Category Archives: George’s Writers Corner

Great Spot to hear about anything and everything concerning writing. Also information on my books, book signings, speaking engagements and events that might be happening in and around our town.

From the Desk That’s Seen It All on May 23/2025

Click on Image to Enlarge!

Good Morning… You know, thinking on things, I have found that time has been a better teacher than any I had in school.

It is another cloudy, wet morning here in cottage country. The kind of morning that makes a fellow want to have a second cup of coffee before heading outdoors, maybe even a third if the wood stove is burning just right.

Now, if you are wondering what kind of sky you will be looking at today, and into the next couple, here is the scoop for Port Loring, Ontario:

Today – Friday, May 23:
We are sitting around 50°F (10°C), with a steady drizzle lingering like a stubborn guest who does not know when to head home. Winds will be light, maybe 5 to 10 mph, coming out of the northeast, so it is a damp, bone-soaking kind of day. Not cold, but not exactly the kind of day you want to be out mowing the lawn.

Tonight:
It will dip down to about 44°F (7°C). The rain might ease off a bit, maybe even pause for a while, but the clouds are staying put.

Saturday, May 24:
Looks like a mixed bag. Morning could surprise us with a few breaks in the clouds, but do not get your hopes up, as by afternoon, we are back into the low 60s°F (around 17°C) with a good chance of showers moving in again. Not a total washout, but I would not plan on drying laundry on the line.

Sunday, May 25:
Partly sunny with a shower in the area, high around 63°F (17°C), low near 44°F (7°C).

Traffic on Highway 522 has been pretty quiet lately. With all this rain, most folks are staying put.

Bug Report: With the weather being the way it is, the black flies are not all that bad right now. Best to take advantage of the outdoors while you can, because they will be back once things start to warm up.

On another note: Yesterday, with it being such a wet day, my wife and I took a trip into North Bay to pick up some supplies and groceries. Aside from a few showers here and there, everything went smooth. We got what we came for, had a pizza at East Side Mario’s, and grabbed a cup of coffee for the ride home. All in all, it turned out to be a pretty enjoyable outing.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, seeing as today is shaping up to be another wet one, I figured it is a good time to start tagging all the equipment and tools in my woodworking shop. In the coming days, everything I have out there will be going up for sale—it will be another big one. Not exactly something I am jumping for joy about, but… let’s just say the time feels right.

I have also done my homework, taken the time to see what things are actually worth, and every piece will be priced to sell. Fair is fair. I am not giving anything away, but I am not trying to hang onto it, either. So that is what I am up to today—getting things ready, one tag at a time.

With that, I am off for my breakfast—the one my lovely wife is making for me. A couple of breakfast sausages with a few pancakes laid out beside them. Should give me the energy I need to tackle everything out in the shop today, don’t you think?

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]

Still Writing, Still Remembering on May 22/2025

Click on Image to Enlarge!

Good Morning… You know, most of what stuck with me wasn’t written on a chalkboard.

Well… she’s a cloud-wet morning here in Cottage Country.

The kind of sky that hangs low and slow, like it hasn’t quite made up its mind about the day ahead. The trees are still dripping from the night’s leftover mist, and the birds, well, they’re singing anyway—making the best of it like they always do.

Today
Expect scattered showers right through mid-afternoon, with a good chance of heavier pockets around lunchtime. Not much sunshine poking through, but it might brighten just a little toward supper. High of 52°F (11°C), and it’ll feel damper than it reads, so a light jacket wouldn’t hurt.

Tonight
Clouds will linger like uninvited guests, with a steady breeze from the northwest. Temperatures dipping to about 43°F (6°C) overnight. Could be a bit of fog forming in the lower spots after midnight, so if you’re out late, keep your low beams handy.

Tomorrow
Now here’s the shift—mostly cloudy still, but we might catch a bit of sun peeking through mid-morning. Less chance of rain, though not completely dry. Winds settling a bit, and it’ll warm up slightly to around 55°F (13°C) by early afternoon. Not perfect, but better than today, and worth getting something done outside if you’ve been waiting for a break in the damp.

Highway 522’s been quiet lately.
Could be the weather—cool, cold, and wet for days now. The kind that keeps folks indoors and the coffee pot full.

But that’s spring in these parts. One day you’re digging out your short sleeves, the next you’re hauling wood back to the porch.
It’s that in-between season. Some folks call it a transition stage.
In other words: “Don’t count on anything just yet.”

Bug Report:
Well, them pesky black flies were out a bit yesterday, but not as bad as they have been.
Reason being, the cold weather has held them back a touch.
But don’t let that fool ya, as once things warms up, they’ll be back, lookin’ for a meal.

On another note, yesterday we managed to get all our grass cut for the second time this year.
I usually do it on Thursdays, but knowing rain was going to move into our area, we figured we’d better get it done.
When the grass is wet, it’s harder to cut—and on top of that, it just doesn’t look as nice as when it’s dry.
My wife and I are fussy that way.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today—being that it’s cool and wet outside—I suspect I’ll be spending some time here at the computer.
We’ll see.
We still have a few more things to move out to the carport, where we hold our garage sale.
Still a lot we want to get rid of.

From now on, we’re planning to keep our gift shop open all summer.
And by the way, everything in there is half price.
As for the garage sale, we’re only going to have it on Fridays and Saturdays from here on out.

Oh, and the gift shop will be open every day except Thursday mornings—that’s when we do our mowing now.
That said, if folks happen to drop by and want to take a look at the garage sale items, we won’t hold them back. We’re easy that way.

So with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my little woman’s put together for me.
After that, we’ll see what the day has in store—outside what I’ve already planned, of course.


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]

Out Here, the Stories Never Retire on May 21/2025

Click on image to enlarge!

Good Morning… You know, I didn’t learn much from sitting still, but I picked up plenty while moving.

Weather-wise, things are looking pretty nice out there this morning. We had a few clouds earlier on, but while I’ve been writing this post, the sun is trying hard to show herself. She’s not quite winning yet, but she’s putting up a good fight.

As for today, the folks who claim to know these things are saying we’ll reach a high of around 56°F (14°C). Might be a few showers poking around later this afternoon, so it wouldn’t hurt to keep your boots by the door and maybe hang the laundry inside, just in case.

Tonight, it’ll cool down to about 48°F (9°C), which should make for some good sleeping. Just enough chill in the air to pull the blanket up over your shoulder.

Tomorrow looks like it’ll be a wet one. They’re calling for rain on and off throughout the day, with the temperature topping out at around 53°F (11°C). A little lower overnight, too—about 44°F (7°C). Could be a good day to catch up on some things indoors, or just sit by the window with a warm drink and watch it all unfold.

All in all, it’s one of those stretches of weather you can expect just about anything.

Highway 522 actually has slowed down after the long weekend. But it has been down right cool, which makes folks tend to stay closer to home.

Bug Report:
Well, the cooler weather has slowed down the black flies somewhat, which I’m sure is just fine with most folks. But they’ll be back once things start to warm up a bit, so we’re not out of the woods just yet in that department.

On another note, yesterday was a full one around our place, with the garage sale bringing folks by and a few other jobs keeping me busy from sunup to sundown. The kind of day that moves quick, even if your boots don’t.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today we’ll carry on with the garage sale, and later my wife and I are planning to get the mowing done a day early—got to beat the rain rolling in tomorrow and Friday. Doing it today will make things a whole lot nicer.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me, followed by a good cup of hot cocoa before I head outdoors.

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]

Morning Notes from an Old Timer on May 19/2025

Click on Image to Enlarge!

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

Click On Image to Enlarge

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]