Start
4:33 PM
Wednesday, July 26
End
11:00 PM
Wednesday, July 26
Might pay to keep an eye peeled just in case. We do need the rain, though. GW
What’s Happening In Cottage Country, July 26/2023
Good Morning!
It’s another foggy morning here in Cottage Country. The same as yesterday, but in saying that it will clear up as soon as the sun gets to doing her job. It is possible this morning that we could see a shower, but it kind of depends on which way the clouds track. We will have to wait and see.
Bug Report: Nothing to report in that department.
Highway 522 is very quiet these days, hardly any tourists in our area, and for this time of year it is anything but normal. But as I said many times, there are a lot of people out there hurting these days financially.
On another note, I did work on my trailer for most of the day yesterday and finished it up. It turned out real nice and will be a great trailer for towing behind the ATV. I might sell it for $550.00, as I do have another that I have been using for the past fifteen years or so. It’s a nice little trailer with a good frame. I will post a picture or two later on today or tomorrow.
With that, I am off for a bow of cereal that my lovely wife is preparing for me, and will then see about doing some mowing. With all this rain and cooler temperatures, it has been really growing.
Have a great day! GW
What’s Happening In Cottage Country On July 25/2023
Good Morning!
It’s a foggy morning here, waking up in cottage country. Caused by the cool, morning air meeting the warm earth below. Along with some smoke higher up that causes some issues thrown in for good measure. Other than that, it is shaping up to be a good day. We could see a shower or thunderstorm later in the day.
Bug Report: Everything is hunky-dory in that department, other than a few deer flies being a bit annoying.
Highway 522 is very quiet for this time of year. It goes to show you how much people are hurting these days with being over taxed and having to abide by so many rules and regulations. I would bet that we could do without half of them. Along with a lot of other things that are being forced upon us these days. At any rate, things will come to a head one of these days, be it good or bad.
On another note, I started to work on a few things outside yesterday, but just when I got going the skies got dark, and we had a good hour or so down pour, with lots of thunder and lightning. So, with that upon us, I decided to have a nap in my lazy boy chair for an hour or so. Later on, I did get some work done. Today I will see how things goes.
With that, I am off for a bite to eat, not sure what my lovely wife is making for me, and will then head on outdoors. It sure is nice to be able to move around after being laid up for most of the spring.
Have a great day. GW
What’s Happening In Cottage Country On July 24/2023
Good Morning!
It’s a cloudy morning here, waking up in cottage country. Which could lead us into a few showers or a thunderstorm this morning. After lunch though things will start to clear up and we should see some sunshine. Lately our rain has come when needed, which makes me happy as I don’t have to water my vegetable gardens. Not that I mind, really, as doing anything outdoors is better than sitting in the house. There is enough time to do that come winter, which is very long in this country. Unless you head on off to the sunny south. I have to say, it does look enticing, going south, that is, especially when my old body doesn’t like the cold all that much anymore. Something to ponder on. We used to go to Sarasota, Florida every winter when my Dad was alive and for years after, but things change as we did and well … we just didn’t get to going. You know, I am not exactly sure why that was, as there was no reason to stop. Funny how the mind thinks as it gets older.
Highway 522 was very quiet yesterday in our area. We did have a few people drop by our gift shop, some have been here before, and some new faces also dropped by for a visit to see what we have. It’s always nice to see old friends and new faces.
Bug Report: All is well in that department.
On another note, yesterday I worked most of the day in my woodworking shop. I started to work on rebuilding an old trailer I had lying around that I started a few days ago, but when it came time to plane down the side pieces, my planer had some issues. So … that took me most of the day to fix. I kind of thought it would be shot being so old, but … after taking it apart I manged to fix the old girl and when started back up it ran like a top. It’s nice to be able to do these things. You know, if I wasn’t able to repair equipment or fix things, my wife and I wouldn’t be where we are today. Jack of all trades is sure a true statement for us old timers. That’s why we never throw anything away, as we never know when we might need something. Some call it hoarding, I call it common sense. Nowadays, these so-called specialists come up with all kinds of things trying to put us old timers out of commission. Kind of sad in a way. To most of the young today, we old fellers and gals are a burden. Makes me shake my head as some of us have so much to offer the young if they only took the time to talk to us. At any rate, what will be, will be, and it’s their loss.
With that I am off for a couple pieces of toast with brown sugar which is strapped with molasses. It’s a good way occasionally to start your day. Gives the body the energy it needs to do things.
Have a great day. GW
Real Butter
In the past, I used to relish eating homemade butter that Laura, the lady that raised me, would prepare for our meals.
However, to truly understand how good it tasted, you’d have to taste it for yourself. Simply put, it was incredibly satisfying and addictive.
Although creating it required some effort, the end result was definitely worth it, especially since purchasing store-bought butter was beyond our financial means.
We would begin by milking the cows, and once that was complete, we would take the milk and place it in the separator, a device that separated the milk’s cream from the rest of the liquid. Not a motorized one either, because at the time, hand power was all we had.
After gathering the cream, we would take it indoors and place it inside an old wooden churn. A churn is a device that farmers used back in the day to turn cream into butter.
The churn itself is usually made of wood, and it has a tall, cylindrical shape with a handle on top. Inside the churn, there’s a paddle or dasher that’s attached to the handle. When you turn the handle, the paddle moves up and down, agitating the cream and causing it to thicken, forming solid butter. The liquid that’s left over is called buttermilk. Which is very tasty in itself, especially when chilled and drunk on a hot day.
Once the butter is formed, it’s removed from the churn and then washed and worked to remove any remaining liquid. After that, it’s ready to be salted or flavoured to taste.
I remember one time when Laura and I were making butter together, and something caught my attention. The butter we churned during the winter didn’t have the typical yellow color that I was used to, so I asked her about it. She explained to me that it was because the house was cold, and the butter tends to lose its color in such conditions.
To fix the issue with the butter’s color, she revealed that she had a trick up her sleeve: and halfway through churning, she took a hot poker from the stove and dipped it into the butter. This surprised me as I saw that simply heating up the cream caused the butter to regain some of its color.
She then mentioned that she could add some carrot juice to the butter if the colour still wasn’t quite right, but emphasized the importance of adding the right amount. Nonetheless, she reassured me … that even if the butter didn’t look perfect, it would still taste fantastic.
You know, as I look back on those days, I realize that the wisdom and guidance of those fine old folks were the foundation of the happiness and contentment I enjoyed.
Their teachings still are firmly placed in my mind and guide me through life’s ups and downs. I am forever grateful for their presence in my life, and I am happy to pass on their wisdom to others, just as they did for me.
Harold And Frank
Listening to old timers talking many years ago.
Sitting on the porch of the quaint old farmhouse, Harold and Frank sipped their cold beers, the checkers board set up between them. The sun was starting to set, casting a warm glow over the fields they had toiled in for fifty long years.
Harold, with a twinkle in his eye, looked at Frank and said, “You know, Frank, back in our younger days, we were as spry as those rabbits over yonder. We could work from dawn ’til dusk without breaking a sweat!”
Frank chuckled and replied, “Ah, those were the days, Harold! I remember when we could carry those bales of hay like they were feathers. Now, a sack of potatoes feels like a ton!”
They both took a moment to laugh heartily, reminiscing about their youthful vigor. Then Harold’s face turned serious as he looked out over the horizon. “But you know, Frank, it’s not just our backs that have changed. It’s this whole world around us.”
Frank nodded in agreement, his weathered hands slowly moving a checker piece across the board. “You’re right, Harold. Technology has come a long way. Remember how we used to plow the fields with those stubborn mules? Now, they have machines that do it faster than we ever could!”
Harold smirked, “Aye, and let’s not forget about those confounded cell phones! Back in our day, if you wanted to talk to someone, you hollered from the porch, and they could hear you all the way across the farm!”
They both chuckled at the thought of their old communication methods. “And remember when the cows would escape, and we’d have to chase ’em all over the place?” Frank added. “Nowadays, they got electric fences that keep ’em in line.”
Harold leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of his beer. “You know, Frank, with all these gadgets and gizmos, sometimes I feel like we’re becoming obsolete!”
Frank raised an eyebrow, “Oh, don’t you go thinking that way, Harold. There’s wisdom in our years that no machine can replace. We know how to read the signs of the weather by the way the wind blows, and we can mend a fence that’s been in the family for generations.”
“You’re right, my friend,” Harold nodded. “There’s a lifetime of experience in these hands. It’s not just about knowing how to work the land, but understanding its rhythms and respecting its ways.”
They fell into a moment of thoughtful silence before Frank let out a hearty laugh, slapping the checkers board. “Enough of these serious talks! It’s time for you to make your move, old man!”
Harold grinned mischievously, “Oh, you’re in for it now, Frank. You know, all those years of farming have given me a strategic mind!”
And so, the two old timers continued their checkers game, sharing stories of their farming adventures and swapping jokes as the sun dipped below the horizon. In their laughter and camaraderie, they found solace in knowing that despite all the changes, some things remained constant – the bond of friendship, the joy of shared memories, and the wisdom of a life well-lived.
What’s Happening In Cottage Country on July 23/2023
Good Morning. I hope everyone is well on this fine looking Sunday morning. Walking out the door this morning and taking in a few deep breaths of our fresh northern air sure felt good. I sometimes think that a lot of people doesn’t realize just how lucky they are to be able to do that. But it’s always been that way for me, as with owning farms throughout my life there is nothing nicer than the smell of the land, plants and trees in the early morning hours. Just something about it that makes me feel good and want to make the most of the day.
Bug Report: Not much to report other than a few pesky deer flies. I might have to buy a new hat as my old one is getting worn out a bit from swatting them.
Highway 522 was a touch busy yesterday with campers and tourists roaming around our area.
On another note, my wife and I took a drive to the big city of North Bay yesterday to pick up a few things along with our fresh Ontario Montmorency Sour Cherries. We buy them every year and put them away for winter. My lovely wife puts them in the freezer for making pies and things. Sour-tasting, flavorful and juicy, Montmorency cherries grown here in Ontario are the best there is in the world and along with that they have a lot of health benefits, especially for those with cancer and dealing with gout. While in town we also picked up some other things had lunch in our car while people watching, my wife then poured us a tea that she made before we left and headed on home taking in what nature has to offer. Oh, and we did stop off at a friends place for an hour or two for a long over do visit.
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
What’s Happening In Cottage Country on July 22/2023
Good Morning!
Not too much going on in our area these days. Tourists are here, but not as they used to be. But as I keep on saying, a lot of folks are hurting these days, trying to stay afloat. And the price of things along with high taxes on everything isn’t making life easy for anyone, other than some of those that … well, I will leave it at that.
Bug Report: All is good.
Highway 522 has been and is still quiet these days. A few campers and motorcycles roaming around our area. Not too many new folks visiting us these days. Even construction and building is down from what it was.
With that, I am off for a piece of toast that my lovely wife is making for me, and will then see what the day has in store.
Stay safe and have a great day. It is a nice morning. GW
What’s Happening In Cottage Country On July 21/2023
Good Morning!
It is looking like our rain has ended here in Cottage Country, but it is still cloudy. We should see some sunny breaks off and on throughout the day, with a possible shower here and there. But after today things are looking real nice weather wise, with lots of sunshine returning to our area. And along with that, our temperatures are looking quite nice. Which is okay with my wife and I as we have some outside things to do.
Highway 522 is very quiet these days other than the locals moving around. There are a few tourists also taking in the sights that we have to offer.
Bug Report: No problems in that department these days. Things are nice.
On another note, I worked outside yesterday for most of the day getting an old trailer frame ready for a new floor and sides. Today if it doesn’t rain I should be able to make it look like something. But we will see how that works out, I plan my day, but I never plan the results. In doing so, I am never disappointed. I have found that it’s a good way to go through life.
With that I am off for a bagel that my lovely wife is making for me and will then head on out to my old woodworking shop and make some sawdust.
