Let the Fire Breathe: What We’ve Forgotten About the Forests

Only On The Walters Post

By GW

Up here in the north, we know smoke, as we see it hanging low on the horizon, like a warning or a memory, depending on how you look at it. And we’ve sure seen more of it these last few years, fire after fire, hotter, wilder, burning faster than anyone seems ready for. Folks ask, “What can we do?” but maybe the better question is, “What did we used to do?”

You see, I’m an old timer. I’ve watched the land change, the seasons shift, and I remember when fire wasn’t such a villain. Back when I was a boy, there wasn’t much we could do when a wildfire broke out way out past the cutlines which wasn’t a bad thing. The forest burned, then came back greener. It was part of the cycle.

But long before my time, there were people here who knew fire better than we ever did… the Indigenous peoples, or as some still prefer, Native American Indians or First Nations, depending on the region. They understood fire not as an enemy, but as a living force. A teacher. A tool. Their communities practiced what’s now called cultural burning, setting small, cool fires in the early spring or fall to clear underbrush, bring back berries, open up hunting paths, and reduce the fuel that leads to the monster blazes we see now.

These weren’t random fires. They were careful, respectful, and tied deeply to the land and the seasons. Firekeepers would walk the ground, listen to the animals, smell the wind. They knew where to burn, how hot, and when to stop. And it worked, as the land stayed balanced. The trees weren’t so choked with brush, and the fires that did happen stayed low and manageable.

Then came the government bans. Fire suppression laws, mostly pushed in the early 1900s, outlawed traditional burning. Fire crews were trained to put out every flame. Planes, chemicals, bulldozers, all tools to fight something that maybe shouldn’t have always been fought. And sure, some fires had to be stopped. But by putting out every fire, year after year, we built up a problem: thick forests, dry dead fall, layers of fuel just waiting for one lightning strike or careless spark.

Now the fires are bigger than ever. They jump highways, climb trees like ladders, and send smoke across provinces. Our policies, made with good intentions maybe, but not much listening, have helped create conditions where fires don’t just burn, they rage. We traded slow, healing burns for uncontrollable infernos.

The sad truth is, we’re relearning what some communities never forgot. Indigenous fire keepers… the knowledge holders, are still out there, often unrecognized, still willing to teach if we’ll bother to ask. Some provinces are starting to invite them back to the table. It’s a start.

So no, I don’t think we should just sit back and let it all burn. But I do think it’s time we stop fighting fire with fear and start working with it, like we once did. It’s not about going back to the old days exactly, but about remembering the parts that worked. Letting fire breathe, in the right time and way, might just save our forests and us.

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


Where the Coffee’s Hot and the Stories Are Homegrown on June 5/2025

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Out Back of our home.

Good Morning… You know, I have come to the conclusion, after all these years, that I trust dirt under my nails more than most advice.

Starting the day here in Port Loring, Ontario, we’ve got a blanket of thick clouds overhead. The good news is, it’s not too hot, and the rain has taken a break.

Here’s how the weather is shaping up.


Today (Thursday, June 5):
A mix of sun and cloud, with fog patches clearing later this morning. High of 77°F (25°C). UV index is 8, which is considered very high, so don’t forget to put on a long sleeve shirt.

Tonight:
Clear skies expected, with temperatures dipping to a low of about 52°F (11°C). Great for sleeping.

Tomorrow (Friday, June 6):
Mainly sunny to start, with increasing cloudiness early in the afternoon. There’s a 30% chance of showers overnight. High near 72°F (22°C), and a low around 54°F (12°C). Almost perfect.

Saturday, June 7:
A mix of sun and cloud is expected, with a high of approximately 72°F (22°C). The evening will bring cloudy periods, and the low will be about 50°F (10°C).


Looks like we’re in for some pleasant early summer weather.

Highway 522 is still pretty quiet, which is about normal for this time of year. That’ll change soon enough, though, once the kids get out of school for the summer. Give it a few weeks, and we’ll be dodging campers, boat trailers, and folks trying to read a map while making a left-hand turn with their signal on since Powassan. Just the way it is out here in the country.

Bug Report:
Well, the black flies haven’t been too bad for the past few days, mostly thanks to the cooler, damp weather. But I’ve got a feeling that’ll change today, with things warming up nicely, as it’s just the kind of weather they thrive in. And of course, the mosquitoes won’t be far behind, them blood sucking parasites.

That’s the deal with living up here in the north though, it’s a beautiful place, no doubt, but it comes with a few built-in tests of patience. And one thing’s for certain: anyone who steps outside this time of year gets their exercise, whether they want it or not, with swattin’ bugs like they’re threshin’ grain by hand.

On another note, yesterday my wife and I took the morning to clean our car. After winter, it was one heck of a mess inside and out. Now it looks brand-new. After we finished, I managed to get a coat of wax on the old girl too … not my wife, I mean the car. Got it all done just before the rain started. Nice rain, too, just what our vegetable plants, which we put in the ground a week ago, needed. Saved me from watering them by hand. Seems old Mother Nature knows exactly what to do and when to do it. Most of the time anyway, though occasionally she’s asleep at the switch. But she’s getting older too.

So what are you up today GW?

Well, seeing as our grass is growing leaps and bounds, my wife and I will tackle that next. That’ll take care of the morning. In the afternoon, after that workout, I suspect some front porch sittin’ or on our swing out back under the basswood tree with a cup of coffee will be in order. Why is that? Well, around here, you learn quick that no matter how much work you do, the day’s not done until you’ve had a good rest to appreciate it.

