Gardening, Health

Good Foods for Your Health—Straight from the Farm

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Only On The Walters Post

Foods I Try & Eat now Every Week.

  1. Fatty Fish – Packed with protein and heart-healthy omega-3s. Helps keep the blood flowing smooth and the brain sharp.
  2. Cabbage – A humble veggie that’s full of fiber and vitamins. Great raw, cooked, or fermented for gut health.
  3. Bell Peppers – Bright, crisp, and loaded with vitamins. A perfect snack or a way to add color and crunch to meals.
  4. Cranberries – Tiny but mighty, these berries help fight infections and support digestion. Best enjoyed fresh or dried (without too much sugar).
  5. Blueberries – Sweet, full of antioxidants, and great for the brain and heart. Eat them fresh or toss them into breakfast dishes.
  6. Dark, Leafy Greens – Spinach, kale, and arugula pack in vitamins and minerals that boost energy and overall health.
  7. Olive Oil – A natural fat that’s good for the heart and helps with inflammation. A little drizzle goes a long way.
  8. Garlic – Nature’s medicine—good for the immune system, the heart, and adding flavor to just about anything.
  9. Onions – A staple that’s rich in antioxidants and nutrients. Adds depth to dishes and supports overall wellness.
  10. Cauliflower – Crunchy, full of vitamins, and a great substitute for heavier carbs. Roast it, mash it, or eat it raw.
  11. Egg Whites – A clean source of protein without extra fat. Good for muscle strength and energy levels.
  12. Arugula – A peppery green that’s full of vitamins and cancer-fighting compounds. Great in salads or as a garnish.
  13. Apples – An easy, fiber-rich snack that supports digestion and helps balance blood sugar. A true classic.

Farmer’s Wisdom:

If it grows in the ground or swims in clean water, it’s probably good for you. Eat fresh, eat real, and your body will thank you.

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In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well!

George Walters | [email protected]

George's Writers Corner, Health

Chewing on Birch: An Old-Timer’s Habit with a Hidden Benefit?

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Only On The Walters Post

I’ve spent a lot of time talking to old-timers over the years, sitting on their porches, listening to their stories. And one thing I noticed? A lot of them had a habit of chewing on a small piece of white birch, something like a homemade toothpick, cut fresh from a tree. It was just something they did, maybe out of habit, or maybe for a little taste of the outdoors. Back then, I didn’t think much of it, but now, I wonder… could they have been onto something?

Turns out, modern research might back up this old tradition. A recent study found that chewing on hard materials like wood can boost levels of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant in the brain. (Glutathione is a natural substance found in our cells that helps protect the body from damage caused by stress, toxins, and aging.) This little compound plays a big role in protecting neurons from oxidative stress, which is linked to cognitive decline. (Oxidative stress happens when harmful molecules called free radicals build up in the body, damaging cells and leading to aging and disease.) In fact, the study showed that people who chewed wood, not gum, but actual wood… had higher glutathione levels and performed better on memory tests.

White birch, in particular, has long been known for its medicinal properties. The bark contains betulin and betulinic acid, compounds studied for their potential anti-inflammatory and even anti-cancer effects. (Betulin and betulinic acid are natural chemicals found in birch bark that may help reduce swelling and fight off harmful cells in the body.) Indigenous groups used birch for everything from wound care to teas for digestion. And those old-timers? Well, maybe they weren’t just keeping their mouths busy, they might have been giving their brains a little boost without even realizing it.

At any rate, maybe it was an old trick for keeping the mind sharp.

Scientists today as smart as some are, are just starting to catch up to what folks knew all along. Makes you wonder what other simple traditions we’ve forgotten along the way.

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, My Opinion Only

China Hits Back: Will the Usual Critics Stay Silent?

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Playing Politics with Tariffs: 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.

Took a break from the chores, grabbed my coffee, and checked my emails. As a few folks wanted to know my thoughts on what’s been happening lately, so here’s what’s on my mind.

Canada slapped tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. In return, China hit back with tariffs on our food and agricultural products. Classic trade war. But here’s the real kicker: not long ago, these same people who run things were blasting U.S. tariffs, calling them reckless, protectionist, and bad for the economy. And now? They’re doing the exact same thing.

So here’s the question: Will these folks criticize Canada the way they went after the U.S.? Will they call out China for their retaliation? I doubt it. The thing is, for a lot of these critics, it was never really about tariffs, it was about who was doing it. If Trump or any Republican put tariffs in place, it was a disaster. But now that Canada’s doing it, suddenly it’s all right?

And China? They hit back hard, but instead of taking the blame, watch how fast the story changes. They’ll either ignore it, or twist the blame back to the U.S. And if they can drag Musk or Trump into the mix, even better. That gives them another reason to rant about those guys instead of actually dealing with the problem.

Personally, I don’t think this is really about whether tariffs are good or bad. It’s about consistency, as if tariffs were wrong before, they’re wrong now. Otherwise, it’s just plain hypocrisy. The thing is, a lot of the people who complain the loudest don’t really care about the issue itself. They’re just mad because they don’t like Trump, Musk, or anyone who doesn’t fit into their view of the world. It’s like when my young ones would throw a fit because they couldn’t get their own way. Same thing, only this time, the tantrums are happening on a much bigger stage.

