Category Archives: George’s Writers Corner

Great Spot to hear about anything and everything concerning writing. Also information on my books, book signings, speaking engagements and events that might be happening in and around our town.

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

A Small Note from the North on April 20/2025

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Good Morning! A slow start in the country still beats a fast pace in the city.

It’s a bit on the cool side this morning here in cottage country, and I have to admit, I’m not entirely thrilled with what I’m seeing outside my window. I won’t say exactly what it is—but let’s just say I’m not putting my snow shovel away anytime soon.

Weather Forecast Port Loring Ontario Canada:

Today – Tuesday, April 15th
Woke up to a cool one, sitting around 37°F (3°C), and it hasn’t warmed up much since. The kind of morning where the coffee needs to be extra strong. Rain’s been falling off and on, but now it’s got that look—y’know, where the flakes start to sneak in like they’re testing the waters. We might see somewhere between half an inch to just over an inch (1 to 3 cm) of the white stuff before day’s end. Winds are starting to pick up too, so keep the wood stove going if you’ve got one. I lit our wood furnace back up this morning. High of 40°F (5°C), low dropping to 25°F (-4°C) tonight.

Tomorrow – Wednesday, April 16th
Might be waking up to a dusting—just enough to make you second-guess putting those boots away. But the skies should clear up some, maybe even a peek of sunshine if we’re lucky. Still on the chilly side though, with a high around 42°F (5°C) and dropping to 22°F (-5°C) once the sun tucks in for the night.

Highway 522 is still pretty quiet these days, which isn’t all that surprising—and it’s carrying a bit of a wet shine to it this morning. So far, the snow isn’t sticking, but that could change as the day rolls on. Let’s hope it doesn’t. I think we’ve all had just about enough of Old Man Winter for one year.

On a different note, I spent the better part of yesterday right here at my desk, working away on the ol’ keyboard. Got five stories written, which made for a mighty fine writing day. The words just poured out, smooth and steady—like sap running on a warm spring morning. I sure love when that happens. I like to get ahead while the weather’s still dreary, ’cause once it warms up, I’d rather be out soaking up the sunshine than cooped up inside staring at a screen.

So, what am I up to today?

Well, seeing as the weather isn’t exactly inviting, I figure I’ll spend a bit more time writing up some stories. I’ve got to send in my weekly pieces to the folks I write for, which I’ll get to here in a minute. After that, I’ll sit down and enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. Then… well, I think a hot cup of cocoa is in order, followed by a nice chat with her.

She’s been busy as all get out for these past few months, sorting through household items for the big sale we’ve got coming up in a few weeks. That woman of mine never slows down, lucky to have her.

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

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

Today in Cottage Country: April 14, 2025, Through My Eyes

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Good Morning! When the wood stove is burning nicely and the coffee’s strong, even Mondays feel like old friends.

Weather Outlook for Port Loring, Ontario

Monday, April 14
A grey and damp day ahead. Light rain through the morning will carry on in patches through the afternoon, with the odd break here and there. Temperatures will rise to a high of 54°F (12°C) and settle down tonight to about 35°F (1°C). A good day to stay close to the fire, maybe catch up on a bit of work in the shop or house.

Tuesday, April 15
Tuesday brings some cooler weather with it, and a mix of rain and snow showers moving through. We could see snow amounts anywhere from 0.4 to 1.2 inches (1–3 cm), especially by late morning into the afternoon. Winds will pick up a bit, making it feel colder than the thermometer says. Daytime highs will hover near 40°F (4°C) and drop to 25°F (-4°C) by the time night rolls in. Might be another good day to keep the kettle warm and the wool socks close.

Highway 522 is wet this morning and pretty quiet, with hardly a car in sight. But then again, it is still early. Yesterday was a different story, with plenty of folks out and about. In any case, it is what it is—and best to enjoy the peace while it lasts. It won’t be long before folks start rolling in to open up their cottages, along with day-trippers wandering through, looking for things to see and do.

On another note, my wife and I spent most of the yesterday working outside. We got a lot done, though there’s still plenty left to tackle. But with the rain today, it looks like outdoor chores will be taking a back seat for now.

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, like I mentioned earlier, there’s not much I can do outside with the rain coming down. But we’ve still got plenty to keep us busy indoors—mostly sorting through more things we’re planning to put out for sale next month. It’s shaping up to be one heck of a sale, let me tell ya—something for everyone, no matter the age or whether you’re a man or a woman.

And along with that on our list of things to get done, I just might sit myself down and write up another story or two. We’ll see how the day unfolds. Truth be told, my wife and I have a habit of starting out doing one thing and somehow ending up doing something completely different. No rhyme or reason around this house, that’s for sure.

