All posts by George Walters

George Walters is a Canadian columnist and author with more than forty years of writing experience. For over twenty years he has written a weekly column for Postmedia Network — Canada's largest newspaper chain — never missing a single week, publishing fifty-two stories a year. Combined with his work in Reader's Digest Community Voices, World News, Country Living, The Country Register, and farm and rural lifestyle magazines across Canada, he has published well over two thousand stories drawn from everyday life. He writes about farm work, fishing, old trucks, and the kind of people you only find in small towns — but just as likely he'll hand a voice to a weathered telephone pole, or turn his eye on something happening in the world today and tell you exactly what he thinks about it. No subject is off limits. If there's a story in it, George will find it. He has been called a philosopher of everyday life, a description that came up more than once during his television appearances over the years — and it's not hard to see why. His writing has a way of making the ordinary feel worth sitting with. He is the author of eleven books, including yearly short story collections and the Clay Moretti Files mystery series. Clay is a fifty-year-old private investigator who drives a 1967 Ford Galaxie, smokes cigars, and operates by a code the modern world gave up on a long time ago. The cases are present day. The man handling them is not. All titles are available in paperback and eBook on Amazon. Together, George and his wife Ruth have also created Elmer Finds His Way, the first in what he hopes will be a long series of children's books. Ruth did all the illustrations, as she has for every one of George's books — and beyond that she designed and painted the covers as well. Her work is woven into every page of everything he has published. A few words from readers: "I pulled up a kitchen chair and read your story three times." "You have a way of making a person homesick for a place they haven't been to." "Thank you for writing things that make old people and kids feel the same way at the same time." All my titles are available in paperback and eBook on Amazon.ca here.
My Opinion Only, News, Information & Events

Taking Responsibility: Time to Make Canada Strong Again

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Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

I’ve been thinking lately, a lot, about where we’re headed here in Canada. The real problem isn’t pointing fingers at the U.S. or Donald Trump. The fact is, he’s looking out for his own country—just like any leader should. We can’t expect him or anyone else to put Canada first, and that’s exactly why we need to take care of ourselves.

We’ve become too dependent on other countries, leaning more on their economies instead of investing in our own. This isn’t a sustainable way forward. We can’t keep blaming others when things don’t go the way we want. Whether it’s tariffs, interest rate hikes, or inflation in the U.S., it’s clear they will do what’s best for them. We need to do the same for Canada. We need to support Canadian businesses, encourage innovation, and make sure we’re standing on our own feet.

Yes, some of Trump’s policies might cause worry here, like higher tariffs or changes in U.S. interest rates that could affect the loonie and our economy. But sitting around blaming others won’t solve anything. We need to act, make smart deals when needed, and focus on making Canada strong. Like Trump’s slogan, but for us: it’s time to Make Canada Great Again.

Let’s stop blaming and start doing. The answer isn’t waiting for others or complaining when they change things. The answer is in taking action, working with what we have, and making sure Canada is ready for whatever comes next.

That’s my feeling on what is taking place in the news today, relating to Donald Trump and his methods of getting things done. GW

All my books are available on my Amazon Author Page.

If you purchase a book, a brief Amazon review really helps new readers discover my work—it means a lot.

Support my writing: Support My Writing

In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well!

George Walters | [email protected]

My Opinion Only, Weather, What's Happening

Sunshine and Chill: A November 8/2024 Morning in the North

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Good morning folks! As I watch the sun peeking over the treetops and feel that crisp November air, I’m reminded of what I was told many years ago. “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” And out here, we know a thing or two about balance—especially when trying to stay warm without moving too far from the wood stove!

We’re starting things off this morning here in the north with a bit of sunshine peeking through, and the temperature at the time of this post was sitting at 6.6°C (43.88°F). For November, that’s not too bad, as daytime highs in the 40s are pretty decent for where we live. By tonight, though, it’ll drop to around 27°F (-3°C). Perfect time to light the fire and hunker down for the evening.

Tomorrow looks mostly sunny, with a high of 43°F (6°C).

You know, living out here, away from the city noise, the weather becomes part of our day. It’s a reminder to slow down and take it in, whether you’re outside or watching it all unfold from the window. So, all I can say is: “Enjoy these not-too-cold days while they’re here.”

