Powers That Be Knows Best???

Title: “Why Fix What Ain’t Broke? Government Knows Best…or Do They?”

Howdy there, folks! Pull up a hay bale and lend an ear ’cause we’re gonna talk about a topic as old as the hills – government stickin’ their noses where they don’t belong! Now, I ain’t no fancy-pants politician, but I reckon it’s high time we had a chat ’bout why the government ain’t exactly cut out to be our life coaches.

You see, us folks out in the fields know a thing or two ’bout keepin’ things simple. We tend to our crops, raise our critters, and keep our fences mended. We don’t need some suit-wearin’ bigwig tellin’ us how to run our own show. It’s like the government’s playin’ farmer, tryin’ to milk a bull – it just ain’t gonna work!

Now, I ain’t sayin’ government folks don’t mean well. Bless their hearts, they might think they’ve got all the answers, but let me tell ya – when they start meddlin’ in our affairs, it’s like watchin’ a chicken try to play the fiddle. It might look amusing, but it ain’t gonna make sweet music.

I reckon it’s like when Cousin Jeb tried to teach his ol’ dog to fetch the newspaper. Doggone it, that pup chewed up half the yard before Jeb realized he’d been barkin’ up the wrong tree. It’s the same with the government – they start messin’ with things they don’t rightly understand, and next thing ya know, we’re all knee-deep in regulations and rules.

Now, humor me a bit here. Imagine if the government decided to run a rodeo. First off, they’d have us ridin’ cows instead of bulls ’cause, ya know, they’re less aggressive or somethin’. Then they’d have a “bureaucracy barrel racing” event where you gotta fill out forms at every turn. And don’t forget the “tax deduction roping” – lassoin’ those dollars faster than a steer on a caffeine binge!

But here’s the kicker – just ’cause they’re runnin’ the show, don’t mean they know how to ride. It’s like puttin’ a city slicker on a wild stallion and expectin’ ’em to win the Kentucky Derby. No amount of speeches and fancy suits can replace good ol’ hands-on experience.

So, my point is this: government’s like a rusty tractor tryin’ to plow a field already tilled and thriving. We don’t need ’em to tell us how to live our lives or what’s good for us. We ain’t sheep needin’ a shepherd; we’re independent thinkers who know the lay of our own land.

Now, don’t get me wrong – we ain’t pitchfork-wielding rebels here. We believe in laws and order, but let’s keep things sensible. Let the government handle what they’re good at – fixin’ roads, keepin’ the peace, and lettin’ us be the proud stewards of our own destiny.

So, next time you see a politician tryin’ to tell you what’s best, just smile, tip your hat, and kindly remind ’em that while they might know how to filibuster, we know how to farmbuster. After all, you can’t grow corn by reciting the Constitution – you gotta get your hands dirty and work the land.

Stay wise and stay true, my friends! Until next time, keep plowin’ your own furrows and leavin’ the bureaucrats to their paperwork rodeos.

Margaret & Henry, Two Nice Old Folks

In the quaint little farmhouse nestled on the rolling hills, an old farmer named Henry sat on the front porch, his weathered hands resting on the creaky wooden armrest. Beside him, his wife Margaret, her once chestnut hair now silver, gazed out at the sprawling fields that stretched as far as the eye could see. They had been married for over fifty years, a lifetime of shared memories and hard work.

“Margaret,” Henry began with a twinkle in his eye, “remember when we first started farming these lands? No fancy machines, just our hands and a stubborn mule named Bessie.”

Margaret chuckled softly, her eyes creasing at the corners. “Oh, I do, Henry. And those were the days, weren’t they? We worked from dawn till dusk, but there was a kind of freedom in it, a connection to the land.”

“Aye,” Henry nodded, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. “Nowadays, you can’t plow a field without filling out a dozen forms and waiting for some government inspector to give you the green light.”

Margaret sighed, her gaze turning wistful. “I miss the simplicity, the smell of the earth in the morning. Now it’s all about pesticides, regulations, and market prices.”

Henry’s brows furrowed. “And don’t even get me started on those crop quotas. We used to plant what we wanted, when we wanted. Now it’s like they’re telling us how many potatoes we’re allowed to grow!”

They shared a knowing look, a mixture of sadness and amusement passing between them.

