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Good morning! Rise and shine, as the sun won’t wait all day, and neither will the coffee pot!

It’s a clear, brisk start for us here in the north, with the temperature sitting around 1°C (34°F)—though with the wind, it feels closer to -10°C (14°F). By mid-morning, it should warm up a touch to about 4°C (39°F). Perfect for a walk or some outdoor work, that is, if you don’t mind bundling up a bit. Clear skies ahead, too!

But I’ve got to say, heading to my woodworking shop around 7:30 AM, watching that sun creep up over the horizon—it’s a sight that never gets old. There’s just something about a Northern sunrise that stirs the soul, makes me feel like it’s going to be a good day.

Highway 522 had its fair share of traffic yesterday, at least, what we’d call traffic up here! Folks were out doing their usual rounds, maybe hoping to spot something new, or just checking in on the usual sights to make sure nothing’s moved since last week!

Yesterday was one of those good, productive days, where I managed to stay at the computer long enough to finish up some new YouTube videos, and even got a fresh story written for my newspaper columns. There’s nothing quite like that feeling of accomplishment when things fall into place. I do enjoy writing, but I’ve come to know over the years, that it only works when I’m in the right frame of mind. If I’m not, well, every word feels like a struggle, and I’m just spinning my wheels, so to speak. But when the mood’s right, it’s a whole different story—the work just flows.

Today’s got that familiar Northern chill, so I’ll likely be inside again, working on a few projects here at my desk. But first, I’m heading out to grab some garden soil—a bit of an odd winter ritual my wife and I swear by. We scoop up fresh soil, pop it in two containers, and come evening, we settle in, resting our feet in it while watching TV or reading a book.

Now, it might sound a bit strange, but there’s real magic in that soil. Grounding like this does wonders, not just for relaxation, but for the whole body. We’ve found it eases aches, soothes tension, and even seems to boost our energy. It also helps with all sorts of ailments, from inflammation to stress, and I can tell you firsthand it makes for some of the best sleep around.

We’ve been at this for years, and honestly, it’s become as essential as a warm cup of tea on a cold night. There’s nothing quite like the feel of rich, earthy soil, as it connects us to nature, leaves us feeling rejuvenated, and gives the neighbors something to wonder about when they see me hauling dirt indoors in November!

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made. After that, it’s time to get to ‘work’—although, I’m not sure, I can really call it that. For me, the things I do each day feel more like a mix of tinkering, creating, and a good dose of just plain enjoying life. It’s hard to call it work when every project is something I look forward to, whether it’s working in the workshop, jotting down a new story, or getting my hands dirty in the garden.

I suppose that’s the beauty of doing what you love. You don’t watch the clock or count the hours. You just follow where the day takes you, and somehow, it all feels right. So here’s to another day of good food, good company, and good work that doesn’t feel like work at all.

You all have a great day, and may it be filled with just the right balance of work and a bit of simple enjoyment along the way. And if things start to feel a little too heavy, pause for a moment and let yourself take in the small comforts—a warm drink, a quiet moment, a glimpse of sunshine. Sometimes, it’s those little things that carry us through. GW