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Good Morning! A slow start in the country still beats a fast pace in the city.

It’s a bit on the cool side this morning here in cottage country, and I have to admit, I’m not entirely thrilled with what I’m seeing outside my window. I won’t say exactly what it is—but let’s just say I’m not putting my snow shovel away anytime soon.

Weather Forecast Port Loring Ontario Canada:

Today – Tuesday, April 15th
Woke up to a cool one, sitting around 37°F (3°C), and it hasn’t warmed up much since. The kind of morning where the coffee needs to be extra strong. Rain’s been falling off and on, but now it’s got that look—y’know, where the flakes start to sneak in like they’re testing the waters. We might see somewhere between half an inch to just over an inch (1 to 3 cm) of the white stuff before day’s end. Winds are starting to pick up too, so keep the wood stove going if you’ve got one. I lit our wood furnace back up this morning. High of 40°F (5°C), low dropping to 25°F (-4°C) tonight.

Tomorrow – Wednesday, April 16th
Might be waking up to a dusting—just enough to make you second-guess putting those boots away. But the skies should clear up some, maybe even a peek of sunshine if we’re lucky. Still on the chilly side though, with a high around 42°F (5°C) and dropping to 22°F (-5°C) once the sun tucks in for the night.

Highway 522 is still pretty quiet these days, which isn’t all that surprising—and it’s carrying a bit of a wet shine to it this morning. So far, the snow isn’t sticking, but that could change as the day rolls on. Let’s hope it doesn’t. I think we’ve all had just about enough of Old Man Winter for one year.

On a different note, I spent the better part of yesterday right here at my desk, working away on the ol’ keyboard. Got five stories written, which made for a mighty fine writing day. The words just poured out, smooth and steady—like sap running on a warm spring morning. I sure love when that happens. I like to get ahead while the weather’s still dreary, ’cause once it warms up, I’d rather be out soaking up the sunshine than cooped up inside staring at a screen.

So, what am I up to today?

Well, seeing as the weather isn’t exactly inviting, I figure I’ll spend a bit more time writing up some stories. I’ve got to send in my weekly pieces to the folks I write for, which I’ll get to here in a minute. After that, I’ll sit down and enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. Then… well, I think a hot cup of cocoa is in order, followed by a nice chat with her.

She’s been busy as all get out for these past few months, sorting through household items for the big sale we’ve got coming up in a few weeks. That woman of mine never slows down, lucky to have her.

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

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Good Morning! When the wood stove is burning nicely and the coffee’s strong, even Mondays feel like old friends.

Weather Outlook for Port Loring, Ontario

Monday, April 14
A grey and damp day ahead. Light rain through the morning will carry on in patches through the afternoon, with the odd break here and there. Temperatures will rise to a high of 54°F (12°C) and settle down tonight to about 35°F (1°C). A good day to stay close to the fire, maybe catch up on a bit of work in the shop or house.

Tuesday, April 15
Tuesday brings some cooler weather with it, and a mix of rain and snow showers moving through. We could see snow amounts anywhere from 0.4 to 1.2 inches (1–3 cm), especially by late morning into the afternoon. Winds will pick up a bit, making it feel colder than the thermometer says. Daytime highs will hover near 40°F (4°C) and drop to 25°F (-4°C) by the time night rolls in. Might be another good day to keep the kettle warm and the wool socks close.

Highway 522 is wet this morning and pretty quiet, with hardly a car in sight. But then again, it is still early. Yesterday was a different story, with plenty of folks out and about. In any case, it is what it is—and best to enjoy the peace while it lasts. It won’t be long before folks start rolling in to open up their cottages, along with day-trippers wandering through, looking for things to see and do.

On another note, my wife and I spent most of the yesterday working outside. We got a lot done, though there’s still plenty left to tackle. But with the rain today, it looks like outdoor chores will be taking a back seat for now.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, like I mentioned earlier, there’s not much I can do outside with the rain coming down. But we’ve still got plenty to keep us busy indoors—mostly sorting through more things we’re planning to put out for sale next month. It’s shaping up to be one heck of a sale, let me tell ya—something for everyone, no matter the age or whether you’re a man or a woman.

And along with that on our list of things to get done, I just might sit myself down and write up another story or two. We’ll see how the day unfolds. Truth be told, my wife and I have a habit of starting out doing one thing and somehow ending up doing something completely different. No rhyme or reason around this house, that’s for sure.

So with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has prepared, and then I’ll let the day unfold as it will. It might not be the finest day weather-wise, but every new day holds possibilities—it all depends on what you make of it.

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

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Good Morning! If your porch chair’s got more stories than the news, you’re sittin’ in the right spot.

Port Loring, Ontario Weather Forecast
Sunday, April 13 – Monday, April 14, 2025

Today – Sunday, April 13
It’s a sunny start to the day here in Port Loring. Expect a high around 60°F (16°C) this afternoon. Winds will be light from the southwest, around 10 km/h. It’s a good day to get outside, maybe clean up the yard or go for a walk.

Tonight
Clear skies will stick around, with the temperature dropping to about 41°F (5°C) overnight. A cool but calm night.

Tomorrow – Monday, April 14
Monday will be much the same. A mix of sun and a few clouds, with a high near 63°F (17°C). Winds will be a bit stronger from the west at about 15 km/h. No rain expected, so it should be another decent day to be out and about.

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Highway 522 is bare and dry this Sunday morning, making for good traveling for those heading to the larger towns for supplies.

On another note, yesterday, my wife and I spent the morning outside cleaning out one of our side buildings. After lunch, I made a run to the dump, then settled in to watch the Masters Golf Tournament.