But that’s politics for you… principles only matter when it suits their needs. We’ll see how it all plays out, but from where I stand, it’s the same game.

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.

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In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well!

George Walters | [email protected]

George's Writers Corner, The Old Craftsman's Woodworking Shop, Weather, What's Happening

Wood-smoke, Strong Coffee, and Quiet Mornings on March 8/2025

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Good morning! As my old dad used to say, “George, if you want to be a northerner, you better love the smell of fresh-cut wood and the sound of geese heading north.” Well, we’ve got the fresh-cut wood…though “a year old” might be more accurate…and as for the geese, I haven’t seen any flying north just yet. But I suspect it won’t be long now.

Well, I have to tell you… either my fingers are getting old, my gloves are wearing thin, or it’s just plain cold out there this morning. I’ve been warming up in the house for a while now after splitting some wood for the furnace, and my hands are still feeling it. Makes a feller wonder if winter’s got a little more left in its bag of tricks.

Highway 522 is mostly bare, but there are still a few icy spots and patches of snow here and there. Shouldn’t be too bad for those heading into town for supplies or whatever they might need. As for my wife and me, we’ve got everything we need. In fact, we’ve been working on emptying the freezer, with my wife whipping up different meals so we can refill it this summer with fresh things. Living up here, you’ve got to stay on top of these things.

On another note, I didn’t make it out to the shop yesterday. My wife and I spent most of the morning clearing snow off the decks and out of the driveway. After that, I settled into my old chair at the computer and got to writing. Turned out to be a good day—I managed to finish four stories for my columns. When the words are flowing, I stick with it, because I know from experience that days like that don’t come around all that often.

So, what’s on the agenda today, GW? Well, since I spent most of yesterday inside, I figure it’s about time I tackled the top section of my woodworking shop. I’ve been stashing things up there for over 15 years, and at this point, I have no idea what’s even up there anymore. So, that’s the plan—sorting and straightening things out. Should keep me busy for a couple of days, give or take.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my little woman is whipping up for me. After that, I’ll settle into my old recliner, put my feet up, and enjoy our morning chat over a nice, hot cup of cocoa. As you can see, life up here in the north is pretty rough.

Until 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.

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In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well!

George Walters | [email protected]

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

Another Day Breaks in the Northern Woods on March 7/2025

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Good Morning! I found over the years that you can tell a real northerner as they don’t complain about the cold, they just talk about how it used to be worse.

Well, I made my way to the old woodworking shop this morning, and it didn’t take long to figure out that my wife and I have some extra work ahead of us. Turns out, we’ve got another 4-5 inches of that white stuff covering everything. Guess we’ll be busy shoveling today!

Here’s what’s in store for the weather around Port Loring.

Looks like we’ll be seeing a bit of everything today. This morning, a few snow showers are drifting in, but the sun might poke through here and there. Don’t let that fool you, though—it’s going to get breezy as the day goes on, with temperatures hovering around 32°F (0°C).

By tonight, the clouds will thicken up, and the temperature’s set to drop to a chilly 11°F (-12°C). So if you’re out and about, bundle up!

Tomorrow’s shaping up to be another cloudy one, with highs around 28°F (-2°C). And come nightfall, we’re right back down to about 11°F (-12°C) again. All in all, it’s looking like a good couple of days to keep the fire stoked and the coffee hot. If you’ve got shoveling to do, best get at it before that wind picks up!

Highway 522 is mostly bare, but don’t get too comfortable, there are still enough snow and icy patches to keep you on your toes. Or at least, they should!

Up here, road conditions don’t always decide if folks head to town, as if the coffee’s on and there’s good gossip at the local establishments, you’ll see trucks rolling in, no matter what the weather’s doing.

With things caught up in the woodworking shop, Yesterday I spent the day at my computer doing something that’s been a big part of my life for over 40 years… writing stories for the newspapers. Funny how time slips by, but one thing’s for sure: folks must enjoy what I have to say because no one’s ever told me to stop yet!

If you haven’t read one of my stories, maybe now’s the time to give one a try. You might just find a tale that makes you chuckle, gets you thinking, or… helps you see things in a new light. And if nothing else, you’ll know there’s still at least one feller out there who enjoys wrangling words on a computer… though I’ll admit, it’s not quite the same as putting pen to paper!

What are you up to today, GW? Well, with all the snow we got yesterday, it’s pretty obvious what’s on my to-do list. I told my wife the other day I was putting the snowblower away for the summer, thinking winter was finally over. But, as usual, life laughed and said, ‘Nice try, buddy.’ So, guess who’s hauling the snowblower out of the shed again? Yep, that’d be me, an old feller who thought he knew it all, until the snow decided to prove me wrong!

So, with that, I’m off for my breakfast made by my lovely wife, which will consist of a soft-boiled egg and a piece of toast. I’ll need a bit more protein this morning with all that snow to move. As for the hot cocoa, we’ll save that for after we get things cleaned up outside… tastes a lot better that way, along with our usual morning chat, of course.

Until 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]