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Wednesday, August 25, 2004 4 - Orono Weekly Times ^ ■ I 1 T^||j! r South of 49° by Jeanne Burnside iilli.ll iiiihiil From across the great pond For the last three years, I have had lots of fun entertaining entertaining friends and family from the States throughout the summer. summer. This year the family had planned a reunion down south but have delayed it due to. medical issues with a few family members. So things have been pretty quiet around the place and much needed work including cleaning out the basement and painting have been the order of the day until last weekend. When -my husband was young, carefree and single, he decided to make an extended trip to Europe. While there, he made lots of new friends, especially women. Over the years I have heard most of the stories of this 'very special time' of his life and even had the pleasure of meeting some of the 'old gang' including some ex-lovers. Two weeks ago an old friend of my husband called to ask if she could come for a visit. Although I was initially apprehensive my husband had a bit of a tantrum exclaiming "How dare I say no----all my family and friends come and stay etc". I was happy to say "yes" with the small caveat "when my guests are here I happily take care of them, I assume you will do the same". That of course was quite short-lived. It seems Virg, a blonde ex-model from Germany, has been staying with friends in Toronto waiting waiting for her new home in Florida to be finished. I agreed to pick her up at the Oshawa GO Station and decided to drive the Miata because it was such a lovely sunny day, quite rare this summer. summer. Unfortunately, I didn't realize she would be bringing the steamer trunk since she was only staying for 3 or 4 Orono Fair set to open days. We drove back with the luggage propped up between the seats and the trunk of the car with Virg holding it down--strike one! As the old saying goes "You can take the girl out of Germany but not the German out of her," runs truer than ever. It seems Virg does everything properly starting with her latte in the morning. By the third day she had criticized criticized my husband's eating habits,-the dullness of all of our knives and was kind enough to show me how to properly chop up fresh herbs among other suggestions-- strike two! As a born and bred American, I firmly believe in free speech and often discuss politics. What I do not appreciate appreciate is hour-long diatribes on how the U.S. is to blame for every problem in the world, especially when one doesn't have all the facts correct. This could possibly be attributed to over-serving herself quite a few gin & tonic--strike three! On the positive side, she taught me a few German curses curses and was kind enough to help paint the doors of the Town Hall. Additionally, my husband and I had quite a few laughs after she left. It seems the trunk she carries doesn't hold quite enough--she needed needed to borrow socks, sweaters and warmer pajamas. Thankfully, by day four she was ready to haunt another another house and I happily drove her to Port Hope to another "'dear old friend." Oddly enough, while I was writing this article the phone rang and it was Virg thanking me for the visit and telling me she had found the perfect gift for my husband and was sending sending it through the post. I guess he is the perfect host! BLACKSTOGK This year's Durham Central Fair in Orono on September 9th to 12th has packed as much fun as possible possible into four days. It all starts of with a bang on Thursday evening with the Official Opening and Toonie Day at the rides. The Ambassador Pageant takes place at 7:30 and the ATV and Garden Tractor Pull will be tearing up ground in front of the Grandstand. On Friday afternoon the local elementary schools take over the grounds with their parade and a variety of challenging challenging events. The Central Canadian Light and Heavy Horse Pull starts at 7:30 and Canadian Country Star, Julian Austin takes to the stage at 8:00 p.m.. On Saturday the Arena is host to Exotic Cat World, Ganaraska Cloggers, Rick & Terri, as well as Irish signer John McAdam. The Great Lakes Truck and Tractor Pull gets into high gear in the evening, revving it up in front of the grandstand. On Sunday the Super Dogs perform in the horse ring with the fair winding up with the Demolition Derby in the afternoon. afternoon. On top of all these special events, view the homecraft exhibits in the Arena, see agriculture agriculture in action during the lamb and steer show, check out the 4-H displays in the Agriculture Building and learn about the different breeds of rabbits and poultry. We have Antique Cars, Antique Tractors, Radio Controlled Tractors, displays and demonstrations. There's a petting zoo and Eagle Eye Birds of Prey will give you the chance to hold a Bald Eagle. Conquer your fears and challenge the midway, snack on cotton candy and popcorn or treat yourself to a country dinner. All this fun for only the price of admission! General admission $7, children children under 13 free when accompanied by an adult. More details can be found on our web site at www.orono- fair.com or by calling 905- 983-95 id. MORRIS FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD. SERVING DURHAM REGION SINCE 1841 ALL FUNERAL SERVICES PREARRANGED AND/OR PREPAID BURIAL - CREMATION - TRANSFERS "WHERE PROFESSIONAL ETIQUETTE IS IMPORTANT' FUNERAL DIRECTORS PAULR. MORRIS DOUG R. RUTHERFORD GARY M. CONWAY DEBRA D. KELLEHER 905-623-5480 A DIVISION ST.. BOWMANV1LLE - AT QUEEN ST. V \\ l IXDMI. BACK H> SC IIOOL! 5340 Main Street, Orono Proprietors: Gary & Carol Vreekei • Wedding Cakes • Cakes for all Occasions • Pastries - Donuts - Pies • Bread & Buns 905-983-9779 Closed Sunday and Monday Welcome to another exciting school year! We are delighted to share in your quest for learning when school begins on Tuesday, September 7. We educate our students to excel in learning, to succeed in life and to enrich our KAWAH1HA PINK KIDOE , . msrincr HCHom. homiu COmmUMtieS. îf vou Ire new to the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board or you have moved to a different school, please register at your new school during the week of August_30_ you are no sure w school you should attend, please call the Education Centre at 705-742-9773, ext. 2123, or long distance callers at 1-877-741-4577, ext. 2123. If you have not changed schools, or you are starting grade 9 at your designated high school, you are already registered. Bused students who have not yet received a transportation letter with bus route information may call the Interactive Voice Response System at 1 -866-433-4441, or contact their school the week of August 30 fo details. Secondary students should bring a current transcript or report card when registering at their new school. Any school fees will be discussed at that time. Adults interested in credit courses are invited to contact Centre for Individual Studies (CIS) locations in Cobourg" Bowmanville, Port Hope and Campbellford for course selection. Phone numbers are listed m the^phonè book under Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board_ Other inquiries for credit options should be directed to the Principal of CIS at 905-623-6505. Educating for success! Angela Lloyd Chairperson of the Board Dr. Avis E. Glaze Director of Education Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board The end of summer doesn't mean the end of mosquitoes. We think of labour Day as the of -- September. So it's impôt Ljitl, to pinl.i < y ' ; ■ . |... rma( ,i,, H ;m( | grocery stores have work and school schedules. Many doc ions ollrcw. « , 1 *^ You cm, also Fight the Bite! , I, ,1:1, Ontario