So with all that information out of the way, I am off for my morning breakfast that my little woman has made for me. Once I’ve had my fill, it’ll be time to rouse those old mowers.

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

Canada Needs to Hit Pause on Immigration — For Now

Only On The Walters Post

Right now, here in Canada, we need to stop all immigration — unless someone brings something this country truly needs, like doctors, skilled trades, or professionals we’re short on. The thing is, we don’t have the infrastructure to support who’s already here, let alone more people. Hospitals are overcrowded, housing is limited, and basic services are stretched thin.

More so, anyone here illegally should be sent back. That’s not harsh — it’s common sense. If you come in the right way, fine. But if you break the rules, you don’t get to stay. We need to get back to enforcing the laws we already have.

We need to focus on rebuilding first, bring jobs and industries back home. Make sure people can see a doctor, find a place to live, and afford to feed their families. Only then should we even consider opening the door wider — and only if it makes sense for Canada.

We’ve been taken advantage of by a system that no longer serves the people it was built for. If we don’t fix it now, we risk heading toward collapse — rising crime, worsening healthcare, and more people left to suffer on the streets.

The new Strong Borders Act is a small step in the right direction as it targets fraudulent asylum claims and holds people accountable. That’s what we need more of, a smart, firm action that puts Canadians first.

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

Where We’re Headed: A Plainspoken Truth

Only On The Walters Post

Governments do not do what they should. Never have, never will. They look out for themselves. Trillions of dollars are wasted, far as I can tell, on things that do not matter to the everyday person. And along with that, big corporations have been pulling the strings since the beginning of time. They hand out just enough to keep folks quiet, then carry on doing what benefits them, not us.

The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. First, they brought in marijuana. Now you can find alcohol in just about every store on every corner. And while they claim it is all about choice and freedom, the truth is, if you use that stuff too much — and many do — it kills brain cells. That is no secret, and in my mind, that is exactly what the powers that be want. Keep people dulled down, foggy, and easier to control.

Now take street drugs. In some areas, they are handing out free drugs and needles, saying it saves lives. That doesn’t sit right with me, all it does is keep people hooked. And if you ask me, the ones pushing that message, acting like it is some kind of great, life-saving solution, well, they sound a lot like the ones profiting from it. That is how I see it. What they should be doing is getting these folks into proper places to dry out. Give them a clean slate. Help the ones who still have their minds find a job and build a life. The money they are spending handing out drugs and needles would more than cover the cost of doing it the right way.

Then there are our laws. Too many of them cause more harm than good. I have seen police worn down and fed up. They put their lives on the line every day, arresting criminals, only to see the courts turn around and let them walk. All that work just tossed aside. Makes you wonder where this country is really heading.

And taxes, that’s another biggie. The powers that be saying, that they are necessary, but most of that money, in my eyes, is wasted again on things that are not needed. We should be bringing business back home, right here to Canada. Stop relying on other countries to carry us. Put our people back to work. That would make us stronger, but not if everything else stays broken like it is.

Schools are another mess. They say they need more teachers, but then they turn around and make it, so kids do not even have to write exams at the end of the year. What kind of learning is that? Truth told, a lot of these kids are not being taught much of anything. Just another waste of the working person’s money.

And like I have said many times, if we want this country to flourish, we need to stop taxing the working man and woman’s paychecks. Not a single cent should be taken. That money was earned by them, not the suits sitting in offices drawing a salary off the backs of folks who do the real work. All those government buildings, all those salaries, millions and millions spent just to keep it all running. That is where the waste is.

Truth is, I believe half or more of those government jobs could be done away with and things would run just the same, maybe even better. I would wager a lot of them do not contribute much of anything all year long, except figuring out new ways to take more of the working man’s wages. The thing is, we have more people in government jobs that are not needed than we have soldiers in the entire military. No wonder we cannot meet our goals at the UN.

I will be honest. I do not know where we are heading anymore, and that is the part that worries me. Not only that, but I believe deep down the powers that be want regular folks to stay uneducated. Because if people ever got a clear head and a good education, they would see exactly what is going on. And when that day comes, the ones in charge will not last long. Folks would finally wake up, and those same suits would be out of a job.

Anyway, that is how I see it. I go by what I have lived and what I have seen. My gut has served me well for over seventy some years, and I trust it more than anything I hear coming out of their mouths.

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

Where the Stories Never Retire on June 4/2025

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Good morning, from where the only deadline is the sun going down. The way it should be.

Well, waking up, it’s at least looking like another nice day here in Cottage Country.

Here’s your weather for Port Loring:

Today (Wednesday, June 4):
Expect periods of rain throughout the day, with a high around 74°F (23°C). Winds will be from the west-southwest at 10 to 15 mph. Keep an umbrella handy if you’re heading out.

Tonight:
Cloudy skies with a 60% chance of showers. Low near 57°F (14°C). Winds will shift to the northwest at 10 to 15 mph.

Tomorrow (Thursday, June 5):
A mix of sun and clouds, with a 30% chance of showers. High around 80°F (26°C). Winds from the southwest at 10 to 15 mph.

Highway 522 wasn’t all that busy yesterday, but that’s understandable with the way our economy is going—or maybe I should say heading. But in saying that, once things start to warm up some and the blackflies leave us alone for more than five minutes, that northern pull, that urge to get up here, will settle upon folks like a second cup of coffee on a Monday morning. They’ll be packing up the SUV, kids, dog, cooler, and fishing rods, half-ready and half-lost, just to sit in traffic for six hours and call it “getting away from it all.” And you know what? We’ll be glad to see ’em.

