Hi folks, a while back, I wrote a post about what we might expect for the cold season here in Northern Ontario, but with all the signs pointing to a more intense winter than usual, I thought it was worth another look.

As the days get shorter and there’s more frost on the ground each morning, we know winter isn’t far off. Now, I could tell you what the weather folks are predicting, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that nature has a way of telling us what’s coming, long before we hear it on the news.

You just have to look around.

What the Animals Are Telling Us

I’ve been watching the squirrels this year, and let me tell you, they’re hustling like I haven’t seen in a while. They’re packing away food faster than ever, even those stubborn little chipmunks around my garden. In my experience, when the critters get busy like this, it usually means one thing: a cold, hard winter. Those little guys seem to know we’ll be getting our fair share of snow and cold, and they’re making sure they’re ready for it.

And the birds—well, they packed up and left pretty early this fall, in big groups, too. When the geese take off that fast, it’s nature’s way of saying, “Buckle up. Winter’s coming in full force.” They don’t wait around if they know it’s going to be tough here. If the birds are leaving early, we’d better start thinking about battening down the hatches ourselves.

Trees and Plants Giving Their Clues

The trees have a way of telling us what’s coming, too. The evergreens around here are as thick as I’ve seen them in a while, almost like they’re bundling up for what’s ahead. And if you look closely, some of the older trees have rougher bark this year, which isn’t something I take lightly. It’s like the trees themselves are putting on another layer to protect against the cold.

Even the maple and oak leaves seem to be hanging on longer this fall. It’s like they know they’ll be buried under a heavy load of snow before too long, and they’re taking their time letting go.

Early Frost and Heavy Dew – Cold Signs All Around

I’ll tell you, we had some pretty thick frost early on this year. That frost isn’t just pretty to look at; it’s a warning that the ground’s cooling off quicker than usual. When that happens, it usually means we’re in for a deeper freeze come winter. And the morning dew has been heavier than normal too—nature’s way of saying there’s more moisture in the air, which probably means more snow.

What We Can Expect

So, here’s my take, based on what nature’s telling me: get ready for a good, old-fashioned Northern Ontario winter. We’re probably looking at colder temperatures, maybe even a few long stretches of real bitter cold, and more snow than we’ve seen in a while. It’ll be one of those winters where we’ll all have to keep the shovels handy and make sure the woodpile’s well stocked.

If you ask me, here’s what to do:

1. Get Ready Now: Follow the squirrels’ lead—get your supplies together, stock the pantry, and have a backup plan for those cold snaps.
2. Check the House: Make sure the place is sealed up tight. Cold drafts have a way of sneaking in during winters like the one that seems to be headed our way.
3. Embrace It: Winters like this can make for some good stories by the fire, so let’s enjoy what’s coming our way.

So, if you’ve got a gut feeling this winter’s going to be one for the books, you’re probably right. Nature’s been giving us the signs for months now, and they’re hard to ignore. Here’s to a season of braving the cold, watching the snow fall, and making the most of these long winter days here in the north.

Stay warm, everyone! And don’t sell them Snowmobiles just yet. GW

Click on image to enlarge!

My Wife’s Vision In a Painting

Good Morning, from the quiet north, where the views are priceless, and the Wi-Fi is… well, let’s just say I rely on coffee more than Google.

Starting things off, the weather today is a mixed bag of northern charm—rain mingling with snow, temperatures hovering around 1°C (34°F), and a chill north wind reminding us who’s in charge. There’s even a chance of some flurries to keep things interesting. It’s the kind of day that makes you grateful for hot coffee, thick socks, and a sturdy roof overhead.

Highway 522 is quiet for now, but things are bound to pick up as we get closer to the weekend. Lots of hunters are making their way into the area, and that’s okay—as it adds a little excitement to our usual peace and quiet. Besides, it’s the one time of year when the deer start looking both ways before crossing! For the rest of us, it’s a chance to watch the local diners fill up, and maybe swap a few tall tales over coffee.

On another note, yesterday was a busy one here at my desk. I spent most of the day working away on the computer, made a few YouTube videos, and even found time to tinker around in the woodworking shop. Later on, my wife and I handed out candy to the kids for Halloween—a fun way to wrap up the day. All in all, not a bad day’s work (and a bit of play)!

