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Morning’ from the backwoods! It’s a fresh day to enjoy the simple things—like this warm cup in my hands.

My wife and I are waking up to a cloudy morning here in the north. The good news is that it isn’t as cold today—makes stepping outside a little easier on the bones. But don’t let the milder temperatures fool you—it sure is windy! As I made my way to the old woodworking shop to light the stove, a gust of wind decided to give my hat a flying lesson. Off it went, tumbling across the yard, and there I was, trudging through snow drifts like an old prospector chasing gold. Lucky for me, I caught it before it ended up in the next township!

Weather Forecast for Port Loring, Ontario:

• Today: Cloudy with occasional flurries. Winds WNW at 30–40 km/h, gusting higher at times. High of -3°C (26°F) but feeling closer to -9°C (16°F) with the wind chill.
• Tonight: Mostly cloudy with a chance of scattered flurries. Winds easing to 15–25 km/h. Low around -8°C (18°F), with a wind chill near -13°C (9°F).
• Tomorrow: A mix of sun and clouds, with a slight chance of a morning flurry. Winds WSW at 10–15 km/h. High around -4°C (25°F), feeling like -7°C (19°F) with the wind.

Hold onto your hat, and keep that stove warm—it’s a blustery one out there!

Highway 522 is somewhat bare this morning, but don’t let that fool you—there are still plenty of icy and snowy patches waiting to test your nerves. And with the wind blowing like it’s trying to rearrange the landscape, I wouldn’t count on travelling being much fun today.

But, of course, out here in the north, a little wind and ice don’t faze anyone. You’ll still see pickups creeping along, their drivers giving a wave like it’s just another Monday. And then there are the hardy folks out for their walks, leaning into the wind like they’re on some grand adventure. As for the rest of us? We know better—best to stick close to the stove, keep the coffee hot, and let the snowdrifts mind their own business.

I didn’t make it out to my woodworking shop yesterday, aside from popping in to stoke the wood stove and keep the chill at bay. Instead, I spent the day working on an older computer I had lying around. My regular one, unfortunately, bit the ghost recently, so this older machine has been filling in for now. It’s not perfect, but it’s keeping me connected while I figure things out.

The good news is that Karl, my son, gave me a call, and we ended up chatting for over an hour. Being the professional tech expert he is, Karl suggested it’d be best to build me a brand-new computer from scratch. He knows all the right components to use—high-speed RAM, solid-state drives, advanced cooling systems, a high-performance video card, and a sleek, sturdy case. He even mentioned adding a few other bells and whistles that, truth be told, went a bit over my head.

Once it’s built, I’ll have one of the best computers out there—fast, powerful, and more than capable of editing my YouTube videos in 4K resolution. My cameras already shoot in 4K, but as Karl explained, you need a top-notch setup to handle footage like that.

Not only will the new computer be a game-changer for my videos, but it will also enhance my work as a writer. As many of you know, I write regularly for Post Media, the largest newspaper group in Canada. Having a fast, reliable computer will make research, writing, and managing deadlines that much easier. It’s an important tool for keeping up with both the creative and professional sides of my work.

At the end of the day, I’m grateful Karl’s taking the reins on this project. With his expertise, I know the new system will be exactly what I need to stay productive and keep creating—whether it’s stories for the papers or videos for all of you.

My wife and I also managed to get our decks and driveway cleared of snow yesterday, and I’ve got to say, I was surprised at just how much we had. There was a good foot or so, with the drifts piling up even higher in spots. That little project kept us busy most of the morning, and by the time we finished, we were more than ready for a couple of cups of fresh perked coffee. Let me tell ya, nothing beats the taste of a good hot cup after wrangling snow all morning.

As for today, I’ll probably fiddle around here on my old computer for the morning—it’s not fancy, but it gets the job done. Then, after lunch, I plan to head out to the woodworking shop for a bit. I’ve already got it warming up out there as I type, so it should be good and toasty by the time I’m ready to get to work on some more of the flutes I’ve been making for the past thirty years or so. They’re a challenge to make, but when they’re finished, each one is truly one of a kind.

Not too many of us old-timers are crafting things like that anymore, which is kind of a shame. Once we’re gone, a lot of that old know-how disappears right along with us. It’s a reminder of how important it is to pass on what we’ve learned, while we still can.

So with that, it’s once again time to head on off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me. After that, I reckon a good chat will be in order over a cup of hot cocoa, just to slow things down a bit before the day really kicks in.

