elcome to our first issue for December, 2007 GLOBAL EXPRESS <bgsound src="haveahollyjollyxmas.mid"> Hello again everyone! I hope you enjoyed the last week's issue of Global Express. Thank you everyone who emailed me, Sharon with their comments. Your emails are so important. Friendship is based on trust and honesty! Publishing our newsletter requires input from the membership to ensure its success and I need everyone's help. I am so grateful for the excellent response for contributions again this past week; thank you. Onto our regular features and back by popular demand this week are our Adventures, Health Watch and Christmas Ideas. Bigsis Pat's Journal and the Australian Report have been added as a regular features. What else would you like to see? 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. Speaking of birthdays I received this from Moses in Uganda: Hello sharon thanks for your newsletters. I am glad to inform you about my birthday on December 14; I will turn 23. Please send the note to all the circle of friends around the world. I would love to hear from my long lost friend from Brazil Dr. Valter; I don't know where he is but it will be a blessing to hear from him. My regards to every one. Send greetings to Connie Lewis in Canada. Be well. Moses To the Top Bigsis Pat's Journal I would like to start of this week's edition with a message from Bigsis Pat's Journal. Yippee!! I am finally back online. After almost two wekks with no internet, I was was really going through withdrawal. Anyway, hi all from wintery Ontario .. On November 21st, 1 week shy of three months residency in BC, Max and I boarded the plane to come to Ontario to be with Darryl. ironically that was the same day he was supposed to arrive in BC. We arrived to cold and rain, and it has stayed cold, and all we've had since I've been here is rain, wind and snow. Not to worry Darryl, what a dear, bought me a new winter coat, scar, hat & gloves. We also bought Max a new winter coat to wear until he got acclimated to the colder weather. Which, didn't take long. He loves the snow! We are living on the third floor (yuck all those stairs) of an old hotel here in Port Colborne, in a bachelor suite. It's a little cramped but we are managing. Darryl already had us outfitted with new china, cutlery, some electrical appliances, some groceriers and even a bottle of wine! We haven't done too much, mostly staying home and getting reacqainted (for me) and acquainted (Max). I did go to my daughter Billie's house and picked out a few Christmas decorations, so I could brighten the place up and get into the holiday spirit. Mostly we were just counting down the days before Darryl went in for his procedure. That happened on the 4th. Thankfully they found absolutely no blockages. What he has is an enlarged heart, surrounded by muscles that prvent the blood from flowing properly. The really good news is that it can be rectified with medication. I would like to thank Charla & all the prayer warriers for all their thoughts and prayers. They do work. !!!! To the Top Ideas for Christmas Dirty Santa We have a ball playing this. We get funny gag gifts most of the time. Usually $10.00 limit. Dirty Santa", don't worry though the reason it's called "dirty" is because you can take a gift someone has already opened. For this gift exchange tell everyone attending to bring a gift in a certain price range, we usually tell people $10-15 for the gift. Also tell them not to make it gender or age specific (if you have a broad variety of ages). Once everyone arrives with their wrapped gift tell them to put them under the tree or on the gift table, make sure they didn't put their names on it. To start the game put pieces of paper with the numbers of how many people are there (I.e. If there are 20 people puts papers with numbers 1 through 20 in the hat). Then let everyone draw a number. Their number indicates which "round" they start. The person that goes first also usually gets an additional turn at the end which I'll explain later. The first person doesn't really have many options, they pick a present and open it. After that though the game gets more interesting. Starting with round 2 , it changes a little bit. At that point the person who starts the round has a couple options they can open a new present and then the round ends, or if they want they can take one of the presents that have already been opened. If that happens then the person that had their gift "stolen" from them has the option to open a new gift or steal an open gift. There are some rules that go with this though. The first rule is if player A steals from player B, then player B can not steal that gift back until the next round begins (and of course only if they have their gift they have at the time the new round starts stolen from them). Also, a husband and wife (or significant others) can't steal from each other because they could strategize together then and this is an individual game. A round ends in one of two situations: One, a person decides they want to open a wrapped gift instead of stealing from someone; or the other way is if there are three steals in the round (person 1 steals from person 2, person 2 steals from person 3, and then person 3 steals from person 4), the 3rd person stolen from must open a wrapped gift and the round ends. As you can see, the most number of steals there can be in a round is 3, the other rule involving "stealing" is that if a gift has been stolen three times total during the game (regardless of which rounds), the person that steals it the third time gets to keep it and it can not be stolen from them. Finally, as I referred to earlier, the person that started the game has the option to start one final round after the last person with a number from the hat finishes their round. That person that went first does not have to steal from anyone else, but if they want to they can. The difference in this round is that instead of the option to open a new gift (remember all have been opened at that time) if a person doesn't want to steal they get the gift that the person who started the round had originally. Again if there are three steals, then the last person stolen with will get the present the person who started the round had (this rule only applies on this final special round if person #1 decides to start this "special" round). I hope this helps everyone have more fun at their holiday parties! My friends and I love this game. Just so you know some people I know have adjusted the gift to be "you must bring a Christmas ornament as the gift", or at other times of the year they call it a "pound party" and everyone must bring a "pound of something" as their gift. I will warn you sometimes in the "pound party" you will end up getting a gift worth much less than the one you brought though unless rules are set regarding the price range for the gift. Hugs Lindalou Tallassee, Al To the Top Bragging Rights I just won a trophy for 1st runner up in a Senior Adult Church Talent Day. I entered in Creative Writing with a short story (1000 words). Does anyone else do that? My entry didn't win, but I received a nice note about it. I would like to share it with you. Christine from Greenwood, Delaware, USA Here is my story. The Reign of Ms. Butterfly A True Story When my grandson, Kyle, was three he was at home sick one day. He was usually at the daycare where I worked. I was watching television with the children. All of a sudden there was a character as "Ms. Butterfly". I believe in giving children something to spark their imagination. It hit me suddenly that this was the perfect opportunity. I called my grandson and disguised my voice. I said "This is Ms. Butterfly, can I be your friend". Well, everything got quiet. Finally he said, "I guess so". That was the beginning of a three year reign of Ms. Butterfly. I just started out by calling Kyle to tell him I had been flying by that day and saw what a good boy he had been. He was so proud. I then started out sending him letters and special cards. Sometimes there would be little gifts for him. He loved getting mail. Of course his mother had to read them to him. Being his grandmother, I could write about what was happening in his life. He couldn't understand how I knew so much. Everyone in the family had to go along with this. They would laugh when I called in my Ms. Butterfly voice. Sometimes I think the older children thought I was a little "off my rocker". Still they enjoyed it and wondered what I'd do next. When I sent him little items I would ask him if he had heard from Ms. Butterfly lately. It was so great to see him all excited. This was an adventure for both of us. I began to write to him from all the places I was flying to. I always used the same picture of "me." I inserted pictures from the internet of children from different countries. Each time there would be a boy and girl his age. He met Akia, (which means first born) and his sister, Abena, (which means - born on Tuesday) from Africa. He saw pictures of them, their mother, how they dressed and that sometimes they had to work and help out with other children. He saw how their culture and what their church looked like there. Kyle met Babak and his sister Badeah from Australia and Chung and his sister Sun from China. He saw their churches were different from ours. I explained that although they may look different that Jesus was there to love us all. Some of the children began to write to him as pen pals. They would tell him how Ms. Butterfly was their friend too. They told him how they loved Jesus and about their lives. While Kyle was having fun from this he was also learning. Sometimes he surprised me by knowing some of the things I wrote to him about. As he got older he wanted to see Ms. Butterfly and wanted her to come to his house. I wondered, "Oh, what have I gotten myself into?" One day I found a dead butterfly and put it in a small jar. I sent Kyle a picture of an Autumn scene where the wind was blowing on the trees. I explained that I got caught in the wind and hurt my wing. I told him I needed plenty of rest and that no one could disturb me. He said he would take care of me. I told him that his grandmother would take me to him for the weekend. He was so proud to watch over her and take care of her. When Ms. Butterfly left he got a letter thanking him for doing such a good job. Through Ms. Butterfly Kyle got to see many places, people and animals from around the world. He learned the importance of friendship and love. He learned that God made everyone in all different colors and sizes and loved and watched over each one. He also learned something new and important. He learned that some children didn't have televisions and Nintendo games. In his world he thought all children had those things. He though work meant picking up your room. While I was happily writing, Kyle was growing up. When he told me he knew Ms. Butterfly wasn't real I asked him why. He calmly stated, "I am studying butterflies and I know they can't talk." I tried a few more times and finally he said, "Mom Mom, you can stop now. I know it is you." I sent him one final letter telling him I believed in him. Kyle is now twelve and an honor student in all his classes. He is very serious about his studies. He takes higher learning courses a few weeks during the summer. He does this by choice. He has already decided he wants to be a doctor. He also plays soccer and plays the drums. I hope that in some small way Ms. Butterfly was partly responsible for a little of this. Last year I signed one of his Christmas presents, from Ms. Butterfly and Popup. He just laughed. He knew. His brother, David, likes Dora the Explorer. She has a friend in her back pack named Ms. Star. That is the new me. I am ready for a new adventure. When I sent David a dollar Kyle said, "All I