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

Country Living—Where the Coffee’s Strong and the Talk is Straight on Feb 22/2025

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Good Morning Folks! If you listen close, you can hear the land waking up—sounds like another fine day ahead.

It’s a cloudy one waking’ up here in cottage country. Not much to look at, but I did notice a few snowflakes floatin’ down from above—just enough to remind us that winter ain’t done with us yet.

Weather for Port Loring, Ontario

Today:

  • High: 23°F (-5°C)
  • Low: -3°F (-19°C)
  • Conditions: Cloudy with light snow now and then.
  • Wind: Light breeze, about 6 mph (10 km/h).

Tonight:

  • Low: -3°F (-19°C)
  • Conditions: More clouds, maybe a bit more snow.

Tomorrow:

  • High: 24°F (-4°C)
  • Low: -1°F (-18°C)
  • Conditions: Same as today…cloudy, maybe some flurries.
  • Wind: Still light, not much to talk about.

Not much changing’, just winter doing’ what winter does. Good day to keep the wood-stove fed and the coffee hot.

Highway 522 Report:

Well, I can at least see it this morning’, if that tells ya anything. I’ve noticed there ain’t too many folks moving’ around these days—‘cept for the snowmobiles. They sure are taking’ advantage of all this snow, and I can’t say I blame ’em. We’ve got some of the best trails around, and living’ where we do, it’s easy to see why folks enjoy riding’ along, taking’ in what nature has to offer.

Mind ya, they won’t see much for wildlife. Most critters got enough sense to duck into the trees or hunker down behind the brush soon as they hear those machines coming’ a mile away. But just the same, it’s nice to see folks out and about, making’ the most of winter.

On another note, now that I’ve got the doctors out of my life—and more importantly, out of my mind—I had myself a real good day out in my woodworking shop yesterday. Spent some time doing’ what a fella oughta be doing’: enjoying’ life, not sitting’ around worrying’ about what might happen next. That ain’t no way to live.

Seems to me a lot of folks fall into that trap, getting’ so caught up in worrying’ about every little thing that they spend their days in a state of downright misery. And for what? Half the time, the things they fret over never even come to pass. Life’s too short for that kind of thinking’. Best to make the most of the time we’ve got, doing’ things that bring us joy instead of wasting’ it on things we can’t control.

So yeah, with me getting’ my mind set right, I managed to get a lot done in the shop yesterday, working’ away on those flutes I’ve got on the go. Coming along real nice, if I do say so myself.

Oh, and while we’re on the subject of stinking’ thinking’, I just wanna take a minute to thank all those who’ve dropped by to see how I’m doing’. Sure does make my day. No need to mention names—you all know who you are.

So, what are you up to today, GW?

Well… earlier, I went out and got my shop stove going’, and it’s warming’ things up real nice as I sit here pecking’ away at the keyboard. Nothing’ like the crackle of a good fire to take the chill out of the air.

And once I’ve had my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for—maybe another cup of coffee/cocoa for good measure…I’ll be headin’ back out there, puttering’ around, working’ on my flutes, and just enjoying’ the day the way it oughta be. Nothing’ fancy, just good, honest livin’.

With that you all have a great day.

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

Life in the North: Where Winter Writes the Rules on Feb 21/2025

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Good Morning! The rooster’s running late this morning, but the coffee’s right on time. And that is all that matters at least in this household.

So walking out to the woodworking shop earlier this morning, I noticed that it isn’t as cold as it has been, and my old shop stove still had a few coals in it from the night before. Which… made lighting it that much easier. Laid in some wood and before I turned around it was burning nicely.

Now, let’s see what Mother Nature’s got in store for us here in the north.

Today (Friday, February 21, 2025):
☀ Morning: Mostly sunny, sitting’ around 12°F (-11°C).
⛅ Afternoon: Partly sunny and not quite as bitter, climbing’ to 23°F (-5°C).
🌙 Evening: Slipping’ back down to a chilly 11°F (-12°C).

