Events, George's Writers Corner, Weather, What's Happening

Morning Notes from an Old Timer on May 19/2025

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Good Morning Folks: You know… I never did get a degree in school, but there is one thing I do have, and that is a lifetime of know-how.

Well, she’s a cool spring morning here in Port Loring, Ontario, Canada. The temperature when we got out of bed was sittin’ right around 33.4°F | 0.8°C — just a hair above the freezing mark. Luckily, with the cloud cover and dampness hangin’ in the air, the frost held off. Not that it would’ve bothered me much, seeing as I haven’t set any of my tomato plants in the ground yet. I’m holdin’ off for a few more days, just to be safe.

Now for the Weather Forecast — Written My Way:

Today:
We’re lookin’ at a mix of clouds and sun throughout the day, with the temperature workin’ its way up to around 53°F | 12°C by this afternoon. Winds will be light, but you’ll still feel a bit of that cool bite if you’re standin’ still too long. Might be a touch of drizzle here and there — just enough to keep your hat damp.

Tonight:
The clouds will thicken up some, and there’s a fair chance we’ll see a few scattered showers before morning. Overnight low’s gonna dip down to about 39°F | 4°C, so if you’ve got anything tender sittin’ outside, it might be worth tuckin’ it in or coverin’ it up.

Tomorrow:
Looks like a bit of a warming trend might start, with the mercury tryin’ to climb to around 59°F | 15°C under mostly cloudy skies. Could be a few breaks of sun now and again, and there’s always the chance of a stray shower or two, but nothin’ too serious.

——————————————————

Highway 522 was quiet yesterday, it being Sunday and all, with most places around the area shut down for the day. But that worked out just fine for us at our garage sale — folks were out lookin’ for somewhere to go, and what better place to wander than right here, where the bargains are fresh and the coffee’s usually on.

We had a great day, sales were steady, and there were people waitin’ for us to open up, same as the day before. We’re always glad to see the regulars, and it’s nice meetin’ new folks passin’ through, too.

As for us, well, every day’s about the same. We don’t get too wound up about Sundays or holidays. In my mind, every day deserves the same respect as any other. Why is that? Well, I grew up on a dairy farm, many years ago now, and let me tell you — them cows didn’t give one hoot whether it was Sunday or Monday. They still had to be milked, fed, and cleaned up after, and that old farmer — including me — had to get out there and do it.

That’s just how it was. And I reckon, in a way, that kind of upbringing never really leaves you. You learn early on that work don’t wait on a calendar.

So, what are you up to today, GW?

Well, my wife and I will be workin’ away, adding a few more things to our garage sale and gettin’ things rolling for another good day. We’ll be open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, same as the past three days.

So far, we’ve sold a lot — more than we expected, truth be told — but don’t go thinking we’re all picked over. As we’ve still got plenty of treasures waitin’ to be discovered. Tools, kitchen goods, old farm items, woodworking equipment, a bit of furniture, odds and ends, hell you never know what might catch your eye.

So if you’re out for a drive, wanting something to see or do, why not swing on by. It’s a good time to stop in, stretch your legs a bit, and maybe find somethin’ you didn’t even know you were lookin’ for. Bring a jacket — it’s still a touch cool out there — and don’t forget, the company’s always friendly. Hope to see ya!

With that, I’m off to have breakfast with my lovely wife, and then we’ll get to opening things up for the day. Well, maybe I’ll enjoy an extra cup of hot cocoa first — it’s a touch chilly out there this morning.

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

Events, George's Writers Corner, Weather, What's Happening

Old Stories new Happenings & a Garage Sale on May 18/2025

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Good Morning… You know, over the years I have found: “That life hands out tests too — only you grade your own paper.”

It’s a cloudy, cool morning here in Cottage Country. The kind where the coffee tastes just a little better, and the world feels quieter under a damp grey sky.

Today – Sunday, May 18:
We’re lookin’ at a high around 55°F (13°C). Skies’ll stay mostly cloudy through the day, with just a hint of sun maybe peekin’ through now and again. Winds will stay light, but there’s a small chance of a passing sprinkle come late afternoon—nothing to cancel plans over, just keep a jacket by the door.

Tonight:
Cool and calm. Temperatures’ll dip down to about 35°F (2°C). No rain expected, a good night for a quiet fire and maybe another cup of tea before bed.

Tomorrow – Monday, May 19:
The sun’s lookin’ to return for a visit, with highs around 57°F (14°C). A fine day to get back to garden chores or take in our garage sale. Winds’ll stay quiet, and the skies should clear up by midday. Looks like one of those days when you just gotta be outside.

Highway 522 has sure picked up over the past few days, with a steady stream of new folks roaming around looking for things to do or buy. And really, what better place to find something special than right here at our garage sale, located at 11588 Highway 522, Port Loring?

We’re open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and I’ve got to tell you, even though we’ve only been at it for two days, I never would’ve guessed we’d see so many people stop in. We’ve had hundreds of cars, trucks, and even folks on ATVs pull in, all hunting for a treasure or two.

People have been loading up their cars, vans, trucks, and trailers — and more were waiting in line. Our parking lot filled up quick, the neighbour’s driveway next door was packed, and vehicles lined the highway.

Now, I want to clear something up.
Even with all that traffic, we’ve still got lots left to sell — and I mean lots. For anyone thinking everything’s been picked over or the good stuff is gone, that just ain’t the case. Truth is, we’ve still got a house full of items that haven’t even made it out to the tables yet. We’re restocking throughout the day as space opens up. There was just no room to put everything out all at once.

We’ll be keeping the sale going until everything’s gone, and like I said, we’re adding more every single day. So if you’ve already been by, it’s worth coming back — and if you haven’t, now’s the time.

I’d also like to give a big thank you to all the locals and visitors from out of town who dropped by. It’s been real nice to see so many friendly faces.

Bug Report:
Well, there’s no denying it — the black flies are definitely with us. But truth be told, they weren’t all that bad yesterday. The cool, damp weather we’ve been having has kept them at bay, and if it stays like this a bit longer, it’ll slow ’em down even more.

Now, once the sun comes out and things warm up again, they’ll be back in full force — no question there. But the good news is, once the dragonflies show up for the summer, they’ll make short work of ’em. Nature’s own pest control, and mighty efficient too.

So with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me — she sure knows how to start the day right. After that, I’ll settle in with a good cup of tea and a little honey, then head out to put up our garage sale signs.

