ORLD IDE EB IRCLE OF RIENDS

elcome to lobal xpress February 18/05 Issue Published by the members for the members of the World Wide Web Circle of Friends Online Newsletter Hello everyone! Top news of the week has to be that Commissioner Gary Bettman cancelled the 2004-05 NHL season Wednesday, officially turning the lights out on the top flight of Canada's favourite sport. Click here for additional information! To the Top Member of the Month Nominations Voting has now started for the February Member of the Month. Have you voted yet? Please be sure to cast your ballot here today! Just in case you are wondering I do not qualify to compete in the Member of the Month competition. To the Top FEATURED SITES Daphne from Argentina would like to share a touching story called "A Baby's Hug that Charla from Florida, USA sent in for the Mother's site. Liz from Ontario, Canada would like to share this awesome site with us. 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 Your Are Not Alone Take a moment to pop over and visit with Zachary Zebra, the adorable mascott of Charla from Florida's site - You Are Not Alone To the Top NEWS To the Top Crafts Bigsis Pat from Ontario, Canada Making Chipboard Letters sends us some scrapbooking tips for making chipboard letters that perfectly coordinate with your layout. Be sure to check out all the wonderful craft ideas in the WWWCOF Craft Site and add your own favourites or email Crafty Jayne from Kansas, USA, who will be happy to add them to our ever growing collection. To the Top Messages from Members To the Top Well hello everyone. It's me again. I have prayer requests. All 3 of my parents are needing prayer. My Mom (Fl Marie) will be having a heart cath soon to see how much damage if any, has been done to her heart....My Mother in Indiana, as you know has lung cancer and now My Dad has only 40% pressure in his left leg arteries and will be having surgery soon as well as his eye surgery. Thank you for your prayers. Love Charla from Florida I would like a new body...I have BRONCHIAL PNEUMONIA Lord knows I will never be able to spell that word....but I'm resting...enjoying some TV. Pami from New York More Photo Albums for your enjoyment! Member Albums To the Top The Argentinean Chapter Mar del Plata, (click on Album de fotos) my home for the past 30 years has just had its 131st birthday. It started off as a place for the economically well-off to spend the summer and 100 years ago it had a population of about 4000 - about the size of Tilbury where the last reunion was held. There are now over 650,000 people live here permanently. In January this year (full summer) it was calculated that over 2 million people visited the city. Today 14th February, our city Cathedral celebrated its 100 years. Construction first started on 25th October 1892 when the city was going on 18 years old, and over five years passed before it was ready for its first service, and a few more before it adquired status of Cathedral. Having room inside for 800 seated comfortable it is now the third largest Cathedral in the Province of Buenos Aires. There was a huge gathering for the centenary celebrations, an urn was dug up from a hundred years ago containing photos and information from that time, and another was buried to be reviewed again in 2105... in a hundred years from now. It contained letters from the Pope, the president, the city mayor and people from all walks of live, today's newspapers and other actual information. the biggest of our local newspaper "La Capital" is also celebrating its 100 years in May -( Who knows, we might win one of the cars or other 99 prizes they are offering!!) Mar del Plata has been chosen as the headquarters for the IV Summit Meeting of the Americas in November this year, the 42nd annual International Submariners Convention in May this year, AND there is a firm proposal to hold the SECOND International w.w.w Circle of Friends Reunion sometime in 2006 ;-) Oh, and I just heard they are going to build the first trial recycling plant.......someone beat me to it! Hope all is well where you are. You can read about Argentina, the country I adopted here Love from Daphne To the Top Friendship Bracelet Club Peachy Marie from Ontario, Canada has the February Charm of the Month available. It is a Valentine's Charm so be sure to order yours today and be the first in your corner of the globe to proudly display it on your Friendship Bracelet. To order your charm or for more information on the Friendship Bracelet Club please pop over to the WWWCOF Friendship Bracelet site or you can email Peachy Marie directly to place your order. How are you doing with your bracelets? I am now working on my second and each and every charm I have is filled with memories -- talk about a conversation piece! To the Top Member Questions Points to ponder submitted by my much older brother Wayne and his lovely wife, Jenny, from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada There's a delightful perversity about some of this logic ... Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are flat? Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough? Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet? Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle? Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard? Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him? Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets? Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"? What is the speed of darkness? If you send someone 'Styrofoam', how do you pack it? If the temperature is zero outside today and it's going to be twice as cold tomorrow, how cold will it be? If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes? If it's true that we are here to help others, what are the others doing here? Do married people live longer than single ones, or does it only seem longer? If someone with a split personality threatens to commit suicide, is it a hostage situation?? How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered? If money doesn't grow on trees, then why do banks have branches? Why does a round pizza come in a square box? How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage? Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours? If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing? Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground? Why do doctors leave the room while you change? They're going to see you naked anyway. To the Top Tips & Recommendations Ten Warning Signs Of Spyware Windows 98/ME/NT and Windows XP We receive thousands of emails each week. We have learned to tell at glance which people are likely infected with spyware. If you don't have a good anti-spyware program installed - and a good percentage of you do not - here are the Ten Warning Signs Of Spyware: * When you start your computer, or when your computer has been idle for many minutes, your Internet browser opens to display Web site advertisements. * When you use your browser to view Web sites, other instances of your browser open to display Web site advertisements. * Your Web browser�s home page unexpectedly changes. * Web pages are unexpectedly added to your Favorites folder. * New toolbars are unexpectedly added to your Web browser. * You cannot start a program. * When you click a link in a program, the link does not work. * Your Web browser suddenly closes or stops responding. * It takes a much longer time to start or to resume your computer. * Components of Windows or other programs no longer work. Here are links to two of the mosre popular (and effective ones) available, and they're both FREE! Ad-Aware Spybot-Search & Destroy Bigsis Pat from Ontario, Canada. Having some computer problems? Be sure to visit our Geek's Corner - This is the page where Circle members can help each other solve problems with their computers, web pages, design and related articles. Questions? or do you need additional information? Email Daphne from Argentina and she will be more than happy to help you out. Do you have any tips or recommendations that you would like to pass along to the other members. Email me and I will get it published. DISCLAIMER: Tips reflect member suggestions and are not verified by the WWWCOF. To the Top Travelling Mascott Ruby's site has been updated! Read all about our globe trotting mascot in her journal by clicking on the picture of her logo! Also please enjoy this site which has been set up for people who have met Ruby to tell us what they think. This goes for all who have met her - not only those who have hosted her visits. Ruby is moving on again. She is off to next, and TAZ (Karen) of Indiana To get your name on the list for Ruby to visit you, just drop a line to Daphne from Argentina and she will add you. Who knows, yours just might be the name little Agos picks out.... as she is the one in charge of the draws or complete the simple form that follows: My Name My Email Location Please add my name to the list. Comments/Suggestions? Ruby has her very own email address too so be sure to email Ruby and don't be surprised when you see your message in her online journal! I know she would love to hear from you. To the Top Health Watch Is It a Stroke? Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions: *Ask the individual to smile. *Ask him or her to raise both arms. *Ask the person to speak a simple sentence. If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. submitted by TerryLynn from Vancouver Island Canada To the Top

In this issue... Messages from members Member Questions The Argentinean Chapter Ruby's Journal Planet Kryzys Tips & Recommendations Fun Tests, Quizzes & Games Swaps Recipes Crafts Reunion 2006 Fun Featured Sites Health Watch Member of the Month Department of Vital Statistics Movie Reviews Friendship Bracelet Club You Are Not Alone Fun Tests & Quizzes & Games Pick the MONTH that you were born in & see what the "experts" have to say about you! JANUARY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teach and be taught. Always looking at people's flaws and weaknesses. Likes to criticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitive and has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loves children. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Very Stubborn and money cautious. FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislike unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizing dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions. MARCH: Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate. Shy and reserved. Sensitive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Aggressive when provoked. Sensitive to others. Loves to help others. Not easily angered. Trustworthy. Defends others. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assesses others.Varied interests. Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention.Strong belief system. Hasty in trusting others. Loves home decors. Musically talented.Depends on friends. Loves special things. Moody and easily hurt. A giving lover. Very loyal. Deep Thinker. Feels deeply. A romantic. Loves to be loved. Thrifty. Loves down time alone. APRIL: Active and dynamic. Decisive and haste but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people's problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Emotional. Aggressive. Hasty. Good memory. Moving Motivates oneself and others. Sickness usually of the head and chest. Sexy in a way that only their lover can see. MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift. JUNE: Thinks far with vision. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having lots of ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Abiding. Able to show character. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Brand conscious. Executive. Stubborn. JULY: Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people's feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Likes to be quiet. Homely person. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover. AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless. Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generous and egoistic. Takes high pride of oneself. Thirsty for praises. Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous. Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Loves to lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music and defense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learns to relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to make friends . SEPTEMBER: Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes to point out people's mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able to talk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Thinking generous. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Must control oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding. Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves sports, leisure and traveling. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially in relationships. Systematic. OCTOBER: Loves to chat. Loves those who loves them. Loves to take things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn't pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care of what others think. Emotional. Decisive. Strong clairvoyance. Loves to travel, the arts and literature. Touchy and easily jealous. Concerned. Loves outdoors. Just and fair. Spendthrift. Easily influenced. Easily loses confidence. Loves children. NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Unique and brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strong clairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive. Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative but amiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there is a will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angry unless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others. Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciates praises. High-spirited. Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain in relationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest and keeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable DECEMBER: Loyal and generous. Sexy. Patriotic. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Loves to socialize. Loves praises. Loves attention. Loves to be loved. Honest and trustworthy. Not pretending. Short tempered. Changing personality. Not egoistic. Take high pride in oneself. Hates restrictions. Loves to joke. Good sense of humor. "if you don't think THIS is a good day, just try missing one.!!!" My month is June! Do you like to do crossword puzzles? Check here for a new puzzle every week. To the Top Reunion 2006 Time to start thinking about the where and when? Reunion Proposals are now being accepted and will be accepted up until the end of June, 2005 following which a vote will be taken and planning will commence. Two recent proposals to share with you this week. One proposal comes from Ruth in Michigan who says LET'S HAVE A GREAT TIME and hold the next reunion in Hastings, Michigan in the summer of 2006. Grand Rapids would be the closest airport (less than an hour away from Ruth & George's home) with Detroit being another major airport. There is a bus in to Battle Creek and Train Amtrack. Ruth tell us that there are reasonably priced hotels/motels; the closest would be Ionia or Hastings, she also says that there is lots of room at her home if you want to camp or you would like a nice place to park your RV. August would be a good month as there is the Summer Fest in Hastings. The Hokanson's live less then two hours from Shipshewana, Indiana and Frankenmuth and four hours from Mackinac City. There are lots of shops and malls, thrift stores in Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, and Lansing. Some even in their little town of Hastings. You will find more information on the Michigan Proposal here. And the other one from Claudia in Illinois who would like to host Reunion 2006 in Chester in the summer. Claudia tells us the following: Those coming in by plane, train and bus will come into St. Louis, where you will be picked up. Those driving will get a detailed map to make navigation easy as pie. Accommodations will be at Reid's Best Western with special rates