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elcome to lobal xpress
March 27th Issue

Hello! Welcome to this week's issue of Global Express

Did you enjoy last Friday's issue; I hope so. Thank you everyone for your wonderful submissions making this the best little newsletter on the internet.

The overall winner of our anniversary cake contest, goes to JAMI, since as far as we know, was the only one who made one and took a picture. Well done Miz Jami! She generously shared it out with those of us who were in chat -- the rest of us making weak excuses that we had too much cake on hand anyway!!! Jami even included the Reunion bear with it!! An excellent way to show her off.

I would like to start off this issue with the announcment of a new member ... a very dear friend of mine. Do be sure to join me in the warmest of welcomes (now here is where it could get confusing everyone .... ????) to Sharon Stannard from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

. Yes we share the same name and we are the same age (well she is a couple of months younger but close enough). Sharon is a very special lady and she loves being outdoors, searching recipes and playing on the computer. She is nervous trying new things and I am absolutely thrilled that she has joined the World Wide Web Circle of Friends.

We also welcome Dulcie from New South Wales in Australia who is a good friend of Aussie Jan and a member of her Seniors Living Life Group .

Well, our Sharon has made a bold and positive move to come and visit Argentina in October this year. Can't wait, and looking forward very much to that visit. As well as meeting up with and getting to know the rest of the "Argentine Chapter", we plan on taking her to see a large part of this country and fill her with native activities. Is anyone else going to come???

Don't forget to check the Birthday Calendar to see when members are celebrating their special days. Please let Bigsis know of any errors in the calendar.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND/OR ANNIVERSARY TO EVERYONE CELEBRATING!!
We look forward to hearing all about your special day.

We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. Anybody can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding opportunity in change. Have no regrets.

Now on to our list of very special days:

If you are not listed in the calendar please be sure to email Jami from Maryland.

April is Poetry Month; Letter Writing Month; Garden Month (celebrate gardening during April - Garden Month); Autism Awareness Month; Humor Month; Pets are Wonderful Month and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.

Special Days in April include:

• April 1 - April Fool's Day by our very own Bigsis Pat
• April 1 - 7 - 1-7 Library Week
• April 2 - International Children's Book Day
• April 6 - Tartan Day - Tartan Day was pioneered in Canada but gained renewed momentum in the United States following resolutions in Congress and Senate recognizing the day of the signing of the 1320 Declaration of Arbroath 6 April - as a day to celebrate Scotland.
• April 7 - World Health Day
• April 8 - Astronomy Day
• April 10 - Good Friday
• April 12 - Easter Sunday
• April 13 - Easter Monday
  Easter Week by our very own Bigsis Pat
• April 18 - Pet Owner's Day
• April 19 - Car Free Day
• April 20 - Volunteer Recognition Day
• April 21 - Birthday of HM Queen Elizabeh II
• April 22 - Administrative Professionals Day
• April 22 - Earth Day
  Earth Day Page by our very own Bigsis Pat
• April 23 - St. George's Day - England's National Day. St. George is the patron saint of England.
• April 24 - Arbor Day
• April 25 - Anzac Day (Australia / New Zealand) marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
• April 30 - Queens Day - Holland - Koninginnedag

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT

Here are the TEN FINALISTS for the photo contest "The Sky is the Limit".
VOTE HERE
You are allowed one vote and the contest closes Easter Weekend.

Voting is free and completely anonymous - no forms to fill in and you can vote even though you didn't send in any photos!!!. Though I hope you do for the next contest eh!

The next contest is already open, and since half the world has just come into spring and the other half into fall, the title this time is. "Nature's Wild flowers, Hedgerows and Bugs". Look forward to getting loads of entries!

Daphne from Argentina

News From Argentina

Agos and I had fun repairing a wind chime that has had broken strings for some time. Though we have had a couple of sprinklings of rain in the last couple of weeks, it hasn't been enough to do more than moisten the surface and quickly dries up again. Other parts of the country have had storms, central Argentina had a hail storm and strong winds, Buenos Aires has also had downpours. Temperatures are still in the late 20s, 27,28 and high humidity, in spite of that leaves have started to fall. I had a professional come and cut back some of the trees and bushes from my garden, those that bother the neighbour mainly, and now, plus the lack of moisture, my garden has never looked so bare.

Daphne from Argentina

USA Facts

Flag Folding Ceremony

The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded. The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing the states our veterans served in uniform. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted when draped as a pall on a casket of a veteran who has served our country in uniform.

In the Armed Forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation's honored dead. The next morning it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body.

(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to unravel and fold the flag into a quarter fold--resume reading when Honor Guard is standing ready.)

1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
2. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
3. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.
4. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.
5. The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
6. The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
7. The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
8. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
9. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
10. The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
11. The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
12. The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God we Trust."

(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to inspect the flag--after the inspection, resume reading.)