“But you know, Margaret,” Henry continued, a mischievous glint in his eye, “I heard they’re thinking of regulating the number of chickens a farmer can have next. Can you imagine? ‘Sorry, Mr. Farmer, you’ve exceeded your cluck limit for the year!'”

Margaret burst into laughter, her melodious chuckles filling the air. “Oh, Henry, you always know how to make me smile. Even in the face of all these changes.”

Henry leaned back in his chair, a contented sigh escaping his lips. “Well, my dear, we may not have as much freedom as we used to, but we’ve still got each other and a lifetime of stories to share.”

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the fields, Henry and Margaret sat side by side, their fingers entwined. The world around them may have changed, but their love and shared memories remained steadfast.

“Remember that time the cows got loose and ended up in the mayor’s garden?” Margaret reminisced, a playful glint in her eye.

“Oh, how could I forget?” Henry chuckled. “That was a sight to behold! The mayor chasing after those cows with his hat in hand.”

They laughed heartily, the sound carrying across the fields, a testament to the enduring bond they shared. And as the stars began to twinkle in the evening sky, Henry and Margaret continued to swap stories, finding solace and joy in each other’s company, even amidst the ever-changing landscape of farming.

For, as they both knew, the rules and regulations may come and go, but the love they had cultivated over fifty years was a harvest that would never wither.

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on August 10/2023

Good Morning!

Starting things off we did have some more rain overnight and by the looks of things we are going to have a lot more rain in the coming days. And nearing the end of September, things are going to get a bit cool. So … with that in mind I plan on getting things done that is needed doing, while the weather is nice. Like some front porch sittin’

Highway 522 is back to being quiet these days. However, there have been a lot of trucks moving up and down the highway bringing in lumber and things from other parts of the country. Which means there are still some folks building new homes and things.

On another note, I picked my first tomato yesterday and had it along with my supper. And I have to tell you it sure tasted good, nothing like what you buy in the grocery store. Full of flavor that makes you want to eat more. Which is what is supposed to happen, as your body knows when something is good. It’s its way of letting you know it likes what you are feeding it. Today for lunch I am going to pick a couple more and have a toasted tomato sandwich. Can’t wait. But on the topic of tomato’s while we were in town the other day the price they are charging for tomatoes is outrageous. One Farmers Market we stopped at were charging $2.00 apiece. But they aren’t the only ones that are charging these ridiculous prices. And the thing is, if someone blindfolded you, and gave you a bite of one, you wouldn’t even know it was a tomato. Well, maybe not everyone, as I wouldn’t hesitate to bet that a lot of folks doesn’t really know what fresh farm grown fruit or vegetables are supposed to taste or smell like. And another thing that bothers me to no end, is that a lot of these folks that are selling this produce, saying that they are farmers … really aren’t. They go to Toronto at the market there, buy up fruit from other countries, put it in Baskets that has Ontario Grown on them and then sell them to folks. Being a farmer, I can spot them a mile away. Sure is a shame what we are becoming here in Canada these days. But, if you want to help the real farmers, the ones that work hard day in a day out, strike up a conversation with them, and ask these so-called ones where their farms are, and how many acres they have, do they do up preserves for winter, what kind of tractors and implements they use, and what kind of fertilizer they use, how and if they irrigate, and then take a good look at the produce they are selling, and around their tables or in their trucks. And another would, be what kind of tomato, Early girl’s, Beef-stake, Glamour, or what kind of peaches are they selling, meaning the name of the peach, like are they Freestone, Split pits, what kind are they, Sun Haven, Red haven’s ? And then watch their faces when you are asking them questions, you can tell when they aren’t telling the truth, if not … you need to sharpen up your senses. Pretty well every farmer I knew, including myself, enjoy talking about our farms and how we worked the land and grew things.

With that I am off for some pancakes, topped off with some of Mike Clapperton’s Maple Syrup, that my lovely wife is preparing for me, and will then head on outside and do some mowing around the house here, while … my little woman will be making sweet pickle relish. Just one more item in our treasure chest for winter. She is sure doing up a lot of different things this year. Which means … that it is going to be a long, snowy cold winter.

Have a great day! GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on August 9/2023

Good Morning!

