HAPPY NEW YEAR elcome to our last issue before 2008 GLOBAL EXPRESS <BGSOUND src="http://www.bigsispat.0catch.com/Audio/CircleOfFriends.wav" loop="10"> Hello again everyone! This is our last issue of the year and I would like to start it off with these very wise Lakota words, it's their prayer, Aho Mitakuye Oyasin (All My Relations) which was submitted by David in the UK. Let your voice whisper righteousness in our ears through the East Wind at the break of day. Let us be blessed with love for all our brothers and sisters on Earth so we may truly live in peace. Let us have good health mentally and physically to solve our problems and accomplish something for future generations. Let us be sincere to ourselves and make the world a better place to live. Do be sure to also check out A World of Wonder sent in by Jami in the Maryland. Bigsis Pat's Journal Just to let you know, we have found an apartment (a real apartment) and will be moving today (Thursday Dec 27th). Unfortunately, I can't get my services reconnected until the 7th of January, so i will be without phone and internet until then. What we are never changes. Who we are never stops changing! Pat MacMicken To the Top Don't forget to check the Birthday Calendar to see which members are celebrating special days next week. Happy Birthday or Anniversary to everyone celebrating and we look forward to hearing all about your special day. If you are not listed in the calendar please be sure to email Jami and/or Bigsis Pat so they can add you. To the Top Bragging Rights A few weeks ago I posted about some things that were happening here in Connecticut. One thing I mentioned was how we were going to my Dad's High School to see and photograph cartoons that he had drawn for the school paper in 1940. It was an exciting experience and aside from his cartoons it was interesting to see the store ads in the paper as a insight to how things were then. A few examples that we laughed about were women's blouses for $1.00, men's suits (with 2 pairs of pants) for $14.95 or a 6 foot refrigerator for $59.95. All the kids pictures with the boys in jackets and ties or the girls in sweaters and blouses with ribbons in the their hair. Well yesterday we went back to present the librarian with a copy of the picture my Dad drew regarding the library. Our local newspaper was also there. If you are interested here is the link to their story in today's paper, on the front page actually! It must be slow news so near the holidays! Mike from Groton, Connecticut To the Top CHARS WORLD Today we had a field trip to the Eustis tree farm with Haley's class at school. I (Me maw) went as a chaperone and we had 30 children on our bus all who were five to six years old. We started out everyone excited as could be. There were two teachers and four chaperones which gave each of us a group of five students. Now to begin with, the day began at 6:00 am. As usual I got the coffee going and woke Haley up. Got her breakfast took my shower, she got dressed and brushed her teeth. I got ready and as I was using the curling iron the hairspray ... I should have cleaned off .... made my hair get stuck to a "HOT" iron! "OUCH!" I got it out and burned my finger. I fixed Haley's hair and made our lunch. As I was making our lunch I took a drink of my coffee and down the front of me it went! Now I had to get a whole change of clothes .... running out of time. I changed and out the door we went. Haley TALKED the whole way there except when we had our prayer. Traffic was ok, although all the cars ahead of me just didn't seem to know the speed limit was 50 and not 30. We got there just as the bell rang. I walked her to class and had 1 1/2 hours left before I had to be back for the trip. I decided to go to Walmart and pick up a couple things I needed. As I was walking the socks I had on were the low cut ones and as I walked my tennis shoes was pulling them down my heels. So I got a new longer pair. As I was looking for a gift I took a hanger down and the whole rack of clothes fell! Oh my Gosh! I was so embarrassed and started picking up things. The woman came and said it's ok I just put that display up. Boy did I feel BAD. I kept apologizing and she assured me it was ok and she would take care of it. Well I decided I better get out of there before I was late. Got to the school and opened my door to change my socks. I unconsciously laid my keys on the dash. I got my purse out and the lunch box cooler shut my door and went to the trunk to put my purse in it. Well my keys were guess where? On the dash of the car with ALL the doors locked! What am I going to do now? Thank God Haley didn't mind me this morning she kept putting her back window up & down and she left it about 1 inch down. Now I have to find a way to get to the lock. After about 15 minutes I finally found a tree limb (small) with just the right curve and POP there it went! Opened at last. I got the keys shut the window put the purse in the trunk and was off to class. Whew! Now I am ready for a great day with the children. We each got our group of children and of course I got Connor ... bless his Heart he is a sweetheart and deaf as they come! (not really) I must have said LOUDLY his name 100 times today. He loves to wander off to explore. We were on the bus and Haley & Connor & me were in a seat together. All of us started singing Rudolph and here comes Santa Claus and having a fun time. We had lot's of neat stuff to look at like men working on the road, police giving someone a ticket, buildings down town and of course the Saint John's River. They really enjoyed that. We passed our road so we had to turn around in a Circle K and back to the road. We turned and it was not the road after all. This road had a church and one house and "LOT'S OF SUGAR SAND." Yep we got buried to the axels! Now we have a bus full of 5-6 year olds going spaz because they were scared. We got them calmed down and decided to take them off the bus and over to the church yard. No...School board said we can't take them off the bus. So now we're waiting for another bus to come get us. Ok we decided to get the lunches from where they were stored on the side of the bus and feed our little angels. What a great idea. We had peanut butter and milk and apple peel everywhere! Hey here comes the new bus ..... ok on the road again ... Not! They said now for us to unload the bus to the church yard so they could pull our bus out. We took the children off and over to the middle of the yard. The new bus pulled the one we were on out and we loaded back up and off we went. From here on it was going good. We got to the tree farm, went on a hayride, petted the animals played in the haystacks and home we came. Haley was still full of energy and I walked in started undressing at the back door put on my gown and told John I am NOT home for anyone! Come join "CHARS WORLD." AWWW COME ON. Charla from Florida To the Top Featured Story of the Week Do any of you remember the big slogan for Bell telephone? There used to be all kinds of different area names such as Bell south, Illinois Bell etc. Anyway their biggest slogan I remember growing up was: "Reach Out and Touch Someone". Well thats exactly what I did with several of our members last evening. I felt so good talking personally to them opposed to on here. It was so wonderful hearing their voices and laughing together. Well As I got to work today, feeling still crappy from this cold and not having much energy, I sure found out how it felt to be the one on the recieving end of that phrase ... I recieved a phone call all the way from Australia from my dear friend Jan. It really does make you feel wonderful hearing their voice. I hope many more of you decide to get in touch with a few of your favroite online friends, and family. Trust me it is a real Rush to the system. Such a great feeling ... (NO, I am not a salesman for the telephone company, nor do I have stock in it). I do have a plan where it costs one price a month for where ever in US for however long you wish to talk tho. But even if I didnt have that; I would still considerate it an honor to call my dear friends and family. Just thought I'd share these thoughts with all of you today. Wishing those I was unable to call a very Merry Christmas, and one day I will Reach out and Touch more .. God Bless ... Merry Christmas to All and to All a good night! hohoho Love Jami from Maryland To the Top Hi all, Just wanted to let you all know I'm not ignoring you. We are having computer troubles at the moment and for some reason I can't get into my Internet Explorer. I have been about ready to throw the darn thing out the door. Vern called our computer guy today, but they are closed for the holidays, so have to wait till after the New Year. I just finally got into my mail today and of course, had so much that I can't read it all! Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of all of you and hoping you had a wonderful Christmas. We had a wonderful one. Got up and went next door to my son Gerry's, and Vern and I made fried dough for all for breakfast. Ummm! It was so good and we had five loaves of dough left so I came home and popped it into the oven and baked it for dinner later. My house smelled soooo good! We opened gifts at their house. Then came back home and opened gifts with my son Randy and his girls, my son David and Cody, and later my son Steve and his family. Then we went back to Gerry's and had Prime Rib for dinner with all the boys and their families. It was delicious! Then we came home and collapsed! Whew! What a wonderful day! Today we're hanging around watching TV and making puzzles the twins got and watching Cody. He's taking a nap with Grampa Vern right now and the girls are watching TV and naping. We had a great surprise to find out that Kevon, the foster child who lived at my son son Gerry's next door, is coming for a visit tonight sometime. He is going to stay for a few days as his mother is visiting relatives in Worcester near here. We are all so excited to see him. I have to say that although none of us had much money to spend this Christmas due to unforeseen circumstances, it has actually been one of the best Christmas's I've had for years. I got the most important present, my husband back home with me! All my kids were here with me and all my grandchildren! For me that's a perfect Christmas! What more could anyone need! God has blessed me with so much! That includes all my family and friends! To all of you I wish A wonderful Christmas Season and a Happy Healthy & Prosperous New Year! GOD BLESS YOU ALL, Cindy from Phillipston, MA, USA Brazilian greetings have been received from Valter Kisses in your heart! I had not been in the Christmas spirit at all and no matter what I did I just couldn't seem to until this week, actually last night. We had our family Christmas get together(my side of the family) at my oldest daughter Jamie's home and she and all 3 of her kids, Jessica, her boyfriend & his son and my son Michael, his wife, daughter and their exchange student from Taiwan(I think) was there along with me and Don. We had a delicious meal, lots of desserts and a fantastic time. This was the first time in probably 6-7 years that we were all together and it was the best Christmas gift of all. We talked, laughed and had a wonderful time and I hated for it to end. Y'all take care. Hugs, Wanda from Alabama, USA A very Merry Christmas to all our group also. We had a very nice Christmas. Haley was up bright & early. WOW! The Santa key really worked! We opened presents and had some coffee. Had Aunt Peachy & Uncle Garnet over for dinner with us and our oldest son and his wife & two daughters came after all. Jonna came and spent the night last night. We had a nice dinner and a special birthday party for Jesus with his birthday cake. My granddaughter cleaned the kitchen bless her and they all went home. Haley decided to go with them to spend the night. I expect a call to come get her because she misses her babies and all her new stuff. These Two Old Santa's need a REST! Love Charla from Florida Hi all, not written much the last few days, been busy cleaning up my house, painting my stairs, and washing clothes that I found hidden. Yesterday was a funny day, I went to see the nurse in the morning, my wound is still infected I have finished my antibiotics the other day, and I go to see the nurse every other day for the dressing to be change and for them to check on the wound, the wound is still weeping a bit and I have to go back on Monday, the nurse said that she might give me some more antibiotic she is waiting to see how it is on Monday. At last the swelling is going down and my belly is not so extended, I am glad of that, because I have lost weight and my new clothes look good, but now even better. Terry and Jonathon dragged me out food shopping yesterday, I was not looking forward to that as the shops are mad this time of year, but it gave me a chance to double up on some of my food as Terry has a car. After that they came back to see what I have been doing in the house see the stairs I painted and for Terry to look in mum room to see how far I have progressed. Let me explain about this junk room I have been feeling it up with stuff since 1995 when mum passed away and again from 2003 when dad passed away, I had stuff that I haven't looked out for many years, but what was funny is I found a load of my clothes that I thought I had lost, so I have been washing clothes for many days too. The worst part that I found very wrenching was last night when I was showing Terry round and let her into my mums room, she is ruthless and said I live in the pass, she started bagging stuff, open my wardrobe and dragged out clothes that had been in there years she said that can go so on and so on, I was saying I like that, I made that, she said I have to let it go, and she was going to take the bags away with her so I could not put them all back again, hehehe, I have got over that now, and sometimes she is right, then she moved on to other stuff, I was keeping a close eye on her could not turn my head for on min because she might throw something away I wanted. I the end I was shouting down the stairs to Jonathon saying come and get your wife she throwing all my stuff away, no answer he was fast asleep in my front room, in the end I shouted THAT'S IT TERRY YOU CAN GO HOME NOW, ITS GETTING LATE, it was far too much for me to take in, but now I am laughing about it, because it was all stuff I would never wear or ever use like she said I have to let go of the past. It's now the next morning, and I do feel a little sad, and going to give that room a rest this weekend and start again after Xmas, I want to do the rest on my own, and think about the memories just by myself. I decided I am not letting Terry in there again, heheheh, she does not give me a chance to hoard my stuff for another 10 years, yep I have got over it now and knew she is right, but it just that letting go. I am going to relax today just potter about, play about on my computer, I think I have come a long way since the 26th of November just before my first opp, its been a real eye opener for me, and all that moved a shift in me somehow. December 24/07 -Today I got a call from my manager at Canada House and he said he is popping around to drop off some cards, all the way from Woodford that's quite away, I was at my friends so he left the bag outside in my recycling bin, under some papers and he was a bit worried about it and said please phone me when you get it. I was so amazed he gave me a card with 50 "pounds" in it, I was so chuffed I phoned him again and thanked him, he said just a token for all the hard work you have done thru the year, and all the crap you been thru. I was so happy and embarrassed at the same time. Then I looked at the other card I got and out fell 66 "pounds" I was amazed again and chuffed; lots of the stuff at work had signed the card and had a collection for me, so all and all I got 116 "pounds" that will pay for my rent this week. They all wished me well, told me they missed me and to get back to work soon, its things like that restores your faith in human nature. It made my day and my Xmas. I am feeling so loved at the moment and it's a great feeling, I have my family in my email groups, my best friend Terry that's like my sister, I am feeling very lucky and happy that I have such good friends and work friends that care about me. (smile) Chrissie from London, England To the Top Common Expressions - Origin & Meaning Three sheets to the wind Meaning - Very drunk. Origin Our colleagues at CANOE, the Committee to Ascribe a Nautical Origin to Everything, have been hard at work and, to their great pleasure, they can add this phrase to their list. 