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Well, judging by the sky, it looks like we’re in for another really nice day. That’s just the way I like it, so with that in mind, it’s best I get to enjoying it, which I will do shortly.

Any way, here’s the weather forecast for Port Loring, Ontario:

Today – Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Mostly sunny skies, with a high around 76°F (24°C). A gentle breeze from the southwest at about 5 to 10 mph will keep things comfortable. Tonight, expect clear skies, with temperatures dipping to about 53°F (12°C).

Tomorrow – Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Cloudy with sunny breaks in the morning, becoming mainly cloudy in the afternoon, with a high of 73°F (23°C). Showers are expected in the evening and overnight, with a low of 53°F (12°C).

So, it looks like today is the best bet for soaking up the sun before the clouds and showers roll in tomorrow. Enjoy the beautiful weather while it lasts!

Highway 522 is slowly picking up traffic-wise these days. We’ve had a good number of new folks stopping in at our gift shop, picking up a few things, along with checking out our garage sale and woodworking items. Truth be told, we’ve had quite a few, drop by over the past week or so. But that said, we still have lots to sell, as just yesterday my wife and I put out a whole mess of new stuff we don’t need anymore.

On another note, like I mentioned above, yesterday was a day of sorting through more things for our garage sale and adding them to the pile out under the carport. It’s a good spot for it, since if it rains, we can still stay open and folks can browse without getting wet.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today I want to till up the soil between the new veggies we planted the other day, as it got packed down a bit from all the planting. After that, I’ll work away in the old woodworking shop, as there’s still lots to do in there getting the tools I want to sell cleaned up and ready for folks to see. And if the weather holds—and I suspect it will— my wife and I are planning on enjoying our afternoon coffee out on the swing set I built a year or so ago. It’s a nice spot, where we set it out under the basswood tree. From there, we can pretty well see all of our property, which really is a sight to see this time of year. The trees are in full leaf, the grass is nice and green, a lot of our flowers are showing off, and the lilac bushes are just about in full bloom. And boy, do they ever smell good. Hard to find ones that still carry a scent like that these days.

Bug Report:
Well, the black flies are out in full force, annoying us humans right alongside all the critters in the wild. And if that wasn’t enough, those blood-sucking parasites—the mosquitoes—are starting to join the party. Not much we can do about them either, other than ride it out. Soon enough, the dragonflies will show up, and when they do, they’ll take care of most of the bugs for us.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me, and then I’ll see what the day has in store. One never knows what a day might bring.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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Good Morning… My old Dad used to say: “George, life doesn’t come with instructions — just blisters and the occasional success.”

So, starting things off this morning with this. We’re once again waking up to a sky full of clouds here in Cottage Country. Not the heavy kind that bring a storm, just those soft, slow-moving ones that make everything feel a bit quieter. It’s the kind of morning where the coffee tastes a little better and the chores can wait just a little longer. You get the feeling the day’s still deciding what sort of mood it’s in.

Here’s how things are shaping up weather-wise for Port Loring:

Today, we’re looking at mostly cloudy skies, but there’ll be some sunny patches breaking through later on. It should warm up to around 70°F (21°C). There’s a small chance of a light shower, but it’s more of a spit than a soaking, so no real reason to change your plans.

Tonight, the skies will remain partly cloudy, with a low dipping to around 52°F (11°C). Might be a good night for a light sweater if you’re out checking on the garden or sitting under the basswood tree.

Tomorrow, it’s shaping up to be a nice one, with a mix of sun and clouds, with a high near 73°F (23°C). No big wind to speak of, so it’ll be a fine day to get some work done or… just enjoy being out and about.

Highway 522 has picked up traffic wise a wee bit and will continue that way for the rest of the summer.

Bug Report:
Well, the black flies—as I’ve been saying—have been taking a bit of a break thanks to the cooler, wet weather. But late yesterday, I noticed they’re starting to roam again, drifting around and looking for fresh blood… and meat, for that matter. When they bite, it sometimes feels like they take a piece of you with them.

And then—well, if you give in and scratch it, that’s when the real fun begins. That itch digs in and just doesn’t want to leave.

But here’s a little trick we’ve found helpful. If you dab a bit of hand sanitizer—the kind with around 60% alcohol—on the bite as soon as you can, it’ll ease the itch quite a bit. Not a cure-all, but it takes the edge off.

