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, The Old Craftsman's Woodworking Shop, Weather, What's Happening

Wood-smoke, Strong Coffee, and Quiet Mornings on March 8/2025

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Good morning! As my old dad used to say, “George, if you want to be a northerner, you better love the smell of fresh-cut wood and the sound of geese heading north.” Well, we’ve got the fresh-cut wood…though “a year old” might be more accurate…and as for the geese, I haven’t seen any flying north just yet. But I suspect it won’t be long now.

Well, I have to tell you… either my fingers are getting old, my gloves are wearing thin, or it’s just plain cold out there this morning. I’ve been warming up in the house for a while now after splitting some wood for the furnace, and my hands are still feeling it. Makes a feller wonder if winter’s got a little more left in its bag of tricks.

Highway 522 is mostly bare, but there are still a few icy spots and patches of snow here and there. Shouldn’t be too bad for those heading into town for supplies or whatever they might need. As for my wife and me, we’ve got everything we need. In fact, we’ve been working on emptying the freezer, with my wife whipping up different meals so we can refill it this summer with fresh things. Living up here, you’ve got to stay on top of these things.

On another note, I didn’t make it out to the shop yesterday. My wife and I spent most of the morning clearing snow off the decks and out of the driveway. After that, I settled into my old chair at the computer and got to writing. Turned out to be a good day—I managed to finish four stories for my columns. When the words are flowing, I stick with it, because I know from experience that days like that don’t come around all that often.

So, what’s on the agenda today, GW? Well, since I spent most of yesterday inside, I figure it’s about time I tackled the top section of my woodworking shop. I’ve been stashing things up there for over 15 years, and at this point, I have no idea what’s even up there anymore. So, that’s the plan—sorting and straightening things out. Should keep me busy for a couple of days, give or take.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my little woman is whipping up for me. After that, I’ll settle into my old recliner, put my feet up, and enjoy our morning chat over a nice, hot cup of cocoa. As you can see, life up here in the north is pretty rough.

Until 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

Another Day Breaks in the Northern Woods on March 7/2025

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Good Morning! I found over the years that you can tell a real northerner as they don’t complain about the cold, they just talk about how it used to be worse.

Well, I made my way to the old woodworking shop this morning, and it didn’t take long to figure out that my wife and I have some extra work ahead of us. Turns out, we’ve got another 4-5 inches of that white stuff covering everything. Guess we’ll be busy shoveling today!

Here’s what’s in store for the weather around Port Loring.

Looks like we’ll be seeing a bit of everything today. This morning, a few snow showers are drifting in, but the sun might poke through here and there. Don’t let that fool you, though—it’s going to get breezy as the day goes on, with temperatures hovering around 32°F (0°C).

By tonight, the clouds will thicken up, and the temperature’s set to drop to a chilly 11°F (-12°C). So if you’re out and about, bundle up!

Tomorrow’s shaping up to be another cloudy one, with highs around 28°F (-2°C). And come nightfall, we’re right back down to about 11°F (-12°C) again. All in all, it’s looking like a good couple of days to keep the fire stoked and the coffee hot. If you’ve got shoveling to do, best get at it before that wind picks up!

Highway 522 is mostly bare, but don’t get too comfortable, there are still enough snow and icy patches to keep you on your toes. Or at least, they should!

Up here, road conditions don’t always decide if folks head to town, as if the coffee’s on and there’s good gossip at the local establishments, you’ll see trucks rolling in, no matter what the weather’s doing.

With things caught up in the woodworking shop, Yesterday I spent the day at my computer doing something that’s been a big part of my life for over 40 years… writing stories for the newspapers. Funny how time slips by, but one thing’s for sure: folks must enjoy what I have to say because no one’s ever told me to stop yet!

If you haven’t read one of my stories, maybe now’s the time to give one a try. You might just find a tale that makes you chuckle, gets you thinking, or… helps you see things in a new light. And if nothing else, you’ll know there’s still at least one feller out there who enjoys wrangling words on a computer… though I’ll admit, it’s not quite the same as putting pen to paper!

