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.
George's Writers Corner, Weather, What's Happening

Father’s Day on June 15/2025

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Good Morning, Folks. I dreamt a whole Blog Post last night. Damn shame, I only remember the part about the pancakes and the sun.

Looking out, right here, from my desk window, where all the magic happens, it seems our day is shaping up to be downright nice. At the moment, there’s plenty of sunshine and hardly a breath of wind, the kind of morning that makes a fellow truly appreciate living in the country.

Weather for us today here in Port Loring, Ontario, Canada.

Today – Sunday, June 15 (Father’s Day): Right now it’s sitting around 58 °F (15 °C) and the sun is working its way through the morning sky. We’re on track for a beautiful Father’s Day, with a high of 77 °F (25 °C)

Tonight: Skies will stay mostly clear through the evening, cooling down to about 50 °F (10 °C). A light sweater might be a good idea if you’re stepping out, but otherwise it’ll be a peaceful, quiet night.

Tomorrow – Monday, June 16: No rain on the radar. It’ll be a mix of sun and cloud through the day, starting off around 59 °F (15 °C) in the morning and climbing to about 80 °F (27 °C) by afternoon. It will feel like a good day to be outdoors, whether you’re getting work done or just soaking up what summer has to offer.

Highway 522 got busier yesterday, mostly locals just going about their business. And a good bunch of them stopped by our garage sale. That’s small-town life for ya …everyone’s out and about, bumping into folks they know and maybe a few they don’t, and stopping to chat a bit. It’s like a slow dance where nobody’s in a hurry and the main event is just catching up on the local gossip.

Well, once again, other than a few mosquitoes and a couple of deer flies, things are pretty good out there these days. But like I always say, from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day is blackfly season ’round here, and today being Father’s Day, there’s hardly one to be found. At least not near our place.

On another note, yesterday I worked the day away taking care of customers at our garage sale, and I have to tell you, we had a steady stream of folks dropping by and picking up all sorts of things. On top of that, our gift shop saw a great day too, with plenty of people snagging some of our one-of-a-kind items, all on sale for half price—who could blame them? Plus, people were in a friendly mood, swapping stories and filling the air with good conversation.

And don’t forget, we’ll keep our garage sale going right through the end of July at 11588 Highway 522, Port Loring, Ontario. We’re open from 10 to 4 every day. After July, the garage sale winds down, but our small gift shop stays open until fall, also from 10 to 4. Just like every other year, we’ll be here for you.

So what are you up to on Father’s Day, GW?

Well, I suspect that most fathers might be taking the day off, but I’ve got a mind to stain the deck that wraps around our small cottage, the one we use for friends and family. After that, some time sitting on our swing under the old basswood tree sounds about right, maybe with a coffee or two to enjoy. Hmm, I might even try something different today, we’ll see how that pans out.

With that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me. It’ll be some pancakes covered with grass-fed butter and a touch of syrup, topped off with raspberries and a few blueberries. Keeps things all healthy, right? Well, at least the fruit part does.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. 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, George's Writers Corner, Weather

Weather Outlook for Port Loring Ontario

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A lot of folks these days use apps to find out what the weather is going to be these days. Simply because it’s easier. But for me? That’s another story. I still watch the sky, listen to the frogs, watch the dragon flies and walk the property to see what the land’s telling me. And lately, it’s been speaking loud and clear… wet ground, full creeks, and frogs singing their hearts out. That’s a sure sign it’s been wetter than normal now that we are into June.

But something’s shifting. The air’s got that warm weight to it some mornings, and the sun’s got more sting than it did a couple of weeks back. I figure a hot stretch might finally be working its way north.

Come the end of June and Canada Day, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a string of days in the high 80s, maybe even flirting with 90°F. Nights’ll be sticky, and unless a storm rolls through, the air’ll feel thick from dawn to dusk. It won’t hit all at once, but the heat’s building slow and steady.

So after a good soaking season, which was needed, we’re likely heading into a dry, hot run. We might not get much in the way of soaking rain, just quick downpours or thunderstorms here and there. Best to keep the garden deep-watered, mulch where you can, and keep an eye on the plants.

