Country Living, Northern Style On Sunday Feb 11/2024

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

Insights From Rural Life On Feb 10/2024

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

Wisdom Passed Down Through Time On Feb 9/2024

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

Where the Horses Gossip and the Tractor Tells Tales On Feb. 7/2024

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

Looking At Life’s Simple Pleasures On Feb. 6/2024

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

Everyday Life in the Country On Feb 5/2024

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

An Old-Timer’s Insights On Feb 4/2024

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

Groundhog Day, Feb 2

They said in the news yesterday that, Ontario’s Wiarton Willie, didn’t see his shadows on Friday morning. Which in turn means that spring isn’t that far off. I am all for that.

You know, back when I was young, Groundhog Day was like a holiday. We’d all gather around, shiverin’ in the cold, waitin’ to see what that groundhog had to say. It was as if nature was telling us what the weather had in store.

But these days for most it’s all about fancy gadgets and high-tech gizmos. Instead of trusting the wisdom of the groundhog, we’re glued to our screens, checkin’ weather forecasts like there’s no tomorrow. It seems we’ve lost touch with the simplicity of it all.

We also didn’t need much to be happy back when—just good company and the promise of spring in the air. It’s a shame we’ve let it slip through our fingers in this fast-paced world.

I think we should all take a step back, remember the good ol’ days, and maybe, just maybe, we’ll find a bit of that old-fashioned joy once again. GW

Cold Mornings And An Old-Timer’s Insights On February 3/2024

Good morning, from this corner of the world, where the coffee/cocoa is hot, the gossip’s hotter, and the wisdom flows like molasses.

So how you all doing on this fine February morning. Yes, I got the month right this morning, as yesterday I said it was January 2 instead of February. Slipping up a wee bit in my old age.

Highway 522 is bare and dry this morning, but it is a touch cool out there, which I noticed going to my old woodworking shop earlier, to put some wood in the stove. Getting out of bed, it was sitting at -10.5 C | 13.1 F. However it will warm up a lot as the day moves forward, and on the bright side of things, we are seeing lots of sunshine this morning, which is what we need to stay healthy. I wouldn’t hesitate to bet that if folks were to get more sunshine every day, they’d be healthier overall and wouldn’t need to see the doctor as often. It’s a simple truth, really. You know, most medicines out there these days, they just treat the symptoms. They don’t really get to the root of the problem. But sunshine, now that’s different. It’s like nature’s way of fixing things from the inside out. So, next time you’re not feeling your best, why not head outside and enjoy some sunshine? It’s nature’s way of keeping us in good shape, addressing the root cause, not just covering it up. You’ll feel the difference, You can take that to the bank!

On another note, once again I worked the day away in my woodworking shop on some projects I have on the go, I did do up a new video on one project and today will do another regarding another project. Which should keep this old feller busy for most of the day.

Old Time Wisdom on What Really Matters in Life. My old Dad loved to reminisce about his cottage in Sarasota, Florida by the inland waterways where he spent his winters when he was able. “Those were the days,” he’d sigh, recalling the laughter echoing through the woods and the smell of pine in the air. I would listen, transported back in time to a simpler era, when the only thing that mattered, was the sound of the loons calling across the water. I sure miss them days!

With that I am off for a bowl of Porridge that my lovely wife is making for me and will then head on out to my woodworking shop, but before I leave you for the day remember this: It’s better to be a has-been than a never-was, but it’s best to be a never-was at all! With that floating around in your mind, Have a great day. GW

An Old-Timer’s Perspective On February 2/2024

Good Morning! The birds are chirpin’, the snow is meltin’, and January feels downright neighbourly today.

It is a bit cooler this morning, waking up in cottage country. It will warm up a wee bit as the day moves forward, but not all that much. Tomorrow, however, it will warm up to above the freezing mark once again. So far, this warm weather we have been having has got rid of a lot of our snow. Which is good in some ways, but not so good in other ways. As warmer weather throws nature out of whack up here in the north. Critters start moving at odd times, plants growing all out of sync, which messes up the whole rhythm of life. It’s like nature’s getting mixed signals. And when that happens, a variety of life takes a hit, and things just ain’t the same.