Yep, even though it’s Sunday, the sale rolls on.
We’ve got so much to sell, it might take a month to clear it all out — maybe even longer. And let me tell you, it’s all good stuff too. You never know what kind of treasure you’ll find until you stop in.

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

George's Writers Corner, Weather

Words Before Work on May 17/2025

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Good Morning.
My old Dad used to say, “George, if your old tractor still runs, don’t go lookin’ for a new one.”
There’s more in them few words than meets the eye.

So we did have a light shower roll through early this morning, and looking west, the sky’s still got that unsettled look to it.

Today – Saturday, May 17:
It’ll stay on the cooler side today, with a high around 62°F (17°C). We’ve got a mix bag of clouds and a few scattered showers through the morning, and it might stay breezy for a bit. This afternoon could offer some breaks of sun, but don’t count on it lasting too long.

Tonight:
Cooling off to around 41°F (5°C) by midnight. Expect more cloud cover and the odd bit of drizzle hanging around. Not a bad night to settle in early.

Tomorrow – Sunday, May 18:
The day starts off chilly and damp. Breezes picking up again early, and we’ll likely see on-and-off rain or drizzle through the morning hours. It’ll stay cloudy most of the day, and the temperature will only climb to about 57°F (14°C), and overnight it could dip all the way down to 33°F (0°C) — cold enough to remind you spring still has a few tricks up its sleeve. Not time to plant your tomatoes just yet.

Highway 522 has picked up traffic wise, with lots of new vehicles moving around.

But Report:
Well, them black flies are now annoying folks, but still not as bad as they are in the bush. Kind of makes one think about what the critters have to put up with.

Garage Sale Update – Port Loring Style

Well, I have to tell you folks — yesterday’s garage sale was a real humdinger. We had cars and trucks lined up along the highway, our driveway and parking lot were full, and even our neighbour’s driveway ended up packed. It was one great day for the sale, and we moved a ton of stuff. And I really mean that.

But don’t worry — we’ve still got plenty more!
As soon as something sells, my wife brings out more from the house.

At any rate: We’re open again today starting at 10 AM and running through until 4 PM.
We’ll be going every day through the month or until everything’s sold, whichever comes first.

So if you missed it yesterday or just want to come back for another look, stop on by — you never know what you’ll find.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. Then I’ll be out putting up the garage sale signs and getting everything set up for the day. Here’s hoping the weather cooperates again — it did what I asked yesterday, so let’s see if it listens again today.

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

Events, George's Writers Corner, Weather

Chipping Away at Another Story on May 16/2025

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Good Morning… You know, I have learned over the years that a shovel and a sore back’ll teach you more than a book ever could.

Well, it’s a cloudy morning here, waking up in cottage country, and no matter which way you turn—north, east, south, or west—the sky is blood-red. As the old folks used to say, “Red sky in the morning, farmer take warning.” I know some folks say sailor, but out here, it always made more sense the way the farmers said it.

And wouldn’t you know it, that old saying might be onto something today. We’re looking at a mostly cloudy sky, with a fair chance of showers sneaking in early this morning. There could even be a clap or two of thunder if things stir up enough.

That said, my forecast says the rain should ease off around ten o’clock, just in time for our garage sale to get underway. Here’s hoping the weather plays nice and lets folks come out and browse without too much fuss.

High today should reach about 73°F (23°C), with the air feeling a touch humid and a light breeze coming in from the southwest. Not quite sticky, but close enough that a man working with his hands will be peeling his shirt off before long.

Tonight, things ease off a bit, but the clouds won’t be leaving entirely. There’s still a small chance of a stray shower, and the temperature will dip down to around 56°F (13°C). Cool enough for a light blanket, but not so cool that you’ll need to fire up the stove.

As for tomorrow, Saturday’s shaping up to be more of the same—clouds hanging overhead, with a 40% chance of showers off and on. The high will sit around 65°F (18°C), with that southwest breeze sticking around.

So just so you know, regarding our garage sale here today and for the rest of the month…

We’re still on for today at 11588 Highway 522, Port Loring, rain or shine! Everything’s set up under the carport, so you’ll stay dry even if the skies decide to open up again. Might be smart to bring an umbrella just in case, but once you’re here, you can browse without worrying about the weather.

However, we did put in a special order for the rain to stop right at ten o’clock—right when the sale starts—so here’s hoping the weather’s as cooperative as we are!

We’ve got tools, kitchen stuff, odds and ends from the shed, and a few surprises tucked away. Come on by, find a deal, and maybe share a laugh or two while you’re at it.

Hope to see you soon!

So with that, I’m off for breakfast, made by my lovely wife, before heading outdoors to get things ready for the sale. I might have to walk between the raindrops, but we’ll see. All my life, no matter what needed doing outside, the weather has usually cooperated with me, and I suspect today will be no different.

Then again, you never really know what old Mother Nature has in store. She can be as unpredictable as she pleases if she’s got a mind to be.

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

Gardening, George's Writers Corner, Weather, What's Happening

Notes From the Old Typewriter on May 15/2025

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Good Morning. You know, over the years I have come to realize, that school taught me to read, but the fields taught me what really matters.

It’s a cloudy morning waking up here in the north. The sun showed herself briefly earlier, just enough to tease us before ducking back behind the clouds. The air feels thick, like it’s holding its breath, waiting to see what the day will bring. However, it will get to a high of 78°F (26°C) today and there is a chance of showers. Truth told, it’s shaping up to be one of those warm, muggy days when the weather can’t make up its mind.

Looking Ahead:

  • Tonight: The skies are expected to clear up, giving us a low of 61°F (16°C). A good night to sit out and enjoy the calm after the day’s humidity.
  • Friday, May 16: Warm temperatures continue, with a high of 74°F (23°C). However, be prepared for periods of rain, a possible thunderstorm and possibly some sunshine later on in the day. The evening will cool down to 57°F (14°C).
  • Saturday, May 17: The day starts breezy with a couple of showers, but we can expect intervals of clouds and sun as it progresses. Temperatures will reach a high of 65°F (18°C) and drop to a low of 45°F (7°C) at night.

Highway 522 is picking up more every day now, with folks opening up their cottages and getting their boats ready for the season. Well, I should say some are. That used to be the trend—fishing, that is—but with all the new kinds of folks coming in, it seems like that part has slowly faded. Sad to see, really. These days, it’s all about speed boats, jet skis, and big pontoon boats where people can sit and party out on the water.

I have to say, things sure have changed over the years.

