got out of bed in the first place.

Port Loring, Ontario Weather Forecast

Today (Sunday, March 2):
Mostly sunny, but don’t let that fool you, it’s still cold. High of 16°F (-9°C) with a light breeze that makes it feel a touch cooler. I would think its probably not the best day for standing around outside unless you enjoy frost forming on your mustache, if you had one.

Tonight:
Clear skies, which means it’s going to get even colder. You can expect a low of -3°F (-19°C), so if you were thinking of sitting out on the porch looking at the stars, you might want to rethink that.

Tomorrow (Monday, March 3):
Clouds moving in, bringing a 30% chance of flurries. High of 27°F (-3°C), so at least it’s trying to warm up.

Tomorrow Night:
Still cloudy, still a 30% chance of flurries, and a low of 23°F (-5°C). Not tropical, but better than tonight.

Looks like a good day to keep the wood-stove going and maybe work on a project indoors.

Highway 522 is quiet this morning, with a light covering of snow, just enough to remind us it’s still winter. Might be why folks are staying put, that and the fact that it’s a lot more enjoyable to admire winter from inside with a hot coffee in hand. I went out earlier and plugged in my old car to warm it up a bit, not that I’m planning on going anywhere. Just figured I’d give it a fighting chance against the cold. The only problem is, with hydro prices these days, every time I plug it in, I feel like I should be taking out a loan. So, I don’t leave it on long—just enough to keep the old girl from freezing up solid.

You know, after all these years, I’ve found that living in a small town up here in Northern Ontario has its charms, that is if you don’t mind everyone knowing your business before you do. News travels faster than the internet, and by the time you finish your morning coffee, half the town already knows what you had for breakfast. Saves time on visiting, though, no need to update anyone, when they already have the full report!

On another note, yesterday my wife and I managed to get our decks and driveway cleared of snow, but I have to tell ya, it sure was a struggle, to say the least. I kind of think that the snow doubled in weight overnight! Anyway, by the time we finished, we were more than happy to head indoors and enjoy a cup of hot coffee, let me tell ya. This aging thing sure takes a toll on a feller, or gal, I’ll tell ya that much.

So, what are you up to today, GW? Well, with it being so downright cold, I’m thinkin’ I’ll just hang around inside the house and maybe write up a story or two for my columns. Them flutes can wait for a warmer day. Now, I’ve got the shop stove going, so if the urge hits, I might head out there later on in the day. We’ll see how it goes, one never really knows what a day’s gonna bring.

With that I am off once again for my bowl of porridge my lovely wife has made for me along with a piece of toast. Should hold me over till lunch time.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open And Your Stories Alive! GW

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Good Morning! The plow just went by, which means I have two choices—grab the shovel or pretend I didn’t see it.

March 1st – A Lion of a Start!

Well folks, March has rolled in, and as the old-timers used to say… if it comes in like a lion, it’ll go out like a lamb. And let me tell you, this morning that lion ain’t just growling, he’s got his claws dug in deep.

As of 7:59 AM, my own weather station recorded a chilling 4.82°F (-15.1°C) with a north-northwest wind gusting up to 5 mph, some higher at times, but seems to be easing up a touch now. Still, it’s enough of a bite to make you pull that coat a little tighter.

Here’s what the weather’s looking like for Port Loring:

Today (Saturday, March 1st)

• A few flurries drifting in and out.
• Cloudy and staying downright cold.
• High: 12°F (-11°C)
• Low: -12°F (-24°C)

Tonight

• Clear and bitterly cold. A night to keep that fire stoked.

Tomorrow (Sunday, March 2nd)

• Mostly sunny, but don’t let that fool you… it’s still winter’s grip.
• High: 17°F (-8°C)
• Low: -2°F (-19°C)

So if you’re heading outside, dress warm… layers are your friend, and if you’ve got the chance, today’s a good day to hunker down with a hot coffee and wait for that lamb to show up later in the month.

Highway 522 is snow-covered this morning, which isn’t much of a surprise after the snow we got yesterday and through the night. I’d say we had close to a good foot, maybe more in the drifts. The snow itself is light, but with this much of it… well, let’s just say it’s going to take some good old-fashioned elbow grease to clear it all. If you’re planning on heading out, best give yourself some extra time and be ready to do a bit of shoveling first!

On another note, I spent the day yesterday out in the old woodworking shop, getting back into the swing of things. I managed to tune up a few of the Native Flutes I’ve been working on. So far, only one has given me trouble, not bad, considering I’m making twenty of them and haven’t made any in over five years. But that’s the way it goes with woodworking; sometimes the wood has a mind of its own. I’ll tinker with it over the next few days and see if I can bring it back to life. If not, well, every piece of wood has its purpose, some just take a different path than planned.

