The North – Where Even the Moose Think It’s Chilly on Feb19/2025

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Good Morning! When the snow piles up and the wind howls, just remember—spring’s out there somewhere. Or at least we sure hope so.

Well, Folks… it’s another nippy morning’ here in the north. Rolled outta bed, and let me tell ya, that cold air sure woke me up faster than a hot cup of coffee! The mercury was sitting’ at -2°F (-19°C), and if that ain’t a reminder that winter still has a grip on us, I don’t know what is.

Now, let’s see what Mother Nature’s got cooking’ for Port Loring:

Today: Expect a high near 28°F (-2°C), with a mix of clouds and sunshine. A light breeze will keep things feeling’ a touch cooler, so best keep that coat handy.

Tonight: Dropping’ back down to around 14°F (-10°C), with partly cloudy skies. A quiet, chilly night—good for sitting’ by the fire with a hot drink in hand.

Tomorrow: Warming’ up just a smidge, with a high near 32°F (0°C). We might see a few more clouds roll in, but nothing’ too wild.

All in all, a classic northern Ontario winter day—cold, crisp, and keeping’ us on our toes.

Highway 522’s got a few snow-covered spots here and there, but all in all—considering’ the kind of weather we’ve been dealing’ with..it ain’t too shabby. If you’re needing’ to make a run to the big city for supplies, you should be good to go. Just don’t forget, this ain’t a Sunday drive through the park…this is good ol’ northern Ontario, where winter likes to remind us who’s boss.

Now, for you locals, I know some of ya got that “I’ve been driving’ these roads for 50 years, don’t need no slowing’ down” attitude’….but let’s not get too cocky. The snow has a way of making’ things a little more interesting’ when you least expect it. One minute, you’re cruising’ along, enjoying’ the scenery, and the next, you’re wondering’ why that stretch of road got a whole lot slicker than it looked.

So, as always, take ‘er easy, keep your eyes peeled for the odd deer wandering’ across, and remember….just ‘cause your truck’s got four-wheel drive don’t mean you can stop on a dime. Safe travels, folks!

On another note, I spent the day working’ away in my old woodworking shop yesterday. The morning’ went along just fine….things were shaping’ up the way they should, and I was making’ good progress. But by the afternoon, well, let’s just say things went sideways. A few stubborn issues popped up, and the more I tried to fix ‘em, the worse they seemed to get.

After a bit of grumbling’ and the air turning’ a shade bluer than I’d like to admit, I figured it was best to call it a day. So, I set my tools down, gave the shop a look that said, “You win this round,” and headed for the house. Sometimes, the best fix for a problem is taking’ a step back, cooling’ off, and coming’ at it fresh another day…before a fella ends up making’ more work for himself than he started with.

Today, I reckon I’ll head on back out to the shop, now that I’ve had a night to cool off and let my tools think about what they did. We’ll see what the day’s got in store for me…hopefully, it’s a darn sight better than yesterday. With any luck, the wood’ll behave, the tool’s will cooperate, and I won’t have to have any more “conversations” with stubborn pieces that don’t wanna do what they should. But I guess there’s only one way to find out and that’s to give ‘er another go.

With that I am off for my breakfast along with a hot cup of cocoa just because I can along with our chat that my lovely wife and I have every morning!

Have a great day.

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]

Icicles, Snowdrifts, and a Dash of Northern Grit on Feb 18/2025

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“Good Morning Folks!” You know you’re in Northern Ontario when the snowplow wakes you up before your alarm does…and it’s still dark at 7:00 AM.

Well, it’s another brisk morning here in the north, with the mercury sitting’ at a nippy -8.68°F (-22.6°C). It’s the kind of cold that makes a fella think twice…maybe even three times…before throwing’ off the covers and facing the day. And for the record, I’ve always liked Fahrenheit better…gives a feller a real sense of just how cold it is.

