Thoughts from an Old Timer on May 22/2024

“Mornin’, folks. Another day to walk barefoot in the dew and feel the heartbeat of the earth under your feet.” They call it grounding, that has been lost over the years with the introduction of socks and shoes.

We are once again in the midst of some sunshine this morning. Yesterday morning and throughout the day we did have a few showers off and on, but nothing that raised the water level in my rain barrow. Actually, I added another rain barrow on the other side of our home yesterday, as I have a feeling our veggies will be in need of it later on. As a farmer, I’ve learned there’s nothing better for plants than a good, old-fashioned rain. You can irrigate all you like, but when the rain comes, the crops just flourish.

Yesterday I worked away trying to take the wheel off my rototiller, which didn’t happen, as it is ceased on there, like all get out. So I took the tire off, leaving the rim on the machine. It was a tubless tire, so I went online and ordered a tube from Amazon, which should arrive this week, and the best part is… it cost less than half as much as it would have cost me in the stores in North Bay. And on top of all that, I got two for the price of one, which in total cost me… $18.00 for both delivered right to my home. How can you beat that/ Well simply put… you can’t, especially living where we do.

Today I am planning on planting some lettuce and spinach, since I have my garden worked up nicely, as lettuce and spinach likes the cooler weather, and looking at things there isn’t any frost on the horizon. But even if we do get a touch on Thursday night, as that is when we will have a full moon, the seeds are underground which won’t hurt them a bit. The thing I learned over the years is you have to work alongside Mother Nature… not against it, as you will never win.

Highway 522 is still bustling with new folks roaming around, looking for things to do. It’s like a never-ending treasure hunt, except the treasure is a decent parking spot and the ‘X’ marks the spot where you might find cell service. Welcome to the country, where the GPS is more lost than you are!

Bug Report: The black flies and mosquitoes were awful yesterday for a lot of folks. They don’t bite me, but they sure do annoy me by flying around my face. Some ask, “George, how come they don’t bite you as much as most folks?” I say, “Well, truth be told, we have an understanding: I leave them alone, and they, well, sort of leave me alone. Either that, or they’ve finally realized that biting an old farmer like me is like choosing a dry, tough jerky over a fresh steak!”

With that I am off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife has prepared, and then we both will head on out to our front porch and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, taking in nature that surrounds us, and we have lots of it.

You have a great day, and I will leave you with this: “Good things take time – whether it’s crops growing or folks learning.”

Fishing Times for Wednesday
05/22/24

Major Times
–:—–:–
11:29 AM-1:29 PM

Minor Times
4:15 AM-5:15 AM
7:56 PM-8:56 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 5-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. A great day for fishing, but just in case, don’t forget your raincoat. Good Luck!

Fishing Tip of the Day: Follow the feeder streams that flow into larger bodies of water. These streams are like highways for fish, leadin’ ’em right to your doorstep. GW

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In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well!

George Walters | [email protected]

Welcoming the Day in the Countryside on May 21/24

Good Morning! “Where the simplicity of life teaches us that happiness isn’t found in what we have, but in who we are.”

Not a bad morning here in the north. The temperature was sitting at 14.8 C | 58.64 F which is about right for this time of year. It will warm up a bit more as the day progresses. We also had a shower or… half a rain barrow full through the night, which worked out perfect, as it always does when my wife and I plant some trees and things. It’s always been that way. Seems Mother Nature is watching what we are doing.

Highway 522 was very busy over the weekend with lots of tourists visiting and driving through our area. Most of them don’t stay long, which ain’t surprising considering how far out we are. But I reckon that’s a bit of a blessing in disguise.

Yesterday, my wife and I kept busy working outside. We put up our American flag for our American friends along with our old Maple Leaf. Kind of nice seeing them blowing in the breeze throughout the summer months.

After that I tilled up our vegetable garden one more time adding a whole mess of grass cuttings beforehand, and then planted one row of potatoes along with some beans, cucumbers and zucchini. Today I am going to see about fixing a tire on my rototiller as it has been leaking slowly for the past ten years, but yesterday it wouldn’t hold air at all, so I will have to see how that works out as it isn’t going to be the easiest thing to change, as the rim rides on a spindle, and it is frozen solid on there with rust and won’t come off. I have been spraying it will WD 40 in hopes it loosens it for the past five years, but it still hasn’t moved. Anyway, I will have to do something, as it’s no good the way it is.