On another note, things are pretty quiet traffic-wise around our area these days. Most of the locals are back in the bush, trying to put some meat in the freezer for the winter. Now, I don’t hunt myself anymore, but I understand, with the price of meat in the stores these days. Actually, it’s not just meat—everything is costing more these days. Every trip to the store seems to empty the wallet faster than the last.

People are asking why prices are so high, and truth be told, there’s no easy answer. A lot of things come into play, and one big factor is how the country has been managed these past few years. We’ve spent money where we shouldn’t have. One thing I’ve learned is you have to take care of yourself first before you can help anyone else. If you don’t, you won’t be much good to anybody. That’s the situation here in Canada—we’ve become so dependent on other countries that we’re losing our ability to take care of our own. Keep going down this path, and the tough times we’re dealing with now —will feel like a warm-up.

Now, here’s something else. A lot of folks have strong feelings about Trump, and I understand, I really do. And I also know he’s said plenty that maybe he shouldn’t have. But here’s the thing: he didn’t get where he is without knowing how to look out for himself and, in his mind, for his country. I really do believe that if given enough time, he will make real changes and get the U.S. back on track. A country needs a leader who stands up for what’s right, not someone who bends over backward just to get votes or look busy.

These days, it feels like most politicians are sitting in their big offices, dressed up in fancy suits, telling us what we need to do without having a clue about what life is really like for the average working man or woman. The problem is, it’s not just a recent issue—this has been going on for years. The powers that be in my mind, have a track record of making decisions, that often seem out of touch with the needs of regular folks. They spend hours talking, making promises, and drawing up plans that sound good on paper but don’t hold up in the real world.

It’s like they’re playing a game where the rules don’t apply to them, and we’re the ones who pay the price. Whether it’s economic policies that don’t add up or programs that funnel money into places it doesn’t need to go, we’re the ones left tightening our belts. Sure, there are some who genuinely try to make a difference, but looking back over the years, the system doesn’t seem to change much—new faces, same old story.

It’s like trying to read a doctor’s handwriting—they go on and on, and we’re left scratching our heads, wondering what they even said. And in the end, we’re still waiting for the kind of real leadership that understands the struggles of everyday life and is willing to roll up their sleeves and fix what’s broken!

So, those are my thoughts for today. Funny how one thing leads to another, but sometimes you just have to put it out there and let folks make of it what they will.

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me and will then get back to doing some work here at my computer.

Take care of yourselves, appreciate the little things, and don’t forget to find moments of peace in the chaos. That’s what keeps us going. GW

All my books are available on my Amazon Author Page.

If you purchase a book, a brief Amazon review really helps new readers discover my work—it means a lot.

Support my writing: Support My Writing

In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well!

George Walters | [email protected]

My Opinion Only

Winter Dreams vs. the Weak Canadian Dollar!

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As the cool air of November winds its way through Northern Ontario, the thoughts of many an old timer turn south, to the warm, sunlit shores of Florida. You could say, it’s a tradition, for those of us seasoned with more years than we’d care to admit. Now, my wife and I, like countless other Canadians, have always found solace in that winter migration—exchanging snow for sand, and ice for the gentle roll of the Gulf of Mexico. Sarasota, to be exact. But this year, as the leaves fell, so did the Canadian dollar.

In 2024, the loonie has faced its share of troubles, sliding nearly 5% against the ever-mighty U.S. dollar. It’s a dip that’s got more bite than the frost of an early Northern Ontario winter, and it’s bound to pinch the pockets of snowbirds everywhere—my lovely wife and me included. Just last week, we sat together at the kitchen table, sipping hot coffee and browsing rentals down south. I have to admit that the numbers made us pause. What once felt like a manageable expense now carried the weight of a few extra zeroes. It was as though someone had flipped the coin in ‘our favor’, only to find it landed on its head, staring us down with a challenge.