Today: Sun’s peeking’ out here and there, but don’t let it fool ya…it’s staying’ cold. High of 8°F (-13°C), but with that wind, it’ll feel a fair bit colder. Best to keep the long johns handy.

Tonight: Clear skies, but that just means the cold digs in deeper. Temps dropping’ to -7°F (-21°C), and if the wind gets to whistling’, you’ll know it. Might be a good night to toss an extra log on the fire.

Tomorrow: A smidge warmer, if you can call it that. High of 15°F (-9°C), but don’t expect a heatwave. The sun will be out, but that just means it’s bright enough to see how much snow still needs shoveling’.

Bundle up and keep that coffee strong, as winter ain’t letting’ go just yet.

Highway 522…well, I am beginning to see a bit of pavement showing through here and there, but there are still plenty of snow-covered spots hanging on, not quite ready to give up. That is pretty much the norm for this time of year, especially with the cold temperatures we have been having.

As for the folks around here, well they are handling it in true northern fashion. Some are out early, shoveling with a coffee in one hand and a snow shovel in the other, while others are standing at the end of their driveways, staring at the snow like it might just move on its own. And then there are those who figure if they wait long enough, a good strong wind or a kindhearted neighbor with a plow might just save them the trouble. That’s what I call smart thinking, doesn’t happen all that often though.

On another note, yesterday my wife and I had a busy morning cleaning up the snow from the day before. And let me tell you, it wasn’t the light, fluffy kind that you can just brush away with ease. No, this stuff was heavy. The reason being, the snow that fell came down in tiny flakes, and when those little fellas pack together, they turn into something as stubborn as a pile of wet sand. At least, that’s how it felt to us two old timers.

But no matter, we managed to get ‘er done. We finished up just before noon, and I have to say, by that time, we were more than ready for a hot cup of cocoa. Truth be told, we had that, then lunch, and then figured, why stop there? So we enjoyed a couple more cups of coffee for good measure. Some might call that a bit much, but hey!… We figured we earned it.

I also managed to spend the afternoon working on the flutes I’ve got on the go. Not a bad day, all things considered. Had a few bumps along the way, but after all these years, I’ve learned you gotta take the good with the bad and keep on movin’. And that’s exactly what I did…just kept at it, knowing some days you win, and some days you learn.

This Morning, after breakfast…thanks to my lovely wife, of course…I’ll head on out to the old woodworking shop and carry on with the day’s work. It’s a cold one, but with the stove in the shop cranked up and doing its thing, well, what could be better than that? Not much, if you ask me. There’s just something about that warm stove, the smell of fresh wood, and the sound of the tools that just makes a feller feel right at home.

You all have a great day!!

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]

Only on The Walters Post: The Cost of War – Who Really Paid the Price?

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.

Some have Emailed me and asked my opinion on this war between Russia and Ukraine.

Actually, if I remember correctly I have written a couple article regarding it here on my blog, but for the sake of argument I will write another of what I think has taken place.

Any way—for years, we’ve watched the war in Ukraine unfold, and if we step back and take a good hard look at it, the outcome was never really in question. No matter how much money, military aid, or sanctions were thrown at Russia, the endgame was always going to be the same… Russia coming out ahead. It’s not a matter of opinion; it’s just a harsh reality.

A lot of folks want to paint the situation as one where the West had no choice but to get involved. They argue that standing against Russia was the right thing to do, that Ukraine had to be backed at all costs. But looking at it now, after years of destruction, thousands of deaths, and trillions of dollars spent, was it really the right call? Or did we just prolong the inevitable while making ourselves weaker in the process?

Trump now, whether folks like him or not, at least engaged in conversations with Putin, something that few leaders have dared to do in any meaningful way. The thing is, he didn’t start this war, and now that the U.S. is shifting away from supporting Ukraine, people are quick to blame him. But the truth is, this was always the most likely outcome. The West over-promising things, led Ukraine into believing that NATO and EU membership were on the table, and then left them high and dry when things got tough.

