THE STARS OF WASHINGTON
 
Saturday, April 15th, 2006
 
Easter Eve

The day following Good Friday is the Holy Saturday. This is usually called Easter Eve in Anglican churches, and is held as a traditional time for baptism services.
Presently, this day is primarily a Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, as well as Anglican observance. Roman Catholic churches observe this with the blessing and lighting of a tall Paschal candle. The candle is placed on the altar on the Holy Saturday. While blessing, five grains of incense are fixed in it, representing the five wounds of Jesus and the burial spices with which his body was anointed. The candle is lit and remains on the Gospel side of the altar until Ascension Day. This day comes at the end of forty days which mark the period through which Christ showed himself following the crucifixion. On Ascension Day Christ is believed to have ascended to the heaven.
 
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
 
At this lovely Easter season
of rejoicing and rebirth,
When there's so much joy and beauty
flowering on the earth ...
May you feel God's loving presence
in your heart and in the air,
And may the season bring you
many special joys to share.

 

 
SADNESS
 
    Sadness to report in the passing of B. Joe Minyard , Maple Chapter #218. Joe was a past patron for Kelso #98 four times, Gr. Representative to Okla in Wash. and escort to Loralee Minyard, Past Gr. Adah. 1990-91.  Joe was also a past Master of Kelso Lodge #98. A member of the Kelso Scottish Rite.
    Joe suffered long and hard and is now in a far better place where he can breathe easy and run and ride his pony.  Angel wings carried him to be with his Lord on Sat. April 15th at 2:10 a.m. Joe loved the Masonic Order and the Order of the Eastern Star very much and it was very important to him. His love of the Order shown through.  He leaves his wife, Loralee, two sons, Tim and Dick and a daughter, Janine. Three granddaughters, Joanna, Chelsea and Bethany. Many nieces and nephews.
    Memorial services will be held at the Ryderwood Community Church on Sat. April 22, 2006 at 1:00 p.m.  
In the LORD is all our trust....... 
 

 
CLUE #3 ...
 
  It's time to announce our 3rd new star
  To the center of the state you'll drive your car.
  Find the blossoms that bloom every year
  And yield delicious crops sold far and near.
           See you Tues. April 18th @ 8:00 p.m.
 
** Joanne Clark, AGM   
 

 

APPOINTED GRAND OFFICERS 2006-2007
 
Here is a check off list to fill out as the announcements are made. 
  • Grand Chaplain:
  • Grand Marshal:
  • Grand Organist:
  • Grand Adah:
  • Grand Ruth:
  • Grand Esther:
  • Grand Martha:        Pat Amdahl, Poulsbo Chapter.  Escort:  Ron Amdahl
  • Grand Electa:
  • Grand Warder:      Linda Miller, Mt. Baker Chapter, Mt. Vernon.  Escort:  Steve Doran
  • DI Westside Chairman:
  • DI Eastside Chairman:

 

MESSAGES FROM MY MAIL BOX
 
 

Monday:  Income Tax Day!!!

  Thought for the day:  As income tax time approaches, did you ever notice: When you put the two words "The" and "IRS" together it spells "THEIRS"?
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William Sylvester, JPP, Memorial
    Langley had its yearly installation on March 31.  On April 11 we had our first meeting of the year with a memorial for William Sylvester, Junior Past Patron.  There will be a reception at the Masonic Center, Langley, at 1 pm on Easter Sunday for Bill, with his Masonic Brothers honoring his life.
** Rhoda Conley WM Langley #159
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Website news ...
Hi Connie
    We are putting the announcements of who have been appointed to next years Grand Line on the Washingtonoes.org website as they are announced.  Here is the link:  http://www.washingtonoes.org/Events/2006GrandOfficersAnnouceClues.htm
    We will put in a picture and name as we get them so check often.
** Don Loughmiller
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Chips Dinner at Walter F. Meier
 ... prior to the Stated Meeting of Walter F. Meier Lodge on the 27th of April.  Dinner will begin at 6:30 PM
 
April Fools Dinner
 
Meat loaf in a blanket:    
1 chopped onion                                                                                                    
bacon drippings / olive oil
 
