Good morning, where the early birds get the gossip, and the latecomers get the cold coffee!

We are in the midst of a lot of clouds here in cottage country this morning, and it has cooled down some, with it sitting at -2 C | 28.4 F.

By the looks of things, the colder weather will remain with us for the next week or so. Which we shouldn’t complain about, as our winter, so far this year, hasn’t amounted to anything like it has been for the past few years.

Taking a look at our town, not much is happening other than the wind whistling through the pines, and for Highway 522 well … it’s as clear as a moonlit night.

On another note, yesterday once again I traded my woodworking shop for my computer and today will do the same, as I have a few projects on the go that needs finishing up.

Reg and Laura, the folks that raised me, rocked back and forth on their creaky porch chairs, Reg puffing on his pipe as he shared his latest discovery. “You know, Laura” he said with a twinkle in his eye, “I swear them trees out yonder got a language of their own. Heard ’em whisperin’ secrets when I was out huntin’ last week!” She chuckled, taking a sip of her coffee. “Well, all I can say, Reg, is the next time you hear ’em, tell ’em to keep it down! Nothing worse than a bunch of idle chatter keeping folks awake in the early morning hours.”

I have a lot of good memories from way back when while living with them.

With that I am off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife has ready for me, and will then see what the day has in store. And remember: “Life’s like a jar of pickles – sometimes sour, sometimes sweet, but always packed with flavour, just make sure you can handle the crunch!” GW

Good morning, where the day starts with a stretch, a yawn, and the comforting routine of small-town living. Let’s hope it stays that way.

We are waking up to some clouds here in Cottage country. However, it is still quite mild, which is sure something for this time of year. I kind of think, that nature is telling us that she is in need of a change. As an old feller who’s seen his share of life’s ups and downs, one thing stands out clear: no matter what we do, the world keeps turning just the same. We might fancy ourselves masters of the universe, but truth be told, our thinking has often missed the mark over the years. I know for some, it’s a hard pill to swallow, but there it is.

I also believe that a lot of minds, have often gone astray, misunderstanding the way things truly unfold. You know … we’re just specks in the grand scheme of things, strutting about like we own the place. But the truth is, we’re just along for the ride.

Personally, I think it’s about time we sat ourselves down and took a good, hard look at the wisdom we’ve been missing out on for far too long. It’s been there all along, waiting patiently for us to wise up and take notice. The truth of the matter is, or at least my thoughts are, that we need to quit dilly-dallying and start paying attention. And hey! Who knows what we might find … when we finally open our eyes and minds?

Well, that’s the way I see it this morning. Take what you like and leave the rest, like pickin’ your favourite apples from the orchard.

On another note, once again my computer overtook my woodworking shop yesterday, which held me here at bay in the house. I did however get a lot done and if things goes to plan I should finish up things today which in turn means I can get back to my woodworking shop, as I do have a few things in mind that I want to do.

Highway 522 is still quiet, but weather wise for travelling things are good. Who needs to go to Florida or where it is warm when we have weather like this?

With that, I am off for a bowl of porridge that my lovely wife is making, and then, it’s off to see what adventures await me today. Have a great day and remember: “Even a broken clock is right twice a day!” GW

Click on Image to Enlarge!

Good morning, where the front porch is the best seat in the house for watching the world go by, and catching up with the local gossip.

And we might be able to do just that later on in the day, with it being so nice outside temperature wise.

It is a touch cloudy this morning, but as I said it is mild. The good news is we aren’t burning as much wood/oil/propane/electricity these days to keep us warm, which is a good thing, as with the price of things, people are having a hard time as it is.

Highway 522 is very quiet, as is everything else in town these days.

I’ve always said: “You know it’s winter in our town when even the cool wind whispers. Not today, I’m on break!”

On another note, my lovely wife and I took a trip to North Bay yesterday, picking up a few things along with dropping off a few things. After we had things looked after, we decided for a change to go to East Side Mario’s for lunch, which we did and had a 10 Slice Pizza and a cool one. Which I shared with you above with a picture. I have to say, other than the price, it was delicious. We don’t have it very often, but when we do, it’s a real treat.