What’s behind this slide of the CAD? A few key ghosts linger in the shadows. First—the interest rate gap between the Bank of Canada and the U.S. Federal Reserve has been widening. Then, the BoC cut its rate to 4.25%, while the Fed keeps their’s higher, drawing investors like moths to a flame, with promises of better returns. Most of us know what those promises mean. It’s no wonder the US Greenback’s been flexing its muscle against the loonie.

Then there’s the sluggish pulse of our economy. Reports showed no growth in August and only a whisper of recovery in September—not exactly the kind of news to warm a retiree’s heart, that’s for sure. Add to that the dip in oil prices—a pillar for Canada’s export economy, it’s no wonder our currency has been backing down. And if that weren’t enough, political uncertainty here in Canada, is stirring the pot, making the CAD feel even more skittish.

So, how does this all trickle down for folks like me and my lovely wife, looking to follow the sun? Simple: those sun-soaked days come with a steeper price tag. Whether it’s the rental of a cozy bungalow, the fill-up at the gas station, or even the cost of a cool beer by the pier, well my wife hates beer so for her let’s add a glass of wine. Then there is the exchange rate, which is taking a bigger bite than we’d like.

But here’s the thing about us older folks. We’ve been through plenty of storms—recessions, hard knocks, and surprises we didn’t see coming. Resilience? Well, let’s just say, it’s part of who we are, sewn into those winter coats we’ve been wearing for years. So—we’ll tighten our belts, maybe skip that extra beer, or shave a few days off the trip, but we’ll still make our way south. Why? Because life isn’t just about counting every dollar and cent, nope not by a long shot, it’s about making memories and enjoying life as well—time waits for no man or woman. And I’ll be damned if I will let a dip in the CAD keep me from holding my wife’s hand, as we watch the sun sink behind the Gulf’s horizon.

So, to my fellow snowbirds: plan wisely, adjust where you must, and don’t forget the reason we make the journey. It’s not just to escape the cold, but to embrace the warmth—in the air, in the spirit, and in those moments that remind us why we keep coming back. And if anyone asks why you’re cutting back on those extra cool drinks under the palm trees, just smile and say, “At our age, we’re just pacing ourselves for the next 20 years of winter getaways.

“Thanks for stopping by my blog. Today, we’ve had around 20,840 folks come by, just like you. I appreciate each visit—it’s good to know my words are reaching real people out there. GW

All my books are available on my Amazon Author Page.

If you purchase a book, a brief Amazon review really helps new readers discover my work—it means a lot.

Support my writing: Support My Writing

In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well!

George Walters | [email protected]

Weather, What's Happening

Reflections from the Countryside: A Writer’s Journey Away from City Life on November 7/2024

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Good morning! In the country, we say: take your time, listen to the wind, and don’t be afraid to let the day unfold at its own pace. Nature knows there’s no need to hurry, and neither should we.

A quick update on what Mother Nature has in store for us here in Port Loring today. We’re looking at a bright, sunny day, with temperatures climbing to a comfortable high of 11°C (51°F) and dipping to around 5°C (41°F) tonight. Perfect weather to take a stroll, get some fresh air, or tackle those outdoor projects waiting in the wings. So, whether you’re out in the garden or taking in the sights, today’s a fine one to enjoy. Stay warm when the sun sets, though—it’ll cool off a bit!

On another note, the town’s been mighty quiet this week, no surprise there, as it’s the first week of hunting season (Deer) in our parts. You can just feel that shift in the air. I can picture the camps as clear as if I were there: smoke rising from the old camp stoves, laughter and voices echoing through the woods, and tales that are already starting to grow bigger with each retelling. You know how it goes: “I saw the biggest buck I’ve ever laid eyes on, right there in the clearing, but wouldn’t you know, just as I was set, it melted back into the brush like a ghost!”

Then you’ve got the city hunters out and about. You can spot them plain as day, all decked out in shiny new camo, boots that look like they just came out of the box, and enough gadgets to stock a store. They trudge through the woods with their GPS in one hand and a walkie-talkie’s in the other, making enough noise to send the deer halfway to the next township.

Meanwhile, the locals—the ones who’ve been hunting these woods since they were just kids—are out there too. They’ve got their old flannel shirts, boots that have seen more winters than most folks have birthdays, and a way of moving through the woods like the trees themselves. They don’t need a lot of chatter or high-tech gear, as they know where the deer pass, and how to wait with the patience of an old oak.