So with that, I’m off to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has prepared, and then I’ll let the day unfold as it will. It might not be the finest day weather-wise, but every new day holds possibilities—it all depends on what you make of it.

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

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

Coffee, Country, and Common Sense on April 13/2025

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Good Morning! If your porch chair’s got more stories than the news, you’re sittin’ in the right spot.

Port Loring, Ontario Weather Forecast
Sunday, April 13 – Monday, April 14, 2025

Today – Sunday, April 13
It’s a sunny start to the day here in Port Loring. Expect a high around 60°F (16°C) this afternoon. Winds will be light from the southwest, around 10 km/h. It’s a good day to get outside, maybe clean up the yard or go for a walk.

Tonight
Clear skies will stick around, with the temperature dropping to about 41°F (5°C) overnight. A cool but calm night.

Tomorrow – Monday, April 14
Monday will be much the same. A mix of sun and a few clouds, with a high near 63°F (17°C). Winds will be a bit stronger from the west at about 15 km/h. No rain expected, so it should be another decent day to be out and about.

Highway 522 is bare and dry this Sunday morning, making for good traveling for those heading to the larger towns for supplies.

On another note, yesterday, my wife and I spent the morning outside cleaning out one of our side buildings. After lunch, I made a run to the dump, then settled in to watch the Masters Golf Tournament.

It was a great day of golf. Rory McIlroy lit up the course with a historic start—six straight holes of three or better, including two eagles and three birdies. He finished the third round with a 6-under 66, putting him at 12-under for the tournament and giving him a two-shot lead heading into today’s final round.

Right behind him is Bryson DeChambeau at 10-under, and not far off is our own Canadian, Corey Conner’s, sitting in third at 8-under. He’s been steady all week, and it sure would be something to see him make a strong run today. Ludvig Åberg and Patrick Reed are tied at 6-under going into the final round.

The final round of the Masters gets underway today around 9:40 a.m. Eastern, with the leaders teeing off a little later in the morning. You can catch the live coverage on CBS from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., and it’s also available for streaming if you’ve got access to that.

As for the weather down in Augusta, Georgia, it’s looking just about perfect—sunny skies, a high around 68°F (20°C), light winds, and no rain in sight. Should make for a great day of golf.

I’m really looking forward to watching how it all plays out. Here’s hoping Conner’s keeps the Canadian flag flying high!

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, this morning I’m planning to fix up one wall on one of our outbuildings—it’s seen better days. Once that’s done, I’ll start getting the inside organized so we can figure out where to place all the shop items we’re planning to sell or get rid of next month. That’ll likely keep me busy for most of the morning. After that, I’ll be settling in to watch the final round of the Masters—wouldn’t want to miss that.

So with that, I’m off once again to enjoy the breakfast my lovely wife has made for me. After that, I’ll see what the day has in store—besides what I’ve already planned. A new day means a new start, and after that… who really knows?

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

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

Why Pork Deserves a Second Look: By GW

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Only On The Walters Post!

There’s a lot of noise these days about what we should and shouldn’t eat. Every week, it seems there’s a new study telling us to ditch this meat or that one. For a while, pork got thrown under the bus, and I think unfairly so.

Growing up, pork was a staple. Not just bacon and sausages, but pork chops, roasts, and hams—real meals that filled the belly and gave you energy to get back out in the field. And it tasted like something.

Nowadays, folks seem to think pork is either too fatty or too risky. But the truth is, it’s leaner than it used to be, and safer too. Cuts like pork loin, tenderloin, or even a well-trimmed shoulder roast are right up there with chicken when it comes to fat content—sometimes even better.

And here’s something most people don’t know: pork is packed with B vitamins, especially B1, which is hard to come by in other meats. It’s got iron and zinc too, and that matters for people our age who still want to keep the old engine running smooth.

Now, I’m not talking about cheap, processed stuff loaded with salt and mystery bits. I’m talking about real pork. The kind you raise yourself or buy from a farmer who treats his animals right and doesn’t pump them full of antibiotics. I’ve eaten that kind of pork most of my life, and I’ve never had a doctor tell me it was the problem.

Another plus? In Canada, they don’t allow hormones in pork. That’s more than I can say for some beef you’ll find in the cooler.

If you’re still worried about safety, just cook it properly. The old days of frying pork into shoe leather are gone. A nice roast brought to temperature and left to rest is moist, tender, and makes for good leftovers too. Add some garden carrots, a bit of onion, and maybe a side of potatoes—now that’s a meal.