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

Folding the Flag

©2009 ushistory.org

Fold the flag in half width-wise twice. If done by two, then the blue field should be facing the bottom on the first fold. Fold up a triangle, starting at the striped end ... and repeat ... until only the end of the union is exposed. Then fold down the square into a triangle and tuck inside the folds.
• Step-by-step instructions for cadets, boy scouts, etc.
• This animation frame by frame

I have so much news to tell you but alas if I am to get this week's edition in print I simply will have to update you next week ..... Sorry. Have a wonderful weekend and week!

Sharon from Vancouver Island, Canada

Report from the Land Down Under

I know you have been waiting to hear about our time away...LOL

We left as planned on the Friday afternoon. Next day we were in Warwick ,and we realised we hadn't taken our hats, so we each bought a cheap one, and I also went into a chemist and bought a support for my ankle with magnets in it. I think it has made an improvement.

We were meeting a friend of Barry's that afternoon and that went ahead as planned. Monday we made our way to Barry's nephew - age 60 (and wife) up at Mount Tamborine, a lovely spot. They do get a bit emotional remembering Barry's brother and Sister-in-law, nephew's parents.  Nephew entertains at clubs and weddings etc now, and he gave Barry a lot of backing tracks.

Wednesday we arrived at my son and daughter-in-laws' around 10.30am. After a barbecue lunch with lots of steak and pork ribs we set out for the Gold Coast Arts Centre in their car, leaving Tilly to look after herself.

There was a crowd, well over 100 people I would say, with relatives, and those completing their naturalisation process.  They started with a group singing a couple of Australian songs, to their own arrangement.

They gave two options for taking the pledge, with those participating standing in their places. The option under God, everyone but four stood up and repeated the words, then the four. I must admit I was so pleased to see nearly everyone opting to take the pledge in the eyes of God.

Then each person in alphabetical order went up and shook hands with the Mayor and received their certificate.

All those in the ceremony received a native tree to take home and plant.  Then afternoon tea was served, and they used the occasion to supposedly serve 'Australian' food... lamingtons, small meat pies and tomato sauce, and vegemite sandwiches........ hmmmm.....LOL

We had planned to turn back south after that, but Nephew was doing a show on the Thursday evening at a sports club on the south side of Brisbane only about 2kms from where my sister lives, up to then I hadn't mentioned to her we were in QLD, so I rang and said we were up for D-i-law Citizenship and Nephew doing show, and we would see them early next morning, but Sis said they would be up, so we left the show a bit early and went and had a cuppa with them , and also saw them again the the next morning.  And we actually got up for a dance, just one, to Tennessee Waltz.

We then made our way back to NSW. We called in at a very large shopping centre, Robina, but amazingly, they did not have the shops I wanted to shop at. Main thing I wanted was some iron-on backing for the CuddlyBear wallhanging, no luck.

We then called in at Murwillumbah for a couple of groceries for the weekend. We still had plenty of food as we had eaten out so often, but we wanted some cheese and crackers for the happy hour.  I was looking around to post a letter and hubby went back to the RV first, and when I got there a farmer had just sold him a large pumpkin.  (I just had to run off to remind Barry to bring it inside, it's still in the RV).

We drove to Tyalgum, a very small village about 20kms further west for our RV group's weekend, to the side of Mt Warning. Mt Warning is the spot in Australia that  the sun shines on first every day. It had been raining and there were only about six couples there.  We chatted and so forth,  and those interested (not us) played a few games of cards. We always like to play disc bowls etc but it was too wet. I did a bit on my wallhanging, and another lady had a very large cushion with about 6 photos printed onto it that she was putting a frill around for a 21st birthday present. It was very impressive, and as some of you know I am interested in that craft.

Then about 10am on Saturday, Barry suggested we go home as it was raining  on and off and we were unable to do anything except lounge around and talk. Some of the men gave Barry instructions about which way to go home, and I tell you what, it was a very narrow gravel road about 8kms, with steep gutters on the side. The was just nowhere for two vehicles to meet on most of that section, but my prayers were answered and we didn't see another vehicle until we got back onto the bitumen.   No, we won't go that way again, though the scenery was spectacular, rainforest, and mountains sweeping up beside the road.

Today we went to the First Fleeters Meeting, which we had planned to go to on the way home, and here we are, getting back to normal.

 (Pic Gold Coast City Mayor and my daughter-in-law)

HOOKED up to heart monitors and IV drips as they lay in their cots, these baby apes are reaping the benefits of the world's first orangutan intensive care unit.

Born in an eco-tourism park on the Malaysian mainland, April and June-Junior were taken into the custody of the ICU after being rejected by their mothers.

The hairy tots, named by nurses at Malaysia's Bukit Merah wildlife park, are treated with the same high-tech machines available in any neo-natal unit.

Gallery: See cute pics of them in action

Gallery: Taronga cuties

The only difference, say their carers, is these patients are causing mischief and climbing out of their cots many months before their human cousins. With two-hour feeds and 30-minute checks on vital signs, three-month-old June-Junior and 10-month-old April are in the best possible hands. Their treatment isn't exactly cutting edge, but is at the forefront of animal welfare.

A dedicated team of seven nurses, headed by one of Malaysia's most experienced vets, provides 24-hour monitoring at the world's most advanced ape hospital. Inside the sealed ICU the baby orangutans are given a daily intake of vitamins and have regular blood checks. Dressed in a nappy, June-Junior and April chew their cots, throw bedding across their sterile room and make faces at each other. They are the latest of 12 orangutans to pass through the surgical doors of the facility since it opened in March 2004.

"We have 23 orangutans here at the Bukit Merah resort,'' said vet Dr Sabapathy Dharmalingam.

Bigsis Pat wants to visit her Art by Patricia blog.

Pat reminds us to be sure to also check out the

• March Trivia Pages and
• all the Vital Statistics sites are now available and can all be found in The Directory

• 

  The April Trivia Pages are now ready --- please click on the picture to be redirected there and enjoy!

History Files

How times change !! -- Treatments from our great granny's time.

Metcalf Coca Wine was one of a huge variety of wines with cocaine on the market. Everybody used to say that it would make you happy and it would also work as a medicinal treatment.

Second in a series from Bigsis Pat from Crofton, B.C. Canada

Fresh recipes and Recipe links are continually being added to our Circle's very own unique cookbook World Recipes where I have just added some 50 more recipes sent in by members of WWWCOF. There are several "cookbooks" in there, General, Regional/seasonal, Mexican, Oriental, and within those, recipes set out in many categories. If your recipe isn't in there I will be happy to add it for you. It has its very own search engine, so you can find things according to ingredient, origin, category etc.

THIS WEEK I START WITH OUR EASTER RECIPES. We have several in our cookbook, and there is room for many more, if anyone has any for us to add.

WWWCOF Seasonal Regional Favourites
Easter Cookies
Easter cookies with a Bible lesson

• 1 Cup whole pecans
• 1 Tsp vinegar
• 3 egg whites
• pinch SALT
• 1 Cup sugar
• Zipper Boggie
• Wooden Spoon
• Tape
• Bible

1. Preheat oven to 300 (this is IMPORTANT don't wait till you're half done with the recipe)
2. Place pecans in Zipper Baggie and let children beat them with wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:13.
3. Let each child smell the vinegar then put vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:2830.
4. Add egg whites to vinegar, eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:1011.
5. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand, let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers and the bitterness of our own sins. Read Luke 23:27.
6. So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add sugar and explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.
7. Beat at a high speed with mixer for 1215 min. until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity of those in God's eyes whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isa. 1:18 and John 3:13.
8. Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matt.27:5760.
9. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF! Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matt. 27:6566.
10. GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
11. On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty! Read Matt. 28:19.

Easter/Ressurection Rolls
An Easter Recipe with a religious lesson. posted by Arlene on EZ board

• 1 pkg. Crescent rolls
• Melted Butter
• Large Marshmallows
• Cinnamon
• Sugar

This week: 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

• 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.

Daphne

Common Expressions - Origin & Meaning

A stitch in time saves nine

Meaning

A timely effort will prevent more work later.

Origin

This is nothing to do with rips in the fabric of the space-time continuum, as some have ingeniously suggested. The meaning of this proverb is often requested at the Phrase Finder Discussion Forum, so I'll be explicit. The question usually asked is "saves nine what"? The stitch in time is simply the sewing up of a small hole in a piece of material and so saving the need for more stitching at a later date, when the hole has become larger, Clearly, the first users of this expression were referring to saving nine stitches.

The Anglo Saxon work ethic is being called on here. Many English proverbs encourage immediate effort as superior to putting things off until later; for example, 'one year's seeds, seven year's weeds', 'procrastination is the thief of time' and 'the early bird catches the worm'.

The 'stitch in time' notion has been current in English for a very long time and is first recorded in Thomas Fuller's Gnomologia, Adagies and Proverbs, Wise Sentences and Witty Sayings, Ancient and Modern, Foreign and British, 1732:

"A Stitch in Time May save nine."

Fuller, who recorded a large number of the early proverbs in the language, wrote a little explanatory preamble to this one:

"Because verses are easier got by heart, and stick faster in the memory than prose; and because ordinary people use to be much taken with the clinking of syllables; many of our proverbs are so formed, and very often put into false rhymes; as, a stitch in time, may save nine; many a little will make a mickle. This little artiface, I imagine, was contrived purposely to make the sense abide the longer in the memory, by reason of its oddness and archness."

As far as is known, the first person to state unambiguously that 'a stitch in time saves nine', rather than Fuller's less confident 'may save nine', was the English astronomer Francis Baily, in his Journal, written in 1797 and published in 1856 by Augustus De Morgan:

After a little while we acquired a method of keeping her [a boat] in the middle of the stream, by watching the moment she began to vary, and thereby verifying the vulgar proverb, '"A stitch in time saves nine."

Everyone can use a prayer! Please click on the image above to see the brand new Prayer Requests Page

Please email Charla, from Florida, USA with any Praises, Requests and/or UPDATES Thank you. May God Bless Each One and Have a Great Week!

Garden Site

Jeanette from the Land Down Under's roses.