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.

Where the Wi-Fi’s Weak, but the Stories are Strong Here in the North on Feb 24/2025

Click on Image to enlarge!

Good morning! You know… there’s no better way to start the day than with a deep breath of country air and a strong cup of coffee. Which is exactly what I am going to do here in a few minutes.

So starting things off, we’re waking up to a sky full of clouds and a fresh dusting of snow up here in the north…just Mother Nature’s way of reminding us who’s boss. A good, strong cup of coffee and a warm fire ought to set things right.

Now, let’s take a look-see at the weather for Port Loring, Ontario:

Today:

Expect cloudy skies with some scattered snow flurries now and then. It’ll be a chilly one, with temperatures hovering around 30°F (–1°C). Some wind but nothing much to speak of, just enough to remind you to keep your hat pulled down.

Tonight:

The clouds aren’t going anywhere, and we could see a few more flurries before the night’s through. The mercury’s gonna dip to about 20°F (–7°C), so best keep an extra log on the fire.

Tomorrow:

More of the same…cloudy with a chance of light snow. Daytime highs around 32°F (0°C), which ain’t bad for this time of year. Might even feel a touch warmer if the wind stays put.

Highway 522 is mostly clear, though a few patches of snow are hanging on for dear life. Overall, traveling should be just fine. But around here, the weather isn’t the only thing you need to keep an eye on.

You might find yourself slowing down for a deer that figures the middle of the road is a great place to ponder life. Or maybe you’ll get caught behind someone who thinks turn signals are just “suggestions” and stopping for a roadside chat is more important than keeping traffic moving. And of course, there’s always that one fella in an old tractor, chugging along at a speed that makes a Sunday stroll look fast.

So, take it easy, enjoy the drive, and remember—around here, the road’s not just for getting somewhere; sometimes, it’s part of the entertainment!

On another note, my wife and I kept ourselves busy yesterday morning, clearing snow off the decks and driveway. Figured it was a good time to do it, seeing as the power was out till noon—couldn’t even get the coffee pot to perkin’. But you can bet that the moment the lights came back on, that coffee was brewing, and let me tell ya, it tasted mighty fine.

After lunch, I got to work making some weather sticks for our store, which we’re planning to open this spring—around June if all goes well. My wife and I are always coming up with new, one-of-a-kind items whenever we get the chance. Keeps things interesting, and you never know what’ll end up on the shelves!

What are you up to today, GW?

Well, this morning, I’m planning on wrapping up these weather sticks. Then, after lunch, I’ll wander on out to the old woodworking shop and get back to making those flutes that have been hogging my time these past few weeks. They’re slowly coming together, and if all goes well, I figure another week should see ‘em all finished up. I have 20 on the go, so it’s been keeping me busy.

Now, that’s the plan…but as any old woodworker knows, plans are just fancy ideas until the wood decides to cooperate. Sometimes things don’t pan out… or in this case, they don’t bore straight, don’t sand right, or split when they’ve got no business splitting. But hey, that’s half the fun of working with wood… you never really know what kind of day you’re gonna have until you get your hands on it!

So, with that bit of info, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my little woman is kindly whipping up for me. After that, we’ll see what the day has in store… though not before my lovely wife and I sit down with a hot cup of cocoa and a good old-fashioned chat, which we do every morning.

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]

The Best Stories Start with a Cup of Coffee and a Sunrise Here in the North on Feb23/2025

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Good Morning! My old Dad used to say that: If hard work builds character, I reckon you should be quite the character by now. True in a lot of ways.

It’s a cloudy start to the day here in good ol’ cottage country. Late in the day yesterday, we got ourselves a little taste of some more snow, I would say about 4 inches or so. ‘Course, that ain’t much to write home about for us northerners…just enough to freshen things up and keep the snow shovel from getting’ rusty.


Here’s the weather forecast for Port Loring, Ontario:

Today, Sunday, February 23, 2025:

  • Morning: Cloudy skies with temperatures around 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius).
  • Afternoon: Highs reaching 36 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius) with a chance of light snow flurries.
  • Evening: Temperatures dropping to 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 degree Celsius) with overcast conditions.

Tonight:

  • Overnight: Cloudy with lows near 26 degrees Fahrenheit (-3 degrees Celsius).

Tomorrow, Monday, February 24, 2025:

  • Morning: Windy with snow showers, accumulating an additional 1 to 3 centimeters. Temperatures around 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius).
  • Afternoon: Continued snow flurries with highs reaching 36 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius).
  • Evening: Overcast with temperatures steady at 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius).

