What’s Happening From My Writer’s Desk Here in the North on March 24/2024

Good Morning! Another day begins with the sun smilin’ down on us like it knows something we don’t… and maybe it does!

For a change, we are waking up to sunshine this morning, but it is still a touch cool. Our weather station is down this morning, having some issues as the power went out and something went on the fritz, and on top of that my son Karl is away on business for a week. So… it will have to wait to be fixed till he gets home.

Highway 522 is still quiet, but it will pick up in a couple of weeks when things start to warm up.

On another note, yesterday once again I worked away here at my computer on my mystery novel, and I suspect I will be doing the same today. I might mosey on out to my woodworking shop a bit later and light the stove, so things are a bit warm in there, in case the urge hits me to do some woodworking. We will see how that pans out. And if it warms up enough, my wife and I will see about enjoying our afternoon coffee on the front porch, soaking up some of that sunshine. The sun is feeling warm, but the air is cold.

But as my old Dad, being a farmer, used to say: “A late spring is nature’s way of ensuring a great harvest.”

Politician Fact or Fiction: You know, I have come to the conclusion that Politicians are like a stubborn mule – you can try to steer ’em in the right direction, but more often than not, they’ll just dig in their heels and do what they please!

With that I am off for a bowl of porridge that my lovely wife is making for me and will then see what develops, life’s like a calf learning to walk, sometimes you have to stumble a few times before finding your footing.

In closing, you all have a great day and I will leave you with another tidbit on life that I came up with being a woodworker in part “In the workshop of life, every setback is just another opportunity to sand away imperfections and reveal the beauty within.”

Fishing Times:

Sunday
03/24/24

Major Times
–:—–:–
12:05 PM-2:05 PM

Minor Times
6:38 AM-7:38 AM
6:42 PM-7:42 PM

Day Rating
I give it a 4 out of 5, Good Luck!

Daily Updates on What’s Happening Around Our Home Here in the North on March 23/2024

“Good morning, where the weather don’t care about no calendar, and we’re left scratchin’ our heads wondering if spring done got lost on its way here.”

It’s another cool morning here in the north, with the temperature at the time of this post sitting at… -7.9 C | 17.78 F. The good news is, we should be seeing some sunshine a bit later on this morning, at the moment it is cloudy. And on top of that though, things are now going to warm up a lot, which I am happy about, as I am not a great lover of the cold. I do however like the snow in the beginning of winter.

Highway 522 is bare and dry this morning, which will make traveling good for those having to go anywhere.

On another note, yesterday once again I worked the day away here at my computer on a novel I am putting together, had a good day and got lots written. Today, being somewhat cool outside, I will carry on.

Fishing Times For March 23/2024

“Timing is Everything: When to Reel ‘Em In!

Major Times:
11:24 AM-1:24 PM
Minor Times:
6:22 AM-7:22 AM
5:36 PM-6:36 PM
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars – Catch a few, but keep your expectations reeled in!
And Remember!, even the best anglers can’t control the fish’s schedule. So, while timing matters, a dash of luck and a pinch of patience can turn any fishing trip into a tale worth telling! And I have told a few of them in my day!!

Politician Fact or Fiction? “You know, politicians are like a fox in the hen house – they’ll promise to guard the chickens, but in the end, they’re the ones making off with the eggs!” Damn, ain’t that the truth!!!

With that! I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me, and will then get to work.

You all have a great Saturday! And I will leave you with this: “In the fields, I’ve learned that patience is as important as the harvest itself – sometimes you have to wait for the right time to reap what you sow.” GW

Inside My Fence: A Peek into What’s Happening on March 22/2024

Good Morning! Where the Robins look mighty confused, and the Daffodils keep their heads tucked under the snow, wondering when it’ll finally be their time to shine.

Staring things off here in the north, it is a cold morning with the temperature sitting at -12.5 C | 9.5 F. In light of that, warmer temperatures aren’t that far off, which is fine with me, as I am not a lover of the cold. Although, the cold is what keeps a lot of diseases at bay, which is a good thing, especially these days. And let’s not forget about that sunshine, giving us the Vitamin D3, we’re all lacking these days. Truth is, without it, us humans would be in some mighty dire straits, that’s for sure.

Highway 522 is dry and bare this morning, which once again will make traveling good for those in need of things in other towns.

