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BIG SPRING GARAGE SALE!!! Port Loring Ontario Canada.

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BIG SPRING GARAGE SALE – Starts April 16th! And will keep it going till everything is sold, even if it takes a couple of months. Hours will be 10:00Am to 4:00PM
🌼

We finally finished getting things ready for our big garage sale — and believe me, there’s a lot to go!

We’ve got just about everything under the sun:
🔩 Jars of screws, nails, bolts, nuts, and washers
🍳 Instant Pots and kitchen gadgets galore
🎣 Fishing gear, reels, a fish finder
🛠️ Rakes, hoes, shovels
💻 Electronics – keyboards, a couple computer mouses, speakers, and more cords than you can shake a stick at
📦 Boxes of old tools, electrical and plumbing items, books, toys, even some office supplies and a cash register

And that’s just the start.

This is a garage sale, so most everything is negotiable — make an offer! We want it all gone.

We’re also clearing out everything from our gift shop, filled with handmade items my wife and I created. Most of those will be half price, including some great deals on the handcrafted flutes I make.

Heck, we’ve even got a good solid cement mixer up for grabs.
Oh! And there are even a few antiques for those who like that sort of thing. I am also going to sell some of my woodworking equipment too, and I also have a bunch of lumber rough cut all kinds and sizes.

Too much to list, really. You’ve got to come see it for yourself.
Starts April 16th and goes until it’s all gone!

📍 11588 Highway 522, Port Loring, Ontario
👋 Hosted by George and Ruth Walters
🚗 For those who know the area: if our driveway’s full, there’s extra parking next door at Bea’s place
📅 Mark your calendar and come on by!

📣 And if you’re seeing this here on my Blog, we’d sure appreciate it if you could help spread the word and let others know about the sale. Oh, and all the items are in our car port, so rain or shine the sale will go on. Might pay to bring an umbrella, though. Thank you kindly!

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

Still Typing, Still Talking on May 8/2025

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Good Morning… The world’s greening up again, slow and sure.

It’s a cold and cloudy morning here in cottage country. Sure doesn’t feel like spring, more like a late fall day. But the good news is, it’s not raining, and if we’re lucky, we just might see a bit of sunshine later on.

Port Loring, Ontario Weather Forecast

Today: Cloudy skies sticking around for most of the day. A few sunny breaks are possible this afternoon if the clouds decide to give us a little grace. High of around 50°F (10°C). Winds staying light, which helps some.

Tonight: Cloudy again and dipping down to a low near 36°F (2°C). Might feel a touch colder if that breeze picks up overnight.

Tomorrow: Still mostly cloudy, though there’s a better chance of some sun peeking through. A little warmer too, with a high near 55°F (13°C). It’s not quite porch-sitting weather yet, but we’re getting there.

Highway 522 is a bit quiet this morning, but that’ll change as the day moves along. Already seeing a steady stream of trucks, cars and 4x4s making their way up and down the highway, which is a sure sign we’re edging closer to tourist season. Folks are starting to open up their camps, check on cottages, and get a feel for how the land made it through the winter.

Bug Report:
Not much to report just yet, with it being such a cool spring. But it won’t be long now before the blackflies come knocking. As a rule of thumb, they usually show up right around Mother’s Day and tend to stick around ’til Father’s Day. So, it might be a good idea to get your bug jacket out and hanging by the door, just in case they decide to show themselves. But one thing is for certain, they won’t be showing up today, being as cold as it is.

On Another Note…
Yesterday was a busy one for my wife and me, even though I wasn’t feeling a hundred percent. We finished cleaning up our basement, and dragged out a bunch more stuff that’s going into our big spring sale. It starts on April 16th and runs until it’s all gone — and believe me, there’s a lot to go.

We’ve got just about everything under the sun. Jars full of screws, nails, bolts, nuts, and washers. Instant Pots, Kitchen gadgets galore, tables, fishing gear, reels, a fish finder, rakes, hoes, and shovels. Electronics galore — keyboards, a mouse or two, speakers, and more wires and cords than you can shake a stick at, enough to hook up just about any gadget out there.

And that’s just scratching the surface. On top of all that, we’ve also got everything from our gift shop — things my wife and I brought to life with our own hands — and it all has to go too. I’m even offering some great deals on the handcrafted flutes I make, and most everything else will be marked half price.

Heck, I’ve even got a good solid cement mixer up for grabs. Truth is, there’s just too much to list. You’ll have to come by and see it for yourself.

I swear, I don’t even remember where half of it came from, but it’s all got to go. So if you’re in need of anything — and I mean anything — drop by. I’m even parting with some of my woodworking tools and gear, which is saying something.

We’ll be putting up signs once things get rolling, but in the meantime, if you know someone looking for a deal or just loves a good treasure hunt, send them our way. We’d sure appreciate the help spreading the word.

Hope to see you next week — and come early if you want the good stuff!

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today I’m planning on fixing up a proper stand for that swing I made a while back. That way, my lovely wife and I — or maybe some of our customers — will have a nice place to sit and relax. I’m thinking we’ll set it out under that big old basswood tree out back, we’ll see how that works out.

That is, if it warms up a bit. I’ve got to say, I’m not a fan of the cold like I used to be.

