Yesterday, I picked some of our first tomatoes, zucchini, along with a few beans. There’s something truly special about that first toasted tomato sandwich of the season.

Click on image to enlarge!

Good mornin’! You can’t unscramble eggs, but you can always make an omelette. So… make the best of what you got.

It looks as if we are in for another really nice day here in cottage country. The sun is shinning, the temperatures are comfortable, and the birds are enjoying their breakfast at our bird feeder.

Highway 522 has been picking up traffic wise, with lots of new vehicles roaming around town.

Bug Report; No complaints in that department, things are really nice.

Moving along, my wife and I managed to cut the grass yesterday and tend to our gardens. I have to say, our piece of the world is looking really nice. It takes hard work, but it’s work we enjoy, and that makes all the difference.

Today, I plan to work outside on a few projects that need my attention, which I expect will take most of the morning. After that, with the weather being so nice, I’m thinking some front porch sitting will be in order.

On another note, our gift shop has been bustling for the past few weeks with new faces coming by to pick up our unique, one-of-a-kind items. It’s refreshing to see, especially given how hard it is to find such treasures these days. As the market is flooded with offshore products that barely warrant a second glance. It’s disheartening how people have come to believe that cheap, mass-produced goods are just as good, or even better, than handcrafted items. It really makes me shake my head in wonder.

With that, I’m off for the morning breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. Afterward, I’ll head outdoors to our swing with a cup of hot cocoa—just because I can!

You know, over the years I have found, that sipping a hot drink while relaxing can really lift your spirits? It’s funny how these simple pleasures can make a world of difference in how we feel.

You all have a great day and remember: “When life gives you too many lemons, trade ’em for coffee beans.”

Fishing Times for Friday
07/26/24

Major Times
4:42 AM-6:42 AM
5:06 PM-7:06 PM

Minor Times
11:50 AM-12:50 PM
11:07 PM-12:07 AM

Day Rating: I give it a 2-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few today. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Use a bucket with holes for keeping live minnows. Drop it in the water to keep ’em fresh. I’ve always said. “Happy minnows catch happy fish.”

Good Morning, along with food for thought: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.

It’s a rainy old morning here waking up in cottage country, but in saying that the rain should subside, and we should see some sunshine around 10:00 AM or so. Which will make it nice for some front porch sittin’.

On another note, my wife and I have been really busy looking after customers here at our gift shop for the past few days. The summer tourists are finally returning, and it’s been actually been quite busy. We’ve had folks from all over, each with their own stories and curiosities about our little corner of the world.

And between helping customers find the perfect item and sharing a few laughs, I haven’t had much time to sit at my computer and write. Yep, I do enjoy writing stories and articles, but I also like to be outside when the weather is nice. Winter is long here in the north, and you’ve got to make the most of these warm days. Whether it’s tending to the garden, fixing things around the house, fishing, going for a walk, or just sitting on the porch with a good cup of coffee, chatting with my better half, there’s nothing like soaking up the sunshine and fresh air to lift an old feller’s spirits. It’s in those moments that I feel a spark of motivation to try new things.

You know, over the years, I’ve learned that while the past holds our memories, and the present is what we experience right now, it’s the future that truly fascinates me. The past is set in stone, and the present slips away quickly, but the future is a blank page waiting to be filled. To me, it’s the promise of new adventures and discoveries that keeps life exciting. So, I embrace each new day, filled with hope and curiosity, ready to uncover the surprises that lie ahead, knowing… that every moment holds the potential for something extraordinary.

Highway 522 has picked up some with a lot of new faces roaming around town.

Bug Report: All is good in that department.

This morning with it being so wet outdoors, I will probably do some writing here at my computer, but if the sun comes out, which it is supposed to do, I will trade my keyboard for a hoe, and head on outdoors. We will see what happens, one never knows.

With that, I’m heading off for a bowl of porridge, thanks to my lovely wife who always knows how to start the day right. It should give me the fuel I need to get through until lunchtime. But let’s be honest, there’s always a chance a butter tart might find its way into my day. A little extra sweetness never hurts. Right?