Have a great day! GW
The Good Old Days
Yep, I remember calling home a few times, but in my case it was … Hey Dad! Then Click!
Security At Its Best
I kind of think this system is still being used today.
A Quick Breakfast
Actually, I have this once a week with a touch of brown sugar on it.
Just because I can.
When Girls Were Girls
I have to admit, the girls I knew years ago sure knew how to dress.
Click on Image to Enlarge!
Some Statements Are So True
That statement is about right, too.
Click on image to enlarge!
Good Old Days
Yep, as a matter of fact, I worked part-time years ago at an old Sunoco Gas Station, and remember putting them air lines out every morning. I kind of miss them days.
Click on image to enlarge!
Life as it should be
Yep, I can remember them days at the Drive In Theater
Gas Prices
Click on image to enlarge!
Oh, and that is 49.8 cents a gallon, not a liter.
Good Old Day Songs
How many of you can remember these songs?
Click on Image to Enlarge!
What’s Happening In Cottage Country on July 20/2023
Good Morning!
We are having a wee bit of rain starting off our day here in Cottage Country. It started around 7:00 AM this morning. We could see some sunshine intervals later on.
Highway 522 is still quiet these days. Although, we have had a lot of people dropping by our gift shop, which is nice. I enjoy seeing and talking to folks.
Bug Report: There are a few deer flies annoying folks along with some mosquitoes if you’re in the dense woods.
On another note, knowing we were going to have some showers today, my wife and I decided to get the mowing for the week out of the way yesterday afternoon. So today I can work away on an old trailer I had given to me a few years ago. It had been sitting for over 40 years or so and was about shot. The top, that is, but the frame and axle once I got all the old wood off it looks like new. So now I will add a new floor and some sides, and it will make one dandy trailer for towing behind our 4 Wheeler. It will make it nice for bringing firewood into the house this fall, along with other things. And Fall isn’t that far off, with August already on the horizon. Time sure flies by. The good news is, I am starting to feel a lot better these days. I am still not able to do what I used to do, but that’s okay. That front porch of ours is looking more enticing every day. Which my wife keeps on telling me we need to do more of. And she is right, but it is a hard thing for a fellow to do when he has worked hard every day of his life and liking it.
With that you all have a great day, make it a great day, and I am off for a couple pieces of toast and jam for a change. I have always said a change is as good as a rest. GW
What’s Happening In Cottage Country On July 19/2023
Good Morning!
It seems we are in for a real nice day here in Cottage Country. The sun is shinning and there isn’t a cloud in the sky. And along with that, the temperature this morning was sitting at 15.1 C | 59.18 F. It made it real nice for sleeping with the window open. Actually, we have had our windows all open now for the past week or so, which is nice. In doing so, it airs out the house and makes things just that much healthier.
Bug Report: Nothing to report these days other than a few deer flies annoying folks.
Highway 522 is kind of busy these days, but not as busy as it used to be before the virus hit. I suspect a lot of people are hurting these days with the cost of everything, interest rates on the rise and being taxed to death.
On another note, my lovely wife and I had to go to Sundridge yesterday, which was sort of uneventful other than a lot of construction on Highway 522 with them installing new culverts and cleaning the ditches.
When we were in town, we got some groceries and headed back home. We had lunch at a small park on the road between Sundridge and South River. But at the grocery store, when we reached the checkout, we were shocked to see that just three nectarines were going to cost almost $10.00! Can you believe that? It’s way too expensive, almost like what they charge for tomatoes, which is also way too much.
I call it price gouging. Anyway, I didn’t want to pay that much, so I told them to keep the nectarines. The worst part is that the stores don’t seem to care about how expensive things are for us customers. It’s really frustrating!
So what can we do. Well, as a farmer working the land for a good number of years, I will share this with you. It’s time we rethink where our food comes from and how we get it. Instead of relying solely on big grocery stores, we need to start supporting our own farmers here in Canada. It’s essential because it ensures we have enough safe, high-quality food for everyone, helps our economy, protects the environment, and preserves our rural communities.
With that, I am off for a bagel this morning and will then see what the day has in store. I never know, really.
Have a great day. GW