What a whizzbang few days I've had beginning on Thursday when two visitors arrived.
Shizuko Hayashi from Tokyo, accompanied by Toronto friend, Anne Van Egmond are members of 5W, an international women travellers organization.

Friday night, Anne and Shizuko joined a group of my friends for a birthday celebration; a fish and chips dinner in Southampton followed by a decadent evening of chocolate at Bruce Museum. A fund-raiser for the museum some dozen or so local chocolatiers spread their wares for sampling. One of our favourite jazz bands was on hand to provide dance music and Shizuko cut a few rugs. The Howlin' Dog Vintage Jazz Band was all decked out in tuxedos for the event. We brought home balloons and goodies which we are still eating. Anne left on Saturday returning to Toronto.

Shizuko is on a cross-Canada trip, from Kingston, Ontario to Nanaimo, BC.
While with me she has had her first experience in a private Jacuzzi bathtub and has eaten typical English/Canadian food as she wished. I did not serve her rice as she tells me Japanese rice is different. She had her favourite, sausages and mash, with someone else so here she cleaned her plate of bacon, egg, fried bread, sausage, tomatoes and bubble and squeak for breakfast.

We were fortunate that Doors Open was in Owen Sound while she has been here and we took in four locations on Saturday and three on Sunday, including attending morning worship at my church, Central Westside United. Next door neighbour, Helen Lewis kindly acccompanied Shizuko to the service as I was in the choir loft. As It happened the visiting minister, Rev. (Capt.) Mike Allen, had spent three years in Japan and so conversed with Shizuko in Japanese to her obvious delight.

She leaves me tomorrow when we meet with another 5W member from Petrolia in Goderich, where the transfer will take place over lunch. After a few days in Petrolia she flies from London to Thunder Bay to continue her westward journey. Whew!

Bon voyage to an interesting visitor who has given me many pleasant memories.