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.

Morning Notes from an Old Timer on May 19/2025

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Good Morning Folks: You know… I never did get a degree in school, but there is one thing I do have, and that is a lifetime of know-how.

Well, she’s a cool spring morning here in Port Loring, Ontario, Canada. The temperature when we got out of bed was sittin’ right around 33.4°F | 0.8°C — just a hair above the freezing mark. Luckily, with the cloud cover and dampness hangin’ in the air, the frost held off. Not that it would’ve bothered me much, seeing as I haven’t set any of my tomato plants in the ground yet. I’m holdin’ off for a few more days, just to be safe.

Now for the Weather Forecast — Written My Way:

Today:
We’re lookin’ at a mix of clouds and sun throughout the day, with the temperature workin’ its way up to around 53°F | 12°C by this afternoon. Winds will be light, but you’ll still feel a bit of that cool bite if you’re standin’ still too long. Might be a touch of drizzle here and there — just enough to keep your hat damp.

Tonight:
The clouds will thicken up some, and there’s a fair chance we’ll see a few scattered showers before morning. Overnight low’s gonna dip down to about 39°F | 4°C, so if you’ve got anything tender sittin’ outside, it might be worth tuckin’ it in or coverin’ it up.

Tomorrow:
Looks like a bit of a warming trend might start, with the mercury tryin’ to climb to around 59°F | 15°C under mostly cloudy skies. Could be a few breaks of sun now and again, and there’s always the chance of a stray shower or two, but nothin’ too serious.

——————————————————

Highway 522 was quiet yesterday, it being Sunday and all, with most places around the area shut down for the day. But that worked out just fine for us at our garage sale — folks were out lookin’ for somewhere to go, and what better place to wander than right here, where the bargains are fresh and the coffee’s usually on.

We had a great day, sales were steady, and there were people waitin’ for us to open up, same as the day before. We’re always glad to see the regulars, and it’s nice meetin’ new folks passin’ through, too.

As for us, well, every day’s about the same. We don’t get too wound up about Sundays or holidays. In my mind, every day deserves the same respect as any other. Why is that? Well, I grew up on a dairy farm, many years ago now, and let me tell you — them cows didn’t give one hoot whether it was Sunday or Monday. They still had to be milked, fed, and cleaned up after, and that old farmer — including me — had to get out there and do it.

That’s just how it was. And I reckon, in a way, that kind of upbringing never really leaves you. You learn early on that work don’t wait on a calendar.

So, what are you up to today, GW?

Well, my wife and I will be workin’ away, adding a few more things to our garage sale and gettin’ things rolling for another good day. We’ll be open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, same as the past three days.

So far, we’ve sold a lot — more than we expected, truth be told — but don’t go thinking we’re all picked over. As we’ve still got plenty of treasures waitin’ to be discovered. Tools, kitchen goods, old farm items, woodworking equipment, a bit of furniture, odds and ends, hell you never know what might catch your eye.

So if you’re out for a drive, wanting something to see or do, why not swing on by. It’s a good time to stop in, stretch your legs a bit, and maybe find somethin’ you didn’t even know you were lookin’ for. Bring a jacket — it’s still a touch cool out there — and don’t forget, the company’s always friendly. Hope to see ya!

With that, I’m off to have breakfast with my lovely wife, and then we’ll get to opening things up for the day. Well, maybe I’ll enjoy an extra cup of hot cocoa first — it’s a touch chilly out there this morning.


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]

Old Stories new Happenings & a Garage Sale on May 18/2025

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Good Morning… You know, over the years I have found: “That life hands out tests too — only you grade your own paper.”

It’s a cloudy, cool morning here in Cottage Country. The kind where the coffee tastes just a little better, and the world feels quieter under a damp grey sky.

Today – Sunday, May 18:
We’re lookin’ at a high around 55°F (13°C). Skies’ll stay mostly cloudy through the day, with just a hint of sun maybe peekin’ through now and again. Winds will stay light, but there’s a small chance of a passing sprinkle come late afternoon—nothing to cancel plans over, just keep a jacket by the door.

Tonight:
Cool and calm. Temperatures’ll dip down to about 35°F (2°C). No rain expected, a good night for a quiet fire and maybe another cup of tea before bed.

Tomorrow – Monday, May 19:
The sun’s lookin’ to return for a visit, with highs around 57°F (14°C). A fine day to get back to garden chores or take in our garage sale. Winds’ll stay quiet, and the skies should clear up by midday. Looks like one of those days when you just gotta be outside.

Highway 522 has sure picked up over the past few days, with a steady stream of new folks roaming around looking for things to do or buy. And really, what better place to find something special than right here at our garage sale, located at 11588 Highway 522, Port Loring?

We’re open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and I’ve got to tell you, even though we’ve only been at it for two days, I never would’ve guessed we’d see so many people stop in. We’ve had hundreds of cars, trucks, and even folks on ATVs pull in, all hunting for a treasure or two.

