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Good Morning! If you want to become a writer like GW, you……must embrace typos like old friends, ‘cause they’ll never leave you alone.

It’s a cloudy morning here waking up in cottage country. But it isn’t snowing or raining, which is something for this time of year. Although we are crowding into March. Hard to believe spring is just around the corner.

Today:
Cloudy skies will be hanging around, with a few snowflakes drifting down here and there. Nothing to write home about, just enough to remind us it’s still winter. Temps will reach about 38°F (3°C) this afternoon, so not too bad for this time of year. Might even feel a little mild if the wind stays down.

Tonight:
Staying cloudy, and it’s going to cool off quite a bit. Looking at around 0°F (-18°C) overnight, so if you’re heading out, bundle up.

Tomorrow:
A cloudy start to the day, with a chance of more snow in the afternoon. Not a big storm, but enough to freshen things up a bit. Temps will be around 19°F (-7°C) in the morning, then dropping to 12°F (-11°C) by evening.

Typical late-winter weather—just enough to keep us guessing.

Highway 522 is pretty well clear of snow and ice this morning, making travel easier for those needing to stock up on supplies. As for my wife and me, we’re all set, as yesterday, we took a trip to North Bay to pick up what we needed. Turned out to be a great day. The sun came out, it wasn’t all that cold, and there weren’t too many people getting in our way, which is a plus these days.

After finishing up our shopping, we had lunch in the car with a cup of coffee from a new place in town. Truth be told, it wasn’t anything special, so once we wrapped up our meal and spent some time watching the world go by, we swung by a spot we knew had good coffee and grabbed a proper one for the drive home.

It’s nice to get away once in a while, aside from what everything costs these days. But all in all, we had a great day, and really, what could be better than that?

Now, city shopping folks are a different breed. You can spot them a mile away, zigzagging through parking lots like they’re in some kind of survival race, clutching their reusable bags like they hold the secret to happiness. Meanwhile, us country folks just take our time, trying to remember why we came in the first place.

So, what are you up to today, GW? Well, today I’m getting back into making those Native American flutes I’ve been working on, the ones we call Fluture Flutes. They’re our own style, something we came up with years ago, and there’s nothing else like them, each one is truly one of a kind. Today’s the day I start tuning them, so I’ll be setting up my cameras to video how I go about it. Should be an interesting day, to say the least.

So with that, I’m off for my breakfast, which will consist of an egg, some bacon, and cheese on top of a toasted bun. That should hold me over until lunchtime. After that, before heading out to the old woodworking shop, my lovely wife and I will enjoy our hot cocoa along with our regular morning chat. What would a day be without them?

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

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Good morning! You know… there’s no better way to start the day than with a deep breath of country air and a strong cup of coffee. Which is exactly what I am going to do here in a few minutes.

So starting things off, we’re waking up to a sky full of clouds and a fresh dusting of snow up here in the north…just Mother Nature’s way of reminding us who’s boss. A good, strong cup of coffee and a warm fire ought to set things right.

Now, let’s take a look-see at the weather for Port Loring, Ontario:

Today:

Expect cloudy skies with some scattered snow flurries now and then. It’ll be a chilly one, with temperatures hovering around 30°F (–1°C). Some wind but nothing much to speak of, just enough to remind you to keep your hat pulled down.

Tonight:

The clouds aren’t going anywhere, and we could see a few more flurries before the night’s through. The mercury’s gonna dip to about 20°F (–7°C), so best keep an extra log on the fire.

Tomorrow:

More of the same…cloudy with a chance of light snow. Daytime highs around 32°F (0°C), which ain’t bad for this time of year. Might even feel a touch warmer if the wind stays put.

Highway 522 is mostly clear, though a few patches of snow are hanging on for dear life. Overall, traveling should be just fine. But around here, the weather isn’t the only thing you need to keep an eye on.

You might find yourself slowing down for a deer that figures the middle of the road is a great place to ponder life. Or maybe you’ll get caught behind someone who thinks turn signals are just “suggestions” and stopping for a roadside chat is more important than keeping traffic moving. And of course, there’s always that one fella in an old tractor, chugging along at a speed that makes a Sunday stroll look fast.