You all have a great day and remember: “Worrying is like a rocking chair—it gives you something to do but gets you nowhere.”

The Best Times for Fishing on Wednesday
07/24/24

Major Times
3:04 AM-5:04 AM
3:29 PM-5:29 PM

Minor Times
9:11 AM-10:11 AM
10:29 PM-11:29 PM

Day Rating: Not the greatest day for fishing. I only give it a 1-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck though!

Advice from an Old Angler: The Johnson Silver Minnow is great for fishing in heavy cover. Put a pork rind or plastic trailer on it, and it’ll cut through the muck. Dad used to say, ‘Fishin’ with a Silver Minnow is like eatin’ pie with a fork—gets to the good stuff without makin’ a mess.’

Guess what I will be enjoying off and on today!

Click on image to enlarge!

Mornin’, folks! If you wait for perfect weather, you’ll never plant a thing, as with anything in life. So… get out there and make your own sunshine.

It looks as if another beauty of a day is shaping up for us here in cottage country. The sun is burning off the mist, revealing the lakes and trees. Birds are already singing their morning songs, and life is waking up all around us. Things can’t get much better than that. Well, other than maybe discovering that the mosquitoes have taken a vacation!

Speaking of bugs, things are pretty good these days, except for those pesky nits that seem to think running gas engines, are their favorite hangout spots. They’re like the uninvited guests at a barbecue, always buzzing around and never bringing anything useful!

Highway 522 has picked up a wee bit, but still not as much traffic as other years.

On another note, yesterday my wife and I tackled a bunch of scrub brush, clearing things up a bit. It made a huge difference in the appearance of our property in certain areas. I have to say, it looks pretty darn nice!

Today, I’m thinking I’ll take it a bit easy…maybe tidy up my shop, write a story or two, and… make the most of this nice weather while it’s still around. It won’t be long before the cold shows up and tries to take over. For now, though, I’ll savor every last warm minute before winter decides to knock on the door!

With that, I’m off to enjoy some bacon and eggs over easy, cooked by my lovely wife this morning. After breakfast, we’ll relax on the front porch, soak up the day, and sip on some hot cocoa. Maybe it’ll lift my spirits…or at least give me a reason to smile a bit more!

You all have a great day and remember: “Life’s a lot like farming: you get what you put into it, so don’t plant onions and expect tomatoes.”

Fishing Times for Saturday
07/20/24

Major Times
–:—–:–
11:48 AM-1:48 PM

Minor Times
3:43 AM-4:43 AM
8:40 PM-9:40 PM

Day Rating: Well, it’s a perfect day for fishing! I’d give it a full 5-Star rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck! And if you happen to reel in more than you need, I wouldn’t mind a little taste. Tight lines!

Advice from an Old Angler: If you’re struggling with those spooky fish, try casting your line close to floating leaves or any bits of debris. The natural cover helps disguise your bait and makes fish less wary.

Here is a picture of a Yellow Rose in our front garden. I thought it was pretty nice!.

Click on image to enlarge!

Good morning! Here’s something to ponder: “Even a scarecrow knows that sometimes… you just gotta stand there and look useful.”

It’s a really nice looking day here in cottage country, the kind of day that makes you wonder if the fish are biting, or if they’re just admiring the sunshine like the rest of us.

Highway 522 is still quiet for this time of year. Despite this, the locals and those who own, or rent cottages in our area are keeping busy, with them roaming up and down the highway. But in saying that, our gift shop has sure been busy with folks dropping by picking up one-of-a-kind items. Which is a welcome sight in these quieter times.

Bug Report: Things are pretty good these days.

On another note, my wife and I managed to get the mowing done yesterday morning. In the afternoon, we tackled some smaller trees that were crowding certain areas. I’m not usually a fan of taking down trees, but this time it was necessary. Now, the larger trees have room to thrive and hopefully, we’ll see a more balanced landscape soon.