'Three sheets to the wind' is indeed a seafaring expression. To understand this phrase we need to enter the arcane world of nautical terminology. Sailors' language is, unsurprisingly, all at sea and many supposed derivations have to go by the board. Don't be taken aback to hear that sheets aren't sails, as landlubbers might expect, but ropes (or occasionally, chains). These are fixed to the lower corners of sails, to hold them in place. If three sheets are loose and blowing about in the wind then the sails will flap and the boat will lurch about like a drunken sailor. The phrase is these days more often given as 'three sheets to the wind', rather than the original 'three sheets in the wind'. The earliest printed citation that I can find is in Pierce Egan's Real Life in London, 1821: "Old Wax and Bristles is about three sheets in the wind." Sailors at that time had a sliding scale of drunkenness; three sheets was the falling over stage; tipsy was just 'one sheet in the wind', or 'a sheet in the wind's eye'. An example appears in the novel The Fisher's Daughter, by Catherine Ward, 1824: "Wolf replenished his glass at the request of Mr. Blust, who, instead of being one sheet in the wind, was likely to get to three before he took his departure." Robert Louis Stevenson was as instrumental in inventing the imagery of 'yo ho ho and a bottle of rum' piracy as his countryman and contemporary Sir Walter Scott was in inventing the tartan and shortbread 'Bonnie Scotland'. Stevenson used the 'tipsy' version of the phrase in Treasure Island, 1883 - the book that gave us 'X marks the spot', 'shiver me timbers' and the archetypal one-legged, parrot-carrying pirate, Long John Silver. He gave Silver the line: "Maybe you think we were all a sheet in the wind's eye. But I'll tell you I was sober;" submitted by Chrissie. Please visit my website Be sure to visit our Sayings site! Email Chrissie with any Origins and Meanings of Sayings and she will happily see that they are added to this collection. What common sayings would you like to know the meaning and origin of? Just ask Email Chrissie and she will find out for you. To the Top Lets make 2008 the year that everyone joins in on our little friendly challenge and play our Trivia Quiz Game hosted by Aussie Jeanette. To the Top New Years Resolutions New Years Resolutions Good Afternoon All: here it is 3pm. and Christmas is all over here at Hitching Post. My gang are all so full they are sitting around watching christmas specials and snoozing. John and I cleaned up the kitchen and dining room as soon as everyone left. and are now relaxing also. I cant help but be some dissapointed. All the weeks of preparations, day of cooking and getting the meal prepared; and within a few short hours it is all over with. I am enjoying the peace and quiet with not feeling well though. Just the day seems to whizz right by without a blink. So now what? time to get ready for the New Year. Make plans to uphold our new years resolutions. Any one making one this year? I am! Usually don't cause I never keep them but this year is going to be different. I have a great reason to. I went to the Dr yesterday and found I lost weight during this season of all times! Wow.. I am down below the 250 mark finally ... Which means I can go full speed ahead now and lose the other 48 easily ...... So by the reunion in October, I will be under 200.This is going to be my resolution. I would love to hear others who plan on making a resolution that they know they will be able to keep. Well folks. These are my thoughts for the end of a most perfect day. I thank God for all of you on here, and for my gang here. For that is what made my Christmas the best it's been in a very long while. Hope yours was as well. God Bless and keep everyone safe on their journey back home this evening or whenever. Talk to you all again soon ....... Love, Jami from Maryland who would like to share these Thoughts for the New Year with us. Everyday is Christmas in Indian Country. Daily living is centered around the spirit of giving and walking the Red Road. Walking the Red Road means making everything you do a spiritual act. If your neighbor, John Running Deer, needs a potato masher; and you have one that you are not using, you offer him yours in the spirit of giving. It doesn't matter if it is Christmas or not. If neighbors or strangers stop over to visit at your house, we offer them dinner. We bring out the T-Bone steak, not the cabbage. If we don't have enough, we send someone in the family out to get some more and mention nothing of the inconvenience to our guests. The more one gives, the more spiritual we become. The Christ Consciousness, the same spirit of giving that is present at Christmas, is present everyday in Indian Country. My New Years resolutions is try to form a local group to make comfort quilts for the cancer center, to help this weight loss along that I have been experiencing, to keep a gratitude journal and to get the Kraft Corner active. Hugs, Deanna from Roanoke, VA To the Top International Weather Station Merry Christmas to all the members of this wonderful group. Today in Connecticut its bright and sunny a glorious day to celebrate Christmas with family and friends. Its another year without a white Christmas though. The rains Sunday night melted most of the snow left from the 2 storms last week. So once again to all of you who have accepted me here, all the peace and joy of the holiday season to you and your families. Mike To the Top Mystery Member Who do you think this week's mystery member is? Clues: My middle name is Ann I do not smoke. My eyes are blue. I have seven brothes and sisters. My favourite thing to do is sewing. My favourite colour is purple. My favourite type of music is Country. I am outgoing. I am a rebel. My special talents are crafts. I have two children. I drive. I a 68 years old. My favourite food is Italian. If you and I were stranded on a desert island; I would bring food. Who am I? To the Top Members Favourites Lindalou's Crockpot Fudge Candy 1 Jar unsalted Peanuts (16oz) 1 Jar salted peanuts (16oz) 1 pkg. 12 oz. Semisweet Chocolate bar, broken in squares 1 pkg. 4 oz. German Chocolate Bar, broken in squares 1 pkg. 24 oz. White almond bark broken in squares 1 pkg. 24 oz. Chocolate Almond bark, broken in squares Layer in crockpot in order listed, Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours. (Do not remove lid and ...Do not stir) Turn off and cool for 10 min (before stirring, chocolate does not appear melted-do not overcook--it will melt as you stir it!)Stir and drop by teaspoon on was paper. Let cool completely. Makes 100 + pieces. Chopped pecans or almonds may be used instead of peanuts. Gram Ashland's Chicken Wings Preparation Time: :30 minutes This is Cindy's favourite New Year recipe 5 Lb bag of chicken wings 1/4 Cup soy sauce 1 Tsp ginger 1 Tsp mustard 1 Tsp garlic powder Marinate overnite Bake at 350* for about 1/2 hour. WWWCOF Seasonal Regional Favourites Chocolate Walnut Tarts Preparation Time: :25 minutes Sharon of Canada sent in this recipe, with a suggestion as a New Year dessert- Yummy!!! 1 8, 2-inch frozen tart shells, -thawed 1/3 Cup walnut pieces 1/3 Cup chocolate chips 2 large eggs 1/2 Cup golden corn syrup 1/4 Cup brown sugar, packed 2 Tbl butter, melted 1/2 Tsp vanilla Icing sugar for dusting (optional) Preheat the oven to 350 F. Place the tart shells on a parchment-lined baking tray; divide the chocolate chips and walnut pieces among them. Beat the eggs in a bowl; mix in the corn syrup, brown sugar, butter and vanilla. Pour the mxture into the tart shells; filing them right to the brim. Bake 25 minutes. Cool on a baking rack to room temperature. Chill in the fridge. Remove the foil liners, set on servng tray and dust with icing sugar, if desired and serve. Our WWWCOF Cookbook is continually being updated and we still have room for many more recipes so we would love to add your favourites. If you cannot find your recipe either in the main cookbook, or the Seasonal Regional section, try looking in its own site search engine to make finding specific recipes easy, (eg. By origin, ingredient, recipe type etc.) Failing that, email Daphne and let her know and she'll do my best to put the matter right. To the Top Tips & Recommendations Kitchen Tips THIS WEEK: WALNUTS Walnuts are a delicious way to add extra nutrition, flavor and crunch to a meal. While walnuts are harvested in December, they are available year round a great source of those all-important omega-3 fatty acids. Health Benefits When it comes to their health