So, take it easy, enjoy the drive, and remember—around here, the road’s not just for getting somewhere; sometimes, it’s part of the entertainment!

On another note, my wife and I kept ourselves busy yesterday morning, clearing snow off the decks and driveway. Figured it was a good time to do it, seeing as the power was out till noon—couldn’t even get the coffee pot to perkin’. But you can bet that the moment the lights came back on, that coffee was brewing, and let me tell ya, it tasted mighty fine.

After lunch, I got to work making some weather sticks for our store, which we’re planning to open this spring—around June if all goes well. My wife and I are always coming up with new, one-of-a-kind items whenever we get the chance. Keeps things interesting, and you never know what’ll end up on the shelves!

What are you up to today, GW?

Well, this morning, I’m planning on wrapping up these weather sticks. Then, after lunch, I’ll wander on out to the old woodworking shop and get back to making those flutes that have been hogging my time these past few weeks. They’re slowly coming together, and if all goes well, I figure another week should see ‘em all finished up. I have 20 on the go, so it’s been keeping me busy.

Now, that’s the plan…but as any old woodworker knows, plans are just fancy ideas until the wood decides to cooperate. Sometimes things don’t pan out… or in this case, they don’t bore straight, don’t sand right, or split when they’ve got no business splitting. But hey, that’s half the fun of working with wood… you never really know what kind of day you’re gonna have until you get your hands on it!

So, with that bit of info, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my little woman is kindly whipping up for me. After that, we’ll see what the day has in store… though not before my lovely wife and I sit down with a hot cup of cocoa and a good old-fashioned chat, which we do every morning.

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

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Good Morning! My old Dad used to say that: If hard work builds character, I reckon you should be quite the character by now. True in a lot of ways.

It’s a cloudy start to the day here in good ol’ cottage country. Late in the day yesterday, we got ourselves a little taste of some more snow, I would say about 4 inches or so. ‘Course, that ain’t much to write home about for us northerners…just enough to freshen things up and keep the snow shovel from getting’ rusty.

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

Today, Sunday, February 23, 2025:

• Morning: Cloudy skies with temperatures around 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius).
• Afternoon: Highs reaching 36 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius) with a chance of light snow flurries.
• Evening: Temperatures dropping to 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 degree Celsius) with overcast conditions.

Tonight:

• Overnight: Cloudy with lows near 26 degrees Fahrenheit (-3 degrees Celsius).

Tomorrow, Monday, February 24, 2025:

• Morning: Windy with snow showers, accumulating an additional 1 to 3 centimeters. Temperatures around 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius).
• Afternoon: Continued snow flurries with highs reaching 36 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius).
• Evening: Overcast with temperatures steady at 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius).

Looks like winter’s still got a bit of a grip on us.

Highway 522 is mostly clear of snow, though there are still a few snowy patches on the north side of the road. So, if you’re out and about, it might pay to keep an eye on things…unless, of course, you’re looking for an excuse to test out that new set of winter tires.

As for my wife and me, we’re pretty well set for a while. We made the trip to town a few days ago, stocked up on the essentials, and now we can sit back and watch the snow pile up… at least until something runs low. Funny how in a small town, you never seem to need much until the weather turns bad. Then suddenly, you’re fresh out of whatever it is you can’t do without. But that’s country living for you… where a trip to town is more of an event than an errand.

And with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me…best get to it before the power goes out. They’re planning an outage between 9:00 AM and noon, though I suspect we’ll be too busy moving snow to notice much. That should keep us occupied till things flicker back to life.

One thing I’ve learned living in this neck of the woods is that you’ve got to roll with whatever comes your way. No sense fussing over what you can’t change. That’s just the way it is.

You all have a great day! And Until The Next Time:

Keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW

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“Good Morning Folks!” You know you’re in Northern Ontario when the snowplow wakes you up before your alarm does…and it’s still dark at 7:00 AM.

Well, it’s another brisk morning here in the north, with the mercury sitting’ at a nippy -8.68°F (-22.6°C). It’s the kind of cold that makes a fella think twice…maybe even three times…before throwing’ off the covers and facing the day. And for the record, I’ve always liked Fahrenheit better…gives a feller a real sense of just how cold it is.