Now I still like a good steak occasionally, and chicken has its place, sure. But don’t let the health fads fool you—pork, done right, is still one of the best meats you can eat. Affordable, flavorful, and full of the kind of nutrients that fuel real work. It’s the kind of meat that’s fed generations, and I say it still deserves a place at the table.

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

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

What I Know, What I’ve Seen on April 12/2025

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Good Morning! I remember one time my Dad and I were chatting out by our barn. He went on to say: “George, you see that old barn? She’s been leanin’ into the wind for longer than either of us can remember—but she’s still standin’. That’s how you get old proper. You don’t fight every storm. Oh, life’s going to take a piece of you now and then—but don’t let it take more than it needs to.”

It’s a sunny morning wakin’ up here in the north, which is sure nice to see—even if there’s still a bit of a chill in the air. But give it an hour or so, and I figure things’ll start to warm up just fine.

Port Loring Weather Forecast

Today – Saturday, April 12, 2025:
Plenty of sunshine on the way.
High of 54°F (12°C), low near 28°F (-2°C).

Tomorrow – Sunday, April 13, 2025:
Clouds start rollin’ in later on.
High around 58°F (14°C), low about 39°F (4°C).

On another note, yesterday my wife and I once again worked the morning away and a good part of the afternoon, carryin’ things out to the old woodworking shop for our spring sale. I’ve gotta tell ya, folks—I never would’ve dreamt we had that much stuff tucked away. Simply amazin’.

Then, come afternoon, we settled in to watch the Masters Golf Tournament down in Augusta, Georgia. It was a great day all around.

Masters Golf Tournament – Second Round Highlights

After two rounds at Augusta, the leaderboard is shaping up for an exciting weekend:

  • Justin Rose leads the pack at 8-under-par after rounds of 65 and 71.
  • Bryson DeChambeau is just one stroke behind at 7-under, following rounds of 69 and 68.
  • Tied for third at 6-under are Rory McIlroy and Corey Conner’s, both with impressive performances.

Our very own Corey Conner’s from Canada shot a solid 70 in the second round, bringing his total to 138 (-6). A highlight of his day was nearly holing out with an incredible approach on No. 11.

The weather in Augusta today will be mostly sunny, with less than 30% cloud coverage throughout the day. Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 66°F (19°C) and a low of 45°F (7°C). Humidity levels will range from 79% in the early morning to 36% by mid-afternoon, with a light breeze and no chance of rain.

The third round of the Masters Tournament is scheduled to begin at 9:50 a.m. Eastern Time (6:50 a.m. Pacific Time).

In Canada, you can watch the Masters live on TSN and CTV. Coverage for the third round begins at 2 p.m. Eastern Time (11 a.m. Pacific Time) on TSN3, TSN4, and CTV.

Enjoy the tournament!

With that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife has made for me. After that, it’s time to get to work—I’ve got more cleaning up to do in the outbuilding by my shop. Once that’s cleared out, I’ll have more room for more stuff for the sale.

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

George's Writers Corner

Canned Goods Are Climbing—But Maybe That’s a Good Thing?

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Only On The Walters Post!

There’s been talk lately about canned food prices going up—some say by as much as 40 cents a can. It’s all tied to new tariffs on steel and aluminum, which are used to make the cans. As a result, food processors are facing higher costs, and of course, those extra charges will end up at the checkout counter.

Now, most folks will see this as bad news as, after all, grocery prices are already high enough. But I’ve been around long enough to know that sometimes, what seems like a problem at first glance, might turn out to be just the wake-up call we need.

For years now, people have filled their cupboards with processed and canned goods. Oh, they’re convenient, sure—but that convenience has come at a price. We’ve seen more health issues cropping up, and I don’t believe it’s a coincidence. You can’t live well on food that’s been sitting in a can for months, loaded with salt, sugar, and who knows what else. Back when people cooked with real ingredients and ate what they grew or bought fresh, folks generally felt better and lived stronger.

So maybe this price hike will push people to rethink what they’re eating. My way of thinking is, if it makes someone pause before grabbing another processed meal and instead reach for fresh vegetables or cook from scratch, that’s not such a bad outcome. It might even be the best thing that could happen in the long run.

Now, I’m not cheering for higher prices, and I’d never wish trouble on workers or families. But I do believe that good can come from hard times—especially if it brings us back to basics.

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

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

Same Old Tricks, Just Fancier Suits

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Only On The Walters Post!

Back in my day, if a man made his living here in Canada, he paid his share here; and it didn’t matter if he ran a small shop or worked the land, he chipped in, so roads were maintained and kids had a school to go to.

