First Light in the Country on July 6/2024

“Mornin’, folks! The best way to start the day is with a smile and a cup of coffee strong enough to float a horseshoe.”

Starting things off, it’s cloudy this morning, but we should see some sunshine later on. We could also see a passing shower here and there throughout the day. And, it’s a bit cooler today, which will make working outside kind of pleasant. Overall, I have no complaints about the weather here in the north so far this year. It’s been pretty nice, though maybe a touch too much rain for some. But hey, for all those folks grumbling about the weather, I’d say it’s been just about perfect!

Highway 522 is still quiet these days, probably due to rising costs, interest rates, and taxes on the paychecks. There’s some traffic, but folks seem to be cutting back on travel to save a few bucks. And honestly, I can’t say I blame them.

Bug Report: Yesterday, while working on my lean-to where we park our car in the winter, those blood-sucking parasites, the mosquitoes, were relentless. They thrive in shady, windless, damp areas. I was happy to go inside at the end of the day.

On another note, I managed to accomplish a lot outside yesterday while my wife worked hard on fulfilling custom orders for her customers. But she did give me a hand later in the day, which was nice. All in all, it turned out to be a productive day. We also had plenty of customers dropping by our gift shop, which was a nice bonus.

With that, I’m off for my breakfast, which my lovely wife is preparing for me. After that, I’ll be heading out to tackle some work for the day. Well, after I have my cup of hot cocoa, can’t forget that, sheesh!

You all have a great day…and as I have always said: “If you’re lucky enough to live in the country, you’re lucky enough!”

Fishing Times for Saturday
07/06/24

Major Times
12:42 AM-2:42 AM
1:09 PM-3:09 PM

Minor Times
5:15 AM-6:15 AM
9:50 PM-10:50 PM

Day Rating: Another great day to be out there with pole in hand. I give it a 5-Star rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Advice from an Old Angler: Cast along the edges, where different types of water meet…where shallow water drops off to deeper water, or where currents converge. Fish like to lurk in these transition zones.

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]

Whooping Cough Alert for Our Area

Hey folks, just a heads-up. Whooping cough is now in our region. Since January, we’ve had 16 cases, which is a big jump from the average of about 4 cases per year.

Whooping cough spreads easily when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Early signs are sneezing, runny nose, low fever, and a mild cough that gets worse over two weeks. The cough often ends in a ‘whooping’ sound and can be so bad it causes gagging or vomiting. This cough can last up to 100 days, making it hard to sleep, work, or do daily activities.

Now, I’m not one to scare folks or spread false rumors, but I think it’s important to get the word out. This is especially for babies under one-year-old, pregnant women, and folks with lung or breathing problems. If you have a new or worsening cough, avoid contact with high-risk folks mentioned above, and especially young babies and pregnant women.

If you have a severe cough and are worried, wear a mask and see your doctor, or go to a walk-in clinic.

To prevent whooping cough, keep up with vaccinations. The vaccine is given at two, four, six, and 18 months old, with boosters at four to six years and 14 to 16 years old. Adults can get a free booster, which is recommended for pregnant women to protect their babies.

If you need to catch up on vaccines, book an appointment with your doctor or contact the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808 ext. 1301.

Stay safe, everyone.

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 Cost of Supporting Wars: A Perspective

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.

As the war between Ukraine and Russia along with Israel and Hezbollah drags on, it’s natural for countries like Canada and the USA to want to help. But with all the billions we’re spending on these wars, we have to ask if it’s really doing any good. It should also be noted that, all that money we put into it is gone forever. I know they say it isn’t, but I don’t believe that for a minute.

Now, don’t get me wrong, every country has the right to protecting their own, and we do need to show our support now and then, but truth told, sending so much money and supplies overseas puts a big strain on our own resources. Here in Canada and the USA, we have our own problems, like not enough houses, doctors, food for the needy, retirement homes that aren’t up to par, people sleeping in the streets and the list goes on and on. Oh, and not to forget that all that money they are sending to other countries comes right out of the working man’s paychecks. Knowing that, shouldn’t we be taking care of those issues first?

Personally, I think it’s time to rethink our approach. Instead of just sending more money and weapons, we should focus on making a real difference for our own people/country first. If we don’t take care of our own country, we won’t be able to help anyone else, it’s simple as that. Now, that doesn’t mean ignoring what’s happening in the world, but we need to be smart about how we use our resources.

It’s a tough choice, but I believe it’s the right thing to do.

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 Ways on July 5/2024

“Good mornin’! The sun’s up, and so should we be. Let’s see if we can stay awake ’til lunchtime!”

It looks like it’s shaping up to be another nice day here in Cottage country. Though, there’s a chance we might get a light shower later on … nothing to fuss over, though.

