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(I wish I was there to enjoy a cup with you) and be prepared to sit a while as this may take some time! I hope you enjoy my memories of this journey of a lifetime!
were via special and memorable "scenic" routes so it is no surprise that the chariot travelled well in excess of 3,000 kms (1,864 miles). Words can not express our gratitude to Pat & Garnet for their huge contribution to the success of the reunion.
and in the United States of America they have a chocolate bar called the whachamacallit 
. Its a long story but a good one. Will have to talk more on this one day soon.
It is impossible to thank the The Duquette Family 
enough for opening their home and their hearts to us and for allowing our dream of a reunion to become a reality. Marie, Garnet & Patsi are very special people. Meeting them and other members of their family and their wonderful friends was something that all of us attending the reunion will talk about forever.
I guess I better started with my tale before you nod off, good time to refill your coffee cup. Thought you might like to see a mugshot of me
surrounded by the blooms of a Rose of Sharon bush at Ruth & George's home in Michigan, but hold on, I jumped ahead of myself.
Our adventure began Tuesday, July 13th when Kendra and I hopped on a little seaplane and experienced magic in the air as we took the 25 minute trip across Georgia Strait from our Island in the Pacific to Vancouver. We shared this four seater plane with a friend of mine from Nanaimo (pronounced Nah - N eye - mo), Peggy Hoult and her daughter, Maggie, who were also heading to a reunion in Ontario. Kendra got to sit in the front seat, right next to the pilot, and the flight over was absolutely spectacular. Clear skies and the little Beaver aircraft did not fly at a very high altitude so you got to see all the activities that take place on the ocean between our Paradise Island and the Mainland. If we weren't so busy chatting I am sure we could of seen whales or a sea lion or two amongst the sailboats, motor boats and ferries.
Peggy and Maggie shared a cab with us over to the Vancouver International Airport but that is where we parted company as they were flying Jazz and our 3,175 km (1,973 mile) journey was on West Jet.
We changed planes in Calgary enroute to Windsor. The Calgary Stampede was happening and staff at the airport were all wearing jeans and cowboys hats. The excitement of the Stampede was contagious but our schedule was extremly tight. The brief encounter we had was fun and it was so nice to experience such a large number of people with such strong civic pride. Everything was so relaxed. Perfect way to start the third leg of our journey. Our plane to Windsor was already patiently waiting for us "West Coast People" to get onboard. 
The flight to Calgary from Vancouver was about 1 hour and the flight to Windsor took about 3 hours. As we soared high above the clouds our thoughts turned to adventures ahead. The flight was lovely and delayed ever so slightly because of turbulence caused by thunderstorms. We were not worried though because I was carrying an angel that came special delivery from Argentina. I recall the pilot mentioning that we were circling Chicago waiting for the storm to let up and wondered somewhat if he had taken the wrong turn somewhere in the heavens. 
We did land at an airport and briefly after stepping off the plane we heard a scream and soon we were surrounded by some of the most wonderful people you could ever want to meet: whew the pilot did land at the right place! There was Patsi and Marie; Maxine, Michele and two of Michele's daughters. We had successfully landed in Windsor and it was the strangest thing; the closest thing to magic that I will ever experience again. I am not sure why but I felt instantly like we were family. Seemed like we we returning from some grand adventure in some far off place. It was so very odd and so very nice all at the same time. All the anxieties Kendra and myself would never admit to having all of a sudden instantly disappeared. When we left the airport we were not even charged for parking. What a great "omen" to start of the COF Adventures! Patsi was driving Maxine's van and wouldn't you know the strangest thing happened....somehow as if by magic it turned into 
before heading off to Tilbury! YIPPEEEE This was to be the first of many visits to Timmies in the days to follow. For those of you who are not familiar with Tim Hortons, ask any Canadian about it or you could talk to Karen, aka Taz from Indiana -- she has a Canadian Friend (who is now I might add a member of our Circle of Friends) who sends her Timmy's coffee on a regular basis; Taz is a very lucky lady I would say). Again I get off track, not sure about this book I plan to write!
Continuing on, we said a brief farewell to Michele and her girls and headed to a lovely white home on Pere Street in Tilbury to meet up with Marie's Garnet and Maxine's George. Maxine and George camped at Marie's throughout most of the reunion and they were such a great help. Everyone was so good, so helpful, so accommodating and so kind.
Kendra and I enjoyed a lovely visit with everyone and were happy to meet Marie's daughter Sue and her son, Johnny who were also spending the night. The Duquette home is one of those homes that welcomes all. The foundation of their home is love.