Now it seems the more money a person makes, the better they are at dodging the rules the rest of us have to follow. Some of these big outfits move their profits through overseas offices that are little more than post boxes. They say it’s legal. Maybe so, but it sure doesn’t pass the smell test.

I may be an old hand, but I know when someone’s greasing the gears. They dress it up with fancy talk, but the scheme’s plain as day. Work the loopholes, stash the cash, smile for the cameras.

Meanwhile, folks who do honest work are left footing the bill. And the ones who helped write the rules now claim they want to fix them. That’s rich.

I won’t name names. No need, as the ones doing it know who they are, and so do we. All I’m saying is, it’s time we stopped falling for smooth talk and started paying attention to where the money goes.

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

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

What Life Taught Me While I Wasn’t Looking on April 11/2025

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Good Morning! When the coffeepot rattles on our old stove, you know it’s going to be a talkative day around here.

Well, it’s not as cold as it was yesterday, but you can still feel that bite in our northern air. And it’s still a might cold to do much front porch sittin’.

Now, here’s your weather for today and tomorrow in Port Loring, Ontario:

Today, April 11: A bit cloudy this morning, but it’ll clear up some as the day goes on. High of 47°F (8°C), Low of 28°F (-2°C).

Tomorrow, April 12: A sunny day ahead with plenty of blue skies. High of 54°F (12°C), Low of 28°F (-2°C).

Perfect weather to get out and about, but still a good idea to bundle up!

Highway 522 is bare and dry this morning, which will make traveling good.

On another note, yesterday, my wife and I spent the morning getting things ready for our big spring sale. We’re planning to unload years’ worth of items we no longer use, so it’ll be a massive garage sale! It’s going to take place sometime next month, and we’ll keep you posted on the exact dates once we have them.

On top of that, everything in our gift shop will also be for sale at unbeatable prices, so it’s not just your typical garage sale. You’ll find some real gems! Make sure to jot it down so you don’t forget to drop by once I give you the dates.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

So what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today my wife and I will continue on as we did yesterday, at least in the morning. In the afternoon, just like yesterday, we’ll be tuning in to watch the Masters golf tournament. I have to say, so far, it’s been a great game! Even our very own Corey Conner’s was in second place. Sure would be nice to see him win it, but we still have a long way to go yet.

As the day wrapped up, here are the standings for the top three at the Masters 2025:

  1. Justin Rose – A fantastic 7-under 65 performance put him in the lead with a three-shot advantage.
  2. Scottie Scheffler – He held steady and made a strong run to stay within striking distance in second.
  3. Corey Conner’s – He was tied for fourth with a solid 68, still very much in the hunt.

One of the highlights of the day was Fred Couples. He’s getting up there in years, but he’s still out there doing what he does best. His eagle on the 15th hole was a thing of beauty, proving he still has the magic touch!

And let’s not forget about the course itself. It’s looking great! The greens are smooth, the fairways are in top shape, and the trees are just beautiful. The whole place is a perfect picture of spring.

With three more days to go, today, tomorrow, and Sunday, it’s shaping up to be an exciting finish. Can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!

So, with that, I’m off for breakfast that my little woman has ready for me. After we enjoy our hot cup of cocoa and have our regular morning chat, I’ll get to work.

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

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

What We’re Really Buying From China here in Canada & the Hidden Cost of Convenience

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Only On The Walters Post

We’ve all heard folks talk about boycotting all kinds of different things. I’ve also seen people get riled up over American policies or political blunders. But we hardly ever talk about the real giant in the room, China, and just how deep our wallets are tied to theirs.

So let’s lay it out plain: here’s what China sells to Canada, and how much money we send their way for it.

Top Imports From China to Canada (2023)

  • Electronics (phones, TVs, tablets, etc.): $7.96 billion
  • Machinery (including computers): $7.03 billion
  • Vehicles (excluding trains): $3.65 billion
  • Furniture & Lighting: $3.11 billion
  • Plastics & Plastic Items: $2.44 billion
  • Steel & Iron Articles: $2.27 billion
  • Toys, Games, and Sports Gear: $1.74 billion
  • Knit Clothing (socks, underwear, etc.): $1.35 billion
  • Woven Apparel (jackets, pants, etc.): $1.04 billion
  • Aluminum Products: $1.03 billion

Notable Individual Items

  • Mobile Phones: $9.22 billion
  • Computers & Laptops: $6.56 billion
  • Passenger Vehicles: $2.64 billion
  • Vehicle Parts: $2.39 billion
  • Heaters & HVAC Units: $1.84 billion

The Everyday and Often Ignored

These smaller items are harder to track individually in dollar terms, but together they form a mountain: And I am sure there are many more.