It was a great day of golf. Rory McIlroy lit up the course with a historic start—six straight holes of three or better, including two eagles and three birdies. He finished the third round with a 6-under 66, putting him at 12-under for the tournament and giving him a two-shot lead heading into today’s final round.

Right behind him is Bryson DeChambeau at 10-under, and not far off is our own Canadian, Corey Conner’s, sitting in third at 8-under. He’s been steady all week, and it sure would be something to see him make a strong run today. Ludvig Åberg and Patrick Reed are tied at 6-under going into the final round.

The final round of the Masters gets underway today around 9:40 a.m. Eastern, with the leaders teeing off a little later in the morning. You can catch the live coverage on CBS from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., and it’s also available for streaming if you’ve got access to that.

As for the weather down in Augusta, Georgia, it’s looking just about perfect—sunny skies, a high around 68°F (20°C), light winds, and no rain in sight. Should make for a great day of golf.

I’m really looking forward to watching how it all plays out. Here’s hoping Conner’s keeps the Canadian flag flying high!

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, this morning I’m planning to fix up one wall on one of our outbuildings—it’s seen better days. Once that’s done, I’ll start getting the inside organized so we can figure out where to place all the shop items we’re planning to sell or get rid of next month. That’ll likely keep me busy for most of the morning. After that, I’ll be settling in to watch the final round of the Masters—wouldn’t want to miss that.

So with that, I’m off once again to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. After that, I’ll see what the day has in store—besides what I’ve already planned. A new day means a new start, and after that… who really knows?

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

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Good Morning! I remember one time my Dad and I were chatting out by our barn. He went on to say: “George, you see that old barn? She’s been leanin’ into the wind for longer than either of us can remember—but she’s still standin’. That’s how you get old proper. You don’t fight every storm. Oh, life’s going to take a piece of you now and then—but don’t let it take more than it needs to.”

It’s a sunny morning wakin’ up here in the north, which is sure nice to see—even if there’s still a bit of a chill in the air. But give it an hour or so, and I figure things’ll start to warm up just fine.

Port Loring Weather Forecast

Today – Saturday, April 12, 2025:
Plenty of sunshine on the way.
High of 54°F (12°C), low near 28°F (-2°C).

Tomorrow – Sunday, April 13, 2025:
Clouds start rollin’ in later on.
High around 58°F (14°C), low about 39°F (4°C).

On another note, yesterday my wife and I once again worked the morning away and a good part of the afternoon, carryin’ things out to the old woodworking shop for our spring sale. I’ve gotta tell ya, folks—I never would’ve dreamt we had that much stuff tucked away. Simply amazin’.

Then, come afternoon, we settled in to watch the Masters Golf Tournament down in Augusta, Georgia. It was a great day all around.

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Masters Golf Tournament – Second Round Highlights

After two rounds at Augusta, the leaderboard is shaping up for an exciting weekend:

• Justin Rose leads the pack at 8-under-par after rounds of 65 and 71.
• Bryson DeChambeau is just one stroke behind at 7-under, following rounds of 69 and 68.
• Tied for third at 6-under are Rory McIlroy and Corey Conner’s, both with impressive performances.

Our very own Corey Conner’s from Canada shot a solid 70 in the second round, bringing his total to 138 (-6). A highlight of his day was nearly holing out with an incredible approach on No. 11.

The weather in Augusta today will be mostly sunny, with less than 30% cloud coverage throughout the day. Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 66°F (19°C) and a low of 45°F (7°C). Humidity levels will range from 79% in the early morning to 36% by mid-afternoon, with a light breeze and no chance of rain.

The third round of the Masters Tournament is scheduled to begin at 9:50 a.m. Eastern Time (6:50 a.m. Pacific Time).

In Canada, you can watch the Masters live on TSN and CTV. Coverage for the third round begins at 2 p.m. Eastern Time (11 a.m. Pacific Time) on TSN3, TSN4, and CTV.

Enjoy the tournament!

With that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me. After that, it’s time to get to work—I’ve got more cleaning up to do in the outbuilding by my shop. Once that’s cleared out, I’ll have more room for more stuff for the sale.

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

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Good Morning! When the coffeepot rattles on our old stove, you know it’s going to be a talkative day around here.

Well, it’s not as cold as it was yesterday, but you can still feel that bite in our northern air. And it’s still a might cold to do much front porch sittin’.

Now, here’s your weather for today and tomorrow in Port Loring, Ontario:

Today, April 11: A bit cloudy this morning, but it’ll clear up some as the day goes on. High of 47°F (8°C), Low of 28°F (-2°C).

Tomorrow, April 12: A sunny day ahead with plenty of blue skies. High of 54°F (12°C), Low of 28°F (-2°C).

Perfect weather to get out and about, but still a good idea to bundle up!

Highway 522 is bare and dry this morning, which will make traveling good.

On another note, yesterday, my wife and I spent the morning getting things ready for our big spring sale. We’re planning to unload years’ worth of items we no longer use, so it’ll be a massive garage sale! It’s going to take place sometime next month, and we’ll keep you posted on the exact dates once we have them.

On top of that, everything in our gift shop will also be for sale at unbeatable prices, so it’s not just your typical garage sale. You’ll find some real gems! Make sure to jot it down so you don’t forget to drop by once I give you the dates.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today my wife and I will continue on as we did yesterday, at least in the morning. In the afternoon, just like yesterday, we’ll be tuning in to watch the Masters golf tournament. I have to say, so far, it’s been a great game! Even our very own Corey Conner’s was in second place. Sure would be nice to see him win it, but we still have a long way to go yet.