got was a dead butterfly." Oh well, up, up and away I go, shining as Ms. Star. Bye for now. Ms. Butterfly --------------- At this time of the year, schools in Argentina are getting ready for the summer holidays, and many of them end the school year with all kinds of festivals, picnics, outings, camp-outs etc. Primary schools hold a cultural act, either in the school or in a local theatre, high schools, have inter college sports events or math marathons. Last week I had the pleasure of going to Circle member Charito’s children school act. These pictures show her 4th grader, Victoria and 5th grader Santiago To the Top Messages from Members I haven't had much time to write or anything else. I have been sewing lined panels for ALL of my living windows. All 8 of them. Two sets of three windows and 2 singles on the side wall. The front windows are taking two 75" panels. They are so heavy with the lining. My back is screaming and has been for days. I stuck to it and I only have one panel to hem and sew the casing. So, if you hear this huge roar of joy tomorrow, it's me because my curtain job is done. Here are pics of the side and the back wall windows. And, I promise to write when I am through ...... My entire living room is Native American. I honor my Cherokee and Choctaw heritages with this room.Lots of leather, wood and metal. The drum that was hanging on the wall was made by the same Cherokee maker that did them for the Olympics in Utah. It was a gift from him. I have been drumming for years. My dream is to replace the coffee table with a huge Pow-Wow drum that is big enough for 6 drummers. All I need to do now is to get my huge Native inspired wall quilt done for behind the couch. Many items of my clothing are also Native inspired or made. Here's a pic of me from yesterday in one of my coats that is woven .... Deanna form Roanoke, VA -------------------- Christmas at Bea's home in the Catskills! Her collection. More of her collection. Her tree - WOW! -------------------- This is Carol from New York. I can't believe the strange illnesses that has been going around. My daughter works at a hospital and was telling how young people have been coming in with breathing problems and bad chest pains. One fellow the other night at 43 had a heart attack just sitting and watching TV. Another lady came in with stomach pain and they found cancer in stage 4. I can't believe what is happening these days. Hope you are doing fine. Things are going well here. Snowing but not all that bad. Just getting ready for Christmas. I had my grandson here today talking about Santa. I wrote him a letter from Santa and when I told him Santa and I were good friends he had the biggest eyes. He is 5 yrs. old. Bright red hair and the biggest brightest blue eyes. He made me feel good by saying.....Grandma you know everyone. Have a great day. Carol in New York -------------------- Just thought I would share our newest thing learned at school today. Did you know there are two dam words? Well there is ...here is how I know. Memaw? What? Do you know there are two of the same bad words but one isn't bad? How do You know? Because my friend was saying it today and Mrs Murray said it wasn't a bad word and I told her yes it is my Memaw said so. Well What word is it? I don't want to say it. It's ok You won't be in trouble you can tell me. Ok Dam. Well why did your friend say it? She said it was a dam at her house and I said you're not suppose to say bad words. She said, "Mrs. Murray is the dam at my house a bad word? Of course the teacher tried to explain the difference as best she could. I asked Haley, Well do you know what the girl meant? She said no. I said well one is spelled dam and that means like a bridge beavers make with dirt & limbs from trees. The other is spelled damn, a bad word meaning God made something bad and God never made anything bad. So when people say G.. Damn it is a very bad word and God gets very sad. She looked at me and said "ok so if it's a dam house it's not bad"? ... no Haley if there is "A" dam at their house it isn't bad. Ok I will tell my teacher if beavers give a dam for you it is not bad but if damn comes from God being sad it is bad. I had to hug her and agree. Oh the joy of explaining to a 5 yr old! Charla in Florida, USA. -------------------- I have been to the Christmas Parade (Saturday, December 1). My granddaughter was in it. Just too warm today. I like it when you at least need a coat. Lindalou in Tallassee, AL, USA. -------------------- To the Top Feature Story of the Week An Exciting Week Thought I would share with everyone a couple of exciting things coming up for me this week. At least they are exciting for me and our family. The first event concerns my Dad. Several years ago he began working on a project to trace our family tree. He has done quite well tracing back both his family and my mother's. As little offshoots of this he has created DVD's with pictures of many family members including his grandparents. It was this project that made him look back and try to find a part of his history. It seems in 1939, as a senior in high school, he drew some cartoons for the school newspaper. He thought it would be great if he could find one and copy it to include on his CD. After a few attempts trying to find someone to contact we were successful talking to the current school librarian. She said she would look into it for us and get back if she found anything. It was 2 days later that she called back, very excited, to say she had found the newspapers and the cartoon. She said she was surprised that of all the papers published only the years 1938-1941 were bound and they had escaped water damage from a flood in the basement years ago. We were happy to hear too that she found 3 other cartoon my Dad had drawn in 3 other issues that year. So Monday my sister and I are taking my Dad back to high school to make copies of all 4 cartoons for his collection. We will try to photograph the cartoons since the newspaper are big and being bound are heavy. The second event will happen either Monday or Wednesday night. It concerns my son. He sent us email last week regarding his job. He is the Post Production Coordinator on the TV show Life on NBC at 10pm. Editing the shows for the 2 part show to be shown this week, the editor decided to add a scene. With the writers' strike still on and production pretty much over there were no actors there to play the parts. So in the line of duty the production staff was called upon to play the roles. The guys will be a SWAT team in the show. My son sent pictures of him in full SWAT gear with his automatic gun. He said it was fun until they had to run up 4 flights of stairs in full gear in the California heat. But its all part of days work. It will be exciting to watch the show and look for him. He only gets home once or twice a year so this will be a bonus way to see him. He has done fill in roles before on The Hughley's and his picture was used in an episode of 8 Simple Rules. I just wanted to would share this with you. Mike, from Groton, Connecticut To the Top Random Acts of Kindness Deanna with the mixer I gave her. I made another "Breast Cancer Survivor" happy. I got two at a Martha Stewart Breast Cancer Show. My husband and I went and every audience member got one. Deanna is so happy!! This made my day. Pami in New York, USA. -------------------- Our church actually has an "angel tree" that has childrens names on it. Each person picks a name or names and buys gifts for those children. Their parents are needy or their mother or father (or maybe both) are in jail. Great ministry. Christine in Greenwood, Delaware USA. To the Top Members Questions & Answers Do you have a question? Looking for recipes or craft ideas? Be sure to let us know and we will get an answer to you. To the Top I hope each of our new members join in on our little friendly challenge and play our Trivia Quiz Game hosted by Aussie Jeanette. I play about 15 of those Trivia quizzes a day plus some others in the main section like the team and regional quizzes. Playing that much some of the questions do repeat and some days an entire quiz will repeat so that helps making the times faster. Its usually the music and literature questions that trip me up though. But actually a good part of it is training yourself to see the question whole rather than word by word. With practice you can read the questions while scrolling up the page and once you get the gist of it pick out the answer quickly. Mike, from Groton, Connecticut To the Top International Weather Station Greenwood, Delaware, USA Report Beautiful sunny day here........chilly, but beautiful. Christine in Greenwood, Delaware USA. Connecticut, USA Report Here in Connecticut it is a cool 34F but windy. Working outdoors to get out the Christmas decorations. Its sunny but windy so the wind chimes sound nice. Tomorrow will be a bit colder but then going up to the the middle of the week. Has anyone received Christmas cards yet? We have received two! One was from our neighbor who likes to mail early to beat the rush, her card arrived 2 days before Thanksgiving so that made it more than a month early!!!!! That's the report for now. I hope everyone has a good weekend. How many here take the quiz at funtimes? Mike. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada I Love it. We have the cold and you guys have the snows ... Yea ... my much older brother Wayne and his lovely wife, Jenny. Roanoke VA USA Report I slept in this morning as Michael didn't have to be at work until 1:00. We woke to more snow falling and the 20's. I love snow and feel like this snow falling is a thank you for not quitting on the curtains which I wanted to many times.It is so pretty and cold........ 29 right now.....The lined curtains are working very well in keeping out the cold. It might sound cold but our heat is on 65 downstairs and the house is warm and cozy. Money we will save is worth all of the headaches I had with them. I am going to eat a bite of something and then start the vacuum and clean up all of the cotton lint that is all in the living room and dining room. Then I am going to finish a Christmas gift since Michael won't be here until 11:00. No dinner to worry about. Soup is fine with me ..... Hugs, Deanna Florida, USA Report Just putting up tree its 79. Love Peachy. Maryland, USA Report We are to get a wintery mix here to then turn to all rain by afternoon tomorrow. Dottie. Catskills, USA Report We are due for snow late tomorrow into Monday for a major snow and ice storm here in The Catskills Mountains of NY. We did a crafts show today (Saturday, December 1) at a local school and did very well. Bea's To the Top days 'til 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 Members Christmas Favourites **FRUITED YAMS** 2 yams, peeled and sliced 1 cu. pineapple, chopped 1 banana, sliced 3/4 c. apple, peeled and chopped 1/4 c. raisins 1/3 c. apple juice 1 T. brown sugar, packed 1 t. lemon zest, grated 1 t. cinnamon 1/2 t.ground ginger 1/4 t. nutmeg Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13" x 9" baking pan with non-stick vegetable spray. Layer half of the yams in dish. Mix pineapple, banana, apple and raisins. spread half of the mixture over yams. Repeat with remaining yams and fruit mixture. Mix remaining ingredients. Pour evenly over jams and fruit mixture. Cover and bake 50 to 60 minutes or until yams are tender. Serves 6. Deanna form Roanoke, VA Easy Potato Candy 1 small potato Confectioner's sugar - 2 lbs - also known as icing or powdered sugar. Granulated sugar that has been crushed to a fine powder with 3% cornstarch added to prevent lumping. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla Peanut butter (plain or crunchy) Boil the potato until tender. Drain well and mash thoroughly. Mix in vanilla. Add small amounts of confectioner's sugar until the mixture forms a rollable dough. Roll out on wax paper covered in confectioner's sugar. Spread peanut butter over the top of the dough. Roll up jelly roll style. Roll in wax paper. Chill until hard enough to cut. Cut into 1/4 inch slices. Mom taught me to make this as a child. We would make it & sell it at cookie and candy sales at school. 4 slices for 50 cents. We couldn't make enough. Hope you enjoy. Hugs Lindalou Tallassee, Al Snowball Cookies 1 lb. butter, softened. 3/4 cups confectioner's sugar 2 cups finely chopped walnuts 2 tsp. vanilla 4 cups flour (Additional confectioner's sugar) 375 degree oven. Blend butter and confectioner's sugar. Mix in vanilla. Then mix in flour slowly. Dough will be stiff. Add chopped nuts. Mix well. Roll into 1 inch balls. Bake 15 - 20 minutes. When cooled off, roll in confectioners' sugar. MMMM .... they're great. Deanna form Roanoke, VA Mom's Sweet Potato Casserole Here you go........ Not hard at all, just an old one from when I was a kid. 2 pounds mashed sweet potatoes 2 eggs 1 1/2 cups brown sugar 1/4 cup butter 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1/4 cup butter marshmallows for top (use small ones) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray one 2 quart casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Combine the sweet potatoes, brown sugar, 1/4 cup of the butter or margarine and the milk. Mix until well blended. Spoon sweet potato mixture into the prepare casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Add marshmallows to top and brown. Hugs Billie from Ridgely, TN. Caramel Apple Empanadas INGREDIENTS: 3 cups flour 4 teaspoons sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 3 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 cup lard or shortening 3/4 cup water 1 egg oil or shortening for frying 4 lbs apples, peeled, cored and cut into small cubes 2 cups sugar 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1 cup raisins, softened in warm water and drained pinch of salt 1 cup water 1/8 cup water 1 teaspoon lemon juice PREPARATION: Mix the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder and a pinch of salt together. Cut in the lard with a pastry cutter or 2 knives until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Whisk egg and mix into water. Mix the water and egg into the flour mixture and knead until dough forms. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Lightly flour a surface and roll out dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 4-inch circles for small empanadas, 5-inch for medium ones or 6-inch for large ones. For apple filling - Bring water to a simmer in a shallow pan. Add in apples and cinnamon and simmer until apples are fork-tender and water is evaporated. Add more water if necessary. In a small saucepan mix together sugar, lemon juice and water. Begin to warm over low heat, stirring constantly. Slowly bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. If you have a thermometer, bring the sugar to about 335 degrees, when it is a dark gold color and remove from heat, remember to keep stirring! Quickly stir in cooked apples and softened raisins. Keep the filling over low heat if it begins to harden. Filling and cooking the empanadas - Place 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of the dough circle for small empanadas, 2 tablespoons for medium and 3 tablespoons for large. Fold dough over to make a filled half circle and use a fork to press the edges together. Refrigerate uncooked empanadas for 3 hours. Fry in 350 degree oil for 6-7 minutes or until golden brown. Deanna form Roanoke, VA Healthy Egg Nog Recipe Egg nog is thick, delicious and packed with calories. At least, the store-bought versions usually are. But you can make a healthy, creamy eggnog with this easy recipe. (Be forewarned: It takes just minutes to prepare, but hours to refrigerate). Then take some time to sit back and enjoy this holiday treat during the sometimes-hectic season. (Makes three 8-ounce servings) Ingredients 1/2 cup egg substitute 2 cups skim milk 1/2 cup fat-free creamer 2 tbs sugar substitute 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 tsp nutmeg, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice Alcoholic version: 2 tsp rum extract; or 2 tbs rum, brandy, or bourbon (or to taste) Directions Pour ingredients into a container, mixing until thickened. Cover egg nog and allow to chill for at least 2 hours. Serving Ideas Top each glass of eggnog with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top or add a dollop of fat-free, sugar-free whipped topping. More Christmas Baking Recipes to keep the ball rolling. Old Fashioned Scottish Shortbread Holiday Jewel Fudge And Claudia's Christmas Orange Slice Cake "Keep the ball rolling"! Please share your Favourite Christmas Recipes with us today! 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 Common Expressions - Origin & Meaning Keep the ball rolling Meaning - Maintain a level of activity in and enthusiasm for a project. Origin The American expression 'keep the ball rolling' was preceded by the similar, now archaic, British phrase 'keep the ball up'. They had much the same meaning, the earlier one alludes to keeping a ball in the air, i.e. conveying the notion of keeping an activity going. This was used figuratively by the radical social philosopher Jeremy Bentham, in a letter to George Wilson in 1781, referring to his efforts to keep a conversation going: "I put a word in now and then to keep the ball up." The 'keep the ball rolling' version of the phrase owes its origin and popularity to the US presidential election of July 1840. That election is widely regarded as introducing all the paraphernalia of present-day elections, i.e. campaign songs, advertising slogans and publicity stunts of all kinds. The unpopular incumbent President Martin Van Buren was pitted against Whig candidates, General William Harrison, a war hero who had fought against the Shawnee Indians at Tippecanoe, and John Tyler. The Whig candidates revelled in a folksy 'cider-drinking, log-cabin, men of the people' image and adopted the first known political slogan - 'Tippecanoe and Tyler, too'. A song of the same name was considered to have sung Harrison into the presidency: Don't you hear from every quarter, quarter, quarter, Good news and true, That swift the ball is rolling on For Tippecanoe and Tyler Too. Harrison's campaign literature referred to Victory Balls. These weren't, as we might expect, dance parties that celebrated his famous victory, but ten-foot diameter globes made of tin and leather, which were pushed from one campaign rally to the next. His supporters were invited to attend rallies and push the ball on to the next town, chanting 'keep the ball rolling'. 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 So while we are on the topic of the English language ... Spellbound (Hint: The last word of each line rhymes with the last word in the first line of each verse) The wind was rough And cold and blough She kept her hands inside her mough. It chilled her through, Her nose turned blough, And still the squall the faster flough. And yet although There was some snough The weather was a cruel fough It made her cough (Please do no scough!) She coughed until her hat blew ough. A fragile bough The wind took nough It left the tree and killed a cough. This demonstrates the idiocy of the English language beautifully, don't you think? Author Unknown Taken from my little book 'So You Think English is Easy', that I give to high level students on making the grade. Daphne 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 CORDOBA Cordoba is in the centre of Argentina with 165.321 Km² and a population: 3.061.611 inhabitants, a region of hills, rivers, lakes and picturesque small towns FESTIVALS and TRADICIONES In the second half of January is the festival of Cosquín, the most important folk festival of the country. In Villa General Belgrano, the population of German origin, celebrates their beer fest in October. There is also a religious festival at Easter, and the Alpine Chocolate festival in July. Due to the province's varied geographical features, there is a wide range of natural life, both animal and vegetable, woodland, cactus areas, plains and mountain. See pictures of Cordoba Province 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 Mystery Member Do you know who this is? If you think you do please email me! Clues: My middle name is Dale I do not smoke. My eyes are blue/green. I have two live brothes and 1 deceased. My favourite thing to do is to write poetry. My favourite colour is yellow. My favourite type of music is gospel/country. I am outgoing. I follow the rules. My special talents are singing, writing and sewing. I have four live children and one deceased. I drive a Chevy Lumina. I a 57 years old. My favourite food is steak. If you and I were stranded on a desert island; I would bring my bible. Who am I? If you have not completed your WWWCOF Survey yet this would be a great time to do that so please take a visit over to the Survey Page where you can easily complete and submit it online. To the Top Take a moment to visit the WWWCOF Directory today To the Top

days until Reunion 2008! 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. Adventures Australian Report Bigsis Pat's Journal Bragging Rights Christmas Ideas Common Expressions Contests Crafts Featured Sites Feature Story Fun Google Boards Health Watch Lets Do Lunch Member of the Month Members Questions & Answers Messages from members Mystery Member News and Announcements Pet of the Week Prayer Requests Quizzes Random Acts of Kindness Recipes Reunion 2008 Something to Think About Swaps Tips & Recommendations Weather Updates Charla's Prayer Requests WWWCOF Members TaJuan's husband, Mike (age 45) passed away November 27th. Please keep TaJuan and her children (Christopher, Garrett and Starr) in your prayers. May God Hold Tajuan and her family in His almighty arms. In Jesus Name -------------------- I had all my tests over the past couple of weeks, follow ups to my ops etc, and all my numbers were great, in fact some were the best I have had since I have been keeping copies of my blood tests etc. Also I now need less thyroid medication. I put this down to drinking more water, and we have also been having cold pressed flaxseed oil with protein every day, and I have been having cinnamon too, so between them, I am doing something right. Love n Hugs, Aussie Jan -------------------- Doug's back is feeling better. He stopped taking his pain pills on Friday. He should be cleared to start working when he sees the doc on Monday. Love and {{{{Hugs}}}}, Betsy, aka AngelBear from Florida -------------------- Hi all! I am finely home, I had my opp yesterday in the day hospital, they had trouble taking out the cyst. When I got back to recovery they were concerned with my very low blood pressure so they admitted me into a ward, where they monitored me over night, as the day went on my blood pressure when up and I was feeling fine, but little did I know I still had lots of antiseptic in me, and I had no pain, but was taking regular pain killers, I was sore and finding it very hard to move up and down. The next morning the antiseptic wore off and I was in agony, and feeling quite ill, so I stayed in all day, they gave me extra pain killers and about 5pm they asked me if I wanted to go home. So Terry came to collect me and I had a couple of hours sleep and Benji getting a lot of fuss. I am feeling ok now, so I thought it was about time I let you all know how I am. Chrissie, from London, England -------------------- The medicine the doctor gave me, Chantix, to stop smoking is making me so nausaued that I can't even function. I was so sick Sun. that I couldn't even get