With that, I’m off to enjoy my morning breakfast, which my little woman has ready for me. After that, I think a nice cup of hot cocoa will be in order, then we’ll get into our regular morning chat — the one my wife and I do every single day. It’s a good way to start the day, and I’d say it’s one of the things that’s necessary for a good marriage. We never hide anything from each other, always keep things open and honest.

I’ve heard that nowadays some couples even have their own bank accounts. It’s funny, because after fifty-some years together, what I have is hers and what she has is mine — it’s always been that way. Funny how things have changed over the years, isn’t it?

I suppose you’d have to live as long as we have to really understand it. But for the younger folks getting married today, if you want a marriage to last, it might be something worth considering. Just a thought, mind you.

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

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

What the Years Left Me to Write on May 7/ 2025

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Good Morning! The robins are back and so are the potholes, which is a sure sign that winter’s lettin’ go.

It’s a cloudy morning here, waking up in cottage country. The kind of sky that makes you reach for that second cup of coffee.

Today, well today it’s going to stay on the cool side with a high of just 48°F. No real sign of the sun breaking through, just a grey ceiling hanging over us most of the day.

Tonight, it’s going to get downright chilly, as we’re looking at a low of 30°F, which is kind of cool for this time of year. So you might want to toss another blanket on your bed before retiring for the evening.

Tomorrow however looks brighter. We’ll see the sun showing herself and the temperature will climb to a more comfortable 57°F. Still jacket weather, but not bad if you keep yourself moving. Tomorrow night dips back down again to about 33°F, so it’s not time to leave the windows open just yet.

But in saying all that, that’s the way things are here in the north, a typical spring, a little back and forth as the season tries to make up its mind.

Highway 522 is getting busier every day with folks leaving the cities, looking for something quieter. Some are just passing through, but more and more are sticking around, buying up little spots of land or fixing up the old cabins their grandparents left behind. But there’s also a quiet sort of shift unfolding, not loud or rushed, just steady. Kinda makes you wonder what this area will look like in another few years.

On another note, being that I wasn’t feeling the best yesterday, I spent part of the morning working away at some desk work, slow but steady. But when the sun broke through in the afternoon, I couldn’t sit still any longer and had to get outside. It’s one of those things, when the weather’s nice, it’s like something out there calls my name.

So what are you up to today GW?

Well, once again, not feeling quite up to par this morning, I figure I’ll take it easy here at my computer for a while. Although, if I start feeling a bit better, I might make a run to the dump later on this afternoon.

Dump days are always a bit of an event around here. You never know what—or who—you’ll run into. It’s where old things go to die and small talk thrives. Some folks treat it like a social outing, swapping stories over bags of garbage like it’s Sunday dinner.

So with that, I’m off once again for my morning breakfast—made by my lovely wife, who always knows how to get the day started just right. And after that, I’ll see what the day has in store, as around here, you never really know what’s coming next, one minute you’re set on a plan, and the next, life’s handed you something else entirely.

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

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

Sunup to Sundown, One Story at a Time on May 6/2025

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Good Morning… One thing at a time, that’s how things get done.

It was a bit damp earlier this morning, but the sun is trying to make an appearance now, which I suspect will be short-lived. The good news is, for the first time this year, we slept with the window in our bedroom open all night long. Kinda nice for a change.

Today (Tuesday, May 6):
Expect a mix of sun and clouds through the morning, with increasing cloud cover and scattered showers developing this afternoon. High around 67°F (19°C). Winds out of the southwest at 5 to 10 mph. There’s a 70% chance of rain, so don’t wander too far without a raincoat or a jacket.

Tonight:
Cloudy skies with periods of rain continuing into the evening. Low near 47°F (8°C). Winds will stay out of the southwest at 5 to 10 mph. Still about a 70% chance of rain overnight, so it’ll be a damp one.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, May 7):
Skies will stay mostly cloudy through the day with a chance of showers in the morning, tapering off as we head into the afternoon. Expect a high around 55°F (13°C). Winds will shift and come out of the north at 5 to 10 mph. Rain chance drops to 30%.

Tomorrow Night:
Things clear up overnight, bringing mainly clear skies. The temperature will dip down to a chilly 29°F (-1°C), so you might want to close that window again. Winds will be light and variable.

Highway 522 is slow this morning, which is normal for our area, but in saying that it has picked up traffic wise a lot over the past few days. Lots of new faces and vehicles roaming around, and it will only get busier as the days goes by.

On another note, yesterday I finally got around to cleaning up my woodworking shop—with the help of my wife, which sure made things a lot easier. It took us all morning, and in the afternoon we tackled the basement. It’s amazing what one can accumulate over the years. At any rate, we’re making a lot of headway these days. The place has never looked so good.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today I think I’ll be taking it a bit easy, as I’m not feeling all that well—guess I’ve been overdoing it a bit lately. So, I’m just going to relax for a while.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife made for me. After that, I’ll sit back and enjoy our morning cup of—well, I think I’ll go with green tea this morning for a change. Just feel like something different. And of course, our regular chat. Can’t start the day without that.

