Category Archives: Weather

Weather, What's Happening

Dewy Mornings and Open Fields: Country Living at Its Best on Sept 19/2024

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Good Morning Folks! Remember, the only bad day is the one you didn’t get up to meet.

Looks like we’re in for another warm, sunny day up here in the north, and the fresh air is just waiting for us to breathe it in. The sun’s climbing a little higher as I write, but it’s sure taking its time—just another sign the days are getting shorter, and winter’s creeping closer. Most of the songbirds have already left for the year, and for weeks now, my wife and I have watched the geese fly south in their perfect V-formations. Well—most of the time, occasionally the ones behind the leader are off course a touch. Kids these days.

You know, living out here in the country, far from the noise and rush of city life, there’s a calm that settles in. No traffic, no crowds—just the sounds of the land and those peaceful moments that come with it. Every day feels like a blessing, breathing in the clean air and looking out at nature that surrounds us is sure something to see. I have found that life moves at its own pace here, and it’s the simple things that make it all worthwhile. Like sitting here in the mornings talking to you.

On another note, I finally got around to putting a coat of wood preservative on the front deck yesterday. It took some effort—getting down on my knees isn’t as easy as it used to be. And no, before you ask, I wasn’t praying! I use a brush to work the preservative into every crack and crevice, which is essential with all the rain and snow we get up here in the north. The only challenge was the sun beating down on me, but that’s actually the best time to do it. The heat dries it up quickly, just how you want it.

Highway 522 is still quiet these days, which is normal for this time of year. It’s just the way I like it—peaceful and calm. Only the locals are out and about, probably fishing or catching up on the latest gossip at the local diner. It’s the kind of quiet where you can just enjoy the calm and the occasional wave from a passerby.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me and after that, I’ll head outside to get the mowers fired up as it’s mowing day. You know—there is always something to keep us busy around the old home!

You all have a great day, and remember: Every sunrise is a new chance to make today better than yesterday. So, take a moment to appreciate the small joys—they add up to a good life. GW

All my books are available on my Amazon Author Page.

If you purchase a book, a brief Amazon review really helps new readers discover my work—it means a lot.

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In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well!

George Walters | [email protected]

My Opinion Only, Weather, What's Happening

Country Mornings: Where the Dew’s as Fresh as the Coffee on Sept 18/2024

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Good Morning! Today’s a blank page—make sure you write a story worth telling.

Looks like we’re in for another gorgeous day here in cottage country, which means I’ll be able to tackle some more outdoor chores before winter settles in. This morning, I’m planning to give my front deck a fresh coat of wood preservative. It’s starting to show a bit of wear, and I like to reapply the preservative every two years or whenever it starts looking like it needs a little extra TLC.

You might wonder why I don’t use a sealer. Well, here’s the scoop: sealing wood, as some experts suggest, traps moisture inside, making it harder for the wood to dry out. This can lead to rot from the inside out. No matter how much sealer you use, it won’t stop rain and snow from getting in. On the other hand, wood preservative lets the wood breathe and dry out while protecting it. Think of it like this: just as we need to breathe to stay healthy, wood also needs to breathe to stay strong and last longer. “But, as they say, to each their own.”

Highway 522 is quiet these days, with mostly locals going about their usual business. Our gift shop, though, has been seeing a lot of traffic lately. Folks are coming by to pick up my wife’s paintings, my books, flutes, and other unique items we make ourselves.

It’s nice to hear people appreciate finding things that aren’t mass-produced or imported. With so many gift shops filled with stuff from overseas, it’s clear that supporting local craftsmanship is more important than ever.

The truth of the matter is-–we need to focus more on boosting what’s made and grown right here at home. It’s high time we put “Make Canada Great Again” at the top of our list—starting with the things we create and grow ourselves. We should at the very least be able to feed ourselves and not rely on others.

With that, I’m off to have breakfast and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa on the front porch with my lovely wife. Then it’s time to get to work. You never really know what a day has in store. My motto? Go with the flow and take things as they come. After all, sometimes the best parts of the day are the ones you didn’t see coming!

You all have a great day and keep in mind: while the city runs on coffee and deadlines, we run on sunshine and fresh air. Although, coffee is tasty occasionally—because who doesn’t enjoy a good cup? GW

All my books are available on my Amazon Author Page.

If you purchase a book, a brief Amazon review really helps new readers discover my work—it means a lot.

Support my writing: Support My Writing

In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well!

George Walters | [email protected]

My Opinion Only, Weather, What's Happening

Country Air, Clear Minds, and Quiet Mornings on Sept 16/2024

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Good Morning! Country livin’ teaches you patience—just like the trees grow slow, so do the best things in life.

It looks like our day is shaping up to be another great one here in cottage country. The sun’s slowly climbing higher in the sky, giving us folks here in the north a good dose of what it has to offer – warm temps that’ll stick with us most of the day. I’ve got to say, we’ve been lucky with a downright nice summer. No one around here can or should complain about the weather this year, that’s for sure. Heck, even the mosquitoes and black-flies seemed to take it easy on us for a change.

You know, there’s something about living out here that never gets old. The mornings come with that perfect quiet, broken only by the sound of birds getting started on their day. And when that sun sets behind the trees? It’s like the world just slows down, letting you soak in the colours, and the peace of it all. We also don’t have the hustle and bustle like in the city, and I wouldn’t trade our simple sunrises and sunsets for anything. Makes you appreciate the small things – and realize they’re not so small after all.