out of bed. He put me on phenrgen. Now that makes me sleep. Which I did all day today. If it's not one thing, it's another. I think the stints are helping a lot. Thanks for all your prayers. Love & Hugs, Billie, from the U.K. -------------------- Billie Talyta from Brazil will be having a minor operation on her gallbladder. The doctor assures her it is nothing serious, but as she says, knowing that Jesus is beside her will certainly help. Let's all pray for Talyta that this will be a safe and healing surgery. We ask You Lord to guide the surgeons and Heal Talyta with Your Healing powers. In Jesus Name -------------------- Please keep Cindy from Phillipston, MA and her husband, Vern, in prayer for health and strength. -------------------- Haley Miller has a request. Haley wants us to pray for her Daddy Tim to get well and come out of jail. She asked me to please put him on here with her Mommy. Tim has made some bad choices in his life. As have many of us. Let's help Haley with this and lift Tim up for Salvation and healing of his Old Ways. Haley prays for Mommy & Daddy to "GET WELL" every day in her prayers. . -------------------- Christine from Greenwood, Delaware's husband George is still out of work and things are very hard for them right now. The stress is always the worse. Please keep George in prayer for a job and Christine for comfort. May God surround them with His Angels to provide. -------------------- Lena from Ontario, Canada's husband Sherley came down with a case of shingles 8 months ago and is still in some severe pain at times. Please pray for God to take the pain away so Sherley can get back to being himself and not in pain all the time. -------------------- Jonna from Florida, USA would like the strength, courage and ambition to stay focused on what God's purpose is for her; and to do it. -------------------- Daphne from Argentina asks for prayers for Global Healing as well as for the 2008 WWWCOF Reunion. -------------------- Family and Friends of WWWCOF Members Peachy's Marie's friend, Margaret, had a stroke and passed away last night. She has a family who needs our prayers for comfort and strength through this and so does Aunt Marie. -------------------- Chelsea: (a member of Sharon Greene's church) She has been in Emergency three times this week ... excruciating pain, finally last night the Dr ran the right tests ... her kidneys are completely shut down and other systems are failing. We don't know why ... they are going to try & transfer her to the hospital in Victoria this morning it is 1 1/2 hrs away and they had a terrible snow storm last night. They will only be able to transfer her and get her on dialysis today if the Malahat pass is open, a mountain pass that the only road going to Victoria passes through. Please, if you can, pray that the Malahat will be clear and that Chelsea can get to Victoria today. We need to find out why, but first we need to keep her alive. We have no update but please continue to pray for her and her family. -------------------- Brad & Faith Pinson: The parents of Kevin. Please pray for their strength and comfort as their son Kevin is now in heaven. -------------------- John Simmons: (Charla's husband) "PRAISE GOD!!" John was in the seat next to Haley, Jonna and I last Sunday. It was a wonderful Spirit Filled Service. Thank you Jesus! -------------------- Bobby & Libby: Please keep Libby in prayer for a job and for their financial situation. The company Libby worked for downsized and there just aren't many jobs around Deland. May God Bless them and provide for their needs. -------------------- 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. -------------------- 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. ------------ UNSPOKEN Requests: Scott Skeel, Joyce, Tim M, Jeff, Steve, Libby, Bobby, Alan & Katie Luke 2: 10-14 THEN THE ANGEL SAID TO THEM," DO NOT BE AFRAID, FOR BEHOLD I BRING YOU GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY WHICH WILL BE TO ALL PEOPLE. FOR THERE IS BORN TO YOU THIS DAY IN THE CITY OF DAVID, A SAVIOR WHO IS "CHRIST THE LORD." AND THIS WILL BE THE SIGN TO YOU. YOU WILL FIND A BABE WRAPPED IN SWADDLING CLOTHS, LYING IN A "MANGER" AND SUDDENLY THERE WAS WITH THE ANGEL A MULTITUDE OF THE HEAVENLY HOST PRAISING GOD AND SAYING, "GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST AND ON EARTH PEACE, GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN!" We have many prayer requests that go beyond our circle. But as we pray we add these and the circle of prayer becomes larger. Please email Charla with any Praises, Requests and/or UPDATES Thank you. "SANTA AND REINDEER" Santa and Reindeer and gifts and trees. Christmas is celebrated with all of these. Shopping and wrapping and getting stressed out. Is this what Christmas is all about? I heard of a Baby born "SPECIAL" one day. He was to lead, to guide and show the way. He was born of a virgin and in a manger lay. His home was with animals and would sleep on the hay. His birth would be noted and talked all about, there would be those that wondered and forever in doubt. God sent this Baby to show everyone, He loved us enough to send His Son. The life of this Child would not be smooth, for He never had a home and was always on the move. Spreading the Gospel and showing the way, For the path to Eternity, with Him we will stay. The star in the east we see every night, this is His birthplace and gives us sight. To remember the the day and the place He was born, even though he was tortured and forever scorned. His birth has a purpose, a very "SPECIAL" one. He is "KING OF KINGS" and most of all God's Son. So when Christmas is here and Santa's list is long, put JESUS first and in your Heart a song. Then the worries and the stress will all flow away, and make all your Christmas' "TRULY HOLY DAYS!" WRITTEN BY: CHARLA LINDER SIMMONS INSPIRED BY: THE HOLY SPIRIT COPYRIGHT: DECEMBER 22, 1999 To the Top Something to Think About Just a Story The old man sat in his gas station on a cold Christmas Eve. He hadn't been anywhere in years since his wife had passed away. He had no decorations, no tree, no lights. It was just another day to him. He didn't hate Christmas, just couldn't find a reason to celebrate. There were no children in his life. His wife had gone. He was sitting there looking at the snow that had been falling for the last hour and wondering what it was all about when the door opened up and a homeless man stepped through. Instead of throwing the man out, George, Old George as he was known by his customers, told the man to come in and sit by the space heater and warm up. "Thank you, but I don't mean to intrude," said the stranger. "I see you're busy. I'll just go." "Not without something hot in your belly," George said. He turned and opened a wide mouth Thermos and handed it to the stranger. "It ain't much, but it's hot and tasty. Stew. Made it myself. When you're done, there's coffee and it's fresh." Just at that moment he heard the "ding" of the driveway bell. "Excuse me, be right back," George said. There in the driveway was an old '53 Chevy. Steam was rolling out of the front. The driver was panicked. "Mister, can you help me?" said the driver with a deep Spanish accent. "My wife is with child and my car is broken." George opened the hood. It was bad. The block looked cracked from the cold; the car was dead. "You ain't going in this thing. George said as he turned away. "But mister. Please help..." The door of the office closed behind George as he went in. George went to the office wall and got the keys to his old truck, and went back outside. He walked around the building and opened the garage, started the truck and drove it around to where the couple was waiting. "Here, take my truck," he said. "She ain't the best thing you've ever looked at, but she runs real good." George helped put the woman in the truck and watched as it sped off into the night. George turned and walked back inside the office. "Glad I gave 'em the truck. Their tires were shot, too. That 'ol truck has brand new..." George thought he was talking to the stranger, but the man had gone. The Thermos was on the desk, empty with a used coffee cup beside it. "Well, at least he got something in his belly," George thought. George went back outside to see if the old Chevy would start. It cranked slowly, but it started. He pulled it into the garage where the truck had been. He thought he would tinker with it for something to do. Christmas Eve meant no customers. He discovered the block hadn't cracked, it was just the bottom hose on the radiator. "Well, shoot, I can fix this," he said to himself. So he put a new one on. "Those tires ain't gonna get 'em through the winter either." He took the snow treads off of his wife's old Lincoln. They were like new and he wasn't going to drive the car. As he was working, he heard shots being fired. He ran outside and beside a police car an officer lay on the cold ground. Bleeding from the left shoulder, the officer moaned, "Help me!" George helped the officer inside as he remembered the training he had received in the Army as a medic. He knew the wound needed attention. "Pressure to stop the bleeding," he thought. The uniform company had been there that morning and had left clean shop towels. He used those and duct tape to bind the wound. "Hey, they say duct tape can fix anything," he said, trying to make the policeman feel at ease. "Something for the pain," George thought. All he had was the pills he used for his back. "These oughta work." He put some water in a cup and gave the policeman the pills. "You hang in there. I'm gonna get you an ambulance." The phone was dead. "Maybe I can get one of your buddies on that there talk box out in your car." He went out only to find that a bullet had gone into the dashboard destroying the two-way radio. He went back in to find the policeman sitting up. "Thanks," said the officer. "You could've left me out there. The guy that shot me is still in the area." George sat down beside him. "I would never leave an injured man in the Army and I ain't gonna leave you." George pulled back the bandage to check for bleeding. "Looks worse than it is. Bullet passed right through ya. Good thing it missed the important stuff though. I think with time you're gonna be right as rain." George got up and poured a cup of coffee.. "How do you take it?" he asked. "None for me," said the officer. "Oh, yer gonna drink this. Best in the city. Too bad I ain't got no donuts." The officer laughed and winced at the same time. The front door of the office flew open. In burst a young man with a gun. "Give me all your cash! Do it now!" the young man yelled. His hand was shaking and George could tell that he had never done anything like this before. "That's the guy that shot me!" exclaimed the officer. "Son, why are you doing this?" asked George. You need to put the cannon away. Somebody else might get hurt." The young man was confused. "Shut up old man, or I'll shoot you, too. Now give me the cash!" The cop was reaching for his gun. "Put that thing away," George said to the cop. "We got one too many in here now." He turned his attention to the young man. "Son, it's Christmas Eve. If you need the money, well then, here. It ain't much but it's all I got. Now put that pea shooter away." George pulled $150 out of his pocket and handed it to the young man, reaching for the barrel of the gun at the same time. The young man released his grip on the gun, fell to his knees and began to cry. "I'm not very good at this am I? All I wanted was to buy something for my wife and son," he went on. "I've lost my job. My rent is due. My car got repossessed last week ..." George handed the gun to the cop. "Son, we all get in a bit of squeeze now and then. The road gets hard sometimes, but we make it through the best