People have been loading up their cars, vans, trucks, and trailers — and more were waiting in line. Our parking lot filled up quick, the neighbour’s driveway next door was packed, and vehicles lined the highway.

Now, I want to clear something up.
Even with all that traffic, we’ve still got lots left to sell — and I mean lots. For anyone thinking everything’s been picked over or the good stuff is gone, that just ain’t the case. Truth is, we’ve still got a house full of items that haven’t even made it out to the tables yet. We’re restocking throughout the day as space opens up. There was just no room to put everything out all at once.

We’ll be keeping the sale going until everything’s gone, and like I said, we’re adding more every single day. So if you’ve already been by, it’s worth coming back — and if you haven’t, now’s the time.

I’d also like to give a big thank you to all the locals and visitors from out of town who dropped by. It’s been real nice to see so many friendly faces.

Bug Report:
Well, there’s no denying it — the black flies are definitely with us. But truth be told, they weren’t all that bad yesterday. The cool, damp weather we’ve been having has kept them at bay, and if it stays like this a bit longer, it’ll slow ’em down even more.

Now, once the sun comes out and things warm up again, they’ll be back in full force — no question there. But the good news is, once the dragonflies show up for the summer, they’ll make short work of ’em. Nature’s own pest control, and mighty efficient too.

So with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me — she sure knows how to start the day right. After that, I’ll settle in with a good cup of tea and a little honey, then head out to put up our garage sale signs.

Yep, even though it’s Sunday, the sale rolls on.
We’ve got so much to sell, it might take a month to clear it all out — maybe even longer. And let me tell you, it’s all good stuff too. You never know what kind of treasure you’ll find until you stop in.

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]

Words Before Work on May 17/2025

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Good Morning.
My old Dad used to say, “George, if your old tractor still runs, don’t go lookin’ for a new one.”
There’s more in them few words than meets the eye.

So we did have a light shower roll through early this morning, and looking west, the sky’s still got that unsettled look to it.

Today – Saturday, May 17:
It’ll stay on the cooler side today, with a high around 62°F (17°C). We’ve got a mix bag of clouds and a few scattered showers through the morning, and it might stay breezy for a bit. This afternoon could offer some breaks of sun, but don’t count on it lasting too long.

Tonight:
Cooling off to around 41°F (5°C) by midnight. Expect more cloud cover and the odd bit of drizzle hanging around. Not a bad night to settle in early.

Tomorrow – Sunday, May 18:
The day starts off chilly and damp. Breezes picking up again early, and we’ll likely see on-and-off rain or drizzle through the morning hours. It’ll stay cloudy most of the day, and the temperature will only climb to about 57°F (14°C), and overnight it could dip all the way down to 33°F (0°C) — cold enough to remind you spring still has a few tricks up its sleeve. Not time to plant your tomatoes just yet.


Highway 522 has picked up traffic wise, with lots of new vehicles moving around.

But Report:
Well, them black flies are now annoying folks, but still not as bad as they are in the bush. Kind of makes one think about what the critters have to put up with.

Garage Sale Update – Port Loring Style

Well, I have to tell you folks — yesterday’s garage sale was a real humdinger. We had cars and trucks lined up along the highway, our driveway and parking lot were full, and even our neighbour’s driveway ended up packed. It was one great day for the sale, and we moved a ton of stuff. And I really mean that.

But don’t worry — we’ve still got plenty more!
As soon as something sells, my wife brings out more from the house.

At any rate: We’re open again today starting at 10 AM and running through until 4 PM.
We’ll be going every day through the month or until everything’s sold, whichever comes first.

So if you missed it yesterday or just want to come back for another look, stop on by — you never know what you’ll find.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. Then I’ll be out putting up the garage sale signs and getting everything set up for the day. Here’s hoping the weather cooperates again — it did what I asked yesterday, so let’s see if it listens again today.

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]

Chipping Away at Another Story on May 16/2025

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Good Morning… You know, I have learned over the years that a shovel and a sore back’ll teach you more than a book ever could.

Well, it’s a cloudy morning here, waking up in cottage country, and no matter which way you turn—north, east, south, or west—the sky is blood-red. As the old folks used to say, “Red sky in the morning, farmer take warning.” I know some folks say sailor, but out here, it always made more sense the way the farmers said it.

And wouldn’t you know it, that old saying might be onto something today. We’re looking at a mostly cloudy sky, with a fair chance of showers sneaking in early this morning. There could even be a clap or two of thunder if things stir up enough.

That said, my forecast says the rain should ease off around ten o’clock, just in time for our garage sale to get underway. Here’s hoping the weather plays nice and lets folks come out and browse without too much fuss.

High today should reach about 73°F (23°C), with the air feeling a touch humid and a light breeze coming in from the southwest. Not quite sticky, but close enough that a man working with his hands will be peeling his shirt off before long.

Tonight, things ease off a bit, but the clouds won’t be leaving entirely. There’s still a small chance of a stray shower, and the temperature will dip down to around 56°F (13°C). Cool enough for a light blanket, but not so cool that you’ll need to fire up the stove.

