Old Boots, Fresh Snow, and Northern Know-How on January 21/2025

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Morning, folks! Another day, another chance to make something out of nothing.

Well—she’s another cold morning with the temperature waking up was sitting at 24.8 C | -12.64 F. But with that in mind, it isn’t as cold as it was yesterday morning. …But hey, that’s winter in Northern Ontario for you—always keeping us on our toes.

As for today’s forecast here in Port Loring, Ontario: expect partly cloudy skies with a few stubborn rays of sunshine trying to warm things up. Highs will creep up to a balmy -6°C (21°F). Tonight, temperatures will drop back down to a crisp -15°C (5°F), so if you’re venturing outside, make sure your coat’s zipped and your hat’s snug and set right.

Tomorrow? Looks like we might see a dusting of snow to freshen things up—Mother Nature’s way of redecorating!

So, grab a coffee, stoke the wood-stove, and settle in. It’s the perfect day to stay warm and cozy!

Highway 522 is partially covered with snow this morning, with a few icy patches just to keep things interesting. It’s nothing we haven’t seen before—around here, we’re practically born knowing how to drive on this stuff. You might see a few locals out early, giving their trucks a good workout or testing out how much snow their boots can actually handle.

If you do have to venture out, take it slow and steady—unless you’re one of those folks who thinks winter driving is a spectator sport. And don’t forget to share a friendly wave with your neighbors; chances are, they’re grumbling about the cold as much as you are!

On another note, I didn’t get all that much done in the old woodworking shop yesterday. That said, I did have a fellow drop by for a chat about this and that, which was a nice change of pace. It’s always good to catch up and see what the other half’s up to these days. Up here where we live, most folks tend to stick to themselves and let others go about their business. It seems to be the way of things nowadays—not like back when I was a young lad. Back then, you couldn’t go a day without hearing from someone, whether they were dropping in unannounced or hollering a greeting as they passed by. Times sure have changed.

At any rate, I did keep the old wood stove going in the shop—just in case the urge struck to get out of the house for a bit. There’s something about the crackle of a fire and the smell of wood smoke that makes a man feel grounded. I did stay busy editing a video however, for my YouTube channel. Still lots to do, but you know how it is—everything starts with that first step, even if it’s just deciding to sit down and do it.

Today—well, once again, I’m not entirely sure what I’ll get up to. I’ve been eyeing a few flutes I’ve been meaning to work on. It’s been a while since I’ve made any, and let me tell you, they’re a challenge even on the best of days. If you don’t keep up with these intricate projects, the mind has a way of misplacing those little but oh-so-important details. Might be best I dust off the tools and get back at it, though, because there’s a lot of work that goes into making them.

If I do get to making them, I might even set up the camera and make a video to show how I’ve been crafting these flutes for over thirty years. They’re one of those projects where people tend to keep their methods close to their chest, guarding their secrets like gold. And that’s fine, I suppose, but I figure, being the age I am, if I don’t share what I know, all those years of learning and trial and error will be lost forever. What a shame that would be. Knowledge is meant to be passed along, not hoarded, and if I can leave behind a little something for others to pick up and run with, I’d call that time well spent.

So with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has prepared for me. She’s patiently waiting, as always, with her cocoa in hand and her thoughts on country living. She often says life out here has its own rhythm—a quieter, slower pace that lets you appreciate the little things, like a good meal, a hot drink, and the company of someone who gets it.

You all have a great day!

‘Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive!’” GW

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