Today: Sun’s peeking’ out here and there, but don’t let it fool ya…it’s staying’ cold. High of 8°F (-13°C), but with that wind, it’ll feel a fair bit colder. Best to keep the long johns handy.

Tonight: Clear skies, but that just means the cold digs in deeper. Temps dropping’ to -7°F (-21°C), and if the wind gets to whistling’, you’ll know it. Might be a good night to toss an extra log on the fire.

Tomorrow: A smidge warmer, if you can call it that. High of 15°F (-9°C), but don’t expect a heatwave. The sun will be out, but that just means it’s bright enough to see how much snow still needs shoveling’.

Bundle up and keep that coffee strong, as winter ain’t letting’ go just yet.

Highway 522…well, I am beginning to see a bit of pavement showing through here and there, but there are still plenty of snow-covered spots hanging on, not quite ready to give up. That is pretty much the norm for this time of year, especially with the cold temperatures we have been having.

As for the folks around here, well they are handling it in true northern fashion. Some are out early, shoveling with a coffee in one hand and a snow shovel in the other, while others are standing at the end of their driveways, staring at the snow like it might just move on its own. And then there are those who figure if they wait long enough, a good strong wind or a kindhearted neighbor with a plow might just save them the trouble. That’s what I call smart thinking, doesn’t happen all that often though.

On another note, yesterday my wife and I had a busy morning cleaning up the snow from the day before. And let me tell you, it wasn’t the light, fluffy kind that you can just brush away with ease. No, this stuff was heavy. The reason being, the snow that fell came down in tiny flakes, and when those little fellas pack together, they turn into something as stubborn as a pile of wet sand. At least, that’s how it felt to us two old timers.

But no matter, we managed to get ‘er done. We finished up just before noon, and I have to say, by that time, we were more than ready for a hot cup of cocoa. Truth be told, we had that, then lunch, and then figured, why stop there? So we enjoyed a couple more cups of coffee for good measure. Some might call that a bit much, but hey!… We figured we earned it.

I also managed to spend the afternoon working on the flutes I’ve got on the go. Not a bad day, all things considered. Had a few bumps along the way, but after all these years, I’ve learned you gotta take the good with the bad and keep on movin’. And that’s exactly what I did…just kept at it, knowing some days you win, and some days you learn.

This Morning, after breakfast…thanks to my lovely wife, of course…I’ll head on out to the old woodworking shop and carry on with the day’s work. It’s a cold one, but with the stove in the shop cranked up and doing its thing, well, what could be better than that? Not much, if you ask me. There’s just something about that warm stove, the smell of fresh wood, and the sound of the tools that just makes a feller feel right at home.

You all have a great day!!

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

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Good Morning! The snow’s knee-deep, the shovel’s worn thin, and the only thing keeping me going is the thought of spring… whenever it decides to show up.

Yep it’s a cold, snowy morning here in Cottage Country, the kind that bites right through a man’s coat and makes a feller think twice about leaving the warmth of his bed. But stay put? Not a chance. Every morning my feet hit the floor, I figure that’s a victory worth celebrating.

You see, after all these years, my wife and I have come to understand something most folks don’t talk about anymore. Life ain’t about piling up money, worrying about what the neighbors think, or running yourself ragged trying to keep up with everyone else’s expectations. It’s about knowing when to work hard and when to sit back and enjoy what you’ve built.

And that’s exactly what we’re doing now. We’ve earned every bit of what we have—through long days, cold mornings, and years of doing what needed doing. And from here on out, things will get done when we see fit, in our own time, on our own dime. Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that life ain’t about rushing—it’s about living.

Highway 522—well, I know it’s out there somewhere, but you wouldn’t think so with all this snow coming down. Usually, it ain’t this bad, but today? Looks more like a forgotten trail than a road. And given the shape it’s in this morning, I’d say it’s a fine excuse to stay put, keep the coffee brewing, and let the rest of the world figure itself out.

If there is one thing I’ve learned over the years is that nature don’t much care about schedules, plans, or what a feller thinks ought to get done. Snow falls when it wants, roads disappear when they feel like it, and the best way to handle it? Accept it, stay warm, and don’t go looking for trouble where it don’t need finding.