As the day wrapped up, here are the standings for the top three at the Masters 2025:

1. Justin Rose – A fantastic 7-under 65 performance put him in the lead with a three-shot advantage.
2. Scottie Scheffler – He held steady and made a strong run to stay within striking distance in second.
3. Corey Conner’s – He was tied for fourth with a solid 68, still very much in the hunt.

One of the highlights of the day was Fred Couples. He’s getting up there in years, but he’s still out there doing what he does best. His eagle on the 15th hole was a thing of beauty, proving he still has the magic touch!

And let’s not forget about the course itself. It’s looking great! The greens are smooth, the fairways are in top shape, and the trees are just beautiful. The whole place is a perfect picture of spring.

With three more days to go, today, tomorrow, and Sunday, it’s shaping up to be an exciting finish. Can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!

So, with that, I’m off for breakfast that my little woman has ready for me. After we enjoy our hot cup of cocoa and have our regular morning chat, I’ll get to work.

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

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Good Morning! My old friend Grey Wolf used to say: “George, the sky doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, it gives the same sunrise to all who look up.”

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

Thursday, April 10, 2025:

• High: 45°F (7°C)
• Low: 20°F (-6°C)
• Conditions: Expect plenty of sunshine to stretch across the sky, but don’t forget to bundle up—those cool northern winds will keep things brisk. Perfect weather for a morning walk with a hot cup of coffee in hand.

Friday, April 11, 2025:

• High: 46°F (8°C)
• Low: 28°F (-2°C)
• Conditions: A mix of sunshine and some clouds, giving you just enough time to get out and enjoy the fresh air before things cool off again at night. It’s the kind of day that calls for layers and a good pair of boots for that stroll down a quiet country road.

Looks like it’ll be a couple of crisp, refreshing days. Enjoy the sunshine, but don’t forget to keep that jacket close—spring’s still finding its footing up here.

Highway 522 is bare and dry this morning, making for good traveling. So, if anyone is in need of supplies, it should be a great day to head off to the big city.

On another note: Yesterday, with the weather so nice, my wife and I decided to head into the big city of North Bay to pick up a few things, like groceries. We got everything taken care of, had our lunch in the car, and picked up a Starbucks coffee for the road home. The weather couldn’t have been better, and on the way back, we stopped for a visit with some good friends. All in all, it was a great day.

So what are you up to today GW

Well, once it warms up a bit today, my wife and I are going to get to work on preparations for the big spring sale we’re planning. We’ve already completed much of the prep work, but there’s still plenty to do, which will keep us busy this morning. Afterward, we’ll settle in to watch The Masters golf tournament, which starts today. We never miss it. The beautiful flowers, lush greens, fairways, and trees always get us into the spring spirit.

So with that, I am off for my breakfast that my little woman has made for me, and will then head outdoors, well after our cup of hot cocoa and our regular morning chat. Although, in saying that, it should be noted we chat all the time, and you know what? We are damn good at it, too.

Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

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Good Morning! As my old friend Grey Wold Used to say: A crow’s call at dawn doesn’t need explaining, and neither do most things, if you’re paying attention.

Well—she’s a cold one here in cottage country this morning. When I crawled out of bed, the thermometer was sittin’ at -0.94°F | -18.3°C. So much for all that global warming stuff folks keep carryin’ on about.

Far as I’m concerned, the earth’s just doin’ what it’s always done. It’s been warming up and cooling down since the beginning of time. Sure, we might be making a bit of a mess with the way we live now, but the big picture? That’s Mother Nature’s work, she runs the show, not us. All them fanatics hollering about the end of the world every time it snows or rains a bit too much, well, they need to take a breath and look back at history.

Port Loring Weather Forecast

Today: A cold one, with a bit of sun, some cloud, and maybe a flurry or two.
High: 35°F | 2°C
Low Tonight: 15°F | -9°C

Tomorrow: A bit milder, with a bit more sunshine.
High: 43°F | 6°C
Low: 24°F | -5°C

You might want to toss another log on the fire and keep that coffee close. She’s still got some bite in her, but the warmer days are comin’.

Highway 522 is bare and dry this morning, which will make for some good travelin’—whether you’re heading into town for supplies or just making the weekly run to the dump. Yep, it’s Dump Day here in our little corner of the world—one of the more prestigious events on the calendar if you ask a few of the locals.

Some folks treat it like a social outing… wave to a neighbor, maybe compare who’s got the better load in the back of the truck. And if you’re real lucky, you might even spot someone sneakin’ something back from the dump. “One man’s trash,” as they say.

So, if you’ve been holding off getting rid of that busted toaster or that old chair with only one leg left, now’s your chance. Roads are good, sky’s clear, and the garbage gods are smiling.

On another note, yesterday me and my wife managed to get our driveway and decks cleared of snow. I have to tell ya, there was a lot of it. In some spots we had a good foot and a half. It took me and my wife the whole morning to get things cleaned up.

And I gotta tell ya, we were more than ready for our lunch and a couple cups of coffee when we were finished. After that, our two Lazy Boy chairs sure felt good. Slept good too.

So, what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today’s a bit on the cool side, so I’m thinkin’ I’ll sit down and write up another story or two and keep the home fires going. After yesterday, this old body of mine could sure use a bit of a rest.

With that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife has put together for me. After that, I’ll see what the day has in store. It might be cold, but that sun shining like she is sure makes it look nice outside.

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

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Good Morning! You know, the problem today isn’t a lack of knowledge, it’s an oversupply of nonsense.