Highway 522 is still pretty slow for this time of year, at least around our neck of the woods. There’s a lot of building going on, though. Folks are adding onto their homes, putting up new houses, and even building garages. I can’t figure out where all these people are coming from, but I guess they’re here to stay, or they simply have a lot of money to spend!

Bug Report: Everything is good in this department other than a few pesky mosquitoes irritating folks.

On another note, my wife and I spent the day yesterday beautifying our country home by mowing the lawn and working in our gardens. It’s a lot of work, but when it’s all said and done, we both know it’s worth it. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing our property looking neat and tidy. It’s a good feeling, knowing that all the effort we put into it really paid off. You could say it, makes our little corner of the world look just right.

My wife and I have also noticed a steady stream of new faces dropping by our gift shop, picking up items of their choice. It’s sure nice to see. While they’re here, we usually end up chatting about all sorts of things. It’s always interesting to hear what’s going on in other parts of the country. Makes us appreciate our piece of the world even more.

Today, I’m tackling a job I’ve been wanting to do for a few years now … adding a new back wall to our carport. It’s not going to be an easy job, but like everything else, slow and steady gets things done. I’ve learned over the years not to get overwhelmed by the big picture. Just get started, and before you know it, the work is done.

And now I am off for some pancakes that my lovely wife is making for me, topped with an egg yolk, a bit of butter, and drizzled with Mike Clapperton’s Maple Syrup. I kind of thing it’s the perfect way to start the morning … something sweet and tasty to enjoy before getting into the day ahead. Oh, we can’t forget our hot cocoa on the front porch by the fishpond … now, can we?

With that you all have a great day, I am going to tackle my chores and enjoy the quiet. They say a day in the country is worth a week in the city … ain’t that the truth! GW

Fishing Times for Friday
07/05/24

Major Times
–:—–:–
12:13 PM-2:13 PM

Minor Times
4:09 AM-5:09 AM
9:11 PM-10:11 PM

Day Rating: Today, I’m giving it a solid 5-star rating for catching a few. It’s turning out to be one of the best fishing days this year. Tight lines!

Advice from an Old Angler: Keep an eye on your lures. If they’re not swimming straight, adjust the eyelet slightly until they run true. A properly tuned lure can significantly improve your chances of a successful catch.

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 Breezes & Sunshine on July 4/2024

Good Morning! And remember, every day is a new start. And if it starts with coffee or…., even better!

It looks like we’re in for another nice day here in the north. It is a bit misty now, but the sun is slowly burning it off.

Highway 522 is seeing a bit more traffic lately, though it’s still not as busy as in previous years. I reckon many folks are feeling the financial pinch these days, which means more of them are staying close to home.

Bug Report: All is good in that department, except for a few mosquitoes lurking in the shady, damp areas. It’s also that time of year when they like to sneak into the house, just to irritate folks, right when they’re drifting off to sleep. I guess they think we’re their midnight snack!

On another note, my wife and I took a trip to North Bay yesterday. We got what we needed, had lunch in our car while watching the world go by, picked up a coffee and donut, and headed on home, taking in what nature had to offer, along the way. All in all, it was a good day. There’s something about these little outings that just lifts the spirits!

Today is mowing day for my wife and I, which will keep us busy for the morning. With all the rain and cooler temperatures, everything is growing like crazy. So far, it’s shaping up to be a great summer. As I always say, so much for global warming. Mother Nature has been running the show for millions of years, and no matter what we do, she’s going to keep doing her thing. It’s almost like she enjoys keeping us on our toes!

After we finish that up, being a nice day, I am thinking some front porch sittin’ will be in order, taking in our beautiful piece of property, and maybe a drink of sweet tea… just because we can.

With that, I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife is making for me, which will be a bowl of porridge this morning for a change. Kind of a healthy way to start the morning!

You all have a great day, for me: It’s time to get my boots dirty and see what the day brings. A little dirt never hurt anyone, right? GW

Fishing Times for Thursday
07/04/24

Major Times
–:—–:–
11:14 AM-1:14 PM

Minor Times
3:10 AM-4:10 AM
8:18 PM-9:18 PM

Day Rating: Better; Actually, I give it a 4-star rating out of 5 for catching a few. Good Luck!

Sun Data
Rise: 5:32 AM
Set: 9:11 PM

Day Length
15 hrs. 39 mins.

Moon Data
Rise: 3:40 AM
Set: 8:48 PM
Moon Phase
Moon Phase is 2% percent waning crescent
2% Waning Crescent

Advice from an Old Angler: Cast with the wind at your back. Not only does it help with longer casts, but fish often face into the current, so your bait will come to them naturally.

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]