So for us here in Port Loring:

  • The rain’s been generous, but the tables are turning.
  • Watch for more heat heading into July.
  • And like always, listen close to nature, she will let you know what’s next.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. 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]

George's Writers Corner, Weather, What's Happening

Where the Future Walks Through the Past on June 14/2025

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Good Morning, Folks. Some mornings feel borrowed, like you’ve been gifted time from an old friend. This is one of ’em.

Well, looking out my window here by my desk, it sure feels like we’re in for a good one. The kind of day that starts out soft and slow, with a sky that’s clear enough to lift your spirits before you’ve even had your second cup of coffee.

The sun’s already working its way across the yard, casting long shadows off the fence posts and making the grass look just a little greener. It’s sittin’ at a comfortable 78°F, which is about 26°C for those who like their numbers that way. There’s a light breeze out of the southwest, just enough to rustle the lilacs and keep the blackflies guessing.

Tonight’ll be calm and clear, cooling off to around 58°F, or 14°C, which means good sleeping weather if you’ve got the windows open and a quilt at the foot of the bed. And tomorrow, well, it’s shaping up to be a fine one too. They’re calling for 82°F (28°C) and sunny, so if you’ve got outdoor chores piling up like we do, it might be a good time to cross a few things off the list.

One has to take advantage of this nice weather while you can.

Highway 522 is still quiet these days, traffic wise. But then again, we do live off the beaten track, where not too many folks come pokin’ around until the weather starts to cooperate, which by the looks of things is about to happen with summer now just around the corner.

That said, I’ve noticed more and more new faces showing up these past couple of years. A lot of folks have been packing up and heading north, and honestly, I can’t say I blame them. When you look at what’s going on in the world, or more to the point in the big cities, it starts to make sense. Crime is climbing, houses are being built so close together you could almost shake hands with your neighbor while sipping your morning coffee, and the air down there is thick with things I won’t even get into. Let’s just say it’s no wonder so many folks are walking around with allergies and sniffles they can’t quite explain.

And the crowds, damn! The last time we took a trip down south, it was a full-time job just trying to sort out all the different nationalities bustling around. It’s something to see how much our country has changed. I’m not saying change is always bad, but if I’m being honest, I don’t believe it’s all been for the better.

Bug Report

Well, I’m happy to say most of the blackflies have left us for another year. And with this stretch of warmer weather settling in, them blood-sucking parasites we call mosquitoes might not be too bad either. They’re not fans of the heat, mostly because they’re so small, the sun dries them out and finishes them off pretty quick.

Now in the shade, that’s a different story. One still has to be careful come evening, especially if the doors or windows are open. They’ll sneak their way into the house, and once they’re in, well… when it’s time to sleep, they can sure be irritating.

We picked up one of those bug zappers and set it on the kitchen table. Before heading to bed, we switch it on and let it draw them in. Keeps them off us while we sleep. Works slick too. The thing is, living in the country, you learn quick that you’ve got to be on your toes, whether it’s bugs, weather, or something unexpected showing up at your back door.

On another note, yesterday my wife and I had a lot going on, so we didn’t get around to making a morning post here on the blog. We get a few of those days now and then, days when there’s so much on the to-do list, there just aren’t enough hours to get through it all.

But that being said, we still managed to knock off the things we had planned, and on top of that, we had quite a few folks stop by, picking up things from our garage sale. We’re keeping it going every weekend right through to the end of July.

We sold a fair bit yesterday, but there’s still plenty left, and like I always say, my wife and I don’t know where it all came from. It’s simply amazing how much a person can collect over the years without realizing it.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today I’m planning on working outdoors, as there’s a few things around the house that need tending to. And with the sun shining the way it is, I sure don’t want to be stuck inside.

On top of that, our little gift shop is open for the season now, and between that and all the garage sale items we’ve got set out, there’s plenty to keep us busy. But truth be told, we enjoy it. Especially this time of year, when the days are warm, and folks start getting out and about again.

It’s a good kind of busy, though. The kind where the work feels more like a day well spent.

So with that, I’m off to have breakfast my little woman’s made for me, then I’ll head on out to the front porch with a nice cup of hot cocoa and take in the view of our beautiful piece of property. Sure is a sight to see this time of year.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. 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]

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

Why Does Quebec Get All the Juice?

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Only On The Walters Post

By GW

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.