  • Hair combs, elastics, brushes
  • Pens, crayons, pencils, erasers
  • Buttons, zippers, sewing kits
  • Umbrellas, plastic tarps, rain gear
  • Socks, scarves, gloves, hats
  • Kitchen gadgets, utensils, containers
  • Tools, flashlights, batteries
  • Toys in kids’ meals, party decorations
  • Lighters, nail clippers, razors
  • Eyeglasses, sunglasses, costume jewelry
  • Mops, sponges, cleaning cloths
  • Fake flowers, picture frames, wall art

Total Spent (2024): $49.2 Billion

That’s what we gave them in one year, which keeps our local makers, tool shops, and craftsmen out of business. And there’s been a lot more since.

Looking at that, it just goes to show ya, what could be made right here at home in Canada, if we get back to being self-reliant. Just imagine what that money we give to China could do for us right here at home. Will it happen? Well it would, and can if our Powers That Be, would open their eyes.

Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

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

Where the Road Ends, Stories Begin on April 10/2025

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Good Morning! My old friend Grey Wolf used to say: “George, the sky doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, it gives the same sunrise to all who look up.”

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

Thursday, April 10, 2025:

  • High: 45°F (7°C)
  • Low: 20°F (-6°C)
  • Conditions: Expect plenty of sunshine to stretch across the sky, but don’t forget to bundle up—those cool northern winds will keep things brisk. Perfect weather for a morning walk with a hot cup of coffee in hand.

Friday, April 11, 2025:

  • High: 46°F (8°C)
  • Low: 28°F (-2°C)
  • Conditions: A mix of sunshine and some clouds, giving you just enough time to get out and enjoy the fresh air before things cool off again at night. It’s the kind of day that calls for layers and a good pair of boots for that stroll down a quiet country road.

Looks like it’ll be a couple of crisp, refreshing days. Enjoy the sunshine, but don’t forget to keep that jacket close—spring’s still finding its footing up here.

Highway 522 is bare and dry this morning, making for good traveling. So, if anyone is in need of supplies, it should be a great day to head off to the big city.

On another note: Yesterday, with the weather so nice, my wife and I decided to head into the big city of North Bay to pick up a few things, like groceries. We got everything taken care of, had our lunch in the car, and picked up a Starbucks coffee for the road home. The weather couldn’t have been better, and on the way back, we stopped for a visit with some good friends. All in all, it was a great day.

So what are you up to today GW

Well, once it warms up a bit today, my wife and I are going to get to work on preparations for the big spring sale we’re planning. We’ve already completed much of the prep work, but there’s still plenty to do, which will keep us busy this morning. Afterward, we’ll settle in to watch The Masters golf tournament, which starts today. We never miss it. The beautiful flowers, lush greens, fairways, and trees always get us into the spring spirit.

So with that, I am off for my breakfast that my little woman has made for me, and will then head outdoors, well after our cup of hot cocoa and our regular morning chat. Although, in saying that, it should be noted we chat all the time, and you know what? We are damn good at it, too.

Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

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

Where Every Word Still Counts on April 9/2025

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Good Morning! As my old friend Grey Wold Used to say: A crow’s call at dawn doesn’t need explaining, and neither do most things, if you’re paying attention.

Well—she’s a cold one here in cottage country this morning. When I crawled out of bed, the thermometer was sittin’ at -0.94°F | -18.3°C. So much for all that global warming stuff folks keep carryin’ on about.

Far as I’m concerned, the earth’s just doin’ what it’s always done. It’s been warming up and cooling down since the beginning of time. Sure, we might be making a bit of a mess with the way we live now, but the big picture? That’s Mother Nature’s work, she runs the show, not us. All them fanatics hollering about the end of the world every time it snows or rains a bit too much, well, they need to take a breath and look back at history.

Port Loring Weather Forecast

Today: A cold one, with a bit of sun, some cloud, and maybe a flurry or two.
High: 35°F | 2°C
Low Tonight: 15°F | -9°C

Tomorrow: A bit milder, with a bit more sunshine.
High: 43°F | 6°C
Low: 24°F | -5°C

You might want to toss another log on the fire and keep that coffee close. She’s still got some bite in her, but the warmer days are comin’.

Highway 522 is bare and dry this morning, which will make for some good travelin’—whether you’re heading into town for supplies or just making the weekly run to the dump. Yep, it’s Dump Day here in our little corner of the world—one of the more prestigious events on the calendar if you ask a few of the locals.