Another thing was that sanctions were supposed to cripple Russia, but did they? Not in the slightest. If anything, I believe that they strengthened Russia by forcing them to adapt, create new economic alliances, and develop their own industries. Meanwhile, we drained our own resources. Canada and the U.S. have spent billions…money that could have been used right here at home for things we actually need. We have a healthcare crisis, a shortage of doctors, seniors struggling to get the care they deserve, and homeless people on the streets. Instead of tackling those problems, we funneled money into a war that, at best, delayed an outcome that was never in doubt.

Now, as Western support for Ukraine dwindles, NATO itself is stepping back from its previous commitments. Leaders who once talked big about standing with Ukraine are suddenly changing their tune, admitting that NATO membership was never a real promise. And Ukraine, left holding the bag, is realizing just how little they actually gained from all this. Their economy is shattered, their people displaced, and their military exhausted.

The idea of peacekeepers is being floated, but let’s be real—without U.S. backing, any security guarantees from Europe are just empty words. And even if peacekeepers do go in, Russia still holds all the cards. They have the military power, the resources, and, most importantly, the nuclear arsenal that prevents the West from taking things further.

Was there ever a way this could have ended differently? Maybe, if diplomacy had been prioritized instead of escalation. But the West wanted to see Russia weakened, and in their attempt to do so, they weakened themselves instead.

Now, the war is winding down, and the media is scrambling to shift the narrative. The reality is sinking in—Ukraine was never going to win, and the West was never going to stay committed indefinitely. The money spent is gone, the lives lost cannot be brought back, and the resources depleted will take years to recover.

It’s a hard truth, but one we need to accept: We didn’t hurt Russia. We only hurt ourselves. And instead of learning from this, we’ll probably do it all over again somewhere else down the road.

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]

Boots, Bacon, and Breaking Trail Here in Northern Ontario on Feb 17/2025

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Good Morning! You know…winter’s got two choices—ease up or toughen us up. So far, we know which one it picked..

Port Loring, Ontario Weather Report

Well, folks, if you were hoping’ for a bright and sunny day, you might have to hold onto that thought a little longer. Here’s what’s rolling’ in for today, tonight, and tomorrow:

🌤 Today:
Expect a mix of sun and cloud, with temperatures sitting’ around 28°F (-2°C). A bit of a breeze will make it feel cooler, so if you’re venturing’ outside, best bundle up.

🌙 Tonight:
Clouds will thicken up, and there’s a chance of a few flurries here and there. Temperature’s dropping’ to about 17°F (-8°C), and with that wind, it’ll feel even colder. Might be a good night to stoke the wood-stove and hunker down with a hot drink.

🌨 Tomorrow:
More clouds than sun, with a high near 25°F (-4°C). There’s a slight chance of some light snow, but nothing’ too serious—just enough to remind us that winter ain’t done with us yet.

So, keep the long johns handy, and if you’re headin’ out, watch your step… some spots might be a tad slick. Stay warm and keep the coffee hot!

Well, folks, Highway 522’s gone and tucked itself under another blanket of snow, making travel a mite tricky today. But before we start grumbling, let’s tip our hats to those getting it worse. Back at my old stomping grounds in Coldwater, Ontario, and over in Barrie, they’re really catching’ it.

According to the weather forecast, Barrie is under a snow squall warning, expecting total snowfall amounts of 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm). These squalls are set to kick off this morning and might hang around through Tuesday, bringing near-zero visibility and making travel downright hazardous. Temperatures will hover around 21°F (-6°C) today but will feel much colder with the wind.

Meanwhile, over in Coldwater, they’re bracing for similar conditions. The forecast calls for snow at times heavy, with local amounts ranging from 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm). Winds are expected to pick up, leading to blowing snow and reduced visibility. Temperatures there will be around 19°F (-7°C), but the wind chill will make it feel even colder. Travel’s not advised unless absolutely necessary.