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

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

Bring Back the Rock, and Let’s Talk About Hard Time Here Too in Canada

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Only On The Walters Post

So here’s the thing — when I heard Donald Trump was talking about reopening Alcatraz, I didn’t roll my eyes like some folks might. In fact, I thought, well, that makes a lot of sense. What better place than an island surrounded by frigid waters and unforgiving tides to hold the worst of the worst? It worked before, didn’t it? You couldn’t exactly stroll off “The Rock” and into the nearest town for a coffee.

Now, I’m not talking about locking up some kid who made a mistake or someone caught with a bit of pot. I mean the ones who keep hurting others, again and again. The violent repeat offenders. The kind who have no interest in changing, who just cycle through the system, leaving a trail of damage behind.

Trump says he wants to rebuild and expand Alcatraz to house these criminals. He wants it to stand as a symbol — not of cruelty, but of law, order, and consequence. And you know what? Whether you like the man or not, the idea isn’t crazy. The prison’s already sitting there. The bones of it still stand. It’s got history. It’s got teeth, and most importantly, it worked — no confirmed escapes, not unless you count the three who vanished in ’62. Even then, chances are the ocean took ’em.

Now, here in Canada, I think we’ve got a different problem. We’re a little too soft on some things. I’m not saying lock everyone up and throw away the key — but I am saying if you’re doing time, you should be doing something. Productive. Useful. Working.

They used to put prisoners on road crews. Cleaning ditches, fixing fences, planting trees, along with learning trades. And giving something back to the community. But these days? Most inmates don’t do much of that. Sure, some have jobs inside — laundry, kitchen duty, sewing uniforms, or making license plates through CORCAN, the federal prison industry. But it’s mostly internal work, tucked out of sight. Rarely do you see a cleanup crew on the side of a rural highway anymore.

And it’s not mandatory. It’s voluntary.

Seems to me, if you’re getting free meals, heat, medical care, and a roof over your head at taxpayers’ expense, the least you can do is give something back. And here’s something worth mentioning — there are millions of people out here on the outside who can’t get a doctor when they need one. Meanwhile, inmates have a doctor on call anytime. It’s a glaring contrast that makes you think. We pay taxes for the system, but many of us are left waiting for care. It’s a reality check on fairness and responsibility. In fact, inmates have access to a full range of medical services, including primary care from physicians and nurses, mental health services with psychologists and psychiatrists, substance use treatments, and even specialized care from doctors and dentists. On top of that, they get pharmacy services, health screenings, and preventive care. All of this at no cost to them. It makes you wonder how much more people on the outside would benefit if they had even a fraction of that same access to healthcare.

I farmed a good portion of my life, and I’ll tell you, hard work never hurt anybody — in fact, it’s saved a lot of people and as my old dad used to say: Idle hands are the devil’s playground, and I believe it more now than ever.

So yeah, bring back Alcatraz if you’re serious about stopping the cycle of violence. And here in Canada? Maybe it’s time we rethink our approach, too. Not out of spite, but out of simple, honest common sense.

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

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

Heads-Up: Everyday Goods Might Be Delayed — And It Ain’t Trump’s Fault

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Only On The Walters Post

So here’s something most folks haven’t heard about yet, but it’s fast approaching. On May 20, Canada’s new import system (CARM) kicks in. If importers aren’t registered and bonded by then, their goods might get held up at the border. That means you and me could be the ones feeling it on the shelves and at the checkout.

Here are just a handful of things that might slow down if this rolls out rough:

🛒 Groceries

  • Cereal, flour, canned goods
  • Juice, soda, and bottled water
  • Pet food

🥩 Fresh & Frozen Foods

  • Fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood
  • Dairy and eggs
  • Anything perishable — delays mean spoiled loads

🛠️ Everyday Essentials

  • Cleaning supplies, hygiene products
  • Clothing and footwear
  • Hardware, tools, light bulbs

🚗 Auto & Farm Supplies

  • Car and truck parts
  • Tractor and equipment pieces
  • Shop supplies

🏗️ Building Materials

  • Lumber, steel, drywall
  • Paint, adhesives, fasteners

And here’s the kicker: when the delays hit, I can just about guarantee some folks will start bellyaching, saying “This is Trump’s tariffs again!”
Well — it ain’t.

This has nothing to do with Trump or tariffs. This is a Canadian policy rollout that importers have to comply with, or their shipments won’t clear. Period.

So before the blame train gets rolling in the wrong direction, let’s get the facts straight. It’s not politics — it’s red tape. And unless it’s smoothed out quick, working folks are going to feel it the hardest.

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

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

Trump Orders 100% Tariff on Foreign-Made Movies

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Only On The Walters Post

Honestly, I think this is a great move, as these days, most of the movies and shows coming out of other countries are just plain awful. Same plot lines, same acting style, same everything. My wife and I can usually guess what’s going to happen before the scene even finishes. There’s no real story anymore—just recycled themes with no heart.

We’ve found ourselves turning back to the old classics, shows like Becker, The Bob Newhart Show, and Gunsmoke—those had something special. The writing was sharp, the characters had personality, and even the animals seemed to have a sense of humor. And the kids? Well hell, they could really act, not just pose for the camera.