Well, folks, old man winter has reappeared—at least in our neck of the woods.
Looking outside, I’d say we had a good foot, and in some places, closer to two feet, of fresh snow overnight. Just when we were getting ready to welcome spring proper, winter decided to show us it’s not quite done yet.

Weather Forecast – Port Loring, Ontario, Canada

Today (Tuesday, April 8):
Flurries in the morning tapering off as the day goes on. Skies will stay mostly cloudy, with a few sunny breaks possible this afternoon. Expect a high around 28°F (–2°C). Winds will be light, but enough to make it feel a touch colder. Total snowfall today is expected to stay under an inch (1 cm)—but we’ve already got plenty on the ground from before dawn.

Tonight:
Skies clear out, bringing a sharp drop in temperature. Low near 6°F (–14°C), with frost settling in wherever the wind hasn’t swept it clean. A good night to toss an extra log on the fire.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, April 9):
Mostly sunny, with a high of 34°F (1°C). Not a big warm-up, but enough to soften the snow on your boots by afternoon. Winds will stay light. Clear and cold again overnight, with lows dipping to around 17°F (–9°C).

So, if you’re headed outside, bundle up good, and keep that shovel handy.
Around here, winter doesn’t ask for permission before making itself at home, or so it seems lately.

Highway 522… well, it’s out there somewhere—
but you sure wouldn’t know it looking out the window this morning. It’s completely buried under a thick blanket of snow. You’d be hard-pressed to tell where the road ends and the fields begin. Travel’s not lookin’ too promising, I’ll tell ya that much.

It’s the kind of day when the smart ones stay put, maybe put on a fresh pot of coffee.

On another note:
Yesterday, with the weather bein’ what it was, my wife and I stayed put here at home. I spent most of the day tappin’ away at the keys, writing up a couple more stories. The words were flowin’ real nice, like sap on a warm spring day.

Meanwhile, my wife was busy as ever—tidyin’ up, cleanin’, and doin’ all the little things that keep a home runnin’ smooth. Let me tell ya, that woman of mine never stops.

So, what are you up to today, GW?

Well, one thing’s for sure—there’s a mighty big pile of snow out there waitin’ for us. The decks and driveway are buried deep, and I suspect movin’ all that white stuff will keep us busy for most of the morning—maybe even into the afternoon. After that? Well, no-brainer there, as we’ll be more than ready to kick back and catch our breath.

But first things first, as right now I’m off to enjoy a plate of homemade waffles, courtesy of my lovely wife. She sure knows how to start the day off right. After that? We’ll see what the day brings.

Until the next time… keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

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Good Morning! “You know, truth may be simple, but finding it these days is like looking for a needle in a haystack that keeps moving.”

It’s a cloudy morning here, waking up in our small community.

🌨️ Port Loring Weather – April 7 & 8, 2025

Today – Monday, April 7
We’re in for a snowy one.
Expect 6 to 12 inches of snow through the day, some of it heavy at times.
Winds are pickin’ up and blowin’ it around, so visibility could be poor.
It’s a chilly one, too — only getting up to about 37°F (3°C) during the day,
and tonight it’s droppin’ like a stone to around 8°F (-13°C).

Tomorrow – Tuesday, April 8
Still not much better. Snow and flurries hanging around in the morning.
Might see another 2 to 4 inches fall before it settles down.
High won’t get much above 28°F (-2°C),
and the low’s right down near 10°F (-12°C) again come nightfall.

No outside work yet — ground’s locked up tighter than a maple syrup barrel in January. Best to stay warm, maybe sip a mug of something hot, and let that ol’ snow do what it’s going to do.

Highway 522 is bare at the time of this post, but if we get what they say we are going to get, you might want to get your running around done early. “Better to be home wishin’ you’d gone out, than out wishin’ you were home.” A saying, Laura, the lady that raised me for a while, in my early years, used to say, when a storm was brewing.

On another note, yesterday, my wife and I brought in a couple more wheelbarrow loads of firewood. With the cold settin’ in for the next few days and a storm threatening to roll through later today, I figured it was best to have a bit extra on hand — just in case.

That took up most of the morning, along with a few other odds and ends outside. The sun was out, and it felt good to get some fresh air while the weather was behaving.

In the afternoon, I sat down to write a story. Took me a bit longer than usual — the words just weren’t flowin’ the way I’d have liked. Some days are like that, no matter how long you’ve been at it. But I stuck with it, and in the end, it turned out pretty good. On a good day, I could’ve had it written up in half the time — but sometimes, a story’s gotta stew a little before it’s ready.

So, what are you up to today, GW?

Well, earlier this morning I took some coals from my wood furnace to the old shop stove and got it goin’. Figured I’d try to get this old body of mine moving a bit and get a few things done out there later on. I’ve got a bit of a mess to clean up from what I was working on a couple of days ago — bits of wood here and there, tools sittin’ where I left ‘em, and the floor could use some sweeping.

It should be warming up in the shop nicely by the time I’ve had my breakfast. My lovely wife already has it made — smells real good too, I’ll be sittin’ down to it here in a minute or two.

A warm shop, a hot breakfast, and a few small jobs to tackle — sounds like a pretty decent start to the day if you ask me.

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

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Good Morning! You know, I figure the problem with a lot of folks here in Canada these days, isn’t just a lack of knowledge… it’s that what little they do know is buried under a mountain of nonsense. And truth be told, a good chunk of that mountain’s been stacked up by the very folks who are supposed to be leading us—our politicians.

Port Loring, Ontario – Sunday, April 6, 2025

Well, here we are. .April’s on the calendar, but winter’s still clinging’ to the edges. As of this morning, Port Loring’s sitting at a brisk 34°F (1°C) under partly sunny skies. Here’s how the week’s looking if you’re planning your chores, travel, or just deciding whether or not to fire up the wood-stove again.