Bug Report:
Well, I have to say, even with things warming up yesterday, the blackflies and mosquitoes weren’t all that bad. I’m kind of thinking that the cold, damp weather we had the past few days knocked a good number of them back a bit, not to mention the birds that have been picking them off pretty steady lately.

Last fall, I decided to build six birdhouses and put them up around the yard early this spring. We had to take the vacancy sign down pretty quick, because they filled up fast. One right by our driveway was claimed by a pair of bluebirds, the first time in 20 years they’ve made a home here. By our fishpond, where we placed a couple more, a pair of Swallows moved in and started raising a family. And then out back behind the house, we’ve got two more birdhouses that a couple of Wrens have taken over. Judging by how often they’re flying in with bugs, there must be a hungry bunch of little beaks waiting inside.

My wife and I sure do enjoy watching them throughout the day. It’s amazing how simple things can bring so much enjoyment—not to mention how many insects they eat, which sure makes life a lot easier, especially during blackfly season.

On another note,
Yesterday I worked the day away outside, fixing up a few things that needed attention, and chatting with folks who dropped by our gift shop and ongoing garage sale—which we plan on keeping open for another couple of months.

I have to say, we’ve had a steady stream of people stopping in, picking up all sorts of things we no longer need. That being said, we still have plenty left to sell, and my wife’s been adding new items daily—things we’ve had stored upstairs for years. So, whether you’ve dropped by before or you’re just hearing about us for the first time, it might pay to swing in now and then. You never know, there just might be something you’ve been looking for.

We’re located at 11588 Highway 522, Port Loring, Ontario, and we’re always happy to see a friendly face—new or familiar.

All in all, things have been rolling along pretty good these days.

So What are You Up to Today, GW?

Well, today—weather permitting—I’m planning on doing a bit of weeding in the gardens around the house. And if there’s time left in the day, I’ll head out to the woodworking shop and give it a bit of a clean-up. It’s been needing some tidying for a while now.

And if the weather holds off even longer, my wife and I are hoping to spend some quiet time out on the swing under the old Basswood tree out back. It sure is nice out there, I guess you could say we’ve got a bird’s-eye view of everything going on around the place.

And living where we do, there’s always something happening in nature—whether it’s the birds feeding their young or a few critters raising a ruckus, or just the breeze moving through the trees. Well… you don’t have to look far to find something worth paying attention to.

With that, I’m off for the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. After that, I think we’ll both head out to the front porch by our White Lilac tree—which, by the way, is in full bloom and smelling mighty fine—and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa. Can’t beat that for starting the day off right.

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

“A Whisper and a Memory”


By GW Only On The Walters Post!

The other day, I was sitting here at my computer reading an article, about that strange new signal coming from deep space. Fifteen thousand light years away, can you believe that? Regular as a heartbeat, two minutes on, forty-four minutes off. It wasn’t noise, not something random, and it felt like a rhythm. Like something alive.

Scientists are scratching their heads. Some think it’s a magnetar, others figure it might be a star system caught in some strange dance. But none of them can explain why it’s so steady, or why it sends out both radio waves and X-rays. They’ve never seen anything quite like it.

The moment I read it, I thought of Grey Wolf.

He was an old friend of mine, a native man who used to spend his summers in a small cabin tucked behind our farm. He never said much, but when he did, you listened. Occasionally we would sit by the fire, with him watching the flames, and me watching him.

One night, I asked him what he thought life was all about. He didn’t answer right away, just poked the fire with a stick and then said, “We’re energy, we were sent here to learn. We come from it, and we will eventually go back to it. This place, this life, it’s just part of the lesson.

Another time I asked if he believed there were others out there. He gave a small smile and said, “You think all this sky is for just one world?” Then he looked up, real slow, and added, “There are many fires burning, some just burn quiet.”

I’ve never forgotten that.

Anyway, reading more about that signal, I started to wonder if maybe it’s not a message the way we think of messages. Maybe it’s not trying to talk to machines or telescopes, maybe it’s more like a pattern. A quiet nudge, not shouting for attention, just letting us know we’re not alone.

Grey Wolf believed in balance. He said everything had its place, and that some things were felt, not explained. He respected science, but he also knew its limits. Not only that, but he said the deeper truth doesn’t always come with answers. Sometimes it comes with a feeling you can’t shake.

That’s how this signal from a distant planet feels to me.

We’ve been told Earth is special because we’re the only ones here. But what if it’s special because we’re one of many? One stop in a much larger journey, and what if that signal is just the first knock on the door?

Grey Wolf used to say, “The Great Mystery doesn’t speak in words, it waits to see if we’re ready to listen.”

Well, maybe now we are.


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

Tariffs and Turning Points

Only On The Walters Post

Well, here we go again. President Trump’s back in the spotlight, and this time he’s doubling down on tariffs … 50% now on Canadian steel and aluminum. That’s a hard pill to swallow, especially for the folks in Ontario who rely on that work to keep food on the table.

At first glance, this looks like trouble. And truth is, in the short term, it is. Companies will hurt. Some jobs might be on the line. Things could get tight, no doubt about it.

But here’s the thing , I don’t think it’s all bad. In fact, if we’re smart about it, this might just be the nudge we needed.

