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.

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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]

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]

Desert: Old Time Bread and Butter Pudding

Here is a recipe I really enjoyed years ago and still do today. You hardly hear of it anymore.

Ingredients:

  • 1 loaf of bread (preferably a day old)
  • Butter (enough to spread on the bread)
  • 1/2 cup of raisins
  • 2 cups of milk
  • 4 eggs
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1/2 nutmeg, grated
  • 1/2 cup of sugar (or to taste)
  • Flaky pastry (optional, for the base)

Instructions:

  1. Preparation:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Butter a baking dish.
  2. Prepare the Bread:
    • Slice the loaf of bread into thin pieces.
    • Butter each slice generously.
  3. Layer the Dish:
    • Lay a single layer of buttered bread slices in the bottom of the buttered baking dish.
    • Sprinkle a handful of raisins over the bread layer.
    • Continue layering the bread and raisins until all the bread is used, finishing with a layer of bread on top.
  4. Prepare the Custard:
    • In a large bowl, beat the eggs.
    • Add the milk, salt, grated nutmeg, and sugar to the eggs. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
    • Assemble the Pudding:
    • Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and raisins, ensuring all the bread is soaked.
    • Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
    • If desired, place a layer of Flaky pastry under the bread and butter layers for a crispy base.
  5. Bake:
    • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
  6. Serve:
    • Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving.
    • Serve warm, optionally with a drizzle of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
    • Enjoy!!

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]

Country Style Boiled Rump of Beef

Here is an old time recipe that I enjoyed many years ago while on the farm.

Ingredients:

  • 1 rump of beef
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 pint of red wine
  • 1 pint of hot water
  • 2-3 large onions, finely chopped
  • Hearts of 8–10 lettuces, finely chopped
  • A generous piece of butter
  • Flour (for rolling the butter)

Instructions:

  1. Initial Boil: Place the rump of beef in a large pot of boiling water. Boil for 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Meat: Remove the beef from the pot. Make 3-4 deep cuts along the side of the meat. Rub salt and pepper into these cuts.
  3. Prepare the Dish:
    • Place the beef in a large, deep dish or stew pan.
    • Pour in the red wine and hot water.
    • Add the finely chopped onions and lettuce hearts.
    • Roll the butter in a little flour and add it to the dish.
  4. Stewing:
    • Place the beef with the fleshy part facing down.
    • Cover the dish tightly.
    • Let it stew for 1.5 hours over a very low heat.
  5. Final Steps:
    • Once the beef is fully cooked, remove it from the dish.
    • Pour the sauce from the dish over the beef.
    • Cook up some potatoes, along with a vegetable of choice, and you’re all set.
    • Enjoy!

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]