Wild About Nature Camp-4-Kids, Take A Look!

Got a note from this lady which has a family event and different other things happening so thought you might like to take a look.  Just click on the link in the message below and it will direct you to her web site for more info.

A quick note to let you know that construction of Nature’s Corner, a natural history centre located in Restoule, is just about done!
Wild About Nature Day Camp-4-Kids will resume in December whereas the adult seminars, family events and special days for children 7 years and under will be added to the programming in the new year. Please check the website www.naturecamp4kids.ca for updates.
I’d sure appreciate you spreading the good word around.
Happy World Fisheries Day on November 20th.
Diane Bourdon
Woodland Presentations

Don’t Be Fooled When It Comes To Eating Properly

Things folks are going to have  to start realising is that all food isn’t good for you. My wife and I having farmed most our lives and supplying fresh vegetables, fruits and things to the public. you might say we know a touch more than most of what is really getting into the food chain. Not in a bragging way don’t think that,  just that we have dealt with these things most our life.  Food is life and it is something we can’t do with out and these huge companies know this and are now trying to take control of the farming industry.  And I should say they are doing a good job at it too, as most of all the small time farmers are gone.  What a shame, I always say a once self efficient country like Canada, now having to rely on other countries or huge corporations.  Just not right folks, and for your sake I am hoping more will stand up and speak out for what is right.

The chemical commonly used to ripen fruits commercially is ethephon (2-chloroethylphosphonic acid), which penetrates into the fruit and decomposes to ethylene.  This stuff in itself isn’t good for you.

You have to remember that when you see nice looking fruit from other countries like China and so on in the stores here in Canada, that they aren’t shipped to us ripened, they are shipped to us green. As if they didn’t they would all be rotten when they arrived. SO, if you pick fruit when it is green or not ripened in other words, all the goodness hasn’t been developed yet and in turn you are not getting the things that your body needs when you get to eating them.  Like take cows, chickens and pigs, they are pumped full of all kinds of chemicals, drugs and who knows what, so they grow fast and fat. Most never see the light of day, or for that matter even have a chance to take a walk around the barn yard. Some never get to put one foot in front of the other.  They say this is the only way they can feed the world.  I say that is crazy talk.  It all boils down to money.  If the old farmers were still out there in the fields like they were years ago, there would be lots of food for folks. You might have to buy it directly from them, or a fruit stand out by the road, or a farmers market, but at least you would be eating healthy and good quality food, food that does your body good.  Now the farms are pretty well owned or controlled by huge corporations and the ones that still owns their own farm. are told what they can grow, how much they can grow, what seeds to use, like generic and so on.  You call this farming?  I don’t I call this farming at all. I could tell you what I really think it is but I won’t as it wouldn’t help one bit.  So folks all that I can say is don’t buy food that is not in season here in Canada, support your farmers, speak out against these things like Generic food and seeds, pesticides and so on.  When our fruit and veggies comes into  stores buy up what you can and put enough away for winter. The way to do this, simple, get back into doing up preserves and things.  Sure it takes some time, but as I keep on saying. How much is your health worth to you. Most folks care more for their own car than they do their own body today.   Better yet get out there and plant your own garden. I figure if you own a bit of property there is no reason to not having something growing through the nice sunny days of summer. It’s all up to you.  My opinion only.

Generic Food & Seeds Say No

The thing folks are going to have to deal with and deal with it fast, is this Generic food that they are putting out there today.  Things is most just don’t realise what it is doing to us humans.   If you take a look at some of these big farms through out the USA you will see that they are owned by the Pharmaceutical companies.  Right there that should send up some red flags.   If this is allowed to get going which it is already, they will have control of what ever they want to put into your food. You won’t know what they are doing to you.  This is not a good thing.  I do see though that folks are standing up for what is right and some big companies are noticing. Like Wall-mart,  They are now heading out to the farmers that grow organic and talking to them. You can see on their shelves now lots of organic things which is a good sign.  Just need to get more.  The only one that can change this before it is to late, is you.  What you have to do is stop buying this generic stuff and go organic.  I know it is going to cost you a touch more, but what is your health worth to you.  Other ways is to grow your own, get out on a weekend and go to a farmers market.  Stop in and see a farmer and ask some questions like is your crops organic or is your meat, chickens and pork let loose to eat good old grass and things.  Free range they are calling them.   All kinds of things you can do, and if a lot of folks get to doing what is right, no matter how large these companies are, they will have to listen.  Just got to say no………………………..to Generic, and don’t give in, your life might depend on it.  My Opinion Only