Highway 522 is still quiet, which is to be expected this time of year. It is also clear of snow and ice, which will make travelling good for those that live in our area, which is a lot, as the closest city is about an hour and a half away. Which my wife and I don’t really mind, as it gets us out of the house for the day. Well, other than the price of gas.

Remember When’s: Reg with Laura looking on, the folks that raised me in the early days, said one time. “George, I can remember when the snow was piled so high that folks had to shovel their roofs before they could open their doors. He would go on to say. “Why, I remember a blizzard so fierce, he’d chuckle, “that we had to dig tunnels just to reach the outhouse!” I would shake my head in disbelief, but I knew that in the north, winter wasn’t just a season—it was a way of life. I sure miss them, folks.

On another note, my lovely wife and I did get to go to North Bay yesterday to pick up some supplies and things. Other than a few showers off and on, it was a great day. We got what we needed, had lunch in our car and headed on home, taking in what nature had to offer. Great day all in all.

With that I am off for a bowl of cereal that my lovely wife has made for me and will then see what the day has in store. I do have a few things in mind. Have a great day and remember, “don’t count your chickens before they hatch, but make sure you count your eggs before breakfast!” GW

Country Wisdom: Observations of an Old-Timer On January 31/2024

Good morning from this balmy corner of the North, where January feels more like June. And here it is, the last day of January!

It’s a cloudy morning here in Cottage country, and once again it isn’t all that cold. The temperature waking up was sitting at 0.4 C | 32.72 F. And for the rest of the week the temperature will stay well above the freezing mark, and on top of all that it looks as if we aren’t going to get too many real cold days for the remainder of the winter. And looking even further ahead with nature in mind, it looks as if by the end of March we could do some front porch sitting. But as with anything in nature, to truly find out what’s on her mind … we will have to play the waiting game.

Highway 522 is very quiet these days, quieter than a fishing hole on a frosty morning. But the good news is that the highway has been clear of snow for most parts this winter, which makes travelling pretty good. And for our neck of the woods, that’s something.

On another note, I worked once again in my woodworking shop yesterday for the morning, and in the afternoon I worked on editing some of my YouTube videos, along with writing up a story for my newspaper columns. So all in all a good day, but a busy day mind wise and physically, which is what is needed to stay healthy.

Today I am planning on working away here at my computer. I did however light my shop stove, or should say put some more wood in it, as I have been keeping it going for the past month, which makes it nice for working out there. Once all the equipment gets warm, it hardly takes any heat to keep it warm. You know, when it comes to your house, some folks believe turning down the heat at night is the right thing to do. But let me share a little secret: it’s not. What you want to do is bring the temperature up to a cozy level and keep it there, it’s like having a good friend around. It makes a big difference, let me tell you. So, my advice is simple: keep the warmth flowing, keep it steady, and just enjoy feeling comfortable all the time. Once your furniture, walls and things gets warm, they hold the heat. Let them cool down, it takes a lot of heat to warm them back up.

Fact or Fiction: Every winter, old Gus and his pals would embark on their annual ice fishing expedition, armed with their trusty augers and thermoses of hot cocoa/?. But one year, they returned home with a grand total of zero fish, claiming they were simply “practising their patience” for the next outing.

Kind of reminds me of Barry, my fishing buddy and me.

With that I am off for a bowl of oatmeal that my lovely wife has prepared for me and will then get to work. And remember, a rolling stone gathers no moss, but it sure sees a lot of sights along the way. Keep rolling and stay moss-free! GW

My Views On Electric Cars And Other Things

Part one: When I feel up to it, I will write the rest of the story.

For the past few years, there’s been a push, by some, to convince people to switch to electric cars under the guise of environmental protection. However, if you ask me, electric cars will likely cause more environmental problems in just a few short years than the new electric cars claim to solve. Why is that? Well, let’s break it down.

