All posts by George Walters

Ruth's Dishes

Aging

1 Comment

George Carlin’s Views on Aging

Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we’re kids? If you’re less than 10 years old, you’re so excited about aging that you think in fractions.

‘How old are you?’ ‘ I’m four and a half!’ You’re never thirty-six and a half. You’re four and a half, going on five! That’s the key.

You get into your teens, now they can’t hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead.

‘How old are you?’ ‘I’m gonna be 16!’ You could be 13, but hey, you’re gonnabe 16! And then the greatest day of your life! You become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony. YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!

But then you turn 30.  Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There’s no fun now, you’re Just a sour-dumpling. What’s wrong? What’s changed?

You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you’re PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it’s all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50, and your dreams are gone….

But! wait!! !  You MAKE it to 60. You didn’t think you would!

So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50, and make it to 60.

You’ve built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that, it’s a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!

You get into your 80’s, and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn’t end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; ‘I Was JUST   92.’

Then a strange thing happens.. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. ‘I’m 100 and a half!’
May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!

HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay them.

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning.   Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever, even ham radio. Never let the brain idle. ‘An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.’ And the devil’s   family name is   Alzheimer’s.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love   , whether it’s family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don’t take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND, ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
And, if you don’t send this to at least 8 people – who cares? But do share this with someone. We all need to live life to its fullest each day!!

Ruth's Dishes

The Candy Stick Treat: Poem

Leave a comment

Here is a story written for one of my stories by my friend Bob Bartlett.  Just one of many.  Very talented fellow.  Thanks Bob great poem.  GW

 

THE CANDY STICK TREAT

(1) Laura was cooking bacon and eggs,

The smell of fresh coffee filled the air;

Reg was getting ready for breakfast,

As George ventured down the stairs!

 

(2) George knew they were going on a trip to town,

When he saw a penny by his plate;

This was to buy a candy-stick for him,

So his breakfast he quickly ate!

 

(3) After breakfast he was out the door

And hitched up the buckboard and horse;

He was anxious to get started on their trip,

With the penny in his pants pocket of course!

 

(4) On the trip to town Reg would always ask George,

How he liked living with Laura and him;

George said he liked it there just fine,

As he looked out from under his hat brim!

 

(5) Reg and Laura were George’s guardians

And Reg was a very special guy;

He often knew what George was thinking;

In the blinking of an eye!

 

(6) George liked to talk with Reg,

‘Cause he felt like a grown-up man;

And he liked to spend time with Laura too,

In the kitchen with her pots and her pans!

 

(7) But George was eager to get to town

To make a visit to the hardware store;

So he could buy his candy-stick treat,

In a big jar just inside the door!

 

(8) Usually he only got just one candy stick,

But sometimes he got two or three;

When someone else would buy some for him,

It made George happy as can be!

 

(9) The big glass jars were really tall

And could hold fifty or sixty sticks;

They were all the colors of the rainbow,

So George could take his pick!

 

(10) Reg was never in a big hurry,

As he learned all the local news;

Or when George was making up his mind,

On which colors he would choose!

 

(11) Reg would sit on a keg of nails

And on his face there would be a smile;

As George picked out his favorite colors,

Even though it might take quite a while!

 

(12) Green was the color George liked the best

And red cherry would be his second choice;

Sometimes Reg would make a suggestion,

As he spoke in a helpful voice!

 

(13) But he let George make the decision,

Of which color it was going to be;

This would be his choice of candy-sticks,

Whether it be lime-green or the red cherry!

 

(14) Well, George was really excited,

When the owner took off the jar-lids;

He could then reach in for his candy,

In that town he was the happiest kid!

 

(15) Then he would hand over his penny,

To pay for his candy-stick treat;

He could hardly wait to get it in his mouth,

It was the sweetest thing he could eat!

(16) Then George and Reg would sit outside,

On the old bench by the store;

And George would enjoy his candy-sticks,

How could anyone ask for more?

(17) Reg would fill up his favorite pipe,

With the tobacco that smelled so sweet;

And George would savor his lime-green candy,

It was the end of a perfect day treat!

 

(18) That evening as they travelled back to the farm,

There was a smile upon their faces;

They were having a nice ride in the old buckboard,

As the horse was pulling on the ‘traces’!

 

(19) George looked forward to the trips to town,

It was a regular weekly event;

When they would hitch up the horse and the buckboard

And then down the road to town they went!

 

(20) The days of the horse and buggy are now gone,

You don’t see them so much anymore;

But George will always remember those times

And the candy-sticks at the hardware store!

Bob Bartlett,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gardening, Health

Build Your Immune System

Leave a comment

T cells, also known as T lymphocytes, are a white blood cell of grave importance to your immune system; they allow your body to adapt a response to any pathogen. There are also foods you can eat to trigger production of these critical cells.