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Forecast

Today – Sunday, April 6
High: 39°F (4°C) | Low: 25°F (-4°C)
A chilly day with low clouds hanging around. The sun might poke through now and then, but it won’t be bringing much warmth. A good day for shop work, or???

Monday, April 7
High: 36°F (2°C) | Low: 10°F (-12°C)
Heavy snow’s on the horizon and we can expect 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm). Also some colder weather will follow in behind it, so keep the shovel handy.

Tuesday, April 8
High: 28°F (-2°C) | Low: 8°F (-13°C)
Cloudy and very cold. The kind of cold that makes you hesitate at the door.

Wednesday, April 9
High: 37°F (3°C) | Low: 19°F (-7°C)
Mostly sunny but still well below normal. That sunshine’s more for show than warmth. So best bundle up and enjoy the light, but don’t leave your coat at home.

Thursday, April 10
High: 45°F (7°C) | Low: 24°F (-4°C)
Partly sunny and beginning to ease up. Might start to feel like spring is thinking about showing up, even if it’s still shy.

Friday, April 11
High: 50°F (10°C) | Low: 33°F (1°C)
Mostly sunny and milder–finally something close to seasonal. This will be the day to stretch your legs, maybe even sweep off the porch for good.

Saturday, April 12
High: 50°F (10°C) | Low: 32°F (0°C)
Bright sunshine and warming-up right where it should be.

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April in Port Loring – A Bit of History

On average, Port Loring sees daytime highs near 50°F (10°C) and lows around 29°F (-2°C) for April. Precipitation’s a regular guest, with around 12 days bringing rain or snow, totaling close to 3.5 inches (87 mm). In other words–expect mud, a stubborn bit of snow, and enough chill to keep the garden covered just a little longer.

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A Few Words of Wisdom

Best be dressing in layers this week, GW-style...long handles underneath, rain coat up top, and maybe keep a second pair of gloves in the truck. That snow on Monday won’t last forever, but it’s coming, and the cold behind it means you’ll feel it in your knuckles.

But again–by the end of the week, we’re heading into better weather, more sun, more warmth, and maybe the first real breath of spring.

On another note, the weather kept me indoors yesterday so I spent the better part of it here at my computer. The words came easy, and I ended up writing a couple more stories for the folks I send work to at Postmedia. Always gives me a warm feeling inside when an egg of an idea starts to crack open—but it never feels truly hatched until it’s been shared with the world.

So what are you up to today GW?

Well, with the sun shining and me feeling not too bad-once it warms up a bit, I’m thinking I might head out and do a little work in my old woodworking shop. But for now, with the air still holding a bit of a chill, I’m staying put here at my computer. If I’m lucky, I might even manage to write up another story or two. We’ll just have to see how things pan out.

Truth be told, I never honestly know what I’m going to do from one day to the next. I make plans, but over the years, I’ve come to realize that plans are often made to be broken- and most times, that’s not such a bad thing.

And with that, I’m off to enjoy my morning breakfast—once again made by my lovely wife. After that, well, I’ll get to doing something-eventually. But whatever the day brings will just have to wait until we’ve had our regular morning chat over a hot cup of cocoa. Wouldn’t want to miss that for anything.

Truth is, a day without my sunshine—my lovely wife—just wouldn’t feel right. She brightens every morning in a way no sunrise ever could, and I wouldn’t trade that for all the plans in the world. Hmm you think that last remark might just get me a piece of cake to go with that cup of hot cocoa???

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

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Good morning. I’ve said it for years, and I’ll say it again… opinions are everywhere, but real wisdom? That’s getting mighty scarce these days, especially here in Canada.

Here’s how the weather’s shaping up for us today here in the North:

Today, Saturday, we’re expecting a mostly cloudy day with a few light showers now and then. The high will be around 44°F (7°C) and dipping to about 27°F (-3°C) overnight.

Tomorrow, Sunday, more clouds are on the way with a high near 39°F (4°C) and another nighttime low around 27°F (-3°C).

Oh and once again... I’ve always used Fahrenheit, and that’s the way it’s gonna stay. It’s what I grew up with, it’s what works, and it tells me what I need to know without any fuss. I honestly don’t care what political bunch, or government outfit decided Celsius was better, and it sure wasn’t done for folks like me. I’ve lived long enough to know you don’t toss out common sense just because someone with a title calls it progress. Thought I would toss that into the ring this morning for us old timers. Ha

Highway 522 is bare and dry this morning, making for a decent run if you’re headin’ to the big city for supplies. However, it might not stay that way all day though… as they’re calling’ for a bit of rain later on, so best not to dawdle if you’ve got things to do. And with spring setting in, there’s more critter movement than usual—especially deer, so it’s wise to keep an eye on the ditches and tree lines. One wrong move from them, and you’ve got more than the price of groceries to worry about.

On another note, my wife and I spent the whole day outside yesterday, working’ away like a couple of old Clydesdale Horses, getting things ready for our big spring sale. We managed to fix up a spot to start piling everything we’ve got for sale… which, at this point, is just about everything but the kitchen sink. Although, now that I think on it, we might have one of those kickin’ around too, if I dig deep enough. Either way, it was a productive day, and the kind that makes you sleep real good, and with your body letting’ you know it worked hard.

So what are you up to today GW?

Well, today, since the weather’s not exactly playing nice, I’m planning on writing up another story or two. In between, I’ll probably sneak into the woodworking shop to break things up a bit and get the old body moving. As the saying goes, the older you get, the worse thing you can do is sit too long. You let yourself get stiff, and next thing you know, it’s harder to get up, than it was to sit down. So, a little work, a little writing, it keeps the gears turning and the joints from rustin’.