Yesterday, I spent the whole day in front of my computer, working on my novel. Things went well, but there’s a problem I keep running into. I’ll get into writing, then stop to do other stuff. When I come back to it, I have to spend time remembering what I wrote before—like the names of characters, along with a lot of other things. It makes me understand why some writers prefer quiet places to write, without any distractions bothering them. My wife has the same problem being able to do her paintings. Maybe we should look for an out-of-the-way place in the sunny south next winter, and go do our thing. We just have to find that special place!

Today I will carry on, being that it is cold outside. We are also still feeding our wood furnace these days, which in turn saves our oil, as we have an oil furnace that sets alongside our wood furnace. Great set up for sure. We love wood heat!

Politician Fact or Fiction: You know, I kind of figure, that Politicians are like a broken record – they keep playing the same tune of ‘change’ and ‘reform,’ but the song never seems to end!

With that, I am off for some waffles this morning that my lovely wife is making for me, with a touch of Mike Clappertons Maple Syrup: Just because I can.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with these few words, that the old one told me one time while sitting on a rock beside a creek, many years ago.

“In the quiet of nature, I feel the spirits of my ancestors near, speaking through the rustle of leaves and the songs of birds.” One might have to read that a few times, to get his drift of things, but it’s there! GW

Tales of Daily Life and Activities at our Home on March 21/2024

Good Morning! Where the cold nips at your nose and the wind cuts through your coat, reminding us that Mother Nature’s got a sense of humor. As, this morning, temperature wise, it seems more like February than March.

Highway 522 is bare and dry this morning, which will make traveling good for those heading out of town. However, in saying that it is still quiet traffic wise, with mostly the locals moving around. But we do live in an out-of-the-way area, that’s for sure. And how I know this… is by watching Nature, as here where we live, the local wildlife has more street smarts than the tourists. Squirrels stop before crossing the highway, and deer wait and look both ways at the stop signs. And occasionally, they nod at ya!

On another note, yesterday, I switched gears and went back to work on my Mystery/Sci-fi book/Novel, a project I’ve been tinkering with for a few years now. When I get those gut feelings, I’ve learned to roll with them. I figure I’ve got about a week’s worth of writing left to finish it, which all totaled is pretty good for a book. I’m hoping/wanting to make it into a series. But as it has been all my life, my mind’s always shifting. We’ll see how it goes.

Politician’s Fact or Fiction: Being a farmer for a good portion of my life, I’ve always said that… “Politicians are like a leaky bucket – you keep filling them up with your hard-earned money, but it just keeps dripping away!”

That’s all I have for this morning folks I am now off for my breakfast that my lovely wife made for me, and will then get to work.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this: “The stories of my ancestors are the roots of my being, grounding me in the soil of tradition and nourishing me with the fruits of their wisdom.” I guess that is why I enjoy writing as I do. GW

Keeping up With What’s Happening Around Our Home Here in Cottage Country on March 20/2024

Good Morning: “Another day, another blanket of snow covering the ground, which reminds us … that winter ain’t ready to let go just yet.”

Heading to my woodworking shop this morning, I would say we had around four inches or so of the white stuff. And the temperature has dropped back down to where it isn’t going to be melting all that fast. But in saying that, warmer weather isn’t all that far off, and here in the north we are used to most of what Mother Nature sends our way. At least for us old timers.

Highway 522 in spite of the snow is bare and wet, which will make traveling fair for those in need of things in the large towns. For my wife and I we pretty well have all we need as we did get to North Bay the other day and picked up what we needed. My wife had a dentist appointment there in town. The deal with our medical system today? Well, some say we’re lucky in Canada because most things are covered. Yeah, maybe to some extent. But the truth is, it’s … the working folks who end up footing the bill. And let’s not forget, the government doesn’t have its own stash of cash. Nope, it all comes from us, the taxpayers. The government doesn’t create jobs in the same way businesses do. Instead, the jobs within the government are funded by taxpayers, essentially by the working men and women who contribute through taxes… and? It’s just us, handing over our earnings so they can do their thing. That’s the real deal, plain and simple.

Anyway, enough of that. Yesterday, I didn’t get to do my post here on my blog, as I got tied up with some other things that needed attention. Today I will be working away here at my computer for a wee bit, then my wife and I will move some snow. I am thinking I will wake up my snowblower one more time. We will see how that goes.

