ORLD IDE EB IRCLE OF RIENDS

elcome to our November 12th, 2004 (Bigsis Original Design) Online Newsletter In this issue... Messages from members News and Announcements Lets Do Lunch Ruby's Journal Tips & Recommendations Swaps Recipes Crafts Fun Tests & Quizzes Members Questions & Answers Fun Featured Sites Mystery Member Member of the Month Hello everyone! We are getting ever so close to Christmas which reminds me that November 15 is the DEADLINE to sign up for the Christmas Scavanger Hunt - the ultimate swap of the Year 2004! Do be sure to email our Swap Queen Ruth, with your name, home address and email address so she can add your name to the list or answer any questions you may have. One of the items in the Scavanger Hunt is the Yule Log. Interesting to note that many mainstream Christmas traditions stem from original Pagan practices. Though Christian origins and associations have been attributed to many of these traditions, they do in fact pre-date Christianity. Such is the case with the Yule Log. Dark cold winters inspired the development of traditions concerned with warmth and light. Yuletide, meaning the turning of the sun or the winter solstice, has traditionally been a time of extreme importance - a time when fortunes for the coming year were determined. The Yule log was originally an entire tree, carefully chosen, and brought into the house with great ceremony. The butt end would be placed into the hearth while the rest of the tree stuck out into the room. The tree would be slowly fed into the fire and the entire process was carefully timed to last the entire Yule season. Today, the Yule log has become a traditional dessert, a delicious cake roll, smothered in coffee or chocolate-flavoured icing and decorated with sugared holly leaves and roses. Messages from Members Hi Everyone, Hope this finds all of you well. I am asking for a special prayer for my Daughter Jonna and granddaughter Haley. I would rather have it unspoken at this time but please keep them in prayer for guidance, providing for , a job for Jonna and strength for her. Please pass this on to others you know will pray. Love to all, In Jesus Name Charla Darryl and I would like to thank those who took the time to send personal emails with their thoughts and prayers, as well as for all those who chose to offer their prayers silently. They are WORKING!!! Braeden has bee responding positively to the chemo treatments and will have to continue them for probably 2 1/2 years. He also has had a spinal tap and, again, will have to have several more. While both the treatments and procedure can be painful and uncomfortable they are doing everything they can to make it as easy as possible for him. The powerful effect this marvelous Circle of Friends has, as we all join hands (virtually) around the globe and send our positive thoughts and prayers to the person (s) in need is indeed one of the great wonders of the world. So, once again thank you from the bottom of out hearts. I'm including a pic of Braeden so you can see for yourself this precious little guy luv & hugs BigSisPat. In the news today, they said that as of next June the one price Internet for Wide Band (DSL) connections will no longer run. There will be an upward limit of 4 GB a month after that the rate rises for each GB or fraction. They are going to bring out a meter in April so people can see how much they use. ( downloading music, videos, games, films, chats, emails web cams photos etc etc. :-( But we think that FIRST our server is going to have to put in their own junk filter, since it takes several minutes for the spamihilator to filter the junk, which every day can account for 1000 KB or more (Today after being 24 hours without Internet I started the day with 177 pieces of junk in the filter) Might not be able to make it for coffee in the next few days (routine busy) so see you Monday. Love from Daphne who sends us another story about wild life from her part of the world. A legend about the South American Ostrich: This legend explains why the ostrich has no tail. It goes like this: ” while playing against the fox, who won everything he had, even the sacking of the bag where he kept his money. The ostrich threw in his hand, and lost even the feathers he had betted. So he said to the fox that he would pay him once the winter had passed. The fox understood straight away that if he let him go – eyes that have seen you once won’t see you again – and he’d never catch up. So, sly as ever, the fox invited the ostrich to sit and rest on a chair that he had previously spread with tree gum, by saying that the one the ostrich was already on had the seat broken. The ostrich so sure of himself, changed places, but no sooner had he settled down in the chair, when the fox cried out, “ Oh my!! My uncle the tiger is coming and he looks angry!” The ostrich lept up off the chair and took off as fast as his hind legs could carry him, leaving his lovely tail feathers glued to the chair, which the fox used to make himself a good mattress. So that’s why the ostrich is tailless!” There are more stories, legends and sayings about this bird here. Now, What exactely DID Gloria write to John?? (Taken from a little book I compiled, and is found on the CD with "The Circle's Little Book of Tips 'n' Things, 10 US with postage) Dear John: I want a man who knows what love is all about. You are generous, kind, thoughtful. People who are not like you admit to being useless and inferior. You have ruined me for other men. I yearn for you. I have no feelings whatsoever when we're apart. I can be forever happy--will you let me be yours? Gloria --------------------- Dear John: I want a man who knows what love is. All about you are generous, kind, thoughtful people, who are not like you. Admit to being useless and inferior. You have ruined me. For other men, I yearn. For you, I have no feelings whatsoever. When we're apart, I can be forever happy. Will you let me be? Yours, Gloria To the Top Members Questions & Answers Has anyone heard of the "Struggle to Juggle"? It is all about the socioeconomic changes that have been happening over the past 10/20 years and include such factors as the aging of the population; the ever increasing need for dual incomes for most families; the lack of affordable childcare and elder care support and the scarcity of entry level jobs. I have a question! Are we exchanging Christmas Cards this year???? The reason I'm asking is I'm half done writing mine out; I like to have my done by the first of the month. I saved each card from last year, so beautiful and what happy memories I have. Here is an idea for everyone. I also saved cards from prior years and cut out the pictures and make my own name tags for packages, any size you need you can make. Bea To the Top News & Announcements Daphne has announced that the computer site has been updated with some things recieved from Maxine. All the new entries are indicated with a "new" symbol on the alphbetical list. World Wide Web Circle of Friends Charms are now available. To find out more about these or to place an order please email Marie. Excellent price $4.99 plus shipping. Limited quantities so order yours today! If you have not already started on your WWWCOF Friendship Bracelet -- talk to our Marie who I am sure can start you off with a bracelet with a WWWCOF charm at a reasonable cost. To the Top Our Travelling Mascott Read all about our globe trotting mascot in her journal by clicking on the picture of her logo! You will be delighted to hear of her trip to Walmart! 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. The next draw will be held on the last weekend in November, to give Ruby a chance to avoid the Christmas rush and get to her next destination in time for Christmas If you want to get your name on the list for Ruby to visit you, just drop a line to Daphne 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 that from now on. To the Top Member of the Month Nominations Now accepting nominations for November's Member of the Month (actually I have already received a few). Member of the Month awards. Take a moment to complete the form below indicating your choice for the November, 2004. Member Nomination Date My Name My Email Please tell us who you would like to vote for as Member of the Month (November, 2004) and why you have chosen this person. All information is kept private and will never be given out to other members without your prior permission.

FEATURED SITES Liz sent these sites for our enjoyment! Free Patterns.com; CD Labels and Road to Friendship. Also be sure to keep track of the progress being made on our logo cross stitch pattern project. 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 Let's Do Lunch Marie, Maxine, Angela Dorothy and Dee at the recent Lets Do Lunch in Tilbury, Ontario, Canada! Missing is the photographer, Patsi. There is a rumour that Pat aka BigSis and Liz will be getting together soon ... can't wait to hear all about it! To the Top Tips & Recommendations The WWWCOF Smells of Relief Any aromatherapist will tell you that there is a scent for whatever ails you, physically or mentally. Here are just a few scents to brew, sniff or soak if you are under the weather. Depression - Ylang-ylang, geranium, jasmine, sandalwood Anxiety - Clary sage, bergamot, nutmeg, pine Respiratory ailments (cough, colds, asthma) - Eucalyptus, peppermint Muscular pain - Clary sage, eucalyptus, rosemary, chamomile Mental fatigue - Lemon, rosemary, orange Indigestion - Anise, basil, fennel, ginger, peppermint DISCLAIMER: Tips reflect member suggestions and are not verified by the WWWCOF. To the Top Mystery Member The clue for last week's mystery member was way too easy and Daphne, correctly guessed Dottie as our mystery member! Be sure to email each of these gals and get to know them better. Time for our next mystery member. Clue: comes from outside the US (or does NOT come from US) and has two small children. Remember, at any time you think you know who the mystery member is please email me! The clues can be found throughout the Circle of Friends Members site and elsewhere on the many online sites. If you think it might be you..........you never know it could be!! Good Luck and......... Have Fun! If you have not completed your WWWCOF Survey yet please take a visit over to the Survey Page where you can easily complete and submit it online. To the Top Remember to take a moment to enjoy looking at some pictures Pat, aka Bigsis, is continually publishing online for us. Click on the My Photo Album button below to view our new Circle of Friends Album. Once there, you have to login. You will see a yellow bar with No albums, no image(on the left and) [slideshow] [login] (on the right) Click on [login] Another screen will popup that says "Login to Gallery " And type in the following: Username: BigSisPat Password: wwwcof Or you can link to it from the Vital Statistics home page More Photo Albums for your enjoyment! Member Albums To the Top Crafts Making a Yule Log Supplies: metal tea candle cups, a bunch of white tea candles to go into the candle cups, your choice of herbs, preferably ones associated with Yule like evergreens, pine, wintergreen, ivy, myrrh, mistletoe, etc. You will also need some ribbons in your choice of colors, glitter, and a knife. Finally the last thing you will need is a log. Yule logs are usually made of oak, ash, and pine, but you can use any kind of log that you want to. 1. First lay the log on a flat surface. With the knife carve into the surface of the log any number of holes that you want in the log. 2. Insert the metal tea cups into the holes. Make sure that the holders fit into the holes nice and tightly. Make sure its sturdy. Once this is done, place the candles into the cups. 3. Now decorate the log anyway you want. You can tie the ribbons to the log. You can sprinkle the glitter over the top of the log. You can put little charms or trinkets on the log as well. You can also surround the log with fake mistletoe and holly as well. Just go all out and be as creative as you can. 4. Light the candles and then sprinkle the herbs on top of the surface of the log. Make sure not to sprinkle any of the herbs onto the flames of the candles directly! Be careful! Be sure to check out all the wonderful craft ideas in the WWWCOF Craft Site and add your own favourites or email Crafty Jayne who will be happy to add them to our ever growing collection. To the Top Send an Anita's Designs Friendship Flower! powered by iPowerWeb Recipes Stuffing Tricks If you just have to have stuffing, but you don't want the turkey, simply make your stuffing, form it into mounds (about the size of the palm of your hand) and place evenly apart on a large ovenproof pan. Drape a chicken breast (boneless but with skin) over the top of each mound, brush with a little olive oil, sprinkle with a garlic and herb spice mixture and bake at 175 C (350 F) for 45 minutes. The chicken forms itself around the stuffing while baking, and it looks like your painstakingly stuffed the chicken. Serve with Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce (recipe follows). Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce 175 mL (3/4 cup) water 1 package (375 mL or 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed 175 mL (3/4 cup) sugar 10 mL (2 tsp.) Grand Marnier Bring water and berries to a boil in a large shallow pan. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Boil for about 2 minutes, then reduce heat to a low boil, stirring frequently. Once most of the berries have split, press down gently on the berries with a spatula to relese a small amount of the insides. When the sauce begins to thicken, add the Grand Marnier and stir. Pour into your favourite serving dish and leave at room temperature until cool. Refrigerate. Dress Up the Veggies! It's amazing what typing a few pieces of asparagus together with a little piece of string and serving with a pat of butter can do! It looks very gourmet and your family will love it! To the Top Fun Tests & Quizzes Apparently I'm deeply affected by dementia! But some of us already knew that. Oh well. Vicki's Test for Dementia Below are four (4) questions. You have to answer them instantly. You can't take your time, answer all of them immediately. OK? Let's find out just how clever you really are. Ready? GO!!! (scroll down) You are participating in a race. You overtake the second person. What position are you in? Answer: If you answered that you are first, then you are absolutely wrong! If you overtake the second person and you take his place, you are second! Try not to screw up in the next question. To answer the second question, don't take as much time as you took for the first question. Second Question: If you overtake the last person, then you are...? Answer: If you answered that you are second to last, then you are wrong again. Tell me, how can you overtake the LAST Person? You're not very good at this! Are you? Third Question: Very tricky math! Note: This must be done in your head only. Do NOT use paper and pencil or a calculator. Try it. Take 1000 and add 40 to it. Now add another 1000. Now add 30. Add another 1000. Now add 20. Now add another 1000 Now add 10. What is the total? Scroll down for answer. Did you get 5000? The correct answer is actually 4100. Don't believe it? Check with your calculator! Today is definitely not your day. Maybe you will get the last question right? Fourth Question: Mary's father has five daughters: 1. Nana, 2. Nene, 3. Nini, 4. Nono. What is the name of the fifth daughter? Answer: Nunu? NO! Of course not. Her name is Mary. Read the question again. HAVE A SUNNY DAY and Vicki would like us to enjoy this Changing of the Seasons and this Optical Illusion ********** To the Top

Swaps Here is our next Swap. This will be the last one for the year of 2004 and so I thought we go out on a big bang for the end of the year. This is going to be the Christmas Scavenger Hunt and this is the Christmas list you will need to do. Material - a yard of Christmas material or a table runner or something fabric with a Christmas theme. Estrella - (This mean star in Argentina)- so something "starish" - something that looks or resembles a star. Reindeer - anything that look like a reindeer, could be a small statue, napkins, or any thing that has a reindeer theme. Rose (Christmas Rose) - this can be any thing that has a theme of a rose, such as a silk rose or such. Yule Log - this can be a mini Yule log or candy log any thing that has the theme of the Yule log. Candle - any kind of Christmas Candles such as votives, tea light candles and such. Homemade - this would be a homemade card or bought one which every one you chose to do. Ribbons - any kind of ribbon or bow that you would like to send; also could be included in this could be wrapping paper or tissue paper or? Have fun with this one. Incense - there are so many types of incense out there on the market -- any type you choose would be perfect! If in your area you can't find incense then put what you like to put in that fits with our Christmas theme. Snowflakes - this could be crochet snowflakes, or ?? but please don't send the real ones as they probably would melt. lol!! Tinsel or Ornament - I will leave this up to you whether you want to send tinsel or an ornament this one will be your choice. Mistletoe - If this one is hard to find feel free to substitute with a "surprise" for your swap partner. Angels - anything pertaining to an angel. For example it could be crochet angel or a bought one. Santa - any kind of a Santa such a stuffed one or any that strikes your fancy. Well this finish the list for our Christmas Scavenger Hunt Swap. I know you will have lots of fun with this swap. THE DEADLINE FOR SIGN UP IS NOVEMBER 15, 2004. Deadline for mail out will be December 1, 2004. This gives us a time to get this wonderful swap together and mailed in time for all to enjoy their swaps for the Christmas holiday. If you like to join this swap or should you have any questions please email me, Swap Queen Ruth, with your name, home address and email address and I will add your name to the list or answer any question you may have. Look forward to having a lot of you sign up. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!! May all your holidays be full of love and joy and may we continue to find a comforting peace to our wonderful Circle of Friends. 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 Dessert Personality Test Cindy would like to know if all of the desserts listed below were sitting in front of you, which would you choose? Since cheesecake wasn't an option, she chose her runner up (Strawberry Shortcake)! Anything with strawberries for Cindy! (Sorry, you can only pick one!) No cheating. Pick your dessert, then look to see what psychiatrists think about you! Angel Food Brownies Lemon Meringue Vanilla Cake/Chocolate Icing Strawberry Short Cake Chocolate Cake/Chocolate Icing Ice Cream Carrot Cake NO You can't change your mind once you scroll down! So think carefully what your choice will be! OK - Now that you've made your choice, this is what research says about you! Angel food - Sweet, loving, cuddly. You love all warm and fuzzy items.. A little nutty at times. Sometimes you need an ice cream cone at the end of the day. Others perceive you as being childlike and immature at times. Brownies - You are adventurous, love new ideas, are a champion of underdogs and a slayer of dragons. When tempers flare up, you whip out your saber. You are always the oddball with a unique sense of humor and direction. You tend to be very loyal. Lemon Meringue - Smooth, sexy, & articulate with your hands, you are anexcellent after-dinner speaker and a good teacher. But don't try to walk and chew gum at the same time. A bit of a diva at times, but you have many friends. Vanilla Cake/Chocolate Icing - Fun-loving, sassy, humorous. Not very grounded in life; very indecisive and lack motivation. Everyone enjoys being around you, but you are a practical joker. Others should be cautious in making you mad. However, you are a friend for life. Strawberry Short Cake - Romantic, warm, loving. You care about other people and can be counted on in a pinch. You tend to melt. You can be overly emotional and annoying at times. Chocolate Cake/Chocolate Icing - Sexy, always ready to give and receive. Very creative, adventurous, ambitious, and passionate. You have a cold exterior but are warm on the inside. Not afraid to take chances. Will not settle for anything average in life. Love to laugh. Ice Cream - You like sports, whether it be baseball, football, basketball or soccer. If you could, you would like to participate, but you enjoy watching sports. You don't like to give up the remote control. You tend to be self-centered and high maintenance. Carrot Cake - You are a very fun loving person, who likes to laugh. You are fun to be with. People like to hang out with you. You are a very warm hearted person and a little quirky at times. You have many loyal friends. 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 do hope you have enjoyed this week's issue which I would like to close with letting you know that Maxine is in the hospital today for day surgery. Do take a moment to email Maxine to say hello! Newspaper Articles Tilbury Times - July/04 The Hastings Reminder Contact Sharon