Highway 522 is still very quiet, which is to be expected at this time of year, living where we do. No complaints, though, as my lovely wife and I enjoy the quietness. Truth be told, that’s why we moved to this area in the first place. We like the slower pace of life, away from all the noise and crowds. Not that we don’t enjoy seeing a few new faces now and then, but we’d rather not be overrun. We came here for the peace, and we hope it stays that way. Too many people takes away the charm of living out here in the country. You know, there’s something special about hearing the birds, feeling the breeze, taking in the fresh northern air, and knowing you’ve got space to breathe, elbow room so to speak. It’s the simple things that make it home, and we’d like to keep it just like that – quiet, peaceful, and ours.

With that, I’m off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has prepared for me, which consists of egg bread, smothered with Maple Syrup made right here in the north. Afterward, I’ll retire to our front porch with a hot cup of cocoa. Life is good, as it should be.

Wrapping things up for the morning. Remember, it’s not about how fast you go, but enjoying the view along the way. And where we live here in the country, the view’s pretty darn nice, at least for now. GW

All my books are available on my Amazon Author Page.

If you purchase a book, a brief Amazon review really helps new readers discover my work—it means a lot.

Support my writing: Support My Writing

In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well!

George Walters | [email protected]

Weather

Forecast for Cottage Country on Sept 15/2024

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Well, folks, it’s that time of year again when the weather seems to be the hottest topic on everyone’s minds. That said, today’s forecast might not have you reaching for a cozy sweater, but it’s always good to keep an eye on the skies, even if it feels like we’re in the middle of a heatwave.

Now, I might not have all the fancy gadgets the weather experts use, but there’s something to be said for good old-fashioned observation. So, let’s get into today’s weather and see what Mother Nature has in store for us.

Starting off, the 2024 hurricane season has been quite the chatter, with predictions falling short of what was expected. Now, some are quick to toss out all sorts of reasons why things haven’t panned out. Some say that Africa kept all the moisture, or that the winds just weren’t cooperating. But in truth, it’s often more about what Mother Nature has in store rather than what we think should happen.

That being said, we aren’t quite out of the woods yet. There’s still a chance of late-season storms developing and making their way up the Eastern Seaboard, which could cause a stir between the end of September and mid-October. If you’re someone who watches the skies like I do, you’ll want to keep an eye on the winds and any brewing systems down south. With the Gulf of Mexico still seeing some activity, there’s always the possibility that a storm could track its way closer to us.

Now, closer to home, what does all this mean for those of us here in Port Loring? Well, we’ve been enjoying some warmer than usual weather this fall, and I suspect that trend will stick around for a bit longer. The forecast models, which sometimes like to overdo it on the heat, are suggesting a milder fall with only the occasional cold front blowing through. That’s not to say we won’t get a bit of rain or cooler nights here and there, but it looks like we’re in for a gentler slide into the winter months.

But speaking of winter, I’ve been looking at some long-range patterns that remind me of the 2007-2008 season. For those who were here back then, you might remember how we got a decent amount of snow, but it came in waves rather than all at once.

Now, if you’re wondering how I’m predicting what’s ahead, here’s a bit of old-time wisdom: If the autumn leaves are falling off the trees faster than usual and the birds are flying south earlier, it’s often a sign of a harsher winter coming our way. Also, when the animals start growing their thicker winter coats sooner, you might want to brace for a chilly season. A ring around the moon can also hint at storms on the horizon. There’s also talk of the southern jet stream playing a part, which could bring us some surprises as we move further into the season. So, keep those winter boots handy and maybe stash an extra log or two by the fireplace—just in case!

For now, though, let’s enjoy the warmth while it lasts. The leaves are starting to change, the air’s crisp in the morning, and if I know anything, it’s that these quieter days won’t last forever. As always, keep the woodpile stocked and the coats handy— and it might pay to put a bit more food in your pantry, as you never know when things will take a turn.

Until then, take care, and remember, as I’ve learned over many years, no forecast is set in stone. Nature always has the final say. GW

All my books are available on my Amazon Author Page.

If you purchase a book, a brief Amazon review really helps new readers discover my work—it means a lot.

Support my writing: Support My Writing

In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well!

George Walters | [email protected]

Weather, What's Happening

Mornings in the Country on September 15/2024

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Good Morning! You know, if there is one thing the farm or country’s shown me over the years, is that most problems work themselves out if you just give ‘em enough time.

It’s a bit misty here in cottage country this morning, caused with the cool night air meeting the warmer morning air. The truth of the matter is—nature’s showing us we’re in for a warm week ahead. Perfect weather for a bit of yard work or just relaxing on the porch. Truth told, the porch is looking mighty fine to me. I think I heard it calling for a bit of company?

Highway 522 has certainly quieted down recently, but we had a great day at our gift shop yesterday. A whole busload of folks dropped in, and they were all smiles, admiring my wife’s paintings, my flutes, and my books. They mentioned they were seeking out special, one-of-a-kind places and had heard about us on their travels. We enjoyed a great chat with them, and they picked out some favorites before continuing on their way. It’s sure nice to see so many people valuing homemade, unique items these days.

On another note, yesterday I started cleaning up our vegetable garden for the year, getting it ready for winter. I should be able to finish it up this morning. But I won’t till it up for another few weeks yet, as we still have some lettuce and orange peppers, and we wouldn’t want to bother them. Nothing like fresh salads right from one’s garden come supper time.

With that, I’m off to enjoy some pancakes my lovely wife has made just for me. After that, I’ll head out to our front porch for a hot cup of cocoa before getting into work. It’s sure great to do what you want, when you want, without any interference from the outside world.

You all have a great day and I will leave you with this: Country living might not have all the excitement of the city, but the trade-off is worth it when you’re waking up to a calm morning and the sound of the birds, not the honking of horns. GW

All my books are available on my Amazon Author Page.

If you purchase a book, a brief Amazon review really helps new readers discover my work—it means a lot.

Support my writing: Support My Writing

In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well!

George Walters | [email protected]