George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

Are We Really Hurting the U.S. by Staying Home?

Leave a comment

Only On The Walters Post

Now, I’m not here to tell folks what to think, I’m just sharing what life has shown me. Take from it what makes sense, leave the rest, but maybe let it sit with you a while.

I’ve been reading and hearing quite a bit lately about how Canada’s decision to keep more of its travel dollars at home is hurting the folks down south. Some say the U.S. is losing billions from Canadians choosing not to vacation there, or even from so-called boycotts. But when I look at the whole picture, it feels more like a story that’s been blown up by a few people trying to stir the pot.

Sure, there’s truth in the numbers. Fewer Canadians are heading across the border or flying off to Florida and Arizona. Some estimates suggest the U.S. has lost billions because of that. Border towns and places that once relied on steady streams of Canadians popping in to shop or fill up on gas are certainly feeling it. There’s no arguing those local impacts.

But step back a little and you’ll see the real situation. The United States is a massive country with a booming domestic travel industry. Most folks heading to Florida or Las Vegas or New York are Americans, not Canadians. They’ve also got visitors pouring in from Europe, Asia, and all over. That steady flow of people more than makes up for a dip in Canadian snowbirds.

And let’s be honest, the Canadians who truly want that sunshine come January will still pack up and go. Those with the means to rent a condo for a few months or haul their RV to a warm spot aren’t likely to stop just because of a little political noise or a high exchange rate. They might grumble a bit, but come winter, they’re heading south. Always have, probably always will.

In the end, while we might like to think keeping our tourism dollars at home is teaching someone a lesson, it’s likely not doing much more than making headlines. The U.S. economy is big enough to weather fewer Canadians buying beach towels and shrimp dinners. Meanwhile, many of us are finding just as much joy exploring what’s in our own backyard.

And maybe that’s not such a bad thing.

Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

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]

George's Writers Corner, News, Information & Events, Weather, What's Happening

Still Sharpening Pencils After All These Years on July 7/2025

Leave a comment

Click on Image to Enlarge

Another View of our Property

Looking outside she’s a cloudy morning here waking up in cottage country.

☀️ Weather Summary & Takeaway

Today (July 7):
Expect low-hanging clouds through the morning, then some sunshine peeking through. It’ll stay comfortable, with a high around 73 °F and dropping to a crisp 52 °F tonight.

Tomorrow (July 8):
A pleasant day ahead—cleared-up skies mixing sun and clouds, high of 76 °F, cooling down to about 58 °F overnight.

Highway 522 has been—or at least was—fairly busy lately, but in saying that, it has definitely slowed down more than it normally does for this time of year. I suspect it’s because folks here in Canada are hurting. Between the rising cost of living and less left in their paychecks, people are feeling stretched. Add in gas prices that seem too high and interest rates on loans and mortgages that remain steep, and you’ve got a recipe for hesitation. Each trip costs more, every errand adds up, and many are thinking twice before hitting the road.

Now, that slowdown isn’t just out on the roads—it’s in the real estate market, too. Some are saying property values in our area have dropped 25 percent. But the truth is, that simply isn’t the case. Across Northern Ontario, where Port Loring sits, the average home price has dipped about 0.7 percent, which is modest at best. Meanwhile, in the northeastern regions—places like ours—the year-over-year decline has been around 6.2 percent, not the dramatic 25 percent some are claiming .

In cottage country more broadly, prices have seen varied movement. Some premium waterfront areas faced year-over-year drops—like Muskoka at roughly 10 percent—but others are climbing or holding steady.

In fact, many experts are forecasting slight rises of around 1 to 4 percent in 2025, depending on the region.

Locally, in communities like Port Loring—part of what’s called unorganized townships—we still have advantages: fewer restrictions, ample land, and that genuine country community feel. Buyers are still interested. They’re just more careful, waiting and watching before committing.

We’re selling our own place right now, and we’ve heard all the chatter: “You’ve lost a quarter of your value.” That’s fear talking, not facts. If you’re not pressed for time, don’t panic-pricing your property. Hold your price steady. You worked hard for what you built. A 6 percent dip isn’t your loss—that’s market cooling. And markets do what they always do: they bounce back when balance returns.

Yes, the highway’s a bit quieter and buyers are pausing—but that doesn’t mean demand’s gone. It’s here. Just slower and steadier. So stay firm, value what you’ve created, and don’t let exaggerated hype push you around.

Yesterday, my wife and I had one of those busy days you don’t forget, with a steady stream of folks dropping by our gift shop. I’ll say it again—this year is shaping up to be one for the books. We’ve sold more flutes than ever before, all handcrafted right here on our property. People seem to really connect with the sound and story behind each one.

But it’s not just the flutes flying off the shelves. Our books are proving just as popular—folks are grabbing them up like wildfire. And it’s no wonder why. Each book is packed with over fifty stories and tales about just about everything—things that have happened, things happening now, and even what’s just around the corner in life. It’s like holding a piece of our land, our memories, and our everyday adventures in your hands.