Doug Ford says we’re going to onshore every widget we can. And you know what? I agree with him. We’ve been too reliant on the U.S. for too long. We’ve seen this movie before, remember when they cut us off from masks during the pandemic? That was a wake-up call. And now, here we are again, being reminded that we need to start looking after ourselves.

We’ve got the resources, we’ve got the workers, and we’ve got the know-how. Why are we shipping aluminum south, only to have it turned into cans, marked up, and sent right back? Makes no sense. Let’s build the can plant here. Let’s melt our own steel, make our own beams, and keep our people working.

This won’t be easy. But long term, it could make us stronger, more independent, and better prepared for whatever comes next.

Sometimes, it takes a good shove to get us moving in the right direction. This might be one of those times.

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

Waking up My Old Computer on June 2/2025

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Country Breakfast

Good Morning… Some days start with a chore list, others with a memory.

It’s a cool morning here in Port Loring, Ontario, Canada. However, the sun is breaking through the clouds, and it’s looking as if we’re in for a pretty nice day.

Anyway, here’s the weather forecast: For Port Loring Ontario Canada.

Today (Monday, June 2): Warmer with hazy sun; smoke from distant wildfires will enhance the sunset. High: 72°F (22°C), Low: 52°F (11°C).

Tonight: Partly cloudy with a low of 52°F (11°C).

Tomorrow (Tuesday, June 3): Hazy sun; breezy in the afternoon. High: 83°F (29°C), Low: 65°F (19°C).

Wednesday, June 4: Not as warm, with periods of rain. High: 73°F (23°C), Low: 55°F (13°C).

Highway 522 was quiet yesterday morning, but by the afternoon, it picked up with lots of new faces roaming around our area.

Bug Report:
With the cold, wet weather, the black flies have slowed down some. But when the sun shows herself, they will be back with a vengeance, along with the mosquitoes. I actually dislike the mosquitoes even more than the black flies. At any rate, with things warming up today, you can bet some folks are in for a stretch of itchy, swatting days ahead.

On another note, we had another really good day yesterday with our garage sale, with lots of folks dropping by. I thought, being Sunday, it might slow down some—but nope, for most of the day, we had a steady stream of folks picking up things. That said, we still have quite a bit left to sell, so we’ll keep the sale going right up until the middle of July, or until it’s all gone. We figure we might as well get all we can out of what we have, as we worked downright hard for it over the years.

Amazing, though, how much stuff a person can collect without even realizing they have it.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today being so nice out, I’m thinking we’ll do some work in our vegetable gardens. I want to work up around the tomatoes, and we’ll be adding some grass cuttings, which we use for fertilizer. You can’t beat it once it’s had a chance to sit for a while.

The good news is, I was sure glad we covered our vegetables last night before heading to bed as we ended up with a frost, and it would’ve done some damage to a lot of the plants. Just had a feeling we might get one, and sure enough, we did. Pays to listen to those little feelings that come around from time to time.

At any rate, everything looked happy this morning when I uncovered them.

So, with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me, then I’ll be heading outdoors. Hate to waste a day as nice as this.

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

Seen a Lot, But This Feels Different

I’ve been around a long time. Farmed most of my life. Watched the seasons change, year after year. Some were dry, some wet. Cold snaps in June, thaws in January. That’s just how it was. Nature had her own way of keeping things in balance.

So when folks talk about climate change, I can’t say it’s all new to me. The Earth’s been shifting for a long time. We’ve had ice ages, warm spells, droughts, and floods long before people were driving cars or flying in planes. That part I understand.

But if I’m being honest, something’s not just right now.

The thing is, our Weather’s not just different, it’s strange. Too many records getting broken. Too much heat too fast. Fires burning longer. Rains coming when they’re not supposed to. It feels like the rhythm’s out of step.

And I believe that we humans got something to do with it.

You can’t cut down forests, pave over everything, and pump smoke into the air for over a hundred years and expect nothing to happen. We’ve sped things up. Maybe not on purpose, but it’s happening all the same.

The scientists today say we’re getting close to breaking points or tipping points, they call them… where once something changes, it keeps on changing, no turning back. Glaciers melting faster, ocean currents slowing down, forests drying up.

That’s not the kind of thing you fix with a new law or a better gadget. That takes time, and I kinda feel time’s something we’re running out of.

Now, I’m not trying to scare anyone. But I am saying we ought to start paying attention, and if we don’t smarten up, the next generation’s going to be dealing with a world a whole lot harder to live in.

That’s just how I see it.

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

Thoughts Between Coffee and Chores on June 1/2025

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Good Morning… As my old Dad used to say: “The tools are where I left them, which means I’ll be searching all morning.”

Port Loring, Ontario – Weather Outlook: June 1–10, 2025

As June begins, Port Loring will see a steady shift from spring’s leftovers to a more settled stretch of early summer warmth. There may be a few unsettled moments early on, but overall, the weather looks decent in the days ahead.

Sunday, June 1 to Tuesday, June 4
Daytime highs will range from 64°F to 72°F (18°C to 22°C), with overnight lows around 46°F to 54°F (8°C to 12°C).
Expect a mix of sun and cloud, especially on Monday, when a weak front may bring a few scattered showers or a brief thunderstorm.
Winds could pick up slightly Monday afternoon, but nothing to be concerned about.

Wednesday, June 5 to Friday, June 7
A slow warming trend begins. Highs will reach between 70°F and 75°F (21°C to 24°C), with mostly sunny skies expected.
Dry, comfortable air will move in from the west.
Nights will stay cool but pleasant, dipping to between 50°F and 55°F (10°C to 13°C).