benefits, walnuts definitely are not a hard nut to crack. This delicious nut is an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, a special type of protective fat the body cannot manufacture. Walnuts' concentration of omega-3s (a quarter-cup provides 90.8% of the daily value for these essential fats) has many potential health benefits ranging from cardiovascular protection, to the promotion of better cognitive function, to anti-inflammatory benefits helpful in asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. In addition, walnuts contain an antioxidant compound called ellagic acid that supports the immune system and appears to have several anticancer properties. How to Select and Store When purchasing whole walnuts that have not been shelled, choose those that feel heavy for their size. Their shells should not be cracked, pierced or stained, as this is oftentimes a sign of mold development on the nutmeat, which renders it unsafe for consumption. Shelled walnuts are generally available in prepackaged containers as well as bulk bins. Just as with any other food that you may purchase in the bulk section, make sure that the bins containing the walnuts are covered and that the store has a good product turnover so as to ensure its maximal freshness. Whether purchasing walnuts in bulk or in a packaged container, avoid those that look rubbery or shriveled. If it is possible to smell the walnuts, do so in order to ensure that they are not rancid. Due to their high polyunsaturated fat content, walnuts are extremely perishable and care should be taken in their storage. Shelled walnuts should be stored in an airtight container and placed in the refrigerator, where they will keep for six months, or the freezer, where they will last for one year. Unshelled walnuts should preferably be stored in the refrigerator, although as long as you keep them in a cool, dry, dark place they will stay fresh for up to six months. More information on Walnuts Please send us your favourite tips or food facts! Email me, Daphne with your comments and suggestions; actually email me, Daphne anytime! DISCLAIMER: Tips reflect member suggestions and are not verified by the WWWCOF. To the Top

In this issue ... Click on any of the following to be taken to that section of the newsletter. Please notify me of any broken links. Argentina Report Australian Report Bigsis Pat's Journal Bragging Rights Chars World Common Expressions Contests Crafts Featured Sites Featured Story of the Week Fun Google Boards Health Watch Indian Legends Lets Do Lunch Member of the Month Messages from members Mystery Member News and Announcements New Years Resolutions Pet of the Week Prayer Requests Random Acts of Kindness Recipes Reunion 2008 Tips & Recommendations Weather Updates WWWCOF Hangman Game To the Top Report from Argentina Our Christmas. We were 12 at our Christmas supper, and for the starter and we had decided on humitas (corn envelopes). We had gone out into the country Saturday afternoon to get 2 dozen head of corn, but the husks were not good enough to be used as the envelope, so we just used the planned filling to make corn pasties. We added three different kinds of salad, tomato and lettuce, beetroot and egg, and carrot with apple plus cheese, ham, pineapple and cherries on sticks. My sister in law brought a meat cut prepared in three different ways and potato salad, and for dessert we had fruit salad and different flavours of ice-cream then a sweet table. This of course was all after the Christmas eve mass. At midnight we all toasted each other, then every one went outside to let off fireworks, meanwhile bags of gifts appeared under the tree. Our party ended at around 2 a.m when Agos was taken to her other grandparents and sis-in-laws family decided to leave then too. Christmas afternoon, we went for a drive , and seeing the zoo was open we went in, and in the evening we went to a show put on on a stage set up in a central park. The show started off with a large children choir singing Carols, followed by an adult choir, then an Argentine version of the Christmas story, funny, serious, touching all at once. see our Christmas pictures Here is a page I found on NEW YEAR TRADITIONS around the world For example; Brazilian New Year In Brazil the lentil is believed to signify wealth, so on the first day of the New Year they serve lentil soup or lentils and rice. In Brazil on New Year's Eve priestesses of the local macumba voodoo cult dress in blue skirts and white blouses for a ceremony dedicated to the goddess of water, Yemanja. A sacrificial boat laden with flowers, candles and jewellery is pushed out to sea from Brazil's famous Ipenama beach in Rio de Janeiro. New Year Songs: Auld Lang Syne Scottish words meaning: "good old days", or "time remembered with fondness." Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of Auld Lang Syne. For Auld Lang Syne, my dear, for Auld Lang Syne, we'll take a cup of kindness yet for Auld Lang Syne. (Repeat entire verse) Since seeing old years out and new years in is really all about TIME, I decided to add this; Even telling the time is not so easy!! On some air bases the Air Force is on one side of the field and civilian aircraft use the other side, with the control tower in the middle. One day, on such a field, the tower received a call from an aircraft asking "What time is it?" The tower responded, "Who is calling?" The aircraft replied, "What difference does that make?" The tower replied, "It makes a lot of difference. If it is an American Airlines Flight, it is 3 o'clock. If it is an Air Force, it is 1500 hours. If it is a Navy aircraft, it is 6 bells. If it is an Army aircraft, the big hand is on the 12 , the little hand is on the 3. If it is a Marine Corps aircraft, it's Thursday afternoon. If it's National Guard, it's still a couple of hours until quitting time." Speaking of time, Did you know that....... Measuring Time The measurement of time covers an incredible range. Here are some common time spans, from the shortest to the longest. 1 picosecond (one-trillionth of a second) - This is about the shortest period of time we can currently measure accurately. 1 nanosecond (one-billionth of a second) - 2 to 4 nanoseconds is the length of time that a typical homecomputer spends executing one software instruction. 1 microsecond (one-millionth of a second) 1 millisecond (one-thousandth of a second) - This is the typical fastest time for the exposure of film in a normalcamera. A picture taken in 1/1,000th of a second will usually stop all human motion. 1 centisecond (one-hundredth of a second) - The length of time it takes for a stroke of lightning to strike 1 decisecond (one-tenth of a second) - A blink of an eye 1 second - An average person's heart beats once each second. 60 seconds - One minute; a long commercial. Also the length of which depends which side of the bathroom door you are on! 2 minutes - About as long as a person can hold his or her breath 5 minutes - About as long as anyone can stand waiting at a red light 60 minutes - An hour; about as long as a person can sit in a classroom without glazing over 8 hours - The typical workday in the United States, as well as the typical amount of sleep a person needs every night 24 hours - One day; the amount of time it takes for the planet Earth to rotate one time on its axis 7 days - One week 40 days - About the longest a person can survive without food 365.24 days - One year; the amount of time it takes for the planet Earth to complete one orbit around the sun 10 years - One decade 75 years - The typical life span for a human being 5,000 years - The span of recorded history 50,000 years - The length of time Homo sapiens has existed as a species 65 million years - The length of time dinosaurs have been extinct 200 million years - The length of time mammals have existed 3.5 to 4 billion years - The length of time that life has existed on Earth 4.5 billion years - The age of planet Earth 10 to 15 billion years - The suspected age of the universe since the big bang For now I'll leave you wishing you all a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR Would love to hear from you all. Daphne To the Top Australian Report The people of New Zealand and Australia will be among the first to welcome in the New Year next Tuesday morning. When midnight and New Year for me, it will be 8am Monday in New York!! The celebration drawing the biggest crowd in Australia, 1.2 million, so the