Firstly, consider the materials needed to manufacture electric cars, particularly the batteries. These materials require extensive mining, which continues to exploit our Earth’s resources. Moreover, constructing new factories to produce these batteries and other electric car components adds to the pollution burden, potentially worsening the environmental impact.

Then, there’s the issue of job displacement. As some of the automotive industry shifts towards electric vehicles, many skilled workers may find themselves without employment, as they lack the specialized training required for building electric car components.

An example would be: ATMs changed banking and retail by doing tasks people used to do. This meant millions of jobs, like bank tellers and cashiers, were/will not be needed anymore.

I have seen though that one car company is going to stop building them as truth be told most people don’t want them. It put a smile on my face.

Additionally, the question of battery disposal looms large. Overseas, there are reports of massive piles of old batteries, leaching hazardous substances into the soil and water, posing health risks to thousands.

In Canada, our environmental challenges keeping the electric cars running are compounded by harsh winters and increasingly hotter summers. And along with that, we don’t have the resources to charge all these cars that they want to build, or can most afford what they want now for electricity.

It should also be noted that while human activity contributes to climate change a wee bit, it’s just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Our planet has undergone natural climate shifts for millions of years, and being an old feller seeing a lot of things, I feel this old planet, well … it’ll keep on spinning, no matter what we do.

What irks me most, though, is the imposition of certain agendas by those in power. It often feels like a childish power struggle, with laws and regulations changing to suit their whims. I suspect there’s a hidden agenda behind it all, possibly rooted in a desire for control, which to me seems to be tightening its grip with each passing day.

In the end, I believe that change is inevitable, and no amount of human intervention can halt the natural course of things. It’s just a pity that genuine environmental concerns are overshadowed by bureaucratic manoeuvring and power plays.

So what should we do? To me, it makes sense to keep improving the environmental friendliness of cars we’ve been making. At least until something new comes along. We also need to make cars last longer without needing repairs, because the prices we’re paying for them are just plain outrageous!

These days, you’ll fork out more cash for a new car than we did for our first farm! That old patch of land is what got my lovely wife and I to where we are today. Now, that car we bought a few years back? Hell, we cross our fingers and toes every day, hoping it holds together long enough to see the next sunrise! GW

An Old-Timer’s Stories from the North Country On January 29/2024

Good Morning! Another day on this side of the sod, another chance to make it count.

It’s a cloudy morning waking up in cottage country, but the good news is it isn’t all that cold. Actually, we have been having spring weather now for the past week. And this warm weather will continue for another four days or so, and we could see some sunshine thrown in for good measure. I’m likin’ it!

Highway 522 is still very quiet traffic wise, but with no snow or ice it has made travelling nice. Which is good for our area, as we have a long way to go to pick up most of our supplies. But we do have a few places to buy things right here in town, which makes it nice. And with the price of gas, travelling any distance makes it hard on the pocket book.

For that matter, even the locals have slowed down on their chatting. Our version of small talk lately, involves a subtle nod and a knowing glance. It’s like a secret code: one nod for “hello,” two for “how’s the weather,” and three for “Did you hear about ??? up the road away?”

On another note I worked once again in my woodworking shop installing shelves, so far I got two in place which are looking good, and today will finish things up. My woodworking shop has never looked so good. Hell, it looks so good I don’t want to do any work in there in case I mess things up.

Today I will continue on.

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

Have a great day. GW

Trying To Change The Past?

As an old-timer and a writer, I find comfort in the timeless truths of our past. Yet, today, I see a troubling trend—as some desire to rewrite yesterday’s tales, as if it could reshape today.

Let me be clear: the past ain’t a toy for our whims. It’s a testament to those who walked before us, a well of wisdom for our journey forward. To tinker with it, whether by altering stories or judging folks by today’s standards, is to deny the lessons we’ve learned.

Think of books, each a portal to human experience. Some want to censor them, but who are we to decide what’s worth knowing? And what of those in our history books? Flawed, yes, but aren’t we all? We can’t cast them aside for that.

So let’s not be fooled by revisionism. Let’s embrace our past, warts and all.