If you haven’t stopped by lately, maybe it’s time. Whether it’s a flute’s song or a story’s pull, there’s something here for everyone. We’d love to see you.

So what are you up to today GW?

Well, with the weather looking like it’s about to turn nicer, I’m planning to spend some time in our vegetable garden today—got a few more weeds sneaking in that need some attention. After that, I’m thinking some front porch sitting will be just the thing, soaking in the peace and beauty of our little slice of Port Loring. Honestly, it’s one of the nicest spots around.

Alongside that, my wife and I will be welcoming customers at our gift shop, so our day is shaping up to be a full one. If you’re out this way, drop by and say hello. Our shop’s right at 11588 Highway 522, Port Loring, Ontario. We’d be glad to see you—and if you’re interested, we’ll even give you a tour of our property. It’s a place with plenty of stories to share.

So with that I am off for my breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me and will then enjoy a cup of hot cocoa before heading outdoors.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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]

George's Writers Corner, Weather, What's Happening

Cowboy Hats at the Calgary Stampede

Leave a comment

Only On The Walters Post

Now, I’m not here to tell folks what to think, I’m just sharing what life has shown me. Take from it what makes sense, leave the rest, but maybe let it sit with you a while.

So, there’s Carney, strutting around the Calgary Stampede wearing a cowboy hat like he owns the place. Now, don’t get me wrong, cowboy hats have their charm, but let’s just say not everyone can pull off the look. And Carney, well, the hat might be doing more work than he is.

Now some folks have that natural cowboy vibe, the face, the swagger, and the confidence that says, “Yeah, I’ve been riding bulls and riding horses since I was knee-high.” But Carney looks more like he just wandered in from a tourist bus, trying to blend in with the locals by borrowing someone’s hat. It’s not that the hat’s bad, it’s just, well, I kind of think, that Carney’s hat is the star of the show and Carney’s playing backup.

Still, you have to admire the effort. It takes guts to wear a cowboy hat in a place full of real cowboys all around. Maybe that’s the point, it’s not about looking perfect but about joining the fun, tipping your hat even if it’s a little sideways, and soaking up the Stampede spirit.

So here’s to Carney, the man, the myth, and the cowboy hat legend in his own way. Truth be told, the hat’s a lot easier to root for than the guy wearing it, but that’s just part of the Stampede story.

Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

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]

George's Writers Corner

A One-of-a-Kind Property For Sale in Port Loring — Home, Cottage & Peaceful Country Living

Leave a comment

Only On The Walters Post

Click on Image to Enlarge Video Coming Soon


If you’ve been dreaming of a place where you can step out your door and hear nothing but the breeze through the trees, or watch the stars from your deck without a city light in sight, this might just be the spot. Sitting on 1.2 acres with 400 feet of frontage along Highway 522 in Port Loring, Ontario, this property is more than just a house — it’s a slice of the good life, and a must-see for anyone looking for quiet country comfort.

The main home is a sturdy, well-kept 1,100 square feet, freshly painted inside, with two bedrooms on the main floor and a third upstairs that could easily become a guest room or hobby space. It’s got all new insulation and drywall, a solid aluminum exterior, and a brand-new roof done by All Heights Roofing in 2023, complete with new plywood and 25-year shingles. Downstairs, there’s a full basement with a new washer (2024) and a neat area for firewood.

The place is set up for easy living no matter the season. A new Mac wood furnace heats the house efficiently on about 10 face cords of wood for the winter, with an oil backup and a tank inspected every year. There’s even a generator hookup with its own panel, so if the power ever goes out, you’re still comfortable.

Step outside, and you’ll find three new decks, each built in 2021, wrapping around the house to give you a sunny spot or a shady retreat any time of day. Beyond that, there’s a hand-built fishpond with a new liner and a charming waterwheel that turns gently — one of those peaceful touches that’s hard to find anywhere else.

The property is bursting with perennial plants galore, showing off an endless variety of colors all year round while requiring low maintenance. There’s also a well-maintained vegetable garden that’s been tended for over 20 years, offering plenty of room to grow anything you like and enough space to feed four people or more.

This home is also within walking distance to everything in town, yet just a short drive away from some of the best fishing spots the area has to offer.

This property is more than just the house. There’s also a snug one-room cottage with its own new roof and a wrap-around deck, perfect for visiting family, a rental, or just your private getaway. And there is a brand-new separate shower house built in 2022 comes complete with a fish cleaning station, so you’re set up for outdoor living and entertaining.

Need space for hobbies or work? You’ll appreciate the woodworking shop, insulated and topped with an aluminum roof, warmed by its own wood stove. The attached carport keeps your projects — or your truck — dry year-round. There’s also a big lean-to that holds up to 22 face cords of wood, plus a sturdy shed behind the cottage for your mower, tools, or lumber.