After that, we stopped off for a Tim Hortons Decaf coffee and headed on home, taking in what nature had to offer, which is always nice, as no mater how many times we have made the trip to town, it seems there is always something new to see.

Today I am thinking … being that it is not too cold, that I will wash our car, as it sure gets dirty driving to North Bay and back home. Which will keep me busy for most of the morning.

With that, I am off for a cup of hot cocoa with my little woman, and remember. In the barn of life, every cow finds its stall. So take your time, enjoy the hay, and milk the good moments! GW

Good Morning! I woke up today with a smile on my face, and I can’t wait to see all the shenanigans it’s got in store for us.

We are starting things off with a wee bit of freezing rain here in cottage country. But it isn’t all that cold, with the temperature sitting at -0.6 C | 30.92 F, and if luck is upon us, we could see a bit of sunshine later on in the day. Which is what we all need in staying healthy. It also brightens up the spirit in folks minds.

Highway 522 is wet this morning and I suspect there are some icy sections throughout, which means care should be taken if out and about. It also is very quiet with traffic these days, with only the locals moving around. I’ve always said that you know you live in a small town when you wave at every passing car, whether you know them or not.

I remember a time many years ago taking the horses out to the field for my Dad to do some plowing. The one Clyde that day for some reason refused to plow the field, Dad he scratched his head and sighed. “Seems like Jessy’s got a mind of her own today,” he’d chuckle, shaking his head at the horses’ stubbornness. But instead of getting angry, Dad simply leaned against the fence and waited. “Sometimes, George,” he said with a wink, “you gotta let things unfold in their own time.” And sure enough, after a few minutes of coaxing and fusing, Jessy would finally relent, and the plowing would begin, and the field got plowed.

Dad always said. “Wisdom, now that’s a different breed altogether. It comes from years of trial and error, learning from the land and them critters themselves. Knowing when to push and when to back off, when to mend fences and when to let them be. That’s the wisdom that comes with time, like the slow turning of the seasons.” And I found later on in life that what he said was true.

On another note I did do a bit of work in the woodworking shop yesterday but for most parts I worked away here at my computer. Got lots done and will finish things up today, I hope.

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife is preparing for me and will then get to it.

Have a great day and remember, “life’s too short to take seriously, so laugh when you can, apologize when you should, and let go of what you can’t change!” GW

Good Morning Folks! “Like a sunbeam through the barn window, may your day be bright, warm, and filled with the sweet scent of hay.”

Those were the days, getting up at 4:00 AM to milk the cows, feed them along with the others. Not to forget cleaning their stalls. You know, them critters were always happy to see me, and I can’t say I blame ’em, I was the one bringing breakfast. I was always happy to get back to the farm house after milking for mine.

Highway 522 is pretty well clear but being so cold along with a frost through the night I suspect there are some slippery sections one might have to keep an eye out for.

Old Grey Wolf, my friend of years ago, loved to tell the story of the talking trees deep in the heart of the forest where he lived. “They whisper secrets to those who listen,” he’d say with a grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “But you have to have patience and an open heart to hear ’em.” I would laugh and shake my head, but deep down, I knew there was truth in his words. For in the stillness of the woods, the trees spoke volumes, sharing tales of ages past and dreams yet to come.

I sure miss our chats, but as much as I miss him, his words have never left me.

I remember listening to another old feller, years ago while enjoying a soda as he went on to say that a friend of his, got caught in a blizzard and ended up spending the night in the abandoned barn on the edge of town. Now, depending on who you ask, he said, that barn is either haunted by ghosts or home to a secret stash of grandma’s moonshine. And I am leaning towards grandma’s…. but you never know. I have to tell you, being young at the time, the tale held my interest.

On another note other than stories, yesterday I traded in my woodworking shop for my desk and worked away on editing another video I took awhile ago. It took me most of the day and will finish it up this morning. After that, I am back to my woodworking shop to make a new axe handle. I am thinking of making a video on how I go about making it. I will see how that goes.

With that you all have a great day and remember, the wind knows no boundaries, and neither should you. GW