Since we worked so hard yesterday, I’m thinking today will be a day to relax and enjoy our beautiful piece of property. After all, what’s the point of making it look so nice if we don’t take the time to appreciate it?

With that I am off for a bowl of porridge this morning that my lovely wife has put together and then we both will retire to the front porch with a cup of coffee for a change.

I hope you all have a great day! Just don’t let yesterday take too big a bite out of today… make sure to squeeze in a moment of relaxation or a bit of fun. Life’s too short not to enjoy the little things!

Fishing Times for Friday
07/19/24

Major Times
–:—–:–
10:47 AM-12:47 PM

Minor Times
2:38 AM-3:38 AM
7:52 PM-8:52 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 4-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. It’s a great day for fishing. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Fish can be real jittery. Best to sneak up on ’em quiet-like, and make sure you’re not throwing any shadows. Move slow and keep low to the ground, especially if you’re fishing from the shore.

Good Morning! You know, as long as I have been walking on this old earth of ours, I have found that: “The best way to predict your future is to create it, one day at a time.”

It’s a beautiful day in cottage country. The sun is shining, the humidity is gone, and the songbirds are at the feeder. The vegetable garden looks great after the rain, and the tomatoes are ripening. The frogs in our new fishpond are active, and the goldfish are enjoying their company. You could say that living here where we do, you learn to appreciate the little things. Truth told, it’s the simple moments that make life truly rich.

Highway 522 has been quite so far this year. I suspect for some, it’s a good thing in some ways and not so good in others. But for my lovely wife and me, it doesn’t matter either way. We moved here many years ago for the quietness. I have always said that, “Peace and quiet are priceless, until you need to find something to do.”

Bug Report: The mosquitoes are annoying now and then in the shade, and we’ve got these tiny pests I call nits irritating folks, especially around running cars and trucks. Mosquitoes and nits may be small, but they sure know how to make themselves known. The best remedy? “Well… out here, you learn to swat with one hand, and hold your coffee with the other.”

On another note, I worked the day away outside around our home yesterday. Got lots done. Today, for my wife and me, it’s mowing day, which will take care of the morning. In the afternoon, I’m thinking some front porch sittin’ will be in order.

I have always said: “That hard work makes the rest all the sweeter.” After a morning of mowing, there’s nothing like relaxing on the porch, watching the world go by. Maybe share a story or two with my wife. It’s moments like these that remind me why we chose this life, living where time moves a bit slower and the joys are simple but true.

With that I am off once again for my breakfast and will then head on outdoors.

Have a great day, everyone! Here’s something to ponder on: “Life is simpler when you plow around the stump, but it sure is fun to try and move it sometimes. Thinking about that, I have to say, my wife and I have moved quite a few in our day.”

Fishing Times for Thursday
07/18/24

Major Times
9:46 AM-11:46 AM
10:15 PM-12:15 AM

Minor Times
1:45 AM-2:45 AM
6:52 PM-7:52 PM

Day Rating: Not a bad day for fishing, I give it a 3-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Sun Data
Rise: 5:45 AM
Set: 9:02 PM

Day Length
15 hrs. 17 mins.

Moon Data
Rise: 7:22 PM
Set: 2:15 AM
Moon Phase

91% Waxing Gibbous

Advice from an Old Angler: When you’re jigging, remember to use the lift and drop technique. Lift your rod tip slow and steady, then let it drop easy-like. This makes your jig flutter down like a scared bait fish, and that’s how you hook them big ones.

I took this picture yesterday. At first, we just had one frog in our new fishpond, but it looks as if he invited some friends. And the goldfish seem to enjoy their company.

Click on image to enlarge!

Good Morning! You know, over the years, I found that: “Success comes before work… only in the dictionary.”

It’s a really nice day here in cottage country. The temperature is a comfortable 19.2°C (66.56°F), the sun is shining, and there’s a light breeze coming in from the southwest. Best of all, it’s not too humid. What could be better than that? Not much in my eyes.