Eventually we did retire to Marie's fifth wheel trailer but we did not go straight to sleep as we had thought we would. Mother Nature had other ideas and she decided to put on a spectacular light show for us. A thunderstorm entertained us for hours and was absolutely thrilling. Kendra and I were so scared at times we could not help but giggle; as if that would help anything. One thing I must confess to is that it was a good thing we had just met the Duquette Family; if we had known them any better we might of been crawling into bed with them, lol.
Have you heard of those Italian Charm Bracelets? Patsi gave me one and this started quite a collection amongst those of us attending the reunion. Each and every day we happily searched for charms to add to each others bracelets. So much fun was had by all that we have started a WWWCOF Friendship Bracelet Club so we can continue to exchange charms. If you want to join just be sure to let Marie know. The bracelets can be purchased at most dollar stores and the charms can be purchased for $2 to $4 -- some are more expensive (just be sure to shop around; which is the fun part anyway). If you can not find either where you live let Marie know and she can get them to you!
The next day we went to a delightful Farmer's Market in Chatham (Garnet, Marie, Maxine, George, Kendra and myself). The place was alive with vendors selling all sorts of treasures (jewellry, clothing, toys, furniture, etc.), fresh fruit and produce, home baked and canned goods and we met more of Marie & Garnet's friends. On the way there we drove past some farmers fields -- some huge corn fields and fields of soybeans, wheat etc. Truely a vision of lovliness. Made my attempt at gardening seem somewhat inadequate however I could not help but wonder how my garden was doing.
Later in the day the Reunion Chariot made its inaugral appearance in Tilbury with its precious cargo --- Pat and her grandson Drew from Niagara Falls and St. Catherines respectively and Claudia and her grand-daughter Chelsea from the United States of America who journeyed 743 km or 462 miles. It was at the exact moment of that meeting that we realized we really had brought this dream to reality. WE REALLY DID IT. In the months leading up to the reunion it was impossible to imagine what it was going to be like - most of us meeting for the very first time and spending time together and then all of a sudden WE WERE TOGETHER......we laughed together, cried together and ate & slept together; what marvelous adventures we had! This was the first time I broke down and cried like a baby....all of a sudden I was completely overwhelmed!
On the 15th of July we jumped in the chariot and made our way across the Detroit River into the United States of America to meet Daphne 
. At the airport we made quite the scene with our red shirts and Canada Hats. After all we wanted to be sure Daphne would not miss us when she arrived! What fun we had! When we got back to Marie's we dined on Kentucky Fried Chicken; Daphne's first taste of Fast Food in Canada!
and we got our first look at 
the banner that the girls from Argentina did for us.
On Friday morning, Daphne and I went on a walking tour of Tilbury with Patsi as our guide. Our Patsi is in the wrong profession, she gives wonderful tours! We had to rush because we had to be at the Legion in Tilbury at noon as they kindly hosted a wonderful lunch for us 
Liz was waiting for us at the Legion and so was a reporter for the Tilbury Times who did a front (and back) page article in the newspaper all about the World Wide Web Circle of Friends.
Just in case I do not mention this later in my story you must ask Liz how little time it took her to drive to Tilbury!
I was honoured to be presented with a beautiful bracelet 
. I understand that this was possible because of the generosity of the WWWCOF members and I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you. I will treasure this bracelet forever.
The day ended with a wonderful Chinese feast. We were surrounded by many new friends and the food was great! 
Saturday was a day filled to the brim with activities. In the morning we enjoyed a very memorable visit to the Underground Railway Museum. Patsi and I had our boxing match -- she lost!! but she must of been tired from work because she went out for the count which must leave me to be the uncontested champion! Just name the time and place for any re-match my dear Patsi... Paradise Island would be a great choice of locations.
A buffet dinner fit for royalty was served. We succeeded in pulling of a surprise birthday party for Chelsea. We played games, held contests, the atmosphere was definately Christmas in July -- so many presents! Such a good time was shared with friends and family members. Totally unbelievable really. We even built our own Pinata with lots of help from Daphne.
Sunday rolled around and Claudia did a short service. So much to be so grateful for. Awards were given to Marie and Garnet for hosting this fantastic reunion and one for our Chauffeur Extraordinaire, Pat, aka Bigsis for service over and beyond the call of duty.
Liz had to leave us on Sunday and how sad it was to say goodbye. Amazing how quickly bonds form -- saying hello for the first time brings tears but not so sad a tear as saying goodbye.
Soon after Liz's departure, we loaded the chariot to capacity and headed down to Niagara Falls to enjoy a BBQ that Pat's husband Darryl worked so hard to prepare for us. After meeting two of Pat's daughters (Billie, who is a member and Drew's mum) and their families some of us wandered down to the Falls to see the fireworks. What a thing of beauty. Luckily Garnet came with us and he was amazing....he managed to keep track of all of us and not one us snuck off to try to plunge over the falls in a barrel!!! I know he was watching over us very carefully and thank you Garnet so much for that!