Climbing out of bed, it looks as if we are in for another really nice day here in Cottage Country. The sun is shinning with just a few fluffy clouds floating by, which makes things look just that much nicer. No rain overnight. We slept with the windows open, breathing in the fresh northern air.

Bug Report: All is good.

Highway 522 was a wee bit busy yesterday with some folks moving around. Today being Market day, a few more will be out having a look see at what is going on.

On another note, my lovely wife and I went to Sundrdige yesterday as we had some things that needed attending there. We finished up, bought some fresh buns and some meat at a store in town, and went to a park where my wife made us a nice sandwich. It used to be a bit cheaper to do that, but with what they are charging for a few slices of cheese and luncheon meat it isn’t anymore.
$6:00 for enough meet for two sandwiches. Put the cheese on the buns, and you’re up to almost $10.00. This country of ours is sure changing, and not all for the best. At any rate, we sat chatted and ate our lunch and headed on home while sipping on a tea that my wife made for us before we left. All an all, besides the price of things, we had a good day while taking in the sites along the way. We also saw that they had most of all the new culverts in on Highway 522 and have started to repave it. They can sure do a lot in one day. It will be nice to get it all finished up. Today I have a bit of outside work that needs attending and will get to that once I have a bite to eat.

Have a great day. GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on August 8/2023

Good Morning!

It has been a touch cool in the mornings here in Cottage country, with the morning temperature sitting at 15.4 C | 59.72 F. However it will warm up a lot as the day moves forward, and we will see some sunshine later on. Which means that folks can get back to their front porch sittin’ , which my lovely wife and I will be doing more of. We have been so busy with things that needed attending the past month or so now that I am feeling better that we haven’t had the time, but that is going to change now. I am also hoping I can get out and do some fishing with my fishing buddy Barry in the next few days. We sure would like a taste of some Pickerel. With the virus, weather and not being well I haven’t been out fishing now for the past three years. I sure do miss it.

Highway 522 is still picking up with a few tourists coming into our area, a lot of them are day trippers out for a drive. Nice to see them out and about. The rest is locals that go here and go there, taking in what is going on in the area. Which is normal for a small town. Ha ha

On another note, I decided to put together another book of short stories. We have 7 books out there now, but it’s been a few years since our last one, and with so many folks asking for a new one, I decided to make another. I have no shortage of stories writing for the Newspapers now for over thirty some years. So knowing that and talking to folks yesterday I got busy and started to work on it being that it was raining outside. Got lots done too. Today will do the same, along with bugging my lovely wife. She has steadily been doing things up for winter, which sure will be tasty.

With that, I am off for some bacon and eggs this morning, eggs easy over and bacon crisp. You know it is hard to find good bacon anymore in the stores, most are all fat along with a lot of it being too thick. I sure miss the old days when Laura and Reg, the folks that adopted me, made their own. It sure was tasty, and it sure didn’t bother me health wise as it didn’t have all the chemicals that are in what they are making today Some of the names on the package that they contain I haven’t a clue of what they are. Usually if I can’t identify what’s in things, I don’t eat them, but being that I enjoy bacon I do indulge now and then.

At any rate, you all have a great day. GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on August 7/2023

Good Morning!

It’s a cloudy, rainy day here in Cottage Country. The rain started early this morning and by the looks of things it will remain with us till … tomorrow. But I am not complaining, as we sure need it with things being so dry. We can talk about global warming, but I think nature has its own way. No matter what we do, nature will follow its own path. This can be good, because some people who claim to know what’s best for the Earth might actually be causing more harm. I don’t mean they’re making the weather worse, but their efforts to help the planet might be hurting the people who live on it.

Highway 522 has picked up a wee bit as yesterday our gift shop was really busy with a steady stream of folks dropping by checking things out. We had a real good day to say the least.

But Report: Everything is good in that department, working outside for the past few days I haven’t seen hardly a one.

On another note. Yesterday I worked all day in the old woodworking shop on a new fly through bird feeding station. It turned out nice. I took a couple pictures which I will share with you at the bottom of this post. I have made a lot of them over the years, all sizes shapes and forms, but the one I just made I found to be the best of the lot. And I have to tell ya, it will entertain a lot of birds. Actually, I had a couple that dropped by yesterday while I was doing the final touches and asked if I would make them one. Of course, I said yes and will get to that in a day or so. The only thing is with the price of lumber these days it costs a bit for material to make them. At the moment, figuring everything in, it comes to $225.00 each which for its size isn’t all that bad and yes I can make them smaller if need be for a bit less.