Highway 522 is still quiet, though it’s picked up a wee bit from what it has been. It’s nice to see a few more folks out and about, enjoying the beautiful weather.

Bug Report: All is well…even the mosquitoes have eased off a bit. Which is fine with me. Maybe they finally got the memo about social distancing!

On another note, I did some weeding in our vegetable garden yesterday, along with a few other chores. Then, since my old body needed a rest, I took it easy and wrote up another story here at my computer. It was another good day for writing. Funny how that works—some days the words flow nicely, and other days, I’m better off pulling weeds!

Today I have some more outside work that needs doing and after that being so nice outside I think my wife and I will do some front porch sittin’. Just Because We Can!

With that, once again, I’m off for the breakfast my lovely wife is preparing. Then, I’ll head outdoors. Well, after my cup of… hmm, maybe I’ll go for tea this morning instead of my usual hot cocoa. It’s nice living in the country where I can make these tough decisions. Variety is the spice of life, right?

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this to ponder on: “A good woman is like a four-leaf clover … hard to find and lucky to have, especially in a field of weeds.”

Fishing Times For Wednesday
07/17/24

Major Times
8:50 AM-10:50 AM
9:18 PM-11:18 PM

Minor Times
1:08 AM-2:08 AM
5:43 PM-6:43 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 3-Star Rating today for catching a few. Good Luck!

Sun Data
Rise: 5:44 AM
Set: 9:02 PM

Day Length
15 hrs. 18 mins.

Moon Data
Rise: 6:13 PM
Set: 1:38 AM
Over: 10:18 PM
Under: 9:50 AM

Moon Phase

84% Waxing Gibbous

Advice from an Old Angler; Occasionally, I like to give those jointed lures a go, with their bend and all. They wiggle around like a fish in distress, sure to catch the attention of those big ol’ bass or pickerel. And that might just mean a good catch for supper. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

Click on image to enlarge!

Good Morning, folks! You know, over the years, I have found that: “Life’s like a field—what you get out of it depends on what you put into it.”

It’s a bit cloudy waking up in cottage country. We did have some light showers earlier this morning, but it should clear up later, and we might even see a bit of sunshine. That would be nice, because, truth be told, we’ve had enough rain for a while. Honestly, with all this wet weather, I think my tomatoes are starting to think they’re water lilies!

Highway 522 is quiet these days, with fewer tourists and day trippers visiting our neck of the woods. Normally, this time of year brings a lot of hustle and bustle, but things are quieter now with everything going on in the country, like taxes, strikes you name it, and truth told…. I can’t say I blame folks for staying closer to home.

Bug Report: Other than a few mosquitoes, things are pretty good these days.

Yesterday, I took a break from the computer and worked outside. Spent the morning weeding most of our veggie garden and staining the new walls around the carport. Took it easy in the afternoon, needed a rest, but managed to write up another story. Turned out to be a good day, got a lot done.

Today, with it being a bit wet outside, I’ll probably work away inside here. Truth be told, I never really know what I’m going to do—I might start off heading in one direction, and end up doing a complete 180. It’s like trying to navigate without a map!

With that I am off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife is preparing for me.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this to think about: “The best roads are the ones less traveled, even if they’re a bit bumpy.”

Fishing Times for Tuesday
07/16/24

Major Times
7:59 AM-9:59 AM
8:24 PM-10:24 PM

Minor Times
12:40 AM-1:40 AM
4:31 PM-5:31 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 2-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few today. Good Luck!

Sun Data
Rise: 5:43 AM
Set: 9:03 PM

Day Length
15 hrs. 20 mins.

Moon Data
Rise: 5:01 PM
Set: 1:10 AM
Moon Phase

75% Waxing Gibbous

Advice from an Old Angler When them fish get skittish or the water’s clear as day, it’s best to give them some space. Use a long cast to keep your distance. A rod that’s longer, and a line that’s light, can help you reach the fish without spookin’ ’em.

I spotted this little feller in our fishpond yesterday, cooling off.

Click on Image to Enlarge!