And for the record, I’m from Canada—and I’ll say this, we could use some fresh, good-quality shows and movies made here too. Truth is, most of what’s coming out of Canada these days isn’t much better. Not much substance, nothing that sticks with you.

So yeah, if this tariff brings focus back to real storytelling, solid acting, and something original for a change, I’m all for it. Hollywood used to have soul, maybe this is what it needs to find it again.

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

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

The Country Where Stories Grow on May 5/2025

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Good Morning. As Laura, the lady that raised me used to say: “George, The Day Won’t Wait, But You Never Skip Breakfast.”

It’s another nice day here in cottage country, sun is out and things has warmed up some.

Port Loring, Ontario – Weather Forecast

Today (Monday, May 5):
Mild and mostly cloudy throughout the day.
High: 71°F (22°C)
Low tonight: 56°F (13°C)

Tonight:
Staying mostly cloudy with a mild breeze.
Temperatures will dip to about 56°F (13°C) overnight.

Tomorrow (Tuesday, May 6):
Mostly cloudy with a chance of a few afternoon showers.
High: 72°F (22°C)
Low tomorrow night: 48°F (9°C)

Looking ahead to Wednesday:
Cooler with some cloud cover and a possible morning shower.
High: 55°F (13°C)
Low: 29°F (-2°C)

If you’ve got chores to do outside, you best getter done before that midweek chill sneaks in.

Highway 522 is picking up traffic-wise with lots of new faces roaming around town. City folks, you know—they roll in with their fancy coffees, Bluetooth headsets, and cars that look like they ain’t never seen a gravel road.

On another note, my wife and I had a real busy day working in our basement, cleaning things up and sorting through what we’re putting out for the garage sale. By the time we were done, we were more than ready to sit down. I swear, I discovered muscles I didn’t even know I had.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, being so nice out and knowing we’re in for cooler, rainy weather after tomorrow, I’m thinking it’s time to get some outside work done, breathe in the fresh air, and then settle in for some front porch sittin’. One has to take advantage of this nice weather while you can

So with that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my little woman has made for me, and then we’ll enjoy our hot cocoa along with our regular chat. Might even take it outside and soak up some of that sunshine. We’ve got this nice little cove we sit in on these spring mornings—a peaceful spot tucked out of the way where we can take in the nature all around us, and believe me, we’ve got plenty of it right here by our home.

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

George's Writers Corner, What's Happening

Notes from a Life Lived in Stories on May 4/2025

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It’s looking like a real nice day here in the north. The sun is shining, the grass is greening up nicely, and the buds on some of the trees are starting to look like actual leaves. Especially the white lilac we have by the house—it’s really something. When it’s in full bloom, you can smell it no matter where you walk around the yard. Over the years, I’ve taken shoots from the original and planted others here and there around the place. There’s just something about lilacs that I’ve always liked. Maybe it’s a sign that spring has finally settled in.

On another note, yesterday I was all set to clean up my old woodworking shop. But soon as I stepped outside, I noticed a bunch of water by the house. That didn’t look right, so I took a better look and found the old outside tap had sprung a leak. It’s been there a long time, and I guess it finally gave out.

Fixing it ended up taking most of the morning. It wasn’t the easiest thing, but with the new connectors they’ve come up with these days, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be. Truth be told, I was kind of proud of myself. Plumbing’s never really been my thing—but every now and then, you figure something out, and it actually works the way it’s supposed to. That’s a win in my books.

After I got that all looked after, I had some lunch, and then my wife and I spent the rest of the day doing a bit more cleanup around the property. By the time we wrapped up, the day was pretty much gone.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today my wife and I are planning to get a bit of work done down in the basement, tidying things up. With heating the house with wood all winter, things can get a little messy down there. Not terrible, but it could use some attention.

But first, I’m going to sit down and enjoy the breakfast my little woman made for me—a soft-boiled egg and some sausages from grass-fed critters. You just can’t beat that, especially when it comes to getting a good dose of K2. That’s the stuff most folks are missing these days. Problem is, with what they’re feeding animals now, a lot of the nutrients that used to be in meat just aren’t there anymore. But when they’re raised right—on real grass and the way nature intended—you get all the good things our bodies actually need to stay healthy.

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

George's Writers Corner, Weather

Weather Outlook for Port Loring, Ontario Canada

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Sunday, May 4
Today will bring mostly sunny skies, with a high of 64°F (18°C). Winds stay light, and the afternoon should feel comfortable if you’re out getting things done. By evening, temperatures dip into the mid-50s before settling near 42°F (6°C) overnight. Skies stay mostly clear.

Monday, May 5
The day starts off with some sunshine and a morning low around 48°F (9°C). By the afternoon, it warms up to about 70°F (21°C), though clouds will start thickening up. Showers are expected to roll in late Monday night, with an overnight low near 55°F (13°C). It won’t be a washout, but enough to keep the ground damp.

Medium-Range Forecast (Through Mid-May)

Looking past Monday, the pattern stays unsettled. We’re in one of those spring stretches where we get a few warm, dry days, then a cold front reminds us we’re not quite there yet. Temperatures will run up and down, with daytime highs generally bouncing between 52°F and 68°F. A few sunnier afternoons might brush 70°F, but that warmth won’t stick around for long.