As for tomorrow, Saturday’s shaping up to be more of the same—clouds hanging overhead, with a 40% chance of showers off and on. The high will sit around 65°F (18°C), with that southwest breeze sticking around.

So just so you know, regarding our garage sale here today and for the rest of the month…

We’re still on for today at 11588 Highway 522, Port Loring, rain or shine! Everything’s set up under the carport, so you’ll stay dry even if the skies decide to open up again. Might be smart to bring an umbrella just in case, but once you’re here, you can browse without worrying about the weather.

However, we did put in a special order for the rain to stop right at ten o’clock—right when the sale starts—so here’s hoping the weather’s as cooperative as we are!

We’ve got tools, kitchen stuff, odds and ends from the shed, and a few surprises tucked away. Come on by, find a deal, and maybe share a laugh or two while you’re at it.

Hope to see you soon!

So with that, I’m off for breakfast, made by my lovely wife, before heading outdoors to get things ready for the sale. I might have to walk between the raindrops, but we’ll see. All my life, no matter what needed doing outside, the weather has usually cooperated with me, and I suspect today will be no different.

Then again, you never really know what old Mother Nature has in store. She can be as unpredictable as she pleases if she’s got a mind to be.

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]

Notes From the Old Typewriter on May 15/2025

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Good Morning. You know, over the years I have come to realize, that school taught me to read, but the fields taught me what really matters.

It’s a cloudy morning waking up here in the north. The sun showed herself briefly earlier, just enough to tease us before ducking back behind the clouds. The air feels thick, like it’s holding its breath, waiting to see what the day will bring. However, it will get to a high of 78°F (26°C) today and there is a chance of showers. Truth told, it’s shaping up to be one of those warm, muggy days when the weather can’t make up its mind.

Looking Ahead:

  • Tonight: The skies are expected to clear up, giving us a low of 61°F (16°C). A good night to sit out and enjoy the calm after the day’s humidity.
  • Friday, May 16: Warm temperatures continue, with a high of 74°F (23°C). However, be prepared for periods of rain, a possible thunderstorm and possibly some sunshine later on in the day. The evening will cool down to 57°F (14°C).
  • Saturday, May 17: The day starts breezy with a couple of showers, but we can expect intervals of clouds and sun as it progresses. Temperatures will reach a high of 65°F (18°C) and drop to a low of 45°F (7°C) at night.

Highway 522 is picking up more every day now, with folks opening up their cottages and getting their boats ready for the season. Well, I should say some are. That used to be the trend—fishing, that is—but with all the new kinds of folks coming in, it seems like that part has slowly faded. Sad to see, really. These days, it’s all about speed boats, jet skis, and big pontoon boats where people can sit and party out on the water.

I have to say, things sure have changed over the years.

I remember heading out with my old dad many years ago, just the two of us and a wooden fishing pole. We’d dig for worms earlier that morning and toss ’em in an old tin can. No fancy tackle or gear. Maybe a baloney sandwich tucked into a paper bag, and a cool drink of spring water from the dipper in the pail to wash it down.

Simple days, but I’ll tell you, those were the ones I really enjoyed. Just being with my dad, quiet moments shared between bites, both from the fish and our sandwiches. No engines roaring, no music blasting across the lake. Just the sound of water lapping at the boat and the occasional splash of a fish jumping. You know, it wasn’t just about catching fish, it was about being there with my Dad enjoying the peace and quietness of what nature had to offer. Miss them days.

Bug Report:

Well, them blackflies are out in full force now, buzzing around and annoying folks left and right. Not much a person can do about it other than make the best of things. One bit of advice—don’t go slathering yourself in smelly perfumes or soaps. All that does is make things worse.

Me, I stick to good old unscented Dove or Ivory—and not much of that either. My wife’s the same way. She washes all our clothes with unscented soap, which helps more than folks might think.

I’ve been seeing a lot of people using that DEET stuff, thinking it’s the magic answer. But I swear, soon as those little pests catch a whiff of it, they start ringing the dinner bell—”Hey boys, we got some ripe ones over here!”

On another note, yesterday, my wife and I spent most of the day getting our first mowing done for the year. Took a bit of doing, seeing as it was the first cut and the grass had been growing by leaps and bounds. But once it was all said and done, it sure looked nice.

I’ll say this, though—we were both more than ready to sit back and relax after all that.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today—if the rain holds off—I’m planning on working up our vegetable gardens. I’m really looking forward to the smell of the freshly turned soil. There’s just something about it, I’ve always liked. I guess that’s the farmer in me.

Anyway, that’s the plan for today, that is if my old rotivator behaves. She’s from way back in the sixties, and being that old, she can get a bit temperamental from time to time. Which, to be fair, I can understand—being a touch older myself.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. After that, I’ll sip on a hot cup of cocoa while we have our morning chat—and then, well, we’ll just see what the day really has in store for me.

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]