Good morning! Here in the country, work is never done, but the rewards are endless.

Waking up here in cottage country, we’re greeted by some fog. The good news is, it’s cooled down a bit, making for a comfortable sleep last night. As the morning progresses, the fog will burn off, and we should see some sunshine a bit later on.

Highway 522 was real quiet over the weekend, which tells me a lot of folks are staying closer to home this year, instead of traveling. Many aren’t venturing into the country because the LCBO’s are on strike, making it hard to get a cool one in remote areas. Truth be told, for a lot of folks, that’s what summer is all about.

In my view, the LCBO unions are making a significant misstep with this strike, especially during the busy summer holiday season. For now, though, it looks as if a lot of tourists are sticking close to home, where they can easily get their drinks. Another thing is, given enough time, folks might realize they can do without the LCBO altogether. And… people today it seems hold grudges.

Bug Report: Things are good in that department. My wife and I sat out on our swing yesterday by our fishpond, enjoying a cup of ice tea, and we didn’t see or feel a one.

On another note, being that my old body isn’t back up to snuff just, yet I spend the day yesterday writing up a few more stories. It was another good day for writing.

Today, well… we will see how I feel and go from there.

With that I am off for a bowl of porridge this morning that my lovely wife is making for me and will then see what the day has in store.

You all have a great day and remember: Life’s a puzzle…sometimes you just need a different perspective to see the whole picture.

Fishing Times for Monday
07/15/24

Major Times
7:12 AM-9:12 AM
7:35 PM-9:35 PM

Minor Times
12:18 AM-1:18 AM
3:20 PM-4:20 PM

Day Rating: Not the greatest day for fishing, I give it a 2-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Sun Data
Rise: 5:42 AM
Set: 9:04 PM

Day Length
15 hrs. 22 mins.

Moon Data
Rise: 3:50 PM
Set: 12:48 AM
Over: 8:35 PM
Under: 8:12 AM

Moon Phase

66% Waxing Gibbous

Advice from an Old Angler: In rivers and swift currents, ya gotta keep a keen eye for them eddies, hiding behind rocks and bends. The calm spots are where the fish like to hang out, taking a breather and grabbing a bite or two. Toss your line right into that eddy, let your bait drift natural-like, and who knows, before ya know it, you might be puttin’ fresh fish on the table!

Here is a picture of our fishpond with the waterwheel I made last fall. I kind of think it turned out real nice.

Click on picture to enlarge!

Good Morning! You know over the years I have found that the best things in life are the people we like being with, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made along the way. Pretty hard to beat that.

It’s a really nice day here in Cottage Country. The sun is shining with just a little haze in the morning sky, which will burn off as the day moves forward. That said, we will see increasing cloudiness, and there’s a chance of a thunderstorm in one or two spots this afternoon, and possibly into tonight. After that, we shouldn’t see any more rain for about seven days, giving things a chance to dry up. It’s like anything else…too much of one thing isn’t always good, and in this case, it’s the rain.

Highway 522 has slowed back down now, the accidents on the highway 522 and highway 69 have been cleaned up. There are a few new faces roaming around, but mostly just the locals. Normal for our area means the occasional deer crossing the road.

Bug Report: Surprisingly, it’s not too bad out there, other than a few pesky mosquitoes buzzing around, thanks to the warm, humid weather they like. Once things dry up a bit, though, they’ll be in for a rough time. Meanwhile, the dragonflies are having a feast, as mosquitoes are their favorite snack, next to the black flies!

On another note, being that my body needed a rest, I worked away here at my computer writing up stories. It was a good day for writing, as the words seemed to flow with no effort at all. Those are the days when a writer must seize the moment and keep those fingers tapping away!

Today I am not exactly sure what I will be doing, I might write some more or… I might venture out to my woodworking shop. I will see as the day moves forward. It’s nice having the freedom to choose. But that being said… my wife and I have certainly earned it over the years,

With that I am once again off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me, which will be a bowl of organic cereal for a change, and after that we will head on out to our front porch with a cup of hot cocoa in hand, and take in our beautiful piece of property.

