Prairie culture and hospitality

The time has come that I must share my experiences, here, in my new hometown.  The day I moved in there was a welcome card from my south neighbour.  It was a sweet card "Welcome to the Neighbourhood" from Mr. & Mrs. Wotherspoon who have probably been there since they left the farm.



Soon I met my 'north' neighbour.  They have two boys, 11 and 14.  They are the neighbours who lost a 40 year old fir tree in the recent wind storm.  I think there is damage to their pool, I am afraid.



Tonight I am reading the local newspapers.  They are delivered free, to my door, with a whack of advertising inserts.  In the city this would annoy me.  But here, it is one way to learn about the services and culture.  I bought my television from one of these ads!  Obviously they work.  The only things I found tonight were a rain barrel and some kitty litter.



But, alas!  Can you believe it?  There is an unreserved antique and collectible auction on May 8 with a large assortment of Southern Antiques, from down south in Georgia, North and South Carolina and Kentucky!  I think I'll go.  There must be a story in that!



And the president of my university, the University of Saskatchewan, will be at a special event on April 20 at the Art Gallery of Swift Current.  Who knows, I might run into someone I know!  I would love to go.



And there is a young local playwright whose performance of "The Day the Rhubarb Fell from the Sky" is playing for the week.



As I read through the advertising and newspaper, the doorbell rings.  It is my neighbour on the corner, Anthea.  I am cordially invited for coffee on Monday at 10am to meet my neighbours!



"Can I bring anything?"  "No",  she smiles.

I didn't realize at the time that she was the artist of the gift card.













But I know I will be bringing a treat.  I think it will be Cherry Rose Rolls.   What do you think?