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.

Let’s Get Real About Meat

Only On The Walters Post

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.

Every so often, I see another headline telling us to stop eating meat. Last week it was chicken. Before that, beef. And you know what? I’m not buying it.

Humans are meat eaters. Always have been. You don’t need to dig too far into our history to see that. Meat gave us strength, helped build strong bodies, and it still does. But not all meat is the same–and that’s the part a lot of folks miss.

It’s not about if we should eat beef or chicken. It’s about what kind we’re eating and how we’re cooking it.

Most of the problems come from meat that’s been pumped full of chemicals, raised in factories, and cooked until it’s blackened on a grill or fried to death in a pan. That’s not the same as a cut of grass-fed beef from a local farm or a free-range chicken roasted slowly with herbs and a little care.

I’m not here to tell anyone what to do, but I’ll say this: If you’re going to eat meat, get the good kind. Grass-fed, pasture-raised, hormone-free. Know your farmer if you can. And don’t burn it to a crisp. Simple cooking goes a long way.

Meat itself isn’t the enemy. The real trouble started when we stopped caring where our food came from. We used to raise it ourselves or know the folks who did. Now, most people just grab whatever’s wrapped in plastic, no questions asked.

I say it’s time we got back to basics. Eat real food. Cook it right. And trust your gut, not every new study that pops up on your phone. But hey—if you still feel like grabbing that burger from McDee’s on the way home, just make sure you chase it down with a walk around the block, and a promise to do better tomorrow. Balance, right?

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 in Progress, One Morning at a Time on April 25/2025

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Good Morning: My old Dad always said; “George, watch the Sky, Not the Calendar.” Lot of truth in them few words.

So here we are—April 25, 2025. That’s a date that really stands out, isn’t it? Back in the day, people would have called this a marker—a day when the past gives a little nod to the future. It feels like a great day to plant something new, fix what’s broken, or make a promise. You know, twenty-five is halfway to fifty, and that’s a gentle reminder: you’re never too far gone to start over, but you’ve been around long enough to know a thing or two. It’s a good moment to reflect and think about fresh starts!

What’s The Weather For Port Loring, Ontario, GW?

Friday, April 25, 2025

  • Daytime:
    Cloudy with scattered showers in the morning, turning to light rain in the afternoon.
    High: 59°F (15°C)
    Winds: Northeast at 11 mph (18 km/h)
    Precipitation: 0.08 to 0.16 inches (2–4 mm)
  • Evening/Night:
    Steadier rain overnight—good sleeping weather if your roof ain’t leaking.
    Low: 38°F (3°C)
    Winds: Northeast at 13 mph (21 km/h)
    Precipitation: 0.39 to 0.59 inches (10–15 mm)

And, as my old Dad would say. “George, a cool rain on a spring day? That’s the soil’s way of stretching before the real work begins.”

Highway 522 is picking up traffic-wise. Yesterday, while I was working outside, I couldn’t help but notice the steady hum of tires on pavement, more cars than usual, most of them local. You can always tell; Out-of-towners slow down to take in the scenery; locals slow down to see who’s in your yard and what you’re fixing or doing. …and if they don’t wave back, they’re probably too deep in thought, like wondering why their favorite fishing spot got ‘crowded’ all of a sudden.

On another note, yesterday turned out to be quite a busy day! My wife and I spent the whole day outside—I was fixing up one of our old buildings and cleaning around my shop, while she worked away in the flower gardens. I’ve got to say, they’re looking really nice now! After we finished, we took a moment to step back and appreciate what we’d done. We did our part, and now it’s up to Mother Nature. She’ll take over and bring on the spring flowers and all the leaves, that are patiently waiting for the rain and warmer weather to arrive. It sure is nice to watch everything start to grow again!

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, if the weather holds up, I’m thinking I’ll tackle a bit more work around the old woodworking shop. But if it doesn’t cooperate, that’s alright—I’ve got plenty to keep me busy here around the house. It’s a never-ending list for my wife and me, especially now that we’re gearing up for our big garage sale in about three weeks. Let me tell you, it’s going to be one huge sale! It’s amazing what two old folks can accumulate over the years. At any rate, there’ll be something for everyone, no matter their age. We’re excited to see what treasures we can pass along!

With that, I’m off once again for breakfast that my lovely wife has prepared for me. After that, we’ll settle in for our morning chat over a warm cup of hot cocoa. It’s the perfect way to start the day together!

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]

Clearing the Cupboards: A Big Batch of Mason Jars for Sale

Hi Folks. We are clearing out numerous mason jars. Some are brand new in boxes, others used and clean. A mix of sizes—pints, quarts, wide mouth, and regular. There is a lot of them.

Great for canning, dry storage, or crafts.

Make a fair offer, and they are yours, as we are just looking to move them along.

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]

Mornings Full of Words Yet to Be Told on April 24/2025

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Good Morning: From Where the Only Deadline Is the Sun Going Down.

Well, she’s a cloudy wet morning here waking up in cottage country, and the temperature at the time of this post was sitting at 43.7°F (6.5°C). But in saying all this, we’re catching a touch of sunshine peeking through now and then, just enough to lift the spirits a bit.

🌤️ Today – Thursday, April 24

Well, today we’re looking at a high of about 65°F (18°C). While showers are still likely on and off, there’s a fair chance we’ll see some breaks in the clouds with a bit of sun sneaking through. Not the best day for hanging laundry or working in the garden, but if that sun holds, you might sneak in a bit of work outside.