Take care, and remember to make the most of the day, and don’t forget to find joy in the little things. GW

Sunday
07/14/24

Major Times
6:29 AM-8:29 AM
6:51 PM-8:51 PM

Minor Times
12:00 AM-1:00 AM
2:11 PM-3:11 PM

Day Rating: It should be a fair day for fishing, I give it a 3-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few, but just in case… don’t forget your raincoat

Sun Data
Rise: 5:41 AM
Set: 9:05 PM

Day Length
15 hrs. 24 mins.

Moon Data
Rise: 2:41 PM
Set: 12:30 AM
Moon Phase

57% Waxing Gibbous

Advice from an Old Angler: Here’s a trick I’ve learned over the years: use a small float to suspend a live minnow just above the bottom. It will linger in the strike zone longer, which gives those fish a natural-looking treat that they can’t resist.

Here is a picture of a lily that comes up every year by our deck.

Click on image to enlarge!

Mornin’, folks! Ain’t nothin’ like a sunrise to remind you that… the best things in life are free.

This morning in cottage country, the temperatures have risen slightly, but it’s still perfect for enjoying the outdoors. The forecast promises sunny weather for the next week or more, with just a slight chance of a shower tomorrow. After that, it’s smooth sailing weather-wise.

Highway 522 was really busy traffic wise yesterday, as there were problems on Highway 69 and traffic was directed our way. There was also another accident on Highway 522 near Trout Creek closing down a portion of it. I suspect there were a lot of unhappy campers having to go out of their way to get to where they were headin’.

Bug Report: Other than mosquitoes, things are pretty good these days.

On another note, my wife and I took a trip to North Bay yesterday to pick up a few things. It wasn’t the best day for groceries, as most items had been picked over. Still, we managed to get what we needed. I’ve found it’s better to go in the middle of the week, say on a Wednesday or Thursday.

While we were there, we went to East Side Mario’s for pizza. After enjoying our meal, we headed home, stopping for a coffee along the way. It was a nice day for an outing.

Today, I’m going to relax, as my old body needs a break, after all the hard work my wife and I have done this year. It’s important not to push it too hard!

With that, I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me, and then I am thinking a hot cup of cocoa on the font porch will be in order.

“You all have a great day and remember, keep chasing your dreams, one day at a time. Take care! GW”

The Best Fishing Times for Saturday
07/13/24

Major Times
5:49 AM-7:49 AM
6:09 PM-8:09 PM

Minor Times
–:—–:–
1:05 PM-2:05 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 3-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few today. Good Luck!

Sun Data
Rise: 5:40 AM
Set: 9:06 PM

Day Length
15 hrs. 26 mins.

Moon Data
Rise: 1:35 PM
Set: 12:15 AM

Moon Phase

50%
First Quarter

Advice from an Old Angler: Try lures with built-in rattles. The noise and vibration attract fish from a distance, especially in murky water. It’s like ringing the dinner bell for ’em.

Here is a picture of a rose we planted last fall. Sure is pretty. Click on image to enlarge!

“Good morning! I have always said that the best way to double your money, is to fold it and put it back in your pocket. Now, let’s get to work.”

It’s looking like a nice morning here in cottage country. And we are even seeing some sunshine. However, we could see some passing showers throughout the day caused by that Hurricane that is coming up through the USA and into Canada. Nothing to worry about though.

Highway 522 is still very quiet, with mostly the locals moving around these days. But we are seeing a few new faces coming into our gift shop wanting that unique item, that can’t be bought anywhere else. Which is basically what our gift shop is made up of.

Bug Report: Mostly mosquitoes are bothering folks these days, thanks to the warm, wet weather. We need some sunny days to clear them out, and luckily, the forecast looks promising. But then again, Mother Nature has her own plans.

On another note yesterday being that it was a wet gloomy day, I worked away here at my computer, doing up some more stories for my newspaper columns. Actually it was a good day for writing.

