Good Morning! As the day unfolds, let’s remember that the best things in life ain’t found in the bright lights of the city but in the quiet moments and simple pleasures of the countryside. Or so it’s been said by a few of us old timers.

It’s a cool morning here in cottage country, but not as cold as it used to be years ago. Actually, yesterday, my lovely wife and I sat out on our front porch and had our lunch. Hard to believe we didn’t need a coat, but we sure enjoyed soaking up that sunshine and feeling like the world slowed down for a spell. And by the looks of things, the warm weather will remain with us for the next few days or so. Which is fine with me. We love our front porch! Especially this time of year.

Highway 522 is clear of snow and ice, which has made travelling quite good for the past couple weeks.

Stories of the past: Every morning, as the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon, Dad would step outside our farmhouse and breathe in the crisp country air. With a mug of steaming coffee in hand, he’d watch as the world woke up around him—the cows grazing lazily in the pasture, the roosters crowing their morning song, and the dew glistening like diamonds on the leaves of the trees. “Ain’t nothing quite like the start of a new day in the country,” he’d mumble to himself, a contented smile on his weathered face. I sure miss his stories/humour and smiles.

On another note, once again I worked away in my woodworking shop on a project I have on the go, and made a video of how I went about making it. Which I will show folks on my YouTube channel at a later date. So far it’s been a hit with thousands of people tuning in to watch them. Quite amazing really. I never ever suspected that, so many were wanting to revive the simple life. Nice to see, that’s for sure.

With that I am off for another bowl of porridge that my lovely wife has prepared for me and will then see what the day has in store.

“And remember, you can’t have a rainbow without a little rain, but you also can’t have a rainbow without sunshine. Keep shining!” GW

Good Morning! Like a fine wine, may your day be smooth, full of laughter, and leave a pleasant aftertaste.

It’s a touch cool waking up here in cottage country. But in saying that after today we will be in for some warmer temperatures which should get rid of any snow we have left on the ground. We might even get in some front porch sitting, soaking in some much-needed sunshine.

Highway 522 is still quiet these days, hardly a car moving east or west. Which is fine with me as that is why I moved here many years ago as where our farm was things were growing leaps and bounds. No room to move without someone watching you. That kind of life isn’t for me. But don’t let the tranquility fool you; life in the countryside isn’t all sunsets and sweet tea. We’ve got our share of peculiarities too, which I won’t get into. Yet, in the midst of occasional absurdities, there’s a certain magic in country living that is in my bones so to speak which can never be removed.

Reminds me of my lovely wife and I one time as we sat on the porch watching the sunset paint the sky, She would pat my hand and say, “Ain’t life grand, dear? Just look at that view! No city lights can hold a candle to this.” I would nod, a wistful smile, while listening to her gentle reassurance. “You’re right, hon,” I’d agree with a sigh. “Nothing beats the quiet of country living.”

On another note, I worked most of the day yesterday in my woodworking shop once again. Today I will do the same, I am in the midst of a project that I have always wanted to do, which I hope turns out okay. We will see later on today how that turns out. You never know what can take place when you’re working with wood.

So with that I am off for another bowl of porridge, for some reason I always enjoy it, especially on them cool days of winter. My dad would say it sticks to your ribs like glue and keeps hunger at bay. Truth told, you could probably patch up a leaky roof if you gave it half a chance

Have a great day and remember, never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear, or a fool from any direction! GW