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me and will then get to work.

You all have a great day and remember: “Life in the country is a lot like fishing – sometimes you catch a big one, sometimes you’re just happy to reel in a big stick, and sometimes … if you’re like me, you fall asleep with the line in the water!” GW

What’s Happening At Our Homestead Here in Northern Ontario on March 17/2024

Good Morning! Another day closer to warmer weather, longer days, and the simple joys of country living.

But walking out to my woodworking shop this morning, the weather looks more like winter than the coming of spring, as everything is/was covered in a blanket of snow. I guess Mother Nature has a bit more to get out of her system. My old Dad used to say: “In spring, don’t cast a clout ’til May is out.” (Meaning: Don’t shed your winter clothing until the end of May, as unexpected cold snaps can still occur.)

Highway 522 is bare as most has melted, with the temperatures hovering a touch above the freezing mark. Away from the highway, though, the snow’s still clinging to everything, making it all look like something out of a postcard.

Yesterday I once again worked away here at my computer, or should say for the morning, and then later on I did a bit of work in my shop. All in all, my day was full, as was my wife’s. It seems there is always something that needs doing when you own a home, especially in the country.

On another note, I did light my shop stove this morning so it would be nice and warm to work in a bit later on. I have a few projects on the go that I would like to finish up. We also had a few visitors at our bird feeder this morning, some wild turkeys. They seem to drop by for a visit a few times a year. And they also know that I won’t hurt them, as they come right up to me asking for some feed. Kind a nice to be able to get close to nature on her own terms. But then again … I am a likable kinda guy, right?

Click on images to enlarge.

Politician Fact or Fiction? You know, over the years I have found that politicians are like the town gossip: they’re always stirring up trouble and spreading rumors!

So with that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has ready for me, and will then see what the day has in store. I never know, I head off in one direction and totally do something else.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this: “Living in the country means never having to say you’re busy – unless you count watching the clouds drift by or counting the turkeys out by the bird feeder!” GW

What’s Happening, Here In The North, On March16/2024: At Least For This Old Feller!

Good Morning! And being morning and walking around outside, I noticed that the trees are starting to show off their buds, and the critters are starting to stir: Like they know something good’s about to happen.

However, it’s a cloudy morning in cottage country, the temperature is hovering around 0.3°C | 32.54°F. We won’t be seeing much sunshine for the next four days. It seems that Old Mother Nature is busy doing her thing, and thankfully, us humans haven’t managed to mess with her work … much. But, some folks keep trying, which, to me, isn’t a good idea. To me, Mother Nature’s like the mind—mysterious. Maybe it’s best we don’t try to figure it all out. Let her be, I say.

Highway 522 was a bit busy yesterday with folks moving around. But that is normal for us on a Friday. Seems everyone is happier on Fridays. Mondays, well … that’s another story. For my wife and I each day carries its own weight; none holds greater importance than the next. It’s simply a matter of perspective that some days seem more significant than others. Whether it’s Sunday or any other day of the week, they are all important, at least for us.

On another note, I didn’t do all that much yesterday, but I did start editing another video, and I am hoping to finish it today. After that, I have to do some searching on the internet for some more books to read, as I am all out of westerns. I enjoy reading them at night in bed. It’s getting harder and harder to find them these days. But in saying that, I know there’s a whole world of stories out there just waiting for me, I just have to find them.

Politician’s, True or False? My old Dad used to say, “Politicians are like the local diner – they’re always open for business, but you never quite get what you ordered!” Same as it is today.

With that settled, I’m off to grab a bite of breakfast, cooked up by my lovely little woman. Once we’re done, we’ll enjoy a nice hot cup of cocoa and some good ol’ chatter. After that, we’ll just have to see what the day’s got in the cards for us.

With that I will leave you with this: The old one knows, and said from time to time, that even the chickens take their time crossing the road, stopping to scratch, peck, and ponder life’s big questions. Maybe we humans can learn something from them few words? GW

Tips From Years Ago

Here is what I had years ago when going to school. We’d chomp on ’em like they were snacks during exam time.

Click on image to enlarge!

Unearthing What’s Happening On March 15/2024

Good morning, where the soil’s startin’ to thaw, and it’s time to start thinking ’bout what we’re gonna plant in our gardens.

