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.
George's Writers Corner

Mornings by the Northern Lakes/Rivers on July 25/2024

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Here is a plant that everyone should be growing.

My wife loves summer savory. She grows it right in our garden and uses it in all sorts of dishes. A bit in her soups and stews really helps with digestion, cutting down on any bloating or gas. She also finds it useful for minor cuts and scrapes because of its antimicrobial properties.

Click on image to enlarge!

Its anti-inflammatory effects are also great for easing aches and pains. She loves adding it to bean dishes, meats, and veggies. Sometimes, she makes a soothing tea from it to settle her stomach. For sore muscles, she infuses it into oil and uses it for a comforting rub. Truth told; “Summer savory is not just a tasty addition to meals—it’s a real health booster, too.” Oh, and it will pretty well grow anywhere there is lots of sun. But you need to keep it watered, especially after planting, not too much though.

Good Morning!

Food For Thought: “If at first you don’t succeed, try doing it the way your wife suggested.”

It’s a cloudy morning here in cottage country, but the good news is the rain has stopped. However, even though we should see some sunshine, there is a slight chance of a shower throughout the day. Let’s hope not, as we have had our share of rain this summer. Rain is good, but too much can cause issues, especially for us who like growing our own vegetables. So far, though, our gardens are making out okay.

Highway 522 was really busy yesterday, along with our gift shop. Truth be told, we didn’t have a minute to sit down, with folks dropping by one after another. Not complaining, mind ya, as it sure is nice to see and talk to folks. All in all, it was a great day.

Bug Report: All is well in that department which should make the campers, day trippers, tourists and cottagers happy.

On another note: Today is mowing day for my wife and I, which will probably take up most of the morning. After that if the sun shows herself… I am thinking some front porch sittin’ will be in order.

With that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife is preparing. After that, I’ll see if our old mowers will run. One never knows how they are going to react—like trying to predict the weather or a teenager’s mood!

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but you can always bribe him with treats.” Woof!!

Fishing Times for Thursday
07/25/24

Major Times
3:54 AM-5:54 AM
4:18 PM-6:18 PM BEST!

Minor Times
10:31 AM-11:31 AM
10:48 PM-11:48 PM

Day Rating: Again, it’s not the greatest day for fishing. I give it a 1-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Top-water poppers are great for catching them large mouth bass. Cast near cover/lily pads, and give sharp, quick jerks to make a popping sound. Fish can’t resist checking it out. Just remember, when that bass explodes, wait a second before setting the hook—let ’em really grab it.

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’ Thoughts from Northern Ontario on July 24/2024

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Good Morning, along with food for thought: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.

It’s a rainy old morning here waking up in cottage country, but in saying that the rain should subside, and we should see some sunshine around 10:00 AM or so. Which will make it nice for some front porch sittin’.

On another note, my wife and I have been really busy looking after customers here at our gift shop for the past few days. The summer tourists are finally returning, and it’s been actually been quite busy. We’ve had folks from all over, each with their own stories and curiosities about our little corner of the world.

And between helping customers find the perfect item and sharing a few laughs, I haven’t had much time to sit at my computer and write. Yep, I do enjoy writing stories and articles, but I also like to be outside when the weather is nice. Winter is long here in the north, and you’ve got to make the most of these warm days. Whether it’s tending to the garden, fixing things around the house, fishing, going for a walk, or just sitting on the porch with a good cup of coffee, chatting with my better half, there’s nothing like soaking up the sunshine and fresh air to lift an old feller’s spirits. It’s in those moments that I feel a spark of motivation to try new things.

You know, over the years, I’ve learned that while the past holds our memories, and the present is what we experience right now, it’s the future that truly fascinates me. The past is set in stone, and the present slips away quickly, but the future is a blank page waiting to be filled. To me, it’s the promise of new adventures and discoveries that keeps life exciting. So, I embrace each new day, filled with hope and curiosity, ready to uncover the surprises that lie ahead, knowing… that every moment holds the potential for something extraordinary.

Highway 522 has picked up some with a lot of new faces roaming around town.

Bug Report: All is good in that department.

This morning with it being so wet outdoors, I will probably do some writing here at my computer, but if the sun comes out, which it is supposed to do, I will trade my keyboard for a hoe, and head on outdoors. We will see what happens, one never knows.