Some folks treat it like a social outing… wave to a neighbor, maybe compare who’s got the better load in the back of the truck. And if you’re real lucky, you might even spot someone sneakin’ something back from the dump. “One man’s trash,” as they say.

So, if you’ve been holding off getting rid of that busted toaster or that old chair with only one leg left, now’s your chance. Roads are good, sky’s clear, and the garbage gods are smiling.

On another note, yesterday me and my wife managed to get our driveway and decks cleared of snow. I have to tell ya, there was a lot of it. In some spots we had a good foot and a half. It took me and my wife the whole morning to get things cleaned up.

And I gotta tell ya, we were more than ready for our lunch and a couple cups of coffee when we were finished. After that, our two Lazy Boy chairs sure felt good. Slept good too.

So, what are you up to today, GW?

Well, today’s a bit on the cool side, so I’m thinkin’ I’ll sit down and write up another story or two and keep the home fires going. After yesterday, this old body of mine could sure use a bit of a rest.

With that, I’m off for my morning breakfast that my lovely wife has put together for me. After that, I’ll see what the day has in store. It might be cold, but that sun shining like she is sure makes it look nice outside.

Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

Let the Working Man Keep His Pay

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Only On The Walters Post

It just don’t sit right with me, that every time a man works, puts in his hours, and then has to give part of it away before he even sees it. That’s not fair. The working man’s pay belongs to him, not the government.

The thing is, if folks could keep what they earn, they’d have enough to buy a decent home, fix up their truck, maybe even get the kids something useful like a new computer. They’d spend it in their communities. That’s how a country grows—not by taxing the hell out of the people who are actually doing the work.

Now, I’m not saying we shouldn’t help the ones who really need it. Seniors who’ve done their time, folks who’ve got serious health problems, yeah, we look after them. That’s just being decent. But the rest? If you’re able-bodied, you should be working. Simple as that.

We’ve built a system where it sometimes pays better to sit still than to put in an honest day’s work, well, that’s backwards. There’s work to be done, and a country like Canada should be built on effort, not entitlement.

And while we’re on the topic, we also need to have a hard look at how many people we’re bringing into the country right now. Immigration isn’t the problem, it’s how fast it’s happening. Canada’s always opened its doors to folks looking for a better life, and rightly so. But we’ve got to make sure we’ve got the homes, the doctors, and the schools to support them first. Right now, we don’t. And bringing in more people than we can house or care for, only makes things harder for everyone—newcomers and long-timers alike.

This isn’t about turning folks away, it’s about making sure the welcome mat isn’t just a cover for a trap door. Let’s get our infrastructure back on track, make sure our own people aren’t struggling, and then we can talk about how many more we can bring in responsibly.

At the end of the day, we need to stop rewarding idleness and start respecting effort. A fair day’s pay should stay in the worker’s hands, not be filtered through layers of government waste or stretched so thin that no one’s needs get met properly.

Some folks will call this harsh. But what’s harsher, telling someone they’ve got to earn their way, or telling a working man that even after doing everything right, it’s still not enough?

Again… let the man/woman keep their pay, they earned it. That’s fair, something we could use a bit more of around here.

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

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

Same Horse, Different Saddle

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Only On The Walters Post!

You know, just a month back, you could hardly find a soul, with a kind word for the Liberals. Didn’t matter if you were sittin’ in a coffee shop, leaning on the counter at the feed store, or just jawin’ with friend and family. All that was on folks minds was that Trudeau was on his way out, and everyone was happy.

Fast-forward, here we are, not much time passed, and wouldn’t you know it, the same party, a different face, and folks now are humming a whole new tune. It’s like someone flipped a switch. Along comes Mark Carney with his smooth talk and big-city shine, and suddenly— it’s like the mess we just came through never happened.

The thing is, you can dress it up however you like, but it’s still the same old outfit underneath. Amazes me how some folks get dazzled by the wrapping, and forget to check what’s in the box.

And the real kicker? Most believe they’re makin’ up their own minds, when half the time, they’re just bein’ nudged along like cattle through a gate.

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

George's Writers Corner, What's Happening

So who’s Really Visiting my Blog? Here’s the Straight Goods By GW

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Only On The Walters Post!

I ran a check on Blog traffic using a tool called Go Access, that my son Karl set me up with, awhile back, nothing fancy—just a way to see who’s dropping by and what they’re looking at.

Here’s what’s happening for just one day, April 8, 2025:

  • Total Visits (Hits): 5,608
  • Unique Visitors (Real People): 2,979

That means almost 3,000 real folks came to read or browse. Not bots. Not search engines. “Real People!!“

Bottom Line?