Today is mowing day for my wife and I which we will get to right after breakfast. That is, if it doesn’t rain. We will see how that pans out, but if it does, we can always do it later. It’ll be there waiting for us.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this: “Keep your dreams big and your worries small!” GW

Fishing Times for Thursday
07/11/24

Major Times
4:31 AM-6:31 AM
4:51 PM-6:51 PM

Minor Times
–:—–:–
10:57 AM-11:57 AM

Day Rating: Not the greatest day for fishing, I give it a 1-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. But, as I always say. You just never know. Good Luck!

Sun Data
Rise: 5:38 AM
Set: 9:07 PM

Day Length
15 hrs. 29 mins.

Moon Data
Rise: 11:27 AM
Moon Phase

29%
Waxing Crescent

Advice from an Old Angler: If you’re having trouble with nervous fish, cast your line near floating leaves or debris. The natural cover helps disguise your bait and makes the fish less wary.

Good mornin’! Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and grumpy before his coffee.

It’s a bit cloudy here this morning in Cottage Country, with a chance of a passing shower. The clouds will stick around for most of the day, but we might see some sunshine breaking through later on.

Highway 522 is still quiet for this time of year, which is nice in some ways, and not so good in other ways. Not much we can do about it.

Bug Report: With all this damp warm weather there are a lot of them pesky mosquitoes around our area these days.

On another note, I spent the day outside, moving one pile of things to another. It took most of the day, but I got a lot done. Those mosquitoes sure played havoc with me, though, especially in the shady areas. Wasn’t so bad in the sun. You know… if I had a nickel for every bite, I’d be rich by now.

Today, with it being so cloudy and muggy, and feeling a bit worn out from all the work we’ve been doing around our property, I think I’ll take it easy. Maybe I’ll sit in front of my computer and write up a story or two. We’ll see what happens in a bit.

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me, and will then see what the day has in store.

You have a great day, and remember; “Life’s like a garden… what you plant today, you’ll harvest tomorrow!”

Fishing Times for Wednesday
07/10/24

Major Times
3:51 AM-5:51 AM
4:11 PM-6:11 PM

Minor Times
9:52 AM-10:52 AM
11:16 PM-12:16 AM

Day Rating: I give it a 4-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Sun Data
Rise: 5:37 AM
Set: 9:08 PM

Day Length
15 hrs. 31 mins.

Moon Data
Rise: 10:22 AM
Set: 11:46 PM

Moon Phase

21%
Waxing Crescent

Advice from an Old Angler: Fish love hangin’ around rock piles. They provide shelter and attract bait fish. Knowing that, it might be a good idea occasionally to drop your line near a rock pile and jig it gently to mimic small prey. You might just hook onto a nice bass or walleye.

Mornin’, everyone! They say the rooster crows at dawn, but it’s the hen that lays the eggs.

Once again, we had some rain through the night, and it’s a touch humid out there this morning. We could see a wee bit of sunshine throughout the day, but for the most part, it will be cloudy with a slight chance of a thunderstorm later on. Just what we need…more rain. My tomato plants are asking for life jackets. Maybe my wife and I should start planting rice instead!

On another note, yesterday I worked the day away cleaning out the shed where we keep our lumber. It sure was a job, let me tell ya, but when all was said and done, I now know where everything is, and it’s easy to get at. And it looks darn nice, too. Now, if only I could convince the lumber to organize itself next time!

Today I am planning on moving some things from one place to another, which should keep me busy for most of the day. That is, if the rain holds off.

Bug Report: Other than a few mosquitoes and some wasps irritating me, things are pretty good these days.

Highway 522 is still very quiet these days.

With that I am once again off for my breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me and will then head on outdoors. After my hot cup of cocoa of course!

You all have a great day and remember: Keep your eyes on the horizon and your feet on the ground!

Tuesday
07/09/24

Major Times
3:09 AM-5:09 AM
3:31 PM-5:31 PM

Minor Times
8:45 AM-9:45 AM
11:00 PM-12:00 AM

Day Rating: I give it a 4-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Sun Data
Rise: 5:36 AM
Set: 9:08 PM

Day Length
15 hrs. 32 mins.