we can." He got the young man to his feet, and sat him down on a chair across from the cop. "Sometimes we do stupid things." George handed the young man a cup of coffee. "Being stupid is one of the things that makes us human. Comin' in here with a gun ain't the answer. Now sit there and get warm and we'll sort this thing out." The young man had stopped crying. He looked over to the cop. "Sorry I shot you. It just went off. I'm sorry, officer." "Shut up and drink your coffee," the cop said. George could hear the sounds of sirens outside. A police car and an ambulance skidded to a halt. Two cops came through the door, guns drawn. "Chuck! You ok?" one of the cops asked the wounded officer. "Not bad for a guy who took a bullet. How did you find me?" "GPS locator in the car. Best thing since sliced bread. Who did this?" the other cop asked as he approached the young man. Chuck answered him, "I don't know. The guy ran off into the dark. Just dropped his gun and ran." George and the young man both looked puzzled at each other. "That guy work here?" the wounded cop continued. "Yep," George said. "Just hired him this morning. Boy lost his job." The paramedics came in and loaded Chuck onto the stretcher. The young man leaned over the wounded cop and whispered, "Why?" Chuck just said, "Merry Christmas, boy. And you too, George, and thanks for everything." "Well, looks like you got one doozy of a break there. That ought to solve some of your problems." George went into the back room and came out with a box. He pulled out a ring box. "Here you go. Something for the little woman. I don't think Martha would mind. She said it would come in handy some day." The young man looked inside to see the biggest diamond ring he ever saw. "I can't take this," said the young man. "It means something to you." "And now it means something to you," replied George. "I got my memories. That's all I need." George reached into the box again. An airplane, a car and a truck appeared next. They were toys that the oil company had left for him to sell. "Here's something for that little man of yours." The young man began to cry again as he handed back the $150 that the old man had handed him earlier. "And what are you supposed to buy Christmas dinner with? You keep that too," George said. "Now git home to your family." The young man turned with tears streaming down his face. "I'll be here in the morning for work, if that job offer is still good." "Nope. I'm closed Christmas day," George said. "See ya the day after." George turned around to find that the stranger had returned. "Where'd you come from? I thought you left?" "I have been here. I have always been here," said the stranger. "You say you don't celebrate Christmas. Why?" "Well, after my wife passed away I just couldn't see what all the bother was. Puttin' up a tree and all seemed a waste of a good pine tree. Bakin' cookies like I used to with Martha just wasn't the same by myself and besides I was getting a little chubby." The stranger put his hand on George's shoulder. "But you do celebrate the holiday, George. You gave me food and drink and warmed me when I was cold and hungry. The woman with child will bear a son and he will become a great doctor. The policeman you helped will go on to save 19 people from being killed by terrorists. The young man who tried to rob you will make you a rich man and not take any for himself. That is the spirit of the season and you keep it as good as any man." George was taken aback by all this stranger had said. "And how do you know all this?" asked the old man. "Trust me, George. I have the inside track on this sort of thing. And when your days are done you will be with Martha again." The stranger moved toward the door. "If you will excuse me, George, I have to go now. I have to go home where there is a big celebration planned." George watched as the old leather jacket and the torn pants that the stranger was wearing turned into a white robe. A golden light began to fill the room. "You see, George... it's my birthday. Merry Christmas." George fell to his knees and replied, "Happy Birthday, Lord." submitted by David in the UK To the Top *Twas the month before Christmas* *When all through our land,* *Not a Christian was praying* *Nor taking a stand.* *See the PC Police had taken away,* *The reason for Christmas - no one could say.* *The children were told by their schools not to sing,* *About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.* *It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say* * December 25th is just a 'Holiday'.* *Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit* *Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!* *CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I- pod* *Something was changing, something quite odd! * *Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa* *In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.* *As Targets were hanging their trees upside down* * At Lowe's the word Christmas - was nowhere to be found.* *At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears* *You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.* *Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty* *Are words that were used to intimidate me.* *Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen* *On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!* *At the top of the Senate, there ar o se such a clatter* *To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.* *And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith* * Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace* *The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded* *The reason for the season, stopped before it started.* *So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'* *Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.* *Choose your words carefully, choose what you say* *Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS!! not Happy Holiday!* sent in from Susan, aka Susie Q, of Smith Falls, Ontario, Canada To the Top Our Furry Friends in the Spotlight submitted by Jami OUR FEATURED PET OF THE WEEK is "MAX" As you all know Pat MacMicken has wanted to get a dog for sometime. Seemed like something always stood in the way. Once she moved to Paradise Island her Guardian Angel was looking out for her it seems, because she met someone there who just happened to know of a dog needing a good loving home. You see his master was dying and couldn’t care for him any longer, so lo and behold Pat was introduced to him. Him being "MAX". It was Love at first sight. So here begins the love affair of the century for Pat and MAX. I am not sure who was better for whom. All I know is they were joined at the hip. And actually still are. Since the reuniting of Pat and Darryl and her decision to move back to Port Colbourne, Canada has Max on another journey now moving with her, and meeting his new DAD. I hear he is adjusting quite well, and is such a good boy. He has given Pat so much companionship and love as she has him. I hope you all read her bit about him in the last newsletter she put out before her move to really get the detailed scoop on them. This is what I call a real match made in "Heaven". May they all three (Pat, Max and Darryl) have a wonderful fulfilled life together. God Bless, and be sure and HUG YOUR PET TODAY. To the Top GROUP GIVES SHELTIES SECOND CHANCE FOR 'FOREVER' HOME By Elaine Gilbert, Assistant Editor The West Michigan Sheltie Rescue, which saves 60 to 80 dogs each year, was the program topic at a recent meeting of the GFWC Hastings Women's Club. Rescue members JoBeth Bridleman and Carol Strotheide and Ruth Hokanson, a Sheltie Rescue foster home mom, are involved in saving shelties because the need is so great. "I guess in a nutshell, if we didn't, who would?" Strotheide said, "Yes, we do a drop in the bucket of what's out there that's really in need, but for every dog we take, that is one life that is saved. We can't save them all, but we are special to the one dog that we do take and finally let go." The number of dogs the small group saves keeps increasing each year for a variety of reasons. The economy is one reason. "People can't afford their dogs anymore. People are being forced out of their homes and into apartments. They can't afford the vet care." she said. Another reason shelties end up having to be rescued are the mismatches between owners and the dogs. "Dogs in our rescue come from a variety of situations. Some are owner surrenders, some come from the shelters that contact us, some are strays that have been strays for a long time and are finally captured, and some come to us through court situations stemming from abuse and neglect." Strotheide said. "It's not unusual for me to take in calls for maybe four or five dogs in a day. The first thing we have to do is determine which dog is in the greatest danger or has the greatest need. From that point on, we have to arrange transport because these dogs do come from all over the state of Michigan. We're connected with the Michigan Dog Rescue List in the state of Michigan, which is a combination of different rescue groups. Yesterday, I picked up a dog from the Saginaw area. Normally, I would have three drivers transporting that dog to us. Timing is crucial." The West Michigan group also is on the National Sheltie Rescue List, "which encompasses the entire United States, that's through our American Shetland Sheepdog Association." Strotheide and Bridleman have been involved with shelties from more that 30 years. They both have trained and shown dogs and been involved in "confirmation, obedience, search and rescue, agility and all phases." Strotheide also worked for a veterinarian for many years. "We're both very experienced in dog behavior and training methods. We do consults in order to help people keep their dogs. JoBeth writes an Ann Landers-type column (weekly for the Reminder) (our local paper for Hastings)," she said. Hokanson, the club's treasurer for (GFWC Hastings Women's Club) got her first sheltie in 1985 through Bridleman when she was in 4-H. "I immediately fell in love with the breed. It was several more years before I decided to do fostering. It took JoBeth a long time before she decided if I could do fostering or not. She said my biggest challenge was I wanted to keep them all. So I've learned over time that I know I can let them go and know that they are being placed in the best home you can be placed in. We do really work to place them in a good home, and we call it a forever home so we don't have to place them again." Hokanson said. She met Strotheide when Strotheide had called Bridleman to place a dog with behavioral problems. "He (the dog) was biting. It was the first time that I decided I really was ready to become a foster mom. We took Teddy in and we rehabilitated him and he lived with us until he passed away," Hokanson said. "I have fostered for over 22 years, but I have only been with the West Michigan Sheltie Rescue since 2005. That's when I joined the Western Michigan Shetland Sheep Dog Club and Rescue," she said. Strotheide detailed the process after agreeing to rescue a dog. Most of the dogs need to be checked for fleas and ticks and then brushed thoroughly before members can bring a dog into their homes. "They are filthy dirty. They need to be brushed, bathed, their nails trimmed and all the mats taken out of them, and then we get an idea of what they look like," she said. "During the time that I'm doing this, we are also checking for temperament on the dogs. You have to put yourself in the dog's place, it's been through a lot. It's under stress and has a stranger going over him, picking at him, putting him in a bath tub, blow drying him in a bath tub, blowing drying him, trimming the nails." At this point, they can usually tell if a dog is going