So, what’s on the agenda today, GW?

Well, the plan was for my wife and me to tackle some of this snow, but I think we’ll hold off until the wind settles down a bit. It’s bad enough out there without the wind whipping things around. Then again, we’ll see how much energy I can muster up after a good breakfast.

Which, by the way, is calling my name right now… my lovely wife has it all ready and waiting. One thing’s for sure, though, before we head outside, we’ll be enjoying a good cup of hot cocoa. A little warmth before the storm, you might say.

Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW

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Good morning! The coffee’s hot, the wood’s stacked, and the words are waiting…let’s see what today builds.

Starting things off, it’s a cool morning here in the north, but the good news is it’s the last day of February, which means… spring isn’t all that far off. And by the looks of things, a few days from now, temperatures are going to warm up a lot. That’s just fine with my wife and me, as we’re ready for some spring flowers.

Weather Forecast for Port Loring, Ontario:

Today, Friday, February 28, 2025:

• Morning: Sunny, with temperatures around 2°F (-17°C).
• Afternoon: Breezy and colder with considerable cloudiness; snow at times this afternoon, accumulating 0.4 to 1.2 inches (1-3 cm); untreated surfaces will be slippery. High: 23°F (-5°C).
• Evening: Snowfall continues into the evening hours. Low: 10°F (-12°C).

Tonight:

• Snowfall warning in effect from 10:00 AM EST until Saturday, 1:00 AM EST. Significant snowfall is expected, with total accumulations near 6 inches (15 cm), and higher amounts possible. Peak snowfall rates of 0.8 to 1.6 inches (2 to 4 cm) per hour may reduce visibility. Travel could be challenging due to rapidly accumulating snow.

Tomorrow, Saturday, March 1, 2025:

• Morning: Breezy with snow in the morning, accumulating up to an inch (1-2 cm); cloudy and very cold. High: 17°F (-8°C).
• Afternoon: Cloudy conditions persist, with temperatures remaining low.
• Evening: Temperatures dropping further, with lows reaching -10°F (-24°C).

An Alberta clipper will bring snow, heavy at times, over the area. The heaviest snowfall is expected this afternoon and will taper to light flurries overnight. Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult.

So seeing what is about to take place, it might pay to get your running around out of the way this morning. But you wouldn’t know it looking outside this morning with the sun shinning and not a cloud in the sky.

Highway 522 at the time of this post was clear of snow.

On another note, yesterday, I spent the day in my woodworking shop, bringing to life the Native American flutes I’ve been working on these past few weeks. Things are rolling along nicely, and I’m now at the final stage, tuning them.

The thing about making these flutes is that every step matters. If a single thing isn’t done just right, all the work leading up to this point could be for nothing. The spirit of the flute lives in the wood, but it won’t sing unless you shape it with patience, respect, and the right touch. As my friend Grey Wolf once told me, “A flute is not made; it is awakened. Shape it wrong, and it remains silent. Shape it right, and it will carry the wind’s voice to those who listen.”

Late in the day, I tuned one for the first time, just to see if it would speak, and let me tell you, it didn’t just sing; it called out like a bird with a voice meant to be heard. Made me smile, that’s for sure.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today, I’ll get back to tuning those flutes. I’ve calibrated my old tuner, the shop’s warming up nicely, and with a bit of luck, I won’t have to argue with a flute that refuses to sing. If all goes well, by day’s end, I’ll have a few more making music.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my little woman has made for me, just like she has every morning for more years than I can count. Then we’ll settle in for our usual chat over a cup of hot cocoa, a simple routine that means more than words can say.

After all these years, it’s not the big things that matter most, it’s these quiet moments, the ones that make up a life well lived. We’ve walked this road together for over fifty years, and we’re still making the best of every day. Which is the way it should be.

Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW

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Good Morning! If you want to become a writer like GW, you……must embrace typos like old friends, ‘cause they’ll never leave you alone.

It’s a cloudy morning here waking up in cottage country. But it isn’t snowing or raining, which is something for this time of year. Although we are crowding into March. Hard to believe spring is just around the corner.

Today:
Cloudy skies will be hanging around, with a few snowflakes drifting down here and there. Nothing to write home about, just enough to remind us it’s still winter. Temps will reach about 38°F (3°C) this afternoon, so not too bad for this time of year. Might even feel a little mild if the wind stays down.

Tonight:
Staying cloudy, and it’s going to cool off quite a bit. Looking at around 0°F (-18°C) overnight, so if you’re heading out, bundle up.

Tomorrow:
A cloudy start to the day, with a chance of more snow in the afternoon. Not a big storm, but enough to freshen things up a bit. Temps will be around 19°F (-7°C) in the morning, then dropping to 12°F (-11°C) by evening.

Typical late-winter weather—just enough to keep us guessing.