With that, I’m heading off for a bowl of porridge, thanks to my lovely wife who always knows how to start the day right. It should give me the fuel I need to get through until lunchtime. But let’s be honest, there’s always a chance a butter tart might find its way into my day. A little extra sweetness never hurts. Right?

You all have a great day and remember: “Worrying is like a rocking chair—it gives you something to do but gets you nowhere.”

The Best Times for Fishing on Wednesday
07/24/24

Major Times
3:04 AM-5:04 AM
3:29 PM-5:29 PM

Minor Times
9:11 AM-10:11 AM
10:29 PM-11:29 PM

Day Rating: Not the greatest day for fishing. I only give it a 1-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck though!

Advice from an Old Angler: The Johnson Silver Minnow is great for fishing in heavy cover. Put a pork rind or plastic trailer on it, and it’ll cut through the muck. Dad used to say, ‘Fishin’ with a Silver Minnow is like eatin’ pie with a fork—gets to the good stuff without makin’ a mess.’

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, Weather, What's Happening

Sunrise in the North on July 21/2024

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Click on image to enlarge!

I took a picture of our Parsley Yesterday, so far this year my wife has put away over a quart, and It’s still growing leaps and bounds. My wife uses it in soups, stews and all kinds of things. I even like eating it raw.

Back in the day, folks used to swear by parsley for a bunch of good reasons. They’d say it’s got all the vitamins and minerals you need to keep your health in check, like vitamins A, C, and K, along with B vitamins and folate. It’s also rich in minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium. Packed with antioxidants, parsley helps fight off the bad stuff in your body, supports bone health, and is great for your eyes. High in zinc, it’s something us older folks could use more of these days. It’s even got properties that may help in cancer prevention. If you caught a cold or the flu, or were worried about diabetes and blood pressure, parsley was a common remedy. It’s got a knack for settling an upset stomach and soothing bloating. Plus… it’ll freshen your breath right up, and even give your kidneys a hand. With most of all the vitamins and minerals out there today, parsley is one mighty good plant to have in our gardens.

Just a little bit of that green goodness could…. do a world of good, and it’s very easy to grow.

Good mornin’! If you think the grass is greener on the other side, it’s probably over the septic tank.

It’s another nice-looking day here in cottage country. Hardly a cloud in the sky. The good part is the humidity has left us, and things have cooled down to where it’s comfortable for sleeping. It’s the kind of day that makes you appreciate living in a place like this, where nature’s beauty is just outside your door and the air feels fresh and clean. Which is very hard to find these days.

Highway 522 is starting to get busier. Our store was really busy yesterday with lots of new faces dropping by. Folks are discovering the unique items my wife and I make right here on our property. It’s great to see so many people appreciating the work we put into each piece. We’re keeping busy, and it’s nice to share a bit of our world with everyone who stops in.

Today I am not sure what I will be doing. I do have my woodworking shop to clean up, as being so busy with so many different things, I haven’t had time to clean it up. So maybe I will do that later on today.

I also wanted to let you know tonight is the Buck Moon. This full moon in July got its name because this is when young bucks start growing their new antlers. Back in the day, people would keep track of the seasons by watching the moons. So when you see that big full moon in the sky tonight, remember, it’s the Buck Moon. A simple reminder from nature that things are movin’ along just like they should. Keep lookin’ up.

With that I am off for a bowl of porridge that my lovely wife is making for me, or should say has made for me, and then we both will head on out to our front porch and take in some of that fresh clean northern air.

Fishing Times for Sunday
07/21/24

Major Times
12:18 AM-2:18 AM
12:48 PM-2:48 PM

Minor Times
5:01 AM-6:01 AM
9:17 PM-10:17 PM

Day Rating: Today will be one of the best days this year for fishing. I give it a 5-Star Rating out of 5 For catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: If you’re looking for some good ol’ top water action, you can’t go wrong with a Hula Popper. Just toss it out near them lily pads, or logs, give it a few pops, and hang on to your pole. Them bass’ll hit it like it’s their last meal.

I’ve always said, “The only thing more excitin’ than a Big Old Large Mouth Bass hitting that Hula Popper… is finding a five-dollar bill in your old coat pocket.”

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

A New Day in the Northern Pines on July 20/2024

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Guess what I will be enjoying off and on today!

Click on image to enlarge!

Mornin’, folks! If you wait for perfect weather, you’ll never plant a thing, as with anything in life. So… get out there and make your own sunshine.

It looks as if another beauty of a day is shaping up for us here in cottage country. The sun is burning off the mist, revealing the lakes and trees. Birds are already singing their morning songs, and life is waking up all around us. Things can’t get much better than that. Well, other than maybe discovering that the mosquitoes have taken a vacation!

Speaking of bugs, things are pretty good these days, except for those pesky nits that seem to think running gas engines, are their favorite hangout spots. They’re like the uninvited guests at a barbecue, always buzzing around and never bringing anything useful!

Highway 522 has picked up a wee bit, but still not as much traffic as other years.

On another note, yesterday my wife and I tackled a bunch of scrub brush, clearing things up a bit. It made a huge difference in the appearance of our property in certain areas. I have to say, it looks pretty darn nice!

Today, I’m thinking I’ll take it a bit easy…maybe tidy up my shop, write a story or two, and… make the most of this nice weather while it’s still around. It won’t be long before the cold shows up and tries to take over. For now, though, I’ll savor every last warm minute before winter decides to knock on the door!

With that, I’m off to enjoy some bacon and eggs over easy, cooked by my lovely wife this morning. After breakfast, we’ll relax on the front porch, soak up the day, and sip on some hot cocoa. Maybe it’ll lift my spirits…or at least give me a reason to smile a bit more!

You all have a great day and remember: “Life’s a lot like farming: you get what you put into it, so don’t plant onions and expect tomatoes.”

Fishing Times for Saturday
07/20/24

Major Times
–:—–:–
11:48 AM-1:48 PM

Minor Times
3:43 AM-4:43 AM
8:40 PM-9:40 PM

Day Rating: Well, it’s a perfect day for fishing! I’d give it a full 5-Star rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck! And if you happen to reel in more than you need, I wouldn’t mind a little taste. Tight lines!

Advice from an Old Angler: If you’re struggling with those spooky fish, try casting your line close to floating leaves or any bits of debris. The natural cover helps disguise your bait and makes fish less wary.

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

Northern Dawn: A Feller’s Perspective on May 19/2024

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Here is a picture of a Yellow Rose in our front garden. I thought it was pretty nice!.

Click on image to enlarge!

Good morning! Here’s something to ponder: “Even a scarecrow knows that sometimes… you just gotta stand there and look useful.”

It’s a really nice looking day here in cottage country, the kind of day that makes you wonder if the fish are biting, or if they’re just admiring the sunshine like the rest of us.

Highway 522 is still quiet for this time of year. Despite this, the locals and those who own, or rent cottages in our area are keeping busy, with them roaming up and down the highway. But in saying that, our gift shop has sure been busy with folks dropping by picking up one-of-a-kind items. Which is a welcome sight in these quieter times.

Bug Report: Things are pretty good these days.

On another note, my wife and I managed to get the mowing done yesterday morning. In the afternoon, we tackled some smaller trees that were crowding certain areas. I’m not usually a fan of taking down trees, but this time it was necessary. Now, the larger trees have room to thrive and hopefully, we’ll see a more balanced landscape soon.

Since we worked so hard yesterday, I’m thinking today will be a day to relax and enjoy our beautiful piece of property. After all, what’s the point of making it look so nice if we don’t take the time to appreciate it?

With that I am off for a bowl of porridge this morning that my lovely wife has put together and then we both will retire to the front porch with a cup of coffee for a change.

I hope you all have a great day! Just don’t let yesterday take too big a bite out of today… make sure to squeeze in a moment of relaxation or a bit of fun. Life’s too short not to enjoy the little things!

Fishing Times for Friday
07/19/24

Major Times
–:—–:–
10:47 AM-12:47 PM

Minor Times
2:38 AM-3:38 AM
7:52 PM-8:52 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 4-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. It’s a great day for fishing. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Fish can be real jittery. Best to sneak up on ’em quiet-like, and make sure you’re not throwing any shadows. Move slow and keep low to the ground, especially if you’re fishing from the shore.

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]