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Good Morning! Step outside and let the crisp air remind you what it feels like to be alive.

It’s a sunny morning here in the North, but the temperature has sure dropped compared to the past few days. Woke up to -13°C (8.6°F), and it doesn’t look like it’ll get much warmer as the day goes on. But—that’s winter for ya. Around here, cold and snowy days are just part of the package.

Highway 522 is mostly clear of snow and ice this morning, though there are still a few sneaky icy patches to watch out for. All in all, it’s shaping up to be a decent day for a trip to the city if you’re in need of some groceries or other supplies. The sun’s out, the road’s cooperating for the most part, and it feels like one of those days where a little adventure might just be in order.

On another note, yesterday my wife and I managed to get the driveway and decks cleared of snow, which took most of the morning. After that, I didn’t feel much like doing anything else, so I spent the day in the house, chatting with my family on the phone—and, of course, with my little woman. Seems we never run out of things to talk about, even after fifty-some years. The thing is—we’re pretty darn good at it too

Today—well, I got the old wood stove going in my woodworking shop, and it’s perking away nicely as I type. By the time I head out there later, it’ll be good and warm, ready for some tinkering. We’ll see how things shape up after breakfast. I’ve also got a few new stories brewing for my newspaper columns, so I might split the day—half in the shop, half at the desk writing. Sounds like a plan, but we’ll see how it pans out

Other than that, not much happening these days in and around our small town. Yesterday, I took a walk over to Home Hardware and said hello to my friend Steve. Not much going on there either. I did pick up our calendar for the New Year, which my wife has already hung up in the kitchen. Now we can see what day it is—ha ha. Not that it really matters much to me anymore, but the pictures for each month sure are nice to look at.

So with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife is making for me, then a hot cup of cocoa to warm the bones before I head out to the shop.

You all have a great day, stay warm, and take in the simple joys that come with a cold morning. There’s something about these northern days that makes you truly appreciate the warmth of home, the peace of a quiet shop, and the company of a beautiful wife by your side.

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

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Good Morning! The rooster is still sleeping, but here I am, coffee in hand, looking out over the snowy fields. Another day in the country—quiet, simple, and just the way I like it.

We are waking up to a winter wonder land once again here in cottage country, however we didn’t have any added snow over night. I would say we have around 3 inches or so on the ground.

Highway 522 is mostly clear this morning, though there are some icy and snowy patches to watch out for. If you’re thinking of heading to the city for supplies, you shouldn’t run into too much trouble. As for my wife and me, we’re all set. The freezer’s are full, and we’ve got lots of preserves my wife prepared last summer.

Speaking of fresh food, let me tell you—those tomatoes we froze last summer are something special. They’re bursting with flavor, and there’s just no comparison to what you find in stores these days. Those so-called “greenhouse/hothouse tomatoes” they’re selling? If you took a bite without looking, you’d have a hard time even calling it a tomato. No taste, no texture, nothing to write home about. And the prices? Don’t get me started. They’re asking a fortune for something that barely qualifies as food.

It’s enough to make you shake your head, isn’t it? The quality’s gone down, the costs have gone up^^, and most of the produce you bring home—ends up in the garbage before you’ve had a chance to use it. So, what can we do? The answer’s pretty simple, if you ask me. We need to start growing more of what we eat right here in Canada. And not in those fancy greenhouses/hothouses—I’m talking about real soil, the way nature intended. Nothing grows a proper vegetable like good, old-fashioned dirt.

But that’s not all. We’ve got to get rid of these commercial fertilizers. They might make crops grow faster, but they’ve stripped the flavor goodness right out of our food, not to forget what them pesticides are doing to us that are in and on our food these days. Back when I was farming, we let the land rest. We worked with the soil, not against it. And the results? Vegetables and fruits that actually tasted like they should, along being what our bodies are in need of.

I’ll tell you, the way things are now, it’s all about speed and profits. But if we’re going to turn things around, we need to get back to basics. Good food starts with good soil. And good soil starts with respecting the land we’ve been given. That’s the way forward, plain and simple. Oh and grow them here in Canada!. In other words we need to—-Make Canada Great Again!!!

On another note, yesterday was spent puttering around in the woodworking shop, getting things ready to build a new harvest table for my lovely wife. I also took the time to clean up and give some of my older equipment a bit of TLC—they have been needing it. With the old stove crackling away, and country music playing softly in the background, I can honestly say my mind was busy with good thoughts, not bad ones. And right now—that’s exactly what my body and my mind needs.

Today, first on the agenda, my wife and I are going to clear some snow from the decks and driveway. I held off yesterday since the snow was still coming down, but now it’s time to get at it. That’ll take care of the morning. Afterward, lunch will be in order, followed by a bit of a rest. Then I’ll see how I’m feeling. One thing’s for sure—both of us will be getting some exercise, fresh air, and a little sunshine this morning, and that’s just what I am in need of.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife is making for me, and then it’s time to head outdoors.

You all have a great day, and don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate the little things around you. The world might be a bit of a mess, but out here in the quiet, there’s still plenty to be thankful for. Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW

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Good Morning and Happy New Year!