website says, is centred on Sydney Harbour with spectacular firework displays at 9pm and midnight. We were there a few times, on our motorsailer on the harbour, and the last time joined a party with a balcony overlooking the action. This year we will be at a Folk Week held each year at Woody Head, a camping spot on the beach in the Bundjulung National Park. It will be a week of playing folk instruments, singing, dancing (they are even having flamenco lessons) and impromptu concerts in the evenings. Looks like there will be some craftwork too, as there is mention of making up squares for a future quilt. I will take my camera and hopefully get some photos. Wherever you are and whatever you do, wishing you all the best for a Happy, Healthy and Safe NEW YEAR!! When festivities have ended And memories fade away May peace remain within each heart That's my wish for you today. Love n Hugs Jan, from the Land Down Under To the Top Health Watch Do we have a column for people with disabilities who might need support. Some of us have epilepsy, diabetes, fibromyalgia etc. Some people don't understand the things we go through like the people who actually have it. I have had a lot of seizure activity lately. It is scary and something I don't like to go through. Only those with epilepsy understand it. My mother used to ask me if I was going to have a "fit?" That is what it was called years ago. Some still don't understand it and many don't want to. Just asking, have found others with epilepsy and would like to share, I heard a person on tv who said people with fibromyalgia was just someone faking pain to get out of working. It is very real pain. Let me know what you think. Christine, from Greenwood, Delaware, USA To the Top Charla's Prayer Requests WWWCOF Members Please stop when you receive this and say a pray for Christine, from Greenwood, Delaware, USA and her family. Seizures are a frightening thing as well as an unsure thing. Not always knowing when they will come. Many times there are terrible headaches before or following these seizures as I have epilepsy and have experienced it many times. Christine has much stress right now which is a big factor in bringing this on. Please pray for God to stop her seizures and for Him to guide the doctors at the hospital where Mike's brother is. That God will heal Kenny and surround him with His angels of Protection. That He will hold this family in His hands and provide their needs. May He Bless them and keep them that they will put all trust in God's Hands. Christine Mills: I have been in bed with something for the most part since Sunday. Last night I had seizure activity for hours. I didn't get any sleep. Today Mike's brother, Kenny, was taken to the University of MD because he had a stroke from a blood clot in his head. Mike and his family are going up tomorrow. I won't be going to church since I am afraid of the shaking returning while I am driving. --------------- Sue from Ontario, Canada is going through some hard situations at this time. Please lift Sue up in Prayer for God to provide for her and her son and for Him to Touch her with His healing Hands in whatever way needed. --------------- An update from Cindy from Phillipston, MA on her husband, Vern. Just got some good news. A team at the rehab center evaluated Vern today. I guess they do this every Fri. . After the doctor came in to talk to him about the findings. He says that if everything goes according to plans, Vern should be able to come home by next Fri.!! I never expected to hear this. What a Christmas gift!!! I was thinking I'd be spending Christmas in his room. Not exactly my idea of a fun Christmas, but if I had to I would have. So I'm praying everything goes well. They're working him really hard. When he calls me after his therapy he is beat! They have him in there for 1 -2 hours 2 -3 times a day! The doctor told me the therapy was aggressive down there! He will be using a walker I think for a while. I told him I'll let him use mine. I don't have to use it much at home now. Mostly at night when I go to the bathroom. It would be kind of crowded around here with two of us banging around with them. What a couple of old wrecks we are! Well, just wanted to keep you all updated. --------------- Charlie & Florida Marie - Please keep them in prayer for Gods protection as they travel home from North Carolina. Also keep My Dad Charlie in Prayer he will be going on insulin for his diabetes in January. --------------- Lindalou from Tallassee, AL, USA had a good report on her veins; said they had closed like they were suppose to. She has to wear 30/40 pressure support hose for 6 weeks but thinks it will be worth it to get rid of the varicose veins, and hopefully they will not hurt so bad. "PRAISE GOD!" She had her other vein done on the 19th and admits it did hurt a little! --------------- Anonymous wwwcof: I am in constant pain doctors are trying everything they are not sure what is causing it. I am going for x rays and ultra sound and lots of blood tests. Its really hard sometimes feel like taking that extra pill but God doesn't want me yet and I couldn't do it. Some days the pain is excruciating don't feel like doing anything. Not ready for Christmas. Toooooooooo much pain! Please pray for me no names just please pray. Prayer Warriors, as you see this person is in great need of prayer. Please pray for them to be free from this pain and for God to surround them with His Almighty healing Angels. May He fill them with His Holy Spirit and may they truet totally in Him for comfort and healing. IN Jesus Name. --------------- Haley Miller has a request. Please keep Haleys Parents in prayer for healing and for her family to be a Christian one. --------------- Jonna from Florida, USA Jonna is doing much better. It must be something going around there because her Pastor and a friend came down with it also. It reacts like a Heart attack but is actually some kind of virus. Please continue to pray for her to stay in God's path. --------------- Sue is going through some hard situations at this time. Please lift Sue up in Prayer for God to provide for her and her son and for Him to Touch her with His healing Hands in whatever way needed. --------------- Lena's husband, WENT BACK TO THE DR, HE HAD TAKEN HIM OFF THE OXYCONTIN, BUT THE PAIN CAME BACK, HE DID NOT WANT HIM ON THAT DOPE. BUT DID NOT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO FOR HIM, WITH ALL THE PAIN HE WAS IN SINCE HE TOOK HIM OFF, SO HE PUT HIM BACK ON THEM. HE IS SENDING HIM IN FOR A NERVE BLOCK, TO SEE IF THAT HELPS HIM, IT WILL BE 10 MONTHS ON JAN. 2 FOR THE SHINGLES. AND WITH THE HOLIDAYS THAT WILL MAKE IT A LONGER WAIT , AND WITH THE SKIN SO THIN BEING ON THE PREDNISONE, A LOT OF MAJOR WOUNDS , WHICH FOR US WOULD HEAL RIGHT AWAY, BUT NOT WITH HIM, CANT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE PREDNISONE HE HAS TO STAY ON THAT, BUT HOPEFULLY HE CAN GET SOME HELP FOR THE SHINGLES. FORGOT TO ADD THE VON COMES 3 TIMES A WEEK, PLUS WOUND CARE ONCE EVERY 2 WEEKS AT THE HOSPITAL, SURE HOPE IT ENDS PRETTY SOON. --------------- Daphne from Argentina - One of the many nieces of Leo's from a mountain village has had to travel with her parents (Leo's brother) to Buenos Aires - couple of thousand miles from where they live - for an operation for a bone tumor. The girl, Ivana, is only 16. They have to spend about a month away from home, I don't have anymore details at present. I do not know, but I suspect it is possible they will be here for a while for convalescence before returning to the mountains. We already have another niece - of another brother - living with us. Please keep this family in your prayers. Prayer for Global Healing and let's also keep the wwwcof reunion in prayer with Daphne even though it is a year away. --------------- Family and Friends of WWWCOF Members Maxine from Ontario, Canada has an update on her daughter Mary Jo who has now had 2 rounds of chemo. Hard to tell if anything but its supposed to slow it down or stop it so she could have up up 15 yrs if she doesn't get sick instead of 2 to 5 yrs . She has Pulmonary Fibrosis. Thanks for the prayers so far, there's always hope. Mary Jo is only 51, My eldest daughter. Thank you for all you prayers and God Bless. This is a very hard time for Mary Jo as chemo takes a lot from you. Please keep her in prayer for God to heal her. --------------- I am still on the island, just wanted to hurry and give you