Tomorrow (Saturday, February 22, 2025):
☁ Morning: Cloudy skies with some snow rolling’ in, dropping’ an inch or two (2-4 cm).
❄ Afternoon: Staying’ cold, high around 26°F (-3°C).
🌨 Evening: Dropping’ to about 18°F (-8°C), so best keep the fire stoked.

Looks like a good day to hunker down, keep the coffee hot, and maybe get a few things done in the shop.

On another note, I didn’t get any work done in the shop yesterday. Ruth and I had to head to town for some supplies—and to see a specialist about a few things I’ve been dealing with. I won’t get into the details, but I will say this—some of these so-called medical professionals seem to have forgotten that their job is to help folks, not just rush ‘em through like an assembly line. No real conversation, no real care—just in and out. Disappointing, to say the least.

But I’ll tell you one thing—I’m not the type to just sit back and do nothing. Not me. So now, Ruth and I are going to seek out a good naturalist, someone who actually listens and understands that there’s more to health than just prescriptions and procedures. On top of that, I’ll be pulling together everything I’ve learned from my old friend Grey Wolf, along with all the knowledge Ruth and I have gathered over the years. Between all that, we’ll figure out the best path forward.

After that appointment was done, we picked up what we needed, had a nice lunch at a friendly little spot, grabbed a coffee, and made it home late in the day, worn out. So, we put our feet up, talked things over, and figured out what comes next. Life keeps moving, and so do we.

So, what’s on the agenda today, GW? Well after a good chat and a meal made by my lovely wife, I’ll be heading back to the woodworking shop to work on the flutes I’ve been shaping. They’re coming along, slowly but surely, though… there’s still a good bit of work to do.

When I work with wood, it’s not just about the carving. It’s about feeling the strength of the tree in my hands, understanding the flow of the grain. You know, the wood has its own rhythm, its own life. Truth told as I shape it, I let it guide me. The flute will play when it’s ready, when the wood and I have worked together in silence. It’s not just my hands at work…it’s the spirit of the wood showing me the way.

You all have a good day.

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]

George's Writers Corner, The Old Craftsman's Woodworking Shop, Weather

The North – Where Even the Moose Think It’s Chilly on Feb19/2025

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Good Morning! When the snow piles up and the wind howls, just remember—spring’s out there somewhere. Or at least we sure hope so.

Well, Folks… it’s another nippy morning’ here in the north. Rolled outta bed, and let me tell ya, that cold air sure woke me up faster than a hot cup of coffee! The mercury was sitting’ at -2°F (-19°C), and if that ain’t a reminder that winter still has a grip on us, I don’t know what is.

Now, let’s see what Mother Nature’s got cooking’ for Port Loring:

Today: Expect a high near 28°F (-2°C), with a mix of clouds and sunshine. A light breeze will keep things feeling’ a touch cooler, so best keep that coat handy.

Tonight: Dropping’ back down to around 14°F (-10°C), with partly cloudy skies. A quiet, chilly night—good for sitting’ by the fire with a hot drink in hand.

Tomorrow: Warming’ up just a smidge, with a high near 32°F (0°C). We might see a few more clouds roll in, but nothing’ too wild.

All in all, a classic northern Ontario winter day—cold, crisp, and keeping’ us on our toes.

Highway 522’s got a few snow-covered spots here and there, but all in all—considering’ the kind of weather we’ve been dealing’ with..it ain’t too shabby. If you’re needing’ to make a run to the big city for supplies, you should be good to go. Just don’t forget, this ain’t a Sunday drive through the park…this is good ol’ northern Ontario, where winter likes to remind us who’s boss.

Now, for you locals, I know some of ya got that “I’ve been driving’ these roads for 50 years, don’t need no slowing’ down” attitude’….but let’s not get too cocky. The snow has a way of making’ things a little more interesting’ when you least expect it. One minute, you’re cruising’ along, enjoying’ the scenery, and the next, you’re wondering’ why that stretch of road got a whole lot slicker than it looked.