We’re in the midst of a lot of clouds this morning here in Cottage country. And it has cooled down a wee bit from yesterday, with the temperature sitting at -0.1 C | 31.82 F. It will warm up a touch as the day moves forward. The weekend once again isn’t looking all that good, with more rain in the forecast. Lately, the weekends haven’t been all that good weather wise. But we do need the rain as it gets the plants and things motivated for what lies ahead.

The old one used to tell me: If the ravens/crows flies low, prepare for a rain to blow. They were flying low this morning.

On the topic of birds, my wife and I have seen a few flocks of geese for the past few days flying over our home. Another sign that spring isn’t all that far off. They were heading in both directions. I guess they couldn’t make up their minds. Can’t say I blame them neither.

Highway 522 is bare and dry, which will make traveling good for those in need of things in the larger towns. I think we are good for a while.

On another note, my wife and I did do some more yard work yesterday, taking in some sunshine that we humans need to stay healthy. Later in the day, I woke up our garden hose and put it to work washing our car. I have to tell ya, it sure was dirty with all the salt that they put down on the highways these days. Chase is smiling now and just a shinning. We named it Chase the day we brought it home. Just like my Dad and his Dad before me, we’ve got a habit of naming the things we own. And after all, they are made up of the same molecules as humans are, or sort of. Makes you wonder about the connection between us and everything else in this big ol’ world, doesn’t it?

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has waiting for me, and will then see what the day has in store. I don’t quite know just yet what I will be doing.

You all have a great day and I will leave you with this piece of wisdom that arose from my very good friend Grey Wolf, who taught me a lot while growing up: I call him the Old One!

Find harmony in all you do. Work, play, rest – each has its time and place. Balance is the key that unlocks the door to a life well-lived.’ He was a smart old feller and I really miss those times we spent chatting by the creek near his cabin. GW

New YouTube Video This Morning!

Episode 37 on my YouTube Channel is live now. I hope you enjoy it.

“Click the link below to view the content, and be sure to hit that subscribe button! It’s completely free and simply notifies you whenever I upload a new video.” Have a great day! GW

Reviving The Simple Life!

Weathering the Latest on What’s Happening On March 14/2024

Good Morning! Where the smell of thawing mud and fresh-cut grass is better than any fancy perfume in the world. Other than my wife’s orange blossom perfume she used to pick up, when we went to Florida years ago for a well eared rest throughout the winter months. But ya, it’s pretty hard to beat what Mother Nature has to offer.

You know ...it’s easy to forget the simple pleasures, the beauty that surrounds us every day. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years on this earth, it’s the importance of slowing down and taking it all in.

My wife and I always take a few minutes every day to sit together, watching the world do its thing – it’s like hitting that pause button on all the craziness. In doing so we then start noticing the small stuff, like the way the wind whispers through the trees or the way the sky changes colors at sunset.

And you know what? When we take that time, our minds sorta clear up. We start seeing things differently, understanding things, and each other better. Try it sometime, you might be surprised at what you find … or see.

Highway 522 is picking up a wee bit traffic wise, with a few folks with 4x4s moving into our area. Before long, the cottages will be open, and the parks will be full of campers. It’s all rather nice, in its own way. But I do hope in the coming years, that we don’t lose the tranquility that surrounds us, as there’s a certain magic to this place, that I’d hate to see lost in the shuffle. But …that’s just me.

On another note my lovely wife and I did some more cleaning up around our property yesterday, moved a few more small trees, and later on I went and visited a friend of mine here in town, we had a couple hour chat about different things, which was nice for a change. It sure is a pleasure to have friends who see things eye to eye with ya’. But I’ll tell ya’, they’re scarce as hen’s teeth these days.

Today I have some work to do in my woodworking shop, and will get at that after I have my breakfast that my lovely wife is preparing for me.

Politician Humor: You know, in our neck of the woods, politicians are like the weather: always changing and never quite what you hoped for!

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this: “Life’s lessons are like the stars in the sky – they guide you home, but sometimes they lead you on a wild goose chase.” GW

Making Sense of What’s Happening on March 13/2024

Good Morning! Time to shake off those cobwebs and embrace the simple joys of small-town living. Who’s up for a round of ‘Guess the Gossip’ at our local establishments?