Also, a reminder: wash all your clothes using unscented soap, and do the same with your body and hands. My wife and I stick to plain unscented soaps like Dove or Ivory up here in the north, and it really does help. You’d be surprised how much of a difference that simple change can make. Oh, and It even cuts down on mosquitoes, which, by the way, are starting to show up now too. Might be a bad year for them with all this damp weather hanging around.

On another note:
Yesterday, I worked the day away—part of it outside and the rest in the woodworking shop—setting out more of the things we’ll be putting up for sale. Between that and looking after the folks who dropped by, we were kept on our toes pretty much all day. Never a dull moment when you’re trying to clear space and make a few bucks at the same time.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, glad you asked. Today, my wife and I are planning to get our vegetable gardens planted. First, though, I need to till it up one more time. I already went over it twice earlier this month, but since I covered it with grass cuttings from the last two mowings, it needs another good working-in. That’ll help give the soil some life—and the veggies some real flavour. The kind you just can’t buy in a store these days.

You know, if someone blindfolded you and handed you one of those store-bought tomatoes, most folks wouldn’t even know it was a tomato. No taste whatsoever. These days it’s all about looks, not flavour—or what’s actually good for you.

At any rate, that’s the plan around here today. Once the planting’s done, we’ll sit back and let summer unroll around us, just the way it’s meant to.

So with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. After that, I’ll get to work—well, right after we’ve had our morning chat and a cup of hot cocoa.

I sure do enjoy that little ritual each day. There’s just something about cocoa in the morning that sets the tone. It warms you from the inside out and slows the world down for a while. Kinda makes the day feel a little more grounded before the noise starts. You know, some folks need coffee to get going, me… I’ll take that quiet moment with cocoa and conversation any day. Especially if it’s with my little woman.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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Good Morning… I’ve always said: “Don’t waste a good day worrying about what might never happen.”

Well, here it is, the 24th of May, and the weather looks like it’s finally about to turn for the better—which is just what we need to get those tomato plants in the ground.

Today – Saturday, May 24:
Cloudy skies with scattered showers rolling through off and on. High around 59°F (15°C), with a low dropping to about 47°F (8°C) tonight. Light northwest breeze around 5 to 10 miles an hour. Chance of rain sits around 60 percent.

Tonight:
A few lingering showers early on, then mostly cloudy through the night. Low around 47°F (8°C), with the breeze holding steady from the northwest. About a 40 percent chance of more rain.

Tomorrow – Sunday, May 25:
Partly sunny with just a slight chance of a passing shower. High near 63°F (17°C), and cooling off to about 44°F (7°C) overnight. Should be decent planting weather if things hold.

If it keeps tracking this way, you might be digging in the dirt by tomorrow afternoon. Just don’t forget where you set your coffee down while you’re out there.

Highway 522 is or has been slow for the past few days. But things are about to pick up with the warmer temperatures entering into the picture.

Bug Report: Well, with this cooler weather, it’s been holding back the blackflies quite a bit, but like I keep saying, once it warms up, they’ll be back—hungrier than ever.

On another note, yesterday—despite the cool and rainy weather—I spent the day working around our home and out in the woodworking shop. I managed to get just about everything I own tagged and priced, since, eventually, it all has to go. Doing that now will make things a whole lot easier for folks when they come by to have a look-see.

And just so there’s no confusion, that means everything—including what’s in our gift shop—is up for grabs. So if you happen to stop in and spot something you like, but the price doesn’t quite sit right with you, don’t be shy. Make me an offer. Who knows, my wife and I might just take you up on it.

We had another good day yesterday too, with a nice couple dropping by. They liked what they saw and ended up buying several of my wife’s paintings along with a few other things. Still, there’s plenty left, so don’t go thinking we’ve been all picked over—that couldn’t be further from the truth.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today I plan on finishing up a few things in our old woodworking shop. I’ve got a couple more items to price and tag, and then I’ll start setting things out so they’re easy to see. After that, I’m thinking a bit of front porch sittin’ might be in order—if the weather decides to cooperate. That’ll give this old body a bit of a break, too, since tomorrow I’m hoping to till up the vegetable garden again, and finally get our veggies in the ground. Far as I can tell, the weather’s looking good for it now.