Saturday, June 8 to Monday, June 10
The cooler air mass will move out, allowing for more typical June warmth to take hold.
Afternoon highs could reach 78°F to 82°F (26°C to 28°C) by Sunday and Monday.
There’s a slight chance of a pop-up shower or thunderstorm on Sunday, but most of the time will be dry.
Evenings will stay mild, with lows around 55°F to 61°F (13°C to 16°C).

Summary:
Mostly dry and stable weather ahead.
A chance of light showers early in the week, followed by several days of fair skies and rising temperatures.
It’ll start to feel more like early summer by the second weekend of June — good weather for yard work, sitting outside, or just getting some fresh air.

Highway 522 saw a good bit of traffic yesterday, and we had a steady stream of folks stopping in for our garage sale. I’ve got to say, it turned out to be a great day—lots of people picked up some real treasures, and we even made a few dollars along the way.

If you missed it on Friday or Saturday, don’t worry—we’re still going strong! The signs will be out again today, and we’ve got plenty of great items looking for a new home. So if you’re out and about, it’s definitely worth your while to swing by. You never know what you might find!

We’re open today from 10 AM to 4 PM at 11588 Highway 522, Port Loring, Ontario, Canada. Come on by and say hello!

Bug Report:
Well, yesterday wasn’t all that bad, at least not until later in the day when things started to warm up. Black flies and mosquitoes don’t care much for the cold, but once that sun comes out and the air heats up, you can bet they’ll be back—buzzing around, looking for a bit of that warm blood we humans haul around. And it’s not just us. They make life miserable for the critters too.

On another note, like I mentioned earlier, yesterday we had a busy day with the garage sale. There was plenty of chatting, laughter, and some real nice sales—not just from the garage sale tables, but from our little gift shop too. Folks were picking up all sorts of treasures, including my books and handcrafted flutes, along with my wife’s beautiful paintings and one-of-a-kind creations. All in all, it was a great day filled with good company.

So, what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today we’ll be carrying on with the garage sale, which will likely take up most of the day. If the sun decides to warm things up a bit, we might even squeeze in a little front porch sittin’ between customers.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my little woman has ready for me, then I’ll head outside and get things opened up.

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

Stories From my Old Desk on May 31/2025 The Last Day of May

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One of our many gardens

Good Morning… I remember one time, my old Dad and I were enjoying a cool drink out under a tree after a long day’s work. We weren’t saying much, just letting the day settle around us. After a bit, he gave a small sigh, more to himself than to me, and said,
“You know, George… if something really matters, you’ll find the time for it. Maybe not right away, maybe not even today, but sooner or later, you’ll make room. And if you don’t, well, it probably wasn’t worth doing in the first place.”

You know, I’ve carried that line with me ever since, as life really does have a way of showing you what’s worth chasing, and what’s better left behind. That is, if you’re willing to open your mind.

Good Morning…
Well, opening the door to head outside this morning, there’s no mistaking it, the temperature’s taken a good dip since yesterday. That warm spell we were spoiled with seems to have moved on, and in its place, we’ve got that cool, damp spring air settling back in. You can feel it in your bones.

For today, Saturday:
Well… we’ll see mostly cloudy skies, with the high only making it to about 54°F (12°C). There’s a bit of a bite to the breeze too, coming out of the north around 20 km/h, and gusting up to 40 before calming down later on. Tonight’ll be on the chilly side again, with a low around 41°F (5°C) and skies clearing here and there.

Sunday’s looking a touch better:
A bit of sunshine poking through, and we might get up to 66°F (19°C) if we’re lucky. But once the sun dips, it’ll cool off fast—dropping down to a cold 38°F (4°C) overnight. Might be a good idea to throw an extra blanket on the bed.

I’m thinking I might cover my tender plants in the vegetable garden before heading in for the day.

Come Monday:
Now that’s when things start shaping up. A mix of sun and cloud through the day and warming up nicely to around 71°F (22°C). Overnight low will hang around 52°F (11°C), which isn’t too bad at all.

Highway 522: Well, it isn’t all that busy these days, not like it used to be years back.
I suppose that’s to be expected, what with the weather not exactly being all that inviting. But truth be told, there’s more to it than just a bit of rain and chill in the air. And what would that be? Well… money’s tight. Real tight. And a big part of that comes from the powers that be taking nearly half of a working man’s paycheck.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll keep on saying it: a man or woman works hard for that money, and not one red cent of it should be taken before it even hits their pocket. It’s theirs, earned by the sweat on their brow, not some government official pushing paper behind a desk. They like to throw around all kinds of excuses, saying it’s needed to keep the country growing. But that’s the furthest thing from the truth. The real growth, the real strength of this country, has always come from the people who roll out of bed before the sun, who keep things running, and who are already being taxed in just about every other way you can imagine.

Bug Report:
Well, yesterday, with things warming up a wee bit, the blackflies and mosquitoes decided it was time to make their grand return. It wasn’t too bad if you kept moving, but the minute you stopped to catch your breath or lean on a fence post, they were on you like a government official coming after more of your paycheck.

Now, if you’re wearing a hat, it comes in handy, not just for keeping the sun off, but for swatting away those little bloodsuckers. And I’ll tell ya, that old hat of mine earned its keep yesterday, flapping around like it had a mind of its own. Today however being so cool out there and a touch windy they won’t be as bad.

