Randy Booth

First off, this morning, Ruth and I were so sad Io hear, that we lost a very good friend the other day. Randy Booth. He was a great man. I got to know Randy through his brother Kerry, and over the years we became friends with the family. I hunted with him and enjoyed his humour when ever we got together. There wasn’t a year that went by that he didn’t drop by our home for a visit, where we shared some memories, experiences and laughter. He was a one of a kind guy. Our condolences go out to all the Booth family.

You can reach George Walters at: [email protected]

What’s Happening February 7/2022

It’s a cloud morning here in Port Loring, Ontario. We are also having some more snow. Yesterday we had about one inch, but overnight we didn’t have any. I would suspect we will be having another inch or two as the day moves forward. Highway 522 is mostly bare, with some snow covered areas throughout. If you’re heading to town, your car, truck what ever will be needing a bath when you return.

Yesterday I worked away here in a Podcast and another story for my newspaper column. Today I will do the same, and I think just to get some exercise later on, I might clean my path that leads to the wood pile, that I use for my shop stove. It’s mostly pine, which I don’t use in our wood furnace.

So with that I am off for a boiled egg and a piece of toast that my lovely wife is making me, along with a cup of tea afterwords. Not that I am a real tea lover. But I do like something different from time to time. It seems that the older I get, the more coffee bothers my old stomach for some reason. Figures, as it is something that I really enjoy. Never ceases to amaze me, that as we age, the more things that you love, or enjoy are taken from you. Strange. Have a great day. GW

My Old School House

Here is the old school house that I went to many years ago. Notice the two doors, one on each side. Girls and Boys. Ha Ha.

Today, they would call that discrimination. Singling one out over the other. Just another bit on how our world has become these days.

The thing is … what happened in the past shouldn’t be destroyed as some are doing with our statues, books and things. We should look at them, as a remember-when, and learn from them. Destroying our past is destroying our future.

Oh! And actually, I think it would be a good idea to have separate doors today.

Click on Picture to Enlarge!

You can reach George Walters at: [email protected]

What’s Happening On February 6/2022

It’s a cloudy, snowy morning here in Port Loring, Ontario. By the looks of things, we could get another 3 to 6 inches before it stops. Highway 522 is still bare at the moment, as the snow just started at 7:45 AM. So knowing that and seeing the way it is starting to come down, I would say that travelling isn’t going to be all that good today. Best to stay home and work on some projects that I am sure everyone has a few of. In this country, there is always something that needs attending. Or so it seems.

On another note, I might take some coals from my wood furnace and get my shop stove going later on today. That way things will warm up in there and my snow blower will start easier. As by the looks of things I will be needing it tomorrow. It does have an electric start, but I still like it to warm up a bit before using. Saves a lot of wear and tear on the motor.

Yesterday I finished off another podcast and today will start another. It’s taking me a bit of time getting used to the new microphone set up. So I will be working on that too. These new high-tech items are nice in a lot of ways, but a pain in other ways trying to figure out how they work and go together. Ha Ha. Maybe I am just getting old.

With that, I am off for a boiled egg and some fried potatoes that my lovely wife is preparing for me, along with a cup of fresh perked coffee, and will then get to work Hmm … Maybe I had better put some more wood in the furnace. Getting a little chilly in here. Take care and have a great day. GW

You can reach George Walters at: [email protected]

What’s Happening On February 5/2022

Good Morning! It’s a very cold Saturday morning here in Port Loring, Ontario, Canada. The temperatures overnight and into this morning were as follows:

-22.3 C | -8.14 F 1:54 AM
-24.2 C | -11.56 F 3:09 AM
-30.7 C | -23.26 F 7:47 AM

Highway 522 is mostly bare, but there are some snow and ice covered areas here and there. But travelling should be good if you’re in need of going to town for some groceries and things. We could see a few flurries as the day progresses, but nothing to cause any problems.

On another note, we have had our wood furnace perkin’ away for the past two days. That wood heat sure feels nice. You know, with all our plants that we have and our wood heat, you could say our home is a touch like being in Florida. But at the moment we would sooner be here than down there.