provided. We do have a B&B as well as campgrounds available for your comfort and pleasure. There will be festivals/fairs going every weekend within just a few miles, so it depends upon the date we select for Reunion 2006. Did I mention yard sales? We have those, too, naturally. Shopping is terrific. We have three Wal-Marts to peruse... One smaller Wal-Mart here in Chester, three thrift shops, etc. We have a Super Wal-Mart just a few miles away in Perryville, Missouri. We will cross the Mississippi River to get there. And, another Super Wal-Mart just miles away in Sparta, Illinois with several thrift shops there as well as one of the most fantastic Dollar Stores (Deal's) you have ever seen! Truly, the shopping is more than you would care to think about --- and none of the touristy stuff! When we see Sparta we will have a fantastic lunch (all-you-can-eat) at Rice & Fries. It is an oriental buffet, but also has a good American selection for those who really don't care that much for oriental cooking. You are going to stuff yourself for under $5.00 US. Do you want to host Reunion 2006? -- if you do please get your Reunion Proposal in as soon as possible! A special request for proposals has been set up here. Do be sure to check it out!! Bigsis Pat from Ontario, Canada has undertaken the position of Reunion 2006 Coordinator and she will need help so please watch this space for updates and more talk about the who? what? where? when? and why? She has also created two new albums on the Photo Album Site so that anyone considering submitting a proposal to host the reunion can see how much fun it is meeting other members. The two new albums are Reunion 2003 (at Ruths) and "Let's Do Lunch". Be sure to check out the Reunion 2006 website. To the Top Just for Fun If you aren't a senior yet you will be someday so you best save this SENIOR DRESS CODE Many of us "Older Folks" (those 40, 45, over 50, Way over 50 or hovering near 50) are quite confused about how we should present ourselves. We're unsure about the kind of image we are projecting and whether or not we are correct as we try to conform to current fashions. Despite what you may have seen on the streets, the following combinations DO NOT go together and should be avoided: 1. A nose ring and bifocals 2. Spiked hair and bald spot 3. A pierced tongue and dentures 4. Miniskirts and support hose 5. Ankle bracelets and corn pads 6. Speedo's and cellulite 7. A belly button ring and a gall bladder surgery scar 8. Unbuttoned disco shirts and a heart monitor 9. Midriff shirts and a midriff bulge 10. Bikinis and liver spots 11 Short-shorts and varicose veins 12. Inline skates and a walker 13 Thongs and Depends And the ultimate "Bad Taste" in fashion for "Older Folks"-- 14. Pierced Nipples that hang below the waist. Please keep these basic guidelines foremost in your mind when you shop. Rosina from Nova Scotia, Canada. DISCLAIMER: Do you have a favourite joke or funny story to share with us? Be sure to visit our Computer Humour site! Email Daphne from Argentina with any computer jokes you have and she will happily add them to this collection. To the Top Swaps Keep your eyes on this section of the newsletter for announcements on upcoming swaps. In the meantime if you have any Questions? Need additional information? Please feel free to email your Swap Queen, Ruth. She always love hearing from all of you. To the Top Movie Reviews Jeanette Mornington Peninsula - Melbourne - Australia would like to say hello and remind you to be sure to visit the Movie Reviews from "The Land down under". She is a keen movie goer and has been for many many years, Graham and her used to go to the Movies once a week before they married and have continued being regular visitors to the movies for the past 44 years - so you can see that she has seen many many movies. They go now with the Probus Club that they belong to once a month to see the latest movies and she shares some of the good ones with us on her Movie Reviews site. love to you all - To the Top

Planet Kryzys Lets get busy on designing a suitable banner for the Planet Kryzys" (Crisis)site. Contest closes February 28/05 so there is not a whole lot of time left. The winning design could win a prize (one of the Circle's CD books) Entries are to be sent to Daphne from Argentina and will be included in the newsletter, and on the site. Good Luck! Be sure to check out our Recycle Message Board on our MSN Community. Raising awareness is always the first step to action. Join our Planet Kryzys" (Crisis) Team today and come forward with things about your own area. We start off with awareness, and follow up with what we can do about it. Together we WILL make a difference. PLANET KRYZYS TEAM MEMBERS: Site manager, Daphne (BA,Argentina) Western Canada Coordinator, Sharon (BC,Canada) Eastern US Coordinator, Becky (Maryland, US) Would you like to be the representative from your corner of the globe? Please complete and submit the form below: My Name My Email I would like to represent: Please leave any comments or suggestions you may have here: The Planet Kryzys" (Crisis)site has been updated. Check out the latest news on Global warming in the human provoked section and one or two other articles in other sections such as the article on electronic junk in the Recycling section. Daphne from Argentina. This week's project suggestion: Make a Water Garden Bring an exotic touch to your patio, deck, or yard by making a small water