I remember heading out with my old dad many years ago, just the two of us and a wooden fishing pole. We’d dig for worms earlier that morning and toss ’em in an old tin can. No fancy tackle or gear. Maybe a baloney sandwich tucked into a paper bag, and a cool drink of spring water from the dipper in the pail to wash it down.

Simple days, but I’ll tell you, those were the ones I really enjoyed. Just being with my dad, quiet moments shared between bites, both from the fish and our sandwiches. No engines roaring, no music blasting across the lake. Just the sound of water lapping at the boat and the occasional splash of a fish jumping. You know, it wasn’t just about catching fish, it was about being there with my Dad enjoying the peace and quietness of what nature had to offer. Miss them days.

Bug Report:

Well, them blackflies are out in full force now, buzzing around and annoying folks left and right. Not much a person can do about it other than make the best of things. One bit of advice—don’t go slathering yourself in smelly perfumes or soaps. All that does is make things worse.

Me, I stick to good old unscented Dove or Ivory—and not much of that either. My wife’s the same way. She washes all our clothes with unscented soap, which helps more than folks might think.

I’ve been seeing a lot of people using that DEET stuff, thinking it’s the magic answer. But I swear, soon as those little pests catch a whiff of it, they start ringing the dinner bell—”Hey boys, we got some ripe ones over here!”

On another note, yesterday, my wife and I spent most of the day getting our first mowing done for the year. Took a bit of doing, seeing as it was the first cut and the grass had been growing by leaps and bounds. But once it was all said and done, it sure looked nice.

I’ll say this, though—we were both more than ready to sit back and relax after all that.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today—if the rain holds off—I’m planning on working up our vegetable gardens. I’m really looking forward to the smell of the freshly turned soil. There’s just something about it, I’ve always liked. I guess that’s the farmer in me.

Anyway, that’s the plan for today, that is if my old rotivator behaves. She’s from way back in the sixties, and being that old, she can get a bit temperamental from time to time. Which, to be fair, I can understand—being a touch older myself.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. After that, I’ll sip on a hot cup of cocoa while we have our morning chat—and then, well, we’ll just see what the day really has in store for me.

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

George's Writers Corner, Weather, What's Happening

Information from the Old Typewriter on May 14/2025

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Good Morning, and as my old Dad used to say: “Hard work won’t hurt you, but bad habits might.”

It looks as if we are in for another nice day here in the north. The sun is showing herself and nature is waking up after her long winter’s nap, which is fine with me, as I’ve had enough of winter. The snow’s gone from the fields, the robins are pulling worms like no tomorrow, and the grass is greening up faster than I can sharpen the mower blades.

And the thing is, around here, one has to take advantage of this nice weather while you can. That means there’ll be plenty of folks outside today—splitting wood, raking up what winter left behind, or just sitting a spell with a cup in hand, letting the warmth soak into their bones. I know I’ll be doing a little of all three.

As for the weather, today we’re looking at mainly cloudy skies with just a slight chance of a passing shower. The high should hit around 73°F, or 23°C if you’re using the metric side of the tape. Tonight will stay on the mild side, with some clouds hanging around and a low near 59°F, or 15°C. Tomorrow’s shaping up pretty similar—cloudy again with a chance of a few sprinkles and another high around 73°F, or 23°C. Not much to complain about if you don’t mind a bit of gray.

So get out there, breathe deep, and enjoy what the day has to offer. It sure beats shoveling.

Highway 522 is picking up, traffic-wise, a bit more every day. But it’s that time of year, with folks wanting to get away from the cities, and others heading north to open up their cottages for the nice days ahead. You’ll see trucks with canoes strapped on top, trailers bouncing behind, and the odd car packed to the roof like they’re movin’ up for good. Can’t rightly say I blame them, neither. If I had to trade the sound of loons and wind in the pines for honking horns and concrete, I’d be heading north, too.

Bug Report:

Well, them black flies are starting to swarm now, so if you’re one of the lucky ones they can’t resist, best dig out that bug jacket, as you’re gonna need it. They’re zipping around like all get out, and unfortunately, that somewhere is usually your neck or behind your ears.

As for me, well, they buzz around a bit but don’t seem all that interested. I guess I’m not sweet enough, or just not on the menu. Now and then, though, one gets bold and takes a test bite to see if I’ve ripened up since yesterday. Usually it just shakes its head and moves on, disappointed.

At any rate, it’s part of living in the north, and you have to take the good weather with a few freeloaders.

On another note, yesterday I worked the day away outside. Decided to put a coat of penetrating oil on our decks—or should I say, two of our decks. It was a nice dry day, so I figured it’d be a good time to get ‘er done. Now, if the sun sticks around for most of the day, it’ll dry up nicely and be all set for the summer.

As for my lovely wife, she’s been busy getting our gift shop ready for the summer, which will be opening this Friday, along with getting things prepped for our huge garage sale, also starting this Friday, May 16th, 2025. So, yeah, we’re both staying busy. But when you love what you do, it never feels like work.

But in saying all that, our bodies sure feel it by the end of the day.

So, what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today, with a few showers closing in on us for tomorrow morning, my wife and I are planning on cutting our grass for the first time this year. I have to say, it’s been growing like crazy, and it’s starting to look a bit shabby around the house. So, figured we better get to it if we want everything looking good for our big spring sale. At least that’s the plan—let’s hope everything works out.

With that, I’m off once again for my morning breakfast, courtesy of my lovely wife. After that, I’ll enjoy a cup of hot cocoa—maybe out on the swing out back, since our front porch isn’t quite dry yet from me putting on that penetrating oil.

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

George's Writers Corner, Weather, What's Happening

Typing Like It’s Still 1963 on May 13/2025

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Good Morning… Do what you can with what you’ve got.

So starting things off… It looks as if we are in for another really nice day here in Cottage Country.

The sun’s up, the sky’s clear, and we’re heading for a high of about 72°F, or 22°C. Just warm enough to enjoy without breaking a sweat. Tonight will cool off a bit, down around 50°F, or 10°C, and tomorrow’s shaping up much the same—maybe even a touch warmer. No complaints on this end.

Highway 522 has picked up somewhat, but not as much as it was last year. With the weather being the way it has been, that’s understandable. Things will pick up, though, as the days move forward.

Bug Report:
Well, the black flies are out now. Still not as bad as they’re going to be, but just enough to annoy folks somewhat—especially the deeper you are in the bush. It won’t be long before the critters start roaming alongside the roads and crossing here and there, trying to get away from them, so care should be taken if you’re out and about.