On another note:
Yesterday, I worked the day away talking to folks who dropped by our garage sale that started yesterday and runs through till Monday. We’re open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, right here at 11588 Highway 522, Port Loring, Ontario. Had a good bunch of folks coming by, picking up their choice items, but there’s still plenty left to sell. So if you’re around today, or any day this weekend, don’t be shy, come on down and see what we’ve got. Whether you’re hunting for a bargain or just want to stop and chat, we’d be glad to see you. Lots of treasures still waiting for new homes!

So what are you up to today GW?

Well, today, even though it’s a bit cool out there, I’ll be carrying on with our garage sale. My wife’s been steadily putting new things out, and I have to tell you folks, I don’t even know where half of it came from. At any rate, it all has to go sooner rather than later, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. Might have to dust off my old coat again, though, with this chill in the air.

With that, I’m off for my morning breakfast. And being that it’s early, I’m thinking there’ll be plenty of time afterward to sit with a nice cup of hot cocoa and have a good chat with my lovely wife. Man, we’ve been so busy these past few months, and I have to tell you, with me not being in the best shape through winter, I’m not quite sure where I’m finding the energy to get all these things done.

The good news is, I am feeling better. Reason being that I’ve been serious about some natural remedies I picked up from an old Native friend of mine, Grey Wolf. He shared his knowledge with me many years ago, and it’s been a real help lately, along with my wife’s care and support, and eating a lot better, or should I say healthier, as I work through my issues. A few folks have asked how I’m holding up these days, so I thought I’d say that with what Grey Wolf taught me, combined with my wife’s help, it’s making a real difference.

Anyway, I am starting to feel a lot better, and that’s what matters most.

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

From an Old Timer That’s Seen It All on May 30/2025

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Good Morning… You know… with all that has been going on with our lives these days, I have found that. “Some days teach you more than you wanted to know.”

Well, it’s shaping up to be a pretty nice day here in Cottage Country. The sun’s working hard to break through, and the temperature isn’t all that bad, it feels like one of those days where you might just get a little of everything.

Any way, here’s your weather outlook for Port Loring, Ontario:

Today – Friday, May 30
Expect a mix of sun and clouds through the morning. As the day rolls on, there’s a good chance of scattered showers, especially in the afternoon. Highs will reach around 66°F (19°C), with a light breeze from the west-southwest. By evening, the skies should start to clear up, and overnight lows will dip to about 43°F (6°C).

Tonight – Friday Night
Skies will become partly cloudy as the evening progresses. Temperatures will cool down to a low of 43°F (6°C), making for a crisp night. Winds will be light, coming from the northwest at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow – Saturday, May 31
The day will start off mainly sunny, giving way to a mix of sun and clouds by the afternoon. It’s going to be cooler, with highs around 56°F (13°C). There’s a slight chance of sprinkles late in the day. Overnight, expect partly cloudy skies, with lows near 39°F (4°C).

Looking Ahead – Sunday, June 1
Sunday brings partly sunny skies, with a high near 62°F (17°C). It’s shaping up to be a pleasant day, perfect for any outdoor plans. The evening will be clear, with temperatures dropping to around 39°F (4°C).

So, keep that umbrella handy just in case, but it looks like the weekend will offer some decent weather for getting outside.

Highway 522 picked up a wee bit traffic-wise yesterday, and I suspect it’ll get even busier in the coming days, especially once the Black Flies leave us for another year.

Bug Report:
Well, with it being so cool and wet yesterday, the Black Flies weren’t all that bad. But if the sun decides to show herself today, you can bet they’ll be back out, annoying folks like they always do. And of course, we can’t forget the mosquitoes—they’re already out and about these days, hungry as ever and showing no compassion for us humans., what’s so ever.

On another note, my wife and I spent most of yesterday working inside the house since it was so wet out. We got a lot done and managed to bring even more items out for the garage sale, which kicks off today at 10:00 AM and runs through Saturday and Sunday.

Our first sale went great—we sold a lot—but after going through more stuff, we found plenty more to put out. This time around, we’re hoping to clear it all out. So if you see something you like or want, just speak up. We’ll make you a deal, guaranteed.

We’re located at 11588 Highway 522 in Port Loring, Ontario— near Home Hardware. You can’t miss us, just follow the red garage sale signs.

We’ll be open all three days from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Hope to see you there!

So with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. After that, I’ll be heading outdoors to get this garage sale up and running.

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

Old Hands, Memories & A Cup of Something Hot on May 29/2025

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Our Home Side Veiw With Fish Pond

Good Morning… Laura, the lady that raised me, used to say: “George, you don’t need much to be rich if you’re counting the right things.”

Well, the sunshine has left us, and it took the warmer temperatures along with it. We’re getting a bit of rain coming down now, and it looks like it’ll be hanging around for a while.


Weather Forecast – For Port Loring, Ontario, Canada:

Today, the rain’s moved in, and it’s settling down like it’s got nowhere else to be. Expect light to moderate showers throughout the day, with a chilly breeze tagging along to keep things damp and cool. Temperatures will hover around 52°F (11°C) by this afternoon, which is a noticeable dip from the warm stretch we just had.

Tonight, things will stay on the damp side. Cloud cover will hold tight overhead, and there’s a good chance the rain will linger through most of the night. Overnight lows will dip down to around 43°F (6°C), so it’ll be a good night to toss an extra blanket on the bed and maybe fire up the wood stove if you’ve got one.