June 12, 2025

So here’s the thing. Every time I turn around, there’s another big, shiny energy announcement coming out of Quebec. A new deal. A fresh agreement. Millions, sometimes even billions, changing hands. This time, it’s Newfoundland and Labrador shaking hands with Hydro-Québec, working out what they call a “genuine partnership” over Churchill Falls and new hydro projects up in Labrador. And the rest of us are left wondering, how come Ontario and the western provinces aren’t part of these kinds of headlines?

It’s not like we don’t have the rivers. It’s not like we lack the brains or the hands to do the work. So why does it always seem like the money and the power, both kinds, flow east and stop at Quebec?

Let’s back up a bit.

Decades ago, Quebec made a major push into hydroelectric development. In the 60s and 70s, they built an empire of dams and transmission lines through James Bay, often at great cost to Indigenous communities and untouched wilderness. But it gave them something nobody else had at the time, energy independence, and a whole lot of export power. Today, Hydro-Québec is one of the largest hydroelectric utilities in the world. They sell clean energy to the northeastern United States, and they use those profits to fund more projects, more infrastructure, and more influence.

Meanwhile, Ontario shut down coal, which was the right call for the environment, but instead of building new public hydro projects, we chased private energy contracts. A little wind here, some solar there, a few natural gas plants, and all the while our electricity bills kept climbing. So…where was the long-term plan? Where were the made-in-Ontario projects that could feed our own grid, and put money back into our communities?

And out west? Alberta has oil and gas, sure, but even there, the rivers are waiting. Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and British Columbia all have hydro potential. Manitoba Hydro does sell some power to the States, but you don’t hear about billion-dollar deals or sweeping national partnerships coming out of there. You don’t hear about Ottawa investing the same way it does in Quebec.

And that’s the heart of it, federal funding.

Ottawa has a long history of putting big money behind Quebec’s energy projects. They call it nation-building or climate action or green infrastructure, but somehow the dollars keep flowing in one direction. It’s not that Quebec doesn’t deserve support. They’ve done the work. But so have we, and we’re still waiting for equal footing.

So if you’re sitting and asking why your province isn’t getting its fair share of clean energy investment, you’re not imagining things. It’s a mix of political priorities, historical ties, and where the spotlight tends to land.

But here’s something I’ve learned from a lifetime on the land: if you wait around for someone else to hand you a solution, you’ll be waiting a long time. Maybe it’s time Ontario and the western provinces stopped waiting. Maybe it’s time we built our own energy future, in our own way, with our own people, on our own land. We’ve got the water. We’ve got the know-how. Now we need the will, and a government that looks past the St. Lawrence.

Until the next time,
Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. 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]

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

The Upside of Tariffs For us In Canada

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By GW

You know, I’ve been saying for a while now that these tariffs, while they might seem like a bumpy road at first, could actually be a good thing for us here in Canada. And reading about a Canadian metal company, it feels like a real “aha!” moment. Here’s a business, sixty years in the making, worried about the impact of these heavy U.S. tariffs, only to find their sales actually climbing. The sales manager really hit the nail on the head when he said, “It’s been good for us. In fact, we have seen an increase, an uptick in builders wanting to use our Canadian metal buildings.” That’s the kind of silver lining you hope for, isn’t it?

It just makes sense, too, when you think about it. We’re loaded with resources, and steel is definitely one of them. As the sales manager points out, why would we buy it from another country after it’s been processed there and shipped back, when we can get it right from our own backyard? That’s not just good for this one company, it’s good for the whole Canadian steel industry. It’s about bringing things back home, supporting our own, and building a stronger foundation from within.

Now, I hear what the president of the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction is saying, and there’s no denying that tariffs can create a lot of uncertainty and challenges for some. Losing a major market is a big deal, and jobs are always at the forefront of everyone’s mind. But there’s also something to be said for the push it gives us to look inward, to innovate, and to truly become more self-sufficient.

To me, this is exactly what’s needed for a healthy country. It’s about taking those challenges and making some good, strong Canadian lemonade. When we rely more on ourselves, our own resources, and our own ingenuity, that’s when we truly thrive. It’s a chance to strengthen our own supply chains and create opportunities right here at home.

It just goes to show, sometimes the difficulties we face are the very things that push us to find new and better ways of doing things. And for us, it might just be the push we needed to become even more resilient and independent.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive! 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]