On another note, yesterday I had plans to get some more outside work done around the house here, but I’d forgotten my wife had a dentist appointment in North Bay. So, we headed off to town. While there, we picked up a few things we were in need of, had lunch in our car while people-watching, and then grabbed a coffee before heading back home, taking in all the spring colours along the way.

In my mind, the spring colours are every bit as nice as the fall ones, with all the trees, plants, and flowers starting to show off. Sure is a sight to see them all waking up after their long winter’s nap. All in all, a great day.

So with that, I’m off for the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me, and then I’ll see about tackling the things I planned on doing yesterday. As I keep on sayin’, life is one ongoing mystery, as one never knows what a day will bring.

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

George's Writers Corner, Weather, What's Happening

Back When Pens Wrote Stories, Not Checks on May 12/2025

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Good Morning… It’s all right to not have it all figured out.

Well, it looks as if we’re in for another nice day here in cottage country. The sun’s just peeking up over the trees, the stripe-headed birds are out there picking off black flies, and the trees, still a little shy from winter, are finally starting to show off their leaves for summer. It’s that time again when the whole bush seems to come alive overnight.

Today’s Weather Forecast for Port Loring, Ontario, Canada:
We’re in for mostly sunny skies today, with a high reaching around 76°F (25°C). There’ll be a nice breeze from the southwest at about 5 to 10 miles per hour, just enough to keep the bugs guessing. Tonight, the skies will stay clear and temperatures will dip down to a low of about 53°F (12°C).

Looking ahead to Tuesday:
It’ll be a warm one, with the mercury climbing to around 83°F (29°C) under mostly cloudy skies. Winds will be light and variable, and by tomorrow night, it’ll cool off just a bit with a low near 60°F (16°C).

Might be a good couple of days to get some outside work done, or just sit back and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer. Either way, it looks like we’ve got a good stretch ahead.

Highway 522 is getting busier every day. Even our locals are starting to move around, which means spring has officially arrived — folks are dusting off their trucks, checking if the coffee shop’s still standing, and acting like they haven’t seen each other in years, even though they bumped into each other last Thursday.

Bug Report: Well, the black flies are out, but they ain’t in full attack mode just yet. They’re buzzin’ around, testin’ the waters like they’re not quite sure if it’s worth the effort. Might be the cool mornings slowing ‘em down, but one thing’s for sure — once they get that first taste of blood, all bets are off. They go from curious to downright mean, and after that, you might as well be wearing a “Free Buffet” sign on your forehead. For some, that is.

On another note, yesterday I spent the whole day outside, cleaning up around the yard, fixing up our fishpond, and straightening out one of the sheds. I even managed to squeeze in a bit of painting here and there. All in all, it was a busy day — but a good one.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, with it being so nice outside today, I figure I’ll spend some time in the woodworking shop. And if I get a chance, I’ll fire up the old rotivator — bought that thing back in the ‘70s, and it works the soil a lot finer than a tiller. Not many folks make ’em like that anymore, if any. The vegetable gardens… are about due for their first turn over, but I think I’ll save the actual work for Wednesday, let the ground dry out a bit more.
And if the day keeps going the way I’m hoping, my wife and I will end up out under the basswood tree on that swing I built awhile back. It’s been calling for company, and I think it’s about time we gave it what it’s askin’ for.

So with that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me — well, after she finishes watering her plants, of course. They’ve been giving her the ol’ “thirsty look” for the past couple of days, so I’m sure she’s got her hands full with that. I’ll just sit tight and try not to let the smell of coffee make me too impatient, while she plays plant whisperer.

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

George's Writers Corner, Weather, What's Happening

Where the Stories Keep Coming on May 11/2025

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Good Morning Folks… Not every day needs to be big to be good.

It’s looking like one fine day here in Cottage Country. The sun is showing off, and the temperature is on the rise.

Today, Sunday: Sunshine from start to finish, with a high around 61°F, or 16°C. There’s a little breeze picking up out of the southwest this afternoon, just enough to keep the bugs from getting too comfortable. A good day to hang laundry, turn soil, or sit with your coffee and let the world drift by. Tonight will cool off to around 43°F, or 6°C, under partly cloudy skies.

Monday: The sun returns and holds steady. Expect a high of 72°F, or 22°C. The wind will ease off, and it’ll feel like spring has finally settled in for good. The evening will stay calm and clear, dipping down to about 50°F, or 10°C.

Tuesday: The heat keeps building, climbing up to 79°F, or 26°C. It’ll be a mix of sun and cloud, still fine weather for just about anything you’ve got planned. There’s a small chance of a shower come nightfall, with the temperature holding at a mild 55°F, or 13°C.

Looks like we’ve got ourselves a stretch of real decent weather for a change. One has to take advantage of it while you can.

Highway 522 is starting to pick up traffic-wise, with plenty of new vehicles moving up and down the road these days.

Bug Report: I’ve been seeing a few Black Flies over the past couple of days. So far, they’re not biting, but that’ll change once the temperature starts to rise. If you’re one of those folks they like to nibble on, it might be a good idea to bring out your bug jacket.

On another note: Yesterday, I worked the day away outside, fixing this and that. I had one heck of a time with the pump I use for my fishpond. In the end, I replaced it with another one I had kicking around. Took a bit of doing, but the old water wheel is back to work again for the summer—well, at least I hope it is. You never know with equipment, they always seem to have a mind of their own.

My wife, on the other hand, has been real busy reorganizing our gift shop and getting things ready for our upcoming sale here at home on May 16, 2025. The sale isn’t just for one day—we’ll keep it going until everything’s sold, even if it takes a month. Daytime hours are from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. So yeah, she’s been, and still is, one real busy lady, let me tell ya.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today I’ve got a lot on my plate—cleaning up the shop and getting everything ready for the upcoming sale. It’s hard to believe how much stuff we’ve accumulated. We never dreamed we had this much to get rid of! Not sure where it all came from… guess we’ve both been a little too good at holding on to things.

So with that, I’m off for my morning breakfast, and then I’ll see what the day has in store—aside from what I’ve already got planned. It’s always a mystery.

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

Events, News, Information & Events, What's Happening

BIG SPRING GARAGE SALE – Starts May 16th! In Port Loring, Ontario, Canada

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Hi folks, I just noticed I had the date of the sale wrong—it’s all fixed now. Sorry about that! I’d really appreciate it if you could help spread the word again.

