Good Morning!

Food For Thought: I was taught at a very young age that: “If the path seems too easy, it might not be leading anywhere worth going.”

Once again, it’s looking as if we are in for another nice day here in cottage country. The sun is shining and there’s hardly a breath of wind in the air. Sure is nice living here in the north. The lake’s so still it could pass for a mirror, and the birds are having a good old chat at our feeder. You know, days like this make you appreciate the simple things—like a cup of coffee on the porch and the peaceful rustle of leaves. Sometimes, it’s the small pleasures that remind us why we chose this slice of paradise in the first place.

Highway 522 has slowed down a wee bit, but in saying that, my wife and I are still seeing a lot of new faces dropping by our gift shop, picking up one-of-a-kind items made right here in our old woodworking shop. No mass-produced stuff here—just good, honest Canadian craftsmanship. It’s a shame to see so many folks grabbing things from far-off places these days. We should be putting our money into homegrown/made talent/items like we did years ago.

Bug Report; No complaints, best to enjoy it while we can.

On another note, with it being a touch warm yesterday, I spent the day at my computer, chipping away at a couple more stories for the newspapers and magazines I write for. Truth be told, it was one of those days when the words just seemed to flow effortlessly. Sometimes, you get into a groove and everything falls into place, like the stories are practically writing themselves. It’s days like that when you remember why you took up the pen in the first place.

With that, I’m off to enjoy breakfast, thanks to my lovely wife who’s making sure I start the day right. After that, I’ll dive into whatever comes next—more writing, a bit of tinkering in the shop, and maybe even squeezing in a nap if I’m lucky. If breakfast is any indication, it’s shaping up to be a good day. Here’s to hoping the rest of it is as satisfying as my lovely wife’s cooking!

You all have a great day, and I will leave you this morning with this: “The older I get, the better I understand that it’s okay to live a life others don’t understand.“

Sunday
08/04/24

Major Times
12:19 AM-2:19 AM
12:43 PM-2:43 PM

Minor Times
5:23 AM-6:23 AM
8:46 PM-9:46 PM

Day Rating: Other than the heat, it should be a great day for fishing. I give it a 4-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Fish tend to bite better when the barometer drops before a storm. Pay attention to the weather and fish before the rain hits. I have always said. “Fishing with the weather is like fishin’ with a friend—it makes all the difference.”

Good Morning Folks

Food for thought: The sun doesn’t complain about rising every day, and neither should we.

It’s another sunny morning here in cottage country, and I suspect we’re in for another warm day. Truth be told, it’s the humidity that makes it feel a lot warmer than it really is. But it is summer, and we’ve had our share of rain, so there shouldn’t be too many complaints. That said, over the years, not much has changed weather wise here where we live.

On the cooler side of things, starting Monday, a cold front is expected to move in, bringing cooler temperatures and a welcome break from the heat. This shift should make things more comfortable and give us a chance to enjoy the outdoors even more.

Highway 522 has quieted down, with many folks opting to stay close to home or in their cottages. I can’t say I blame them. The taxes these days are ridiculous, and what we get in return doesn’t seem to match up. The powers that be, have driven prices so high, making it hard for people to get out and enjoy themselves. With the rising costs of gas and the burden of paycheck taxes, every outing feels like a strain on the wallet. Personally, I believe paychecks shouldn’t be taxed at all. It’s no wonder people prefer to stay put these days.

Bug Report: No complaints in that department.

On another note, my wife and I have been really busy with folks dropping by our gift shop, along with friends stopping in to say hello and see how we’re doing. It’s nice to see so many faces. And on top of that, with all the work we’ve been doing around our home, tending to the garden, fixing up the house, and working in the woodworking shop, our days are full. But we wouldn’t have it any other way… there’s something special about staying close to home and doing what you love. Which I stated above that a lot of people are doing these days.

Today, with the weather set to be a touch warm, I’m thinking of staying inside and possibly writing up another story or two for my columns. It’s one of those days when the idea of trading the sun for the comfort of my writing desk sounds pretty appealing. Besides, the stories don’t write themselves, though some days it feels like they should!

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my little woman is making. You know, after all these years, I’ve learned that the way to start the day is with her cooking. It’s been over fifty years, and she still manages to make mornings special. Once I’ve had my fill, I’ll see what the day brings, although I’ve learned that with my lovely wife by my side, it’s always worth getting up for.

You all have a great day and remember: “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”

Saturday
08/03/24

Major Times
–:—–:–
11:54 AM-1:54 PM

Minor Times
4:12 AM-5:12 AM
8:21 PM-9:21 PM

Day Rating: Other than the heat it should be a good day for fishing, I give it a 4-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Always keep your line tight while fishing. A loose line can mean missing a great catch. I’ve always said: “A slack line is like a poorly tied knot…both will leave you hanging and wondering where you went wrong!”

Breakfast.

Click on image to enlarge!

Good morning! As my old friend Gray Wolf used to say: The eagle may soar, but the wise owl knows when to keep quiet.

Looking outside, it seems we’re in for another beautiful day here in the north. Plenty of sunshine, hardly a cloud in sight and the breeze is just right. Along with that, the temperature has settled back into the comfortable zone. Truth be told, other than a smidgen of warmth for a couple of days, and a bit too much rain, our summer has been perfect. If it keeps up like this, I might just start thinking Mother Nature’s got a soft spot for us. Or… maybe she’s just making up for last winter.

Highway 522 has seen a bit more action lately, with folks out and about looking for things to do. Seems like everyone’s trying to escape the humdrum of their own four walls. Heck, even the deer are starting to look twice before crossing!

Bug Report: Nothing to report, as things have been pretty nice out there. Even the mosquitoes seem to be on vacation! Which is fine with me.

On another note, yesterday I worked away outside on a few more projects that needed attention, and in the afternoon I took it a bit easy and wrote up another story for my newspaper columns that I write for weekly. I write 52 columns a year, which can keep a feller busy at times. And you know, in over 30 years, I’ve never missed a single one. You’d think that would be some kind of record. But the best part is, my readers keep asking for more.

Today, my wife and I are thinking of taking the day off to enjoy our property. We’ll do some front porch sittin’, relax by the fishpond, and spend time on the swing I made a few years ago—Just Because We Can!

And with that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me. Afterward, I’ll see what the day has in store, beyond what I’ve planned. Life is a mystery. But in saying that… sometimes, the best moments are the ones you didn’t see coming.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you to ponder on this: “You don’t stop playing because you grow old; you grow old because you stop playing.” GW

Fishing Times for Sunday
07/28/24

Major Times
6:22 AM-8:22 AM
6:48 PM-8:48 PM

Minor Times
–:—–:–
2:30 PM-3:30 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 3-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: A simple cane pole, some line, and a hook are all you need for a relaxing day of fishing. No reels, no fuss. Sometimes… the old ways are the best ways—keep it simple, and have fun!