Nights will remain cool, with several droppings into the mid-30s to low 40s. There’s even the potential for a light frost on the colder ones—still a bit risky if you’re thinking about getting a jump on the garden.

We’ll also see periods of showers mid to late week, with systems tracking through from the west. These will be scattered and hit-or-miss, but enough to keep things muddy between dry spells. Overall, the pattern across eastern Canada is stuck between colder air to the north and brief warm surges from the south, but no strong heat ridges are building in. So, while it’s not cold, it’s not the start of summer either.

Long story short—expect typical up-and-down spring weather. No big extremes, just a slow crawl toward real warmth. Patience will pay off.

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

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

One Writer, Many Stories on May 3/2025

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Good Morning Folks… Out here, the stories grow right alongside the weeds.

It’s a cool, wet morning waking up here in cottage country. But the good news is, things are going to start to warm up with some sunshine showing herself a bit later on in the day

Saturday, May 3

Morning: Overcast and damp, with a bit of drizzle hanging in the air.
Afternoon: Some sun breaking through the clouds, helping to dry things up a bit.
High: 52°F (11°C)
Low: 33°F (1°C)
Evening: Partly cloudy and cooling down quick.

Tonight

Mostly clear skies with a few clouds drifting by.
Low: 33°F (1°C)
A cool one—might want to throw an extra log on the fire or grab an extra blanket.

Sunday, May 4

Morning: Bright and sunny, a fine start to the day.
Afternoon: A mix of sun and cloud, just enough to keep things interesting.
High: 61°F (16°C)
Low: 34°F (1°C)
Evening: Calm and clear, with just a hint of a breeze.

Looks like the weekend’s shaping up nicely after a damp start. So, dust off those patio chairs and get ready to enjoy some well-deserved sunshine!

Highway 522 is dry this morning and traffic has been picking up. Not as much as last year at this time, but that’s understandable with the weather being the way it is. However, that’ll all change in the coming weeks as folks start opening up their cottages and getting their boats in the water—not to forget the tourists looking for new things to do and see, away from the noise and bustle of the cities.

On another note, being that the weather wasn’t so nice yesterday, my wife and I spent the day working away here in the house. We got a lot done for our sale, which is closing in fast—just two weeks now. Still lots to do, though, but we’re slowly getting things to where we want them.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today being so cool and wet outside, I’m thinking I’ll work away here at my desk—at least until the sun shows herself and things warm up a bit. And if that happens, I’ll head on out to the old woodworking shop and do some cleaning up out there.

With that, I’m off once again for the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. Then we’ll both settle into our La-Z-Boy chairs and enjoy our morning chat with a good cup of hot cocoa.

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

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

From the Desk of an Old Storyteller on May 2/2025

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Good Morning Folks… Out here, every fence line has a story to tell, and I’ve written half of ’em.

She’s another cool, rainy morning here in Port Loring, and along with that, the wind has picked up a bit, which makes things feel just a touch worse. The good news is, we still have power—and it looks like the sun will show herself tomorrow.

Weather for Port Loring, Ontario

Today, Friday, May 2, it’s a cool and rainy day. We’re looking at a high of 48°F (9°C) and a low of 34°F (1°C). The skies are overcast, and rain is expected throughout the day, so it’s a good idea to keep the rain gear handy. Winds will be light, so it won’t feel too breezy.

Tomorrow, Saturday, May 3, things should improve a bit. Expect a high of 55°F (13°C) and a low of 34°F (1°C). The day will start with some cloud cover, but we should see some sunshine peeking through as the day goes on. It’ll be a bit warmer, so a nice change after today.

All in all, a good weekend ahead to get out and enjoy a bit of nature—just keep an eye on the skies in case the weather changes.

Highway 522 has picked up some, traffic-wise, and we can expect a lot more as the days move forward.

On another note, yesterday wasn’t a great day, so my wife and I headed into North Bay to pick up some supplies we needed. Along the way, we met a lady who had seen some of the things we have for sale on Marketplace and Kijiji. While we were there, we also filled up our gas cans… since the power was out, I figured it was best to top them up. With the way the weather has been lately, it seemed wise to have a little extra on hand.

Once we were finished, we stopped off for a pizza at East Side Mario’s and enjoyed a nice drink. After that, we picked up a coffee at our local coffee shop and headed home, taking in everything nature had to offer. All in all, it turned out to be a great day.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today, with the weather not being so good, I’m planning on scanning a bunch more newspaper columns from years past that I wrote. I have boxes of them, so by doing this, we’ll have them all in one place and no large boxes to move. Which will keep my busy for most of the day.

So, with that, I’m off for some grass-fed sausages we bought, along with a boiled egg. After that, we’ll enjoy our hot cup of cocoa and have our regular morning chat. Then, we’ll see what the day has in store.

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

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

From Dawn to Desk: Stories in the Making on May 1/2025

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Good Morning Folks… Coffee’s hot, pen’s ready, and the buds on the trees are slowly starting to show themselves.

It’s a frosty and cool morning here in Cottage Country, with the mercury waking up at 28.9°F (-1.7°C).​ And as my old Dad used to say: “George, a warm May can fool you fast, but the ground don’t lie. Feel the soil, not the sun.”