an update. Chelsea came home last night and will be ok - she doesn't have to have dialysis, or a transplant at this point. Miracles do happen, and we got one. In the past week Cheslea's kidneys have gone from complete failure to functioning at 4%, then 8%, then two days ago they went up to 15%, and her Dr was downright giddy. At 10% they put you on dialysis so the fact she was over 10% was really significant. Now - all the information on the condition she has IGA Nephropathy - states that the damage to the kidneys is irreversible and that there is no cure. The information also states that once the patient reaches complete kidney failure that there are two options- dialysis, and transplant. This is significant because as of yesterday morning Chels' kidneys are functioning at more than 50%. We know we have been given a miracle. She can live the rest of her life at this level. She may never need a transplant. We are so grateful to all of you for your prayers, and we are grateful for priesthood blessings. We are very humbled by the outpouring of love and concern for Chels and she is deeply touched by all the people who have sent her well wishes. I can't thank you enough. Chelsea will be monitored monthly for creatinine levels and kidney function, but other than being careful of her diet to avoid further complications,she should return to life as she knew it before IGA nephropathy. : ) My love to you all, Angie --------------- Susan Murphy: (Haley's Nanna) Susan has Parkinson's and has had for a few years She is still working although at times it gets a bit hard Please keep Susan in prayer for a cure to be found. --------------- Karen Simmons: (Charla's Sister in law) Karen will be having major neck and upper spine surgery Jan 8,2008. Please keep her in prayer for God's guiding hand as the surgeons work also for Him to heal her and this surgery be a success and her pain to go away. --------------- Jim Romans: (Charla's cousin's husband) Thank You all for your Prayers for My husband Jim Please continue to pray for him he is in a lot of pain now. Jim had back/neck surgery this past week. May God touch him with His hand of comfort and healing. --------------- UNSPOKEN Requests: Scott Skeel, Joyce, Jeff, Steve, Libby, Bobby, Alan & Katie --------------- PLEASE REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR THOSE IN THE MILITARY AND THEIR FAMILIES Jamie Landon: ( FlMaries Grand Daughter) "PRAISE GOD!!" Jamie is home and doing well. She has her precious son Davien and he took right to her. Nothing like Mommy! --------------- Bea's Grandson: asking for a prayer for all military serving, including my step Grandson who is on his way to Iraq..May God surround him and all our military with His protective Angels --------------- Geoffery Landon: ( FlMaries Grandson) Geoffery is back in the states for now. Geoffery will be going back to the war zone in January. Please keep him in prayer for safety. --------------- Robert Fleming: (Peachy Marie's Grandson.) has been called to Iraq. He left October 16th. Please pray for God's Protective Angels to surround him with safety. --------------- Stephen Johnson and Robin Smith: (Christine Mills wwwcof requests): Please keep these two in your prayers for God to surround them with His Protective Angels. --------------- UNSPOKEN Requests: Scott Skeel, Joyce, Jeff, Steve, Libby, Bobby, Alan & Katie Please email Charla with any Praises, Requests and/or UPDATES Thank you. To the Top Random Acts of Kindness Michael and I went to Golden Corral for lunch. There are two lines to go through and for some reason, unknown at the time, I decided to head for the one we normally don't go through. At the register was a huge plastic container. It was a donation jar for a young woman ( in her 20's ) that had both breasts removed the 13th of this month. I put a $10 into, started to walk away and instead starting talking to the woman at the register. I told her I had to contact this young woman and do what I could for her. She wrote down all the info and her parents telephone number. I kept thinking all through lunch how hard this journey can be and to think of a surgery of this nature right before Christmas brought me to tears in the middle of the restaurant. When people found out what was wrong, that jar started filling up with money. When we got home, I called this young woman's parents and I am going to meet her either right before Christmas or the day after. She was asleep when I called and I didn't want them to disturb her. They can tell her of my call and visit. They have asked me to call back tomorrow and I will. I am also taking a comfort quilt to her. Hugging a quilt helps ........ Time for me to give back ...... Hugs, Deanna from Roanoke, VA To the Top

Our Furry Friends in the Spotlight OUR FEATURED PET OF THE WEEK is "Sadie" This weeks edition is about a different kind of Furry Friend - Sadie the cat - Who belongs to Emma from Maryland, USA For those of you who do not know Emma, She is a big lover of cats. Unfortunately she has lost all her cats to be with God in Heaven. She had a very rough go of it for 2 years losing one after the other. When her last baby passed away (Muffin) she was totally withdrawn and heartbroken. She loved her animals so much she treated them all like humans. If she had a choice, between kids and her cats she would definitely choose the cats!!! For as she says, they don't backtalk, and show unconditional love. Sadie belonged to her daughter's boyfriend and because he knew how much Emma needed a replacement to make her whole again, he offered Sadie to her. At first Em didn't want her, felt she was not ready. Then her daughter and boyfriend came over with this cat and it was of course LOVE at First sight! Didn't take them two long to make friends. In fact she already has claimed her territory and her! (Emma) I work with Emma, and Let me tell you, I saw such a big change in her emotionally when Sadie came into her life. She is happier now, Not that Sadie would be able to take any of the others place, but because she once again has something to love and care for. Wish with me for her to have Sadie for a very long time, and continue to be her life boat. **** Always remember to give your pet all the love you can For they are the most loyal friends we will ever have. ***** *****Have you HUGGED your pet yet today?******** Jami from Maryland, USA Martha Martha was sitting in her living room watching television this Christmas Eve, alone as she had been for the last five years. All of her children had married and moved to the four corners of the nation, her youngest, a surgery resident at the Vet School across the state had planned on coming home, but had been assigned to work the emergency clinic and couldn't find a replacement. Martha told herself that having Sally working to help the sick and injured animals this Christmas Eve was worth being alone, besides Sally would be driving over for Christmas dinner the next afternoon. All the animals had been fed and now were safely in either the kennel building or lazily laying around the house. Martha had to stop to think how many dogs she had at her house this Christmas, she sighed when she realized there were 16. She did rescue and the number of dogs was always changing with some dogs being adopted and new abandoned dogs coming in. Feeling overwhelmed by the number of dogs she had and all the dogs still left in shelters to die because there was no room for them in rescue, Martha seriously wondered if she should stop working rescue. If she didn't have all these dogs, she could have flown to any of her other children's homes for the holidays to be with family. Besides, the heartbreak of seeing each dog in such need was beginning to really weigh on her. Tonight she had a new dog, brought home that day. Martha didn't really plan on adding another dog but on her way home from the store she saw a dog lying on the side of the road. Certain the dog was dead, Martha stopped to pick up the body and take it home for a burial. As she got closer, she recognized the shell of an Alaskan Malamute, the breed she rescued. Covered by cuts and festering wounds, what fur was left was matted and filthy, it was so skinny that laying there you could see each rib and it's hipbones were the widest part of his body. With tears in her eyes, mourning for what once had been a majestic animal now reduced to almost a skeleton she reached down to give the poor dog one last