You know...living in a small town up here in the north is a lot like an old wood-stove—sometimes it smokes a bit, sometimes it runs hot, but most of the time, it just keeps folks warm and talking. We don’t have the big city rush, and truth be told, if we did, we’d probably just watch it go by from the porch, coffee in hand, and shake our heads.

Yep, small-town living might not be for everyone, but for those of us who’ve been here long enough, it’s home. And besides, where else can you get your morning news, a weather forecast, and a fresh batch of town gossip all in the time it takes to fill up your gas tank?

On another note, yesterday was another full day in the shop, working away on my flutes. Got a lot done, too. So far, I’ve filmed the whole process from start to finish, and once I get around to editing, those videos will make their way onto my YouTube channel. But that’ll be a while yet—still plenty left to do, both on the flutes and the footage.

The thing is, folks don’t always realize that making these flutes takes time—steady hands, sharp tools, and a bit of patience. But what takes just as long, if not longer, is editing the videos so folks can actually see how it’s all done without having to sit through hours of me shaping, sanding, and scratching my head. It’s a job in itself, and like any good project, it’ll get done when it gets done.

So with that bit of info on your minds, I’m off for my breakfast—hot cocoa in hand—and our regular morning chat with my lovely wife. It’s a quiet start to the day, but the best kind, if you ask me. The world may move fast, but for us, we’ve learned to slow down and savor what we’ve got. That’s a gift in itself. Here’s to another day of enjoying the little things and doing it all side by side.

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

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Good Morning! The roads are icy, the air is crisp, and if you don’t like winter, well… it’s a little late for that now!

Well, the sun’s up there somewhere this morning, but its hard to tell with all these clouds hanging around. And wouldn’t you know it, they’re dropping a little more of that white stuff…snow. But I’ve got to say, there’s something about a morning like this. The quiet, the slow drift of snowflakes…it just does something to a feller. Makes you feel like you’re pulling in the kind of energy a man/woman needs to get through the day.

Here’s what the sky’s got in store for Port Loring:

Today:
Looks like the sun’s playin’ a game of hide and seek behind them clouds, with a few flurries drifting down just to remind us it’s still winter. Won’t be too bad, though—highs around 25°F (-4°C), which ain’t exactly balmy but could be worse.

Tonight:
Them clouds are settlin’ in like an old dog on the porch, and before long, they’ll be shaking’ out a bit more snow. Nothing too wild, but enough to keep things interesting. Expect it to dip down to around 14°F (-10°C), so best toss an extra log on the fire.

Tomorrow:
Gonna wake up to a fresh blanket of the white stuff, with 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) piling up before midday. After that, the wind might kick up a bit, and it’ll stay on the chilly side, only climbing’ to about 17°F (-8°C) before dropping’ like a rock overnight—down to -3°F (-20°C).

Bottom line? If you ain’t got to be out in it, might be a good time to hunker down with a hot coffee and let winter do its thing. Stay warm, and keep your snow shovel handy!

Yesterday, I finally got a full day in the shop, working on them flutes. Been a while since I had a stretch like that without something pulling’ me away. But wouldn’t you know it, the day rolled along just fine…steady hands, sharp tools, and wood that behaved itself for once. And with that happening I managed to get a good bit done, too, which, given how things have been going, felt like a win. Funny how some days fight you every step of the way, and others just let you work. Guess that’s the way of it, same as writing or anything else…some days, it all just comes together.

With all that said, we’ll see what today brings. I did roll out of bed a bit early this morning and got the old shop stove fired up. Truth be told, it wasn’t all that cold in there for a change…not warm enough to work bare-handed mind ya, but not bad either. Give it a little time, and by the time I’ve finished my breakfast, that shop ought to be toasty enough to get some real work done today. I have always felt there’s nothing like the crackle of a good fire, and the promise of a warm work bench to start the day off right.

With that, I’m off for a bite to eat—courtesy of my lovely wife. After that, we’ll settle in with our usual cup of hot cocoa and a good chat, the kind we’ve shared for more years than I can count.