🌙 Tonight

Temperatures dropping to about 44°F (7°C). Still cloudy, and maybe the odd shower. Good night for a hot drink and a warm blanket.

🌦️ Tomorrow – Friday, April 25

Cooler tomorrow, with a high around 54°F (12°C). More clouds and scattered showers. Could even hear a bit of thunder if it builds up enough. Dropping to 38°F (3°C) by night. Still not great for outside work unless you’re dressed for it.

At any rate, that’s the way she’s looking folk’s, a damp and grey day, but that’s spring in the north, she takes her time.

Highway 522 is quiet this morning, but it’s still early. The thing one has to realize that around these parts, folks don’t get to moving all that fast. Oh, they’re up, puttering around the kitchen, and peeking out the window, but most are still in that morning fog, holding onto a warm mug and staring off like they’re waiting for a sign from above on what to tackle first.

Truth is, out here we don’t rush into the day, we ease into it, kind of like an old tractor on a cold morning… takes a bit to get going. Most of us start with a few sips of coffee, a good stretch, maybe a word or two with the cat. And if the weather’s not looking all that inviting, well, that just makes it easier to stay put and think about the work… Instead of actually getting to it.

On another note, with the weather being so nice yesterday, I managed to get a good day’s work in on a few outdoor projects that had been waiting their turn. I got that wall put up in one of our outbuildings, and even tackled some yard work—cleaned out the fire pit from last year’s burning, and took care of a few other odds and ends. All in all, a good day, and I felt better for it by the time I came in.

So, what are you up to today, GW?

Well, with it being so wet outside this morning, I’ll probably stick to some work here at my computer. But if the sun decides to show her face and things warm up a bit, I’ll head outdoors. We’ve got plenty to do out there, and I’m sure the fresh air will do me more good than sitting in front of this computer.

With that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me. After that, I’ll see what the day has in store. And as I mentioned at the beginning of this post, we’re still seeing a bit of sunshine! Here’s hoping it sticks around.

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]

Stories in the Making, One Morning at a Time on April 23/2025

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Good morning! You know… out here, the only real chatter worth listening to comes from the chickadees in the trees, not from the phone lines. But when the phone does ring, it’s rarely anyone we actually want to hear from. And more often than not, it’s a telemarketer trying to sell us something we didn’t even know we needed, or a recorded voice asking for our vote like we’ve been best friends since high school.

Well, we’re finally getting a bit of sunshine this morning, and I’ve got to say, it’s a welcome sight. The weather hasn’t been all that kind to us so far this spring… cold, damp, and downright unpredictable. I’m hoping it’ll make up for all the nonsense it’s thrown at us these last few weeks… after all, we’re closing in on May, and it’s about time we got some decent weather.

Weather Forecast for Port Loring, Ontario

April 23 to April 24, 2025

Today – Wednesday
After a stretch of wet and dreary weather, we’re finally getting a bit of sunshine. Skies will stay mostly clear, with a high around 50°F (10°C) a fine day to get a few outside chores done. At any rate, it’s a welcome change. Oh, and the wind will be light coming in from the west with dry conditions staying with us for most of the day.

Tonight
Clear and cool tonight, with temperatures dipping to about 39°F (4°C). A calm evening, good for stargazing, which we have a lot of in our area. Might be a touch damp by morning with some patchy ground frost in lower spots.

Tomorrow – Thursday
The day will start off bright, but clouds will creep in by late morning. Expect a high near 55°F (13°C), with a slight chance of a stray afternoon shower. Nothing major, but enough to make you pause before hauling out the laundry line. Overnight, it’ll cool back down to around 40°F (5°C), which means it’s still not quite time to leave the greenhouse door wide open.

Highway 522 is bare and dry this morning, making for an easy drive for anyone heading off to the big city for supplies. Traffic’s picking up too, mostly locals out and about, doing their rounds, either ticking off errands or, more often than not, catching up on the latest gossip. Around here, a trip to the post office can take a good hour if you run into the right (or wrong) crowd—especially those who seem to know what’s going on before it even happens.


On another note, yesterday I spent the whole day in front of my computer, working away with my wife by my side. We’ve been going through old newspapers and magazines she’s saved over the years, scanning every page that features one of my stories. I have to tell you, we worked hard all day and still barely made a dent in what’s stacked up in boxes—hundreds of them, at least. The problem with old newspapers is they deteriorate over time, and on top of that, they’re a real hassle to move around. But now, thanks to the high-tech setup our son helped us get going, we can have every story I’ve ever written stored in one place. And the best part? It’ll show the dates and other details for each one. Pretty handy, right? Now, we can flip through them whenever we want, without all the heavy lifting.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, with the sun finally shining today, once it warms up a bit, I’ll be heading out to the old woodworking shop. There’s plenty to do—first, I’ll be cleaning things up a bit, then I’ll finish building the one wall that needed repairs on the end of one of our outbuildings. And after that? Well, we’ll see. There’s still a lot to tackle as we get ready for the big spring sale we’re planning.

So, with that, I’m off for the breakfast my little woman made for me… oatmeal, or porridge as some might call it, is on the menu this morning. After that, we’ll settle in with our hot cups of cocoa and enjoy a good chat. We always look forward to talking to each other before the day gets started.

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]