So, while we’re shoveling’ our driveways here this morning, let’s count our good fortune—it could be a whole lot deeper. So again, stay safe, keep the kettle on, and maybe hold off on any road trips south for a spell.

On another note, yesterday was another productive day out in my old woodworking shop, working away on some flutes. Now, for those wondering, I’ve been at these particular flutes for the past three or four weeks. Some folks might think I’m taking my time, and they’d be right. But there’s good reason for it. You see, making a flute isn’t just about carving out a nice piece of wood; it’s about absolute precision. Every cut, every carefully placed hole, and every carefully crafted detail rings true in the flute’s voice. Rushing the process would only lead to a flute that looks pretty but doesn’t play worth a damn. So, slow and steady is the only way to go. No brag—just fact.

So, what’s on the agenda today, GW? Well, no guesswork needed there as after all the snow we got yesterday, our day will be spent digging’ out the driveway and clearing off the decks. That ought keep us plenty busy. The good news is, the snow’s light, which makes the job a whole lot easier. Once that’s all said and done, we’ll…see how my lovely wife and I are feeling’. But one thing’s for certain…a well-earned rest and a hot cup of cocoa will be in order.

With that, I’m off to enjoy my breakfast before I head out into the cold. Of course, that’s after I put on all my snow clothes for snow-blowing—takes me about ten minutes just to get dressed for the occasion, and my wife’s the same way. It’s a bit chilly this morning, so I’ll be adding a few extra layers to stay warm. You all have a great day.

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]

Billionaires Perspective

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.

So I have had numerous emails asking me what I think of these billionaires that are out there today.

Well, I’ve been around long enough to see folks get rich, stay poor, and everything in between. Seems like every generation has its fair share of people who hit it big, whether it’s striking oil, building railroads, or, these days, running tech empires. And while a lot of folks like to grumble about billionaires, I see things a little differently.

You see, I’ve spent most of my life self-employed, my wife too, and while we sure as hell never stacked up billions, we made out just fine in every way that mattered. It ain’t all about money, and that’s the damn truth. But for the folks who did make it big—real big—I got no bones to pick with them.

Take Bernard Arnault, sitting on top of LVMH with $233 billion to his name. Fashion and retail ain’t my world, but I know this—he built an empire, and folks keep buying what he’s selling. That’s business, plain and simple. Same goes for Elon Musk, who’s got $195 billion to his name because he took chances on rockets and electric cars when folks called him crazy. But crazy and smart got a fine line between ‘em, and turns out, he was on the right side of it.

Then you got Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison—all tech titans who changed the way the world works. Hell, I remember when Amazon was just a place to buy books, and now it’s a behemoth running half the internet. Facebook, Oracle, Microsoft—these weren’t overnight wins. These guys gambled on their ideas, and it paid off big. Real big.

And let’s not forget Warren Buffett, 93 years old and still outsmarting Wall Street with a fortune of $133 billion. If anyone’s got a right to say they’ve seen it all, it’s him. Then there’s Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer, and the Google boys—Larry Page and Sergey Brin—pioneers who didn’t just chase money, they built something that changed the damn world.

Now, here’s where my two cents come in. If it were me sitting on a pile of billions, knowing full well I couldn’t spend it all in ten lifetimes, I’d be putting a hell of a lot of it toward something good. Some of ‘em do, sure—Buffett and Gates give away fortunes—but if I had that kind of dough, I’d be making sure folks who never got a fair shake had a shot at one. Not a handout, mind ya, but a hand up.

Because here’s what I’ve learned about life: it’s all about choices and chances. Some folks take the right road, some don’t. Some get lucky, some don’t. But anyone who’s ever made it big took a risk somewhere along the way. And I respect that.

So, nah, you won’t catch me badmouthing billionaires just because they made out better than most. They played the game and won. And me? I might not have billions, but I won in my own way too. Life ain’t measured by bank accounts alone. And that’s something no amount of money can buy.

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]