BIG SPRING GARAGE SALE – Starts May 16th! And will keep it going till everything is sold, even if it takes a couple of months. Hours will be 10:00Am to 4:00PM
🌼

We finally finished getting things ready for our big garage sale — and believe me, there’s a lot to go!

We’ve got just about everything under the sun:
🔩 Jars of screws, nails, bolts, nuts, and washers
🍳 Instant Pots and kitchen gadgets galore
🎣 Fishing gear, reels, a fish finder
🛠️ Rakes, hoes, shovels
💻 Electronics – keyboards, a couple computer mouses, speakers, and more cords than you can shake a stick at
📦 Boxes of old tools, electrical and plumbing items, books, toys, even some office supplies and a cash register

And that’s just the start.

This is a garage sale, so most everything is negotiable — make an offer! We want it all gone.

We’re also clearing out everything from our gift shop, filled with handmade items my wife and I created. Most of those will be half price, including some great deals on the handcrafted flutes I make.

Heck, we’ve even got a good solid cement mixer up for grabs.
Oh! And there are even a few antiques for those who like that sort of thing. I am also going to sell some of my woodworking equipment too, and I also have a bunch of lumber rough cut all kinds and sizes.

Too much to list, really. You’ve got to come see it for yourself.
Starts May16th and goes until it’s all gone!

📍 11588 Highway 522, Port Loring, Ontario
👋 Hosted by George and Ruth Walters
🚗 For those who know the area: if our driveway’s full, there’s extra parking next door at Bea’s place
📅 Mark your calendar and come on by! May 16/2025

📣 And if you’re seeing this here on my Blog, we’d sure appreciate it if you could help spread the word and let others know about the sale. Oh, and all the items are in our car port, so rain or shine the sale will go on. Might pay to bring an umbrella, though. Thank you kindly!

Gardening, George's Writers Corner, Health, My Opinion Only

The Future of Canada’s Produce

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Only On The Walters Post

So here we are, talking about growing machine-grown lettuce here in Canada, and some folks are saying it could reduce our reliance on U.S. greens. Personally, I’m all for growing our own produce, as we should be doing more of it and supporting our local farmers. Our grocery stores should be filled with fresh, Canadian-grown vegetables.

Now, while I agree with the idea of growing our own produce, I’m not sure whether we need machines to do it. With systems like this, we risk putting more people out of work, and honestly, I don’t think we need to rely on machines for growing vegetables. Being an old farmer, it just doesn’t feel right to me. There’s something about the human touch in farming—connecting with the land and working alongside nature—that can’t be replaced by automation.

That said, I do believe the U.S. produces some of the best fruits and vegetables out there. There’s no comparison to what they grow—except for us, of course. So, my approach is simple: when Canadian produce is in season, I buy Canadian. When it’s not, I turn to the U.S. It’s a reasonable balance that helps support our farmers and ensures we get quality produce year-round.

I’ve also noticed that some people are boycotting American produce altogether, and I’ve seen more imports from places like Mexico, Israel, Guatemala, Africa and others in stores. While I understand the sentiment, I’m not convinced it’s the best solution. The taste and quality of produce from these countries often don’t match up to what we get from the U.S. or Canada. And here’s another concern: we have no way of knowing what kind of soil that produce is grown in, or what chemicals are being used. Other countries may allow pesticides and practices that we wouldn’t tolerate here in Canada, as our laws are stricter for a reason.

Now, I’m not advocating for more pesticides here in Canada, as I am a big supporter of organic farming and believe that’s the direction we should continue moving toward. But the fact remains, when comparing what we grow, what the U.S. grows, and what comes from other countries, there’s a clear difference in quality and safety.

So in the end, I think the key is finding the right balance. Let’s grow our own produce when we can, support our local farmers, and buy American when our crops aren’t in season. And for anything that can’t be grown in Canada or the U.S., that’s when we should rely on other countries. But there needs to be strict rules about how it’s grown and what’s put on it. If we can’t ensure that, then we’re opening the door to more risks than we should be willing to take.

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

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

What’s Going On With Our Oil, Anyway?

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Only On The Walters Post

I’ve been thinking a lot lately, I do that occasionally, about our oil — the stuff under our feet that helped build this country, fuel our trucks, and keep the lights on. Truth is, I don’t think most folks realize just how backwards things have gotten.

Here’s the rundown: we drill it, we pump it, and we send nearly all of it straight to the States. They take that crude, refine it, turn it into gasoline and diesel, and then sell it right back to us — at a tidy profit, of course.

Now, yes, I know we do have some refineries here in Canada — fifteen of them across the country. Some are in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and a few in Quebec and New Brunswick. But even with those, we still send 95% of our crude south, and then turn around and buy it back — especially in the eastern provinces.

So we’re rich in oil, but still buying back the finished product. That’s like raising your own cattle and ordering your steak from down the street.

We’ve got the oil, the land, the workers, and the know-how; so if we started refining more of our oil right here at home, we’d be putting thousands of people to work — skilled trades, operators, truckers, and the whole works. And we’d stop giving away the value of our resources while paying more at the pump.

To me, that’s something worth fixing.

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

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

Stirring the Pot for Nothing

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Only On The Walters Post

So, here we are again. All that noise, the finger-pointing, and the fearmongering—turns out it was just folks stirring the pot. Just like I said in earlier posts, the whole fuss over Trump, tariffs, and some made-up crisis between Canada and the U.S. was never anything more than a show. And a bad one at that.

People got worked up, shouting about annexation and acting like Canada was about to be swallowed whole. Come on. That kind of talk does more harm than good. Trump didn’t threaten us, didn’t try to take over anything. All he said, plain and simple, was that maybe Canadians would be better off under the U.S. system—lower taxes, better health care, no defense budget. Whether you agree or not, that’s a far cry from invading the country.

And yet, some folks—especially in the media and politics—just couldn’t help themselves. They twisted it all into a story of danger and drama, painting Trump like some villain and lifting up guys like Carney as heroes. Truth is, Carney played his part well, I’ll give him that. Sold a fable, scared some voters, helped the Liberals squeak by again. But don’t kid yourself—it wasn’t leadership, it was politics.

Same thing with Elon Musk and other straight-shooters. Some people just don’t like truth-tellers. They’d rather stir trouble, push an agenda, and bash anyone who doesn’t play their game. And the sad part? A lot of folks fall for it.

I say enough already. Let’s stop buying into these cooked-up stories and start focusing on what really matters—our country’s resources, our economy, our future. There’s real work to do and real opportunity, especially for Indigenous communities and for Canadians who’ve been left behind while the politicians play pretend.