In the end, the past is not to be feared, but honoured. I feel we should stand firm against any who would seek to erase it, be it through altering books, removing statues, or otherwise. Our history shapes us, and we must preserve it, learn from it, and let it guide us forward. GW

A Northerner’s Perspective On January 28/2024

Good Morning! Woke up to another day, grateful for the sunrise and the company of good friends.

It’s a cloudy, damp morning here in Cottage country. We did have a skiff of snow earlier, but it’s stopped now.

Highway 522 is very quiet this morning, and it does have a wee bit of snow on parts of it. Hardly a car or truck moving east or west.

Actually, our whole community seems to be taking a rest these days, which is to be expected this time of year. Years ago, a friend, I knew, said that January in her small town was a gentle reminder that sometimes the most profound moments are found in the silence between breaths. I find that to be true every time I venture to my woodworking shop, in the early morning hours.

Fact or Fiction: My Grandmother was famous for her mouthwatering pies, but no one could ever quite replicate her secret recipe. “It’s all in the wrist action,” she’d say with a wink, as she rolled out dough with the finesse of a seasoned baker. Her grandkids watched in awe, trying to decipher the mystery of Granny’s culinary magic. But as they licked the crumbs from their plates, they knew that some secrets were meant to stay hidden, tucked away in the pages of family folklore. I sure miss her pies.

On another note, my lovely wife’s got the mixer out, and I’m already drooling at the thought of her chocolate chip cookies. It’s gonna be a sweet day!

Yesterday I worked the day away in my woodworking shop installing a new shelf on the one wall. I have to say it turned out real nice, so nice I am going to make another for another wall today. Which should keep me busy, which is important, as getting things done no matter how small they are, is what keeps us young and happy. At least for me.

With that, I am off for a grapefruit along with a bowl of porridge and a piece of toast, that my little woman is making for me, which should give me the energy that is needed to carry me through till them tasty cookies she is going to make are ready. Can’t wait!

Have a great day and remember. “Life is like a garden; you reap what you sow, but sometimes you get zucchinis instead of cucumbers. Embrace the surprise!” GW

When It Comes to How We Vote Here In Canada

In my years of watching politics, I’ve always believed that each party should stand firm on its own beliefs and values. The idea of parties teaming up simply to maintain power, or any other reason, doesn’t sit right with me. Back in the day, political integrity meant something. It meant staying true to your principles, even if it meant standing alone. This alliance for the sake of power, or getting what you want, feels like a betrayal of those principles. It’s not the kind of politics I grew up with, and it’s certainly not the kind I want to support.

An Old-Timer’s Thoughts on January 27/2024

Good morning! Today’s weather forecast: winter warmth with a 100% chance of confusion. And those that says life isn’t full of confusion is a fool or hasn’t been around long enough to see the truth. Myself, I have always figured it’s them unexpected moments that add flavour to the tale of life.

Temperature wise, we couldn’t ask for anything better here in cottage country. Getting out of bed, it was sitting at -0.1 C | 31.82 F. Although I suspect, the snowmobilers would beg to differ.

Highway 522 is wet this morning, but the good news is there isn’t any ice or snow messing things up. Which is nice, as it saves the bodies on the cars, along with other things. “Salt on the roads? You might as well coat your car in termites and call it a day.”

On another note, it is still quiet around town, other than the local views on things. Outsiders worry about global issues; we here in cottage country are more concerned about who borrowed the neighbour’s chainsaw without asking.

But all in all, winters here in cottage country is like a good book: it’s best enjoyed with a warm blanket and a steamin’ cup of cocoa. And just like a good book, you never know where it’ll take you—whether it’s down memory lane or off into the great unknown.

Yesterday once again I worked the day away in my woodworking shop. I did finish up installing the trim around the new window I have been installing over my work bench. I have to say, it sure is nice being able to look outside throughout the day.

Today, well, today’s the day I finally tackle that shelf project in my shop I’ve been putting off for twenty years, oh! My lovely wife says over twenty years. But hey, better late than never, right? It’s like a never-ending cycle in my shop: clean it up, mess it up, repeat. I will say this though, it keeps me on my toes, even if it does make me scratch my head sometimes!