🌤️ Port Loring Weather Forecast

Today – Thursday, May 1

Clouds will linger through the morning, giving way to periods of rain by afternoon. The high will reach around 55°F (13°C), with a low dipping to 42°F (6°C).​

Tonight

Expect continued rain through the evening, tapering off overnight. Temperatures will settle near 42°F (6°C).​

Tomorrow – Friday, May 2

The day will start with rain and drizzle, transitioning to cloudy skies by afternoon. The high will be around 53°F (12°C), with a low near 39°F (4°C).​

Highway 522 is bare and dry this morning, and we are seeing a touch of sunshine which is slowly getting rid of this frost we had through the night. Which in turn will make things good for traveling.

On another note, with the power out yesterday morning, my wife and I took the opportunity to go through items we’ll be adding to our spring garage sale. All in all, it turned out to be a productive day, and we got a lot done. There’s still plenty more to go through, but little by little, we’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today I’ve got a bit more computer work that needs my attention, and if the weather warms up a little, I plan to head out to the woodworking shop to start tidying things up. With everything that’s been going on around here the past few months, it’s gotten to be quite a mess, but it’s nothing a little time and effort won’t fix.

So with that, it’s time once again for the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. Afterward, I’ll see what the day has in store. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that you can plan all you like, but the weather, the world, and life itself often have a way of writing their own script.

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

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

When the Cities Decide

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Only On The Walters Post

I farmed for a good portion of my life, and like many others out in the country, I believed in voting. But truth is, it’s getting harder to feel like it matters much anymore.

Canada’s set up so that each riding gets one seat in Parliament, but the ridings are based on how many people live there, not how much ground they cover. So cities, where the population is stacked in tight, end up with more ridings. That means more votes in Parliament, and more say in who forms the government.

In the federal election we just had, most of the rural areas voted one way, but the cities swung things the other. You could see it plain as day on the map—huge stretches of blue across the countryside, but that didn’t tip the scales as the cities made the call.

Now we’ve got another minority government. That means the leading party didn’t win enough seats to go it alone, so they need support from another to stay in power. Right now, the Bloc is backing them, and like always, there’s a deal involved. They’ll want something in return—funding, programs, whatever lines up with their goals.

Meanwhile, farmers—both out west and here in Ontario—just keep at it. We grow the food, mend what’s broken, and carry the load. But when it comes to shaping the future, we’re not at the table.

This isn’t about stirring things up. It’s just calling it what it is, the system’s tilted, and until that’s fixed, rural folks won’t get the voice we deserve.

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

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

Starting the Day, One Story at a Time on April 30/2025

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Good Morning Folks… You know, years ago, a Handshake Meant Something and So Did Your Word.

She’s a cool morning here in Cottage Country, folks. The kind of morning where your breath hangs in the air and the coffee pot works overtime, … if you’ve still got power, that is.

Today in Port Loring, we’re enjoying plenty of sunshine, but temperatures will stay on the crisp side. The high should top out around 50°F (10°C). A great day to be outside if you’re bundling up, though not ideal if you’re relying on electricity to get things done.

Tonight, expect clear skies and a real dip in temperature, down to about 31°F (-1°C). If you’ve got a wood stove or generator, it’ll earn its keep tonight. Otherwise, an extra blanket or two wouldn’t hurt.

Tomorrow, we’ll see increasing cloud cover with afternoon showers rolling in. The high will hit around 55°F (13°C), with a low near 43°F (6°C). Good weather for rain barrels, but not so great for any outdoor chores that need dry ground.

And a quick note for our neighbors: Hydro One is still working hard to restore power after yesterday’s storm knocked out electricity across our region, including here in Port Loring. The latest estimate has power being restored sometime between 5:00 PM and 11:00 PM tonight, depending on location and storm damage. Crews are out, and they’re making steady progress, so hang tight and check on your neighbors if you’re able.

​And as of this morning, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, there are no reports of washouts or major road damage along Highway 522 near Port Loring. The road is currently bare and dry, making it suitable for travel.

So yeah, it’s been an interesting few days here in and around our area with the power being out and all. For us, though, we’re making out just fine. Years back, I had my son and my wife’s brother—who’s an electrician—set us up with a generator system. It’s wired right into the house, so we can keep the essentials running when the grid goes down.

The generator handles our well pump, oil furnace (though we’ve got plenty of wood if we need it), a few lights, and some outlets—like the one I’m using right now for my computer. It’s a comfort knowing we’ve got things in place to keep on going, no matter what the weather throws at us.

That’s the thing about living in the country: you have to be ready for just about anything. You can’t depend on modern-day conveniences to always be there when you need them. I was raised that way—preparedness was just a part of life. So, even with the power out for a couple of days, life around here hasn’t changed much. Feels like a regular day, really.

We were lucky, too. On our last trip to town, I topped off two 20-litre gas cans while the price was down. That gave us just the edge we needed, and the timing couldn’t have been better

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, with the power being a bit restricted and the air outside still holding a bit of a chill, I figure I’ll spend some time working away here at my computer. I’ve got a couple of story ideas floating around in my head that I’d like to get down, but then again, I might turn my attention back to scanning old newspapers.