Quick Good Morning From Port Loring Ontario

}Good morning.”  Cool morning here so far, with frost on the pumpkins showing all  its beauty.  Guess some say there isn’t anything beautiful about it, but I say.  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, just like the old days when my Grandfather was alive.  Nothing nicer to look outside on these cold mornings and watch the smoke slowly curling up over the trees and bowing down to the earth below.  And to see the frost glistening off the grass and trees is something all in itself.  My wife and I just love it.  The old wood furnace is perkin’ away as well as the coffee, which aroma is now letting me know that it’s time to go and get a cup.  Enjoy your day.

Letter Of Appreciation From The Powassan Library

Well got a letter from the Powassan Library yesterday,  letting me know how much they appreciated my coming down awhile back. It was a real fine night for sure and had a good turn out too. The folks that run the library did a real find job and should be commended. The food was great and nicely laid out. They made me feel welcome and was a relaxing evening.    I got to say though, their punch was fantastic.  My wife even got their recipe before we left.  I should be the one thanking them. So………I will.  Thanks folks!

Card Of Appreciation November 2009 Powassan Library
Card Of Appreciation November 2009 Powassan Library
Powassan Library Card To Me
Powassan Library Appreciation Letter November 2009

“How Could We All Have Been So Blind For So Long!’

You know for a few years now I have been writing things here in my Blog that I felt that others should at the very least be taking a serious look at.  The thing I would like you to know is, that I am not against all doctors, lawyers, ministers, government officials, pharmaceutical companies, teachers and folks like that.  I do really believe there are some, that are on the right track and truly trying to help folks in today’s world. I just wish that they would speak out more often.

On the other hand, I also believe that there is a lot of them folks out there that are only in the game for money, or to make a name for themselves.  I also believe that there is a lot of them that are using us as human Ginny Pigs.  I also believe that we are being subjected to things that in turn effects a fellow or gal’s mind and body, an sways their thinking in such ways that it is causing harm to themselves.  Years ago a family relied on what was on hand and had the common sense to make their own decisions.   They also knew when the wool was being pulled over their eyes, so to speak.  I like to think of myself as one of those.   Trouble is, we are a dying breed and if the younger ones don’t catch on fast, this world is going to be in serious trouble.  I have seen a glimmer of hope though here in Canada, as folks lately have started to stand up for themselves and speaking out, not being afraid of what others will think, say or do.  Sadly our younger generation today, about one-third or more believe in ghosts, communication with the dead, extraterrestrials, aliens, Big Foot, etc.  Are you getting what I am trying to say here???  So to sum it all up and pointing directly to those; doctors, lawyers, government officials, ministers, teachers, and pharmaceutical companies, the ones I distrust. I say this, for myself and others like myself:  “Don’t expect us to like you or to listen to you any more. You promised us too much and failed to deliver. You never even tried to answer the questions truthfully that we have all been asking. You have just expected us to believe that what ever you say is the truth. I believe that you are all playing, misusing and abusing our sense of wonder. There is an appetite for wonder, and isn’t true science well qualified to feed it?”

”  It’s time for us to change our ways folks.”  My Opinion Only

From My Readers

Hi George.
Here is a comment we received from a loyal reader.
I can relate to the stories, too. Laura looked at the beechwood bush as hers. My mother was the same with her rose bushes. But when she sold her house, the first thing the new owners did was pluck the bushes. I never understood that.
I look forward every week to putting together the photo page, and it wouldn’t be the same without you.
Talk soon.
Maria

Remember, Your Septic System Is Alive, Take Care Of It.

