Integration efforts

February 14/15/16, 2010 - In order to speed up the integration process and to get in touch with our Canadian fellow town residents, we regularly check the newspaper for upcoming social events.

One of the integration opportunities we read in the newspaper, was a supper organised by the local Lions Club. They invited everyone to come and eat pickerel/walleye (for a small fee). Well, since we all like fish, we figured we'd go over there to show our faces. We waited in line for a while, then filled our plates, sat down and figured that with the four of us we brought down the average age substantially. Unfortunately we didn't really got in touch with anyone until it was about time to put our coats back on, but hey, we sure tried and hope to speak to more people the next time we come around.

One of the next social events was the “Rivers in Bloom” pie sale. This green ladies club ensures that the town is filled with flowers in the spring and the summer. In an advertisement they asked if people were willing to donate selfmade pies so they could be sold during a pie sale. With the money the ladies can buy the necessary flowerbulbs to brighten up the town come spring. Ramona called the coordinator and donated a Dutch cinnamon pie. We have absolutely no idea if this will lead to an increase in our integration chances, but at least Ramona had a lot of fun and the people were very thankful.

Finally the church supper organised by the Anglican church where we rent our house from. We did this mainly out of respect and to finally meet the people that park their car around our driveway every Sunday. It was a pancake and sausages supper (for a small fee too) with lots of laughter, nice people and the boys eating so many pancakes and sausages that we almost felt ashamed. We made lots of new contacts and ended up not leaving until it was time to clear the tables and put the chairs back.

We're curious what will be in the newspaper next weekend.

- see picturebook -