The truth matters. And we owe it to ourselves and our kids to call out the nonsense when we see it.

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

George's Writers Corner, Weather, What's Happening

Typed with the Same Hands That Once Held Grape Wire on May 10/2025

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Good Morning Folks! The days are stretching, and I suppose I should too.

So, starting things off with this. The sun did show herself early this morning, but writing this, the sky has clouded up somewhat, and it’s shaping up to be one of those in-between kind of days.

Weather for Port Loring, Ontario

Saturday, May 10th:
Mostly cloudy with a high around 58°F, or 14°C. Tonight will be colder, dropping to 31°F, or -1°C, so it might be a good night to toss an extra blanket on.

Sunday, May 11th:
Plenty of sunshine in the forecast, warming up to about 64°F, or 18°C. Overnight low around 44°F, or 7°C.

It’s that kind of weather that keeps a person guessing—do you haul out the rake or head back inside for another cup of coffee? Either way, best to keep your boots by the door and your plans flexible.

Highway 522 Report:
Traffic’s been picking up, more and more each day now. Cottagers are starting to roll in, opening up their places and getting their boats ready for the water. It won’t be long before fishing season kicks off for another year, and that always brings a few more folks into our area.

Bug Report:
Well, like I mentioned yesterday, the blackflies are starting to make themselves known. So far, at least around our place, they haven’t started biting—but you can bet once they get that first taste of blood, there’ll be no stopping them. That said, things won’t stay in their favor for long. Once the birds start picking them off and the dragonflies wake up, well, that’s when the real action begins. Those dragonflies don’t mess around—they clean them up in a hurry. You could call them human and animal lifesavers, and you wouldn’t be wrong.

On another note, yesterday, my wife and I spent the whole day outside. She was busy transplanting flowers, placing them in all the right spots to make our property look that much better. She’s got a real eye for it—but then again, she spent years designing homes back when we ran our landscaping business, so it comes naturally to her.

As for me, I worked on a few other things, including getting the pump installed for our fishpond, which runs our water wheel. Had a few issues there, and it took me a while to figure out what was going wrong. I’ll be back at it again this morning—weather permitting, of course.

So, What Are You Up to Today, GW?

Well, like I mentioned, I’ll be working on getting the pump for our fishpond running again. After that, I’ve got to tackle my woodworking shop—it’s a bit of a mess with everything we’ve had on the go lately. Tools and scraps here, there, and everywhere.

And then, if the sun decides to show herself, and it warms up a bit—and the blackflies don’t get too bold—I’m thinking a little time on the swing might be in order. Just sitting back, taking in the view of our place. It really is something special around here, if I do say so myself.

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

George's Writers Corner, Weather, What's Happening

Said I’d Retire. Forgot to Mention the Talking Part on May 9/2025

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Good Morning Folks! The world’s greening up again, slow and sure.

So starting things off this morning, I have to say, in spite of it being a touch cool, it’s sure looking nice outside. It’s got that early spring feel to it, too.

Today (Friday):
We’re in for a pretty decent one. Highs will creep up to around 66°F (19°C) by mid-afternoon. The sun will be playing tag with the clouds all day, but it’s expected to come out the winner more often than not. Light breeze out of the southwest at about 10 mph—just enough to keep the air moving and bugs off your neck.

Tonight:
Once the sun slips away, we’ll cool back down to around 47°F (8°C). The skies ought to stay mostly clear, which’ll make for a good, crisp spring evening. Might be just right for sitting out with a cup of something warm, or tucking in early if you’ve got a big Saturday planned.

Tomorrow (Saturday):
Now Saturday’s looking like the pick of the week. Expect a high near 72°F (22°C) under sunny skies. The wind’ll be mild, and the day should hold steady—perfect for yard work, fencing, cleaning out sheds, or even putting some new line on that fishing pole of yours, if you’re getting anxious.

Highway 522 is—or has been—picking up traffic-wise as each day passes by. Lots of new, or I should say different, vehicles than we usually see roaming around town. And there’s been a steady stream of trucks towing four-wheelers and boats, all heading into the backwoods. It’s only going to get busier as the weather warms up.

On another note, yesterday I worked the day away outside, building a new stand for the swing I made a while back. Got it all finished up, and my wife and I set it—and the swing itself—under the old basswood tree at the back of our property. Real nice spot there. We’ve got a pretty good view of most of our land, and when the sun gets a bit warm, that tree will give us some much-needed shade. My wife sure loves that swing, and I do too. It’s nice to have it up and running again.

After lunch, my wife came outside and helped me with some garden work. We did a bit of raking and cleaning up, and even had time to sit on our swing and take in all that nature has to offer. All in all, one great day.

So What Are You Up To Today, GW?

Well, today I’m planning to fill up our fishpond. I cleaned it out about a week ago, so it’s good and ready. Then, if I’m up to it, I’m going to hook up the pump, which gets the water wheel turning on that little mill I built a few years back. It sure looks nice, turning away there through the summer months. Once it’s going, it really adds something special to the yard. My wife and I sure do enjoy sitting on the front porch, taking it all in and listening to the water as it trickles by. Just one of those simple pleasures that makes a day feel complete.

Bug Report:
Well, as much as I hate to say it, the black flies are just starting to show themselves. Yesterday while I was working outside, I saw a few buzzing around. They didn’t bite us yet, but with this warm weather moving in, it won’t be long before they become downright annoying. Especially for my wife—they love to get under her hair, around her neck and ears. When that happens, the old bug jacket comes out of the closet.

As for me, well, they don’t usually bother me too much. I chalk it up to not being as sweet as the womenfolk. That said, they do get me swatting them away from my eyes with my old hat when they get thick. Not sure what I’d do without that hat—it’s got a lot of miles on it over the years.

So with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has put together for me. After that, we’ll see what the day has in store—right after we sit down for our turmeric tea. Occasionally, I like to spice life up a bit.

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

Events, News, Information & Events, What's Happening

BIG SPRING GARAGE SALE!!! Port Loring Ontario Canada.

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BIG SPRING GARAGE SALE – Starts May 16th! And will keep it going till everything is sold, even if it takes a couple of months. Hours will be 10:00Am to 4:00PM
🌼

We finally finished getting things ready for our big garage sale — and believe me, there’s a lot to go!

