Another day, another billion dollars sent overseas.

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.

Now, don’t get me wrong—I ain’t saying help ain’t needed in Ukraine. War’s an ugly thing, and folks caught in the middle of it sure as hell don’t deserve to suffer. But five billion dollars? That ain’t pocket change. That kind of money could go a long way right here in Canada—health care, education, infrastructure, you name it.

Funny how when Canadians need a hospital bed, we’re told there’s no funding. When folks are struggling to get life-saving treatments, they face long waits, rationed care, and doctors who are stretched thin. But somehow, when it comes to sending aid elsewhere, the checkbook flies open like magic.

And here’s another thing that don’t sit right with me—where exactly is all this money going? Every time another massive aid package gets announced, I can’t help but wonder: Who’s handling it? Who’s keeping track? Corruption ain’t exactly unheard of in war zones, and yet, we send billions with barely a whisper about oversight. Are we really sure it’s going where it’s supposed to, helping the people who need it most?

Leaders make big speeches about doing the right thing, but when’s the last time they did the right thing for the people who put them in office? Canadians are out here working their tails off, paying taxes, watching prices go through the roof, and yet, they’re the last ones in line when it comes to getting help.

Now, I ain’t saying Canada should turn its back on those in need. But maybe—just maybe—it’s time we took a harder look at where our money’s going and whether we’re taking care of our own before handing out billions elsewhere.

Something to think about. GW

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In Closing, I Would Like to Wish You Well!

George Walters | [email protected]

Where the Wi-Fi’s Weak, but the Stories are Strong Here in the North on Feb 24/2025

Click on Image to enlarge!

Good morning! You know… there’s no better way to start the day than with a deep breath of country air and a strong cup of coffee. Which is exactly what I am going to do here in a few minutes.

So starting things off, we’re waking up to a sky full of clouds and a fresh dusting of snow up here in the north…just Mother Nature’s way of reminding us who’s boss. A good, strong cup of coffee and a warm fire ought to set things right.

Now, let’s take a look-see at the weather for Port Loring, Ontario:

Today:

Expect cloudy skies with some scattered snow flurries now and then. It’ll be a chilly one, with temperatures hovering around 30°F (–1°C). Some wind but nothing much to speak of, just enough to remind you to keep your hat pulled down.

Tonight:

The clouds aren’t going anywhere, and we could see a few more flurries before the night’s through. The mercury’s gonna dip to about 20°F (–7°C), so best keep an extra log on the fire.

Tomorrow:

More of the same…cloudy with a chance of light snow. Daytime highs around 32°F (0°C), which ain’t bad for this time of year. Might even feel a touch warmer if the wind stays put.

Highway 522 is mostly clear, though a few patches of snow are hanging on for dear life. Overall, traveling should be just fine. But around here, the weather isn’t the only thing you need to keep an eye on.

You might find yourself slowing down for a deer that figures the middle of the road is a great place to ponder life. Or maybe you’ll get caught behind someone who thinks turn signals are just “suggestions” and stopping for a roadside chat is more important than keeping traffic moving. And of course, there’s always that one fella in an old tractor, chugging along at a speed that makes a Sunday stroll look fast.

So, take it easy, enjoy the drive, and remember—around here, the road’s not just for getting somewhere; sometimes, it’s part of the entertainment!

On another note, my wife and I kept ourselves busy yesterday morning, clearing snow off the decks and driveway. Figured it was a good time to do it, seeing as the power was out till noon—couldn’t even get the coffee pot to perkin’. But you can bet that the moment the lights came back on, that coffee was brewing, and let me tell ya, it tasted mighty fine.

After lunch, I got to work making some weather sticks for our store, which we’re planning to open this spring—around June if all goes well. My wife and I are always coming up with new, one-of-a-kind items whenever we get the chance. Keeps things interesting, and you never know what’ll end up on the shelves!

What are you up to today, GW?

Well, this morning, I’m planning on wrapping up these weather sticks. Then, after lunch, I’ll wander on out to the old woodworking shop and get back to making those flutes that have been hogging my time these past few weeks. They’re slowly coming together, and if all goes well, I figure another week should see ‘em all finished up. I have 20 on the go, so it’s been keeping me busy.

Now, that’s the plan…but as any old woodworker knows, plans are just fancy ideas until the wood decides to cooperate. Sometimes things don’t pan out… or in this case, they don’t bore straight, don’t sand right, or split when they’ve got no business splitting. But hey, that’s half the fun of working with wood… you never really know what kind of day you’re gonna have until you get your hands on it!