But in saying that, I hope things get back to normal soon, so that in the future my lovely wife and I can do some travelling.

As I said many times, we are going to have to eventually come to grips with this virus and treat it much like the common cold, with precautions of course. As today, we have a lot more defences, being able to treat the virus with vaccines and other medicines, along with all the knowledge we have gained pertaining to how it spreads. I can see moving ahead and slowly opening things. Not so fast that our hospitals are overwhelmed, though.

“I ALSO BELIEVE THAT… WE HAVE TO STOP TRYING TO FORCE PEOPLE TO GET THE VACCINES.”

That is the biggie for me.” I have always been against forcing people to do anything, as it’s not right. Forcing people to do things they don’t want to never works, never has … never will. The problem is our Powers That Be and a lot of people, have been trying and doing just that for years, which I believe is wrong. If we stopped doing that, it would save a lot of grief, that is being caused today.

Will it stop? Well … it will have too, as if we don’t, we all will end up killing ourselves. And what a shame that would be.

What we have to do, is let those unvaccinated or who ever, go their way and let the vaccinated and others go their way. Things will work out. I guarantee it. That’s not to say that we should stop wearing our masks, and keep up the social distancing, though.

As truth be told … If we all continued to wear our masks, it would cut down on most of all the colds and flu’s that we normally get. Which in turn would save Billions of dollars in flu shots, along with saving millions of people from getting sick.

With that, I am off to have a boiled egg this morning that my lovely wife is preparing for me, and will then get to work on a few podcasts I have in mind. Take care, stay safe and most of all …. have a great day. Make it a good day! You’re the only one that can do that. GW

You can reach George Walters at: [email protected]

Friday Morning Smile

Two cowboys come upon an Indian lying on his stomach with his
ear to the ground. One of the cowboys stops and says to the
other, “You see that Indian?”  “Yeah,” says the other cowboy.
“Look,” says the first one, “he’s listening to the ground. He
can hear things for miles in any direction.”  Just then the
Indian looks up.  “Covered wagon,” he says, “about two miles
away. Have two horses, one brown, one white. Man, woman, child,
household effects in wagon.”

“Incredible!” says the cowboy to his friend. “This Indian knows
how far away they are, how many horses, what colour they are, who
is in the wagon, and what is in the wagon. Amazing!”

The Indian looks up and says, “Ran over me about a half hour ago.”

You can reach George Walters at: [email protected]

Episode 92: Life’s Lessons

Episode 92: So how you all doing this morning? Good I hope. At the time I posted this Podcast the temperature was sitting at -25.6 C | -14.08 F. Which is a touch cool for me. I have to admit, I am looking forward to spring. Anyway, I have another podcast lined up for you today that takes a look at how we are, or have been teaching our offspring’s. I hope you enjoy ‘Life’s Lessons.’ Take care. GW

You can reach George Walters at:[email protected]

Me & a Friend Click to Enlarge!

What’s Happening On February 4/2022

Good Morning! It’s a sunny morning here in Port Loring, Ontario, Canada. But it is damn cold, with the temperature getting out of bed sitting at -25.6 C | -14.08 F. I am glad I started up our wood furnace yesterday. I have been burning oil for the past two days, being warmer outside. But it seemed that no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get warm. I had it cranked up to 72 and still had to have a sweater on. Ha Ha. Finally, I said I am starting the wood furnace, which I did, and within one hour my old bones were nice and toasty. Goes to show that there is no heat like wood heat, especially for us older fellers and gals.

Highway 522 is partially snow and ice covered, so care needs to be taken if out and about. I did go out earlier this morning to put some feed in the bird feeder, as yesterday the doves were sitting on the top of the feeder looking in the window at me as if to say. Hey! Where’s the grub. They should be happy now. Ha Ha. I was glad to get back inside.

On another note, I got some parts in the mail yesterday for my microphone. Which I hooked up. I have to admit, it sure made the sound of my podcasts a lot nicer. Over the next few weeks you will start to hear a difference, all for the better. With that, I am off for a bowl of oatmeal this morning and will then get to work. Take care and stay warm.

The reason why I am vaccinated!

I’m fully vaccinated and boosted.