The water’s good here, too. A drilled well has provided clean water for over 22 years, tested twice a year. The home is outfitted with a high-end Kinetico water softener, a whole-house iron-out system, and a reverse osmosis filter under the kitchen sink.

The cement septic system was built to handle gatherings, with two tanks — one for solids, one for water — feeding into a well-kept filter bed, all installed by licensed local pro Dale Brooks. There’s even a legal commercial highway sign on the property, already licensed, if you’ve got a small business in mind.

The land itself is special: fully surveyed with steel stakes, registered in Parry Sound, and it includes a whole additional parcel joined right on, giving you even more room to roam, garden, or just let nature be.

It’s all been thoughtfully cared for, paid off in full, and ready for someone new to come and enjoy. Whether you want a quiet spot to retire, a place to bring your family for summers by the pond, or a home base for hunting, fishing, and exploring the North, this property offers a lifestyle you won’t find anywhere else. You have to see it to fully grasp what it has to offer.

Asking $689,900, but all offers will be considered.
For more information or to arrange a viewing, please contact Angie McCandless, Realtor with Forest Hill Real Estate Inc. Brokerage.
Visit www.listingwithangie.ca or call 705-358-3325.

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]

George's Writers Corner, Weather, What's Happening

Morning Thoughts Before the World Wakes on July 5/2025

Leave a comment

Click on Image to Enlarge!

Good Mornin’ from the North; Where the Sky’s Bigger, the Days Are Longer, and Life’s a Whole Lot Simpler.

So starting things off we’re waking up under a sky that’s partly sunny this morning, The humidity’s hanging around, but nothing one can’t handle.

By midday, temps will climb fast toward a hot 85°F (29°C). Expect plenty of sunshine with just a few clouds drifting by. A light southwest breeze will also roll in around lunchtime, just enough to stir the leaves, but not your hat.

Tonight, things will stay mild and a bit sticky, with the low sitting at 69°F (21°C). You can expect some clouds to drift in, with a 40% chance of a late-day thunderstorm. You might even hear a rumble if you’re on the porch, so keep an eye skyward.

Tomorrow rolls in cooler and wetter: highs near 75°F (24°C), lows around 55°F (13°C). Expect rain and even a thunderstorm, especially in the afternoon, so best to keep your raincoat handy if you’re heading out.

Highway 522 has been picking up traffic every day, which is about what you’d expect for this time of year. And with our gift shop and garage sale set up here at 11588 Highway 522 in Port Loring, we’ve been seeing a steady stream of new faces pulling in.

Selling a few things is always nice, sure, but that’s not the best part. The real pleasure comes from chatting with folks, hearing about what’s going on in their lives, and stepping outside your own little world for a bit. The thing is, most people have a story worth hearing if you take the time to really listen.

You know, it makes my day when someone drops by and shares a tale or two. You could say it reminds you just how connected we all really are, and we are, though not always in ways most folks truly understand. To explain it properly, well, that’s something best done face to face. Some things just don’t come through the same in written words.

But I’ll say this much. It has to do with energy. Not the kind you measure with wires and gauges, but something quieter and deeper. It’s the pull between people, the kind you feel when someone’s really present, or when a story lands just right. That energy is always there, surrounding us, and it ties us together in ways we can’t always explain, but somehow know are true.

So if you ever find yourself heading down this way, don’t be a stranger. There’s always a chair to sit on, some shade out back, and usually a bit of time to share, if the feeling’s right.

Bug Report: This morning, as I was picking rose petals for some health remedies, those pesky mosquitoes were out in full force. It was all I could do to get the petals picked, and I was more than happy to get back inside. That said, they should ease off once the sun comes out… let’s hope so.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today is shaping up to be a nice one, and with rain on the way for tomorrow, I figure I’ll get busy digging some more dandelion roots, along with comfrey roots and mullein leaves. It’s always good to have those tucked away come winter when they aren’t fresh and handy. My wife and I have leaned on them for years now to help with all sorts of aches and ailments, so having a good stock is a kind of quiet insurance.

That’ll keep me busy for most of the day, though if time allows, I might tackle cleaning up my old woodworking shop again. I’ve gotten a bit sloppy in there over the past few days, and it feels good to bring some order back now and then. And of course, we’ll be sure to make time for folks dropping by the garage sale and the gift shop. It’s always a pleasure to see new faces and catch up with old friends.

I have to tell you, this year is shaping up to be one for the books when it comes to selling flutes and the books we’ve put together that are filled with hard-earned knowledge about life, natural health remedies, and gardening. Not to forget all my stories of life in general. You know, for me, it feels good to share those stories and lessons, knowing they might help someone else find their own way. Which is the way things should be, especially in a world as complicated as we all are living in now.

So with that I am off for my breakfast once again that my lovely wife is making for me and will then head out to our front porch for a cup of hot cocoa which will give us a good start on the day ahead. You just never know what a day might bring, and I really mean that.

Until the next time: Keep Your Minds Open & Your Stories Alive. GW

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]