Oh and once again before I go: It’s high time we stopped taking’ any taxes out of the working man’s paycheck. People are barely getting by as it is, and every time that check comes in, it’s like a chunk’s already been taken before they’ve even had a chance to see it. These politicians, they hide behind things like this, thinking folks won’t notice. Well, we do. It’s about time they stop skimming off the top and let the people keep what they earn. They’ve got their cushy jobs and fancy suits… how much more do they need?

With that, I’m off for my morning breakfast, once again made by my lovely wife. Hmm, I think I’ll have an extra cup of hot cocoa this morning, along with our regular morning chat, of course.

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

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Good Morning! You know a Wise Man Once Said, “‘The Truth Will Set You Free’—But First, It’ll Probably Annoy You.”

For a change, we’re all waking up to sunshine here in the north. The day starts off bright with temperatures around 34°F (1°C). As we move into the afternoon, expect partly sunny skies with the mercury climbing to a high of 48°F (9°C). As night falls, temperatures will dip to a low of 35°F (2°C).​

Come Saturday, the skies will turn cloudy, bringing along a couple of showers. The daytime high will be around 46°F (8°C), so keep your rain gear handy if you’re planning to be outdoors. By night, temperatures will drop to a chilly 28°F (-2°C), so best to stoke the fire and keep warm.

Highway 522 is bare and dry this morning, and let’s hope it stays that way. Things have been quiet, which is about right for this time of year. But it won’t be long before the cottagers start rolling in to open up their places for the summer. After that, the boats will start showing up on the lakes and rivers, and not long after that, the tourists will be arriving.

I’ve got a hunch this year might be a good one for tourism. The price of gas is lower than it’s been in quite a few years, and that alone could encourage folks to hit the road a little more. That’ll put a smile on the faces of the local business owners, that’s for sure.

But… like always, we’ll just have to wait and see how it all pans out. The human mind? Well, it works in mysterious ways now and then.

On another note, I did manage to get a bit of work done outside yesterday. With my wife’s help, we hauled in a few more wheelbarrow loads of firewood for the wood furnace. Figured we might as well save on oil, especially with what it costs to fill that tank these days. We topped ours up, and it wasn’t even empty, yet the bill came to $1,040.00.

You know, years ago, that kind of money could’ve bought a brand-new truck. It’s hard to wrap your head around how far things have drifted.

And the part that really gets me is this—we’ve got the resources right here in our own country. Oil, gas, you name it. Yet we’re still being gouged like we’re importing it from halfway around the world. You’d think they’d cut the locals a bit of slack. But no, our own companies seem more interested in lining their pockets than looking out for the folks who keep this country running.

So what are you up to today GW?

Well, today… seeing as things are warming up and the sun is shining, I figure it might be a good one to tackle some more outside chores. We’ve got that big spring sale coming up in a month or so, and there’s still a pile of things that need doing. Should keep us out of trouble for most of the day… or at least until I run out of steam.

Mind you, if today turns out anything like yesterday with us hauling in firewood, I might be needing a nap by noon. Funny how that works, as back in the day, I could work circles around the clock. Now however, I bend down to tie my boots and wonder if that counts as stretching.

And these so-called “golden years”… I often wonder who came up with that phrase. Must’ve been one of those politicians… likely one who’s never lifted anything heavier than a coffee cup and a campaign promise.

With that I am off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me and we will then see what the day has in store.

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

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Good Morning! You know…. It’s funny how the truth is always there, but folks prefer the stories they make up instead.

She sure is a fine-looking morning up here in the north, But don’t let her good looks fool you, as she’s got a mean streak coming later today. They’re calling for some nasty weather rolling in, with a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain set to make life interesting. By tonight, the roads might turn into a skating rink.

Forecast Us Here in The North

Today (Wednesday, April 2):

High: 35°F (2°C)​

Conditions: Cloudy and breezy with periods of snow, sleet, and freezing rain developing this afternoon. Accumulations of 1-3 cm are possible, making untreated roads slippery.​

Tonight:

Low: 29°F (-2°C)​
Conditions: Continued precipitation with freezing rain transitioning to drizzle or light rain as temperatures rise overnight.​

Tomorrow (Thursday, April 3):

High: 50°F (10°C)​
Low: 27°F (-3°C)​

Conditions: Breezy and milder. Morning low clouds will give way to sunshine and areas of high clouds later in the day.

So all an all, we’ve got some not-so-good news weather-wise today, with snow, sleet, and freezing rain rolling in, but the good news is that tomorrow’s looking a lot better! Temperatures are warming up, and we might even see a little sunshine. Kinda like me… handsome as all get-out, a little rough around the edges, but still kicking, and I warm up just fine with a little sunshine too. Ha!

Highway 522 is bare and dry this morning, so traveling should be pretty good for now. But don’t let that fool you, keep an eye on what’s coming, and don’t wander too far from home. Reason being with the weather they’re calling for, things could turn tricky on the roads before too long.

So, yesterday, with the weather being pretty good and lots of sunshine, my wife and I decided to head into the big city of North Bay to pick up a few supplies. All in all, it was a great day. We had a meal out, did our shopping, grabbed a coffee, and enjoyed nature, and each other’s company. What could be better than that? Not much in my books… unless, of course, someone else was doing the shopping for us and paying for the meal too. Ha!

So What Are You Up To Today GW?

