Episode 97: A Week In The Life Of Steve

Diaries of a Lodge Owner

A flame flickers inside the wheel well of a beloved 1992 Ford F-250, threatening to consume it. Just days earlier, another flame—hope for the Toronto Maple Leafs—had burned briefly before being extinguished in yet another Game 7 heartbreak. Such is the rhythm of life for our host this week, where catastrophes and triumphs arrive in clusters.
This episode chronicles an eventful week that begins with the emotional saga of the Maple Leafs' playoff run. After reluctantly allowing himself to believe in his team during Game 3, our host experiences the familiar crushing disappointment of elimination. His candid reflection on the core players—particularly Mitch Marner—reveals the deep wounds carried by long-suffering fans who remember legends like Wendell Clark leaving everything on the ice.
The narrative shifts to personal misadventures when a scaffold collapses beneath him at his island cottage, resulting in a four-inch gash requiring seven stitches. This first-ever experience with stitches leads to an unexpected souvenir—the medical instruments used in the procedure, typically discarded after a single use. The emergency highlights a crucial lesson for remote property owners: invest in a comprehensive first aid kit.
Most dramatic is the roadside discovery of flames inside his truck's wheel well, and the ill-advised attempt to extinguish them with windshield washer fluid—which proves flammable, creating a momentary inferno. This practical lesson in automotive safety is delivered with the host's characteristic self-deprecating humor.
The week's misfortunes continue as he returns home to discover rats have decimated his flock of meat chickens, reducing 75 birds to just 24 in a shocking overnight massacre. Amid these challenges, he shares valuable tips for garlic cultivation using concrete reinforcement mesh—a technique that yielded over 200 cloves in a small raised bed.
Throughout these trials, our host maintains the resilience, resourcefulness, and good humor essential for life in the wilderness. Whether you're a cottage owner, outdoor enthusiast, or simply enjoy tales of rural misadventure, this episode offers both practical wisdom and entertaining storytelling about navigating life's unexpected challenges.

Chapters

1. Truck brake fire emergency (00:00:00)

2. Toronto Maple Leafs heartbreak (00:02:14)

3. Game performance reflections (00:14:39)

4. First-ever stitches experience (00:24:54)

5. Brake caliper fire adventure (00:33:01)

6. Rats, chickens and safety lessons (00:43:57)

7. Garlic growing secrets revealed (00:58:55)

8. Closing thoughts and appreciation (01:08:30)