With that bit of information planted firmly in your minds, I’m off to enjoy some breakfast my lovely wife’s put together for me—she’s got a way of making even the simplest meal feel like something special. After that, we’ll just see what the day has in store.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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Good Morning… You know, thinking on things, I have found that time has been a better teacher than any I had in school.

It is another cloudy, wet morning here in cottage country. The kind of morning that makes a fellow want to have a second cup of coffee before heading outdoors, maybe even a third if the wood stove is burning just right.

Now, if you are wondering what kind of sky you will be looking at today, and into the next couple, here is the scoop for Port Loring, Ontario:

Today – Friday, May 23:
We are sitting around 50°F (10°C), with a steady drizzle lingering like a stubborn guest who does not know when to head home. Winds will be light, maybe 5 to 10 mph, coming out of the northeast, so it is a damp, bone-soaking kind of day. Not cold, but not exactly the kind of day you want to be out mowing the lawn.

Tonight:
It will dip down to about 44°F (7°C). The rain might ease off a bit, maybe even pause for a while, but the clouds are staying put.

Saturday, May 24:
Looks like a mixed bag. Morning could surprise us with a few breaks in the clouds, but do not get your hopes up, as by afternoon, we are back into the low 60s°F (around 17°C) with a good chance of showers moving in again. Not a total washout, but I would not plan on drying laundry on the line.

Sunday, May 25:
Partly sunny with a shower in the area, high around 63°F (17°C), low near 44°F (7°C).

Traffic on Highway 522 has been pretty quiet lately. With all this rain, most folks are staying put.

Bug Report: With the weather being the way it is, the black flies are not all that bad right now. Best to take advantage of the outdoors while you can, because they will be back once things start to warm up.

On another note: Yesterday, with it being such a wet day, my wife and I took a trip into North Bay to pick up some supplies and groceries. Aside from a few showers here and there, everything went smooth. We got what we came for, had a pizza at East Side Mario’s, and grabbed a cup of coffee for the ride home. All in all, it turned out to be a pretty enjoyable outing.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, seeing as today is shaping up to be another wet one, I figured it is a good time to start tagging all the equipment and tools in my woodworking shop. In the coming days, everything I have out there will be going up for sale—it will be another big one. Not exactly something I am jumping for joy about, but… let’s just say the time feels right.

I have also done my homework, taken the time to see what things are actually worth, and every piece will be priced to sell. Fair is fair. I am not giving anything away, but I am not trying to hang onto it, either. So that is what I am up to today—getting things ready, one tag at a time.

With that, I am off for my breakfast—the one my lovely wife is making for me. A couple of breakfast sausages with a few pancakes laid out beside them. Should give me the energy I need to tackle everything out in the shop today, don’t you think?

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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Good Morning… You know, most of what stuck with me wasn’t written on a chalkboard.

Well… she’s a cloud-wet morning here in Cottage Country.

The kind of sky that hangs low and slow, like it hasn’t quite made up its mind about the day ahead. The trees are still dripping from the night’s leftover mist, and the birds, well, they’re singing anyway—making the best of it like they always do.

Today
Expect scattered showers right through mid-afternoon, with a good chance of heavier pockets around lunchtime. Not much sunshine poking through, but it might brighten just a little toward supper. High of 52°F (11°C), and it’ll feel damper than it reads, so a light jacket wouldn’t hurt.

Tonight
Clouds will linger like uninvited guests, with a steady breeze from the northwest. Temperatures dipping to about 43°F (6°C) overnight. Could be a bit of fog forming in the lower spots after midnight, so if you’re out late, keep your low beams handy.

Tomorrow
Now here’s the shift—mostly cloudy still, but we might catch a bit of sun peeking through mid-morning. Less chance of rain, though not completely dry. Winds settling a bit, and it’ll warm up slightly to around 55°F (13°C) by early afternoon. Not perfect, but better than today, and worth getting something done outside if you’ve been waiting for a break in the damp.

Highway 522’s been quiet lately.
Could be the weather—cool, cold, and wet for days now. The kind that keeps folks indoors and the coffee pot full.

But that’s spring in these parts. One day you’re digging out your short sleeves, the next you’re hauling wood back to the porch.
It’s that in-between season. Some folks call it a transition stage.
In other words: “Don’t count on anything just yet.”

Bug Report:
Well, them pesky black flies were out a bit yesterday, but not as bad as they have been.
Reason being, the cold weather has held them back a touch.
But don’t let that fool ya, as once things warms up, they’ll be back, lookin’ for a meal.