You know, some couples seem to drift apart over time, and I reckon a lot of it comes down to not talking, not truly listening to each other. I’ve even heard of folks keeping separate bank accounts, splitting things right down the middle like business partners instead of life partners. Truth be told, I can’t make sense of that. Around here, there’s no such thing as “mine” or “yours.” It’s ours—always has been, always will be. That’s how we’ve made it through fifty-odd years together, side by side, never keeping score.

And another thing—we work together. When one of us stumbles, the other is there to pick up the slack. Kind of like that old team of Clydesdale’s we had years ago. One wouldn’t work without the other, and when one passed on, well… the other wasn’t far behind. I always figured it was a broken heart that did it.

So for now, my wife and I will carry on, sharing everything—and I mean everything. Our work, our laughter, our quiet moments, and most of all, our love. Because in the end, that’s what truly keeps a team moving forward, no matter what road they’re on.

Now, how’s that for an ending on this fine winter’s morning?

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

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Good Morning! The woodpile’s shrinking, the snowbanks are growing, and the coffee pot’s working overtime—must be a Northern Ontario morning.

Well, folks, for once, we’re waking up to a bit of sunshine. Been a while, and I was starting to wonder if ol’ Mother Nature up and lost the recipe for clear skies. But sure enough, there it is, peeking through like a neighbor dropping by unannounced—welcome, but still surprising.

But, don’t get too comfortable just yet. As today, we’re looking at a high of around 30°F (-1°C), which ain’t exactly shorts weather, but compared to what we’ve been getting, it’s downright balmy. And we might catch a bit of melting if the sun sticks around long enough.

Come nighttime though, things will dip back down to a crisp 14°F (-10°C), so don’t be putting away those wool socks just yet. And if you’re heading out, best bundle up.

Tomorrow? Well, we’re back to playing the guessing game. Expect clouds to roll in again, with a chance of snow flurries here and there, just to remind us winter’s still got a grip on things. We’ll see a High of 28°F (-2°C), a low of around 12°F (-11°C), and a wind that might just whisper sweet nothings in your ear.

So, there you have it. A little sun, a little cold, and a whole lot of winter still left to go. But hey, at least it keeps the mosquitoes away.

Highway 522’s looking mostly clear this morning—well, as clear as it ever gets this time of year. But don’t let that fool ya. There are still some of those sneaky icy patches hanging around in the curves where the sun don’t shine

So, if you’re out and about, best take ‘er easy. No sense turning a quick trip to town into an afternoon waiting on a tow truck. But then again, you folks around here already know that right? The thing is, most of us that live here in the north has been dodging black ice and potholes longer than some city folks have been driving. But—if you do happen to slide a little, well, at least it’ll give the fellas at the coffee shop something to shake their heads about. Although it doesn’t take much to do that.

On another note—yesterday, I had it in my mind to head out to the shop and work on my flutes. But you know how winter goes—what you plan and what actually happens are usually two different things.

After spending half the day wrestling snow off the driveway and decks, any thoughts of crafting tunes went right out the window. And by the time we finished, my lovely wife and I were both so beat, we barely had the energy to lift a coffee cup—let alone a carving knife. So, for the flutes? Well, I figured they’d keep. Didn’t reckon they were gonna get up and walk away… least I sure hope not.

Today—well, that’s another matter. As my old woodworking shop is warming up, with the wood stove throwing off just enough heat to take the chill out of the air. My carving knives are sharpened, sitting on the bench, ready for work. You know…there’s something about a well-honed blade and a fresh piece of wood that just feels right, like they were made for each other.

So with the sun shining for a change, there is no better day to get back at it. The way I see it, any day I can spend working in my shop instead of shoveling snow is a good one. The weather may have slowed me down a bit, but I am making progress. Little by little, chip by chip, things are coming together. That is the way of a woodworker—patience, steady hands, and knowing that some things just take time.

With that, I’m off to enjoy my breakfast—nothing fancy, just some good ol’ toast with eggs and a touch of sweetness, made by my lovely wife. It’s the kind of meal that’ll hold me over until lunchtime, though I wouldn’t be surprised if I find myself sneaking back in for a cup of hot cocoa later on. We’ll see how that goes—it might just become the perfect mid-morning treat.

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