Now here is the good part in Niagara Falls, we all slept in one Hotel Suite and there were almost enough beds luckily for us Drew graciously slept on the floor. How is that for "up close and personal" especially seeing as how there was only one bathroom! Did I mention something that Drew said during our adventure? He said something along the lines that he had a goal in life (hopefully I got this somewhat right Drew) to make at least one person happy every day, to get a smile or a laugh. How special is that for a young teen? I was so very happy to have had the pleasure of meeting the young people who joined us! Anyway, I do get off track don't I?
The hotel in the Falls provided a free breakfast and on Monday after we leisurely enjoyed it we headed off as toursts to see where best to spend the money that was burning a hole in our pockets. My girl Kendra had one wish while in Niagara Falls and that was to go the the Ripley's Believe It Or Not 4-D Moving Theatre and happily we managed to make that a reality. YYYYIIIIPPPPPEEEE!!
.
Patsi, Drew, Chelsea, Kendra and Daphne went on The Maid of the Mist trip, something I understand they will never forget!
All good things once again must come to an end so Pat pointed the Chariot back in the direction of Tilbury so e could catch a couple of hours of shut eye before heading off to 
Indiana.
We did not drive the highways but instead took a leisurely pace into Indianna; we drove the back roads where we enjoyed the beauty of vegetable gardens and freshly baked goods for sale at the roadsides. I must admit that seeing the laundry blowing in the gentle breezes and seeing the children playing in the yards made me homesick. To be truthful I got homesick as soon as we crossed the border but I guess that, once again, will be yet another story.
We did not have the opportunity to experience a horse drawn buggy ride in Indiana but did see many Amish families going about their business using this mode of transportation and if we had not been talking so much I am sure we would of heard the rhythm of their horses' hooves hitting the pavement as we drove past them. This vision was however comprimised with seeing a young Amish Woman riding up to an ATM machine! (at least she was riding a bicycle) Interesting but sad!
We experienced the traditional Amish homecooking at supper 
with more friends as we met up with 
Lois and Bruce from North Carolina and Karen, aka Taz, and Floyd 
who live in Elkhark not far from the Das Dutchman Essenhaus. Lots of memories........we ordered a whole peanut butter pie (this was special for Daphne-this pie is peanut butter blended with confectioners sugar and layered with vanilla custard pudding topped with whipped cream and more peanut butter crumbs -- does it get any better than this?) and if this was not enough we surprised Lois with a belated birthday cake which I do not think I had a piece of........where did that cake disappear to?
After dinner we enjoyed the most wonderful visit at Karen, aka Taz and Floyd's home. Floyd entertained us forever with his stories and we were utterly amazed with Taz's collection of dolls and angels. Do you know that they keep nothing in their home unless it has a sentimental memory. I am so happy to say that the Maple Leaf Table Cloth (chicken scratch - ask me about it!) is still there. We could of spent weeks with Taz and Floyd but alas time once again was short and sadly we had to say farewell to our friends from Indiana. Taz wears beautiful rings on most every finger. I had never seen that before. I am going to hop ahead just a wee bit now. Ruth also wears rings...........just one more connection!
Lois and Bruce were staying at the same hotel as us in Indiana (this time those who had circled their wagons had three separate rooms, so we had three bathrooms, yippppppeeeee) so we got to spend a little more time with them; but no where near long enough though. A light breakfast was shared together and sadly the day began with farewells to this wonderful couple. Thank you Lois and Bruce. Kendra will never forget you.
This part of the trip meant so very much to me as I have been online friends with Lois and Taz for so long.
Then it was off to Shipshewana and the Midwest's largest outdoor flea market where more than 1,000 vendors set up shop on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. My oh my oh my oh my. I have never seen anything like it. I have never been anywhere like this. It is so peaceful, very family oriented and there is something for everyone, regardless of age. If I ever have the opportunity to go there again, and I hope I do, it will be in my own vehicle (towing a large trailer for transporting my purchases).
I did locate a merchant who sold long dresses with pockets (something I am always on the look out for) and I bought a few for our eldest daughter Yvonne for the dog shows.
I also found a Shipshewana Charm for my Italian charm bracelet that I mentioned earlier but I had to practise restraint here as I knew I had things to pick up in Michigan at Ruth & George's and Chariot space was definately becomming as big as issue as time for us.
