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.

Seniors and Old Age Homes

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.

Some Doctors today are right on the ball.

During a visit to my doctor, I asked him, “How do you determine whether, or not, an older person should be put in an old age home?”

“Well,” he said, “we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the person to empty the bathtub.”

“Oh, I understand,” I said. “A normal person would use the bucket because it is bigger than the spoon or the teacup.”

“No” he said. “A normal person would pull the plug. Do you want a bed near the window?”

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]

Backcountry Happenings on April 7/2024

Good Morning! “You know… Living in the country ain’t always easy, but it’s worth it. It’s a life filled with meaning, purpose, and a deep connection to the land. And in the end, isn’t that what really matters?”

Looks like we’re in for another sunny spell out here in cottage country, just right for getting some work done outdoors. We also had a nice visit yesterday, from Donna, a good friend of ours. We all sat down for a nice chat over a cup of tea, then went about our usual business. Makes our day when folks drop by.

Highway 522 is still busy with new folks roaming around our area taking in the sights. You could say newcomers: They’re like tumbleweeds, just with more cameras.

Bug Report; Yep, it’s that time of year again. The black flies are out in full force, and they will continue to bother folks right up until Father’s Day.

On another note, yesterday my lovely wife and I got a lot done outside in spite of the black flies, which made us happy. Today will be much the same, working up gardens, along with moving some plants that have over grown to other gardens. It’s a never ending cycle. But we enjoy it.

Living in the country: “Here in the north, simplicity isn’t just a choice, it’s a survival strategy. When you’re living off the land in the middle of nowhere, you learn to appreciate the little things… the crackle of a warm fire, the taste of freshly caught fish, the sight of a moose/deer wandering through your backyard. And you learn to laugh at the absurdity of it all, because let’s face it, life in the wilderness is one big adventure.”

With that, I am off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife had prepared for me… an egg on an English muffin. After that, I will see what the day has in store… other than what I have planned.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this: Life here in the country isn’t just about what you can take from the land, but what you can give back. It’s about stewardship, about leaving this earth better than we found it, and my wife and I are continually doing that with each passing day.

Fishing Times For Tuesday
05/07/24

Major Times
–:—–:–
11:49 AM-1:49 PM

Minor Times
4:56 AM-5:56 AM
7:59 PM-8:59 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 4-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few today. Good Luck!

Fishing Tip of the Day: If you’re not catching anything, don’t be afraid to switch things. Change your bait, your technique, your spot. Keep ’em guessing, and you’ll eventually put fish on the table at the end of the day.

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]

Morning Moments on May 6/2024

Good Morning! “You know… over the years I have found that living here in the country, time moves at its own pace, like a slow winding river. And just like that river, it carves its own path, teaching us to go with the flow and appreciate the journey.”

It’s a sunny morning here in the north, and the temperature has warmed up some from yesterday. However, we did have a frost overnight, as looking out at the roof on my old woodworking shop it’s all white. The temperature waking up was sitting at 9.6 C | 49.28 F with the wind coming in from the NW.

Highway 522 has picked up these days, with lots of new faces and vehicles around town. Seems like every city slicker with a GPS and a Tim Hortons Addiction decided to take a joyride through our neck of the woods. But hey, ain’t no harm with a few new faces… as it keeps the local gossip-mill churning!

On another note yesterday being that it was a cool day I decided to write up a couple more stories for my newspaper columns. It was a good day for writing. Amazing how the mind works, some days the words just dance on the page, and other times, you’re scratching your head for inspiration? Ah well, that’s just how the mind works.

Today I am planning, I say planning, to clean up my shop as with all the work we have been doing outside… it’s a mess. My wife she calls me a messy Marvin, and truth be told, I reckon she’s got a point there.

Wisdom I Learned Over The Years: “They say home is where the heart is, and for me, it’s always been the countryside. There’s a deep connection to the land and a sense of belonging that can’t be found elsewhere. No matter where life takes me, I’ll always carry the lessons learned from this humble way of life.”

With that, I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has prepared for me and will then gather my things, and head out, ready to tackle whatever challenges or adventures await. I never know, really.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this bit of wisdom I have learned over the years: “In all my years on this land, I’ve learned that every seed we sow carries the hope of tomorrow. It’s a reminder that our work isn’t just for today, but for the generations yet to come.”

Fishing Times for Monday
05/06/24

Major Times
–:—–:–
10:56 AM-12:56 PM

Minor Times
4:33 AM-5:33 AM
6:35 PM-7:35 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 4-star rating out of 5 for catching a few today. Good Luck!

Fishing Tip of The Day: Talk to the fish. Seriously! Over the years, I have found that whispering sweet nothing’s to the fish can coax them into biting. Give it a try and see if they’re listening. “You might be surprised by the outcome!

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]

Cabbage Roll Supper Hot Out Of The Oven!

Well, tonight’s supper was a real delight – the missus surprised me with her homemade cabbage rolls. Let me tell ya, there ain’t nothing quite like them. The smell of them cooking’ brought me back to the good ol’ days, sittin’ a’round the table with family. Each bite was like a trip down memory lane, filling me up with warmth and good feelings. Life is rough around here. But with cabbage rolls like these, I reckon we’ll make it through just fine – as long as the missus keeps cookin’ ’em up, that is!

Click on image to enlarge!

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]

Coffee and Countryside Thoughts on May 4/2024

Good Morning! “You know, living in the country isn’t for everyone. But for those of us who call it home, there isn’t any place we’d rather be. It’s a way of life… simple, honest, and filled with the kind of beauty that city folks can only dream of.”

We are in the midst of some sunshine here in cottage country, which is sure nice to see. However, we did have a wee bit yesterday and the rain did hold off, which in turn made it so we could get a lot done. For most parts I worked away installing the new Pond Water Wheel I made, I still have lots to do, but it’s coming along, and I suspect if things goes to plan by tomorrow evening, it should be up and running. We will see how that pans out. My wife’s been busy in the flower gardens, getting rid of weeds, fixing up the soil, adding compost, and doing a bunch of other stuff. So yeah, we’ve both been pretty occupied.

Today my wife and I will continue on, and being that the weather is so nice, we are going to quite a bit early so we can do some front porch sittin’ and take in all that we have accomplished over the past week or so. What’s the sense in doing these things if you’re not going to take the time to enjoy them.

Highway 522 traffic wise is picking up faster than mosquitoes at a lakeside barbecue! We’ve got tourists from the city, cottage owners towing boats and trailers, and probably a few lost souls wondering if they took a wrong turn. And guess what? It’s only going to get crazier in the coming weeks! Which is normal for our area.

On another note, the Black Flies are starting to make their grand entrance, and let me tell you, they were/are already starting to irritate my wife and me while we were working outside yesterday. It’s like they have a sixth sense for finding the perfect moment to ruin a perfectly good day. And if past-experience is anything to go by, they’re only going to get worse as the days go by, right up until Father’s Day rolls around.

But hey, every cloud has a silver lining, right? Despite the annoyance, there’s a whole orchestra of birds out there who seem to be having a grand old time snacking on these pesky critters. And just when you think you can’t take it anymore, the dragonflies will swoop in like knights in shining armor, putting an end to the Black Fly reign of terror faster than you can say “bug spray.” So, hang in there, folks. Relief is on the wing!

Wisdom I Learned Over The Years: “Folks these days are always looking for the next big thing, the greener pasture on the other side of the fence. But out here in the country, we know that the grass ain’t always greener… it’s what you make of it that counts. I’ve learned to find joy in the simple things, the smell of fresh-cut grass, the sight of a hawk circling overhead, the warmth of a homemade pie, or a drink or two, shared with good company. It’s the little moments that make life worth livin’.”

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me, and will then see if I can get some more work completed outside. However, looking outside, fog has rolled in caused by the warmer temperature hitting the colder temperature. It will clear up in a bit, and it will be a lot warmer than it was yesterday.

You all have a great day and I will leave you with this: “Life is a gamble… there’s no two ways about it. But if you’re willing to take the risk, to roll the dice and see where they land, the rewards can be mighty sweet. Just remember… sometimes you have to lose a few hands to win the pot.”

Fishing Times For Saturday
05/04/24

Major Times
9:16 AM-11:16 AM
9:41 PM-11:41 PM

Minor Times
3:54 AM-4:54 AM
3:50 PM-4:50 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 2-star rating out of for catching a few. Good Luck!

Fishing Tip of The Day: “Keep an eye on the moon phases. I have found over the years that by fishing when the moon’s full… or new, it seems to stir up the water and gets them fish biting.” 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]