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.
Weather

Forecast for Cottage Country on Sept 15/2024

Leave a comment

Well, folks, it’s that time of year again when the weather seems to be the hottest topic on everyone’s minds. That said, today’s forecast might not have you reaching for a cozy sweater, but it’s always good to keep an eye on the skies, even if it feels like we’re in the middle of a heatwave.

Now, I might not have all the fancy gadgets the weather experts use, but there’s something to be said for good old-fashioned observation. So, let’s get into today’s weather and see what Mother Nature has in store for us.

Starting off, the 2024 hurricane season has been quite the chatter, with predictions falling short of what was expected. Now, some are quick to toss out all sorts of reasons why things haven’t panned out. Some say that Africa kept all the moisture, or that the winds just weren’t cooperating. But in truth, it’s often more about what Mother Nature has in store rather than what we think should happen.

That being said, we aren’t quite out of the woods yet. There’s still a chance of late-season storms developing and making their way up the Eastern Seaboard, which could cause a stir between the end of September and mid-October. If you’re someone who watches the skies like I do, you’ll want to keep an eye on the winds and any brewing systems down south. With the Gulf of Mexico still seeing some activity, there’s always the possibility that a storm could track its way closer to us.

Now, closer to home, what does all this mean for those of us here in Port Loring? Well, we’ve been enjoying some warmer than usual weather this fall, and I suspect that trend will stick around for a bit longer. The forecast models, which sometimes like to overdo it on the heat, are suggesting a milder fall with only the occasional cold front blowing through. That’s not to say we won’t get a bit of rain or cooler nights here and there, but it looks like we’re in for a gentler slide into the winter months.

But speaking of winter, I’ve been looking at some long-range patterns that remind me of the 2007-2008 season. For those who were here back then, you might remember how we got a decent amount of snow, but it came in waves rather than all at once.

Now, if you’re wondering how I’m predicting what’s ahead, here’s a bit of old-time wisdom: If the autumn leaves are falling off the trees faster than usual and the birds are flying south earlier, it’s often a sign of a harsher winter coming our way. Also, when the animals start growing their thicker winter coats sooner, you might want to brace for a chilly season. A ring around the moon can also hint at storms on the horizon. There’s also talk of the southern jet stream playing a part, which could bring us some surprises as we move further into the season. So, keep those winter boots handy and maybe stash an extra log or two by the fireplace—just in case!

For now, though, let’s enjoy the warmth while it lasts. The leaves are starting to change, the air’s crisp in the morning, and if I know anything, it’s that these quieter days won’t last forever. As always, keep the woodpile stocked and the coats handy— and it might pay to put a bit more food in your pantry, as you never know when things will take a turn.

Until then, take care, and remember, as I’ve learned over many years, no forecast is set in stone. Nature always has the final say. 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

Mornings in the Country on September 15/2024

Leave a comment

Good Morning! You know, if there is one thing the farm or country’s shown me over the years, is that most problems work themselves out if you just give ‘em enough time.

It’s a bit misty here in cottage country this morning, caused with the cool night air meeting the warmer morning air. The truth of the matter is—nature’s showing us we’re in for a warm week ahead. Perfect weather for a bit of yard work or just relaxing on the porch. Truth told, the porch is looking mighty fine to me. I think I heard it calling for a bit of company?

Highway 522 has certainly quieted down recently, but we had a great day at our gift shop yesterday. A whole busload of folks dropped in, and they were all smiles, admiring my wife’s paintings, my flutes, and my books. They mentioned they were seeking out special, one-of-a-kind places and had heard about us on their travels. We enjoyed a great chat with them, and they picked out some favorites before continuing on their way. It’s sure nice to see so many people valuing homemade, unique items these days.

On another note, yesterday I started cleaning up our vegetable garden for the year, getting it ready for winter. I should be able to finish it up this morning. But I won’t till it up for another few weeks yet, as we still have some lettuce and orange peppers, and we wouldn’t want to bother them. Nothing like fresh salads right from one’s garden come supper time.

With that, I’m off to enjoy some pancakes my lovely wife has made just for me. After that, I’ll head out to our front porch for a hot cup of cocoa before getting into work. It’s sure great to do what you want, when you want, without any interference from the outside world.

You all have a great day and I will leave you with this: Country living might not have all the excitement of the city, but the trade-off is worth it when you’re waking up to a calm morning and the sound of the birds, not the honking of horns. 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]

Gardening, My Opinion Only

An Old Timers Perspective on Land and Living

Leave a comment

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.

As someone who’s spent a good chunk of his life working the land, I’ve seen many changes come and go. But nothing quite tugs at the old heartstrings like watching our farmlands give way to a sea of new houses. It’s a transformation that feels deeply personal, and I find myself reflecting on what we’re losing in the name of progress.

Let’s take Niagara, once a region defined by its sprawling fields and rich soil, soil that could grow just about anything—is now becoming a hot-spot in Southern Ontario’s real estate market. Recent reports suggest that home prices there are set to rise substantially, and the area is being touted as the “jewel in the crown” of the region, due to its relative affordability. Now this might sound like good news to those in the market for a new home, or for those that make a profit from selling the land and homes, it raises a larger concern for me.

Watching this shift unfold—I can’t help but think about the land that’s being covered up. That fertile soil, which once yielded crops and supported local agriculture, is now being lost under layers of concrete and asphalt. It’s more than just a change in scenery; it’s a profound loss of something that once fed our community and nourished our way of life.

But in saying that, this trend isn’t unique to Niagara; it’s happening all across Canada. As more people move into these areas, driven by high prices elsewhere and the allure of perceived value, we’re seeing our infrastructure struggle to keep up. Our roads, our services, and especially our ability to grow our own food are feeling the strain. The truth of the matter is, that the land that once provided for us is now being sacrificed, and that’s a trade-off that weighs heavily on my mind.

But there’s another pressing issue, that compounds this problem: as I mentioned earlier, our infrastructure is under severe pressure. Our hospitals, schools, and essential services are already stretched thin. I believe that we need to face the reality that we need to pause or, at the very least, control immigration until we can properly support everyone living here. It’s not about being unwelcoming; it’s about ensuring that our systems can handle the growth, and provide for both new and those that have lived here all their life.

You know, in all my years of farming, I’ve learned one thing for certain: you’ve got to work and protect the land, not destroy it. But—looking around now, I can’t help but feel like it’s almost too late. The balance we need is slipping away, and I just hope we haven’t crossed the point of no return. 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

Waking Up to What Matters Most in Northern Ontario, Canada on September 14/2024

Leave a comment

Good Morning! You know, after all these years, I’ve come to know that life’s like a good pair of boots—takes time to break them in, but once they’re right, they’re with you for the long haul.

Well, it’s been a few days since I last checked in here, the reason being that my lovely wife and I took a little trip south of us, just to see what the other half is up to. I have to say, after a few days among the hustle and bustle of city life, we sure were glad to get back to the quiet of the country.

First off, the traffic! You know! I have no idea how people handle it day in and day out. Cars whizzing by in every direction, horns blaring… not exactly what we’re used to, that’s for certain. And those houses? Packed in so tight, you could pass your neighbor a cup of sugar right through the window without leaving your kitchen. I think if I lived there long enough, I’d start missing the privacy of my own porch real quick.

Then there was the whole adventure of finding a place to stay. Now, my wife and I have seen our fair share of motels over the years, and I have to tell you, things haven’t gotten any better. Actually, years ago, things were somewhat better in a lot of ways. One thing is that, today, we’ve learned to ask for a look at the room before handing over any money, but even that doesn’t prepare you for what you find once you’re actually in it. Sometimes, what looks fine at first glance ends up being something else entirely by the time you’ve unpacked your bag. I won’t even mention the shower.

We also figured we’d try a night at the movies. Well, here again we’ve been to plenty of theaters in our day, but this one might take the cake. The place smelled like they hadn’t opened a window since the 70s, and the seats? I’d have been better off sitting on a log. As for the popcorn, let’s just say it had a texture that made me think it might’ve been leftover from the last showing of Gone with the Wind. We didn’t even make it halfway through the bucket before tossing it. And believe me, if you knew my wife’s love for popcorn, you’d understand what a tragedy that was.

Now, I know this might sound like a lot of griping, but that’s not really it as hell, I’m more than willing to pay for things if they’re worth the price— but to me, it just seems these days, you don’t always get what you’re paying for.

But all in all, we did enjoy a few days away, even if it mostly reminded us of how good we’ve got it here. There’s just something about coming home, stepping out onto your own porch, or walking around your property, taking in the stillness that city folks couldn’t even dream of. Hell, I’d bet most of ‘em haven’t heard a cricket chirp in years.

Truth be told, after this trip, I’m more convinced than ever that my wife and I got it pretty good here in the country. At least out here, if something smells funny, it’s usually just our compost pile—not the theater seats, or??

On another note, after we got home, my wife and I tackled the grass yesterday, and I must say, the property is looking mighty fine. I also noticed that traffic around here has eased up quite a bit. I’m guessing it’s a combination of the kids being back in school and the price of things, which we got a firsthand look at during our four-day trip.

Today—well, today I’m thinking of cleaning up our driveway a bit, in other words, making it look a touch nicer. Leave a driveway long enough without tending to it, and eventually, it’ll start to look like a lane-way from years ago, with all the grass and weeds that start to take over. I didn’t mind it years ago though, as it gave the place an authentic look of where one was living.

With that, I am glad to be back home, and now going to have my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me; and then will head outdoors and enjoy the remaining days of summer here in the north. And you know— while the city’s chasing its tail, I think we are pretty darn lucky, to be able to watch the world turn, one slow sunrise at a time. Life is good, my friends, life is good. 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

Mornin’ Dew and Fresh Views on Sept 7/2024

Leave a comment

Good Morning Folks! You know, if there is one thing I have learned over the years it’s that; “Living on a farm or in the country, teaches you to appreciate the small things—a warm breeze, a good meal, and a quiet morning.”

It’s a damp, overcast morning here in Northern Ontario. The rain came down off and on through the night, and by the looks of the sky, it seems determined to stick around for most of the day. The air has a crispness to it this morning, a gentle reminder that the season is beginning to shift. Tomorrow, though, the skies will start to clear, and we’ll get a break from the gloom. But don’t put away the short sleeves just yet, as by Monday, we’ll be back to some fine, warm weather, and next week’s looking to be downright nice.

Highway 522 was slow yesterday, not much traffic rolling through, but you wouldn’t know it from the number of folks stopping by our gift shop. We had a good handful of new faces, all eager to see what we’ve been working on. Honestly, I’ve been surprised by how many people have been dropping by—especially on Sunday and Monday. It’s heartening to see so many taking an interest in our handcrafted items, each one made right here on our property. There’s something rewarding about knowing folks appreciate the time and care that goes into creating something unique, something you can’t just find anywhere else.

On another note, my lovely wife and I finally got our kitchen all spruced up, along with a fresh coat of paint that really brightens the place. I have to say, it’s looking better than ever. You know, all my life, even growing up on the farm, the kitchen always felt like the heart of the home. It was where life seemed to slow down just enough to be appreciated. The smells drifting from the old wood cook stove, the warmth of a meal in the making—it drew everyone in. And if someone had a problem, well—the kitchen table was where we sat down to hash it out. And no matter how cold I was, I could always count on the wood-box by the stove to warm me up. There wasn’t a cozier spot in the house.

Even now, the kitchen is still one of my favorite places, especially when you’ve got a good cook like my little woman. She’s got this knack for turning the simplest ingredients into something that’d rival any fancy restaurant. Gourmet cooking, they call it—but to me, her meals are better because they’re made from the heart. And you know, it doesn’t matter if it’s a humble stew, or a plate of biscuits, she always manages to make it something special, with flavor you won’t find anywhere else.

Today, with it being so wet outside and our firewood all put in for winter, I think I’ll take the day off and relax a bit. Maybe I’ll even sit down and write another story for the newspaper columns I do. I write 52 columns a year for Post Media, which now covers most of Canada. Not too shabby for an old fella like me, wouldn’t you say? I have to admit, I get a kick out of it— and you know, writing has become as natural to me as telling stories around the kitchen table.

Truth be told, it’s my way of sharing what I’ve learned over the years. The lessons, the adventures, and the little moments that shaped me. Writing gives me a chance to pass those on to others, maybe even spark a bit of reflection or a smile. It’s funny how putting words on paper connects me to folks I’ve never met, but somehow, we all end up sharing a piece of the journey together, as it should be.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my little woman has made for me—best to get to it while it’s still hot. After that, well, we’ll see what the day has in store. Life’s full of twists and turns, and you never quite know what’s coming next. But that’s part of the fun, isn’t it?

You all have a great day. I plan to step outside before my breakfast to enjoy a breath or two of that fresh northern air, even if it’s a bit damp this morning.

You know, city folks might have their bright lights, but nothing compares to the peace of a quiet country morning. 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]