It’s a beautiful morning, waking up in cottage country. The sun is shinning brightly, without a cloud in the sky. One thing is for certain: when the clouds part ways here in the north, there’s no other place on earth where the sky is as blue. Putting out some feed at our bird feeder this morning, I could feel the warmth coming from the sun, and with no wind I suspect we will be doing some front porch sittin’ a bit later on in the day. However, yesterday my wife and I did have our coffee on our front porch, just shooting the breeze, taking in the changes that are taking place in nature. Seeing nature come alive after that long winter’s nap, well, it’s a sight to behold, I tell ya. I often wonder how many people do what we do. I suspect there ain’t too many out there like us. But you never know, it looks like a bunch of folks has been flocking to my Blog and YouTube Channel lately, so either they’re liking what I’ve got to say and do, or … maybe they just can’t resist my charming personality, right? Ha ha.

On another note, yesterday I once again worked the day away here at my computer for most of the day, but as I said earlier in the post my wife and I did get to sit outside, taking in some sunshine, while having our coffee for an hour or so. Just to be able to do that, is a gift in itself.

Highway 522 is bare and dry, and the traffic hasn’t picked up all that much yet, but it will in the coming weeks, when the tourists start entering the picture. All’s it takes is nice warm weather. But for now in our little corner of the world, time moves slower than molasses in January. We’re in no rush, because … why hurry when you’ve got nowhere to be but right here?

Politician Humor or Fact? My ol’ grandpa used to say, “Politicians are like a dog with fleas – they scratch a lot, make a fuss, but you never quite get rid of ’em!”

With that bit of information floating around, I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has prepared for me, and will then see what the day has in store. Life is a mystery, that’s for sure. But I like it that way!

You all have a great day and I will leave you with this: In the circle of life, every creature plays its part – the bear eats the honey, the bee makes the honey, and the mosquito… well, the mosquito just annoys everyone. Something like our politicians. GW

Reflecting on What’s Happening In Cottage Country on March 12/202

Good Morning! Where the chickens lay a few more eggs, the cows give a bit more milk, and the whole country feels alive with possibilities.

It is a touch cool in the north, waking up, with the temperature sitting at -5.6 C | 21.92 F. However, it will warm up as the day moves forward to where we should be able to enjoy a coffee on the front porch after lunch. I think that would be kinda nice.

Highway 522 is still quiet traffic wise, other than a few pickup trucks and a few locals moving from place to place seeking things to see and do. I’ve also found that the local wildlife isn’t just part of the scenery; it’s the town’s unofficial welcoming committee, whether you like it or not.

On another note, once again I worked here inside on some editing and things, and today I will probably be doing the same. I like to get all my inside things caught up, so I am not wasting the nice warm days sitting inside.

Politicians: I once asked a politician if he could tell me the truth straight. He looked at me like a calf staring at a new gate! You might have had to be raised on a farm to understand that one.

Other than that, not much else going on in and around our small town this morning. So with that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has prepared for me and will then see what the day has in store. But in saying that, over the years, I have found that life’s got a funny way of throwin’ surprises your way. I’ve also found that it’s not the big things that make life worth living, it’s the little things.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this: “The old one knows that the wind whispers secrets to those who listen, but sometimes it just blows your hat off and laughs.” GW

Old Paths Yield New Discoveries on March 11/2024

Good Morning! Where we are another day closer to warmer weather, longer days, and the simple joys of country living. Pretty hard to beat that every morning. Did you all move your clocks ahead yesterday?

Other than being a touch cool with the temperature sitting at -6.3 C | 20.66 F, it’s looking like a mighty fine day. The sun is shinning, the wind has died down, and the barometer is slowly rising, as it has been all night long. Which is a good sign of what lies ahead, weather wise. And even better, it will warm up as the day moves forward, and tomorrow we should be able to do some front porch sittin’.

Highway 522 is bare and dry this morning, but we do have some snow on the ground, which would amount to about 2 inches. Nothing to write home about.

On another note yesterday, once again I worked the day away here in front of my computer, editing another video, actually this time I put together a slide show of installing a new deck onto our cottage, as I took pictures of how I went about it from start to finish, so it’s not a video, but I have to say it turned out pretty good, with the help of my lovely wife. I will add it to my YouTube channel and make it public in the days ahead. I try and put on one a week, sometimes two. All depends on how much time I have to spare, as it takes a lot of time to make/edit the videos. Today I will continue on with another, being a bit cold outside.