Well, today being my birthday—yep, this old timer made it to another one, so I’m thinking I’ll take it easy after yesterday’s trip to town. It seems I need a little time to wind down the next day for some reason. Not sure why that is, but at any rate, I think I’ll write up a story or two for my columns this morning, and if the weather holds out, I might make a dump run this afternoon. We’ll see how that works out.

Now, that’s the plan, but one never knows what a day might bring. Heck, at my age, I’m just happy I made it through another year without breaking anything important. And I’m not talking about my car! Ha! So here’s to another trip around the sun….let’s see if I can still make it to the next one without needing a map to find my way!

With that, I’m off for my breakfast, which, as always, my lovely wife has made for me. And after that, well, we’ll see what mischief I can get into… at least, that’s what my wife says. She knows me too well! Ha!

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

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Good Morning! Over the years I have found that: The trouble with common sense is, it ain’t so common anymore.

It’s a damp, cloudy morning here in Northern Ontario, but I can’t say I’m complaining. The weatherman did have folks bracing for the worst, but all that fuss didn’t amount to much. Oh we did have a bit of snow, but it was barely worth a mention.

Weather for us today:

Well, she’s shaping up to be a damp and chilly one here in Port Loring, with a mix of snow and rain this morning, but not much to fuss over. This afternoon looks to stay cloudy, with a high around 36°F (2°C). That said, if we’re lucky, we might just get a sneak peek of sunshine… no promises though.

Tonight, temperatures take a nosedive down to 12°F (-11°C), so it might be a good idea to keep that extra blanket on your bed.

Tomorrow, the sun plans to peek out, but don’t expect much warmth. Highs will only reach 31°F (-1°C), with a low of 18°F (-8°C).

And for those who prefer Celsius, well, I’ll keep tossing in the numbers… but I still say Fahrenheit makes more sense. When it’s 32°F, you know things are freezing—plain and simple. 0°C? Sounds like someone just ran out of numbers. And let’s be honest, Celsius has a way of making things sound worse than they are. -10°C? -20°C?

Highway 522’s wet but bare this morning, so traveling shouldn’t be too bad, just keep an eye out, reason being if the wind switches to the north, we might see some slippery spots popping up here and there. Best to take it easy if you’re heading out; don’t need anyone ending up in the ditch. Stay safe, folks!

On another note, yesterday I wrapped up another project for my lovely wife and then got busy cutting out four rustic birdhouses. Took most of the day, and by the time I was done, I was ready to hang up a sign that said “closed for business.” But a productive day is a good day as it keeps the hands busy and the mind sharp. And as as any seasoned woodworker will tell you, it’s not just about the finished project. It’s about the sawdust in your hair, the ache in your back, and the satisfaction of knowing you built something with your own two hands…even if it takes you longer than it used to.

So what’s on the agenda today, GW?

Well, first off, I’ll be bringing in some more firewood for the stove, then probably clean up the shop a bit. It’s a bit of a mess right now with shavings all over, and dust piling up like it’s settling in for the long haul. But a messy shop? That’s a sign of work being done, in my book.

I see these fancy, spotless shops with all that shiny new equipment, and I can’t help but wonder if they’re actually making anything in there. I guess it’s nice to look at, but my old tools do the job, just as well as any of that high-tech stuff. And as far as I’m concerned, a shop without a little sawdust or shavings on the floor just ain’t a woodworking shop.

Once I get things cleaned up, I’ll get to putting those birdhouses together that I cut out yesterday. Maybe I could teach the birds how to put ‘em together themselves—seems like IKEA’s got people fooled, paying top dollar for stuff they have to assemble themselves. Nah, I’ll stick to the way I’ve always done it, as a project’s not finished ‘til it’s finished.

With that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me—a nice egg on an English muffin with some melted cheddar cheese over it. Should be mighty tasty and keep me going till lunch.

Until next time—Keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW

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It’s a cloudy morning here in the north. We are also getting some freezing rain thrown in for good measure.

Weather for Port Loring, Ontario

Today (Sunday, March 30)
We’re looking’ at a mix of ice and snow, with accumulation around ¾ to 1½ inches (2-4 cm) before the day’s done. Roads will be slicker than a greased pole, so if you can stay put, that’d be the smart move. High of 37°F (3°C).

Tonight
Freezing rain’s sticking’ around, building up even more ice on everything in sight. Low of 32°F (0°C).

Tomorrow (Monday, March 31)
Not quite as cold, but still plenty of clouds. Rain and a possible thunderstorm in the morning, followed by drizzle later on. High of 43°F (6°C). But by nightfall, the mercury takes a nosedive—Low of 14°F (-10°C).

⚠️ Freezing Rain Warning
A nasty ice storm is setting’ in and expected to last through early Monday morning. Ice build-up could reach between ⅜ to ¾ of an inch (10-20 mm)—that’s enough to snap branches and take down power lines. Winds could gust up to 50 km/h (30 mph), making’ things even worse.

Highway 522’s got a bit of ice here and there, but truth be told, it’s just the beginning. With what’s headed our way, it’s best to stay put and let Mother Nature do her thing. Today’s shaping up to be a messy one, and if you don’t have to be out, you’re better off watching it all unfold from the comfort of home—preferably with a hot coffee in hand.

On another note, yesterday was a full day’s work. Spent most of the morning moving snow, which kept us busy till lunchtime. After a good meal and a bit of rest, I headed back to the woodworking shop and put the finishing touches on my wife’s project. Turned out real nice. I’ll snap a picture of it later on.

So what are you up to today GW?

Well, with today being so wet and icy, I figure it’s a good time to finally get started on a couple of birdhouses I’ve been meaning to make for a while. Haven’t been feeling the best these past few days, so maybe keeping my hands busy will take my mind off things. Might need to take a break here and there—we’ll see how it goes.