January 1st, 2025, has arrived, and with it, a crisp, quiet morning here in the country. The kind of morning where the snow glistens like diamonds in the first light of day, and the world feels untouched. The old wood-stove hums its comforting tune, and the smell of fresh-brewed coffee fills the air.

So, here we are on the first day of 2025, waking up to a fresh coating of snow. We got about 3 inches overnight, and it’s turned all the green grass into a nice blanket of white. I have to say, it sure looks good—snow hanging on the branches of the pines and resting on the bare limbs of the other trees.

It’s the kind of morning that gets you moving. A clean slate, a fresh start—makes you feel like doing something worthwhile. Whether it’s tidying up the shop, starting a new project, or just taking a walk to enjoy the quiet beauty of the countryside, it feels like a good way to kick off the new year.

On another note yesterday, I spent the day working away in my woodworking shop. That turned out to be a good thing—it helped take my mind off the not-so-good things. Over the years, and especially lately, I’ve come to realize just how strange the mind can be. Left unchecked, it has a way of turning things into a nightmare.

I got to thinking back to when I was a young lad. I remember an old feller telling me once, “George, we aren’t responsible for what enters our mind, but we sure are responsible for entertaining those thoughts.” That bit of wisdom has been rattling around in my head lately, and I’ve made up my mind to stop entertaining the not-so-good ones. Letting them go is easier said than done, though—damn hard, if I’m being honest.

Today—well, I suspect I’ll be heading out to my shop after breakfast. I lit the stove about an hour ago, so it should be nice and warm by the time I get out there. There’s something comforting about walking into the shop with the wood-stove humming along, taking the chill out of the air.

I’ve got a few projects waiting for me, and I figure keeping busy is the best way to spend the day. Nothing like the smell of sawdust and the feel of a well-worn tool in your hands to clear your mind and set things right.

The temperature this morning wasn’t all that cold, sitting at -0.9°C (30.38°F). It’s expected to warm up a bit as the day moves along, which is always a welcome sign this time of year.

Highway 522 is snow-covered this morning, so anyone heading out will need to take extra care. It might just be one of those days best spent at home, which is exactly what my wife and I plan on doing.

With that, I’m off to enjoy a bite to eat, prepared by my wife. Afterward, we’ll sit down together for a cup of hot cocoa and a nice chat. From there, we’ll see what the day has in store—aside from my plans, of course. You never know what might come up.

Well, that’s it for now. You all have a great day, and remember—sometimes the best moments come from the simplest things. Stay safe, stay warm, and take the time to enjoy the little bits of life that make each day special.

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

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“Good morning, friends! As the final sunrise of 2024 rises over the countryside, it’s a moment to pause and think back on the lessons this year has brought us. Living away from the city, it’s clear that life’s richness is found not in the hustle but in the quiet moments.”

For a bit of wisdom:
“Every ending leads to a new beginning. As we close the chapter on this year, let’s step into 2025 with open minds and steady hearts, ready for whatever the next page might bring.”

It’s been a while since I last posted, and I wanted to explain why. I’ve been dealing with some health issues, but I’m back to writing for now, pushing through as best I can. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m managing, and I’m grateful to be able to get back to sharing my thoughts as we finish up the year.

Things have been pretty quiet around our small town this Christmas. Even the stores have slowed down. One big reason for that is folks just haven’t had much reason to come into town. With Canada Post on strike for the last month, a trip into town wasn’t really needed, so things have felt a little more still than usual.

Highway 522 has also been slow and it will slow down even more now that hunting season is over for the year. Kinda nice to see in a way as my lovely wife and I sure do enjoy the quietness of the country.

On another note, other than dealing with my health issues, I haven’t done much in the old woodworking shop or at my computer. Just haven’t felt like it. But I’m doing my best to pick myself up and clear my mind of those not-so-good thoughts, which is what I need right now. Yesterday, I finally started lighting the stove in the shop. At least it’ll be warm out there, and if nothing else, it’ll give me a place to get some much-needed exercise and fresh air.

I’ve also got a few stories in mind that I want to write, along with some YouTube videos that need some work and need to be made live for folks to watch. So, really, all I need now is the right mindset to get these things done.

For my wife, it’s been a challenge looking after me, not knowing what’s around the next corner. She says she’s aged a bit, and I can’t blame her—it’s probably from all the extra gray hairs I’ve given her! I guess it’s what happens when you’re playing nurse and trying to keep me on my feet.

Weather-wise, there’s no complaints on my end with it being so warm. Right now, most of our snow has melted, and there isn’t much frost in the ground, which is a good thing. It lets the ground soak up all the rain we’ve had, helping to prevent much flooding. Now, I wouldn’t be surprised if the snowmobilers aren’t the happiest folks around, but that’s life. You can’t have everything—at least not here on this planet we all live on. Not these days anyway.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me, then I’ll see what the day has in store. Wishing you all a great New Year ahead. I’ll be back soon to chat again—until then, take care and enjoy whatever comes your way. GW