I wrote for quite a few over the years and have literally hundreds of clippings tucked away. Bit by bit, I’ve been scanning them so we can have everything stored digitally. It’s a lot easier than hauling around heavy boxes full of old newsprint.

My son’s been helping out by backing everything up, too—which is a good thing. You can’t always count on modern technology to hold steady, and those computer hard drives have a funny way of giving up the ghost when you least expect it.

So with that, I’m off to enjoy my breakfast that my little woman’s made for me. It’s simple but just right—some warm Shredded Wheat with a touch of honey, a piece of toast with grass-fed butter. After that, we’ll settle in with a hot cup of cocoa and get into our regular morning chat.

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

George's Writers Corner, Weather

Medium Range Weather For Port Loring Ontario Canada

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Only On The Walters Post

Port Loring, Ontario – Medium Range Weather Outlook

As we move into the last week of April and early May, Port Loring is expected to experience a shift in weather conditions. A cold frontal boundary now moving across the Great Plains will be followed by a second, somewhat stronger, system later in the week. Now, while this will raise the risk of thunderstorms across the central United States, the impact here at home will be much different.

Following the passage of these systems, a cold pool of air is forecast to settle over Ontario and Quebec. This will bring cooler temperatures to our region and prevent any sustained warm-up as we enter May.

Daytime highs in Port Loring are expected to hover between 50°F and 54°F (10°C to 12°C) through much of the period, which is several degrees below seasonal norms. Overnight lows will be quite chilly, often dropping to between 30°F and 37°F (-1°C to 3°C), especially after a cold front sweeps through.

We should also expect more cloud cover than sunshine, with occasional light rain showers scattered through the week. It will not be a washout, but the grey skies and cooler air will certainly be noticeable.

While the central parts of North America are expected to enjoy a stretch of warm and dry weather, Port Loring and much of the Great Lakes region will remain under the influence of this stubborn cold upper low.

This pattern is typical for our area in early spring, when early warmth tries to push north but gets blocked by lingering cold air.

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

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

More Information Takes Shape With Every Sunrise on April 28/2025

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Good Morning Folks…
You know, years ago, mornings smelled like fresh-cut wood and hot coffee. The sound of an axe or a saw was never far off, and a good cup of coffee warmed your hands while you planned the day ahead. It was simple, honest living, and somehow, it just felt right.

And today for those in the city, mornings are filled with horns honking, engines roaring, and people hurrying down crowded sidewalks. The air smells more like pavement and smoke than fresh wood or clean earth. It’s a different world, one where the old quiet ways are easy to forget.

Well, lookin’ out over Port Loring today, it’s mostly cloudy, but the air’s got a good, easy feel to it. Should warm up nice, hittin’ around 70°F (21°C) by mid-afternoon. A good day for getting a few things done outside or just sitting on the porch with a hot cup in hand, listening to the birds wake up the bush. Which my wife and I sure enjoy doing throughout the day.

Highway 522 is bare and dry this morning, so traveling should be real good. Mind you, traffic has picked up a little. I have been seeing quite a few new vehicles rolling through, loaded down with camping gear and supplies. Looks to me like folks are getting the itch to leave the cities behind for a while — and to be honest, I can’t say I blame them one bit. And with the price of gas being much lower, I am thinking a lot more folks will be hitting the highways and back roads this summer.

On another note, yesterday, my wife and I worked the whole day outside, getting things ready for the big sale we’re planning in a couple of weeks. We got a lot done, and there is nothing like making the most of a good day’s work.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today my wife is planning to finish up her outside work, and I’m hoping to tackle a few things myself. First on my list is refilling our fishpond, which I drained a few days ago, I like to clean it up a bit for the warmer days ahead; it just makes everything look that much better. After that, I’m going to bring out the water pump and hook it up, which powers the water wheel at one end of the pond. It’s always a nice sight to watch it turn through the summer.

And then, if I’m still feeling up to it, I might install a new post for some birdhouses. I made them a couple of months ago, and they’ll be a great addition to the ones we already have. But as I’ve always said, that’s the plan — the results, well, we’ll see what the day brings.

So, with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife made for me. After that, we’ll sit down for our morning chat with a hot cup of cocoa, and then, as I said before, we’ll see what the day has in store.

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

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

Action Over Talk

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Only On The Walters Post

Here is how I see things in the good old USA & Canada. Trump got elected and didn’t waste any time. He jumped right in, doing exactly what he said he would, with no waiting around like most politicians usually do, especially compared to ours here in Canada. And there is a reason why he is doing it so fast, as he has learned that it’s best to get things done right off the bat. As for the complainers, well they’ll either settle down or keep on fussing. That’s just how some folks are.

I only wish we had a leader here in Canada, with that kind of drive. But as much as I hate to say it… I don’t see it happening, as here in Canada, there are too many people that have short memories. They forget how things were just a few months ago, and convince themselves the next leader will somehow be better.

The truth is, the party stays the same. Their beliefs stay the same. You look back over the years, and nothing really changes—except for one thing: we just keep sinking deeper into debt and less self efficient. Now hey! I could be wrong…but I don’t think so.

Any way, that’s the way I see it.