On another note, yesterday we managed to get all our grass cut for the second time this year.
I usually do it on Thursdays, but knowing rain was going to move into our area, we figured we’d better get it done.
When the grass is wet, it’s harder to cut—and on top of that, it just doesn’t look as nice as when it’s dry.
My wife and I are fussy that way.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today—being that it’s cool and wet outside—I suspect I’ll be spending some time here at the computer.
We’ll see.
We still have a few more things to move out to the carport, where we hold our garage sale.
Still a lot we want to get rid of.

From now on, we’re planning to keep our gift shop open all summer.
And by the way, everything in there is half price.
As for the garage sale, we’re only going to have it on Fridays and Saturdays from here on out.

Oh, and the gift shop will be open every day except Thursday mornings—that’s when we do our mowing now.
That said, if folks happen to drop by and want to take a look at the garage sale items, we won’t hold them back. We’re easy that way.

So with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my little woman’s put together for me.
After that, we’ll see what the day has in store—outside what I’ve already planned, of course.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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Good Morning… You know, I didn’t learn much from sitting still, but I picked up plenty while moving.

Weather-wise, things are looking pretty nice out there this morning. We had a few clouds earlier on, but while I’ve been writing this post, the sun is trying hard to show herself. She’s not quite winning yet, but she’s putting up a good fight.

As for today, the folks who claim to know these things are saying we’ll reach a high of around 56°F (14°C). Might be a few showers poking around later this afternoon, so it wouldn’t hurt to keep your boots by the door and maybe hang the laundry inside, just in case.

Tonight, it’ll cool down to about 48°F (9°C), which should make for some good sleeping. Just enough chill in the air to pull the blanket up over your shoulder.

Tomorrow looks like it’ll be a wet one. They’re calling for rain on and off throughout the day, with the temperature topping out at around 53°F (11°C). A little lower overnight, too—about 44°F (7°C). Could be a good day to catch up on some things indoors, or just sit by the window with a warm drink and watch it all unfold.

All in all, it’s one of those stretches of weather you can expect just about anything.

Highway 522 actually has slowed down after the long weekend. But it has been down right cool, which makes folks tend to stay closer to home.

Bug Report:
Well, the cooler weather has slowed down the black flies somewhat, which I’m sure is just fine with most folks. But they’ll be back once things start to warm up a bit, so we’re not out of the woods just yet in that department.

On another note, yesterday was a full one around our place, with the garage sale bringing folks by and a few other jobs keeping me busy from sunup to sundown. The kind of day that moves quick, even if your boots don’t.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today we’ll carry on with the garage sale, and later my wife and I are planning to get the mowing done a day early—got to beat the rain rolling in tomorrow and Friday. Doing it today will make things a whole lot nicer.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me, followed by a good cup of hot cocoa before I head outdoors.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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Good Morning, and as my old Dad used to say: “Hard work won’t hurt you, but bad habits might.”

It looks as if we are in for another nice day here in the north. The sun is showing herself and nature is waking up after her long winter’s nap, which is fine with me, as I’ve had enough of winter. The snow’s gone from the fields, the robins are pulling worms like no tomorrow, and the grass is greening up faster than I can sharpen the mower blades.

And the thing is, around here, one has to take advantage of this nice weather while you can. That means there’ll be plenty of folks outside today—splitting wood, raking up what winter left behind, or just sitting a spell with a cup in hand, letting the warmth soak into their bones. I know I’ll be doing a little of all three.

As for the weather, today we’re looking at mainly cloudy skies with just a slight chance of a passing shower. The high should hit around 73°F, or 23°C if you’re using the metric side of the tape. Tonight will stay on the mild side, with some clouds hanging around and a low near 59°F, or 15°C. Tomorrow’s shaping up pretty similar—cloudy again with a chance of a few sprinkles and another high around 73°F, or 23°C. Not much to complain about if you don’t mind a bit of gray.

So get out there, breathe deep, and enjoy what the day has to offer. It sure beats shoveling.

Highway 522 is picking up, traffic-wise, a bit more every day. But it’s that time of year, with folks wanting to get away from the cities, and others heading north to open up their cottages for the nice days ahead. You’ll see trucks with canoes strapped on top, trailers bouncing behind, and the odd car packed to the roof like they’re movin’ up for good. Can’t rightly say I blame them, neither. If I had to trade the sound of loons and wind in the pines for honking horns and concrete, I’d be heading north, too.