Fact or Fiction: Old Bill, a friend of mine years ago, couldn’t resist spreading gossip faster than a forest fire on a windy day. One summer evening, he claimed to have heard strange noises echoing from the woods behind his cabin. “It was like nothing I’ve ever heard before,” he exclaimed, wide-eyed. “Could’ve been Bigfoot for all I know!” His friends chuckled, attributing the sounds to an overactive imagination or perhaps one too many sips of moonshine. Nevertheless, the tale of the mysterious woods kept tongues wagging well into the night. I enjoyed listening to those old timers years ago. They had a knack of holding your attention, something that is missing in today’s world.

So with that bit of information floating around in your minds, I am off for a bowl of porridge that my little woman made for me and will then head on outdoors.

Remember, life’s too short to be serious all the time. Laugh a little, smile a lot, and remember to wear clean socks! GW

Dampened Spirits, Brightened by Blue Jays: A Morning Reflection on What’s Happening On January 26/2024

“Good morning! I‘ve just uploaded a 10-minute video I made, that I believe many of you will enjoy. Take a moment to watch it when you have some free time. If you find it appealing, please consider subscribing. It doesn’t cost a cent, and your support would mean a lot to me.” The Video is at the end of this post.

They say laughter is the best medicine, but here in cottage country, we also recommend a strong cup of coffee/cocoa. Some add a finger or so of?

Highway 522 is quiet this morning, which is normal for this time of year. And it is clear of ice and snow, which will make travelling good for those wanting to head on off to the big cities.

Fact or Fiction? The mysterious disappearance of Farmer Brown’s prize-winning chicken had the town abuzz with theories. Some blamed aliens; others suspected fowl play. In the end, the culprit was a mischievous fox with a taste for drumsticks.

Yesterday, I spent the whole day in my woodworking shop putting in a new window like I talked about before. It was a lot of work, but I finally got it in place. And you know what? It really made a big difference! The shop is much brighter now, and the best part is I can see outside while I work. You could say It’s like a ray of sunshine in my workshop!

Today, well ... I’ve got to clean up the mess I’ve made, and let me tell you, it’s quite a sight. I kinda think it’s going to take most of the day to sort through it all.

Well, that’s all from me for this morning, folks! Remember, life’s too short to skip dessert and too long to ignore your dreams. Talk to you tomorrow and give that YouTube video below a look at when you have ten minutes. Grab a cuppa and enjoy! GW

What’s Happening in The Backwoods on January 25/2024

Good Morning! Time to rise and shine, or at least rise and pretend to shine until the coffee kicks in.

For the past few days now we here in cottage country have been enjoying our January Thaw, which is kind of nice … as it gets folks minds thinking of spring which isn’t all that far off. I am sure looking forward to it.

Highway 522 is real quiet these days, so quiet it is putting a wee bit of a damper on our town gossip. That being said, you have to understand that conservation is serious business here in our small town. You could say they recycle so much that the town’s unofficial motto is “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

On another note, yesterday I spent another whole day in my woodworking shop. I decided to put in a window on the east side, which in turn messed up all the work I have been doing for the past month. But when all said and done it will sure be nice, nothing like morning sunlight to get fellow motivated. Today I will continue on, and hopefully will have it finished by supper time. I am making a video of what is taking place as I go along, which I will add to my channel later on. And the new light coming from the window should help a lot in that department too.

Morning Humour From the North: An old friend of mine, that answers to the name of Joe, insists he once had a friendly chat with a Sasquatch in the woods. He offered me a cup of pine needle tea, and we swapped stories by his campfire. Surprisingly good company, that Sasquatch,” he said with a wink.

Well, it’s time to hang up my hat for this morning’s chat, like a cowboy after a day in the saddle. Have a great day. GW

Welcome to my little corner of the countryside, where storytelling meets the everyday joys of woodworking, farming, and gardening. I’m GW, a writer and published author with over thirty years of experience.