Category Archives: My Opinion Only

BBQ this Summer While Keeping things healthy

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.

Let’s chat about firing up the BBQ this summer while keeping things healthy. As an old feller, who’s seen plenty of grilling seasons, here’s my take on it.

When you grill meat at high heat, it can create chemicals like PAHs and HCAs, which might up the cancer risks, though experts say the evidence isn’t crystal clear yet.

To keep things safe and tasty, start by marinating your meat…beer marinades, especially with black beer, are said to reduce these harmful chemicals. Choose lean cuts, grill at lower temperatures, and avoid charring the meat. These steps can all help lower potential risks.

And remember, it’s not just about meat on the grill. Veggies and fruits can be delicious alternatives that still let you enjoy the BBQ experience without worry. As they used to say on the farm, “A grill full of veggies is like a garden party for your taste buds!”

So, this summer, let’s fire up the grill with caution and creativity. Enjoy the flavors while keeping health in mind, and savoring the goodness of nature’s bounty!

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.

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In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well!

George Walters | [email protected]

Country Mornings and Coffee on July 1/2024

It’s the first day of July: Good Morning! Another day…another chance to not step in something that the cows left behind.

It’s looking as if we are in for a real nice day here in cottage country. The sun has finally made its appearance, hardly a cloud in the sky. Just the kind of mornings I enjoy waking up to.

Highway 522 is still very quiet these days other than the locals roaming around looking for things to do and see. In a small town, the road may be empty, but the stories are always flowing.

Bug Report: All is good… other than a few mosquitoes.

On another note, yesterday I worked the day away here in front of my computer writing up a story. You know, some days the words flow like a river, and other days it’s like trying to squeeze water from a rock. Yesterday felt more like the rock, but I did manage to get one out in the open.

Today, I plan on fixing up the building where I keep my lumber. It’s been a mess for over a year now. So today, I’m going to see if I can organize it, so I can get to things. It’s going to be a job, but it needs to be done. There’s nothing worse than wanting to work on a project in my woodworking shop and not being able to get to what I need.

With that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me, and after that, a cup of hot cocoa out in the fresh country air before I settle into the day’s work. Pretty rough life, huh?

With that, you all have a great day: And remember, life’s what you make of it! GW

The Best Fishing Times for Monday
07/01/24

Major Times
8:23 AM-10:23 AM
8:50 PM-10:50 PM

Minor Times
1:22 AM-2:22 AM
4:39 PM-5:39 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 2-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Sun Data
Rise: 5:31 AM
Set: 9:12 PM

Day Length
15 hrs. 41 mins

Advice from an Old Angler: Thread several small worms onto a single hook to make a worm ball. Creates more movement and scent in the water, which attracts more fish!!

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]

Weather Forecast for Northern Ontario 2024: A Old Fellers Perspective

Good morning, folks! As someone who’s spent more than a few decades working the land and watching the skies, I’ve learned that Mother Nature has her own way of forecasting the weather. It’s not just about what the meteorologists tell us; it’s about what we see, hear, and feel around us. So, let’s take a look at what the rest of summer might bring for us here in Northern Ontario.

My Weather Wisdom

Every morning, I take a walk around our property here in the country, to see what nature has to say. The clouds, the wind, and even the behavior of the animals can tell you a lot about what’s coming. If the cows are lying down in the pasture, I know rain might be on the way. When the birds are flying high, it usually means fair weather is here to stay.

I also pay close attention to the clouds. High, wispy clouds often mean good weather, while thick, dark clouds usually signal a storm is brewing. And let me tell you, those early morning dew patterns on the grass – if there’s heavy dew, it’s likely we’ll have a dry day. But if there’s no dew, rain might be just around the corner.

July Outlook

So far, June has been what we expected, with cooler temperatures sticking close to the border. As we move through July, we’ll likely continue to see a mix of warm and cool days. Mornings might start off crisp, needing a light jacket, but by noon, you’ll be down to your shirtsleeves. It’s that typical northern Ontario summer variability we all know.

Canadian Weather Pattern

Across the country, it looks like cool and variable temperatures will continue. The Gulf of Alaska Low is still in charge, bringing those cool nights and mild days. It’s good news for the crops – they’re getting enough balance without too much heat stress.