Now, for me, well—I don’t head out to the stands anymore, but the memories are there, clear as ever. The mornings with breath fogging the air, the quiet before dawn, and the stories spun by the campfire when the day’s hunt was done. Here’s to those out there this week, hoping for a little luck and a tale or two to tell. And for the deer? Well, may they keep sharp enough to keep it a fair game.

Work wise for me today—well, if you can even call it that at my age. Truth be told, I don’t really think of what I do now as work. After all these years, I’ve managed to fill my days doing what I enjoy, so it hardly feels like work at all. But, you know, there’s the thought of a good cup of coffee out on the porch calling my name, soaking up a bit of that much-needed vitamin D3 we all seem to miss this time of year.

Before that, though, I’ll be spending a bit of time at my computer. I’ve got a few YouTube videos to finish up—getting them ready to roll out week by week through the winter months to keep things interesting. If any of you folks want to take a look at what I’ve been putting together, here’s my channel: Reviving The Simple Life Stop by when you get the chance. You might find something that’ll bring a smile or remind you of a tale or two of your own.

So, with that, and being a touch late getting this post up this morning—and already having had my breakfast, I’m heading off to tackle a few things here at my computer. After that, I’ll be joining my lovely wife for that much-anticipated cup of coffee on the front porch.

You all have a great day. And keep in mind, life isn’t about running from one task to the next. Take a minute to enjoy the little things—whether it’s sharing a laugh, sipping a warm cup of coffee, or just listening to the wind in the trees. It’s those simple moments that truly matter, and they’re always there waiting if you take the time to notice them. GW

All my books are available on my Amazon Author Page.

If you purchase a book, a brief Amazon review really helps new readers discover my work—it means a lot.

Support my writing: Support My Writing

In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well!

George Walters | [email protected]

George's Writers Corner

The People Have Spoken: America’s Choice and What It Means for Canada Right Here on The Walters Post! November 6/2024

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Only On The Walters Post

These are my own thoughts from what I’ve seen and lived through. I’m sharing them to spark some thinking and honest conversation, not because I have all the answers.

Well, here we are. The U.S. election wrapped up, and wouldn’t you know it—Donald Trump is back. Now, say what you will about him, but I can’t help but nod along with this outcome. Despite the media, the global critics, the odds stacked sky-high against him, Trump pulled it off. I think it’s impressive, to say the least, and if I’m honest, I think it’s just what America needs right now.

This election wasn’t just about one man; it was about millions of Americans saying they’re fed up. They want their country strong again—a real powerhouse on the world stage, standing firm and unafraid, especially with countries like China gaining so much ground. This wasn’t some fluke; this was people taking a stand. It’s like they said, “Enough is enough.” They want things to change, to bring back the America they believe in, and I think they’re onto something.

But I can’t help but think, as a Canadian, that there’s something for us to learn here. Look at where we are now. We’re up to our necks in debt, trillions deep, with little to show for it. Our healthcare’s under strain, small businesses are struggling to keep the lights on, and the average Canadian is feeling the pinch. Feels like we’re pouring money into a pit, while our own needs go unmet.

When I see what just happened in the U.S., I see a reminder that the people have power—real power. Trump’s win shows that when people decide they’ve had enough, they can turn things around. It’s a wake-up call for us, too. Maybe we need a leader who’s willing to be bold, who’ll tackle debt, get our priorities straight, and remind us that Canada can stand on its own two feet.

So, yes, I’m on board with what happened down there. I think the Americans have made a clear choice for strength and independence, and I think it’s high time we start thinking about doing something similar here in Canada. The people hold the real power—always have, always will. And as we watch America’s path shift, maybe it’s time we consider where we want our own to go.

Because if there’s one thing we’re reminded of here, it’s that the people get the last word. And it’s about time we made ours count, too. GW

All my books are available on my Amazon Author Page.

If you purchase a book, a brief Amazon review really helps new readers discover my work—it means a lot.

Support my writing: Support My Writing

In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well!

George Walters | [email protected]