Looks like winter’s still got a bit of a grip on us.

Highway 522 is mostly clear of snow, though there are still a few snowy patches on the north side of the road. So, if you’re out and about, it might pay to keep an eye on things…unless, of course, you’re looking for an excuse to test out that new set of winter tires.

As for my wife and me, we’re pretty well set for a while. We made the trip to town a few days ago, stocked up on the essentials, and now we can sit back and watch the snow pile up… at least until something runs low. Funny how in a small town, you never seem to need much until the weather turns bad. Then suddenly, you’re fresh out of whatever it is you can’t do without. But that’s country living for you… where a trip to town is more of an event than an errand.

And with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me…best get to it before the power goes out. They’re planning an outage between 9:00 AM and noon, though I suspect we’ll be too busy moving snow to notice much. That should keep us occupied till things flicker back to life.

One thing I’ve learned living in this neck of the woods is that you’ve got to roll with whatever comes your way. No sense fussing over what you can’t change. That’s just the way it is.

You all have a great day! And Until The 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]

“Hockey, Politics, and the Loss of Common Sense”

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.

Canada has always been known for its love of hockey, its proud traditions, and its ability to stand together when it matters most. But lately, it seems that unity is being replaced with division, and for what? Politics?

Take Wayne Gretzky, for example. “The Great One” has given everything to Canadian hockey, but now some folks are turning on him just because he’s been seen talking to Donald Trump. The man hasn’t come out and said he wants Canada to be the 51st state, yet people are acting like he’s betrayed the country.

Here’s the thing: It’s not the hardworking men and women in the U.S. or Canada that are causing the problems between our two nations, not by a long shot…it’s the politicians, the ones in power making the decisions. So why are fans booing American hockey players? Why is Gretzky, a man who’s done more for Canadian hockey than just about anyone, suddenly being scrutinized like he’s a traitor?

It’s disappointing to see where things are heading. Canada is facing real issues…our economy, healthcare system, and leadership all need attention. But instead of tackling those problems, people are getting riled up over who someone takes a photo with. Shouldn’t we be focusing on what actually matters? Makes me shake my head in wonder.

Now the truth of the matter is…Gretzky has always been a private guy when it comes to politics. So just because he doesn’t shout his beliefs from the rooftops doesn’t mean he’s against Canada. Some folks are quick to judge just because he attended an event or shook a hand. And now there’s even talk of renaming a road in Edmonton that’s been named after him for decades. Really? That’s where our priorities are?

You know hockey is supposed to bring people together, not tear them apart. We can’t let politics ruin the spirit of the game. Maybe it’s time to take a step back, stop looking for enemies where there aren’t any, and remember what really makes this country great. It’s not about who we hate…it’s about what we stand for.

What the hell is wrong with folks these days....must be something in the them plastic water bottles???

Until the 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]

Power Outage For Port Loring Ontario

Planned Outage Information

Customers Affected:

1,279

Outage Start Time:

Feb 23, 2025, 9:00 AM

Cause:

Replacing Hydro Pole(s)

Estimated Time Restoration:

Feb 23, 2025, 12:00 PM

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]

“Canada’s Priorities: Helping Others While Our Own Struggle”

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.

Yes…. Canada does a lot for other countries. We always have. But there comes a time when you have to step back and take a real hard look at what’s happening. War in my mind….doesn’t solve anything, and if there’s a way to end this fight between Ukraine and Russia, then for damn sure, someone needs to do it. Enough lives have been lost, and the suffering just keeps piling up. But at the same time, I can’t help but feel like Canada is throwing good money after bad.

Right now, our country is in rough shape. We’re handing out millions…if not more—when we’ve got problems stacking up at home. We need doctors…compassionate ones…because finding proper care is becoming a nightmare. And what about those nursing homes? Remember when COVID made them headline news? Now they’re forgotten, while our seniors struggle. And the homeless crisis keeps growing. Too many issues to count, yet our money keeps flowing overseas like we’ve got an endless supply.

Here’s the hard truth: if we keep giving away what we don’t have, we’re going to end up broke and friendless. And with elections coming up, it’s only making things worse. Promises are being thrown around left and right, money is being tossed at anything that buys votes, and in the end, we’ll be left with nothing but empty words and empty pockets.

I’m not saying don’t help, but there’s a fine line between being generous and being reckless. Canada needs to take care of its own first, because if we keep going down this road, we’ll be the ones needing aid before long. That’s my opinion. Take it for what it’s worth.

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]