Saturday 10^th November

The local papers have a section listing the local events over the next few days and as a home exchange couple we do like to attend any community happenings which attract our attention.  The first stop today was a drive to Springhill about 30km from Amherst which was hosting a Turkey Burger and Christmas Decoration sale.  

As soon as we entered the Salvation Army hall a lady approached us knowing we were not locals.  We were warmly welcomed and enjoyed our first turkey burger with copious cups of tea which kept coming.  I was able to buy a few handmade special Christmas tree decorations which will always remind me of this visit.  Springhill was the home of the country singer Anne Murray whose records I collected back in the late 70’s and 80’s.  She built this centre as a way of thanking Springhill for their support and it in turn puts all the money into charities in the town.

The neighbours in our street came over with a plate of muffins and an invitation to dine with them this week.  They were also helping at their local church serving turkey dinner and extended yet another invitation to us.  We thought this was a better option than eating at home, so drove into the venue only to be greeted by our exchange partners as well.  They are staying locally while we are in their home and it seems the town is one big friendly community and it doesn’t matter which church you belong to, whenever there is food to be eaten, everyone rallies.  Aileen and John brought along the friends they are staying with and now we have an invitation to “supper” at their home as well.  The hospitality is unexpected but ever so appreciated.

The local paper also mentioned a musical afternoon at the Sunrise Seniors Hall in Lower Shinimicas, so as Dr. Google told us it was about 30 km from here on back roads we decided to see what was on offer.  We found it to be a hall full of very active older folk (average age 75) who were dancing to an 8 piece band.  Some of the dances were waltzes, but many involved quite a bit of jumping and hopping around.  We just enjoyed the moment and I was mesmerized with the gentleman playing the “washboard”.  I thought they only belonged in museums, however this one crept out!!