I did somehow end up with this recipe that perhaps you might like to have:
Vegetable Pizza
Crust:
2 eggs
1 1/4 cups shortening
3/4 cups milk
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 3/4 cups flour
Filling:
8 oz. cream cheese - softened
1 3/4 cups salad dressing
1 pkg ranch dressing mix
Crust makes enough for a large 9 x 13 rectangular size pizza.
Bake until lightly browned.
Allow crust to cool. Spread with filling. Top with chopped broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and shredded cheese.
Heat until cheese is melted
Our next destination was the home of Ruth and George but before we left Indianna we stopped in at Yoder's Shopping Centre to pick up a jar of Unker's. Now this jar of magical pain relief is supposedly good for arthritis pain, sore joints and muscles, coughs, sore throats, sinus trouble, bruises, blisters, minor burns, insect bites and dry or chapped hands and feet. It smells an lot like the original Absorbine -- you know the full strength kind that was used on horses! All I can tell you is that it is great ! Have to take a trip back to Yoder's! Not just for Unkers either....there was a fantastic looking fabric store that I would of loved to have walked through. Probably just as well that awful four letter word "time" was not on our side!!!
Michigan is a wonderful state!
By the time we reached Michigan we had been through a lot. My wish would of been to be with alone with Ruth but that was not going to happen (I do sincerely owe you Ruth) but luckily George and I toured their garden and speaking of works of art -- this garden is a masterpiece.
We enjoyed a lovely supper ... we met Aunt Veda, Derek and his father Mike. Just like Christmas again with gifts being exchanged. Another birthday celebration -- this time for our Claudia. The cake was beautiful and enjoyed by all! We spent the night with the Hokanson family and after a late breakfast we were back on the road heading for the Great White North.
Friday rolls around with yet more farewells. We sadly watch the chariot roll out of the driveway with Pat, Drew, Claudia and Chelsea. We needed a bit of a lift so Patsi who luckily had the day off work took us for a drive about her corner of the globe. The day ended perfectly with a trip to Lighthouse Cove on Lake St. Clair in the County of Essex to watch a perfect sunset. The smallest lake in the Great Lakes system, Lake St. Clair is not considered to be one of the "Great" lakes but I can tell you that it looked pretty darned great from where we stood on shore gazing out at its breathtaking views. The beautiful stone lighthouse built in the late 1800s (replaced the original structure that was burned down during the War of 1812) stands an impressive 60 ft. in height and is the second-oldest lighthouse on the Great Lake system.
My last day in Ontario was wonderful. Tilbury had a town wide garage sale and you have never been to a garage sale unless you have been with Marie. She is the Queen of Garage Sales!! I bought two pairs of Levi Jeans for 25 cents each -- can you believe that!
Saturday afternoon Daphne, Kendra and I went to a jamboree with Marie, Garnet, Maxine and George and it was absolutely fantastic! People 
danced ( Maxine and George do a really fancy two step), people sang 
and people played musical instruments 
. Once again we met so many kind and friendly people. I should of run around with a little book to collect all their names but one in particular that I remember is Cliff. He was so funny and so nice. Would really like to have all of my many new friends on my Christmas Card list this year. Marie has promised to send me some of their names and addresses and I hope I do not leave anyone off this so very special Christmas list.
We missed seeing a lot of things but TIME was against us all the way. The most important thing was that we actually took TIME to meet each other. I will never forget this reunion -- I am so thankful to have taken the opportunity to go and to meet so many wonderful people. I want to thank each and everyone of you for your hospitality, your kindness and your friendship. I LOVE EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!
Please read the following newspaper articles published regaring Reunion 2004:
and
Michigan (soon to be online, sorry, I have not received it yet but I will add it as soon as possible)
I've a warm and friendly feeling
As I think of you today,
And I wish that we could visit,
But you're many miles away.
Separated by such distance,
Yet your letters bring you near,
Through the miles we share a friendship
That's become to me most dear.
Friends through correspondence only,
Still your face I need not see,
For your soul shines through the pages
Every time you write to me!
Your special way of writing,
Warming as the sunshine rays,
Brings joy and inspiration,
And brightens up my days.
You've enriched my life, my dear friend,
And I hope God wills we meet,
Friendship's Road is so much nicer
Traveling with one so sweet!
submitted by Vicki
My philosophy of life and my advice to others is simple:
-
“Treat people as you would like to be treated.
-
Never think you have to go it alone. Reach out - there will be others ready, willing and able to help.
-
Always be proud of yourself.
-
Support your family and your friends.
-
Always be willing to experience new things. Nothing ventured is nothing gained or so I have always been told.
-
Give anything you try your very best effort.
-
Try to focus on the positive and have a lot of fun with life!!!