pat on the head. "Oh, you poor boy, what a way to end your life. Well, at least I can name you and give you a decent farewell." As her tears fell on the dog's head, one eye slowly opened and the tail gave a single wag. "You're alive! Everything will be OK now, I'll take you home and you will have a soft bed and food tonight." She said, tears streaming down her face, this time from happiness. The rest of the afternoon was spent cleaning the dog's wounds and making sure he was able to eat and drink water. Martha set up the large run in the kennel building for him. A soft blanket and a thick foam pad was to be his bed, fresh water and food beside him. Papers for his 'necessary functions' were placed at the far end of the run. He lay there watching every move she made. Martha left the dog resting on his bed, somewhat surprised at the reaction of the rest of the dogs in the kennel. Pandemonium usually broke out with all the other dogs wooing and barking when a new dog was brought in, tonight all the other dogs just stood and silently watched as Martha cared for the new dog. Thankful the other dogs were not disturbing the new boy, Martha went to the house to finish preparations for tomorrow's dinner. Later that evening Martha went down to the kennel to check on the new boy and feed the other dogs. As she walked in the door the new boy shakily stood to greet her. As she was straightening up the kennel after fedig and exercising the dogs, she saw her microchip reader. "Well, this will be a waste of time" she thought as she ran the reader over the dog's body. BEEP! The reader had located a chip! Writing the number down, she hurried to the house to call the chip registry and report the found dog. As she suspected on Christmas Eve, all she got was a machine. Very late that night, the phone rang. Martha answered and a strange voice was on the other end. "Did you find a dog with a microchip?" "Yes, are you the registry needing more information?" Martha asked. "No, the registry called us and told us you found our dog!" and then the man broke down crying. After composing himself, he continued. "The dog you found is BISS AM/CAN/INT CH Wasilla's Ice Sculpture, WPD, WTD, WLD, TT, CGC but to us he is our heart, the love of our life, Icy. Three years ago Icy was stolen from his exercise area in our back yard. We did everything we could think of to find him, but lately we had almost given up hope of ever seeing him again. This is a miracle. We are leaving now to come pick him up. We are about 14 hours from you so we will see you and Icy in the morning." Martha was crying, indeed it was a miracle! And the new dog now had a name, his own name and his people were coming for him. What a wonderful Christmas gift. Martha hurried down to the kennel to let Icy know that his humans had been found and they were on their way to take him home. As Martha walked up to Icy's kennel he stood to greet her, "Icy, yes, I know your name and I have spoken to your people. They're coming to take you home." As she was talking to Icy, she heard the old clock in the building strike midnight. Much to her amazement, Icy said "Thank you." Martha thought, now I am sure I have been around dogs too long, I could swear I heard Icy speak. Icy continued "Martha, yes I am talking to you in human language, you see at the stroke of midnight on Christmas Day, all animals can speak. Let me tell you what happened to me today." "I have been kept in a dark barn for a long time by some very mean people who beat me and often forgot to feed me. Two days ago I found a loose board on the barn and was able to escape. I walked as fast as I could, looking for my people or at least for some kind person to feed me and give me a warm place to sleep before I died. I was in the middle of a big field when I couldn't walk or even crawl any more, I laid down knowing I was about to cross to the Rainbow Bridge. As I stepped onto the Bridge, an Angel came towards me." "Icy," the Angel said "If you agree, He has a job for you before cross the Bridge. There is a very kind human who needs you today to restore her sprit." "Of course I agreed to help a human -- that is what Malamutes do. The Angel picked up my body and carried it to the side of a road and laid it down. The next thing I remember is you were scratching my ear and talking to me and your tears were falling on my face. You have cared for me this day." Martha heard a chorus of voices all about her. To her amazement she was surrounded not only by her dogs, but dogs she had rescued and sent on to forever homes, all voicing stories how Martha had cared for them and restored them to health and loved them, thanking her for her love. The first Malamute Martha had rescued many years ago stepped to the front of the gathering and said, "Martha, you took us in to your home, cared for us, healed us both in body and spirit then, even though it broke your heart, sent us on to our new forever families. This gave us a life we would never have had without you. Others of us here, never were adopted and lived out our lives with you, loved and cared for as if we were your own dogs. In our hearts we are your dogs. Thank you." Then one small mixed breed puppy stepped forward from the back and said, "Miss Martha, you never held me nor fed me, you see I am speaking for all the shelter dogs and cats gathered here for which you did all you could. We understand that you can't save us all, but you read our shelter stories, knowing we would cross the Bridge without knowing a home of our own, and you cried for us. We thank you for that. You see, we knew you cared and loved us, too. And that love helped us as we crossed. We thank you and all the other Rescuers for that small act of love." Icy looked at Martha and told her, "It is getting late and you will have many people here tomorrow to celebrate Christmas. And you have your rescue work to continue. Our time to be able to talk to you is growing short but always remember what happened tonight. What you do for the animals is a gift to us and to Him, the Father of us all. Each of us, animals of every species, needs people like you. Please keep on helping. You are doing the work of Angels." At that point all of the dogs in unison said "Thank You," and their voices blended into a joyous howl which echoed from the heavens to the ends of the earth. Humbly offered as a Christmas Gift to all who love animals. Betsy from Florida, USA To the Top Let's Do Lunch Is anyone doing a "Let's Do Lunch" with some of the other members? If anyone is planning something please let me know so I can pass it along to the members and then we all can "celebrate" cyberside. To the Top Baby Photo Contest In case you were wondering, yes I am still going to do the Baby Photo Contest, however I've run into a few snags. Therefore I will be pushing it forward to Valentine's day. First there was the time and location issue. As you know I have relocated back to Ontario, and was without internet for two weeks. Then when I finally did get it installed, my computer got very sick, and had to have major surgery. Yes, the dreaded hard drive reformat!! Which means I lost all the photos for the contest. The basic concept is for you to send in two photos - one as an adult, and one as a baby or young child. These will be posted on a special website I created, and then everyone will try to match up the entries. Deadline for entries will be February 1st, 2008. Then 12 days for voting. Voting will close on the 12th of February, 2008. Interestingly, I have them on the website I created, unfortunately I renamed them all, so folks wouldn't be able to cheat by looking at the file names. I named them entry 1, 2, 3 etc for the adult pictures. and entry a, b, c etc for the baby photos. Now I don't know who goes with who. lol Bigsis Pat's WILDLIFE PHOTO CONTEST I'll be announcing the new Nature Photo contest in the first edition of Global in the New Year (4th Jan). Daphne To the Top News & Announcements to our Returning Member Please be sure to email Valter from Brazil who likes to make new friends. To the Top FEATURED SITES Deanna,from Roanoke, VA says that she has signed up for this Nutrition Challenge program. No cost at all and she suggests that we check it out. Jan, from the Land Down Under would like us to take a moment to enjoy the following nostalgia sites. Flicks Sixties Forty-Fives Cars Black & White Do you have a favourite site that you would like to share with the members? Please let me know and I will be happy to put it in the newsletter. To the Top Crafts Denim Pocket Magnets Supplies: denim jean pockets cut from old jeans fabric paint lace trim ribbon flowers (optional) fridge magnet hot glue or craft glue Instructions: 1. Carefully cut the pockets from the jeans. 