Nearly 3,000 in just one day. That’s no small potatoes.

So if you’ve ever shared my posts, commented, or just quietly read along—thank you. It means the stories I’ve been telling/writing, and the old ways I’ve been trying to preserve, are reaching people. And… that’s why I do this.

Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

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

From the Desk Where Stories Never Die on April 8/2025

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Good Morning! You know, the problem today isn’t a lack of knowledge, it’s an oversupply of nonsense.

Well, folks, old man winter has reappeared—at least in our neck of the woods.
Looking outside, I’d say we had a good foot, and in some places, closer to two feet, of fresh snow overnight. Just when we were getting ready to welcome spring proper, winter decided to show us it’s not quite done yet.

Weather Forecast – Port Loring, Ontario, Canada

Today (Tuesday, April 8):
Flurries in the morning tapering off as the day goes on. Skies will stay mostly cloudy, with a few sunny breaks possible this afternoon. Expect a high around 28°F (–2°C). Winds will be light, but enough to make it feel a touch colder. Total snowfall today is expected to stay under an inch (1 cm)—but we’ve already got plenty on the ground from before dawn.

Tonight:
Skies clear out, bringing a sharp drop in temperature. Low near 6°F (–14°C), with frost settling in wherever the wind hasn’t swept it clean. A good night to toss an extra log on the fire.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, April 9):
Mostly sunny, with a high of 34°F (1°C). Not a big warm-up, but enough to soften the snow on your boots by afternoon. Winds will stay light. Clear and cold again overnight, with lows dipping to around 17°F (–9°C).

So, if you’re headed outside, bundle up good, and keep that shovel handy.
Around here, winter doesn’t ask for permission before making itself at home, or so it seems lately.

Highway 522… well, it’s out there somewhere—
but you sure wouldn’t know it looking out the window this morning. It’s completely buried under a thick blanket of snow. You’d be hard-pressed to tell where the road ends and the fields begin. Travel’s not lookin’ too promising, I’ll tell ya that much.

It’s the kind of day when the smart ones stay put, maybe put on a fresh pot of coffee.

On another note:
Yesterday, with the weather bein’ what it was, my wife and I stayed put here at home. I spent most of the day tappin’ away at the keys, writing up a couple more stories. The words were flowin’ real nice, like sap on a warm spring day.

Meanwhile, my wife was busy as ever—tidyin’ up, cleanin’, and doin’ all the little things that keep a home runnin’ smooth. Let me tell ya, that woman of mine never stops.

So, what are you up to today, GW?

Well, one thing’s for sure—there’s a mighty big pile of snow out there waitin’ for us. The decks and driveway are buried deep, and I suspect movin’ all that white stuff will keep us busy for most of the morning—maybe even into the afternoon. After that? Well, no-brainer there, as we’ll be more than ready to kick back and catch our breath.

But first things first, as right now I’m off to enjoy a plate of homemade waffles, courtesy of my lovely wife. She sure knows how to start the day off right. After that? We’ll see what the day brings.

Until the next time… keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

Lessons from the Past

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Only On The Walters Post!

We’re living in tough times, markets are dropping, tariffs are rising, and the world feels like it’s on edge. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that these kinds of storms aren’t new. We’ve been through hard times before, and we’ll face them again. The real question is: how do we handle it?

When the markets drop, people panic. They see the numbers and start selling off their investments, trying to save what they can. But while many are rushing to get out, the ones with the resources are quietly buying. They know the cycle, they know that after the storm, things will level out, and they’ll come out ahead. The game is set up this way—those with foresight win, while the rest are left holding nothing.

It’s frustrating, no doubt. The system often feels like it’s stacked against the everyday person. But that’s the lesson here: patience and resilience. The panic doesn’t win. The steady, long-term thinkers are the ones who get through the rough patches. It’s no different from what we’ve seen in farming and business: the hard work you put in today will pay off in the future, even if it doesn’t always look like it. I know my wife and I have been there.

In times like these, we need to remember what we’ve learned from the past. It’s not about waiting for someone else to fix things—it’s about relying on our own strength. We’ve got the tools, the wisdom, and the experience to weather this storm.

We can’t control the chaos, but we can control how we react. It’s time to focus on what really matters: our ability to stand strong, stay steady, and keep moving forward. We don’t need to depend on anyone else to pull us through. Or should we.

Until the next time, keep your minds open and your stories alive. GW

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

Old Pages, New Perspectives on April 7/2025

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Good Morning! “You know, truth may be simple, but finding it these days is like looking for a needle in a haystack that keeps moving.”

It’s a cloudy morning here, waking up in our small community.

