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.
My Opinion Only

Canada’s Defence Spending Needs Attention?

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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.

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In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well!

George Walters | [email protected]

Weather, What's Happening

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

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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]

My Opinion Only, Weather, What's Happening

Everyday Life In Cottage Country On March 8/2024

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Good Morning! Where the frost on the rooftops is a reminder that summer isn’t here yet.

Highway 522 has been picking up traffic wise the past few days. Not too many new folks though, mostly locals moving around, looking for things to see and do. You always know you’re in a small town when everyone waves at each other, even if they’ve never met.

Fact or Fiction? Putting your trust in a chicken before it’s hatched is like waiting for prosperity without putting in the work. Some say that policies here in Canada have made some folks idle dreamers, forgetting the hard work needed to thrive.

On another note, yesterday my wife and I worked the day away cleaning up our property, which we have been doing now for the past couple days. We even managed to transplant a few trees and shrubs, that we wanted to do now for the past couple years. We now have some trimming to do on some of our trees, which I might get to today, while my wife works on cleaning up some more of our gardens. Lots needs to be done this time of year, and it has to be done at the right time. Being a farmer, you learn these things. Truth told, these tasks require timing and intuition, things you can’t pick up in a classroom.

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has put together for me, and will then head on outside. As my old Dad used to say. “Up an Adam, George, we’re burning daylight.” I miss that old feller.

You have a great day and I will leave you with this: “Back in the day, we didn’t have fancy gadgets, but we had grit, determination, and a willingness to get our hands dirty, which my wife and I still have today.” 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]

Gardening

It’s Coffee Time?

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Yep it is, but this time of year, I make it a touch different from most. Take a look and if you enjoy my videos, please consider subscribing, it helps and means a lot. 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]

My Opinion Only, Weather, What's Happening

Where Time Slows on March 7/2024

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Good Morning! The day’s young, with lots to do before it’s time to hang up our hats. So best to get at it!

Highway 522 is bare and dry once again, which makes it nice for those in need of things in the larger cities. But in saying that, there is a lot that can be had right here in our small town.

On another note, yesterday, my wife and I worked the day away cleaning up our gardens in front of our home. Other than a bit of wind, the weather was on our side, which made it pretty nice out there. But in saying that, nature is like dancing, you sometimes lead, but mostly, you follow her steps. I also made a video of how we went about it, along with showing folks a few perennials that are starting to show themselves, which I will add to my YouTube Channel later on. It took us most of the day, to get things done and we both were happy to head on into the house when finished. And our beds felt mighty fine, too.

Truth or Fiction: My old dad used to say politicians were like weeds in the garden, they’d sprout up everywhere and choke out the good stuff if you didn’t keep an eye on them. It would be a good idea to keep that in mind today too.

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me, or should say has made for me, and will then we will head on outside to do some more cleanups around our property. Can’t let a beautiful day like this go to waste with the sun shining down on us.

You all have a great day and remember: “Life is a puzzle, but it’s missing a few pieces, and … that’s what makes it interesting.” 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]