2. Beginning and ending at the back, glue lace trim around the top of the pocket. 3. If desired, glue a small ribbon rose to each top corner. 4. Write "Coupons" or "Notes" or whatever you wish on the front in fabric paint, following the manufacturer's directions. 5. Glue a magnet to the back of each denim pocket and stick the fridge. Enjoy! Those sturdy jean pockets live on long after the jeans have died, when you recycle them into practical and pretty denim pocket magnets. Stick one on the fridge to store scraps of note paper and a pencil for jotting those quick reminders; make another to tuck in your current store coupons. Don't forget to make a few for the students in your home - these make great locker magnets too! Take a look at the new "Crafter of the Month" page. Please make an album and put some of your crafting pictures into it. I will need plenty of pictures to choose from. Be sure to check out all the wonderful craft ideas in the WWWCOF Craft Site and lets get this group active and crafting. Any ideas, please send them my way. Add your own favourites or email me Deanna and I will be happy to add them to our ever growing collection.     Join WWWCOF KRAFT CORNER      MSN Groups WWWCOF Kraft Corner To the Top Member of the Month Nominations Our Member of the Month for December 2007 is Charla Linder-Simmons Congratulations Charla! I would like to thank whomever for picking me as the member of the month. It was indeed a shock! I was so surprised. Again Thank you. Charla Linder-Simmons Congratulations Charla! January's Member of the Month nominations close December 30th so be sure to cast your ballot here today! To the Top Just for Fun David from the UK sends us these one-liners and London Chrissie wonders seeing as how they are very English, if those across the pond gets them! This lorry full of tortoises collided with a van full of terrapins. It was a turtle disaster. I told my girlfriend I had a job in a bowling alley. She said "Tenpin?" I said, "No, permanent." I went in to a pet shop. I said, "Can I buy a goldfish?" The guy said, "Do you want an aquarium?" I said, "I don't care what star sign it is." I was at a Garden Centre and I asked for something herby. They gave me a Volkswagen with no driver. I met this bloke with a didgeridoo and he was playing Dancing Queen on it. I thought, "That's Aboriginal." I bought some Armageddon cheese today, and it said on the packet. "Best Before End" I went to buy a watch, and the man in the shop said "Analogue." I said "No, just a watch." My mate is in love with two schoolbags. He's bisatchel I went to the doctor. I said to him "I'm frightened of lapels." He said, "You've got cholera." I met the bloke who invented crosswords today. I can't remember his name, it's P something T something R. I was reading this book today, The History Of Glue. I couldn't put it down. I phoned the local ramblers club today, but the bloke who answered just went on and on. The recruitment consultant asked me "What do you think of voluntary work?" I said "I wouldn't do it if you paid me." I was in the jungle and there was this monkey with a tin opener. I said, "You don't need a tin opener to peel a banana." He said, "No, this is for the custard." I told my mum that I'd opened a theatre. She said, "Are you having me on?" I said, "Well I'll give you an audition, but I'm not promising you anything." I phoned the local builders today, I said to them "Can I have a skip outside my house?" He said, "I'm not stopping you!" This cowboy walks in to a German car showroom and he says "Audi!" I fancied a game of darts with my mate. He said, "Nearest the bull goes first" He went "Baah" and I went "Moo" He said "You're closest" I visited the offices of the RSPCA today. It's tiny: you couldn't swing a cat in there. I bought a train ticket to France and the ticket seller said "Eurostar" I said "Well I've been on telly but I'm no Dean Martin." I phoned the local gym and I asked if they could teach me how to do the splits. They said, "How flexible are you?" I said, "I can't make Tuesdays or Thursdays." I went to the local video shop and I said, "Can I take out The Elephant Man?" He said, "He's not your type." So I said "Can I borrow Batman Forever?" He said, "No, you'll have to bring it back tomorrow" The Bishop came to our church today. Turned out he was an impostor. Never once moved diagonally. How can you delay milk turning sour? Keep it in the cow. Phone answering machine message - " ... If you want to buy marijuana, press the hash key ... " A man came round in hospital after a serious accident. He shouted, "Doctor, doctor, I can't feel my legs!" The doctor replied, "I know you can't, I've cut your arms off". Name the Four Seasons. Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar. I was getting into my car, and this bloke says to me "Can you give me a lift?" So I said "Sure, you look great, the world's your oyster, go for it." Christmas Groaners sent in by Jami from Maryland, USA. What do they call Santa's helpers? Subordinate Clauses What do you call Santa Clause after he's fallen into a fireplace? Krisp Kringle Which of Santa's reindeers needs to mind his manners the most? "Rude"olph Where do Santa's reindeers like to stop for lunch? Deery Queen What do you call the fear of getting stuck while sliding down a chimney? Santa Claus-trophbia What nationality is Santa Claus? North Polish What do you call a bunch of grandmasters of chess bragging about their games in a hotel lobby? Chess nuts boasting in an open foyer. How do sheep in Mexico say Merry Christmas? Fleece Navidad What do you get when you cross an archer with a gift-wrapper? Ribbonhood Why was Santa's little helper depressed? Because he had low elf esteem. How do canines in Mexico say Merry Christmas? Fleas Navidog. To the Top REUNION ARGENTINA OCTOBER 2008 days until Reunion 2008! Hello everyone, Just a quick reminder that the WWWCOF has its bi-annual reunion coming up October 2008, and that Argentina was elected, with the city of Mar del Plata as its HQ EXPLORING ARGENTINA with views to Reunion 2008 Reports will continue in 2008 but in the meantime please drop by and visit the official 2008 Reunion Website where you'll find a lot of the information you need. To hold a Reunion we need people, The organization is already well underway as shown in our Reunion site, now we need the cooporation and participation of members everywhere. Look forward to seeing many of you here Argentina in Pictures: Love from Daphne To the Top I hope you have enjoyed this week's edition of Global Express. I look forward to chatting with you online and do keep those emails coming. Well 2007 is nearly done. Regardless of whether that statement brings a sigh of sadness or a tear of relief, it is fact nonetheless. I would like to leave you with the following thought. Think about the definition of the word "gift" (something of value that is bestowed voluntarily and without compensation). I am of the opinion that amongst the most valuable gifts are those that teach and the gift of personal example. The time is now to plan, decide, act and achieve. Start your Pursuit of Excellence Programme now because even more important than Christmas just past is Christmas next year! You can decide right now and make promises that Christmas 2008 will see you at new levels of health and happiness. It is an irrefutable fact - time waits for no one. So since it will slip by whether we like it or not, let's make sure that in one year from now December 2008 we will be pleased with our personal choices all year long! Today's Quote: "Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons." Ruth Ann Schabacker To the Top days until Reunion 2008! To the Top Be sure to take a moment to sign up in our google board; lots of fun and a great way to get to know the members better! Subscribe to World Wide Web Circle of Friends Email: Visit this group To the Top Remember to take a moment to visit the WWWCOF Directory today and do check out the December Trivia Pages Special Christmas Edition and a sneak peak ahead to the awesome January Trivia Pages To the Top

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