        No, I don't know "what's in it". Neither this vaccine nor the ones I had as a child. Nor do I know what's in the 11 secret herbs and spices at KFC. I also don't know exactly what's in Ibuprofen or any other painkiller-- they just treat my headaches & my pains. I don't know what's in tattoo ink, Botox and fillers, or every ingredient in my soap, shampoo or deodorants. I don’t know the long-term effect of mobile phone use, or whether that restaurant I just ate at REALLY used clean foods and washed their hands. There's a lot of things I don't know.


        I do know one thing: life is short. Very short. And I, personally, still want to do things. I want to travel and hug people without fear and find a little feeling of life "before". Throughout my life I've been vaccinated against many diseases: measles, mumps, rubella, polio, chickenpox, hepatitis, influenza, tetanus, shingles, pneumonia. We trusted the science, and never had to suffer through or transmit any of those said diseases.

        I'm vaccinated. Not because I’m a sheep or to please the government. Not to make other people do it. But I don't want to:

        * die from Covid-19

        * clutter a hospital bed if I get sick
        * not be able to hug my loved ones
        * not be able to travel & enjoy events
        * live my life in fear


        Can't say it any clearer. I'm vaccinated for me and I wear a mask for you!

What’s Happening on February 3/2022

Good Morning! It’s another cloudy morning here in Port Loring, Ontario. It is a touch cool, with the temperature getting out of bed, sitting at -14.2 C | 6.44 F. Nothing like we had last month though, so should be no complaints. For the rest of the winter, the temperatures should remain about normal. Highway 522 is bare this morning, which will make travelling fair.

We did see hundreds of cars and trucks going past our house yesterday, which tells us there was an accident on Highway 69 somewhere. When an accident occurs close to Highway 522 they redirect them across to Highway 11. Not sure if anyone got seriously hurt or not. Let’s hope for the best.

On another note, the morning doves have returned to our bird feeder this morning. They either left for a while or dropped by while we were sleeping. That could be it, as lately I haven’t gotten out of bed till around 8:00 AM. Getting lazy in my old age. Ha Ha.

Yesterday I put together another Podcast, today I will fine tune it and add it to my collection. I enjoy doing them, as some brings back some fine memories. So while on the subject of the Podcast, I would like to say thank you once again, to all those that have taken the time to drop me a line saying they are enjoying them and not to forget those that are just listening. It means a lot.

The day before yesterday, being so warm, I let my wood furnace go out and burned a bit of oil. I don’t like the wood heat when the temperature gets up above the freezing mark. This morning, though, I lit it back up and split some small pieces, so I can keep a two stick fire going. Enough for some warmth, but not enough to make the house too hot.

So with that bit of info under your hat on a Thursday morning, I am off for a bagel with some cream cheese for a change, along with a Florida Grapefruit that my lovely wife is preparing for me. She cuts the grapefruit for me so that I can easily get the pieces out, without massacring it. Ha Ha. They are tasty right now. Actually, if you catch the North Bay Nugget within the next few days, my column which comes out weekly … is all about Florida Grapefruit. Take care and stay safe. GW

What’s Happening Feb. 2/2022

Good Morning. So how you all doing on this fine Wednesday morning? Good I hope. It has warmed up some, with the temperature sitting at 0.6 C | 33.08 F. The snow has melted a lot overnight and will continue to do so for most of the day. But in saying that, we could see a few flurries as the day moves forward. And it will begin to cool down later on tonight. Highway 522 is bare and wet this morning for most parts, which will make travelling pretty good. It’s still a little messy.

On another note, I finished up another Podcast yesterday. I bought a new microphone that my son recommended awhile back, and it works great, but sitting on my desk, and the way my desk was made, I couldn’t get close enough to it. So knowing that and the difficulty I was having I ordered a boom arm for it which is now helping a lot. I also ordered a few more things that will make it sound just that much better. Which should be delivered in a few days. Modern technology in the works here at the Walters, House. Ha Ha.