Highway 522 is pretty well clear of snow and ice this morning, making travel easier for those needing to stock up on supplies. As for my wife and me, we’re all set, as yesterday, we took a trip to North Bay to pick up what we needed. Turned out to be a great day. The sun came out, it wasn’t all that cold, and there weren’t too many people getting in our way, which is a plus these days.

After finishing up our shopping, we had lunch in the car with a cup of coffee from a new place in town. Truth be told, it wasn’t anything special, so once we wrapped up our meal and spent some time watching the world go by, we swung by a spot we knew had good coffee and grabbed a proper one for the drive home.

It’s nice to get away once in a while, aside from what everything costs these days. But all in all, we had a great day, and really, what could be better than that?

Now, city shopping folks are a different breed. You can spot them a mile away, zigzagging through parking lots like they’re in some kind of survival race, clutching their reusable bags like they hold the secret to happiness. Meanwhile, us country folks just take our time, trying to remember why we came in the first place.

So, what are you up to today, GW? Well, today I’m getting back into making those Native American flutes I’ve been working on, the ones we call Fluture Flutes. They’re our own style, something we came up with years ago, and there’s nothing else like them, each one is truly one of a kind. Today’s the day I start tuning them, so I’ll be setting up my cameras to video how I go about it. Should be an interesting day, to say the least.

So with that, I’m off for my breakfast, which will consist of an egg, some bacon, and cheese on top of a toasted bun. That should hold me over until lunchtime. After that, before heading out to the old woodworking shop, my lovely wife and I will enjoy our hot cocoa along with our regular morning chat. What would a day be without them?

Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW

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Good morning! You know… there’s no better way to start the day than with a deep breath of country air and a strong cup of coffee. Which is exactly what I am going to do here in a few minutes.

So starting things off, we’re waking up to a sky full of clouds and a fresh dusting of snow up here in the north…just Mother Nature’s way of reminding us who’s boss. A good, strong cup of coffee and a warm fire ought to set things right.

Now, let’s take a look-see at the weather for Port Loring, Ontario:

Today:

Expect cloudy skies with some scattered snow flurries now and then. It’ll be a chilly one, with temperatures hovering around 30°F (–1°C). Some wind but nothing much to speak of, just enough to remind you to keep your hat pulled down.

Tonight:

The clouds aren’t going anywhere, and we could see a few more flurries before the night’s through. The mercury’s gonna dip to about 20°F (–7°C), so best keep an extra log on the fire.

Tomorrow:

More of the same…cloudy with a chance of light snow. Daytime highs around 32°F (0°C), which ain’t bad for this time of year. Might even feel a touch warmer if the wind stays put.

Highway 522 is mostly clear, though a few patches of snow are hanging on for dear life. Overall, traveling should be just fine. But around here, the weather isn’t the only thing you need to keep an eye on.

You might find yourself slowing down for a deer that figures the middle of the road is a great place to ponder life. Or maybe you’ll get caught behind someone who thinks turn signals are just “suggestions” and stopping for a roadside chat is more important than keeping traffic moving. And of course, there’s always that one fella in an old tractor, chugging along at a speed that makes a Sunday stroll look fast.

So, take it easy, enjoy the drive, and remember—around here, the road’s not just for getting somewhere; sometimes, it’s part of the entertainment!

On another note, my wife and I kept ourselves busy yesterday morning, clearing snow off the decks and driveway. Figured it was a good time to do it, seeing as the power was out till noon—couldn’t even get the coffee pot to perkin’. But you can bet that the moment the lights came back on, that coffee was brewing, and let me tell ya, it tasted mighty fine.

After lunch, I got to work making some weather sticks for our store, which we’re planning to open this spring—around June if all goes well. My wife and I are always coming up with new, one-of-a-kind items whenever we get the chance. Keeps things interesting, and you never know what’ll end up on the shelves!

What are you up to today, GW?

Well, this morning, I’m planning on wrapping up these weather sticks. Then, after lunch, I’ll wander on out to the old woodworking shop and get back to making those flutes that have been hogging my time these past few weeks. They’re slowly coming together, and if all goes well, I figure another week should see ‘em all finished up. I have 20 on the go, so it’s been keeping me busy.

Now, that’s the plan…but as any old woodworker knows, plans are just fancy ideas until the wood decides to cooperate. Sometimes things don’t pan out… or in this case, they don’t bore straight, don’t sand right, or split when they’ve got no business splitting. But hey, that’s half the fun of working with wood… you never really know what kind of day you’re gonna have until you get your hands on it!

So, with that bit of info, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my little woman is kindly whipping up for me. After that, we’ll see what the day has in store… though not before my lovely wife and I sit down with a hot cup of cocoa and a good old-fashioned chat, which we do every morning.

Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW