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.

Old Paths Yield New Discoveries on March 11/2024

Good Morning! Where we are another day closer to warmer weather, longer days, and the simple joys of country living. Pretty hard to beat that every morning. Did you all move your clocks ahead yesterday?

Other than being a touch cool with the temperature sitting at -6.3 C | 20.66 F, it’s looking like a mighty fine day. The sun is shinning, the wind has died down, and the barometer is slowly rising, as it has been all night long. Which is a good sign of what lies ahead, weather wise. And even better, it will warm up as the day moves forward, and tomorrow we should be able to do some front porch sittin’.

Highway 522 is bare and dry this morning, but we do have some snow on the ground, which would amount to about 2 inches. Nothing to write home about.

On another note yesterday, once again I worked the day away here in front of my computer, editing another video, actually this time I put together a slide show of installing a new deck onto our cottage, as I took pictures of how I went about it from start to finish, so it’s not a video, but I have to say it turned out pretty good, with the help of my lovely wife. I will add it to my YouTube channel and make it public in the days ahead. I try and put on one a week, sometimes two. All depends on how much time I have to spare, as it takes a lot of time to make/edit the videos. Today I will continue on with another, being a bit cold outside.

Politicians: You know, my old dad used to say, “Politicians are like the weather: everyone talks about them, but nobody does anything about them.” But then again, here in Canada it’s always been that way, at least for as long as I can remember.

And ... when their pockets start feeling a bit light, what do they do? Slap on more taxes, swearing it’s for our own good!

With that I am off for my breakfast that my little woman has made for me, and will then get to work. But first, I’ll enjoy a hot cup of cocoa while having a chat with my lovely wife. It’s something we do every morning before we start our day. And you know … we are damn good at it too.

With that, you all have a great day and I will leave you with this: The old one knows that the river may change its course, but it’s the stones in the riverbed that keeps the water flowing. 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]

Sunrise to Sunset What’s Happening on March 10/2024

Good Morning! Where the air’s crisp and the birds sing a little louder, tellin’ us spring is just around the corner.

But in saying that, you wouldn’t think so with it being cold, along with seeing some snow coming down this morning. However, the cold and snow will be short-lived, and we will be back into warmer weather starting tomorrow, as things will warm up, and we should even see some sunshine, which is what we humans need, to stay healthy.

On another note, my wife and I did get all our gardens and grounds cleaned up which makes me happy, along with transplanting a few trees. You see, we had to remove quite a few of our pines over the years, as they were getting old, and being so tall they could have fallen on our home. So in doing that, we decided to replace them with others that we had here on our property. I have to tell you, if you had to buy them these days that they are expensive, but what isn’t these days. Kind of makes me wonder where Canada is heading. If asked, I would say that folks need to be putting a bit of extra cash away with less spending on things that isn’t necessary.

I was taught many years ago … to look after my needs not my wants, and truth told that advice has done my lovely wife and I well over the years.

Yesterday being a wet rainy cool old day I worked away here on my computer and yes, I did get that cup of cocoa with some marshmallows on top, along with a couple of homemade chocolate cookies. So … it pays to dish out compliments occasionally.

Talking about being nice. It seems here in Canada, many people are noticing/saying that older folks are getting grumpier as they age, and I think it’s true. You see, when we lay eyes upon the hard work we’ve poured into building our country, only to witness it being undone by certain folks, it ruffles our feathers something fierce. We’ve also lived through our fair share of ups and downs, seen the world change in ways we never imagined. So, when we catch wind of our efforts being cast aside, it feels like a heavy weight on our shoulders. That’s why, from time to time, we might come off a tad sour. But you see, as we’ve traveled these winding roads of life, we’ve gathered a bit of wisdom along the way. We’ve learned that storms pass and sunsets follow, and it’s how we weather those storms that truly makes us. And it’s a lesson we hope the young will take to heart, as they tread their own paths. For in the end, it’s not just about the battles we’ve fought, but the wisdom we’ve gained in the process, that truly marks our journey. And that is all I have to say on the subject. Hmm, not sure how I got onto that.

Politician Humor: Back in the day, my wise old Dad used to say, “Beware of politicians bearing gifts; they’ll give you a shiny coin today and take your barn tomorrow.” I believe that to be true today, too.

With that, once again I am off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me, and will then get to work editing another video. Being so cold out today, inside is the place to be. At least for me.

You all have a great day and I will leave you with this: “Old mountains hold the memories of time, whisperin’ stories of creation, destruction, and … the occasional mountain goat with an attitude problem.” GW

Oh, and don’t forget today is National Meat Ball Day. Italian Meatballs, “Mamma Mia!”

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]

Canada’s Defence Spending Needs Attention?

Some have asked me what I think of how our defence is dealing with not having the funds to carry on. So here is what I figure should be said and done.

It’s baffling to hear that despite the glaring warnings from our military leaders about the inadequacy of our equipment and personnel, there’s a lack of support for increasing defence spending in Canada. Frankly, it’s absurd. Our defence capabilities are crucial, and it’s high time we recognize the urgency of the situation.

For far too long, we’ve been neglecting our defence responsibilities, and the repercussions are becoming evident. The rest of the world is watching, and frankly, they’re probably shaking their heads at our complacency.

The recent polling showing low levels of support for increasing defence spending raises eyebrows. Who exactly was surveyed? It’s hard not to question the validity of such polls when the stakes are this high.

It’s time for Canada to step up to the plate and do what’s right. We need to prioritize the safety and security of our nation. Increasing defence spending isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity if we want to maintain our sovereignty and protect our citizens.

Let’s not allow politics or misguided priorities to dictate our national security agenda. It’s time for action, and it starts with a serious commitment to bolstering our defence capabilities. The future of our country depends on it. 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]

Muddy Boots and Warm Coats in Northern Ontario on March 9/2024

Good Morning! It’s that time of the year when the sun rises higher in the sky, melting away the last of old man winter.

Well, let’s hope so, but living here in the north, surprises are never ending, weather wise. The good news is, that my wife and I did manage to get all our gardens and grounds cleaned up yesterday. It took us two full days to get it done, which I don’t figure is too bad considering our age. But then again, I have always said. Life’s all about how you see things. If you go around thinking you’re old, well, you’ll start feeling old. And with all them years on my back, I found that they have taught me that age ain’t just about the years ticking by. It’s about the fire inside, the spark that keeps you going. I think if you keep your mind/body sharp, stay open to new experiences, and surround yourself with positivity. Well … that’s how you stay young at heart, no matter what the calendar says. But hey, what do I know? Just sharing a bit of wisdom I’ve picked up along the way.

Highway 522 is wet this morning and will remain that way right up till around 11:00 AM. In saying that, traffic has picked up some, with more locals moving around a bit more. You could say that the world is coming back to life, and our little northern town is waking up with a unique charm all of its own. Which is nice to see!

Politician Humor: My old Dad used to say: “A politician’s promises are like seeds in the wind – you never know where they’ll land or if they’ll grow anything worthwhile.” Hasn’t changed much over the years.

Today being that it is raining I am planning on editing another video, and in between things, I will bug my lovely wife. She is busy doing the wash, which takes most of the day. She likes to do it on weekends when the hydro rates are down. Not much, but every little bit helps. You know … hard-working gals like her are a rare find these days, and I have been very fortunate to have found mine.

Hmm, do you think that might get me a cup of hot cocoa with some marshmallows on top, and one or two of her homemade cookies a bit later on?

With that, I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me, that consists of some Porridge made from Quaker Oats. It’s been around for as long as I can remember. Nothing better on this old earth of ours, for keeping your heart ticking away as it should be. I usually have it every morning, with a half of a Florida Grapefruit when in season, and a piece of toast.

You all have a great day and remember: Life’s truths ain’t found in grand speeches; they’re whispered in the rustle of the leaves, the snicker of and old dog, and the sideways glance of a crow with a mitten in its mouth. 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]