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

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

A Story Takes Shape With Every Sunrise Here on The Walters Post: April27/2025

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Good Morning Folks… I used to tell my boys years ago that: The Best Plans Were Written in Dust on the Tractor Hood.

It is one beautiful day here in cottage country. The sun is shining, the grass is slowly turning from brown to green, and the trees are starting to show their buds, which is a sure sign that the leaves are not far behind.

As for the weather here in Port Loring, Ontario, Canada:

Today:
Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 63°F (17°C). Winds will be light and variable.

Tonight:
Clear skies, with a low around 37°F (3°C).

Tomorrow:
Another sunny day is on the way with a high of 68°F (20°C). Winds will remain light, making it a perfect day to be outdoors.

Highway 522 is bare and dry this morning, which will make travelling to the larger cities a go today. As for my wife and me, we’re all stocked up, as we made the trip to town yesterday. We figured that since it was a rainy old day, and we couldn’t do much outside around our home, we might as well pick up a few things we were needing.

While we were there, we stopped in for a visit with our son, and afterward, he took us out for dinner at a nice restaurant called Lot 88. It wasn’t too bad of a place to eat, a touch expensive, but then again, what place these days isn’t? Even an A&W burger meal for two people will set you back twenty-some dollars or more. The thing is, it’s only a hamburger. Sheesh. I’m not sure where they get off charging so much, but the truth is, businesses have a lot of overhead these days. Wages, hydro, rent, insurance, and even the cost of the ingredients have all gone through the roof.

That is what’s driving prices up everywhere you look. It’s not always that they want to charge so much—it’s that they have to if they want to keep the lights on and pay their staff. Years ago, things were simpler. Folks grew a lot of their own food, fixed what they had instead of buying new, and took more time to enjoy life. Today, it’s all about making money, rushing here, rushing there, always looking for the next thing. In doing so, we’ve traded some of the simple ways for what many call “progress,” but to me, it doesn’t always seem like a step forward.

At any rate, we had a nice chat with our son, enjoyed a good meal, picked up our groceries and a few other things, and grabbed a coffee for the road home. The rain never did let up, but I’ve found that no matter what kind of weather a day brings, it’s all in how you look at it. Yesterday, we made it into a good day, and that is what counts.

So, what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today, with the sun back with us, and it supposed to warm up a lot, I’m thinking I’ll get to unpacking all the things we’ve put together for our big garage sale coming up in a couple of weeks. We’ve got so much stuff that I figure it’ll take us most of the day to get everything out where folks can see it.

You know what they say—got to make hay while the sun’s shining.

So yeah, that’s what GW and his lovely wife will be up to today, along with enjoying a cup of coffee or two while sitting outside and soaking up some of that sunshine.

With that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has put together for me. After that, we’ll be settling in with a hot cup of cocoa, and planning out the day ahead—something we always look forward to and sure do enjoy every morning.

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

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

Early Mornings and Old Stories on April 26/2025

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Good Morning Folks… Another Morning, another story.

​Well, she’s a wet morning here in the North, and it rained off and on through the night, and by the looks of things, the rain will continue for most of the day.

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

Today – Saturday, April 26:
Rainy and overcast, with temperatures around 46°F (8°C). We could see about 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain. Winds will be coming from the north-northwest at around 15 mph (24 km/h).

Tonight:
Light rain tapering off, becoming mostly cloudy. Temperatures will drop to around 34°F (1°C). Winds will stay steady from the north-northwest at about 15 mph (24 km/h).

Tomorrow – Sunday, April 27:
A pleasant change with sunny skies and a high of 63°F (17°C). Winds will shift slightly, coming from the west-northwest at about 6 mph (9 km/h).

Tomorrow Night:
Clear skies, with temperatures falling to around 36°F (2°C). Winds will shift again, coming from the south-southwest at about 8 mph (13 km/h).

There is also a rainfall warning in place today due to the combination of steady rain and melting snow, which could cause some localized flooding in low-lying areas.

Highway 522 is moving slow this morning, but I suspect things will pick up as the day rolls along. With all this rain, it’s not a bad day to leave the car outside — free car wash included, no appointment necessary!

On another note, with the weather not being all that great yesterday morning, I decided to get busy here at my computer. By the time the weather started to shape up, I was already too deep into what I was doing to stop. So, I just carried on working away at my desk. Some days are like that — once you get rolling, it’s hard to put the brakes on.

So, what are you up to today, GW?

Well, seeing as it’s a pretty miserable day out there, I figure it’s a good one to stay inside and tinker away at a few projects I’ve got going here at my computer. Mind you, it is Dump Day here in the North, so I might just load up the SUV and make a run over there. Around here, a trip to the dump is about as close as we get to a town meeting. You drop off a few bags of trash, catch up on all the local gossip, and if you’re lucky, maybe find a chair or a rake that’s still got a few good years left in it. Truth be told, some days you come home with more than you left with!

So, with that all said, I’m off to grab some breakfast my little woman’s whipped up for me. After that, I’ll see what the day throws at me, planned or not. Bein’ so wet out there, I might just sit back for a spell and have a second cup of hot cocoa before I get too carried away. Days like this, a fella’s got two choices … fight it or take it easy. I’m leanin’ toward the easy side.

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

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.