Moon Data
Rise: 9:15 AM
Set: 11:30 PM
Over: 4:31 PM
Under: 4:09 AM

Moon Phase

14%
Waxing Crescent

Advice from an Old Angler: Deep holes in rivers and lakes often hold big fish. They provide cooler water and protection. Drop your bait into these holes, and wait patiently. The big ones are down there, just biding their time.

Isn’t it about time our governments stopped taking almost half of our paychecks in taxes? We already pay enough taxes on everything else.

Good mornin’! The only thing that should be in a rush in the country is the water in the creek. Take your time and do it right.

Highway 522 remains quiet these days. It seems folks are staying closer to home, maybe feeling the pinch in their wallets. With living costs going up, many are choosing local spots over longer trips. It’s a sign of the times—people adjusting to economic pressures by keeping things local. So, if you’re traveling this way, expect an easy drive with fewer cars, reflecting this shift to more budget-friendly choices.

Bug Report: Actually, things are pretty good out there these days. That said, I had to deal with some wasps yesterday while working on one of my buildings. They didn’t appreciate me intruding on their territory. I had to gently relocate them, so I could get on with my work.

Yesterday, like I mentioned, I began cleaning out one of my older sheds where I keep my lumber for making things. Honestly, I didn’t realize I had so much stored away. It was nice to see all of it, though. Today, now that it’s all cleaned out, I’m going to organize everything neatly, so I can easily find what I need when I need it. It looks like I’ll be busy with this task for most of the day.

With that said, I’m heading off for breakfast that my lovely wife is preparing for me…a bowl of porridge this morning, a nice change of pace. Following that, as I do every morning, a cup of hot cocoa, and then it’ll be time to get to work.

You all have a great day and remember: “Hard work keeps the belly full and the heart content!” GW

Fishing Times for Monday
07/08/24

Major Times
2:25 AM-4:25 AM
2:48 PM-4:48 PM

Minor Times But Still Good.
7:37 AM-8:37 AM
10:42 PM-11:42 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 3-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few today. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Early morning is prime time for fishin’. Fish are active and feedin’ before the sun gets too high. Get up with the sun, grab your gear, and head out. You’ll often find the best bite just as dawn breaks.

Good Morning! Hard work never killed anyone, but why take the chance? So knowing that… let’s pace ourselves and enjoy the day.

It’s another cloudy morning, waking up in the north. However, we should see some sunshine around 9:00 AM. But in saying that, the clouds will remain with us off and on throughout the day. We’ve sure had our share of rain this year…a lot more than we really need…so I am hoping it eases off for a few days. Rain is good, but too much saturates the ground to a point that plants can’t handle it. The world is changing, as it always has done, and there isn’t much we can do about it other than adapt and find the silver linings.

On another note, I spent the day fixing up our carport. Got the back wall up, and things are looking good. We should be all set now for when winter hits, and our car will be happy not having to bear the brunt of the snow and ice. It’s something that’s really needed in this part of the country. Who knows, maybe our car will thank me by running a bit smoother this winter!

Today, I’m taking on the task of cleaning out the building where I keep my lumber. With all the other things that have kept me busy, I never quite got around to fixing it up. It’s been a bit of a mess for years now, but as they say, a little at a time gets things done. So, that’s my plan for the day…making some headway on this cluttered space. As always, you never quite know what the day might throw at you.

So with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has prepared for me. You know… they say the early bird gets the worm, but I’d rather have bacon and eggs!

Fishing Times for Sunday
07/07/24

Major Times
1:36 AM-3:36 AM
2:01 PM-4:01 PM

Minor Times
6:26 AM-7:26 AM
10:19 PM-11:19 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 3-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Fish respond to natural movements in the water. Create a subtle ripple or disturbance with your bait to attract their attention. A gentle twitch or jiggle can make your bait look alive and irresistible.