What are you up to today, GW? Well, with all the snow we got yesterday, it’s pretty obvious what’s on my to-do list. I told my wife the other day I was putting the snowblower away for the summer, thinking winter was finally over. But, as usual, life laughed and said, ‘Nice try, buddy.’ So, guess who’s hauling the snowblower out of the shed again? Yep, that’d be me, an old feller who thought he knew it all, until the snow decided to prove me wrong!

So, with that, I’m off for my breakfast made by my lovely wife, which will consist of a soft-boiled egg and a piece of toast. I’ll need a bit more protein this morning with all that snow to move. As for the hot cocoa, we’ll save that for after we get things cleaned up outside… tastes a lot better that way, along with our usual morning chat, of course.

Until next time—keep your minds open and 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]

My Opinion Only

What’s Happening in Canada Today? A Look Beyond the Smoke and Mirrors

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Only On The Walters Post

It wasn’t long ago that the powers that be in Canada were on their way out, down and out, as they deserved, at least in my mind. Meaning people had their eyes opened. They saw what was taking place. Change was on the horizon, and for a moment, it seemed inevitable. But… here we are now, watching history rewrite itself in real-time, and I have to ask, how did we get here again?

It’s no secret that folks are easily swayed. People forget quickly, and those in power count on that. All they have to do is flood the media with distractions… bring names like Trump and Musk into the spotlight, stir up outrage, and shift the conversation. Hell it’s like clockwork, it works every time. Suddenly, the focus is no longer on their failures, their corruption, or their broken promises. Nope, the conversation changes to hating Trump, hating Musk and worse yet by extension, hating Americans.

And people eat it up!!!

It makes me shake my head in disbelief; how is it that so many can be led down the same path time and time again? Instead of focusing on what truly matters, our economy, our freedoms, our future… Canadians are being dragged into a manufactured culture war, which again in my mind, is designed to keep them distracted and divided.

Take tariffs, for example. Are they ideal? No. Do they make things more difficult? Sure. But let’s not pretend this isn’t just another political game. A well-timed maneuver, conveniently placed in the lead-up to an election. Because what better way to manipulate public sentiment than by framing it as an ‘us versus them’ scenario? What better way to rally support than by manufacturing a common enemy?

I won’t go too deep into that. I don’t need to. The truth is clear for those willing to see it. The real question is, how many will? And how many will let themselves be played, yet again?

Canada is at a crossroads. It’s time to wake up and focus on what really matters. Before it’s too late.

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

Arctic Inaction: 20 Years Late, Reliant on the USA

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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.

This Arctic defense talk? Classic Canadian slow-roll. They’re throwing out $2.67 billion over 20 years, which really means, “We’ll get to it… eventually, maybe.” The truth is; By the time they break ground, inflation will have chewed that number down to nothing.

Let’s not kid ourselves, this isn’t about some sudden patriotic awakening. This is the U.S. breathing down our necks, and let’s be real, we need them, big time. Period. Without their backing, our Arctic security is a joke, we’d be sitting ducks. So while we complain about Ottawa’s snail pace, let’s not pretend we’re some independent powerhouse, and if the U.S. weren’t pushing, we’d probably have zero presence up there. This isn’t Canada leading the charge, it’s Canada getting shoved into action which apparently is needed.

And here’s the kicker: we had a perfect shot to get ahead with those Russian sanctions. Instead of funneling everything into Ukraine, we could’ve put a chunk of that into Arctic defense. That money could have gone toward securing our own borders, locking down key infrastructure, and actually helping the communities up North, instead of leaving them in limbo.

But no, they’re selling this like it’s some grand public demand. I call BS. Canadians don’t want distant promises, we want results. Real action, well most of of does. Some I don’t know where their minds are hold up. The thing is, the North doesn’t just need military infrastructure; it needs investment in the people who live there.

Now, well now we’re stuck playing catch-up, and that always costs more. Governments love big announcements, but when it comes to follow-through? That’s a different story, and with an election around the corner, who knows if any of this will even happen? If the former powers that be have anything to do with it… well. looking at hindsight things won’t even get off the ground.