We’ve got just about everything under the sun:
🔩 Jars of screws, nails, bolts, nuts, and washers
🍳 Instant Pots and kitchen gadgets galore
🎣 Fishing gear, reels, a fish finder
🛠️ Rakes, hoes, shovels
💻 Electronics – keyboards, a couple computer mouses, speakers, and more cords than you can shake a stick at
📦 Boxes of old tools, electrical and plumbing items, books, toys, even some office supplies and a cash register

And that’s just the start.

This is a garage sale, so most everything is negotiable — make an offer! We want it all gone.

We’re also clearing out everything from our gift shop, filled with handmade items my wife and I created. Most of those will be half price, including some great deals on the handcrafted flutes I make.

Heck, we’ve even got a good solid cement mixer up for grabs.
Oh! And there are even a few antiques for those who like that sort of thing. I am also going to sell some of my woodworking equipment too, and I also have a bunch of lumber rough cut all kinds and sizes.

Too much to list, really. You’ve got to come see it for yourself.
Starts May16th and goes until it’s all gone!

📍 11588 Highway 522, Port Loring, Ontario
👋 Hosted by George and Ruth Walters
🚗 For those who know the area: if our driveway’s full, there’s extra parking next door at Bea’s place
📅 Mark your calendar and come on by! May 16/2025

📣 And if you’re seeing this here on my Blog, we’d sure appreciate it if you could help spread the word and let others know about the sale. Oh, and all the items are in our car port, so rain or shine the sale will go on. Might pay to bring an umbrella, though. Thank you kindly!

George's Writers Corner, Weather, What's Happening

Still Typing, Still Talking on May 8/2025

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Good Morning… The world’s greening up again, slow and sure.

It’s a cold and cloudy morning here in cottage country. Sure doesn’t feel like spring, more like a late fall day. But the good news is, it’s not raining, and if we’re lucky, we just might see a bit of sunshine later on.

Port Loring, Ontario Weather Forecast

Today: Cloudy skies sticking around for most of the day. A few sunny breaks are possible this afternoon if the clouds decide to give us a little grace. High of around 50°F (10°C). Winds staying light, which helps some.

Tonight: Cloudy again and dipping down to a low near 36°F (2°C). Might feel a touch colder if that breeze picks up overnight.

Tomorrow: Still mostly cloudy, though there’s a better chance of some sun peeking through. A little warmer too, with a high near 55°F (13°C). It’s not quite porch-sitting weather yet, but we’re getting there.

Highway 522 is a bit quiet this morning, but that’ll change as the day moves along. Already seeing a steady stream of trucks, cars and 4x4s making their way up and down the highway, which is a sure sign we’re edging closer to tourist season. Folks are starting to open up their camps, check on cottages, and get a feel for how the land made it through the winter.

Bug Report:
Not much to report just yet, with it being such a cool spring. But it won’t be long now before the blackflies come knocking. As a rule of thumb, they usually show up right around Mother’s Day and tend to stick around ’til Father’s Day. So, it might be a good idea to get your bug jacket out and hanging by the door, just in case they decide to show themselves. But one thing is for certain, they won’t be showing up today, being as cold as it is.

On Another Note…
Yesterday was a busy one for my wife and me, even though I wasn’t feeling a hundred percent. We finished cleaning up our basement, and dragged out a bunch more stuff that’s going into our big spring sale. It starts on April 16th and runs until it’s all gone — and believe me, there’s a lot to go.

We’ve got just about everything under the sun. Jars full of screws, nails, bolts, nuts, and washers. Instant Pots, Kitchen gadgets galore, tables, fishing gear, reels, a fish finder, rakes, hoes, and shovels. Electronics galore — keyboards, a mouse or two, speakers, and more wires and cords than you can shake a stick at, enough to hook up just about any gadget out there.

And that’s just scratching the surface. On top of all that, we’ve also got everything from our gift shop — things my wife and I brought to life with our own hands — and it all has to go too. I’m even offering some great deals on the handcrafted flutes I make, and most everything else will be marked half price.

Heck, I’ve even got a good solid cement mixer up for grabs. Truth is, there’s just too much to list. You’ll have to come by and see it for yourself.

I swear, I don’t even remember where half of it came from, but it’s all got to go. So if you’re in need of anything — and I mean anything — drop by. I’m even parting with some of my woodworking tools and gear, which is saying something.

We’ll be putting up signs once things get rolling, but in the meantime, if you know someone looking for a deal or just loves a good treasure hunt, send them our way. We’d sure appreciate the help spreading the word.

Hope to see you next week — and come early if you want the good stuff!

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today I’m planning on fixing up a proper stand for that swing I made a while back. That way, my lovely wife and I — or maybe some of our customers — will have a nice place to sit and relax. I’m thinking we’ll set it out under that big old basswood tree out back, we’ll see how that works out.

That is, if it warms up a bit. I’ve got to say, I’m not a fan of the cold like I used to be.

With that, I’m off to enjoy my morning breakfast, which my little woman has ready for me. After that, I think a nice cup of hot cocoa will be in order, then we’ll get into our regular morning chat — the one my wife and I do every single day. It’s a good way to start the day, and I’d say it’s one of the things that’s necessary for a good marriage. We never hide anything from each other, always keep things open and honest.

I’ve heard that nowadays some couples even have their own bank accounts. It’s funny, because after fifty-some years together, what I have is hers and what she has is mine — it’s always been that way. Funny how things have changed over the years, isn’t it?

I suppose you’d have to live as long as we have to really understand it. But for the younger folks getting married today, if you want a marriage to last, it might be something worth considering. Just a thought, mind you.

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

George's Writers Corner, Weather, What's Happening

What the Years Left Me to Write on May 7/ 2025

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Good Morning! The robins are back and so are the potholes, which is a sure sign that winter’s lettin’ go.

It’s a cloudy morning here, waking up in cottage country. The kind of sky that makes you reach for that second cup of coffee.

Today, well today it’s going to stay on the cool side with a high of just 48°F. No real sign of the sun breaking through, just a grey ceiling hanging over us most of the day.

Tonight, it’s going to get downright chilly, as we’re looking at a low of 30°F, which is kind of cool for this time of year. So you might want to toss another blanket on your bed before retiring for the evening.

Tomorrow however looks brighter. We’ll see the sun showing herself and the temperature will climb to a more comfortable 57°F. Still jacket weather, but not bad if you keep yourself moving. Tomorrow night dips back down again to about 33°F, so it’s not time to leave the windows open just yet.

But in saying all that, that’s the way things are here in the north, a typical spring, a little back and forth as the season tries to make up its mind.