Politicians: You know, my old dad used to say, “Politicians are like the weather: everyone talks about them, but nobody does anything about them.” But then again, here in Canada it’s always been that way, at least for as long as I can remember.

And ... when their pockets start feeling a bit light, what do they do? Slap on more taxes, swearing it’s for our own good!

With that I am off for my breakfast that my little woman has made for me, and will then get to work. But first, I’ll enjoy a hot cup of cocoa while having a chat with my lovely wife. It’s something we do every morning before we start our day. And you know … we are damn good at it too.

With that, you all have a great day and I will leave you with this: The old one knows that the river may change its course, but it’s the stones in the riverbed that keeps the water flowing. GW

Making A Chopping Block Stool

In this video, I put together a chopping block stool made from wood we had here on our property.


Reviving the Simple Life!

Sunrise to Sunset What’s Happening on March 10/2024

Good Morning! Where the air’s crisp and the birds sing a little louder, tellin’ us spring is just around the corner.

But in saying that, you wouldn’t think so with it being cold, along with seeing some snow coming down this morning. However, the cold and snow will be short-lived, and we will be back into warmer weather starting tomorrow, as things will warm up, and we should even see some sunshine, which is what we humans need, to stay healthy.

On another note, my wife and I did get all our gardens and grounds cleaned up which makes me happy, along with transplanting a few trees. You see, we had to remove quite a few of our pines over the years, as they were getting old, and being so tall they could have fallen on our home. So in doing that, we decided to replace them with others that we had here on our property. I have to tell you, if you had to buy them these days that they are expensive, but what isn’t these days. Kind of makes me wonder where Canada is heading. If asked, I would say that folks need to be putting a bit of extra cash away with less spending on things that isn’t necessary.

I was taught many years ago … to look after my needs not my wants, and truth told that advice has done my lovely wife and I well over the years.

Yesterday being a wet rainy cool old day I worked away here on my computer and yes, I did get that cup of cocoa with some marshmallows on top, along with a couple of homemade chocolate cookies. So … it pays to dish out compliments occasionally.

Talking about being nice. It seems here in Canada, many people are noticing/saying that older folks are getting grumpier as they age, and I think it’s true. You see, when we lay eyes upon the hard work we’ve poured into building our country, only to witness it being undone by certain folks, it ruffles our feathers something fierce. We’ve also lived through our fair share of ups and downs, seen the world change in ways we never imagined. So, when we catch wind of our efforts being cast aside, it feels like a heavy weight on our shoulders. That’s why, from time to time, we might come off a tad sour. But you see, as we’ve traveled these winding roads of life, we’ve gathered a bit of wisdom along the way. We’ve learned that storms pass and sunsets follow, and it’s how we weather those storms that truly makes us. And it’s a lesson we hope the young will take to heart, as they tread their own paths. For in the end, it’s not just about the battles we’ve fought, but the wisdom we’ve gained in the process, that truly marks our journey. And that is all I have to say on the subject. Hmm, not sure how I got onto that.

Politician Humor: Back in the day, my wise old Dad used to say, “Beware of politicians bearing gifts; they’ll give you a shiny coin today and take your barn tomorrow.” I believe that to be true today, too.

With that, once again I am off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me, and will then get to work editing another video. Being so cold out today, inside is the place to be. At least for me.

You all have a great day and I will leave you with this: “Old mountains hold the memories of time, whisperin’ stories of creation, destruction, and … the occasional mountain goat with an attitude problem.” GW

Oh, and don’t forget today is National Meat Ball Day. Italian Meatballs, “Mamma Mia!”

Canada’s Defence Spending Needs Attention?

Some have asked me what I think of how our defence is dealing with not having the funds to carry on. So here is what I figure should be said and done.

It’s baffling to hear that despite the glaring warnings from our military leaders about the inadequacy of our equipment and personnel, there’s a lack of support for increasing defence spending in Canada. Frankly, it’s absurd. Our defence capabilities are crucial, and it’s high time we recognize the urgency of the situation.

For far too long, we’ve been neglecting our defence responsibilities, and the repercussions are becoming evident. The rest of the world is watching, and frankly, they’re probably shaking their heads at our complacency.