One item that most folks forget when living in the country on septic systems, is what you are putting into it.  The main thing that should be avoided is antibacterial soap or bleach. Thing is folks, a septic is made up of bacteria that eats things down in there and keeps things moving.  So……..only common sense not to put things into your septic that kills bacteria.  My wife and I use good old regular soap of years past. Works great.  We never use antibacterial soap for anything, as all that does is promote stronger bacteria, which causes all kinds of problems with our health.  Through my eyes it should have never been made and brought onto the market for public use.  My Opinion Only

From My Readers

Good day sir:
I’ve been reading your stories since they first appeared in Community Voices.  Am I ever glad that you joined this team of story tellers. Now I see that we have the good fortune to have your stories appear in the Sat. edition of the Nugget. You’ve had some very interesting things happen to you throughout your life. Thank you for sharing them with us. You fill the shoes of Mr. Hakala very well as I had read his stories for a few years but never took the opportunity to thank him. I just read your story about Grey Wolf and his bear friend, “awesome”, to say the least. Please keep up the good work.
I am fairly familiar with your neck of the woods as I have done some work in Port Lorring. My wife and I reside on the outskirts of Mattawa, Papineau Twp.
Have a good day sir.
Sincerely Bart

From My Readers

I never miss your column in the North Bay Nugget or  Community Voice. I Love it. Reminds me of my Grandfather  A gentle hard-working orderly person who never  wasted a thing in his  life and could make me a whistle or a toy or a very useful  item out of something he knew the exact where-abouts-of.  He went overseas during  World War I, and the only stories I remember him telling  were in relation to the kindly and appreciative people  he met and the countryside.  He raised a wonderful family of 5 after his wife died  in child-birth.  Mom was the oldest and had to quit school at the age of 13  to stay home with her siblings. You are so right.  It WAS a hard life, but those people will never be forgotten. Thanks for keeping their memories alive. Elva

From My Readers

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your stories.  It is the first thing I look for in the Community Voices. I am sure I missed your first ones because I don t know who Laura is.  My guess is that you were taken in as a child by her and husband. It sounds like it was the kinda of childhood that I  always wanted. Your stories are so down to earth and I use a lot of your  tips for the garden etc. Keep it up  and the next time I see you in the IGA in Sundridge I am going to speak to you and maybe get your autograph.  That way I will have it before your autobiography comes out.  Be well       Pamela

From My Readers

Dear Mr Walters,

I am overwhelmed by your wonderful response. I feel that you wrote a whole story just for us. Thank You, Thank You. We are so looking forward to meet you in the spring. Your stories are always interesting, so please do not stop writing . I am sure that even if you did not write in the paper, you would still write on all the interesting subjects you cover.
We do not get the North Bay Nugget, but are considering it now.

From My Readers

Just a note to your staff editors. I look forward to the Saturday morning paper as I am a follower of George Walters. When it was on Wednesday I would still read him first. I am from the farm life, before I joined the Service, Now retired here in North Bay, I  can relate to his stories. I head for that section first then I read the rest. So pass this on to George please top keep up the stories.
Thank you Nugget Editors
Richard Barnard North Bay

Loring General Store, Loring Ontario; About 1912

Years ago where I was raised there was an old general store that once a week I got to visit.  The two main items on my list while there was the candy sticks and listening to the old fellows that gathered there each day tellin’ their stories.  Also take notice of that old scale on the counter.  I got one identical here at our home and still works great.  This picture of Kelcey’s General Store here in Port Loring brought back a lot of memories for me so thought I would share.  Click on picture to enlarge

Kelcey's Store Loring About 1912
Kelcey's Store Loring About 1912

One Plant Most Take For Granted

Dug up the last of my dandelions yesterday while out there planting my garlic.  Washed all the roots and put them in the oven.  I sure enjoy adding the roots once ground up, to my coffee every day.  If you haven’t ever tried fresh perked coffee mixed with one spoon of dandelion roots, you are sure missing out.  And thing is, they are so…… good for you.  Dandelion roots are a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, C, and D, D stops the flu in its tracks, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. Dandelion roots are also used as an appetite stimulant, digestive aid, and an amazing aid for liver and gallbladder function.  It also helps in lowering ones blood pressure and acts when called upon to help one relax.   Can’t beat that huh?  Yep Mother Nature has a lot to offer, one just has to know where to look.  One last thing.  Do to all the pesticides that are allowed these days, one should make sure you know where you are digging your roots.  Don’t need you getting sick from eating them covered with pesticides.   Talk soon and have a great day, even though it is raining in most parts of the country today.  But I never let them days bug me.  I am alive and well and that is all that really matters in life.