My lovely wife now, well she has been setting up her new art studio for the past few weeks, preparing to step fully into her own creative world. For years, much like myself, she’s been a storyteller—only her stories aren’t told with words but with paint. She’s spent much of her career creating custom pieces, pouring her talent into bringing others’ visions to life. Now, though, she’s decided it’s time to paint from her own inspiration, and I couldn’t be more excited for her.

She’s self-taught, and her work has touched people around the world, finding homes in places near and far. Watching her bring a blank canvas to life is like watching a novel take shape—each stroke adds depth, each color another layer. She’s truly remarkable, and I feel lucky to witness her creativity firsthand. I can’t wait to see what she’ll create next—no doubt it’ll be a story worth waiting for.

If you’re in the area come spring, be sure to drop by and see what she’s been working on. I have a feeling it’ll be something special.

As for me, well, with another wet and cool day outside, I’ll be staying in, working away at my computer. It’s nice knowing that all my outdoor projects are wrapped up, giving me the freedom to settle in for some writing. I’ll be editing videos I made over the summer, creating a few new ones of me reading stories, and maybe even tackling that mystery sci-fi novel I started last year but haven’t yet finished. Either way, the day’s shaping up to be a full one, that’s for sure.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me, along with a good, strong cup of tea. There’s nothing quite like starting the day with a warm meal prepared by someone who knows exactly how you like your eggs—and, most importantly, just the right splash of milk in the tea. It’s these little morning rituals that fuel the day’s creativity…and keep me from getting distracted by the fridge every fifteen minutes!

You all have a great day, and remember—it’s the simple things that make life rich. A warm meal, a cozy spot indoors on a chilly day, and the chance to do a little of what you love. I’ve learned over the years that it’s not always about big adventures or grand plans; sometimes, it’s about savoring the quiet, everyday moments. So take a little time today to enjoy what’s right in front of you. Life’s short, folks—might as well make the most of it. GW

Good Morning! You know, the best thing about a new day is you don’t need it all figured out to make it a good one. And I plan on doing just that.

It’s a cloudy morning here in the north. We had a light shower overnight, but it was sure nice outside temperature-wise. We slept with our bedroom window open, letting in that fresh northern air. You can’t beat that! When you do, your body takes in all the good stuff while resting, and you wake up with a clear mind and a body that feels mighty fine. That is, of course, if you’ve been looking after yourselves.

Tonight in Port Loring, the Halloween weather forecast reveals a spooky atmosphere! Expect temperatures around 16°C (61°F), feeling like 15°C (59°F), thanks to gusty southwest winds. Rain is highly likely, with a 100% chance and about 10 mm (0.4 inches) expected throughout the evening. As the night progresses, temperatures will drop to around 8°C (46°F). So, if you’re planning to venture out for some trick-or-treating, be sure to wear something warm and waterproof!

Highway 522 isn’t all that busy these days, but come the weekend, it’ll start buzzing with activity. The locals will be out and about, moving with purpose, as if they’ve got a prize to claim at the end of the road. And then the hunters will roll in, bringing along enough gear to stock a small store. Just remember, if you hear someone say they’re “hunting for dinner,” it might just mean they’re hoping to find a decent burger joint before heading home!

On another note, yesterday I spent some time working on my computer, but I also took advantage of the nice weather to clean up the remaining leaves that had fallen. It turned out to be a good choice; with the wind at my back, you could say cleaning them up was a breeze. All in all, it was a productive day—I got some work done at the computer, cleared the leaves, and even had time to enjoy a coffee with my lovely wife on the front porch, soaking up that much-needed vitamin D, which, of course, is the sunshine.

Today, well, we’ll see. I’m thinking I might clean up my woodworking shop and get it set up to make my wife a new pine harvest table. Or, I might just stay here at my computer and work on some stories for my columns. Or, ah hell, truth be told, I don’t really know what I’ll be doing. But I do know one thing: whatever I end up with, it’ll probably involve more coffee than actual progress. Just because I can.

With that, I’m off for breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me, and then I’ll get to doing… something. It’s one of those days, my friends.

That’s my two cents for the morning. Now, go out and make some meaningful memories. GW