Bug Report:

Well, them black flies are starting to swarm now, so if you’re one of the lucky ones they can’t resist, best dig out that bug jacket, as you’re gonna need it. They’re zipping around like all get out, and unfortunately, that somewhere is usually your neck or behind your ears.

As for me, well, they buzz around a bit but don’t seem all that interested. I guess I’m not sweet enough, or just not on the menu. Now and then, though, one gets bold and takes a test bite to see if I’ve ripened up since yesterday. Usually it just shakes its head and moves on, disappointed.

At any rate, it’s part of living in the north, and you have to take the good weather with a few freeloaders.

On another note, yesterday I worked the day away outside. Decided to put a coat of penetrating oil on our decks—or should I say, two of our decks. It was a nice dry day, so I figured it’d be a good time to get ‘er done. Now, if the sun sticks around for most of the day, it’ll dry up nicely and be all set for the summer.

As for my lovely wife, she’s been busy getting our gift shop ready for the summer, which will be opening this Friday, along with getting things prepped for our huge garage sale, also starting this Friday, May 16th, 2025. So, yeah, we’re both staying busy. But when you love what you do, it never feels like work.

But in saying all that, our bodies sure feel it by the end of the day.

So, what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today, with a few showers closing in on us for tomorrow morning, my wife and I are planning on cutting our grass for the first time this year. I have to say, it’s been growing like crazy, and it’s starting to look a bit shabby around the house. So, figured we better get to it if we want everything looking good for our big spring sale. At least that’s the plan—let’s hope everything works out.

With that, I’m off once again for my morning breakfast, courtesy of my lovely wife. After that, I’ll enjoy a cup of hot cocoa—maybe out on the swing out back, since our front porch isn’t quite dry yet from me putting on that penetrating oil.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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Good Morning… Do what you can with what you’ve got.

So starting things off… It looks as if we are in for another really nice day here in Cottage Country.

The sun’s up, the sky’s clear, and we’re heading for a high of about 72°F, or 22°C. Just warm enough to enjoy without breaking a sweat. Tonight will cool off a bit, down around 50°F, or 10°C, and tomorrow’s shaping up much the same—maybe even a touch warmer. No complaints on this end.

Highway 522 has picked up somewhat, but not as much as it was last year. With the weather being the way it has been, that’s understandable. Things will pick up, though, as the days move forward.

Bug Report:
Well, the black flies are out now. Still not as bad as they’re going to be, but just enough to annoy folks somewhat—especially the deeper you are in the bush. It won’t be long before the critters start roaming alongside the roads and crossing here and there, trying to get away from them, so care should be taken if you’re out and about.

On another note, yesterday I had plans to get some more outside work done around the house here, but I’d forgotten my wife had a dentist appointment in North Bay. So, we headed off to town. While there, we picked up a few things we were in need of, had lunch in our car while people-watching, and then grabbed a coffee before heading back home, taking in all the spring colours along the way.

In my mind, the spring colours are every bit as nice as the fall ones, with all the trees, plants, and flowers starting to show off. Sure is a sight to see them all waking up after their long winter’s nap. All in all, a great day.

So with that, I’m off for the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me, and then I’ll see about tackling the things I planned on doing yesterday. As I keep on sayin’, life is one ongoing mystery, as one never knows what a day will bring.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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Good Morning… It’s all right to not have it all figured out.

Well, it looks as if we’re in for another nice day here in cottage country. The sun’s just peeking up over the trees, the stripe-headed birds are out there picking off black flies, and the trees, still a little shy from winter, are finally starting to show off their leaves for summer. It’s that time again when the whole bush seems to come alive overnight.

Today’s Weather Forecast for Port Loring, Ontario, Canada:
We’re in for mostly sunny skies today, with a high reaching around 76°F (25°C). There’ll be a nice breeze from the southwest at about 5 to 10 miles per hour, just enough to keep the bugs guessing. Tonight, the skies will stay clear and temperatures will dip down to a low of about 53°F (12°C).

Looking ahead to Tuesday:
It’ll be a warm one, with the mercury climbing to around 83°F (29°C) under mostly cloudy skies. Winds will be light and variable, and by tomorrow night, it’ll cool off just a bit with a low near 60°F (16°C).