The recent polling showing low levels of support for increasing defence spending raises eyebrows. Who exactly was surveyed? It’s hard not to question the validity of such polls when the stakes are this high.

It’s time for Canada to step up to the plate and do what’s right. We need to prioritize the safety and security of our nation. Increasing defence spending isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity if we want to maintain our sovereignty and protect our citizens.

Let’s not allow politics or misguided priorities to dictate our national security agenda. It’s time for action, and it starts with a serious commitment to bolstering our defence capabilities. The future of our country depends on it. GW

Muddy Boots and Warm Coats in Northern Ontario on March 9/2024

Good Morning! It’s that time of the year when the sun rises higher in the sky, melting away the last of old man winter.

Well, let’s hope so, but living here in the north, surprises are never ending, weather wise. The good news is, that my wife and I did manage to get all our gardens and grounds cleaned up yesterday. It took us two full days to get it done, which I don’t figure is too bad considering our age. But then again, I have always said. Life’s all about how you see things. If you go around thinking you’re old, well, you’ll start feeling old. And with all them years on my back, I found that they have taught me that age ain’t just about the years ticking by. It’s about the fire inside, the spark that keeps you going. I think if you keep your mind/body sharp, stay open to new experiences, and surround yourself with positivity. Well … that’s how you stay young at heart, no matter what the calendar says. But hey, what do I know? Just sharing a bit of wisdom I’ve picked up along the way.

Highway 522 is wet this morning and will remain that way right up till around 11:00 AM. In saying that, traffic has picked up some, with more locals moving around a bit more. You could say that the world is coming back to life, and our little northern town is waking up with a unique charm all of its own. Which is nice to see!

Politician Humor: My old Dad used to say: “A politician’s promises are like seeds in the wind – you never know where they’ll land or if they’ll grow anything worthwhile.” Hasn’t changed much over the years.

Today being that it is raining I am planning on editing another video, and in between things, I will bug my lovely wife. She is busy doing the wash, which takes most of the day. She likes to do it on weekends when the hydro rates are down. Not much, but every little bit helps. You know … hard-working gals like her are a rare find these days, and I have been very fortunate to have found mine.

Hmm, do you think that might get me a cup of hot cocoa with some marshmallows on top, and one or two of her homemade cookies a bit later on?

With that, I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me, that consists of some Porridge made from Quaker Oats. It’s been around for as long as I can remember. Nothing better on this old earth of ours, for keeping your heart ticking away as it should be. I usually have it every morning, with a half of a Florida Grapefruit when in season, and a piece of toast.

You all have a great day and remember: Life’s truths ain’t found in grand speeches; they’re whispered in the rustle of the leaves, the snicker of and old dog, and the sideways glance of a crow with a mitten in its mouth. GW

Everyday Life In Cottage Country On March 8/2024

Good Morning! Where the frost on the rooftops is a reminder that summer isn’t here yet.

Highway 522 has been picking up traffic wise the past few days. Not too many new folks though, mostly locals moving around, looking for things to see and do. You always know you’re in a small town when everyone waves at each other, even if they’ve never met.

Fact or Fiction? Putting your trust in a chicken before it’s hatched is like waiting for prosperity without putting in the work. Some say that policies here in Canada have made some folks idle dreamers, forgetting the hard work needed to thrive.

On another note, yesterday my wife and I worked the day away cleaning up our property, which we have been doing now for the past couple days. We even managed to transplant a few trees and shrubs, that we wanted to do now for the past couple years. We now have some trimming to do on some of our trees, which I might get to today, while my wife works on cleaning up some more of our gardens. Lots needs to be done this time of year, and it has to be done at the right time. Being a farmer, you learn these things. Truth told, these tasks require timing and intuition, things you can’t pick up in a classroom.

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has put together for me, and will then head on outside. As my old Dad used to say. “Up an Adam, George, we’re burning daylight.” I miss that old feller.

You have a great day and I will leave you with this: “Back in the day, we didn’t have fancy gadgets, but we had grit, determination, and a willingness to get our hands dirty, which my wife and I still have today.” GW

It’s Coffee Time?

Yep it is, but this time of year, I make it a touch different from most. Take a look and if you enjoy my videos, please consider subscribing, it helps and means a lot. GW

Author, Writer of Fiction/Non Fiction, Columnist, Podcaster Storytelling, Woodworker, Farming, Gardening