to bite. "We want it to bite JoBeth or I first," Strotheide said. "If we have vet records that came with the dog, great. I will contact the vet and bring everything up-to-date. If not, we have to lay out a medical plan for this animal. A foster home must be located. That's where Ruth comes in. And we have several foster homes. "Without our foster homes, Sheltie Rescue or any rescue group could not operate. We depend on them, for so much," Strotheide said. "We have to start files on every dog. What we do with the foster homes is we try to match the dog and what we think it's going to need with the ability of our foster homes. With Ruth, we are able to give her some problem dogs. She and her husband (George) are great working with some of those. We have another foster home that can only take very, very small shelties under 15 pounds. We have to match them up and get the dog over to them." The foster parents are expected to evaluate the dog further and work with any behavior problem. If the animal happens to be a dog without problems, foster parents are supposed to teach the dog basic obedience commands. By the time it leaves rescue status, they want the dog to have "very basic house manners," which means it should come when called, sit, walk decently on a leash, and go into a crate or kennel to sleep overnight with no problems. Vet visits, tailored to each individual animal, are the next step. If necessary, they will even take a dog to a vet specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon. "We do spay/neuters all the vaccines and heartworm testing. If dog is (heartworm) positive, we treat the dog," Strotheide said. When the dogs are ready to be adopted, their photos are posted on Petfinder and on the organization's Web site. People interested in adopting a dog are asked to fill out an application "because not every dog, no matter how nice and how nice the people are, is going to fit," she said. For example, a high energy dog should not be placed with an 80 year old woman. "There's nothing wrong with either one." But they don't go together. The rescue group does vet checks of applicants' previous pets to make sure the pets had good care. Just as in baby adoptions, the sheltie rescue group makes home visits before a sheltie adoption is approved. "We're not looking for dust. We have people tell us they have a fenced yard and when we get there, there is no fenced yard. We do need an on-site inspection just to see where the dog is going to live," Strotheide said. While visiting a home, she also can point out trouble spots to help the prospective owners. If all goes well, the people are invited to meet a dog(s) the rescue group thinks would be a match. A packet is prepared about each individual dog and goes home with the new owners. They give tips to help the dog adjust, etc. "After they take the dog, they are not done with us yet," she said. "We do follow-up calls and e-mails and make sure things are going well. If the people are not happy with the dog isn't going to be happy. We have people who have adopted from us years and years ago who have come back to us for second and third dogs. They are kind of like our extended family, that's how we've started to feel about them." Success stories are a joy. Strotheide tells of a sheltie that would have been euthanized had she not seen something special in the dog and was willing to work with him. That dog is now the number two herding sheltie in the country. Hokanson told of the success she and her husband had with rescuing their current dog Josie, who also attended the GFWC Hastings Women's Club meeting. Originally, "Josie was sold to a home with very young children. She lived there until she was surrendered to Central Illinois Sheltie Rescue because of behavior and urination problems. As so often happens with a puppy and small children, she became terrified of every movement in the house. She literally screamed when picked up, let out to go potty and refused to come out of a crate. When she did, she urinated all the way to the door. Getting her back in the house was a real trick. She had already bit/snapped at the children a couple times and the present owners wanted her gone, Hokanson said. "Central Illinois rescue took her and spent well over $300 trying to find a medical reason for her improper urination. They also had her in a foster home that was working on her behavior problems. A veterinarian in Michigan offered to adopt her. She continued to explore any medical reason and tried to help her fears. It was with great regret that she surrendered Josie to Michigan Sheltie Rescue because she was not making any progress." At this point in time, an option was considered to peacefully release Josie from the ghosts and fears that haunted her from her first home. West Michigan Sheltie Rescue decided to give it one last try. So JoBeth took Josie and she stayed with her for several months. During that time, progress was measured in very small steps. Finally, it was decided that Josie was adoptable to the proper home. It took us a few more months, but we found the "perfect" home for Josie. That home with was with us Hokanson said. "Josie is now a normal Sheltie, she asks to be petted and loves to sit in your lap, jump on the couch and snuggle. She loves people and will greet you with a big hello; she knows all her commands; and is one visit away from being a certified therapy dog. Josie has come a long ways from that little scared dog I met in the winter of 2004 and adopted in 2005. We have never regretted all the work we had to invest in this wonderful little dog and she knows she has a forever home with us. "There is no doubt in my mind had it not been without the cooperation and efforts of these two rescue groups, Josie would never have had a second chance to become the dog she has become because of improper first adoption and placement," Hokanson said. The initial rescuers, like Strotheide and Bridleman, and a foster mom, like Hokanson, acknowledge that they do get attached to the dogs they have saved and find it difficult to give them up once they've helped turn them into health and happy pets. "If we kept every dog that we fall in love with, there wouldn't be any sheltie rescue. We have to let them go in order to make room for the next dog, the next telephone call, the next court case that we're needed in. That is why we are so careful where we place them because we do love these dogs," Strotheide said. Donations keep the organization functioning, and sometimes the rescuers don't know how they will be financially solvent. "When we started out doing this, the money came out of own pockets; all of it," she said. "We would ask for minor donations if someone took the dog. We just did it. We started to build a little bit of a treasury. Now, we do have a donation fee that we ask of people, sometimes to covers the vet expenses, a lot of times it doesn't. When we have a dog that's heartworm positive, it can run us $400 to $600 to treat that dog. We don't expect anyone to pay that for a dog. We hope that the next dog that comes in is not as expensive, and it just goes from there." Some people who are familiar with the group send monetary donations. "I really don't know how we do it, but at the end of the year, we sit down with our books and we break even," Strotheide said, "I really think God watches out for us some how or another along the way." Bridleman pointed out that "though sheltie dogs are the breed for their rescue group, there is a group of rescuers for practically every breed there is. Even though we represent sheltie rescue, it's good for you to know there may be someone out there may be someone out there with the right dog for you, with your breed, not just the shelties." "Think rescue before you think about going out and buying a new puppy from somebody. It's good to be able to save a life," she said. "And of course, spay and neuter - number one on the list." The rescue group spends time at malls, pet stores and events (including Fido Fest in Hastings) educating the public, including young people, about dog care. "That's the only way we are going to make a dent in the number of dogs in the shelters," Strotheide said." Submitted by Ruth Hokanson in Michigan. To the Top

WILDLIFE PHOTO CONTEST I would like to remind everyone, that the WILD LIFE PHOTO CONTEST is now in the FINALIST VOTING stage Here are the ten finalists for our Wildlife Photo Contest. Please go in and cast your vote. You can vote for one only. The winner will be announced in the next week's Global Express (14th December, 2007 edition). Good luck to all the contestants. Daphne I have it from a reliable source that Daphne has an idea for a third Nature photo contest which she will launch in the New Year To the Top Australian Report Some History on Australia An interesting aspect of Australian history is the arrival of the First Fleet, and European settlement in Australia. There is a Fellowship of First Fleeters, and people can trace their ancestry back to the First Fleet. I have been aware for a while of my ties here, and have finally sent in an application to join the Fellowship, being descended from two of the arrivals on the First Fleet, Matthew Everingham and William Roberts. The history of European settlement in Australia is so short that both these men were great-grandparents of my grandfather who I knew as a child and teenager!! Before 1788, Australia was populated by about 300,000 aborigines. These nomadic people had inhabited the world's oldest continent for more than 10,000 years. The First Fleet left England on 13th May 1787 for the 'lands beyond the seas' - Australia, stopping at Tenerife, Rio de Janeiro and Cape Town, where food supplies were replenished. The fleet arrived at Botany Bay between 18th and 20th January 1788. Some interesting links: Convicts History Historian Story Jan, from the Land Down Under To the Top Adventures Back from DisneyWorld As most know from the few lil posts I submitted I have been back couple days. Wore to a frazzle, and still trying to get last of my shopping done so I can send out my christmas packages out of the counrty by this coming week. I am sorry havent written about trip yet. For those of you who have been awaiting, You may be tired by the time I finish .... and bored to boot! lol. We had an absolute wonderful time! I have got over 100 pictures, plus Sandy took two rolls form disposable cameras. Also the ones photographers took on site that we need to purchase within 30 days. Unless I can figure out how to download here on computer on my own. Last year my girlfriend went and I was able to sneak in several for her, with out having to buy them. I think they (disney) got wise cause it's not so easy this time .... LOL I cannot promise I can send any pictures over the web here, Have to ask my Boss. As the agency is very strict on the Privacy Act for our type of people. I will do what I can I promise. Now for the blow by blow experience. Upon arriving at the airport on Monday morning, We weren't too sure we were even going to get on the plane ...... My Charlie decided he was going to show his butt. He was helping us carry the luggage in, and once we were dropping off to be loaded on plane he would not let go of the bag he was holding onto. We finally got that settled by my giving him my carry-on to hang onto and headed to security check in .... OH my!!!! Once I tried to take the bag from him to set on conveyor he really went off. He was not listening to niether of us that he will get it back as soon as we got to the other side. would not go thru the scanner, and squeezed Sandy's arm so hard she had bruises. Finally the bag went thru and showed him he can have it back soon as they scan him, Then he was perfectly fine. In the meantime we had the nastiest Security person I have ever met .. Screaming, OH NO He's not getting on the plane, CAll Security NOW. Well, you all know me!!!!!!!! I reeled around stuck my finger in her face and said: Do not call security NO ONE is touching him ...... He is mentally challeneged and just doesnt understand that he will get the bag back. He will be fine just let us give him the damn bag! Well, she was stunned. Security was not called, and they didnt touch him and off we went to our gate. From that point on he was an angel .. Both he and Arlen loved the plane ride (first ever) Got into Orlando, settled in to the motel suite that we got, and relaxed for their big day Tuesday. When we got to Animal Kingdom both their eyes were big as life. We went on a safari ride, thru the jungle and saw so many live animals, tigers, lion, elephants etc. out in the open, just laying there watching us pass. Arlen wasnt too keen on this, the jeep we were in really rocked and rolled, and we had to go thru several mini water spots. But Charlie just laughed and had a constant smile going. We spent a good 6 hrs there. Got to see a spectacular stage show about The Lion King, which we all enjoyed emncely and the highlight other than safari for me was seeing the Animal tree of life. It is wonderful. The weather looked a bit scary at times but never rained til we got into the van to go eat. That was day 1 of Animal Kingdom. Day 2: Magic Kingdom, with Cinderella's Castle, and all the Disney Characters ...... As soon as we got to Main street, and they saw all the people, and the Characters, they were in AWE. Talk about big eyes! You would have swore they had saucers for eyes they were that big, taking everything in ....... They were mesmerized by everything. Once they got to be right there with Pooh, Tigger and Christopher Robin It was priceless ........ they hugged them and got some really neat pictures. Same when they saw Mickey mouse. The only thing bad about being right there with Mickey is: we could not get an good picture of him Hopefully the photographer was able to, because that sight of Charlie laughing hysterically and slapping his hand on his own leg doubling over from laughing. Was a sight we cannot miss catching on camera. Arlen was also quite taken but does not show as much. Not knowing how he would react to any rides, Sandy took Charlie on the Carousel and set him on the bench. he kept looking at the horses, and she asked if he wanted on, (being he is a bit unstable walking and soordination werent sure if he'd listen to get up on the horse. Well by God, he listened and got right up there. And loved it~! Arlen would not get on, said it would make her sick. So I did not push the issue. When they got off the carousel, knowing how well he liked it, I asked if he would like to go ride Dumbo. well, Folks he had just sat down in his wheel chair and jumped right up outtta there, saying YEAH. Again not sure, but he amazed us. got right into the bucket, and loved the ride......We also went to Small World ... loved it. Then we took them into a building that had Jiminy Cricket, Pocahantos, and I cannot remember who else, and they again got pics. Charlie was smiling, but this time when Pocahontos came up to her, she was elated. and would not let her go, she hugged her we litterly had to tell her she had to let her go ....... lol. She talked about her coming to frederick when we got home to see her. and would not listen when I tried to explain she has to stay there in Disney .. It was so cute. Well, 6 hrs later,was time to head bakc to Main St. to find good spot to watch the Electric light Parade .... The parade starts at 7 and at 6 it was already so jammed no where for my weary body to sit. so I stood there, for the hour before and hour after parade was over. In pain, but, you know it was worth every ounce of that pain to see them enjoy it so much. We finally gor back to the room at 10: Both of them were totally wore out jumped in their pj's and went straight to bed.........Not to be heard from again til the next morning.....I would have loved to been able to be in thier heads while they were sleeping to see what they were thinking about the day. Day 4 Time to go home...... They were ready, Sandy and I however were dreading the security issues again. So I decided this time I was going to distract him from even seeing any of the luggage. Sandy took care of it and we went inside looking around. Did not let him hold my carry on this time, and guess what???/ yep, he went thru like a real champ. not one problem ...... Finally home at last! Soon as we walked in the door, Arlen wanted out of her clothes and shoes. So showers were given and Pj's went on (this is 3:30 in afternoon ) LOl. Sat and relaxed, played with Shadow and talked ot John about the trip. Gave him all the goodies we brought back for him, had dinner, watched lil more tv, and at 7:30 pm Charlie told me ... Pills ......! he wanted his pills early so he could go to bed ..... Same with Arlen ..... Never heard one peep out of them til I called them to get up at 6am .....Think we wore them to a frazzle????????? I will never forget this and know they wont either. This chance of a lifetime for them will be embedded in their minds forever ....... Would I do it again? Don't ask me that right now, but maybe in a nother couple years If God sees fit my health stays . I bet I'd say yes!!!!!! Well folks, I hope you enjoyed our journey and werent too long winded, but had to get all the highlights for you.....I will send what pictures I can either here, or in the newsletter soon as I figure how to make thes pictures smaller that I saved. So watch for them. Thanks for letting me share my experience. hugs, Jami, from Maryland Jamie, I applaud you two for giving these two the memories and fun of a lifetime. I worked with mentally challenged 6 to 10 years old years ago on a volunteer basis. I learned so much from having "my" kids part of my life. I know there were difficult moments but you got through them with so many more happy memories than the difficult ones. Kudos friend ...... Hugs, Deanna form Roanoke, VA To the Top News & Announcements New Members Please join me in a warm welcome to the following new members. Be sure to email them to say hello from your corner of the globe. Mike, from Groton, Connecticut which is a sub base and home to Sikorsky Aircraft (helicopters). Tina aka, Angel, who lives in a fishing town in Scotland called Arbroath with her husband James and younger son Matt. She has 2 other children Steven and Paula and four grandchildren. She likes animals and has a Westie Dog and cats too. Family is very important to Tina as are her special friends. She is very into the internet and has her own IRC Chat server. Her favorate Colour is Blue and she collects Fountain Pens, Filofax's(Personal Organisers), Teddy Bear Keychains, Porcelain Dolls and Nemisis Now Angels and Faeries. Tina's birthday is September 23. Albert from Arizona who likes travelling, reading and collecting stamps. Albert's birthday is January 31st. To the Top Health Watch Last week's Mystery Member has been correctly identified. Yes it was Pami Here is an update to last week's picture. The day of mastectomy ... I had hair May of 2006 then I had a bald head June of 2006 then baseball cap hair was peach fuzz - that was in February of 2007 Picture of me one year later with the white shirt on November of 2007 I am still here... but it was the longest road trip I'd ever been on. I lost friends along the journey who just didn't understand or care. They are who they are and I am still the same old me. Pami To the Top Tips & Recommendations Kitchen Tips This week let's discuss Watercress According to a recent survey, a daily diet of watercress could be a life-saver. A little cress everyday can considerable reduce damage to blood cells, which is considered to be an important trigger in the development to cancer. Brimming with more than 15 essential nutrients , including vitamin C, folic acid, iron vitamin A and calcium, it is also low in fat, tastes great and is incredible versatile in different dishes of meat fish, stir-fries, soups and salads Facts and Folklore associated with cress The ancient Greeks called watercress 'Kardomon' and believed it could brighten their intellect. They have a proverb which says 'Eat watercress and get wit' Romans and Anglo-Saxons ate watercress to prevent baldness. Water cress is believed by many to be an aphrodisiac. In Crete, islanders swear by its powers, and ancient recipes are handed down from one generation to the next. Eating a bag of watercress is said to be a good cure for a hangover. The pungent peppery leaves and succulent stalks act as a stimulant to digestion and to the taste buds. The Romans called it 'nasturtium' which translates as twisted nose. Victorians thought the plant was a cure for toothache, hiccups and even freckles. Sent in by Sylvia, Dorset UK DISCLAIMER: Tips reflect member suggestions and are not verified by the WWWCOF. To the Top FEATURED SITES This mural was unveiled last week at the Cochrane Ranch House. Each tile is 1 foot square, is it's own individual picture and each is by a different artist. All of them together form this huge mural. You can click on each of the tiles to see them in detail. Check out the horse's eye. Vicki from Cedar, B.C. Canada ---------------- Check out this Christmas Display in Salt Lake City, Utah. This guy even has his own radio station and a live band every night. His hydro bill goes up every December by an extra $500.00. With love and hugs from the fabulously friendly Foran's from Nanaimo, B.C. Canada 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 Chocolate Spoons What you need: 12 ounce package of chocolate chips. You may use semi-sweet, white chocolate, raspberry flavored, or any other style chip of your choosing. 40 heavy plastic spoons Shortening Deep glass measuring cup Colored cellophane or Saran Wrap Waxed paper Thin Ribbon Chocolate Spoons Instructions - here's how to make them: Pour the chips into a heatproof container, such as a measuring cup. A deep cup is the best for this project. Microwave the cup of chips at half power for one minute. Stir. Repeat in 30 second bursts until chocolate is smooth and fully melted, but do NOT over cook. Add to the melted chocolate one teaspoon of shortening for each cup of chips. Stir lightly until just blended. Dip plastic spoons into the chocolate to coat the bowl and about one inch of the handle. If the chocolate starts to harden, microwave 30 seconds at half power. Lay spoons on wax paper to set. When chocolate spoons have set, put them in the freezer for 15 minutes. This makes them easier to handle when you start to wrap them. Take squares of colored cellophane and wrap the coated spoons. Tie with a pretty ribbon. Once you have mastered the basic technique, you can experiment! Try drizzling streaks of white chocolate over dipped spoons to create a design. Sprinkle colored sugar on chocolate before it sets for a holiday look. A bundle of chocolate spoons set in a coffee mug makes a nice gift. Tie a few spoons to a bag of gourmet coffee beans for a coffee loving friend. Keep spoons on hand during the holidays to use when serving drinks to your visitors. Folgers Canister Ideas I save these to use for everything. I have tried to do this on my own but could never get the template right. Now, you can download Christmas templates and a plain one for you to play with. What a fun way to give cookies/candies or even as your own container. I am going to be doing many of these. Deanna 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 November 2007 is Emma Murray Congratulations Emma! Emma makes us all laugh, She brings humour to our group with all her wonderful character pictures of us. Also, all the other animated graphics she does. She deserves recognition for all she contributes. December's Member of the Month nominations close December 30th so be sure to cast your ballot here today! To the Top Quizzes Welcome to the Guess Your Number Game submitted by Lena from Ontario, Canada To the Top Swaps The Christmas Swap is well underway. Partners have been assigned and parcels are in the post. WWWCOF SWAP RULES Be sure to stay in touch with your partner throughout the swap. Let each other know when you are sending your parcel and when you receive theirs. Be sure to contact your partner by email before you send out your swap; confirm their mailing address, etc. -- please do not send out your swap until you have heard back from your partner. If you sign up for a swap and do not send a parcel to your partner you will NOT be allowed to take part in a WWWCOF swap again. Keep your eye on section of the newsletter for our International Swap Information. Questions? Need additional information? Email our Swap Queen, Ruth. These exchanges are a lot of fun, they are inexpensive and are a great way to get to know the fantastic people who belong to this wonderful circle. Have a wonderful time doing these swaps!!! To the Top Just for Fun Be sure to visit our Computer Humour site! Email Daphne with any computer jokes you have and she will happily add them to this collection. 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. I would like to close the results of the Christmas Survey. The numbers in brackets indicate members replying with the same number and of couse some of the members added little comments which I am happy to share with you. Christmas Survey 1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? paper (11) - With pretty bows that I make - Wrapping paper Love to make them pretty - Wrapping paper or gift bags? I use both but love to wrap with paper and do special things with it. gift bags (4) both (3) foil paper 2. Real tree or Artificial? real (3) - I always have a real tree. I have spent a lot on trees but I love to smell them, reminds me of being a child again. artificial(17) - I prefer real, can't do it - Real is nice and smells good but artificial is faster - Artificial rather have real but the needles are a real problem - Son is allergic to real - I love real, but can't keep it up long enough so I have artificial. either (1) 3. When do you put up the tree? As soon as Thanksgiving is over Thanksgiving (3) Saturday after Thanksgiving Day after Thanksgiving end of November (2) November 30th Beginning of December December 1st (4) The first week of December (2) Two weeks before Christmas The first weekend of December My tree stays up year round, I decorate it for different holidays. I don't put one up since my kids are all grown, and NO I'm not a grinch, just really dont have the space to do it. 4. When do you take the tree down? The day after Christmas New Years Day (5) Day after New Years (3) January 6 - Little Christmas - or Nollaig Bheag in Irish, is one of the traditional names in Ireland for January 6, more commonly known in the rest of the world as the Epiphany. It is so called because it was, until the adoption of the Gregorian calendar, the day on which Christmas Day was celebrated. It is the traditional end of the Christmas season and the last day of the Christmas holidays for both primary and secondary schools in Ireland. The name Little Christmas is also found in Slovenian. After January 6th Sometime during the first week of January (3) (don't laugh) Jan. Feb. March?? I love my tree! If I had more room I'd keep it up all year round and change decorations for each season. No sooner than I have to On the 12th night 5. Do you like eggnog? yes (17) - doesn't everyone? - I love it plain - yummm! Sure do - yummm! Sure do (spiked) - with rum - with alcohol no (6) -too sweet Have not had one or heard of anyone having one 6. Favourite gift received as a child? Musical box with twirling ballerina don't remember Books Chinese PJ's Tricycle My own table and chairs with a tea set Table and chairs; mom had them made A doll buggy One of those kids ovens that really bakes A second hand record player A child's sewing machine (2) Mrs Beasley talking doll My Chatty Cathy doll My walking doll that I still have My 3' doll. She had red hair and a green dress with white trim and white patten leather shoes. Dolls A bike from my grandparents 7. Do you have a nativity scene? yes (15) - My mom made it from my Poppa's moulds no (3) 8. Hardest person to buy for? myself my second son my husband (3) My in-laws, they have everything Dan, my brother-in-law Son and daughter-in-law My youngest daughter men (2) grandson son Mother-In-Law (2) My cousin Richard My daughter 9. Easiest person to buy for? me (lol) ... no G-Grandchildren Daughters (2) Paula Cody Children Any grandchild Grandchildren - only because I give them books Granddaughter Brittany I have 2 easy ones, my oldest daughter and her oldest son (my grandson Adam) My oldest grandson Haley The dogs My children My husband (2) My son Randy 10. Worst Christmas gift ever received? No such thing Have to think on that one Can't recall (8) - I don't really remember ever getting a BAD one - Never had a worse (gift all gifts mean the world to me) - I never received one that I didn't like - I liked them all (br> A jogging suit that was miles too large Pierced earrings but I don't have pierced earrings. Anti-aging cream Perfume 4 Hummel plates A yucky green dress Pots and pans A pair of bedroonm slippers -- both slippers were for the same foot 11. Mail or email Christmas card? mail (6) email (4) - too many friends to send to - love mail but unfortunately Uncle Sam has made it cheaper email both (7) - Mail mostly, but email those I don't have addresses for. Seems everyone has email now days. - Snail mail mostly, but 2 or 3 are away and I send email 12. Favourite Christmas Movie? Grinch A Christmas Carol (2) I think the name is The Santa Clause, not sure Santa Clause Movies with Tim Allen (3) - I really like most all the Christmas movies. I have watched 8 already classic Christmas movies. It' a Wonderful Life (3) White Christmas (2) Miracle on 34th Street (2) The Christmas Story I don't have one I don't watch movies 13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? As I get the money About now Usually ends up being a week or two before, every year I plan to do it all through the year and end up not doing it Anytime I see a great deal (2) - all year round Anytime I see something right Around July Usually September or October October November (2) November or December Around the first week of December Middle of December January (2) 14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes (5) No (12) 15. Favourite thing to eat at Christmas? Bacon sandwich for breakfast Christmas morning - family tradition Potato Candy Cookies (2) Homemade fudge (3) My aunt's Walnut Cake and Peanut Butter Fudge Christmas Pudding Pumpkin Pie Mother's Sweet Potato Casserole Turkey (2) Turkey of course and ham Turkey and cranberry sauce, about the only time we have turkey Chicken and sliders (Putsins) plus all my baking Everything .. lol 16. Clear lights or coloured on the tree? Clear (5) Coloured (8) - I use the old fashioned bubble lights on my tree too. Both (4) - coloured indoors, clear outdoors No lights 17. Favourite Christmas song? Anything sung by Elvis You're a mean one Mr. Grinch O Holy Night Jingle Bells Mary Did You Know (2) Silent Night (6) I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas Noel I'll be Home for Christmas Santa Claus is Coming to Town I Believe in Father Christmas 18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel (3) Home (11) - going away December 28 Next Door - We go next door. This has been the family gathering point for over 43 years. Either (1) Both (2) - stay home on Christmas Day but travel to spend time with the kids/grandkids the week before 19. Can you name Santa's reindeers? Yes (10) - only by singing the song though Not all (4) - Hahaha probably not but I know they're all girls No (4) 20. Do you have an Angel on top or a star? Angel (6) Star (3) Both (2) - Star and an angel under the star - 2 trees Neither (5) - used to have a star for years, but when I started to collect snowmen a few years back, I changed to a cute little snowman - I have a bow. My angel broke and haven't found one I really like to replace it - Big Gold Bow - lights on top of tree 21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas Eve (2) - usually open all the week before when I visit the kids Christmas Morning (9) - we play Dirty Santa Christmas Eve Both (5) - One Christmas Eve the rest on Christmas morning - Christmas Day we have a Birthday Cake for Jesus and read in Luke about His Birth Give thanks for Him and remember the reason for the season. - Depends if celebrating with anyone. - adults Christmas Eve, children Christmas morning 22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Christmas functions start early November and nothing much on just before Christmas No money Shopping Crowds (4) What annoys me most is that people have lost the concept of Christmas, now its all about giving the best most expensive gift and stuff like that instead of celebrating the true meaning of Christmas People seem to have forgoten what this is all about and taken the Christ out of Christmas (2) People who use "X" in place of Christ and making it so commercial. Too Commercialized (3) - The displays started showing up here a week after school started. - Commercialism way too early The people shopping and driving Congress and people who don't believe in the birth of Christ Traffic jams 23. Best thing about Christmas? Everything! Watching Paula open gifts Jesus came to Earth! God's gift of His Son Jesus Christ to us.(3) - Jesus Birthday. The reason for the season! Remembering the reason for the season The Goodwill - The effort everyone makes to catch up with everyone. We don't see family members on Christmas day because of distance and them having their own agendas but we are in touch and we have our Church Family. the family get togethers - we have several family members that live out of state and they only get to come to visit a few times a year Love and the peace God gives us The feeling that it gives me. It also makes me realize how lucky I really am. I would rather give to those that are in need than to receive. Being with family and friends Family togetherness, seeing the sparkle in the children's eyes and my residents. Seeing my grandkids open the gifts and the togetherness of family. Family gatherings (2) Candle light service at church To the Top Names of Santa's Reindeer The common names given for Santa's reindeer in modern culture are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner/Donder, Blitzen, and Rudolph. Eight of these names are taken more or less directly from Clement C. Moore's "A Visit From St. Nicholas," and the ninth from the song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and the TV special based upon it. Two of the reindeer names, Donner / Donder and Blitzen, are often the source of confusion, misspelling, and misinformation. The short facts are these: Donner/Donder and Blitzen were named "Dunder" and "Blixem" (the Dutch words for "thunder" and "lightning") in the original printing of "A Visit From St. Nicholas." In reprints of the poem, the names became "Donder" and "Blixen," then "Donder" and "Blitzen" (the latter being German for "lightning"). By the time Johnny Marks wrote "Rudolph," it was "Donner" and "Blitzen" (possibly because "Donder" was musically awkward). See Snopes.com for a thorough discussion. In modern times, other reindeer have been named in books, movies, and television shows (such as Fireball, Leroy, Pablo, and Olive), but none have become permanent fixtures of the team. 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