So, as always, take ‘er easy, keep your eyes peeled for the odd deer wandering’ across, and remember….just ‘cause your truck’s got four-wheel drive don’t mean you can stop on a dime. Safe travels, folks!

On another note, I spent the day working’ away in my old woodworking shop yesterday. The morning’ went along just fine….things were shaping’ up the way they should, and I was making’ good progress. But by the afternoon, well, let’s just say things went sideways. A few stubborn issues popped up, and the more I tried to fix ‘em, the worse they seemed to get.

After a bit of grumbling’ and the air turning’ a shade bluer than I’d like to admit, I figured it was best to call it a day. So, I set my tools down, gave the shop a look that said, “You win this round,” and headed for the house. Sometimes, the best fix for a problem is taking’ a step back, cooling’ off, and coming’ at it fresh another day…before a fella ends up making’ more work for himself than he started with.

Today, I reckon I’ll head on back out to the shop, now that I’ve had a night to cool off and let my tools think about what they did. We’ll see what the day’s got in store for me…hopefully, it’s a darn sight better than yesterday. With any luck, the wood’ll behave, the tool’s will cooperate, and I won’t have to have any more “conversations” with stubborn pieces that don’t wanna do what they should. But I guess there’s only one way to find out and that’s to give ‘er another go.

With that I am off for my breakfast along with a hot cup of cocoa just because I can along with our chat that my lovely wife and I have every morning!

Have a great day.

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

Icicles, Snowdrifts, and a Dash of Northern Grit on Feb 18/2025

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“Good Morning Folks!” You know you’re in Northern Ontario when the snowplow wakes you up before your alarm does…and it’s still dark at 7:00 AM.

Well, it’s another brisk morning here in the north, with the mercury sitting’ at a nippy -8.68°F (-22.6°C). It’s the kind of cold that makes a fella think twice…maybe even three times…before throwing’ off the covers and facing the day. And for the record, I’ve always liked Fahrenheit better…gives a feller a real sense of just how cold it is.

Today: Sun’s peeking’ out here and there, but don’t let it fool ya…it’s staying’ cold. High of 8°F (-13°C), but with that wind, it’ll feel a fair bit colder. Best to keep the long johns handy.

Tonight: Clear skies, but that just means the cold digs in deeper. Temps dropping’ to -7°F (-21°C), and if the wind gets to whistling’, you’ll know it. Might be a good night to toss an extra log on the fire.

Tomorrow: A smidge warmer, if you can call it that. High of 15°F (-9°C), but don’t expect a heatwave. The sun will be out, but that just means it’s bright enough to see how much snow still needs shoveling’.

Bundle up and keep that coffee strong, as winter ain’t letting’ go just yet.

Highway 522…well, I am beginning to see a bit of pavement showing through here and there, but there are still plenty of snow-covered spots hanging on, not quite ready to give up. That is pretty much the norm for this time of year, especially with the cold temperatures we have been having.

As for the folks around here, well they are handling it in true northern fashion. Some are out early, shoveling with a coffee in one hand and a snow shovel in the other, while others are standing at the end of their driveways, staring at the snow like it might just move on its own. And then there are those who figure if they wait long enough, a good strong wind or a kindhearted neighbor with a plow might just save them the trouble. That’s what I call smart thinking, doesn’t happen all that often though.

On another note, yesterday my wife and I had a busy morning cleaning up the snow from the day before. And let me tell you, it wasn’t the light, fluffy kind that you can just brush away with ease. No, this stuff was heavy. The reason being, the snow that fell came down in tiny flakes, and when those little fellas pack together, they turn into something as stubborn as a pile of wet sand. At least, that’s how it felt to us two old timers.

