Category Archives: My Opinion Only

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.

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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]

New Day, Old Wisdom on June 29/2024

“Good mornin’! Start the day slow and steady, like a good ol’ tractor… that sometimes needs a push to get going.”

Well, the long weekend is upon us, and we are all waking up to some rain. Not that we really need it, as we have had our fair share over the past few weeks. It also hasn’t been all that hot, which I like, as it makes things a lot nicer when working outdoors. Truth told, it has been a great year weather-wise.

You know… over the years, I’ve seen and done a lot. From tending fruit trees on my farm to working on a dairy farm as a boy, to running a tire and landscaping business, and even carving out a woodworking shop. Nowadays, I’m retired and living up north, enjoying the simpler life.

My writing journey has been just as varied. For over 30 years, I’ve penned columns for newspapers around the globe, sharing stories from my life experiences. I’ve published seven books so far, though none of them delve into the sci-fi realm. In saying that, currently, I’m working on a sci-fi mystery novel, hoping it’ll turn into a series.

Speaking of mysteries, there’s one that’s been on my mind lately – global warming. Now, don’t get me wrong, I believe we’re seeing changes in the climate, but I also believe it’s part of a larger cycle. Way back when, millions of years ago, carbon levels were much higher than they are today. The Earth has gone through warming and cooling phases long before we humans started driving cars and burning fossil fuels.

But here’s the kicker – while scientists are scrambling to figure it all out, I can’t help but think that maybe Mother Nature is just having one of her mood swings. After all, she’s been around a lot longer than we have, and she’s got a knack for keeping us on our toes.

So… yes we have to do our part, along with being mindful of our planet, but remember – Mother Nature always has the last laugh.

Highway 522 is quiet this morning, likely because it’s early and raining. But I suspect traffic will pick up later on. Tomorrow, we might see more showers in the morning and a lot of clouds, but later in the day, we could be greeted by some sunshine as this weather pattern moves away. It’ll be cooler, though. Monday should be real nice. Perfect timing for everyone to enjoy the last day of the long weekend!

Bug Report: Everything’s fine around here, except for those pesky mosquitoes – those blood-sucking freeloaders!

With that, I’m off for my breakfast… a couple of eggs sunny side up, a couple of slices of bacon, and… a piece of toast for dipping. You know, over the years, I’ve found that the yolk in eggs is what folks should be eating, not just the whites. It’s been proven that yolks hold a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and plenty of other good things that keep a person healthy, especially for the eyes and… well, you get the idea!

You all have a great day, and remember; “If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging. Take it easy!” GW

The Best Fishing Times for Saturday
06/29/24

Major Times
6:45 AM-8:45 AM
7:09 PM-9:09 PM

Minor Times
12:42 AM-1:42 AM
2:01 PM-3:01 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 3-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few if you do venture out there, and don’t forget your raincoat.

Advice from an Old Angler: “When reeling in, try a drift and pause technique. Reel in a bit, then pause. This stop-and-go action mimics an injured bait fish, tempting predators to strike.”

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]

Daybreak in the Country on June 20/2024

Good Morning! A new day means new chances. Try not to mess ’em up too much.

It looks as if another nice day is shaping up for us here in Cottage Country. The sun is shinning, our property is looking nice, and the birds are chirping outside our windows. Pretty hard to beat that.

Yesterday, my wife and I worked the morning away, mowing grass. After lunch, she worked in her flower gardens pulling weeds and grass, and trimming back some bushes that were getting out of hand. Myself, I tackled fixing the deck on our old Roper Mower. One spindle that drives the blades finally gave up the ghost.

While at it, I decided to hunt for some new blades, only to find out that no one carries them anymore. With the mower being so old, they’re as scarce as hens’ teeth. So, unless I can scrounge up a couple, I’ll have to put the old ones back on.

It’s an old mower, well over 30 years, but it runs pretty good. And given the cost of a new one, fixing this old girl, makes a lot of sense. Besides, it’s got character. Just like our place out here in the country—where the grass keeps growing, and the work never ends, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Today I am planning on weeding our vegetable garden, which I was going to do yesterday but got side tracked… which I am finding out happens a lot lately.

Highway 522 has sure picked up lately, likely thanks to folks gearing up for the long weekend. Everyone’s hoping for a good time, but Mother Nature might have other plans. The forecast isn’t too promising… it’s calling for humid weather with a thick cloud cover, along with a few afternoon showers, and maybe even a thunderstorm on Saturday. Sunday isn’t looking much better, cooler with a lot of clouds. Monday is looking beautiful though, sunny with peasant temperatures.

But it is what it is. On the bright side, Saturday and Sunday will be perfect weather for indoor projects—or maybe a good excuse to finally start that book you’ve been putting off. And hey, at least the mosquitoes will have a tough time flying in the rain!

Bug Report; Other than a few mosquitoes, things are pretty good. Even the deer flies aren’t all that bad. We worked outdoors all day yesterday and hardly seen a one.

With that, I’m off for a bowl of porridge this morning, courtesy of my lovely wife. After that, I’ll head out to our front porch, cup of hot cocoa in hand, and take in the view of our beautiful piece of property. We sure do love living here in cottage country, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a great way to start the day, let me tell ya.

You all have a great day and as my old friend Gray Wolf used to say: “Life’s like a river, go with the flow but steer your own course. Stay well!” GW

Fishing Times for Friday
06/28/24

Major Times
5:51 AM-7:51 AM
6:21 PM-8:21 PM

Minor Times
12:24 AM-1:24 AM
12:43 PM-1:43 PM

Day Rating: I give it a 3-Star Rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: “Take the young’uns fishin’. Teach ’em the old ways and share the stories. It’s not just about catchin’ fish; it’s about passin’ down traditions.”

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]