Bug Report: Truth told the Black Flies hasn’t been all that bad for the past two days which made it real nice for my wife and I, as we have or had a lot of outside work that needed doing. Still lots to do though, but in saying that we do enjoy working alongside nature. The Mosquitoes also weren’t all that bad, but there were a few irritating me inside my shop, as I had the doors open for most of the day. They like to get inside buildings as they know there is usually fresh blood around somewhere. Them blood sucking parasites!

Wisdom I have learned: “One thing I’ve learned over the years is that you can’t control everything. Sometimes you just gotta let go and trust that things will work out in the end. It’s like plantin’ seeds in the spring – you do your best, and then you let nature take its course.”

With that, I’m off to have breakfast that my lovely wife has prepared for me. Afterward, I’ll head out to my woodworking shop to fix the tire on my rototiller. It certainly has been a year full of repairs for it, that’s for sure.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this: “A rainy day ain’t so bad if you’ve got a good roof and a dry spot to sit. Preparation and a positive outlook make all the difference.”

Fishing Times for Tuesday
05/21/24

Major Times
–:—–:–
10:43 AM-12:43 PM

Minor Times
3:54 AM-4:54 AM
6:45 PM-7:45 PM

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

Fishing Tip of The Day:
Some say the best fishin’ happens when the moon’s directly overhead or underfoot. It’s an old wives’ tale, but many like myself swear by it. And there will be a full moon on Thursday.

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]

Insights from a Country Sunrise on May 20/2024

Good Morning! “Where the challenges of country living builds character, and the rewards are as sweet as homemade pie. Especially rhubarb, and this is the time of year for it.”

Here in Ontario! It’s Victoria Day—time to light up the BBQ, enjoy a drink or two with friends, and enjoy the long weekend! At least what’s left of it.

The good news is so far it’s been down right nice weather wise, and on top of that the Black Flies hasn’t been too bad. Which was fine with my lovely wife and I as we had a lot of outside work that needed doing. We still have more to do, like tilling up our vegetable garden, and then planting things we enjoy eating. Which we will do today, well some of it, like our potatoes and lettuce along with our zucchini, and cucumbers. Then later on in the week we will get to planting our tomatoes.

Yesterday my wife and I opened up our small cottage which is all set to go now for anyone that wants to rent it. We are going to take reservations now for June, July, August and September. It’s a nice clean cottage, comes with TV, Star Link Wi-Fi, Air Conditioning If Needed, along with everything you need to cook with like utensils, and a brand anew barbecue that sets along-side a checkerboard. Kind of nice to be able to cook your meal and enjoy a game of checkers while you’re waiting. The cottage is comfortable for two people, no pets, located right here on our property, walking distance to all the amenities. Anyone that is interested can get in touch with us at: [email protected]

Highway 522 has really gotten busy traffic wise, with trucks and cars towing boats and trailers, loaded up with things for camping or what ever. It will continue on like this now till fall.

Bug Report: The Blackflies have been bad, but with the wind we had yesterday it was actually quite pleasant out there. On the other end of the stick, them blood sucking parasites the mosquitoes are just starting, brought on by the warm weather. And it won’t be long before the deer flies makes their appearance. Those guys, once they find you, don’t leave you alone. They follow you everywhere, or until you send them to meet their maker. Which I do occasionally. But it’s all part of living here in the country.

Wisdom I learned over the years: “Life’s like a stubborn mule. Sometimes you have to coax it, sometimes you have to give it a nudge, and sometimes… you just need to sit back and let it be stubborn.”

With that, I am off for my morning bowl of cereal that my lovely wife has prepared for me, and then we will both head on out to our front porch, and take in our beautiful piece of property here in paradise, while enjoying a hot cup of cocoa with a marshmallow on top. Yea… I know life is sure rough.

You all have a great day and I will leave you all with this: “A good day’s work, a hot meal, and a drink or two with family or friends – that’s all a man/woman really needs.”

Fishing Times for Monday
05/20/24

Major Times
10:00 AM-12:00 PM
10:21 PM-12:21 AM

Minor Times
3:37 AM-4:37 AM
5:35 PM-6:35 PM

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

Fishing Tip of the Day: Get to Know the Fish, study the habits and preferences of the fish you’re after. Different fish have different tastes and behaviors, so tailor your approach accordingly.