But severe weather is still a possibility. The Prairie Provinces, Ontario, and Quebec might see more severe storms, with risks of large hail and tornadoes. Those cold pools moving across southern Canada are nothing to ignore.

Summary for Northern Ontario

  • July: A mix of cool and warm days. Keep an eye on the weather reports and stay prepared for anything.
  • August: Potential for more moisture, which could bring thunderstorms and severe weather if the heat ridge weakens.
  • Severe Weather: Higher risks for large hail and tornadoes due to cold pools moving across southern Canada.

General Canadian Weather

  • Cool and Variable: Most of Canada will continue to see cool or variable temperatures thanks to the Gulf of Alaska Low.
  • Severe Weather Threat: Watch out for severe storms, especially in the Prairies, Ontario, and Quebec.
  • Wildfire Risk: Lower than last year, but the risk of severe weather remains high.

Living in Northern Ontario, we know how to prepare for the weather. Make sure your barns are sturdy, your livestock has shelter, and keep your rain gear handy. Whether it’s a calm, cool day or a sudden summer storm, we’ve seen it all and know how to handle whatever comes our way. Summers here have their own rhythm, and it’s all part of the charm of living and farming in the north.

So, as you go about your day, take a moment to listen to what nature is telling you. It might just give you a heads-up on what’s coming next. Stay safe and enjoy the beautiful summer days ahead!

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]

First Light, Quiet Thoughts for June 30/2024

Good Morning! Over the years, I’ve learned that life is a lot like farming. You have to put in the work and be patient. As we head into July, let’s take it one day at a time.

It’s a cloudy last day of June here in Cottage Country, and it seems those clouds will hang around most of the day. The cooler jacket weather is perfect for outdoor work, though, which suits me just fine. But a little sunshine would also be a nice-added touch,

Looking ahead, tomorrow promises some sunshine, a welcome sight for those enjoying the long weekend before returning to work.

Highway 522 is still quiet these days, with fewer folks out and about … a sign of the times, I reckon. It’s no surprise, though, especially when you consider that about half of the working man’s paycheck goes to taxes. They already pay enough in taxes on essentials like food, clothes, and gas along with other things; taking more from their paycheck seems like pure greed on the government’s part. Personally, I believe paychecks should be left alone.

Bug Report: Everything’s ticking along just fine, though those persistent mosquitoes are still buzzing around, doing their best to annoy folks … but hey, they’re not as bad as they could be!

On another note, with the rain keeping me indoors yesterday, I spent the day here at my computer. I had planned to write up some stories for my newspaper columns, but it wasn’t quite the day for it. No matter how I tried, nothing worthwhile seemed to materialize. Such is the life of a writer, but there are always days like these. Here’s hoping today brings a bit more inspiration, especially for writing.

With that, I’m heading off for breakfast, prepared by my lovely wife. Perhaps some more bacon and eggs sunny side up, with a slice of toast for dipping, and a couple of cups of coffee to go along with it. Just because I can.

You all have a great day... I’m off to enjoy the morning. And remember: ‘Life’s lessons are found in the fields/country and under the open sky.’ Take care now! GW

Times to be out Fishing on Sunday
06/30/24

Major Times
7:33 AM-9:33 AM
7:59 PM-9:59 PM

Minor Times
1:02 AM-2:02 AM
3:20 PM-4:20 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 2-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Use a jig with a pork rind trailer. The combination of the jig’s movement and the pork rind’s scent can be irresistible to bass.

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]

New Ships For Our Navy Here in Canada

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’s plans for those Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) ships are making headlines again, and they’re bringing with them a timeline that’ll make you wonder if we’ll ever see them hit the water. The first ship won’t be ready until the early 2030s, and it won’t be serving in the Royal Canadian Navy until 2035, according to senior government officials.

They’re aiming to deliver nine CSC ships by 2040, with the last one scheduled for 2050. By then, I reckon we’ll all be watching from the retirement home, wondering if they’ll still be launching fireworks for these ships’ maiden voyages.

But all jokes aside, these ships are crucial for our navy, even if the wait seems longer than a Saskatchewan winter. It’s a reminder that big projects like this take time, and while we wait, the world will keep turning.

So here’s hoping those CSC ships will be worth the wait and keep our navy sailing strong into the future.

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]