But no matter, we managed to get ‘er done. We finished up just before noon, and I have to say, by that time, we were more than ready for a hot cup of cocoa. Truth be told, we had that, then lunch, and then figured, why stop there? So we enjoyed a couple more cups of coffee for good measure. Some might call that a bit much, but hey!… We figured we earned it.

I also managed to spend the afternoon working on the flutes I’ve got on the go. Not a bad day, all things considered. Had a few bumps along the way, but after all these years, I’ve learned you gotta take the good with the bad and keep on movin’. And that’s exactly what I did…just kept at it, knowing some days you win, and some days you learn.

This Morning, after breakfast…thanks to my lovely wife, of course…I’ll head on out to the old woodworking shop and carry on with the day’s work. It’s a cold one, but with the stove in the shop cranked up and doing its thing, well, what could be better than that? Not much, if you ask me. There’s just something about that warm stove, the smell of fresh wood, and the sound of the tools that just makes a feller feel right at home.

You all have a great day!!

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]

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

Only on The Walters Post: The Cost of War – Who Really Paid the Price?

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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.

Some have Emailed me and asked my opinion on this war between Russia and Ukraine.

Actually, if I remember correctly I have written a couple article regarding it here on my blog, but for the sake of argument I will write another of what I think has taken place.

Any way—for years, we’ve watched the war in Ukraine unfold, and if we step back and take a good hard look at it, the outcome was never really in question. No matter how much money, military aid, or sanctions were thrown at Russia, the endgame was always going to be the same… Russia coming out ahead. It’s not a matter of opinion; it’s just a harsh reality.

A lot of folks want to paint the situation as one where the West had no choice but to get involved. They argue that standing against Russia was the right thing to do, that Ukraine had to be backed at all costs. But looking at it now, after years of destruction, thousands of deaths, and trillions of dollars spent, was it really the right call? Or did we just prolong the inevitable while making ourselves weaker in the process?

Trump now, whether folks like him or not, at least engaged in conversations with Putin, something that few leaders have dared to do in any meaningful way. The thing is, he didn’t start this war, and now that the U.S. is shifting away from supporting Ukraine, people are quick to blame him. But the truth is, this was always the most likely outcome. The West over-promising things, led Ukraine into believing that NATO and EU membership were on the table, and then left them high and dry when things got tough.

Another thing was that sanctions were supposed to cripple Russia, but did they? Not in the slightest. If anything, I believe that they strengthened Russia by forcing them to adapt, create new economic alliances, and develop their own industries. Meanwhile, we drained our own resources. Canada and the U.S. have spent billions…money that could have been used right here at home for things we actually need. We have a healthcare crisis, a shortage of doctors, seniors struggling to get the care they deserve, and homeless people on the streets. Instead of tackling those problems, we funneled money into a war that, at best, delayed an outcome that was never in doubt.

Now, as Western support for Ukraine dwindles, NATO itself is stepping back from its previous commitments. Leaders who once talked big about standing with Ukraine are suddenly changing their tune, admitting that NATO membership was never a real promise. And Ukraine, left holding the bag, is realizing just how little they actually gained from all this. Their economy is shattered, their people displaced, and their military exhausted.

The idea of peacekeepers is being floated, but let’s be real—without U.S. backing, any security guarantees from Europe are just empty words. And even if peacekeepers do go in, Russia still holds all the cards. They have the military power, the resources, and, most importantly, the nuclear arsenal that prevents the West from taking things further.

Was there ever a way this could have ended differently? Maybe, if diplomacy had been prioritized instead of escalation. But the West wanted to see Russia weakened, and in their attempt to do so, they weakened themselves instead.

Now, the war is winding down, and the media is scrambling to shift the narrative. The reality is sinking in—Ukraine was never going to win, and the West was never going to stay committed indefinitely. The money spent is gone, the lives lost cannot be brought back, and the resources depleted will take years to recover.

It’s a hard truth, but one we need to accept: We didn’t hurt Russia. We only hurt ourselves. And instead of learning from this, we’ll probably do it all over again somewhere else down the road.

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]