The truth is... if we’re actually serious about Arctic security, we need action now, not a 20-year bureaucratic sinkhole. The money’s there folks, it just needs to be spent right. Otherwise, we’re looking at another round of overpriced fixes for a problem we should’ve handled years ago.

And let’s not forget… our Arctic security? It doesn’t happen without the U.S. That’s just the truth. Like it or not, they’ve been the ones keeping our North from becoming a free-for-all. If they weren’t watching our back, we wouldn’t even be in the conversation.

We can wave the flag all we want, but without real investment and real action, our so-called sovereignty is just talk. We’ve left the gate wide open for too long, and if we actually care about protecting it, we need to step up. Now, not in 20 years, not when it’s too late.

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

Northern Ontario Spring…When the Roads Get Worse Before They Get Better on March 6/2025

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Good Morning!If you want to be a northerner on days like this, you’ll get used to checking the sky, the wind, and your knees before trusting the weatherman.

Heading out to my old woodworking shop this morning was a chore in itself, what with all the ice on the driveway from yesterday’s thaw. One wrong step, and I would be sitting on my backside wondering what happened.

But instead of hauling the ashes from my wood furnace to the pile like I usually do, I put them to good use, sprinkling them over the ice. Just like that, no more slipping or sliding.

Up here in the north, you have to always be thinking.

Here’s the weather forecast for Port Loring, Ontario, from today through tomorrow, with temperatures in Fahrenheit first, just the way you and me like it.

Thursday, March 6:

  • Daytime: Overcast skies with periods of snow, expecting’ about 1 to 2 inches (3 to 6 centimeters). High around 26°F (-3°C).
  • Nighttime: Snow tapering’ off to mostly cloudy conditions. Low near 13°F (-10°C).

Friday, March 7:

  • Daytime: A mix of sun and clouds, with a couple of morning snow showers. It’ll turn breezy later on. High around 32°F (0°C).
  • Nighttime: Partly cloudy skies with temperatures falling’ to near 10°F (-12°C).

Weather Alerts:

  • Flash Freeze Warning: Temperatures are expected to drop rapidly early this morning’ which it did, causing’ any standing’ water or slush to freeze quickly. This could lead to icy and slippery conditions.
  • Winter Weather Advisory: Snowfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) are anticipated today, with northwesterly winds gusting’ up to 30 mph (50 km/h). Reduced visibility in snow and local blowing’ snow is possible.

Highway 522 is covered in snow and ice this morning, which will make traveling tricky. If you do not have to be out and about, my advice, for what it is worth, is to stay home where it is warm. The way I see it, there is always another day, but there is only one you.

Small Town Living: Living in a small northern town is something else. News travels faster than the wind off the lake in November. For example; If you buy a new shovel, half the town knows before you even get home, and the other half is waiting to borrow it.

Winter? They do not shut things down for a little snow up here. If the plow has been by and you can see the top of your car, you are good to go. And if you cannot find your car, well, that is just part of living in the north.

Seasons are simple… winter, mud, black-flies, and a few good weeks before the snow starts again. But for all the cold, the bugs, and the endless potholes, there is no better place to call home.

On another note, yesterday was another full day spent in my old woodworking shop. First off, I gathered up all the Native American flutes I have been working on for the past few weeks… or should I say months… and brought them into my wife’s studio. Now it is her turn to work her magic and make them look pretty. She has a knack for that sort of thing. Me? I just make the sawdust.

I have to say, these flutes are a lot of work, but the end results… well, you will just have to come by and have yourself a look-see… and a listen.

So what are you up to today GW? Well this morning, I will finish up the weather sticks I started on late in the day yesterday and once finished will bring them over to our little store so folks can pick up a one-of-a-kind item. There is something nice about having a couple of old folks in town who still know how to make things the way they used to be made.

Am I right? Well, judging by what we have heard over the years, a lot of folks seem to think so.

With that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me. She always takes care of me, making sure I’m well-fed and ready to take on the day. After that, I’ll settle into my old recliner with a hot cocoa and start chatting’ with her. I tell ya, I don’t know what I’d do without her, and looking’ outside at the weather, I just might go for a second cup.

Until next time…keep your minds open and 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]