With that, I am off for a bowl of oatmeal and a piece of rasin-bread that my lovely wife is preparing for me. I don’t know what I would do without her. Hard-working woman. Take care and stay safe. GW

You can reach George Walters at: [email protected]

What’s Happening on Feb. 1/2022

Good morning! It’s a cloudy morning here in Port Loring, Ontario. We could see a glimpse of sunshine off and on throughout the day. We could also see some light flurries, but nothing to write home about. The temperature waking up was sitting at -4.8 C | 23.36 F. Not bad at all for this time of year, and it will warm up even more as the day progresses. Highway 522 is mostly bare, with a lot of slushy sections throughout. Not a good day for going anywhere, if you’re wanting to keep your car clean.

On another note, we haven’t had too many birds at our feeder for the past two days. I am thinking they are hiding out somewhere where it’s warm. But we are still getting some Blue Jays and Morning Doves. I have also noticed that we haven’t seen many Woodpeckers this year for some reason.

Yesterday I worked away here on my computer, as I will be doing today. Got a few things that needs doing. Other than that, not much else happening in and around our small town. So with that I am off for a bowl of cereal and a piece of homemade raisin bread that my lovely wife is making me and will then get to work. Take care and stay safe. GW

You can reach George Walters at: [email protected]

What’s Happening January 31/2022

HI Folks. How you all doing this morning? Good I hope. It’s a cloudy morning here in Port Loring Ontario. The temperature has risen through the night, sitting at -12 C | 10.4 F. Not too bad for the last day of January. And it will continue to be on the warm side into tomorrow and the day after. Temperatures tomorrow and the next day will be above the freezing mark … so we should get rid of some of our snow. Highway 522 is partially snow covered with some icy sections throughout this morning. We are also seeing some light flurries, but the sunshine should break through as the day progresses. Great day for the snowmobiles.

On another note, I didn’t do all that much yesterday. I had some work to do in the basement and helped my lovely wife around the house here. Today I will get into another podcast which will keep my mind busy, which is what is needed when you get my age. With that, I am off for some pancakes that my little woman is making me, which should give me the energy needed to make it through the morning. Ha Ha. Take care. GW

Click on Picture to Enlarge!

Homemade Pancakes. With a touch of syrup!!

You can reach George Walters at: [email protected]

All the huff about Fossil Fuel

The first question I would ask. “Is what are we going to replace fossil fuel with?”
That is the question everyone should be asking.
Our powers that be says, they will replace it with Electric Heating.
First off, in theory, I would agree that is a fantastic idea. But in reality, it isn’t possible right now, as there is no way anyone can afford to heat their homes with electricity. Or if everyone switched over, do we have the means to do so. And we won’t have the means to do so for years to come. That also goes for all these so-called new electric cars they are building these days. Good luck in finding the electricity to run them. And here again, no one will be able to afford to keep them running.

The thing is. It is easy enough to talk the part, like some are doing, but making it work is a whole different story.
What they should be doing is funding some of these great minds that we have here in Canada. Saying. “Here is some money, figure out how we can make this clean energy that we will be needing. Where would they get this money? Simple, stop giving it away to other countries, along with these huge corporations. They will make out just fine, without it. Hell, some of these salaries, that these huge corporations are handing out, are ridiculous amounts.

You know, if we did just that, we would have enough money to take care of thousands of neglected things here at home.
As I said, we have some great minds in our country, all’s they require, is a bit of help to make things happen.

The bottom line is. We have to become self efficient here in Canada, and stop relying on others … but more importantly, start using some common sense. Damn it!!

Oh, and one more thing. We here in Canada have more fossil fuels than most other countries just waiting to be tapped into. Why not find a way, so we can use them safely, without hurting our environment. It can be done, we just need to figure out how.

There is no such thing is can’t be done! Not in today’s world.

Parsley

Hi Folks. Just after our first snow fall, I spotted some Parsley that we missed in one of our gardens. So I picked it and my lovely wife dried it for future used.

I know, you’re probably wondering who eats Parsley? Ha Ha. Well, I guess it is a desired taste, but we both like it. My wife mixes it in with all kinds of soups and things throughout the winter months. And on top of that, it is very healthy for you. Especially your heart. Take care. GW

Click on pictures to enlarge.

You can reach George Walters at: [email protected]

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.