garden in a tub. Use a plastic or glazed ceramic container or a plastic-lined, wooden half-barrel as the container, and add aquatic and marsh plants, and perhaps goldfish, for color and drama. Tools and Materials Plastic or ceramic container or wooden half-barrel Plastic liner, galvanized screws, and wood strips, if needed Water pump, nozzle, and electrical outlet, optional Water Plastic plant pots Soil mix for aquatic plants Aquatic plants Newspaper Gravel Install the barrel liner. If you're using a wooden half-barrel, line it with a sheet of pond liner, available at garden centers. Adjust the liner by making several large folds in the material and draping it over the edge of the barrel. Fill the barrel half full with water to hold the liner in place while you trim and fasten the upper edge to the top of the barrel, just inside the rim. Sandwich the liner between the barrel and narrow wooden or galvanized metal strips. Fasten with galvanized screws. Position the container. Empty the container, if necessary. Place it on a sturdy, level surface where it will receive at least 6 hours of sun per day. The tub will weigh about 10 pounds per gallon when filled. You can also partially bury the container in the ground. Try this method in hot climates where the summer sun can overheat small aboveground pools. Fill with water. Add water until the container is about two-thirds full. Let the temperature stabilize and the chlorine from your municipal water supply dissipate for 24 hours before adding plants. (If adding fish, ask if your water company uses chloramine, a water supply disinfectant. If it does, be sure to use a water conditioner, such as Amquel, to neutralize the chemical before adding the fish.) Install optional water pump. For the tranquil sound of moving water, add a small fountain attached to a recirculating pump. Set the pump with attached pipe and nozzle in the bottom of the container. Always plug water pumps into an electrical outlet with a ground-fault circuit interrupter to avoid risk of electrocution. Adjust the water flow to the desired force. Keep in mind that floating plants, such as water lilies, do not like water splashing on their leaves. Add plants. Plant aquatic and marsh plants in plastic pots filled with special water-plant soil mix. Place newspaper over the drainage holes in the pots to prevent soil leakage. After planting, cover the surface of the soil with gravel. Set pots directly on the bottom of the tub or on bricks or inverted pots to raise plants to the desired level. Tips Add two bunches of submerged plants, one floating plant, and one or two marsh plants per square yard of water surface to keep algae in check. Plants should cover 60 to 70 percent of the surface. Remove debris regularly, and replace water lost to evaporation, but don't change any water. Within a few weeks, the water should clear. Check out Daphne & Agos from Argentina's water garden here. For other great gardening ideas, tips, etc. be sure to visit Jeanette's Garden Room To the Top NOTICE!!! To find all the interesting and exciting news and information all you have to do is go to the Vital Stats Department where you will find all the links you need. Here are the remaining Celebrations for February 2005 BIRTHDAYS February 20 - Patricia Gomez February 23 - Victoria Escribas and Billie Simmons February 25 - Darrell Melstrom February 27 - Carol February 28 - David Rhodes ANNIVERSARIES February 20 - David and Linda Rhodes celebrate 41 years February 24 - David and Janet's celebrate 48 years To the Top Recipes CHOCOLATE SINGS One day I had a date for lunch with friends. Mae, a little old "blue hair" about 80 years old, came along with them---All in all, a pleasant bunch. When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Mae who said, "Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate." I wasn't sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast. "Along with heated apple pie," Mae added, completely unabashed. We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time. But when our orders were brought out, I didn't enjoy mine. I couldn't take my eyes off Mae as her pie a-la-mode went down. The other ladies showed dismay. They ate their lunches silently and frowned. The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Mae. I lunched on white meat tuna. She ordered a parfait. I smiled. She asked if she amused me. I answered, "Yes, you do, but also you confuse me. How come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible? She laughed and said, with wanton mirth, "I'm tasting all that's possible. I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should. But life's so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good. This year I realized how old I was. (She grinned) I haven't been this old before." "So, before I die, I've got to try those things that for years I've ignored. I haven't smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many books I haven't read. There's more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead. There are many malls I haven't shopped. I've not laughed at all the jokes. I've missed a lot of Broadway hits and potato chips and cokes. I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face. I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace. I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want UN-timed long distance calls to the folks I love the most. I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain. I need to feel wind in my hair. I want to fall in love again. So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I'd say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart's desire. I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired." With that, I called the waitress over. "I've changed my mind," I said. "I want what she is having, only add some more whipped cream!" Remember that while money talks, CHOCOLATE SINGS submitted by Loretta from Texas. Do you have a recipe for us to enjoy? We would love for you to add it to all the wonderful recipes being collected in the WWWCOF Cookbook or email The Recipe Lady aka Claudia from Illinois who will be happy to add them for you. To the Top I hope you have enjoyed this issue. I would like to end this week's edition with tidbits of information that range from relationships, to family, to finances, to health and weight loss (just to name a few)send in by Bigsis Pat from Ontario, Canada. INTELLIGENCE FOR YOUR LIFE The John Tesh Radio Show Archives Would you like to feel healthier and happier this winter? Here are some tips to avoid your seasonal mental slump�They come from Kathleen Tackett<, psychologist and author of The Well-Ordered Home: � First, use color to make yourself feel warm. Research shows that sunny shades, like orange, yellow and bright red, make it feel like the heat was turned up. In fact, one study found that workers stopped complaining about the cold when their office was painted orange�Despite the fact that the temperature was exactly the same! So, the minute the skies go grey, put out a big bowl of oranges, or a red comforter�And you�ll get an instant pick-me up, and a burst of mental warmth. � Another way to beat the winter blues is by bouncing around the light that is available. Use glossy wall paint, put mirrors across from the windows, and decorate with glass knickknacks. What does this do? Researchers found that reflected light mimics sunlight, boosting your feel-good chemicals and helping you beat the winter blues. � And the final mood-boosting tip is�Take care of the clutter. Psychologists say that clutter is a mental drain. So, next time you get snowed in, grab a box, and toss in everything that�s on top of your dresser or entry table, and sort through it somewhere else. You�ll feel better instantly, because one surface will already be clean and uncluttered. And even if you don�t finish sorting things out, all that clutter is in a box. And out of sight does mean out of mind. If you�d like to go further, the book is The Well-Ordered Home by Dr. Kathleen Tackett. Here are the 10 most common phobias : � 10. Death � 9. Thunderstorms � 8. Cancer � 7. Vomiting � 6. Heights � 5. Confined Spaces � 4. Open spaces � 3. Flying � 2. People and social situations � which includes public speaking. � And the #1 phobia according to the American Psychological Association: Spiders. But what causes fear? The biggest trigger is the �unknown� � not knowing what will happen to us or how we�ll be affected. We typically imagine something 10 times worse than the realistic outcome and our response is fear. Now, I can�t help you with the #1 most common phobia � spiders � so here�s what to do about #2, Public Speaking - It�s a phobia that hits nine out of 10 people. So how can you get over it? Here are some tips from Patricia Fripp, a professional public speaker who does 100 presentations a year to Fortune 500 companies. � Her advice: You need to anticipate your speech mentally, physically and logistically. � Mentally: Start by rehearsing what you have to say with a 6 to 1 ratio � meaning, if you�ll be speaking for half an hour, spend 3 hours preparing. � Logistically: Go to the place where you�ll be speaking, get the lay of the land, and find the bathroom. � Have your opening and closing memorized - Even if you�re just making a toast at a wedding. � Then, to settle your nerves, find a private spot, wave your hands in the air, wiggle your jaw back and forth, roll your head a few times, and shake out each leg. You�re physically releasing the tension from your body. � And before you speak, try not to sit down. Standing keeps your energy high. If you want to reduce the stress in your life, listen up. Here�s how to give your mind and body a break. These tips come from Self magazine: � First, mellow out with music. The Journal of Music Therapy reports that people who deliver a speech while listening to relaxing music are much calmer. They show no jump in heart rate, blood pressure, or stress hormones. But people who make speeches during dead silence turn into virtual stress monsters. � Then, get a good laugh at least once a day�It can boost your immunity for more than 12 hours. So, call your funniest friend, or turn on your favorite sitcom. Even knowing you�re in for a laugh can make you more resistant to disease. � Another way to de-stress and ramp up your health quotient is to vent � especially on paper. But remember - end every rant on a positive note. For example, your kitchen remodeling project might be driving you nuts, but if you learned how to use a power sander all by yourself, you can do anything. � And finally, lighten things up at your desk. If you�re surrounded by fluorescent lights, grab a lamp with a regular incandescent light bulb. Both lights together kind of mimic sunlight. Which can boost your energy and your immune system, dampen mood swings, and banish depression. HAVE A GREAT WEEK