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.

Finding Peace Beyond the City on April 29/2024

Good Morning: “In the hustle and bustle of city life, it’s easy to forget what truly matters. But out here in the country where my wife and I live, We found that it’s the little things that make life rich.”

It’s a rainy morning here, waking up in cottage country. Now, I’m not gonna lie, rain can be a double-edged sword. Too much of it, and we’re dealing with flooded fields and soggy boots. But when it comes in just the right amount, it’s a game-changer. It saves us from hauling out the pails and spending hours watering our plants and crops. Instead, we get to sit back and watch as Mother Nature does her thing, nourishing the earth in her own sweet time. And yes, as I have occasionally said, she over does it, at least through human eyes.


Yesterday, I spent the whole day in my workshop, working away at a new bench I’m putting together. It’s coming along nicely, if I do say so myself. With a bit of luck and elbow grease today, I should have her finished up just in time: as the rain’s been pouring down outside, but I ain’t minding it one bit, as it gives me an excuse to tinker away indoors. And it looks like it’ll clear up soon, which suits me fine, as my little woman has been eager to place that bench by our new fishpond. Saying it’ll be a fine spot to sit and enjoy a drink or two, taking in the fruits of our labor, so to speak.

I’ve always believed there’s a special satisfaction in making something with your own two hands. When you can’t buy what you want, well, you roll up your sleeves and get to work. There’s pride in seeing something you’ve crafted with care sitting in your own backyard. It’s been that way all my life.

Wisdom I have learned: “In the hustle and bustle of city life, folks are always in a rush, chasin’ after this and that. But out here in the country, we take things slow. We know that good things take time to grow… whether it’s a crop in the field or a friendship that spans generations. It’s a lesson I’ve learned time and time again: patience ain’t just a virtue, it’s a way of life.”

With that I am off for a bowl of cereal that my lovely wife is making for me and will then get to work.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this: “In my years working the land, I’ve learned that patience is not just a virtue… it’s a way of life. The earth moves at its own pace, and it’s our job to listen, to watch, and to wait for the right moment to sow the seeds of tomorrow.”

Fishing Times for Monday
04/29/24

Major Times
4:48 AM-6:48 AM
5:17 PM-7:17 PM

Minor Times
1:24 AM-2:24 AM
9:14 AM-10:14 AM

Day Rating: I give it a 2-Star Rating for catching a few. Good luck and don’t forget your raincoat!

Fishing tip of the day: “Early bird gets the worm, they say. The same goes for fishing. Head out at dawn or dusk, when the fish are stirring, and you’ll fill your bucket in no time. They eat when you eat.”

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]

Countryside Happenings on April 28/2024

Good Morning! ” It’s time to grab life by the horns and make the most of every moment, because you never know what the day’s got in store.

It’s another cloudy morning here in cottage country, and we did have a touch of rain through the night. Not as much as the specialists predicted, but enough to give the plants and things a good drink, and along with that it cleaned things up around the fishpond my wife and I made a couple of days back.

Highway 522 was a bit quieter yesterday, it seemed like everyone had taken care of their errands. I expect things to get busier again soon once it warms up. However, given the high gas prices lately, many people might think twice about traveling or spending money. Right now, the smart folks are being cautious with their finances, making sure they spend wisely. Taxing people to death as they are doing these days, only makes people start hoarding, truth told raising taxes doesn’t work, never has, never will.

On another note, yesterday I worked the day away in my woodworking shop building a new garden bench we want to put by our new fishpond. It’s coming along, but still lots to do. Today I will carry on.

I remember the lady that raised me one time saying: “I’m not one for fancy words or big speeches, but let me tell you this: there’s a peace to be found in the quiet of the countryside, a kind of stillness that soothes the soul. It’s a place where time moves slow and troubles seem to melt away like dew in the morning sun. It’s a place where you can be yourself, where you can find your roots and grow tall and strong like the oak trees that line the horizon. It’s a place called home.”

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me, reminds me of the value in taking time for the little things, even on the busiest days. After that, I will then head on out to the old woodworking shop.

You all have a great day and I will leave you this: “Living in the country isn’t always easy – the winters are long, the days are hard, and the work is never done. But there’s a beauty in the struggle, a satisfaction in the work, and a peace that comes from knowing you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.“

Fishing Times For Sunday
04/28/24

Major Times
3:50 AM-5:50 AM
4:19 PM-6:19 PM

Minor Times
12:27 AM-1:27 AM
8:10 AM-9:10 AM

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

Fishing Tip of The Day: I found that fish love a good hiding spot. Cast near fallen trees, underwater plants, or around them rocky nooks. That’s where the big ones like to hang out. 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]

Getting It Right in Canada

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.

Immigration:

Some have asked: “George, what do you think of all the immigrants that are coming into Canada these days.”

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. I ain’t against folks moving to Canada. Done right, it can make our country more lively and boost our economy. But it seems like we’re letting in more people than we can handle right now, and that’s a problem.

Think about it like a fishpond, yea I know I just build one, but it’s a good example for what I am going to say. If you cram too many fish into it, there ain’t enough grub for everyone. Same for our country. If we let in too many folks all at once, there won’t be enough jobs, houses, and services for everyone.

Another thing that’s been bugging me is how folks from other lands want to live like they did back home. Now, I’m all for holding onto your roots, but you have to respect the way we do things here in Canada. If you’re going to live here, you have to play by our rules. Simple as that.

Now, the issues I’m talking about are as clear as day. It’s like a big blank wall staring you in the face. But it seems like nobody’s seeing it. If we don’t sort this out, it could lead to some serious trouble down the line. History tells us that too many people coming in all at once can stir up a hornet’s nest. We don’t want that.

And let’s not forget about the role of our elected officials. Sometimes it might seem like their main goal is to win the next election, and bringing in more people can seem like a good way to do that. Now, I understand that politics is a tough game and getting votes is part of the job. But it’s important to remember that the real aim should be making decisions that are best for all of Canada, both old-timers and newcomers.

So, what’s the solution? Well, we can’t just shut our doors. That ain’t the Canadian way. But we have to make sure we’re letting in the right amount of people, and that they’re willing to fit into our way of life. It ain’t rocket science, it’s just common sense.

In short, it’s time we take a good hard look at immigration. We have to make sure we’re doing it right, so we can keep Canada the great country it is. Let’s not wait till it’s too late. We need to fix what needs fixing, and keep Canada a place we’re all proud to call home.

That’s my view on the subject.

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]

Living Simply in the Country on April 27/2024

“Good morning! Where the best conversations happen over a cup of coffee on the porch, and the best advice is passed down from generation to generation.”

It’s a cloudy morning, starting things off here in cottage country. We could see a few showers off and on throughout the day, with some heavier rain starting this evening and through the night. The good news is it has warmed up some, with the temperature getting out of bed sitting at 11 C | 51.8 F.

Highway 522 traffic wise has picked up a lot with folks rolling in from the big cities. Although, we have had an influx of new folks buying homes in our area over the past few years. A lot are getting out of the cities these days, and I can’t say I blame them. I just hope we don’t get over run with people, as the peace and quiet is why we moved here many years ago. But it is what it is.

Wisdom Learned: While growing up on the farm, I learned to live in harmony with nature, listening to the whispers of the wind and the stories the trees and plants tell. There’s a rhythm to life that city folks might never understand, a rhythm that beats in time with the seasons and the cycles of the moon.

On another note: My wife and I finished up our fishpond, putting a tidy edge around it, planted a heap of greenery, and now we are all set for the rain to bed them in. Along with sprucing up our lawn a bit as it was trampled down a bit from the work we have been doing. Now, I’ve got that water wheel to finish, and the new pump to install. Still a few odds and ends left, but we’re getting there. It’s all about time and patience. Comes with age, I reckon. The missus and I have learned that over the years.