🌨️ Port Loring Weather – April 7 & 8, 2025

Today – Monday, April 7
We’re in for a snowy one.
Expect 6 to 12 inches of snow through the day, some of it heavy at times.
Winds are pickin’ up and blowin’ it around, so visibility could be poor.
It’s a chilly one, too — only getting up to about 37°F (3°C) during the day,
and tonight it’s droppin’ like a stone to around 8°F (-13°C).

Tomorrow – Tuesday, April 8
Still not much better. Snow and flurries hanging around in the morning.
Might see another 2 to 4 inches fall before it settles down.
High won’t get much above 28°F (-2°C),
and the low’s right down near 10°F (-12°C) again come nightfall.

No outside work yet — ground’s locked up tighter than a maple syrup barrel in January. Best to stay warm, maybe sip a mug of something hot, and let that ol’ snow do what it’s going to do.

Highway 522 is bare at the time of this post, but if we get what they say we are going to get, you might want to get your running around done early. “Better to be home wishin’ you’d gone out, than out wishin’ you were home.” A saying, Laura, the lady that raised me for a while, in my early years, used to say, when a storm was brewing.

On another note, yesterday, my wife and I brought in a couple more wheelbarrow loads of firewood. With the cold settin’ in for the next few days and a storm threatening to roll through later today, I figured it was best to have a bit extra on hand — just in case.

That took up most of the morning, along with a few other odds and ends outside. The sun was out, and it felt good to get some fresh air while the weather was behaving.

In the afternoon, I sat down to write a story. Took me a bit longer than usual — the words just weren’t flowin’ the way I’d have liked. Some days are like that, no matter how long you’ve been at it. But I stuck with it, and in the end, it turned out pretty good. On a good day, I could’ve had it written up in half the time — but sometimes, a story’s gotta stew a little before it’s ready.

So, what are you up to today, GW?

Well, earlier this morning I took some coals from my wood furnace to the old shop stove and got it goin’. Figured I’d try to get this old body of mine moving a bit and get a few things done out there later on. I’ve got a bit of a mess to clean up from what I was working on a couple of days ago — bits of wood here and there, tools sittin’ where I left ‘em, and the floor could use some sweeping.

It should be warming up in the shop nicely by the time I’ve had my breakfast. My lovely wife already has it made — smells real good too, I’ll be sittin’ down to it here in a minute or two.

A warm shop, a hot breakfast, and a few small jobs to tackle — sounds like a pretty decent start to the day if you ask me.

Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW

George's Writers Corner, My Opinion Only

Tariffs, Truth, and the Price of a Car

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Only On The Walters Post!

Lately, there’s been a lot of noise about car prices going up, and just like always, the blame is being tossed around like a hot potato. This time, they’re saying it’s because of a trade war, with tariffs flying back and forth between Canada and the U.S.

But let’s slow down and look at what’s really going on.

President Trump hasn’t slapped a 25% tariff on finished cars coming from Canada. That’s not what’s happening here. What he’s talking about, and has been pushing—is a tariff on imported auto parts, especially those coming from outside the U.S., like China or Mexico. So it’s not the whole car—it’s the pieces. Big difference.

Now, Canada didn’t just sit back. We fired back with our own counter-tariffs. If an American-made vehicle has parts that aren’t from Canada and it doesn’t meet the CUSMA rules, (Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement) that part of the vehicle gets hit with a 25% tariff on the way into Canada. That means things are getting tangled up fast.

So where does this leave the average working Canadian? Standing at the dealership, wondering why prices are climbing, when most of the cars were already overpriced before this nonsense started.

Truth is, there’s a glut of unsold vehicles. Lots are packed. Sales are soft. And they’re not soft because of tariffs, they’re soft because again… vehicles cost too damn much to begin with, and our economy is already hurting.

What we’re seeing now is just another excuse. Another way to quietly raise prices and blame someone else. And I’ll tell you, this isn’t about protecting industry, in my mind, it’s about protecting profit.

What we really need, plain and simple, is for the powers that be to stop taxing the paychecks of the working man and woman completely. Every time we turn around, there’s a new deduction, a new fee, a new excuse for why we can’t keep what we earn. It’s wrong. We are the ones keeping this country going, building, farming, fixing, teaching, raising families—-and we get punished for it, while the suits up top live off our backs without lifting a calloused finger.

Bottom line is this; Let a person keep “every” dollar they earn, and you’d see real change overnight. Folks would have more to spend, more to save, more to invest in their families and communities. Small businesses would thrive and local economies would pick up steam. That’s how you build a strong nation folks—not by squeezing the life out of the very people holding it together.

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