3 Ways to Boost NK Cells

Here are a few easy ways to boost our naturally occurring killer cells so that we can fight one of the biggest diseases of all time:

3. Take More Vitamin C – This vitamin is not only good for fighting colds and flu, but it boosts the activation of both T-cells and NK cells so that your immune system has extra armor to protect you against a host of diseases, including cancer. The Journal of Immunology confirms that ridiculously high doses aren’t required. Just 1000 mg a day can help boost the immune system.

4. Get Your Daily E – In addition to boosting the production of killer cells, vitamin E also supports the making of B cells – also utilized by our immune systems to produce antibodies and kill bacteria. You can get the recommended 60 mg a day from nuts, grains, seeds and vegetable oils. Further, vitamin E intake lowers the risk of heart disease.

5. Eat Your Beta Carotene – As the name suggests, this important vitamin found in carrots can help boost killer cells as well as helper T-cells so that your immune system can fight a number of diseases. Foods full of beta carotene include sweet potatoes, kale, turnip greens, spinach, dried herbs, and mustard greens, just to name a few.

Preventing cancer may be as simple as eating whole, natural foods. Who knew?

Foods to Improve Your Immunity

Carrots
The vitamin A in carrots helps trigger white blood cell production; a 1-cup serving of chopped carrots has 21,384 IU of this vitamin, many times the daily recommended intake. You also take in a small amount of vitamin C in a serving of carrots — 7.6 mg — as well as small amounts of zinc and selenium, all of which contribute to T cell counts.
oysters
Packed with selenium, this tasty shellfish helps boost your body’s production of cytokines, a protein that’s known to ward off illnesses.

Yogurt
berries-and-yogurt
Yogurt that contains live cultures is rich in lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium lactis (read: good bacteria), which fight bacteria that cause diseases and raise your white blood cell count.

Green Tea
Green tea is a great source of L-theanine, an amino acid that triggers the release of germ-fighting compounds from your T-cells. (Green tea also helps to boost your metabolism.)

Oranges
One of the best sources of immunity-boosting vitamin C, oranges cause your body to produce higher levels of antibodies and white blood cells.

Crab
Like oysters, crab meat is rich in selenium, a nutrient that strengthens your immune system.

Garlic
Including garlic in your meal plan to increase your T cells is a good option. A study published in the February 2009 issue of the journal “Planta Medica” indicates that compounds in garlic trigger the growth of lymphocytes. Garlic also contains a small amount of zinc — 0.1 mg — and 2.8 mg of vitamin C, another vitamin useful for your immune system. The vitamin C in garlic pumps up your body’s production of white blood cells; adults need 75 to 90 mg of vitamin C per day.

Carrots
Carrots are crammed with beta carotene, a phytonutrient that increases your body’s production of T-cells and natural killer cells.

Spinach
The high amount of antioxidants found in spinach help boost your immune system.

Sweet Potatoes
Like carrots, sweet potatoes are loaded with beta carotene, which boosts your body’s T-cell and NK-cell count.

Mushrooms
morels Rich in compounds called beta glucans, mushrooms boost the production of NK-cells and T-cells in your body to help prevent infections.

Salmon
Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which cause your body’s phagocytes to fight bacteria more effectively.

Kiwi
Like oranges, kiwis are high in vitamin C, which helps protect your body against infections.

Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are packed with vitamin C, which prompts your body to produce more interferon. This antibody covers the surface of cells and fends off viruses.

Broccoli
Broccoli is a great source of glucosinolates, phytonutrients rich in sulfur that stimulate the natural antioxidant systems in your body.

Brazil Nuts Or Almonds
Eating more brazil nuts, a large South American nut, may improve your T cell count, thanks to the selenium content. A 1-oz. serving of these nuts provides you with 543.5 mcg of this mineral, and research indicates that selenium positively influences T cell proliferation and activity, according to a study featured in the June 2010 “Journal of Nutrition.” Adults require 55 mcg of selenium each day. Brazil nuts also supply small amounts of zinc and vitamin C.

Vitamin and Mineral Rich Food
Folic acid, vitamin B 6, riboflavin and thiamin are particularly important to the proper functioning of t-cells and their quantity. The list doesn’t stop there. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals are essential to keeping t-cell count up, and that means eating a lot of fruits and vegetables. Raw fruits and vegetables are the best way to get a maximum amount of these nutrients. Dark leafy green vegetables, cauliflower, broccoli, squash, tomatoes, strawberries and carrots are all nutrient rich produce that may increase t-cells.

Papaya
Papaya, especially the Carica Papaya, has recently been found to increase regulatory t-cells, but it has been used to treat many diseases and cancers for centuries. The fruit, its seeds and even its leaves are found to be beneficial. Try eating some ripe fruit, dried fruit or even drinking some papaya leaf tea. The stronger the tea, the more effective it is said to be.

Health

Back Pain

Leave a comment

Back pain: we're treating it all wrong

Here is an article that I think explains the exact nature of back problems.  I have been saying for years that surgery for backs is all wrong in most cases.   Most problems can be fixed with exercise and left alone.  Click on picture for the full article. It’s worth reading.

George's Writers Corner

Who Is George Walters

Leave a comment

Who is George Walters? Well, during a TV Interview of his first book, the host of the show asked if he thought of himself as a Country Philosopher. Giving this some thought he decided on looking up the word Philosopher in the dictionary, and he found that is exactly what he is.
Literally a lover of wisdom, sometimes also called a seeker of truth. Not just any truth, but a truth about important basic, elusive issues, such as what is right and wrong, what is sure, what is human? These are the questions he confronts when everyday thinking is inadequate. He has devoted over 60 years to the search. But this is only part of the story. He pursues truth regardless of popularity, fashion or legislation. He needs to have clear thinking and reasoning to be able to juggle complex information and be able to break it down to plain English, as much as possible. He spends much time carefully weeding out all the falsehoods and contradictions, and putting down on paper his and other folks experiences to help the people he cares most about and to make this a better country for them to grow up in.
George has been writing and sharing his wisdom in Newspapers, Magazines and through Public Speaking for many years. His extended family of readers have come to know and love him through his easy down to earth way he portrays his message. His captivating ways of writing heightens the reader’s awareness as his stories unfold in front of them, giving them the strength and comfort like a lifelong friend, lending a helping hand.
George has learned a lot growing up on the farm, including the simple easy ways of the old time gardeners. The little tricks and tips he has learned
from these old timers are shared with you, as well as information about health, plant recognition, and recipes too.
He is a Story-Teller with the ability to take you back through time to an era where folks knew how to fend for themselves, a place where folks grew their own crops, survived the harsh elements that Mother Nature threw at them, and most importantly, a place where families were one.

Ruth's Dishes

Maple Syrup Surprise

Leave a comment

With Maple Syrup Season approaching fast thought maybe you would like a recipe which makes a drink come alive.  For those that enjoy a bit of spirit now and then, that is.

2 ounces bourbon
One teaspoon maple syrup (I like the darker grade)
3-4 dashes of bitters lemon or lime.
Finish off with a couple of small ice cubes.
The next step is to sit back in a quiet atmosphere and enjoy. I would think two of these would relax anyone.

Health

More On T Cells

Leave a comment
So what are T Cells?  T-cells are essential for human immunity.  A type of white blood cell that is of key importance to the immune system.
I am thinking this is one item that should be looked at very closely when trying to combat any disease.  I also think it should be looked at very seriously by the healthy.  Preventative medicine so to speak.
Myself I wished I found out about them years ago as I would have made some drastic changes in my lifestyle which I am sure would be helping me today.
The T cell is a good guy who searches out and destroys the bad guys like cancer cells and other diseases.  One item that promotes healthy strong white cells is Garlic, fresh homegrown garlic not covered with pesticides.  Wild leeks are also very beneficial too.  Remember buy local when possible, avoid foods from other countries other than Canada or USA.  We have at the very least some regulations on food that is grown in our own country, and we know what soil they are grown in.  My Opinion only of course.
Health

T Cells

Leave a comment
Now here is an interesting item that I am thinking everyone should be looking at T CELLS
I have always said eating right is a great defence against disease.   Foods that we should be eating to promote more Vitamin C which helps our White Cells (T Cells) would be grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, lemons, limes, and clementines.   I think they should be eaten on a daily basis, especially this time of year as this is when the good ones are readily available.  I would stay away from the ones from countries other than the USA.  Not that I am picking sides, it’s because of the water and waste control that one might be subjected to.  In other words, there are more regulations protecting us when dealing with foods and fruits grown in the USA or Canada.  These are better than any tablet and easier on the stomach.
My opinion only.
Health, Ruth's Dishes

Benefits Of A Beer Now & Then

Leave a comment

 

Interesting maybe I should pick up a case of Bud.

A few Benefits of beer

1. Beer keeps your kidneys healthy A Finish study singled out beer among other alcoholic beverages, finding that it was better for your kidneys. In fact, each bottle of beer you drink reduces the risk of developing kidney stones by 40%.

2. Beer for better digestion Beer and especially dark beer contains up to one gram of soluble fibre* in each 30 cl glass – unlike wine, which doesn’t contain any fibre at all. Fibre plays an important role in intestinal transit (a fibre deficiency can cause gastric and intestinal disorders such as constipation or diarrhea).

3. Beer to lower your bad cholesterol The fibre in beer can also help reduce your levels of LDL cholesterol, i.e. the “bad” type of cholesterol.

4. Beer can increase your vitamin B levels Beer contains several B vitamins (B1, B2, B6 and B12). A Dutch study found that beer drinkers had 30 percent higher levels of vitamin B6 than their non-drinking counterparts, and levels that were twice as high as those of wine drinkers. Beer is also a generous source of vitamin B12, an anti-anemic factor not found in many foods.

5. Beer for stronger bones! A 2009 study concluded that the elevated levels of silicon in beer can contribute to higher bone density.

6. Beer as a cure for insomnia Lactoflavin and nicotinic acid, which are both in beer, can promote sleep!

7. Beer reduces your risk of a heart attack Beer drinkers have a 40 to 60 percent reduced risk of suffering a heart attack compared with non-beer drinkers.

8. Beer helps prevent blood clots The ingredients in beer help prevent blood clots from forming.

9. Beer boosts your memory According to studies, beer drinkers are less likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia than non-beer drinkers.

10. Beer helps combat stress Researchers at the University of Montreal found that two glasses of beer a day can reduce work-related stress or anxiety.

11. Beer as a cold remedy Drinking warm beer is an excellent cold remedy! When barley is warmed up it improves blood circulation and helps you breathe when you feel congested. It also provides relief for joint pain and boosts your immunity. So, how do you prepare it? Heat a bottle of beer in a double boiler and then add four small teaspoons of honey.

12. Beer makes skin more beautiful Good news for women! Certain vitamins in beer can regenerate the skin and have a positive impact on pigmentation. Your skin becomes smoother and suppler.

George's Writers Corner

*One More Story “Receipts” Written by George Walters*

Leave a comment
Receipts
I was in North Bay the other day, and at a checkout, I was asked if I needed my receipt. What a question to ask a person.
I replied. “Of course I would like a receipt, doesn’t everyone want one?” “No Sir, most folks today don’t want their receipts?” “Really? Well, this is one old feller that does. I suppose if you were paying cash, and it was only a package of gum I could do without, but when a person is paying with their debit card or credit card, I would think a receipt would be a priority.” “Well, it isn’t, not anymore.” “Hmm.”
With that, I left, and as I was going out the door, I heard the woman say. “Crazy old seniors, more trouble than they are worth.” For a second there I was tempted to go back and give her a piece of my mind. But then I figured it would just ruin my day. So I let it alone and carried on.
But it is the sign of the times, as more folks are paying with plastic than ever before. Who would have believed it?
Later I was at the Esso Station filling up. I use the Speedpass Key where you just touch the screen on the pump with a plastic key. It then lets you get fuel and bills you directly on your credit card. I love it really, but there again it asks if you would like a printed receipt.
The only difference in this instance is that I don’t talk to a human being. I have been known to give the pump a quick light kick now and then saying. “Do I want a receipt?” My wife gets a kick out of me sometimes as I can hear her giggling in the car.
While on the topic of getting fuel and using Speedpass. There is one thing that annoys me, at a lot of the Esso Stations that have Speedpass. They have been disabling it at the pump. In doing so, you have to go inside to pay.
Their logic I suppose, if you see something at the cash register and if you’re an impulse buyer, you pick it up. For me, I say this. “I purchased your Speedpass for a reason. I am not an impulse shopper. I got your Speedpass, so I don’t have to go into your establishment. I don’t want to go into your establishment. I want to buy your fuel and leave. Especially on a nasty day. Not a real biggie, if you get my meaning.”
Hope someone sees this and does something about it.
So in Closing, I would say this when asked if I would like a receipt.
The question shouldn’t even be asked; it should be automatic.
George's Writers Corner

George Walters Books Now On Amazon.com and.CA

Leave a comment

We finally managed to get all our books on Amazon for sale.  Took some doing let me tell you.  All the credit though has to go to my son Karl, as he is the one with all the expertise.  Wouldn’t have been possible without him. You can click on the links above if you’re interested.  Here is a list of all our books:  One More Story By George Walters.   Join Me In The Garden By George Walters.   Moments In Time By George Walters.  Paths We Choose By George Walters,  Times Changin’ By George Walters.  and Natures Gateway To Health By George Walters.  If you’re in the USA go to Amazon.com.  If you are in Canada go to Amazon.ca.

Weather

Frost Alert For Port Loring (This Evening)

Leave a comment

Might be a good idea to cover up your tomato plants and things before going to bed.

 

Frost advisory in effect for:

  • North Bay – Powassan – Mattawa
  • West Nipissing – Port Loring

Some plants may be damaged or even destroyed by frost.

An Arctic high pressure area will bring clear skies and light winds to parts of Ontario tonight. As a result, frost is expected as temperatures drop to near the freezing mark.

Frost advisories are issued when temperatures are expected to reach the freezing mark during the growing season, leading to potential damage and destruction to plants and crops.