Highway 522 is getting busier every day with folks leaving the cities, looking for something quieter. Some are just passing through, but more and more are sticking around, buying up little spots of land or fixing up the old cabins their grandparents left behind. But there’s also a quiet sort of shift unfolding, not loud or rushed, just steady. Kinda makes you wonder what this area will look like in another few years.

On another note, being that I wasn’t feeling the best yesterday, I spent part of the morning working away at some desk work, slow but steady. But when the sun broke through in the afternoon, I couldn’t sit still any longer and had to get outside. It’s one of those things, when the weather’s nice, it’s like something out there calls my name.

So what are you up to today GW?

Well, once again, not feeling quite up to par this morning, I figure I’ll take it easy here at my computer for a while. Although, if I start feeling a bit better, I might make a run to the dump later on this afternoon.

Dump days are always a bit of an event around here. You never know what—or who—you’ll run into. It’s where old things go to die and small talk thrives. Some folks treat it like a social outing, swapping stories over bags of garbage like it’s Sunday dinner.

So with that, I’m off once again for my morning breakfast—made by my lovely wife, who always knows how to get the day started just right. And after that, I’ll see what the day has in store, as around here, you never really know what’s coming next, one minute you’re set on a plan, and the next, life’s handed you something else entirely.

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

George's Writers Corner, Weather, What's Happening

Sunup to Sundown, One Story at a Time on May 6/2025

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Good Morning… One thing at a time, that’s how things get done.

It was a bit damp earlier this morning, but the sun is trying to make an appearance now, which I suspect will be short-lived. The good news is, for the first time this year, we slept with the window in our bedroom open all night long. Kinda nice for a change.

Today (Tuesday, May 6):
Expect a mix of sun and clouds through the morning, with increasing cloud cover and scattered showers developing this afternoon. High around 67°F (19°C). Winds out of the southwest at 5 to 10 mph. There’s a 70% chance of rain, so don’t wander too far without a raincoat or a jacket.

Tonight:
Cloudy skies with periods of rain continuing into the evening. Low near 47°F (8°C). Winds will stay out of the southwest at 5 to 10 mph. Still about a 70% chance of rain overnight, so it’ll be a damp one.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, May 7):
Skies will stay mostly cloudy through the day with a chance of showers in the morning, tapering off as we head into the afternoon. Expect a high around 55°F (13°C). Winds will shift and come out of the north at 5 to 10 mph. Rain chance drops to 30%.

Tomorrow Night:
Things clear up overnight, bringing mainly clear skies. The temperature will dip down to a chilly 29°F (-1°C), so you might want to close that window again. Winds will be light and variable.

Highway 522 is slow this morning, which is normal for our area, but in saying that it has picked up traffic wise a lot over the past few days. Lots of new faces and vehicles roaming around, and it will only get busier as the days goes by.

On another note, yesterday I finally got around to cleaning up my woodworking shop—with the help of my wife, which sure made things a lot easier. It took us all morning, and in the afternoon we tackled the basement. It’s amazing what one can accumulate over the years. At any rate, we’re making a lot of headway these days. The place has never looked so good.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today I think I’ll be taking it a bit easy, as I’m not feeling all that well—guess I’ve been overdoing it a bit lately. So, I’m just going to relax for a while.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife made for me. After that, I’ll sit back and enjoy our morning cup of—well, I think I’ll go with green tea this morning for a change. Just feel like something different. And of course, our regular chat. Can’t start the day without that.

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

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

Bring Back the Rock, and Let’s Talk About Hard Time Here Too in Canada

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Only On The Walters Post

So here’s the thing — when I heard Donald Trump was talking about reopening Alcatraz, I didn’t roll my eyes like some folks might. In fact, I thought, well, that makes a lot of sense. What better place than an island surrounded by frigid waters and unforgiving tides to hold the worst of the worst? It worked before, didn’t it? You couldn’t exactly stroll off “The Rock” and into the nearest town for a coffee.

Now, I’m not talking about locking up some kid who made a mistake or someone caught with a bit of pot. I mean the ones who keep hurting others, again and again. The violent repeat offenders. The kind who have no interest in changing, who just cycle through the system, leaving a trail of damage behind.

Trump says he wants to rebuild and expand Alcatraz to house these criminals. He wants it to stand as a symbol — not of cruelty, but of law, order, and consequence. And you know what? Whether you like the man or not, the idea isn’t crazy. The prison’s already sitting there. The bones of it still stand. It’s got history. It’s got teeth, and most importantly, it worked — no confirmed escapes, not unless you count the three who vanished in ’62. Even then, chances are the ocean took ’em.

Now, here in Canada, I think we’ve got a different problem. We’re a little too soft on some things. I’m not saying lock everyone up and throw away the key — but I am saying if you’re doing time, you should be doing something. Productive. Useful. Working.

They used to put prisoners on road crews. Cleaning ditches, fixing fences, planting trees, along with learning trades. And giving something back to the community. But these days? Most inmates don’t do much of that. Sure, some have jobs inside — laundry, kitchen duty, sewing uniforms, or making license plates through CORCAN, the federal prison industry. But it’s mostly internal work, tucked out of sight. Rarely do you see a cleanup crew on the side of a rural highway anymore.

And it’s not mandatory. It’s voluntary.

Seems to me, if you’re getting free meals, heat, medical care, and a roof over your head at taxpayers’ expense, the least you can do is give something back. And here’s something worth mentioning — there are millions of people out here on the outside who can’t get a doctor when they need one. Meanwhile, inmates have a doctor on call anytime. It’s a glaring contrast that makes you think. We pay taxes for the system, but many of us are left waiting for care. It’s a reality check on fairness and responsibility. In fact, inmates have access to a full range of medical services, including primary care from physicians and nurses, mental health services with psychologists and psychiatrists, substance use treatments, and even specialized care from doctors and dentists. On top of that, they get pharmacy services, health screenings, and preventive care. All of this at no cost to them. It makes you wonder how much more people on the outside would benefit if they had even a fraction of that same access to healthcare.

I farmed a good portion of my life, and I’ll tell you, hard work never hurt anybody — in fact, it’s saved a lot of people and as my old dad used to say: Idle hands are the devil’s playground, and I believe it more now than ever.

So yeah, bring back Alcatraz if you’re serious about stopping the cycle of violence. And here in Canada? Maybe it’s time we rethink our approach, too. Not out of spite, but out of simple, honest common sense.

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

Welcome to my little corner of the countryside, where storytelling meets the everyday joys of woodworking, farming, and gardening. I’m GW, a writer and published author with over thirty years of experience.