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.

Life Beyond the City Limits on April 19/2024

Good Morning! Another day in paradise, where the closest thing to rush hour is when the ATV’s line-up at the local diner for breakfast.

Walking to my shop earlier was a bit damp, as we are having some more rain. And it will rain off and on for most of the day. Tomorrow, however, we will be seeing some much-needed sunshine, which will sure be nice. Nothing like sunshine to brighten one’s day, in more ways than one.

Yesterday being so wet and cold outside, I worked the day away here at my computer, as I had a few stories for my newspaper columns that needed to be written. It seems some days the words flow easy, and yesterday was the day, so I took advantage of it. Today, I am thinking I will head on out to my old woodworking shop and get to work on making our new water wheel, for the new fishpond we dug a week ago. We couldn’t finish it, as our firewood for winter came, and we wanted to get it out of the weather so it could dry. So… that should keep my busy for the day.

Highway 522 is picking up a wee bit with each passing day. As frustrating as it may be, remember that summer traffic on Highway 522 is just a small price to pay for those nice winter days, when you had the road all to yourself, accompanied only by the gentle hum of your engine and the occasional deer watching you go by, along the roadside.

Wisdom I was taught and learned while on the farm: Where my lovely wife and I used to farm, we had a saying: ‘You can’t plow a field by turning it over in your mind.’ You have to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty if you want to see results. Why… I’ve seen folks spend more time talking about planting tomatoes than actually planting them! Sometimes you just gotta laugh and remind ’em: the only way to grow tomatoes is to stick it in the ground!

With that I am off for my morning bowl of porridge that my little woman is making for me, and will then head on out to my woodworking shop and make some sawdust, along with that new water-wheel.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this: “Living in the country is like having a permanent vacation – except instead of beaches and palm trees, we’ve got lots of trees winding-rivers and endless skies. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

Fishing Times for Friday
04/19/24

Major Times
9:25 AM-11:25 AM
9:44 PM-11:44 PM

Minor Times
4:30 AM-5:30 AM
3:28 PM-4:28 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 1-star rating out of 5 for catching a few, that is if you like fishing in the rain.

Fishing Tip Of The Day: I have found that one can’t go wrong using natural bait. I use worms, insects, and small fish as bait. Learning to identify and use what nature provides… usually puts fish on the table come supper time. 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]

Living Well Off the Beaten Path on April 18/2024

Good Morning! Where the only deadlines we have are set by Mother Nature herself – and let me tell ya, she’s got a way of keeping us on our toes.

In saying that statement, we are having some rain here this morning. Actually, it started around 1:00 PM yesterday and hasn’t stopped, and it will remain that way all day and into tomorrow. After that though, the sunshine should be back with us, which we are looking forward too.

On another note, my lovely wife and I did manage to get our firewood piled yesterday. It took us two and a half days to get it done, we had 13 cords or so. I have to say it was a challenge this year with it being so wet, and having to use a wheelbarrow running it on a narrow board to where we were piling it. But we got it done up just before the rain started. The weather and I have an understanding you might say, as when ever I ask it for things, like to hold off till I get things done, it does. It’s been that way now for over 70 some years.

Today, being that my wife and I are tired, and It’s raining outside, we are going to be taking it a bit easy here in the house. Just because we can.

Highway 522 has been a bit busy with mostly the locals roaming around taking in the sights. You could say it’s a normal day occurrence.

Wisdom I was taught and learned while on the farm: “In this fast-paced world we live in, folks it seems are always looking for the next big thing, the latest trend. But on the farm, we know better. We know that the old ways are still the best ways. We know that you can’t rush Mother Nature, that good things take time. So we take it slow, we take it steady, and we let the land guide us. And in the end, we come out ahead, because there’s wisdom in them fields, that is…. if you’re willing to listen.”

With that I am off for my morning bowl of porridge that my lovely wife is making for me, and will then see what the day has in store.

You all have a great day and I will leave you with this: “Life in the country is like a well-worn pair of overalls – comfortable, reliable, and just a little bit quirky. So let’s embrace the wrinkles, the frayed edges, and the occasional missing button – after all, it’s the imperfections that make us unique!”

Fishing Times for Thursday
04/18/24

Major Times
8:44 AM-10:44 AM
9:04 PM-11:04 PM

Minor Times
4:13 AM-5:13 AM
2:22 PM-3:22 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 1-star rating out of 5 for catching a few!

Fishing Tip Of The Day: Pay attention to signs from nature, like bird activity or water ripples, indicating where fish might be congregating. 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]

Country Living at Its Finest on April 17/2024

Good Morning! Where the sun rises slow and steady, just like the way life unfolds out here in the country.

In saying that, it is a touch cloudy this morning waking up, and we could see a few showers later on in the day. After that, we are in for three more days of showers. My wife and I are hoping it holds off, as we would like to finish piling our firewood for the year. We have been making steady progress so far, and I would say we have the better part of half of it put away. It has been a challenge, though, with the ground being so wet and having to use a wheelbarrow. At any rate, today, we will give it our best and see how things work out. Truth told, I am happy I am able to be doing it this year, as last spring I couldn’t walk. What will be….. will be.

Highway 522 is picking up a wee bit traffic wise, as we have noticed a lot of new vehicles moving around. It will get busier as the weather gets nicer. Which is normal for our area this time of year.

“Highway 522’s like a breath of fresh country air—a little slower, a little sweeter, and a whole lot less exhaust fumes. I hope it stays that way, because there’s nothing like rollin’ down the windows and letting the breeze wash your worries away.”

Wisdom I grew up with living in the country: I have always said: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But if it is broke, well, I’ll fix it when I darn well feel like it. No need to rush into things. The same goes for life in general.”

With that I am off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife is preparing for me, and will then get to work.

You all have a great day and I will leave you with this: “They say home is where the heart is, but here in the country, home is where the critters roam free, the air smells like fresh-cut hay, and our swing creaks with the weight of a thousand memories. And if the rain holds off, we will make some more.”

Fishing Times On Wednesday
04/17/24

Major Times
8:00 AM-10:00 AM
8:22 PM-10:22 PM

Minor Times
3:52 AM-4:52 AM
1:16 PM-2:16 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 3-star rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck, and it might pay to bring along a raincoat if out and about.

Fishing Tip Of The Day: Fishing ain’t just about flinging lines. It’s about knowing water like it’s in your blood. Watch them ripples, feel the current’s dance, and you’ll learn more than any fancy gadget could ever teach ya. 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]

“Country Living: Where the Clocks Tick Slower on April 14/2024

Good Morning! Another sunrise here in the North, where the air is cleaner, the people friendlier, and the closest thing we have to a subway is the root cellar!”

So it’s another cloudy morning here, waking up in cottage country. And we are also having a bit of rain. I am kind of thinking it will remain cloudy for most of the day. Tomorrow however we should see a wee bit of sunshine, which should stay with us for a couple of days, but then it’s back to rain. As the old saying goes: “April Showers Brings May Flowers.”

Highway 522 is still very quiet, as is most things in our area at this time of the year. You could say that: “Up here in the North, life moves slower than maple syrup in January. It’s smooth, sweet, and takes its time.”

On another note, yesterday, I did do a wee bit of work in my woodworking shop, as I had to put a new wheel and tire on my wheelbarrow. I had it for over fifty some years and the wheel itself simply rotted away. But now it should be good for another fifty years. We will have to see how that pans out. They don’t make things as good as they used to.

Today I will do some work in the shop and after lunch my lovely wife and I will enjoy the Masters Golf Tournament. We never miss it and have watched it for as long as I can remember. We sure enjoy seeing the flowers and the land itself, it gets us ready for what’s to come here in the north.

With that, I am off for my morning bowl of porridge and will then see what the day has planned for me. You just never know.

You all have a great day and I will leave you with this: “Life in the country is like a well-aged whiskey – smooth, rich, and best enjoyed in good company. So let’s raise a toast to today, tomorrow, and all the days yet to come!”

Fishing Times for Sunday
04/14/24

Major Times
5:28 AM-7:28 AM
5:56 PM-7:56 PM

Minor Times
2:03 AM-3:03 AM
9:52 AM-10:52 AM

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

Fishing Tip Of The Day: Bait Wisely, or Fish Foolishly: Back in the day, bait was more than just a snack for the fish – it was an art form. Us old-timers could turn a humble worm into a fish magnet with just a flick of the wrist and a sprinkle of magic (or maybe just a sprinkle of Grandmas bacon grease).

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]

Life Away from the City, On April 13/2024

Good Morning! “Another day in paradise, where the only skyscrapers are the towering trees and the only rush hour is when the deer dart through the field.”

We are seeing some clouds here this morning in cottage country, and along with them, we did have a wee bit of snow overnight. Today however we should see a wee bit of sunshine, I hope…. which will get rid of the snow we did have, which was about an inch. We did have our share of rain yesterday, as it rained pretty well all day long.

Highway 522 is still quiet, which is normal for this time of year. You know: “They say the road less traveled is the one worth taking, and on Highway 522, we’ve got plenty of room to roam. I hope it stays that way, because there’s something special about having the whole highway to yourself.” Very hard to find these days, elsewhere.

On another note, my lovely wife and I had another busy day yesterday. We ordered a new washing machine from Home Hardware, and they delivered it. The fellows that delivered it were very helpful, and put it down the stairs and into our basement. There is no way I could have done it myself. And it wasn’t an easy chore with the way our stairs are. I have to say, that folks at the home hardware store here in town are nice folks, always accommodating, willing to help with one’s needs. Especially Steve, he is my go-to guy when I need help with projects I have on the go. The rest of the staff are nice too, though, I wouldn’t want you to think I am taking anything away from them. After we had it in the basement with the help of my wife we got it hooked up leveled and working. Today being Saturday wash day, we will see how she works.

Farm Life: “I have always said farm life ain’t just about plowing fields and mending fences. It’s about respecting the land, understanding its moods and its needs. It’s about knowing when to push and when to pull back, when to plant and when to harvest. And let me tell you, there ain’t no better teacher than Mother Nature herself. She’ll humble you quick if you ain’t paying attention.”

With that I am off for my breakfast that my little woman has prepared for me, and will then see what the day has in store. Every day is different, which is the way it supposed to be.

You all have a great day, and I will leave you with this: “They say you can’t have your cake and eat it too, but here at my home my wife bakes our own cakes, frost them with homemade buttercream, and we eat them with a side of fresh-picked berries. And if that’s not living the dream, I don’t know what is!”

Fishing Times for Saturday
04/13/24

Major Times
4:30 AM-6:30 AM
5:00 PM-7:00 PM

Minor Times
1:04 AM-2:04 AM
8:54 AM-9:54 AM

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

Fishing Tip Of The Day: Fishing ain’t just about catching fish. It’s about finding what’s important in nature and in life. There’s something magical about being out on the water, away from the hustle and bustle of the world. You could say, it’s therapy for the soul, a chance to recharge and reconnect with what truly matters. Something a lot are missing these days.

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]