Since the weather’s not great today, I’m going to focus on finishing up that garden bench I started a few days ago. It’s a bit tricky, but once it’s done, my wife and I will enjoy sitting on it by our new fishpond. Hearing the waterwheel and seeing all our hard work will be really nice.

With that I am off for my morning bowl of porridge that my lovely wife is making for me and will then see how much sawdust I can make in my woodworking shop.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this: “Out here in the country, every sunrise is a reminder that yesterday’s troubles are just shadows in the rearview mirror. With each dawn, we’re given a fresh start, a new chance to make things right, and a world of possibilities waiting just beyond the horizon.”

Fishing Times for Saturday
04/27/24

Major Times
2:53 AM-4:53 AM
3:21 PM-5:21 PM

Minor Times
–:—–:–
7:20 AM-8:20 AM

Day Rating: I give it a 1-star rating out of for catching a few. Good Luck!

Fishing Tip of The Day: Being a writer in part I have always said: “Write it down. Every trip, every catch, every detail. Soon enough, you’ll start seeing patterns emerge. Makes it easier to know where them fish are hiding.”

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]

Countryside Conversations on April 26/2024

Good Morning! Another sunrise means another chance to make hay while the sun shines and enjoy the simple pleasures of country living.

Here in cottage country this morning, we’ve got a bit of a mixed bag. The sun’s shining bright, but there’s still a thick frost hanging around. It seems like the plants, trees, and whatnot are having a tough time deciding whether they want to start growing or not this year. But you know? They always seem to make out okay, no matter what Mother Nature throws their way.

Some of them, like that white lilac by our house and those flowering crab apple trees, they’re starting to show some signs of life. The regular apple and pear trees are taking their time, which is a good thing.

The tulips are almost ready to burst, and the daffodils? Well, they’re already in full bloom. Just a few days back, I picked a couple for my lovely wife. They sure do smell and look nice. And here’s a neat trick: snap one off about halfway down the stem, stick it in a cup of water, and it’ll stay fresh for over a week. Pretty amazing, huh? Every time my wife and I catch sight of them, it brings a smile to our faces.

Highway 522 has picked up a lot lately with traffic, not sure where they are all coming from, but they are out there. Which is normal for this time of year heading into May. You wouldn’t know it, though, weather wise, as some days are more like fall than spring. But it will warm up soon enough. I have always said to my little woman, that: Highway 522 isn’t just a strip of asphalt… it’s a gateway to adventure, a winding path that leads to hidden fishing spots, secret swimming holes, and endless acres of unexplored wilderness. Hard to find highways like that anymore. I hope it always remains that way.

On another note, my wife and I decided to dig our fishpond a touch larger yesterday, which we did. First, though, we laid out the liner we bought, and let it warm up in the sun. Makes it easier to handle being so thick and all. Once we had the pond the size, and shape we wanted, we installed the liner. At the end of the day, things were looking mighty fine. Today, being that it is going to be nice, weather wise, we will continue on making things look even nicer. It sure is nice to be able to do these things. I enjoy working alongside my wife.

With that, I am now going to start the day with a bowl of porridge made by my better half. Not to forget our chat and a cup of hot cocoa. Simple pleasures make the best mornings.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with these few words that my old friend Grey Wolf used to say many years ago: “In the country, every tree has a story, every river has a song, and every mountain holds a secret. It’s where I feel most alive, most connected to my ancestors, and most at peace.” I sure do miss that old feller.

Fishing Times For Friday
04/26/24

Major Times
2:00 AM-4:00 AM
2:26 PM-4:26 PM

Minor Times
6:41 AM-7:41 AM
11:21 PM-12:21 AM

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

Fishing tip of the day: “It isn’t just about dragging your line behind the boat. Mix it up, change your speed, your depth, your lure. Keep ’em guessing, and you’ll reel ’em in.” 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]