Weather For The Week

Weather for today and most of next week.  Hmmm, did I see some white stuff in there???  Oh and for up to the minute weather, click on my weather station link, which is on the left of the screen.  Says Port Loring Weather. I gotta’ say it is right on the money.

Today
A few showers changing to rain at times heavy this morning. Amount 5 to 10 mm(0.2 to 0.4 in). Wind becoming south 30 km/h (19 mph) late this morning. High 15C(59F).

Tonight
Rain at times heavy. Amount 15 mm(0.6 in). Wind south 40 km/h (25 mph) gusting to 70 km/h (43 mph). Low 8C(46F).
rain

Saturday
Showers at times heavy. Wind southwest 30 km/h (19 mph) gusting to 60 km/h (37 mph). Temperature falling to 5C(41F) in the afternoon.
cloudy

Sunday
Cloudy. Low 2C(36F). High 6C(43F).
rain

Monday
Periods of rain. Low 2C(36F). High 7C(45F).
cloudy

Tuesday
Cloudy. Low 0C(32F). High 3C(37F).
snow

Wednesday
Periods of snow mixed with rain. Low 0C(32F). High 4C(39F).
snow

Thursday
Periods of snow. Low 0C(32F). High 2C(36F). Normals for the period low -1C(30F). High 7C(45F).

Forecast For Coming Winter 2009 – 2010

To George Walters

What do  you make of this fine weather we are experiencing this year? As a homesteader I have found it mighty hard to garden & cut my wood for winter.

As I have wandered about this week when it wasn’t raining I noticed there is not a pine cone on any trees on my property. From your past experiences do you know what this would mean?

I used to hear if they cones were high up on the tree the snow would be high, if they were low then snow was not deep that year.
Not seeing any cones I was wondering if we would have any snow or not.

Thank you for any information

Reply:

Hi there , nice to hear from you. Yep I noticed that too.  One thing you got to keep an eye on is if you happen to have an over amount of red squirrels.  If so they clean them up and put them in piles at the base of trees or in the crook of trees.  Usually the squirrels are the ones that knock them to the ground.  Other than that they stay on the tree until the hot sun breaks them open so they can spread the seeds inside of them.  If for example  farmers had a great crops  that meant a long cold winter as nature knows and wants to make sure every one eats. My wife put up 70 quart jars of tomatoes and lots of other things in the freezer this year in-spite of the not so good summer.   The coats on the deer are a wee bit heavier than normal this year so one would figure that that is another sign they are getting ready.  The pine cones as you say have been gathered up and put away for winter by birds, squirrels and chipmunks so that is another sign.  If there is any they will be up high on the very tops.  The leaves on the trees were also very full this year which is another sign of a not so good winter. So………… hard year to tell but a few signs does say we should be putting in a wee bit more firewood in the basement or where it is easy to get at.  I would also think we might get some snow this year do to the fact there is so much moisture in the soil and things.  I know you are right about the wood being so hard to keep dry this year and last year also.  Two years ago I bit the bullet and built a lean to to put my wood under. Just got fed up with it being wet all the time. Tarps seemed to make it worse.  I have never been happier now that I got it built.  They aren’t that expensive to build either, mine holds around 20 split face cords and cost around 400 all total roof and all.  Although I put plywood for a roof and then cheated by staining the plywood and laying a tarp over the top of that, for now any-ways. So far so good.  Some day I will get energetic and put up some shingles or something.   Maybe.  Well you take care, gloomy old day out there again this morning.  Guess I will plant the rest of my garlic got half of it in had to go and pick up some more as run out.  Take care George

Welcome to my little corner of the countryside, where storytelling meets the everyday joys of woodworking, farming, and gardening. I’m GW, a writer and published author with over thirty years of experience.