Today, being that it is raining, I kind of figure it will be a good day to clean up the mess I made yesterday in my shop and after that I will bug my lovely wife while she is making our preserves for winter, along with getting together some stories for a new book, which when finished will mean I have 8 published books for sale. A lot of people have been asking when I am going to write another. But back on the subject of doing up preservers for winter/freezing.

You know, I have found, over the years, that eating fruits and vegetables that you grow at home or bought from a real farmer, not a fellow that sells fruits and vegetables that they don’t grow themselves, is really important for your health. They are packed with vitamins and nutrients that help your body stay strong and keep you feeling good.

Why? Well, when you grow your own fruits and veggies, you know exactly what goes into them. No mysterious chemicals or strange stuff – just pure, fresh goodness. Plus, they taste so much better than store-bought ones. Especially that imported stuff that they are forcing upon us these days. Not a good thing, my friends.

With that, I am off for a boiled egg and a piece of toast with brown molasses sugar. Can’t beat a breakfast like that to get the old body wanting to get out there and do some work. Okay, the brown sugar is questionable, but hey … the molasses is sure good for ya!

Wishing you all the best! GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country On August 6/2023

Good Morning!

It looks like another really nice day is shaping up for us here in Cottage Country. The sun is shinning with hardly a cloud in the sky. You know you’re in the north when the sky is blue as can be and the air is so fresh it feels energizing, with every breath you take. The temperatures also have been nice for sleeping the past few days with the windows open. Nothing is nicer to lay in bed, feeling the gentle breezes flowing through the house. I am sure going to miss it when the real cold arrives. But it makes you appreciate what you have at the moment.

Highway 522 is still very quiet these days. However, we have had a few folks drop by our small gift shop picking up a few items of choice. And in doing so we made some more fine friends. One couple that originated from Italy, just like my wife, and I’s parents, and with roots in Germany too, we chatted to for over an hour or so. It was an incredible experience to exchange stories about our shared cultural backgrounds, reminisce about the customs and traditions of our ancestors’ homelands, and bond over our love for Italian and German cuisine. The conversation felt like reconnecting with long-lost family, and it further strengthened our pride in our heritage. In short, it made our day.

Bug Report: Not much to talk about these days, all is good. Other than a group of busy Bumble Bees gracefully carrying out their daily tasks. Which are sure nice to watch. They have a lot to offer if you take the time to watch them.

On another note, my wife and I have kept busy, her doing up preserves for winter with me getting the outside things done up that I haven’t been able to do for the past few years. It sure is nice to be able to move around. Things if let go sure have a way of getting out of hand. But I pretty well have everything back to normal.

Today I will finish working on a new Bird Feeder I have in mind. I started it yesterday but got side tracked by folks visiting our gift shop and a few other things. Life is a mystery, that’s for sure, I never know what a day might bring. I start off in one direction and end up doing something totally different. But I like it that way, as it keeps life interesting.

With that, I am off for a bagel with some molasses brown sugar, with cinnamon this morning, that my lovely wife is making for me. Which should give me enough energy to get through the day.’

Have a great day. GW

Carbon Tax In Canada ??

According to Canadian sources, Canada possesses significant carbon sinks, which include 990 million acres of forests, 370 million acres of wetlands, and 167 million acres of crop-yielding farmland. These carbon sinks absorb carbon from the atmosphere.

Biologists state that trees absorb around 2.6 tons of carbon per acre. By multiplying the forested area by this figure, we find that Canada absorbs approximately 2.574 billion tons of carbon annually.

When we consider the global emissions of about 36 trillion tons and Canada’s share of 1.67% (0.0167) of these emissions, it amounts to 601.2 million tons. Remarkably, in the forests alone, Canada absorbs nearly four times the carbon it emits.

It’s essential to remember that this calculation doesn’t account for carbon absorption by wetlands and farmland.

Despite being a significant carbon sink, Canada faces carbon taxes. It is perplexing why politicians pursue these measures, especially when Canada deserves recognition for its carbon-absorbing efforts.

What’s Happening In Cottage Country On August 5/2023

Good Morning!

It’s a nice looking morning here in Cottage Country. The sun is shinning, and the temperature is sitting at 15.5 C | 59.9 F. it will warm up as the day moves forward. Actually, it will be one of the nicest days of the summer. Can’t beat that.

Highway 522 is still quiet these days, and I suspect it will remain that way now for the rest of the summer. There was a lot of building going on earlier, but that has slowed down too. It won’t be long before I start getting things ready for winter. Usually I bring my firewood into the basement nearing the end of September, along with filling our oil tank. Winter oil isn’t available at the moment. And … I am not looking forward to what it will cost to fill it. If they dropped the tax from heating oil, it would make things a lot easier for folks, especially here in the north. Will they do such a thing? Nope, they are making too much money and unfortunately making money is above what is good for the people, or so it seems. It’s one hell of a world we are living in these days. But we have to carry on making the best of things.

On another note, I finished up building a trailer I started awhile back. I have it for sale now, asking$500.00. It’s a nice trailer for an ATV or Riding mower. Or, you could put it on the road, as it does have a spring suspension. At any rate, what will be, will be. If no one wants it, I will use it myself. Today I am going to work on a new bird feeding station as the one we have now is a touch too small. My wife and I enjoy watching them throughout the winter months. That should look after most of the day. My wife has and is doing up preserves for winter as the price of food this winter is going to soar more so than it is now, and I also suspect we will be having a lot of shortages, caused by the hot weather we have been having around the world. So the warnings are there of what’s to come, and it’s up to each individual on how they heed them warnings. Being an old farmer, I have always kept an eye on these things over the years, and took precautions when needed. Animals do it all the time.

With that, I am off for a bite to eat. Not sure what is on the menu yet.

Have a great day! GW

English Cucumbers For Sale

Hi Folks, I just picked a box of Organic English Cucumbers Seedless and put them on our trailer out front. All sizes only $2.00 each.

My wife is making relish today and found we have lots to spare. And more will be up to size in a couple days.

Self-service. Take what you need and leave your money in the plastic container. They sure are tasty this year. GW

Small Trailer For Sale

Hi Folks, I have a small trailer for sale. The box is 4 1/2 Feet Long by 3 1/2 Feet Wide. Tires are good. It is a nice trailer, great to go behind an ATV or a Riding Mower, or you can put it on the road. All it needs is to be wired and lights. As a matter of fact, I have two lights that will fit it and will throw them in with the deal. I am asking $500.00. As you can see in the pictures, it has all new sides and floor, and it has a removable tail gate. I even greased the wheel bearings. What more can you ask for.

You can reach me at [email protected]

Click on images to enlarge!

What’s Happening In Cottage Country On August 4/2023

Good Morning!

Actually, not much is happening these days in cottage country. But you never know it could change being the that August is here, along with it closing in on Fall which arrives this year on September 23.

Highway 522, well, it isn’t what it used to be, not by a long shot. Back in the day, it was a quiet little road, not much traffic to speak of. But truth be told, I don’t mind it staying that way. My lovely wife and I came to these parts over 20 years ago ’cause we wanted some space, some elbow room. And this place gave us just that.

Life’s been a simple one for my wife and I, we’ve seen things change, folks come and go, but we have learned to roll with the punches. That’s how it’s always been for us – adaptin’ to whatever comes our way.

Progress, they call it. Can’t stop it, no matter how much I might wish to. The world keeps movin’ forward, and you have to move with it. I might be an old-timer, but I ain’t stuck in the past. Change is a part of life, and I’ve learned to accept it. So, as the world changes around me, I’ll just keep on doin’ what I do best – tendin’ to my land, watchin’ the seasons change, and cherishin’ the memories of quieter times on Highway 522.

Bug Report: All is good these days other than a few pesky mosquitoes. But I can live with them.

On another note, I worked outside most of the day with my wife getting the mowing out of the way for another week. Sure looks nice when all said and done. Better than any park there is out there today, where millions are spent on keeping it that way. For most parts, I like nature the way she is, but I do like unveiling it occasionally so to speak, showing how beautiful it really is/or can be. After we got the mowing done the rain moved in giving everything a much-needed drink. Enough to fill my rain barrel, too, which I will use in the coming days to water the new vegetables I just planted. You can never have enough fresh rain water on hand living in this neck of the woods. It also comes in handy to flush the toilet when the power goes out.