Tomorrow, the clouds might finally start to break up a bit. There’s still a slight chance of an early morning shower, but by late morning or early afternoon we could see some brighter skies trying to peek through. It won’t be warm by any stretch, with highs only reaching 55°F (13°C), but at least it’ll be drier.

So in short, keep the raincoat by the door today and tonight, and maybe cross your fingers for a bit of clearing come tomorrow afternoon. The garden might get a decent soaking out of this, which isn’t all bad.

Highway 522 is still slow traffic-wise these days, which is understandable, being that the weather hasn’t been all that inviting. Truth be told, most folks out this way aren’t in a rush to go anywhere unless the sun’s shining, the road’s dry, or there’s a sale up the line aways. And even then, they’ll think on it over coffee first.

Bug Report:
Well, I have to say, them there black flies and mosquitoes are sure making a nuisance of themselves these days. And my wife isn’t too pleased about it either. Can’t say I blame her, as they get up under her hair and nibble on her ears like they’re at an all-you-can-eat buffet.

As for me, well, they usually leave me be. I did have a couple take a taste yesterday, but I guess I wasn’t sweet enough for their liking. Still, while I was out mowing, I had to use my hat now and then to swat them out of my eyes. They were swarming so bad I almost drove the old Roper Riding Mower into the ditch a couple of times.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today’s a bit wet out there, so I’m planning on helping my wife with some work inside the house. We’ve got plenty to sort through—years’ worth of collected odds and ends. We’ve already managed to put out a fair bit, and with that, we’re gearing up for another garage sale starting tomorrow. It’ll run for three days, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, right here at 11588 Highway 522, Port Loring, Ontario.

Just watch for the red garage sale signs by our driveway, you can’t miss ’em.

And while you’re here, don’t forget to check out our gift shop. We’ve got some great deals on pieces we’ve made ourselves. My wife with her artistic flair and creative spirit, and me with wood, tools, and a stubborn streak. These aren’t mass-produced things here. They’re made slow, with care and know-how, shaped by years of doing what we love.

On another note, my wife and I decided to get our mowing for the week out of the way yesterday, knowing the rain was coming today. Took us all morning, and I’ve got to tell ya, we were both more than ready to put our feet up once we were done. Seems like every year, jobs like that get just a wee bit harder to do.

But hey—no one can say we’re not getting our exercise.

So with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife’s put together for me. After that, we’re thinking of settling in with a hot cup of chicory coffee for a change. Not saying hot chocolate isn’t just as good,,, but every now and then, we’ve found a change can be nice. Not always, mind you, but once in a while it works out just fine.

After that, well, we’ll see what the day has in store. One never really knows, and maybe that’s half the fun of it.

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

Garage Sale – May 30, 31 & June 1/2025 (10 AM to 4 PM)

Location: 11588 Highway 522, Port Loring Ontario

We had a great garage sale a couple of weeks back—but don’t worry, this one’s not just leftovers!

Since then, we’ve cleared out even more from the house and the woodworking shop, and let me tell you, we’ve uncovered a whole new batch of treasures. There’s a fresh mix of old tools, handmade pieces, kitchen odds and ends, vintage finds, and plenty more.

If you’re out for a drive or just looking for something to do, swing on by. You never know what you might find, and chances are, you’ll leave with something you didn’t know you needed. We’ll be all set up May 30, 31, and June 1, from 10 AM to 4 PM each day. We’d sure enjoy the visit.

One special piece that’s up for grabs is a small pine table with two drop leaves and turned legs. I made it myself a few years ago, and my wife painted a lovely design on the top. It’s time for it to find a new home, so if it catches your eye, we’re letting it go for $125. And if there are any crafters out there, well they won’t want to miss this sale.

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

The Old Desk Still Speaks on May 28/2025

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Our Fish Pond is Starting to Look Nice now, Got the Water Wheel Working For Another Season

Good Morning… You know, I have found over the years, that there’s no shortcut to doing it right the first time.

So it’s looking as if we’re in for another nice day here in Cottage Country. The sun is showing off, and at the moment, there isn’t a cloud in the sky. There’s just something about these early morning hours that brings on a feeling of contentment up here in the north. I suppose it comes down to the quiet, the stillness, and being surrounded by nothing but nature.

Weather For Port Loring, Ontario Canada:

Today – Wednesday, May 28

It’s shaping up to be a beauty. Expect sunshine through the morning, with a few clouds drifting in later. The high will reach around 80°F (27°C). Winds will be light, and the air will feel fresh. By evening, there’s a chance of showers moving in though, so you might want to keep an eye on the sky if you’re planning to be out.

Tonight

Clouds will thicken as the night goes on, bringing a good chance of showers. The low will dip to about 53°F (12°C). It’ll be a calm night, perfect for listening to the rain on the roof.

Tomorrow – Thursday, May 29

A cooler day ahead. Expect mostly cloudy skies with occasional showers, especially in the morning. The high will be around 62°F (17°C), and the low will settle near 49°F (10°C). A good day to catch up on indoor tasks or enjoy a quiet moment or two by the window.

Highway 522 is still quiet in our area. Not too many folks moving around. But it is early in the season, and the weather hasn’t been all that nice. With that, and the price of things these days, folks are staying close to home. But in saying that, as soon as the nice weather hits, I’m sure our country style of living will start to play on the city folks’ minds, and the call of the country will be upon them. And when that happens… well, old Highway 522 will start to get busy.