So, with that bit of info, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my little woman is kindly whipping up for me. After that, we’ll see what the day has in store… though not before my lovely wife and I sit down with a hot cup of cocoa and a good old-fashioned chat, which we do every morning.

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]

The Best Stories Start with a Cup of Coffee and a Sunrise Here in the North on Feb23/2025

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Good Morning! My old Dad used to say that: If hard work builds character, I reckon you should be quite the character by now. True in a lot of ways.

It’s a cloudy start to the day here in good ol’ cottage country. Late in the day yesterday, we got ourselves a little taste of some more snow, I would say about 4 inches or so. ‘Course, that ain’t much to write home about for us northerners…just enough to freshen things up and keep the snow shovel from getting’ rusty.


Here’s the weather forecast for Port Loring, Ontario:

Today, Sunday, February 23, 2025:

  • Morning: Cloudy skies with temperatures around 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius).
  • Afternoon: Highs reaching 36 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius) with a chance of light snow flurries.
  • Evening: Temperatures dropping to 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 degree Celsius) with overcast conditions.

Tonight:

  • Overnight: Cloudy with lows near 26 degrees Fahrenheit (-3 degrees Celsius).

Tomorrow, Monday, February 24, 2025:

  • Morning: Windy with snow showers, accumulating an additional 1 to 3 centimeters. Temperatures around 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius).
  • Afternoon: Continued snow flurries with highs reaching 36 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius).
  • Evening: Overcast with temperatures steady at 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius).

Looks like winter’s still got a bit of a grip on us.

Highway 522 is mostly clear of snow, though there are still a few snowy patches on the north side of the road. So, if you’re out and about, it might pay to keep an eye on things…unless, of course, you’re looking for an excuse to test out that new set of winter tires.

As for my wife and me, we’re pretty well set for a while. We made the trip to town a few days ago, stocked up on the essentials, and now we can sit back and watch the snow pile up… at least until something runs low. Funny how in a small town, you never seem to need much until the weather turns bad. Then suddenly, you’re fresh out of whatever it is you can’t do without. But that’s country living for you… where a trip to town is more of an event than an errand.

And with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me…best get to it before the power goes out. They’re planning an outage between 9:00 AM and noon, though I suspect we’ll be too busy moving snow to notice much. That should keep us occupied till things flicker back to life.

One thing I’ve learned living in this neck of the woods is that you’ve got to roll with whatever comes your way. No sense fussing over what you can’t change. That’s just the way it is.

You all have a great day! And 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]

“Hockey, Politics, and the Loss of Common Sense”

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 has always been known for its love of hockey, its proud traditions, and its ability to stand together when it matters most. But lately, it seems that unity is being replaced with division, and for what? Politics?

Take Wayne Gretzky, for example. “The Great One” has given everything to Canadian hockey, but now some folks are turning on him just because he’s been seen talking to Donald Trump. The man hasn’t come out and said he wants Canada to be the 51st state, yet people are acting like he’s betrayed the country.

Here’s the thing: It’s not the hardworking men and women in the U.S. or Canada that are causing the problems between our two nations, not by a long shot…it’s the politicians, the ones in power making the decisions. So why are fans booing American hockey players? Why is Gretzky, a man who’s done more for Canadian hockey than just about anyone, suddenly being scrutinized like he’s a traitor?

It’s disappointing to see where things are heading. Canada is facing real issues…our economy, healthcare system, and leadership all need attention. But instead of tackling those problems, people are getting riled up over who someone takes a photo with. Shouldn’t we be focusing on what actually matters? Makes me shake my head in wonder.

Now the truth of the matter is…Gretzky has always been a private guy when it comes to politics. So just because he doesn’t shout his beliefs from the rooftops doesn’t mean he’s against Canada. Some folks are quick to judge just because he attended an event or shook a hand. And now there’s even talk of renaming a road in Edmonton that’s been named after him for decades. Really? That’s where our priorities are?

You know hockey is supposed to bring people together, not tear them apart. We can’t let politics ruin the spirit of the game. Maybe it’s time to take a step back, stop looking for enemies where there aren’t any, and remember what really makes this country great. It’s not about who we hate…it’s about what we stand for.

What the hell is wrong with folks these days....must be something in the them plastic water bottles???

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]

Power Outage For Port Loring Ontario

Planned Outage Information

Customers Affected:

1,279

Outage Start Time:

Feb 23, 2025, 9:00 AM

Cause:

Replacing Hydro Pole(s)

Estimated Time Restoration:

Feb 23, 2025, 12:00 PM

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]