Might be a good couple of days to get some outside work done, or just sit back and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer. Either way, it looks like we’ve got a good stretch ahead.

Highway 522 is getting busier every day. Even our locals are starting to move around, which means spring has officially arrived — folks are dusting off their trucks, checking if the coffee shop’s still standing, and acting like they haven’t seen each other in years, even though they bumped into each other last Thursday.

Bug Report: Well, the black flies are out, but they ain’t in full attack mode just yet. They’re buzzin’ around, testin’ the waters like they’re not quite sure if it’s worth the effort. Might be the cool mornings slowing ‘em down, but one thing’s for sure — once they get that first taste of blood, all bets are off. They go from curious to downright mean, and after that, you might as well be wearing a “Free Buffet” sign on your forehead. For some, that is.

On another note, yesterday I spent the whole day outside, cleaning up around the yard, fixing up our fishpond, and straightening out one of the sheds. I even managed to squeeze in a bit of painting here and there. All in all, it was a busy day — but a good one.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, with it being so nice outside today, I figure I’ll spend some time in the woodworking shop. And if I get a chance, I’ll fire up the old rotivator — bought that thing back in the ‘70s, and it works the soil a lot finer than a tiller. Not many folks make ’em like that anymore, if any. The vegetable gardens… are about due for their first turn over, but I think I’ll save the actual work for Wednesday, let the ground dry out a bit more.
And if the day keeps going the way I’m hoping, my wife and I will end up out under the basswood tree on that swing I built awhile back. It’s been calling for company, and I think it’s about time we gave it what it’s askin’ for.

So with that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me — well, after she finishes watering her plants, of course. They’ve been giving her the ol’ “thirsty look” for the past couple of days, so I’m sure she’s got her hands full with that. I’ll just sit tight and try not to let the smell of coffee make me too impatient, while she plays plant whisperer.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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Good Morning Folks… Not every day needs to be big to be good.

It’s looking like one fine day here in Cottage Country. The sun is showing off, and the temperature is on the rise.

Today, Sunday: Sunshine from start to finish, with a high around 61°F, or 16°C. There’s a little breeze picking up out of the southwest this afternoon, just enough to keep the bugs from getting too comfortable. A good day to hang laundry, turn soil, or sit with your coffee and let the world drift by. Tonight will cool off to around 43°F, or 6°C, under partly cloudy skies.

Monday: The sun returns and holds steady. Expect a high of 72°F, or 22°C. The wind will ease off, and it’ll feel like spring has finally settled in for good. The evening will stay calm and clear, dipping down to about 50°F, or 10°C.

Tuesday: The heat keeps building, climbing up to 79°F, or 26°C. It’ll be a mix of sun and cloud, still fine weather for just about anything you’ve got planned. There’s a small chance of a shower come nightfall, with the temperature holding at a mild 55°F, or 13°C.

Looks like we’ve got ourselves a stretch of real decent weather for a change. One has to take advantage of it while you can.

Highway 522 is starting to pick up traffic-wise, with plenty of new vehicles moving up and down the road these days.

Bug Report: I’ve been seeing a few Black Flies over the past couple of days. So far, they’re not biting, but that’ll change once the temperature starts to rise. If you’re one of those folks they like to nibble on, it might be a good idea to bring out your bug jacket.

On another note: Yesterday, I worked the day away outside, fixing this and that. I had one heck of a time with the pump I use for my fishpond. In the end, I replaced it with another one I had kicking around. Took a bit of doing, but the old water wheel is back to work again for the summer—well, at least I hope it is. You never know with equipment, they always seem to have a mind of their own.

My wife, on the other hand, has been real busy reorganizing our gift shop and getting things ready for our upcoming sale here at home on May 16, 2025. The sale isn’t just for one day—we’ll keep it going until everything’s sold, even if it takes a month. Daytime hours are from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. So yeah, she’s been, and still is, one real busy lady, let me tell ya.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today I’ve got a lot on my plate—cleaning up the shop and getting everything ready for the upcoming sale. It’s hard to believe how much stuff we’ve accumulated. We never dreamed we had this much to get rid of! Not sure where it all came from… guess we’ve both been a little too good at holding on to things.

So with that, I’m off for my morning breakfast, and then I’ll see what the day has in store—aside from what I’ve already got planned. It’s always a mystery.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW