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.

Wakin’ Up in Northern Ontario on July 29/2024

Comfrey’s been a trusty plant for us old timers. We’d crush its leaves and use them on bruises and sore spots for quick relief. It still works well for that today.

Just be sure not to use it inside the body—stick to applying it on the skin only. Always test a small amount on a patch of skin, like your wrist, first. If it turns red or causes irritation, don’t use it.

Click on image to enlarge!

To make comfrey oil, follow these simple steps:

  1. Harvest: Gather fresh comfrey leaves and flowers.
  2. Dry: Let them dry for a day or two to remove excess moisture.
  3. Infuse: Place the dried leaves and flowers in a jar and cover with a carrier oil (like olive, grape seed, or almond oil).
  4. Steep: Seal the jar and let it sit in a warm, sunny spot for 2–3 weeks, shaking it gently every day.
  5. Strain: After 2–3 weeks, strain out the plant material using a fine mesh or cheesecloth.
  6. Store: Pour the oil into a clean, dark bottle and store it in a cool, dark place.

Use this oil for soothing skin or muscle relief.

Good Morning. Years ago, my old friend used to say. “George, the buffalo moves through the storm, not away from it. Face your challenges head-on.”

This is beginning to sound like, well… anyway, we are looking at another beautiful day here in cottage country. The sun’s shining, the birds are singing, and the mosquitoes are surprisingly polite this year. If this keeps up, I might just start believing the Farmer’s Almanac got it right.

We’ve had enough rain to keep the garden lush, but not so much that we’re growing webbed feet. Although I did have to put on my rubber boots at times. The tomatoes are ripening nicely, and even the carrots seem to be smiling. It’s been a good year weather-wise, so here’s hoping it continues. If nothing else, it’s a perfect day to sit on the porch with a cold drink and take in nature.

Highway 522 was quiet yesterday, but it was Sunday, and most folks seem to stay close to home on weekends, enjoying their time off work. During the week, everyone’s busy, so weekends are when folks can finally catch their breath.

Bug Report: As I stated above, all is well in that department.

On another note, since I was hurting yesterday, I decided to take it easy. Today, well… we’ll see how it goes. I suppose I shouldn’t be pushing myself as much as I have been. You’d think one would learn with age, but some of us just never quite get the hang of it. It’s something I’m going to have to work on sooner rather than later.

With that I am off once again for my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me and will then retire to the front porch.

You all have a great day and remember: “You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.”

Fishing Times for Monday
07/29/24

Major Times
7:15 AM-9:15 AM
7:42 PM-9:42 PM

Minor Times
–:—–:–
3:49 PM-4:49 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 2-Star Rating for catching a few today. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Whether it’s minnows, worms, or bugs, live bait gets the job done better than any fancy lure. Hook ’em live and let ’em wriggle. My old Dad always said, “Live bait is fishin’ the way nature intended.”

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]

Daybreak in Northern Ontario, on July 28/2024

Breakfast.

Click on image to enlarge!

Good morning! As my old friend Gray Wolf used to say: The eagle may soar, but the wise owl knows when to keep quiet.

Looking outside, it seems we’re in for another beautiful day here in the north. Plenty of sunshine, hardly a cloud in sight and the breeze is just right. Along with that, the temperature has settled back into the comfortable zone. Truth be told, other than a smidgen of warmth for a couple of days, and a bit too much rain, our summer has been perfect. If it keeps up like this, I might just start thinking Mother Nature’s got a soft spot for us. Or… maybe she’s just making up for last winter.

Highway 522 has seen a bit more action lately, with folks out and about looking for things to do. Seems like everyone’s trying to escape the humdrum of their own four walls. Heck, even the deer are starting to look twice before crossing!

Bug Report: Nothing to report, as things have been pretty nice out there. Even the mosquitoes seem to be on vacation! Which is fine with me.

On another note, yesterday I worked away outside on a few more projects that needed attention, and in the afternoon I took it a bit easy and wrote up another story for my newspaper columns that I write for weekly. I write 52 columns a year, which can keep a feller busy at times. And you know, in over 30 years, I’ve never missed a single one. You’d think that would be some kind of record. But the best part is, my readers keep asking for more.

Today, my wife and I are thinking of taking the day off to enjoy our property. We’ll do some front porch sittin’, relax by the fishpond, and spend time on the swing I made a few years ago—Just Because We Can!

And with that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me. Afterward, I’ll see what the day has in store, beyond what I’ve planned. Life is a mystery. But in saying that… sometimes, the best moments are the ones you didn’t see coming.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you to ponder on this: “You don’t stop playing because you grow old; you grow old because you stop playing.” GW

Fishing Times for Sunday
07/28/24

Major Times
6:22 AM-8:22 AM
6:48 PM-8:48 PM

Minor Times
–:—–:–
2:30 PM-3:30 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 3-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: A simple cane pole, some line, and a hook are all you need for a relaxing day of fishing. No reels, no fuss. Sometimes… the old ways are the best ways—keep it simple, and have fun!

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]

Early Mornin’ in the Pines on July 27/2024

Good Morning! Thinking back, my old dad used to say: If you’re lookin’ for a friend, try a dog. If you’re lookin’ for work, try a farm. He went on to say, And if you’re lookin’ for both, drop by and say hello.

Looks like another fine day shaping up for us here in the north. It’s a bit misty now, but the sun will burn it off soon enough. Nothing like a bit of nature’s magic to start the day, which we see a lot of, living where we do. That is, you take the time to notice.

Highway 522 slowed down a bit yesterday, but our gift shop still saw a steady stream of visitors picking up one-of-a-kind items. I have to say, we’ve had a great year so far.

Bug Report: All is well in that department. Well, except for the mosquitoes, who are clearly on vacation—they left a note saying they’d be back later on when conditions are right. Damn nice of them, don’t you think?

Yesterday, I was out and about taking care of this and that. Out here in the country, owning a home means you’re never short of things that need fixing. From mending an out building, that’s seen better days, to chasing after weeds that seem to think they own the place, there’s always work to be done.

Today, well... I am thinking I will take things a bit easy and give this old body of mine a much-needed rest. My lovely wife and I have done so many things this year around our home, that we can’t begin to remember them all. And it’s not that we’re forgetting things—just been too busy to keep up!

With that I am off once again for my breakfast that my little woman has made for me, and will then head on out to our swing by our fishpond with a hot cocoa… and take in our beautiful piece of property.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this: “When in doubt, take a nap and let the world sort itself out.”

Fishing Times for Saturday
07/27/24

Major Times
5:31 AM-7:31 AM
5:56 PM-7:56 PM

Minor Times
1:10 PM-2:10 PM
11:28 PM-12:28 AM

Day Rating: I give it a 3-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Keep your hooks sharp with a small file. A sharp hook sets easier and catches more fish. I’ve always said; “A dull hook is like a dull knife—good for nothin’.”

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]

What the Mavericks Can Teach Us When it Comes to Politics

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 an old-timer who’s seen his fair share of political antics, I think it’s time to take a step back, and look at things with a fresh perspective. Now… before you toss your hat in the ring and label me as a full-blown Trump supporter, hold your horses. I ain’t saying he’s flawless, but maybe, just maybe, we shouldn’t be knocking Trump as much as a lot of folks are doing these days.

You see, Trump’s got a knack for stirring the pot, and truth told, sometimes, that’s exactly what the kitchen needs. Sure, he’s a bit rough around the edges, like a rusty old tractor, but he’s brought some important truths to the surface, that we can’t ignore, especially when it comes to the political system, the law, and the media.

It shouldn’t be the prospect of a Trump presidency that makes us rethink our ways. Nope… it’s the realization that the government we’ve had for the past few years, hasn’t exactly been a shining beacon of hope. Folks up here in the Great White North have been watching, and to me, it’s becoming pretty clear that the powers that be ain’t delivering the goods. But what can we do when the same old crew keeps backing the horse that’s dragging us through the mud? It seems to me that the so-called progress we’ve been promised, is just leading us deeper into the muck.

Now, I’m not suggesting we need to swap our leaders for a Trump-like figure, well maybe... but there’s a lesson in all this commotion. Maybe it’s time we took a hard look at the old policies of socialism, globalism, and that green dream our current leaders have been peddling. It seems to me these grand ideas are more like a leaky old boat – looks good from afar, but up close, it’s sinking fast.

What I hope is… that Canadians, after wading through the mess of the current regime, will take a lesson they won’t forget. For one generation, at least, we should remember, that change doesn’t always come in a neat, polite package. Sometimes, it’s loud, brash, and a bit unruly, just like a stubborn mule. But hey! If it gets the job done, and opens our eyes to what’s really going on, maybe it’s worth a second look. After all, there’s a reason why a lot of folks still find value in the things Trump’s been pointing out.

So, let’s not be too quick to dismiss the man who’s got folks talking, even if he’s not our cup of tea. After all, every once in a while, a little ruckus is just what the doctor ordered. 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]

Daybreak in the North Country on July 26/2024

Yesterday, I picked some of our first tomatoes, zucchini, along with a few beans. There’s something truly special about that first toasted tomato sandwich of the season.

Click on image to enlarge!

Good mornin’! You can’t unscramble eggs, but you can always make an omelette. So… make the best of what you got.

It looks as if we are in for another really nice day here in cottage country. The sun is shinning, the temperatures are comfortable, and the birds are enjoying their breakfast at our bird feeder.

Highway 522 has been picking up traffic wise, with lots of new vehicles roaming around town.

Bug Report; No complaints in that department, things are really nice.

Moving along, my wife and I managed to cut the grass yesterday and tend to our gardens. I have to say, our piece of the world is looking really nice. It takes hard work, but it’s work we enjoy, and that makes all the difference.

Today, I plan to work outside on a few projects that need my attention, which I expect will take most of the morning. After that, with the weather being so nice, I’m thinking some front porch sitting will be in order.

On another note, our gift shop has been bustling for the past few weeks with new faces coming by to pick up our unique, one-of-a-kind items. It’s refreshing to see, especially given how hard it is to find such treasures these days. As the market is flooded with offshore products that barely warrant a second glance. It’s disheartening how people have come to believe that cheap, mass-produced goods are just as good, or even better, than handcrafted items. It really makes me shake my head in wonder.

With that, I’m off for the morning breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. Afterward, I’ll head outdoors to our swing with a cup of hot cocoa—just because I can!

You know, over the years I have found, that sipping a hot drink while relaxing can really lift your spirits? It’s funny how these simple pleasures can make a world of difference in how we feel.

You all have a great day and remember: “When life gives you too many lemons, trade ’em for coffee beans.”

Fishing Times for Friday
07/26/24

Major Times
4:42 AM-6:42 AM
5:06 PM-7:06 PM

Minor Times
11:50 AM-12:50 PM
11:07 PM-12:07 AM

Day Rating: I give it a 2-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few today. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Use a bucket with holes for keeping live minnows. Drop it in the water to keep ’em fresh. I’ve always said. “Happy minnows catch happy fish.”

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]