You all have a great day, and remember:

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

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Good Morning! Let’s shake off the frost and see what this day has in store for us.

Well, folks, it’s another day in our little corner of paradise—or as I like to call it, the Great White North (though these days, the “white” part is touch-and-go depending on Mother Nature’s mood).

Here’s what the skies have cooked up for us: Currently -16°F · Sunny

Today’s Weather (Friday, January 24): Expect a cold day with more sun than clouds this morning, transitioning to low clouds in the afternoon. The high will be around -9°C (15°F), with temperatures dropping to -18°C (0°F) tonight. So, if you’re heading out, bundle up—it’s the kind of cold that makes you question your life choices.

Tomorrow’s Forecast (Saturday, January 25): Saturday will start breezy, with cloudy skies and a couple of snow showers expected in the afternoon. The high will be around -2°C (28°F), with a low of -7°C (19°F) in the evening. Looks like Mother Nature is keeping us on our toes!

Stay warm, and don’t forget to keep that sense of humor handy—it’s the best way to weather the weather!

Highway 522 Update
Highway 522 is doing its usual winter impersonation of a snow-covered slip ‘n slide. If you’re planning to head to the city for supplies, it might be okay for traveling a bit later—though I’d advise against holding your breath for perfect conditions. This is the north, after all; snow-covered roads are practically a season-long feature.

Before you venture out, make sure your car is packed like you’re gearing up for a northern safari. Blankets, a shovel, snacks, and maybe even a thermos of hot coffee (or something stronger, but I didn’t say that). Up here, the real trick to surviving winter is preparation… and maybe a little luck.

And hey, if the roads do give you grief, think of it this way: at least you’ll have time to sit in your car and ponder life’s big questions, like, “Why didn’t I just stay home?”

Drive safe, and remember—snowbanks don’t care how much of a hurry you’re in!

On another note, I didn’t get much done in my woodworking shop yesterday—other than keeping the old wood stove fed and happy. What I did do, though, was spend some time editing a few of my short stories for the new book I’m hoping to put out this spring. All in all, it was a good day.

Oh, and my wife and I tackled the driveway and all the decks, clearing out the snow. Took a bit of elbow grease, but we got ’er done. Once we finished, we rewarded ourselves with a cup of hot cocoa inside, where it was nice and toasty. And let me tell you, that wood heat sure felt good after working out in the cold. There’s nothing quite like it.

Today I am not sure what i will be up to but one things for certain I won’t waste the day.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife is whipping up for me. If there’s one thing better than a good meal, it’s not having to cook it yourself! After that, I’ll head into the basement to feed our wood furnace—it’s already calling my name like a grumpy toddler hollering for a snack. “I’m hungry!” it seems to say. And knowing it, it’ll need a second helping before the morning’s over. Being so cold outside!

You all have a great day, and don’t let the cold slow you down. There’s always something to keep you busy—whether it’s feeding a furnace, clearing snow, or just enjoying the warmth of a hot cup of cocoa.

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

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Good Morning Folks! One thing I have learned over the years is: Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.

Highway 522 is looking not so good this morning! The snow plow has been through, but other than pushing the fresh stuff around, well lets just say it isn’t good.

Best to hunker down at home today—grab a blanket and some hot cocoa, because adventure on the icy/snowy road ain’t worth the risk. Stay safe, and let the snow settle a bit.

“Port Loring, ON: Weather:

Today – Snow flurries, high of -2°C (28°F), low of -10°C (14°F).
Tonight – Clear skies, low of -15°C (5°F).
Tomorrow – Sunny, high of -5°C (23°F), with a chance of light snow late afternoon.

Now, on another note, I didn’t get much done in the woodworking shop yesterday. It was just too darn cold, especially with that biting wind. I did manage to light up my shop stove, which has been keeping things cozy just in case the urge to work struck me. But, it didn’t happen. Instead, I spent most of the day at my computer, getting into a new book I’m gearing up to release in the spring—maybe even two, depending on how things pan out.

Today, I’m considering a bit of a split shift. With the weather feeling a touch warmer, I might spend half the day at my computer, then head out to my old woodworking shop to wrap up the day. Of course, we’ve got some snow to clear off the decks and driveway first, so that’ll be the deciding factor. We’ll see how it goes!

Other than that not much happening in and around our small town.