Bug Report:
Well, them black flies are out in full force, along with the mosquitoes—those blood-sucking parasites. But the good news is, I did spot a dragonfly or two yesterday, and their main meal just so happens to be black flies and mosquitoes. Which means we humans and critters will get some relief in the coming days.

On another note,
Yesterday I worked the day away getting more things in the woodworking shop ready for our next garage sale this weekend. My wife’s been busy, too, clearing out more from the house. Between the two of us, we’ve rounded up a good mix of treasures—old tools, handmade pieces, kitchen odds and ends, some vintage finds, and who knows what else.

If you’re out for a drive or just looking for something to do, swing on by. You never know what you might find—and chances are, you’ll leave with something you didn’t know you needed. We’ll be set up and ready to go this weekend, and we’d sure enjoy the visit.

So, with that bit of information out in the open, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife’s put together for me, and then I’ll be heading outdoors. Still early, but there’s no sense wasting a beautiful day like this.

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

They Say It’s Tariffs – But Let’s Be Honest

Only On The Walters Post

Tariffs, Excuses, and the Grocery Till

Lately, I’ve been paying attention to what’s happening with grocery prices here in Canada, and something’s not sitting right. Every time the bill goes up, there’s a new excuse. Now, they’re blaming tariffs, the new ones coming from across the border. And sure enough, some of the stuff we bring in from down there is getting hit with extra charges, which means higher costs by the time it lands on our shelves.

But here’s where I start raising my eyebrows.

They say it’s a 25 percent tariff on certain things we import, like food, grains, and even packaging supplies. And yes, that adds up, but when I look at the size of the price hikes, it feels like someone is adding a little extra on top. Maybe more than a little.

Over the years, I’ve lived through my share of economic ups and downs, and I know when something smells off. Tariffs might explain a piece of the puzzle, but they sure don’t explain why everything from apples to oatmeal has jumped in price. And it doesn’t explain why the folks in charge of setting those prices seem to be doing just fine, maybe even better than fine, while the rest of us are squinting at the checkout, wondering what we can put back.

Now, I’m not saying these trade decisions don’t affect things. They do. But I’m also not buying the idea that this is all out of their hands. It feels more like they found themselves a convenient excuse and decided to run with it.

Any way, at the end of the day, us regular Canadians are the ones footing the bill again. And all we get in return is another round of reasons why things “had to” go up.

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

A Few Words Before Sundown on May 27/2025

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“The flowering crab apple by our cottage sure is nice!”

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

Thoughts Between Coffee and Chores on May 26/2025

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Only On The Walters Post

Good Morning… You know, I’ve made enough mistakes to know which ones not to make again, at least for most days.

For a change, we’re all waking up to a sunny sky here in Cottage Country. Not a cloud in sight, which is a welcome relief after all the rain and cool temperatures we’ve had this spring.

Here’s the weather forecast for Port Loring, Ontario:

Today – Monday, May 26, 2025
Mostly sunny skies, with a high around 73°F (23°C). A light breeze from the north at 5 to 10 mph will help keep things comfortable.

Tonight – Monday, May 26, 2025
Clear skies, with temperatures dipping to about 46°F (8°C). Winds will stay light and variable.

Tomorrow – Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Sunshine continues, with a high near 75°F (24°C). Winds will remain light. Overnight, look for partly cloudy skies and lows around 49°F (10°C).

Let’s hope that sunshine sticks around a while.

Highway 522 was quiet yesterday, with it being Sunday and all. Most locals around here treat Sunday like it’s made for sleeping in, and coffee comes second to a good long snooze. Now, the tourists? That’s a whole different ball game. They’re up at the crack of dawn, maps in hand, charging off to see every rock, tree, and chipmunk north of the French River. Meanwhile, the locals are still in their housecoats, wondering who let all these early birds loose in our backyard.

Bug Report:
Well, the black flies are out in full force now that the cool weather has let up. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, the mosquitoes have decided to join the party, and they didn’t come for the conversation. They don’t bother me all that much, but for some folks, they sure do. Between the two of them, stepping outside feels more like offering yourself up as the daily special.

On another note, yesterday, my wife and I finally got our vegetable garden planted. We got up early, tilled it a couple of times, had a coffee, and then got to work. It took us all morning. I have to admit, there’s nothing like getting out there and working in the soil. Once everything was planted and settled, it felt pretty satisfying to see those rows all lined up, ready to grow.

We put in three different kinds of tomatoes, one being yellow low acid, along with three different kinds of lettuce and some spinach we started earlier. We also planted beets, Brussels sprouts, Broccoli, Orange Peppers, Zucchini, Acorn Squash, and to finish it all off, a row of Sweet Corn (Peaches & Cream). There should be no reason this summer not to have fresh things to eat right from our own garden.

All it takes now is putting my old hoe to work once a week and giving them a drink occasionally. Not much effort considering what you get in return.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today I figure I’ll get back to sorting and setting more things out for our summer garage sale. We’ve sold a lot so far, but there’s still plenty to go, especially the stuff in my woodworking shop. You know, I even found things I didn’t know I had tucked away in there.

So with that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me, and then I’ll head outdoors. It sure is nice to be working outside instead of being cooped up in the house. Winters are long here in the north, and when that warm weather finally hits, there’s no holding us back, not even the black flies or mosquitoes. They might be a bit irritating, but for the most part, we just swat them away like uninvited guests and carry on like nothing’s wrong.

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

From the Writer’s Desk on May 25/2025

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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

From the Desk, As Always on May 24/2025

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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

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.