It’s downright slippery out there, that’s for sure. Had to throw some salt down just to make it off the porch earlier, and by the looks of it, things are only going to get icier as the day goes on.

So, with that, I’m off to enjoy my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me. Nothing like a home-cooked meal to start the day off right. After that, I’ll see what the day has in store.

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

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Well folks, looks like winter’s still got a say in things. Woke up to 23°F (-5°C) this morning, and the day ain’t looking’ much warmer. We’ll see a high around 36°F (2°C), but don’t let that fool ya, them clouds are sticking’ around, and there’s a chance of flurries now and then.

Tonight, temps will drop to about 27°F (-3°C), and come tomorrow, things get real interesting. What we’re looking’ at is a mix of ice and rain, and if it gets bad enough, we could see some power outages along with some mighty slick roads. High though will be around 41°F (5°C), but that won’t mean much, if everything’s coated in ice.

Might be a good day to stay close to the wood-stove and let spring know we’re still waiting.

Highway 522’s got its fair share of snow and a few slick spots this morning, and with what’s rolling in, it ain’t likely to get any better. If it were me, I’d be staying put as there’s always another day to get things done, and no sense getting yourself in trouble, just to run errands that can wait. Best to stoke the fire, pour another cup of coffee, Which is exactly what my wife and I will be doing here shortly.

On another note yesterday, I spent the day working on something special for Ruth’s art studio. She’s been painting since she was young, teaching herself and selling thousands of her paintings over the years. One thing she’s always wanted is a proper place to store her canvases, but they don’t make what she needs.

So… she drew up her own design, and I got all the pieces cut out. Now, I just need to assemble it, but first, we’ll have to clear some snow to get to the shop so I can finish it up. It’s coming along, and I’m looking forward to getting it done for her.

With that I am off for my morning breakfast and will then get to moving some snow, that is if my old body will let it all happen. One has to take things a bit a time these days.

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

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Good Morning! My old Dad used to say: “George… if you can’t laugh at yourself, you’re missing half the fun of living.”

It’s a cool morning here in cottage country, but at least the sun is shining, which makes a big difference when starting the day, especially when you’ve been around as long as we have. Add a little light, a little warmth, and maybe a hot coffee, things start looking up.

Weather forecast for Port Loring, Ontario Canada

Today:
A chilly one out there, starting off around 21°F (-6°C) with some wet flurries floating around. By the afternoon, it’ll warm up a little to 39°F (4°C), but don’t put the coat away just yet as rain and snow might still make an appearance. By evening things will cool down to about 32°F (0°C), with those flurries still hanging around.

Tonight:
Skies will start to clear up a bit, but that means the temperature’s going to take a nosedive. You can expect it to drop down to 16°F (-9°C), so if you’ve got a wood-stove, tonight’s a good night to keep it stoked.

Tomorrow:
Well… tomorrow, a mix of sun and clouds will start the day, with temperatures hovering around 32°F (0°C) in the morning. By the afternoon, it won’t be much warmer, with it sitting at 32°F (0°C), and… there’s a slight chance of flurries. As the sun sets, it’ll dip back down to 16°F (-9°C), so best keep that winter coat within reach a little longer.

Highway 522 is clear of snow and ice this morning, which will make for good traveling for those heading to the big city for supplies. That’s exactly what my lovely wife and I did yesterday.

First stop was the garage to get an oil change and have them check our brakes. Pays to keep an eye on those things in this country—what with all the salt and whatever else they’re dumping on the highways these days. Let’s just say it sure has a way of messing things up. The good news? Our brakes are looking pretty good.

While we were there, we had them swap out our snow tires for summer ones. Oh, I know—some folks will say winter isn’t over yet, and they’re probably right. But my wife and I figured, might as well get it done. If we get a bit more snow, well, we’ll just stay put until it’s gone. At this stage in life, we’re not in a rush to go anywhere or do much of anything. That said, a person ought to make the most of a day, as there is no sense sitting around when there’s work to be done. Though, between you and me, I’ve found that if you sit real still with a coffee in hand, folks just assume you’re deep in thought. Seems to work.

It should also be noted that the folks who worked on our car are real nice—treat us with respect, and best of all, they’re honest. As my old dad used to say, “An honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay.” Hard to find people like that anymore.

They’re not located in our town, but they’re not too far away, and truth be told, it’s right on our way to the city, which is a nice added bonus. And I’ll tell you, they don’t charge near as much as some places I’ve been to, especially those dealerships. Man, do they know how to empty a pocketbook.

One last thing, if you need work done, they don’t take months to squeeze you in.

After that, we made our way into town to grab what we needed, and then I took my lovely wife out to celebrate our 52nd wedding anniversary. Fifty-two years together—that’s a long time, and when I look around, I’d say it’s a bit of a milestone. In today’s world, a lot of marriages don’t even last a year. But with my wife, it’s been nothing but working together, sharing everything, and always being there for each other, no matter what comes our way. We’ve stuck together through thick and thin, and I reckon that’s the secret to making it last. We’re still going strong, and I wouldn’t trade a minute of it.

With that, I’m off for my breakfast and our hot cocoa, and then we’ll get into our regular morning chat. Since it’s our anniversary, maybe we’ll talk about when we were young and first getting together, reflect on our life together. Hmm, maybe not all of it. We’ve done so much, traveled so many roads, it would take more than one day of chatting to cover everything! In fact, we’d probably need a whole week, and even then, we’d only scratch the surface.

Until next time: Keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW