Good Morning! “You know… over the years I have found that living here in the country, time moves at its own pace, like a slow winding river. And just like that river, it carves its own path, teaching us to go with the flow and appreciate the journey.”

It’s a sunny morning here in the north, and the temperature has warmed up some from yesterday. However, we did have a frost overnight, as looking out at the roof on my old woodworking shop it’s all white. The temperature waking up was sitting at 9.6 C | 49.28 F with the wind coming in from the NW.

Highway 522 has picked up these days, with lots of new faces and vehicles around town. Seems like every city slicker with a GPS and a Tim Hortons Addiction decided to take a joyride through our neck of the woods. But hey, ain’t no harm with a few new faces… as it keeps the local gossip-mill churning!

On another note yesterday being that it was a cool day I decided to write up a couple more stories for my newspaper columns. It was a good day for writing. Amazing how the mind works, some days the words just dance on the page, and other times, you’re scratching your head for inspiration? Ah well, that’s just how the mind works.

Today I am planning, I say planning, to clean up my shop as with all the work we have been doing outside… it’s a mess. My wife she calls me a messy Marvin, and truth be told, I reckon she’s got a point there.

Wisdom I Learned Over The Years: “They say home is where the heart is, and for me, it’s always been the countryside. There’s a deep connection to the land and a sense of belonging that can’t be found elsewhere. No matter where life takes me, I’ll always carry the lessons learned from this humble way of life.”

With that, I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has prepared for me and will then gather my things, and head out, ready to tackle whatever challenges or adventures await. I never know, really.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this bit of wisdom I have learned over the years: “In all my years on this land, I’ve learned that every seed we sow carries the hope of tomorrow. It’s a reminder that our work isn’t just for today, but for the generations yet to come.”

Fishing Times for Monday
05/06/24

Major Times
–:—–:–
10:56 AM-12:56 PM

Minor Times
4:33 AM-5:33 AM
6:35 PM-7:35 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 4-star rating out of 5 for catching a few today. Good Luck!

Fishing Tip of The Day: Talk to the fish. Seriously! Over the years, I have found that whispering sweet nothing’s to the fish can coax them into biting. Give it a try and see if they’re listening. “You might be surprised by the outcome!“

Good Morning! “You know, living in the country isn’t for everyone. But for those of us who call it home, there isn’t any place we’d rather be. It’s a way of life… simple, honest, and filled with the kind of beauty that city folks can only dream of.”

We are in the midst of some sunshine here in cottage country, which is sure nice to see. However, we did have a wee bit yesterday and the rain did hold off, which in turn made it so we could get a lot done. For most parts I worked away installing the new Pond Water Wheel I made, I still have lots to do, but it’s coming along, and I suspect if things goes to plan by tomorrow evening, it should be up and running. We will see how that pans out. My wife’s been busy in the flower gardens, getting rid of weeds, fixing up the soil, adding compost, and doing a bunch of other stuff. So yeah, we’ve both been pretty occupied.

Today my wife and I will continue on, and being that the weather is so nice, we are going to quite a bit early so we can do some front porch sittin’ and take in all that we have accomplished over the past week or so. What’s the sense in doing these things if you’re not going to take the time to enjoy them.

Highway 522 traffic wise is picking up faster than mosquitoes at a lakeside barbecue! We’ve got tourists from the city, cottage owners towing boats and trailers, and probably a few lost souls wondering if they took a wrong turn. And guess what? It’s only going to get crazier in the coming weeks! Which is normal for our area.

On another note, the Black Flies are starting to make their grand entrance, and let me tell you, they were/are already starting to irritate my wife and me while we were working outside yesterday. It’s like they have a sixth sense for finding the perfect moment to ruin a perfectly good day. And if past-experience is anything to go by, they’re only going to get worse as the days go by, right up until Father’s Day rolls around.

But hey, every cloud has a silver lining, right? Despite the annoyance, there’s a whole orchestra of birds out there who seem to be having a grand old time snacking on these pesky critters. And just when you think you can’t take it anymore, the dragonflies will swoop in like knights in shining armor, putting an end to the Black Fly reign of terror faster than you can say “bug spray.” So, hang in there, folks. Relief is on the wing!

Wisdom I Learned Over The Years: “Folks these days are always looking for the next big thing, the greener pasture on the other side of the fence. But out here in the country, we know that the grass ain’t always greener… it’s what you make of it that counts. I’ve learned to find joy in the simple things, the smell of fresh-cut grass, the sight of a hawk circling overhead, the warmth of a homemade pie, or a drink or two, shared with good company. It’s the little moments that make life worth livin’.”

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me, and will then see if I can get some more work completed outside. However, looking outside, fog has rolled in caused by the warmer temperature hitting the colder temperature. It will clear up in a bit, and it will be a lot warmer than it was yesterday.

You all have a great day and I will leave you with this: “Life is a gamble… there’s no two ways about it. But if you’re willing to take the risk, to roll the dice and see where they land, the rewards can be mighty sweet. Just remember… sometimes you have to lose a few hands to win the pot.”

Fishing Times For Saturday
05/04/24

Major Times
9:16 AM-11:16 AM
9:41 PM-11:41 PM

Minor Times
3:54 AM-4:54 AM
3:50 PM-4:50 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 2-star rating out of for catching a few. Good Luck!

Fishing Tip of The Day: “Keep an eye on the moon phases. I have found over the years that by fishing when the moon’s full… or new, it seems to stir up the water and gets them fish biting.” GW

Good Morning! You know, living in the country ain’t about rushing from one thing to the next. It’s about taking the time to listen to the land, learn from her ways, and let her guide you in her own sweet time.

It’s a cloudy Friday morning here in Cottage country. And by the looks of things we could see some more rain, and possibly a bit of thunder later on in the day, caused by some warmer weather moving into our area. So… I am not too sure how much work I will get done outside today. But you never know.

Yesterday my wife and I worked the day away mowing our grass for the first time, and then after lunch we planted a couple more fruit trees. I also had time to put on a coat of dormant oil, as they weren’t out in bud yet. Which should help them throughout the year. While I was working away on that, my lovely wife was busy working up her gardens removing grass, weeds and things. At the end of the day, our property was looking pettier than a park, and we both took a few minutes to do some front porch sittin’ taking it all in, while enjoying a cool drink. Makes a couple feel mighty fine knowing the day wasn’t wasted.

Today, weather permitting, I am planning on setting up the new water-wheel I made a few weeks ago, and if time I will install the new pump we bought that will draw the water from the pond and turn the wheel, we will see how it works out. Should be a fun project, I would think. If things don’t work out I will head on out to my woodworking shop and clean it up a bit, as after making a new bench that is now sitting out by our fishpond, well, let’s just say… it’s a bit messy. Again we will have to see what takes place weather wise. But no matter what, it seems there is always something to do.

Highway 522 actually was somewhat busy yesterday with folks moving up and down the highway. Had me scratching my head, wondering where they were hightailin’ it to. Maybe they think there’s gold in them there hills, or they’re just running from their own shadows. One never knows in this neck of the woods.

Wisdom I have learned: “I found that there’s a rhythm to farming, a harmony with nature, that comes from years of tilling the soil. You learn to dance to that rhythm, or you don’t last long.”

With that I am off for my morning breakfast that my little woman has prepared for me, and will then see what the day has to offer. Life is a mystery. Just the way I like it.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this: “You know, one thing is for certain, I’ve learned a thing or two about gardening over the years. Mainly, if you talk to your plants, they tend to grow better. But in saying that, don’t expect them to talk back. That’s when you know you’ve been out in the sun too long.”

Fishing Times for Friday
05/03/24

Major Times
8:26 AM-10:26 AM
8:51 PM-10:51 PM

Minor Times
3:34 AM-4:34 AM
2:29 PM-3:29 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 3-Star Rating out of for catching a few. Good Luck!

Fishing tip of the day: “Forget fancy lures and shiny gadgets. Sometimes, all you need is a simple hook, line, and bait. Keep it basic, keep it natural, and you might be surprised at the results.” GW

Good Morning! A new day has started, which means it’s time to get moving. Nature’s already hard at work, so we better be too.

It’s a bit cloudy here in cottage country this morning, but in saying that things should warm up a wee bit, and we should also see some sunshine off and on. Which my wife and I are looking forward too; as we have been missing our front porch sittin’ times together. But first we are going to wake up our lawn mowers after their winter’s nap, and see how they are working. After a long winter, when it comes to equipment, one never knows how they are going to react. Especially my old Roper Riding mower. It was almost on its last legs when we finished mowing last year. I got my fingers crossed.

After the mowing is completed and the weed eating around the house and things is done, along with having our lunch, we will carry out the new two-seater bench I made last week, and set it beside our fishpond. I have to say it turned out pretty darn nice. After that, I will get to putting some dormant spray on our apple and pear trees before it’s too late, and then if things goes to plan, we will get our lawn chairs out of hibernation and set them on our front porch and relax. So that’s our day, what have you all got planned?

On another note, my wife and I took a trip to town yesterday to pick up a few things, along with some goldfish for our new pond. Actually, we got a pretty good deal and brought home fifteen of them. I checked this morning while feeding the birds, and they seem to be enjoying their new home. But they have some growing to do, as they are only about an inch long. Now we have to go out and pick up a lily–pad or two and some water grass, and after I install the new water wheel and things the pond will be complete. I think, as well… my lovely wife is always changing things… all for the better of course.

After we picked up the things we needed we headed on home, taking in nature as we drove along chatting about all kinds of things. It seems even after fifty some years we still have lots to talk about.

Highway 522 is picking up traffic wise a wee bit these days, and it will get a lot busier as the days warm up with tourists and cottagers entering into the picture.

With that, I am off for a bowl of organic cereal, and will then see if our mowers and weed eater will run. You just never know.

You all have a great day and I will leave you with this bit of wisdom I learned over the years: “At the end of the day, when the work is done and the sun dips below the horizon, there’s a satisfaction that comes from knowing that you’ve done your best, that you’ve honored the land, and that you’ve lived a life worth living.”

Fishing Times for Thursday
05/02/24

Major Times
7:35 AM-9:35 AM
8:01 PM-10:01 PM

Minor Times
3:12 AM-4:12 AM
1:09 PM-2:09 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 2-Star rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Fishing Tip of The Day: “Take a good look at them bugs buzzing around the water. Match your bait to what the fish are eating, and you’ll be in for a good day’s catch. It’s all about foolin’ them.” GW

Good Morning: “In the hustle and bustle of city life, it’s easy to forget what truly matters. But out here in the country where my wife and I live, We found that it’s the little things that make life rich.”

It’s a rainy morning here, waking up in cottage country. Now, I’m not gonna lie, rain can be a double-edged sword. Too much of it, and we’re dealing with flooded fields and soggy boots. But when it comes in just the right amount, it’s a game-changer. It saves us from hauling out the pails and spending hours watering our plants and crops. Instead, we get to sit back and watch as Mother Nature does her thing, nourishing the earth in her own sweet time. And yes, as I have occasionally said, she over does it, at least through human eyes.

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Yesterday, I spent the whole day in my workshop, working away at a new bench I’m putting together. It’s coming along nicely, if I do say so myself. With a bit of luck and elbow grease today, I should have her finished up just in time: as the rain’s been pouring down outside, but I ain’t minding it one bit, as it gives me an excuse to tinker away indoors. And it looks like it’ll clear up soon, which suits me fine, as my little woman has been eager to place that bench by our new fishpond. Saying it’ll be a fine spot to sit and enjoy a drink or two, taking in the fruits of our labor, so to speak.

I’ve always believed there’s a special satisfaction in making something with your own two hands. When you can’t buy what you want, well, you roll up your sleeves and get to work. There’s pride in seeing something you’ve crafted with care sitting in your own backyard. It’s been that way all my life.

Wisdom I have learned: “In the hustle and bustle of city life, folks are always in a rush, chasin’ after this and that. But out here in the country, we take things slow. We know that good things take time to grow… whether it’s a crop in the field or a friendship that spans generations. It’s a lesson I’ve learned time and time again: patience ain’t just a virtue, it’s a way of life.”

With that I am off for a bowl of cereal that my lovely wife is making for me and will then get to work.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this: “In my years working the land, I’ve learned that patience is not just a virtue… it’s a way of life. The earth moves at its own pace, and it’s our job to listen, to watch, and to wait for the right moment to sow the seeds of tomorrow.”

Fishing Times for Monday
04/29/24

Major Times
4:48 AM-6:48 AM
5:17 PM-7:17 PM

Minor Times
1:24 AM-2:24 AM
9:14 AM-10:14 AM

Day Rating: I give it a 2-Star Rating for catching a few. Good luck and don’t forget your raincoat!

Fishing tip of the day: “Early bird gets the worm, they say. The same goes for fishing. Head out at dawn or dusk, when the fish are stirring, and you’ll fill your bucket in no time. They eat when you eat.”