With that, I am off for some home-made waffles my wife is preparing for me with some of Mike Clappertons Maple Syrup. After that, I will see what mischief I can get into. At least that is what my little woman keeps on tellin’ me.

Have a great day, make it a great day! GW

What’s Happening In Cottage Country on August 3/2023

Good Morning!

It’s a cloudy morning, waking up here in Cottage Country. We didn’t have any rain overnight. But in saying that, we could see a bit of rain later on in the day. Maybe even a thunderstorm or two. We should also see some sunshine off and on. Which would be nice. The nice thing is the hot weather is behind us and I suspect that the temperatures will remain quite nice for the remainder of the summer. Nearing the end or the middle of September, though, temperatures will drop a lot. Which is normal for our area. I am thinking we will have to deal with a lot of snow this winter.

Highway 522 was a bit busy yesterday, but it was mostly the locals moving around. The tourists are staying at home this year with the taxes being so high along with the food, gas prices and interest rates causing them some grief. It seems the Powers That Be are corralling everyone into their pen, so to speak. At any rate, from what I make from all this, is that a time is coming when the working man/woman will start to rebel, more so than some are doing now, which is probably what is needed, as much as I hate to say it, to bring things back to normal. But it is going to be hard being a multicultural country with so many different views on things. Kind of a shame it has to be that way, when all it would take is a few good government officials that think like the working man, along with what is good for Canada, to straighten things out. That’s my prognosis for this morning and the coming days.

Bug Report: Other than some mosquitoes, things are pretty good these days.

On another note, I did manage to work up a part of my vegetable garden where I had our garlic planted. Once cleaned up, I got busy and planted some more Lettuce. Spinach, Beans and Onions which will be tasty in a month or so.

This morning, if it doesn’t rain, my lovely wife and I will see if we can get our mowing out of the way for the week. We will have to see how that pans out.

With that, I am off for a bowl of cereal and will then see what the day has in store.

Have a great day. GW

Niagara Peaches

While in Niagara, we picked up some Sun Haven peaches from a farmer friend of ours. Close to our old farm. We used to grow a lot of them, along with some Red Haven’s. When doing up, they fall right off the pit. Which makes things a lot easier. Took a picture of a couple trays of them. I had them take them out of the bushel and put them in these trays. Saved them getting all bruised up on the trip back home. We bought a bushel and my lovely wife is in the process of getting them ready for the freezer today. They sure will be tasty come winter.

Click On Image to Enlarge!

What’s Happening In Cottage Country On August 2/2023

Good Morning!

It’s been a few days since my last post as my lovely wife and I, along with our son Karl, took a drive down to Niagara to see our oldest son Craig. We had a nice time and took in a lot of sights while there. The only issue we had, which could have turned into a disaster, was that the drivers side wheel just about fell off. I guess the nuts holding it on came loose. We heard a noise in Barrie when we stopped for coffee. So hearing that, we decided to take it into the Ford Dealer that was close by. They took a look and after inspecting everything they found the loose wheel and two bad tie rod-ends. They said we were very lucky. At any rate 2 hours later along with a $1000.00 we were on our way. The rest of the trip was good. While there as I said we took in the sights along with picking up some fresh fruit, along with other things, had a good visit with our boy and came on home, stopping here and there along the way. We even had an ice cream in Cooks town, which was pretty tasty, along with some fresh picked corn. Once home, it took us all day yesterday to unwind. Ha ha. Today we have some peaches to do up and get into the freezer for winter. We picked up some at a friend of ours farm near where our farm used to be years ago. They are what you call peaches, not like what is in the stores up here, let me tell you. Nice and sweet and a good size. Like a peach should be.

Highway 522 is still very quiet these days in our area. We did however have a lot of people drop by our gift shop yesterday, which was nice. Half were from the USA. Nice folks too.

Bug Report: All is well these days in that department.

On another note, it is dry out there, so I had to water our vegetable gardens when we got back home. A person has to keep on top of these things if they want some nice vegetables for the table or to do up for winter. Nothing like fresh veggies taken right from your own garden.

With that, I am off for a bowl of cereal this morning and will then see what the day has in store.

Have a great day and stay safe. 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.