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N THE MORNING of the third of Oc- O tober, one hundred and sixty-four members of Federated Women‘s Insti- tutes of Ontario made their way to Toronto, to set out on a bus tour to visit northern members and begin a new venture in public relations. The idea of the project originated with our F.W.I.O. president, Mrs. Lymburner, who was unable to take the trip herself due to other commitments. Following a luncheon at Casa Loma we boarded four buses and made our way out of Toronto. We had dinner at Mactier on Lake * it it \VINTER FARMHOUSES By Helen Gay Miller Farmhouses seem to nestle down Closer to earth than homes in town. Their walls are wide, their eaves are loW, Their roofs reach down to meet the snow, And some wear mufliers. thick and warm, Of brown leaves banked against the storm. Others, with ells spread out like wings, and long, long tails of sheds and things, Are parked like aeroplanes at ease In hangars of snug maple trees. This one is mothered by a hill In whose warm lap the winds grow Still, While that one, tucked where cedars tall Protect it with a windward wall, Is overarched by one great tree â€" An elm as old as memory. Where miles are long and cold and dark. These homesteads hold the only spark Of life â€" so little homes on farms Must nestle closest in earth's arms. * i: * Joseph where a letter of welcome was waiting for us from the District Executive who were not able to meet us in person as their conven- tion was being held at this time. We spent the night in Sudbury and were up bright and early next morning to continue on to Mani- toulin Island. The rugged beauty of this part of our province was very impressive and many pictures were snapped, The bus drivers stopped many times to allow us to catch the beauty on film. When we reached Little Current we were met by a group of Women's Institute members and one boarded each bus to act as guide. We made our way to Mindemoya community cen- tre where a delicious luncheon was waiting for us, featuring the famous Manitoulin turkey. Members of the district branches were seated With us, giving us the opportunity of meeting WINTER 1962 A Friendship Tour By Edna Roden many of our hostesses and beginning new friendships. Most of these women had trav- elled many miles to greet us and provide the luncheon. We do appreciate their efforts and will look forward to returning their hospitality in the future. A grand tour of the Island in- cluded a visit to the turkey co«op in Gore Bay where the turkeys are processed ready for our table. There were many interesting things to see as we went along. I will always remember the dark blue water in the sunshine. We visited a small store featuring Indian crafts such as has- kets of many kinds, rugs. bead and leather work. The woman who runs the store carries on a successful business for herself and the peeple who make all the fine articles of handi- craft. We returned to Little Current and spent the night there. One thing that surprised us was to find the flowers still blooming in the north. The weather had been very summcrlikc and the trees which they tell us are usually a riot of colour at this time were just beginning to turn. ' The following morning we started out in a drizzlc of rain but it soon cleared and once more we had fine weather. The road to E5â€" panola was very interesting as we were going up and down hills and turning left or right continuously with lovely scenery all the way. After it short stop in Espanola we continued on to Sudbury and had a short while to shop before going to the reception being held for us by the branches of Sudbury District. While there is not a branch in the city it was a central point for the surrounding branches to welcome us. The North has always been known for its hospitable and friendly people We certainly found this to he so as we shared the afternoon tea they had so generously prepared. Many of these women hope to take the trip when the North visits the South. If plans work out this will be in blossom-time next spring. I was amazed to learn that these women traVcl fifty or seventy-five miles at times to attend their executive meetings in the district. Discussing this on the bus we agreed that in many cases they put more into their Women's Institute than we who have short trips to our meet- ings. Too soon we had to leave these new friends and continue on to North Bay where we gath- ered in a large restaurant and were welcomed by Women's Institute members, the Mayor, Council members and a Member of Parliaâ€" 25