With that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me… a dish we used to simply call ‘Breakfast Bread.’ Nowadays, it seems everyone prefers the fancy name: French Toast. I’m the kind of guy who likes to stick with tradition, even though I know that sometimes, the only way to go is forward.

You all have a great day.

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

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Good Morning! The day’s like a blank page—ready for whatever story you write on it.

It’s another cold morning here in the north, but not as cold as it was yesterday. At -21.3°C (-6.34°F) getting out of bed wasn’t easy, but we northerners are used to mornings like this—it’s just part of life up here.

Weather Forecast for Port Loring, Ontario:

Today: It’ll be a cold one, but the sun will peek out now and then, trying its best to warm things up. The high will reach around -12°C (10°F), so it’s not exactly a heatwave, but it’s a step in the right direction. The winds will stay light, which is a good thing—no need for frostbite sneaking up on you.

Tonight: The skies will clear right up, and temperatures will dip back down to around -20°C (-4°F). A good night to stay indoors where it’s warm. If you’ve got to go out, make sure to bundle up good and tight.

Tomorrow: Another cold start to the day, but it’ll warm up slightly with a high near -10°C (14°F). Plenty of sunshine to keep things bright, even if it doesn’t do much for the thermometer. A light breeze might remind you winter’s still got a firm grip on things.

Days like these remind me of how tough we have to be to live up here, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Stay warm and keep a pot of coffee on—you’ll need it!

Highway 522 is snow-covered this morning, making traveling a bit of an adventure. For those determined souls heading off to the city for supplies, take it slow and steady—you’re not in a race, and the grocery store isn’t running away. Around here, we know the old saying holds true: “Better to be late than to end up in the ditch explaining to your better half why you didn’t listen to the forecast.”

Speaking of taking it slow, keep an eye out for deer. The last time we went to town, there seemed to be more of them than folks at the coffee shop on a Saturday morning. And it should be noted that they’ve got a habit of appearing out of nowhere, and if you see one, you can bet there’s another not too far behind. Around here, we call it “deer roulette,” and trust me, it’s not a game you want to win. So keep your eyes peeled and your foot light on the gas.

I’ve also noticed there still aren’t all that many snowmobiles buzzing around just yet. Of course, the trails haven’t been groomed, so that likely explains it. But with February just around the corner, I’d imagine they’ll be getting to it soon. After all, once March rolls in, the warmer weather isn’t far behind, and the snow starts to get softer than a fresh-baked loaf of bread.

That doesn’t leave the sledders much time to get out there and enjoy the trails, but that’s the way it goes around here these days—winter sneaks in slow, and before you know it, it’s packing up and heading out. Hopefully, the groomers get moving soon so folks can make the most of what’s left of the season. Because if there’s one thing we northerners know, it’s that you’ve got to grab the good days while you can.—well, at least some of us northerners.

On another note, with it being so cold yesterday, I didn’t spend much time in the woodworking shop. Instead, I stayed put here at my desk, working away on something that’s been on my mind for a while now. I was planning to edit another video for my YouTube channel, but as often happens, I got to thinking about all the stories I’ve written over the years. Before I knew it, I’d decided it was time to start putting together my eighth book.

To be honest, I’ve got enough stories to fill three more books if I put my mind to it. Over the past four years, I’ve had so many folks asking, “When’s the next one coming out?” It’s been humbling, to say the least, knowing there are folks out there who enjoy reading my work. It’s those kind words and nudges that keep me going, even on the days when it feels like I’ve written all there is to write.

These books aren’t just stories; they’re pieces of life—my life, your life, the kind of tales that stick with you. Some will make you chuckle, some might make you think, and others might remind you of days gone by. For me, writing isn’t about rushing to finish something; it’s about putting a little piece of myself on each page.

So, if you’re one of those folks who’ve been waiting, sit tight—it’s coming. And if you’ve got a spot on your bookshelf that’s been waiting, I promise it’ll be worth the wait. These stories aren’t just about life here in the north; they’re about the moments that connect us all, no matter where we call home. They’re for anyone who’s ever paused to appreciate the simple things, shared a laugh over coffee, or felt the pull of a good tale that stays with you long after the last page.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me—she always knows how to start the day right. After that, I’ll be diving back into work on my new book, which will feature 50 of my favorite short stories. Each one has already been published in newspapers across Canada, enjoyed by folks from coast to coast. It’s a collection of memories, moments, and musings that I hope will bring a bit of joy, a chuckle, or even some reflection to those who read it. Time to get at it—this book isn’t going to write itself!

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