-
And remember that smiling is infectious “
Respect for self;
Respect for others; and
Responsibility for all your actions
We would love to welcome you to join our Circle of Friends
The mandate of the WWWCOF is to achieve a community where there would be an unconditional and unbiased display of hands held in friendship and fellowship across all borders of the world....an online unification of peoples of all nations and all backgrounds.
The WWWCOF site is a family Rated “G” site and it serves as a platform where stories, knowledge, support and fun can be shared. It is a place to have fun, to join hands, to share a bond of affection, forged by common life experiences and to express genuine enthusiasm for wherever life takes us next. It is a place to come together and support each other.
Membership is free, however you must agree with the following three qualifications for membership:
(1) You hereby agree to be prepared to meet new friends and to have lots of fun!
(2) You join the Circle of Friends to make friends and become a friend.
(3) You promise to always be sensitive to the feelings of others and to be a caring and sharing member.
To become a member simply take a moment to complete the membership form, please only fill in as much information as you feel comfortable with: http://members.shaw.ca/sharongreene/memberform.html
We are a TEAM and are all well aware that there is no “I” in team;
and we have a saying -
"What is difficult we carry out immediately...the impossible might take a little longer."
People who don't have dreams don't have much! Hang on to your dreams as they are the windows to your soul.
Don't believe all you hear,
spend all you have
or sleep all you want.
The Circle's motto, which depicts my goals for the Worldwide Circle of Friends is:
“A ball is a circle. No beginning, no end.
It keeps us together, like our Circle of Friends;
but, the treasure inside, for you to see
is the treasure of friendship you've granted to me.
Today I pass the friendship ball to you. Pass it on to someone who is a friend to you.”
To join the Worldwide Circle of Friends, click here.
We are the Circle of Friends, made from a chain,
A chain of cable and wire without an end.
There's lots to do and plenty of friends to meet in the Worldwide Circle of Friends! We have people from all over the world who meet, chat and share experiences.
Find out more about us in the site, look at the Message Board and then be sure to join in!
Thank you for reading my story about the World Wide Web Circle of Friends Reunion which was held July, 2004 in Tilbury, Ontario.
I am so proud to be the founder of the Worldwide Circle of Friends and I look forward to its future and growth
What did I do today?
I sat in my room and talked to my friends!
And this is where my day begins
We talked about crafting, recipes too,
About how were happy, sad or feeling blue
We give each other hugs, we smile and we cry
Show our photos of family here and gone by
We answer questions on this and on that
And it doesn’t matter where each of us sat
For were all in the same room
Huddled together
And for this we’ll remain friends forever
So when your alone wondering what you can do
Come to our room, meet friends like me and you
The WWWCOF are waiting, come join us we say
Then you too can answer What did I do today?
~~written by Pat Broatch & dedicated to the WWWCOF~~
A Friend of Many
On the web I met this lady the other day
I have a few things I would like to say,
One day she had an idea,
She decided to make it her career.
Why not form a club
And spread the word of love
Comfort, and thoughts to share,
Showering manna from above.
To tell everyone they need to care,
The "Circle of Friends" was its name.
Oh No, It was not for fortune or fame,
But to let everyone know she cares.
Their troubles she will help bear,
So friends out there, let her know
If you want to make the club grow.
Thank you Sharon for all you've done,
And all the friends you have won.
One of the friends; hms
Harvey M. Skaines
Copyright ©2004 Harvey M. Skaines
Copyright ©2004
Friends
It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy.
All that
re-fixing, reheating, renewing,
I wanted just once to be wasteful.
Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there'd
always be more.
But then my best friend died, and on that clear summer's night, in
the warmth of the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning
that
sometimes what has always been there won't be there forever.
Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes
away...never to return.
So...while we have it...it's best we love it.....
and care for it .....and fix it when it's broken
and heal it when it's sick....
and forgive when we've been hurt.
This is true.....for marriage....
and old cars.....
and children with
bad report cards.....
and dogs with bad hips.....
and aging parents.....
and grandparents.
We keep them because they are worth it,
because we are worth it.
Some things we keep.
Like that best
friend that moved away --
or -- a classmate we grew up with.
There are just some things that make life important, like people we know
who are special....and so, we keep them close!
Then there are people we have never met in person but we know them
through our hearts, "Like our World Wide Web Circle of Friends"
So we share our feelings and needs and laughter and jokes right from the
start.
Somehow we know these will be a very "Special Kind Of Friend." Some we
have many things in common with and some we don't. But no matter what
may come with each sunrise or sunset, we can click on to someone who
cares.
I Care Char
Charla Linder Simmons
Copyright ©2004