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]

The Sound of an Owl In The Early Morning Hours

Years ago, when my friend Grey Wolf was alive, I heard an owl outside my bedroom window on the farm. And early this morning at 2:30 AM I heard the same sound once again. I remember asking him what he thought it meant.

He said: George, when you hear an owl hoot early in the morning, it’s more than just a bird making noise. For us old-timers, and especially for those who follow Native wisdom as I do, it’s a sign, full of deeper meaning.

Owls have always been symbols of wisdom and mystery. They seem to know things hidden from our eyes. Native traditions say that owls carry the spirit of wisdom and intuition. Hearing an owl in the early morning is like receiving a message from deep within yourself. It’s as if the owl is urging you to trust your gut feelings, especially when making important decisions.

Some believe that an owl hooting in the morning means it’s time for a fresh start. Maybe it’s telling you to let go of old habits and welcome new opportunities. It often signifies change and growth, hinting that you’re about to go through a personal transformation.

For those connected to the spiritual world, an owl’s call at dawn can be a comforting sign. In many Native American traditions, the owl is a messenger from the spirit world. This might mean that unseen forces are protecting you and guiding you. The owl’s call can be a reminder that your ancestors are watching over you, offering their wisdom and support.

When you hear an owl early in the morning, take a moment to pause and think. Native wisdom teaches us to be thankful for such messages. It’s a gentle reminder to listen to your inner wisdom and stay open to the guidance of the universe.

Remember, the owl’s call is a powerful symbol. It’s telling you to trust yourself, embrace change, and know that you are never alone. The next time you hear that hoot, let it remind you of these simple truths and the rich traditions that see the owl as a bridge between worlds.

You know… after Grey Wolf told me his thoughts, for most of my life I paid attention to feelings and things around me, and I have to say it has paid off. I am thinking early this morning, it was another gentle reminder, that maybe I should be paying more attention to what is going on around and within me, and to take more heed in my intuitions. As it seems strange that the sound of the night came to me at the same time as it did…. many years ago. 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]

Country Living on May 16/2024

Good Morning! You know, over the years, I have found that life in the country teaches you to be self-reliant… to trust in your own two hands and the wisdom of those who came before you. It’s a lesson in resilience and resourcefulness, born from the necessity of making do with what you’ve got.

It’s another nice day here in cottage country, the sun is shinning from up above, the birds are enjoying their breakfast and the grass is still growing leaps and bounds… and along with all that the trees are starting to show off their new leaves. Pretty hard to beat that waking up in the morning.

Yesterday my wife worked steadily in her flower gardens with a bit of help from me off and on. For most parts she worked on her new herb garden which she situated right outside our front door. The reason for that is now when she is cooking meals and is in need of some fresh herbs, she can just walk out and take what she needs.

For myself, I worked away fixing up my rototiller and installed a new belt and after that I gave it a work-out tilling up our vegetable garden once again. I will do it one more time before planting.

Today however is mowing day for my wife and I and I have to say it sure has grown. I am thinking we will have a good pile of grass cuttings for our vegetables when all said and done. Which is good, as later on our plants will be needing some nourishment. After we finish, well… I am thinking some front porch sittin’ will be in order, taking in all our hard work, which in turn gives us a good feeling inside that we didn’t waste a day.

Bug Report: Lots of Black Flies annoying folks these days, and as I said yesterday the mosquitoes are just starting. Years ago, my old dad used to say: If you’re lucky enough to catch a breeze, embrace it like a long-lost friend. Bugs ain’t too keen on flying against the wind, so position yourself strategically and let nature do the work for ya. That’s what my wife and I will be doing this morning, that is if there is a wind, right now it’s pretty quiet out there.

Highway Report: Highway 522 is picking up more every day with new folks roaming around looking for things to do. Which is normal for this time of year.

With that I am off once again for my breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me, and after that we will head on outside and wake up our lawn mowers.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this bit of wisdom I learned over the years: “Life’s like plowing a field. You hit rocks, you hit rough patches, but you keep on going ’cause you know there’s good ground ahead.”

Fishing Times For Thursday
05/16/24

Major Times
7:22 AM-9:22 AM
7:42 PM-9:42 PM

Minor Times
2:36 AM-3:36 AM
1:16 PM-2:16 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 2-Star Rating today for catching a few. Good Luck!

Fishing Tip of The Day! Don’t let the “one that got away” ruin your day. Every angler’s got a tale of the big one they lost. It’s all part of the game, 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]