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.

Spraying for Mosquitoes

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.

When it comes to mosquito control, we’re often told that spraying chemicals is a must to tackle the threats these pests bring, especially with viruses on the rise. But as someone who’s spent a lifetime working the land, I can’t help but wonder if the cure might be worse than the disease.

Sure, spraying chemicals can knock down mosquito populations in the short term, no doubt about that. But let’s not forget that these chemicals can have some serious side effects, that might cause more problems down the road. They don’t just target mosquitoes—they can affect other insects, animals, and even people. Over time, this can lead to more significant issues than the mosquitoes ever did.

Instead of relying on heavy-duty sprays, I think we should consider some simpler, more natural approaches. Like encouraging natural predators like bats and birds, as they can help keep mosquito numbers in check without the chemical fallout. Also, managing water around your property to prevent stagnation is another effective method.

It’s about finding a balance. Sometimes the old ways, grounded in practical experience, offer solutions that are not only kinder to the land, but might also be more effective in the long run. Remember, working with nature rather than against it can be a more sustainable and less harmful choice for all of us. My Opinion Only!

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 For Us Here in Cottage Country For the Remainder of the Summer 2024

Northern Ontario is set to have typical weather for this time of year. We might see a few cooler days and perhaps some showers, but nothing out of the ordinary. While global weather patterns are causing changes in other places, I think we’re going to enjoy the rest of summer without any major disruptions. Just what the old country doctor ordered–assuming your doctor’s prescription includes a side order of sunshine!

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 with an Old Feller in Northern Ontario on August 10/2024

Our Phlox are looking real fine this year. They’ve got a sweet smell that reminds me of cherries. It’s like they’re trying to bribe us into spending more time in the garden.

Click on image to enlarge!

Good Morning!

Old Truths: You can learn a lot just sittin’ on the porch, watchin’ the world go by, especially in small towns.

It’s another perfect day here in cottage country. The temperature’s just right, and there’s not a hint of humidity to speak of. Everything’s growing like it’s in a race, and honestly, I’m just trying to keep up! Truth be told, it’s been a fantastic summer so far, at least weather-wise.

Even the mosquitoes seem to be on vacation, probably off annoying someone else for a change. The sun’s shining, the birds are enjoying our bird feeder, the breeze is gentle, and I’m starting to think I could get used to this— at least until winter rolls around, which reminds me that it won’t be long before my wife and I have to put in our firewood for winter. It’s like everything around here has a mind of its own, and we’re just the unpaid help! But hey, keeps me… out of trouble… mostly.

Highway 522 hasn’t been all that busy this year. Oh, there are a few folks roaming around, but for the most part, it’s been pretty quiet. A couple of campers here and there, maybe a family out for a Sunday drive, but nothing to write home about. It’s almost as if the highway is on vacation itself. But our gift shop has seen a lot of new faces so far this year, which is nice.

On another note, my wife and I have been busy in our gardens, these days, along with other things that need attending, mostly in the mornings. My afternoons for a week or so are reserved for writing. I’m getting ahead on my stories so that when winter arrives, I can concentrate on other projects—like finally finishing that sci-fi mystery novel I’ve been working on. At the rate I’m going… it might solve itself before I do!

With that, I’m off for breakfast, which my lovely wife is making for me. After that, I’ll head out to our front porch with a cup of hot cocoa, take in the peaceful country view, and enjoy the quiet of the morning.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this to ponder on: “Enjoy the little things in life, because one day… you might look back and realize they were the big things.” GW

Fishing Times for Saturday
08/10/24

Major Times
4:27 AM-6:27 AM
4:47 PM-6:47 PM

Minor Times
11:59 AM-12:59 PM
10:23 PM-11:23 PM

Day Rating: Not the greatest day for fishing, I give it a 2-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: A stringer keeps your fish fresh until you’re ready to head home. Just tie it to a dock, the side of your boat, or a stick in the water. I’ve always said, “A fish on a stringer is like a kid with candy—keeps ’em from wandering too far away!”

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]

Notes from a Northern Ontario Morning on August 7/2024

Good Morning!

Old Truths: “The best way to stay young is to hang out with old folks who refuse to grow up. Like me GW!”

Well, what can I say, other than we here in cottage country are in the midst of a really nice day. The sun is shining, the lakes and rivers are calm, and the air carries that sweet scent of pine and wildflowers. It’s the kind of day that makes you appreciate the simple pleasures of life.

You can hear the distant sound of a motorboat now and then, a reminder that even in this peaceful place, folks are out and about, enjoying the water and the warm weather. The birds are singing, and every so often, you catch sight of a deer at the edge of the woods, nibbling on the fresh green shoots.

It’s the kind of day that takes me back to when I was younger, when life was a bit slower, and our connection to nature was stronger. I remember when my kids were little, and we’d spend days like this fishing off the dock, skipping stones, and just being together without the distractions of modern life. Those were good times, and days like today bring back those fond memories.

Highway 522 has slowed down somewhat, but yesterday, my lovely wife Ruth and I took a drive into North Bay to pick up a few things we needed. I have to say, there was a lot of traffic on the highways. But that’s normal for this time of year, with folks wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities.

The stores were busy, but not so much that we couldn’t enjoy ourselves. After we picked up our needs, not our wants, we had a Canadian Pizza at East Side Mario’s. Now, I have to tell you, that’s about the best pizza I’ve ever tasted, and I’ve had quite a few in my day. Washed it down with some iced tea. My wife and I enjoy going there. Ruth’s Italian, so we fit right in, especially with the food.

After that, we picked up a coffee at a little coffee shop and headed on home, taking in the beauty of nature as we drove. The trees were nice and green, and the wildflowers were in full bloom, making for a scenic drive.

All in all, it was one great day! Oh, and the weather couldn’t have been any better. Just a perfect day for a drive. As they say, it’s the simple things in life that bring the most joy. And sometimes, a good pizza and a drive through the countryside with a beautiful woman by your side, are all you need to set things right. Remember, folks, it’s not about what you buy; it’s about the memories you make along the way.

Bug Report: Truth be told, it’s not all that bad out there these days, other than a few pesky deer flies. Once they set their sights on you, they won’t leave you alone. Pain in the… that’s what they are.

With that, I’m off for my breakfast that my little woman is making for me. After that, I’ll see what the day has in store. I never know—every day is a new chapter waiting to be written. And as they say, the best way to face the unknown is with a full belly and a heart ready for whatever comes.

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

Wednesday
08/07/24

Major Times
2:30 AM-4:30 AM
2:49 PM-4:49 PM

Minor Times
8:46 AM-9:46 AM
9:37 PM-10:37 PM

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

Advice from an Old Angler: Crank baits are handy for covering lots of water when you’re fishing. Just reel them in steadily and change up your speed to see what the fish prefer. I’ve always thought of crank baits like a good story: sometimes you need to take it slow and easy, and other times you let it run wild and free. 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]

An Old Writer’s Morning in Northern Ontario on August 5/2024

We dug our garlic yesterday. Sure is tasty. I enjoy eating a raw clove or two every day with a piece of 3-year-old cheese.

Click on image to enlarge!

Good morning!

Food For Thought: The best way to remember your wife’s birthday is to forget it once. Trust me!

It’s a cloudy morning here in the north, and we did have a few light showers overnight. Not enough to do any good, though, as it barely wet the ground. Taking a look at things, I kind of figure that this month in Northern Ontario looks to be shaping up in a way that old timers might recognize. The jet stream will stretch from the Pacific Northwest to Atlantic Canada, keeping the cooler air in our area. While our neighbours to the south sweat it out under intense heat, we can expect our typical mix of warm days and the occasional thunderstorm. As the month moves forward, the severe weather should stay closer to the border.

Highway 522 was very quiet over the weekend, caused by folks feeling the pinch these days. And I can’t say I blame them.

Bug Report: There have been some deer flies bothering folks these days.

On another note, with it being so warm yesterday, I decided to stay inside where it was cooler and work on another story. Always good to have a few extra stories on hand.

Early in the morning, though, my wife and I picked tomatoes to get them ready for the freezer. Had a good crop this year, full of juice and flavour, that makes your mouth water, and leaves you wanting more. We’ve been eating them daily, and freezing them will make for some tasty meals come winter. Ain’t nothing like the taste of homegrown tomatoes to brighten up a dish, or my face for that matter, when it’s cold outside.

Today, well… I’m not exactly sure what I’ll be doing. To be honest, Ruth and I have wrapped up nearly everything outside we needed to do for the year. It’s a satisfying feeling to see it all come together, especially since it’s been a long time coming. We’ve spent years working tirelessly, always with something else on our to-do list, and now it feels like we finally have a moment to breathe. At least for a couple of days.

With that I’m off for breakfast, that my lovely wife has prepared for me… a toasted sandwich featuring tomatoes fresh from our garden. Sure, the bacon’s there too, but we all know it’s not exactly the health food of the century. Still, it adds a bit of flavour, even if some health folks might raise an eyebrow. There’s nothing like a bacon and tomato sandwich to start the day right… or end it!

You all have a great day and remember: “Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams, well… they are forever.”

Fishing Times for Monday
08/05/24

Major Times
1:06 AM-3:06 AM
1:28 PM-3:28 PM

Minor Times
6:33 AM-7:33 AM
9:06 PM-10:06 PM

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

Advice from an Old Angler: Fish love to hang out in the shadows created by trees or docks. Cast your line just inside the shaded areas. I’ve always said that, “Fish don’t like the sun any more than we do on them hot summer days, they’re lookin’ for shade.”

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]