2 cups Mashed Potatoes                                                                    
1-1/2 cups beef ground                                                         
2 eggs                                                      
1/2 cup milk 
                  
Shepherds Pie:                     
1 tbs bacon drippings / olive oil                    
 
2 cups Mashed Potatoes
2 cups turkey gravy     
 
 
All served with Green Salad; Fresh Strawberries; Coffee / Tea / Soda; Wine / Sparkling Cider/ Beer; Salt and Pepper
All Served Family Style
Alcoholic Spirits $2.50 extra
 

 
     Cost of Fools dinner is $5.50
Now for tools to eat with the cost is listed below

Knife:                $  .50
Fork:                 $  .50
Spoon :              $  .50
Coffee Cup:       $  .50
Water Glass:      $  .50
Napkin:              $  .50
Total cost per person:        
$8.50

    The Dinner will be for Masons and their Ladies.  There will be a meeting for the Craft and a Special Program for the for the Ladies in attendance.
 
    This dinner is a fund raiser for the WA-CHIP's Program Washington Child Id Program Sponsored by the Masonic Family

CHIP's Program includes:
  • Dental Bite Sample with Saliva Sample for tracking dogs
  • DNA Swabs for identification
  • 3 to 5 minute Video for visual recognition and Voice recognition
  • Family info and Fingerprint Card
  • Book Provided by the RCMP telling how to recognize if a child has been accosted or approached by a pedophile
  • All given to the Families free of charge and no data is kept
** Vinny DiGuilio
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The Snohomish County Past Matrons and Past Patrons Association

 Cordially invites all Past Matrons, Past Patrons, Worthy Matrons, Worthy Patrons, Associate Matrons & Associate Patrons

 To:  The Spring Meeting of the Snohomish County Past Matrons & Past Patrons Association

Honoring Ann Gates, Worthy Grand Matron and Brian Gross, Worthy Grand Patron,

Of the Grand Chapter of Washington, Order of the Eastern Star.

 On Friday, May 12, 2006 at 11:00 A.M.

Everett Masonic Center

234 Olympic Blvd, Everett, WA

    Lunch will be served at noon hosted by Everett Chapter.

Reservations are required and must be paid in advance.  Tickets are $5.00.  R.S.V.P. by May 3, 2006

   Make check payable to Everett Chapter No. 222 and mail to:

Betty Kissell, Secretary

8907 – 53rd Ave. W

Mukilteo, WA  98275

(425)-347-4103  

Fraternally, 

** Marian Smith, Secretary - Treasurer

- - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
Subject: Mason in the news
     Here's a story out of the Everett Herald about our Bro. Vinnie DiGiulio and the CHIP program he has spearheaded in Washington.  WBro. DiGiulio is a member of St. John's and a Past Master of Ashlar Lodge No. 121.
 
Jim Russell, Secretary
St. John's Lodge No. 9
email: 
stjohns9@seattlemasons.org
web page:  www.seattlemasons.org
** Ted Shrum
- - - -  - - - - - - - - - - -
 
Sadness in Colorado
    Sadness has entered the home of Ed and Judy (PGM) Domenico with the passing of Ed's mother, Annetta A. Domenico.
    Rosary 7:00 PM, Monday, April 17, with viewing from 6 - 7.  Funeral Mass 10:30 AM, Tuesday, April 18. All at St. Louis Catholic Church, 902 Grant Ave., Louisville, CO.  (This information was taken from today's Rocky Mountain News)
    Ed & Judy's address is: 3613 E. Westchester Dr., Chandler, AZ 85249
Fraternally,
** Larry Wullbrandt, PGP, WP-Manzanita 85, Littleton, CO
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
News from Massachusetts
    Sister Nancy Howatt, PGM, underwent surgery on Monday, April 10th for knee replacement...all went well.
    She is expecting to be discharged from NE Baptist hospital on Thursday and transferred to their rehab department for approximately 5 days.
    Please send cards to her home: 36 Rathbun Road, Natick  MA 01760
** Cyber Chat
 
 


APRIL MASONIC FAMILY CALENDAR .
  • April 19 … GL:  Grand Master’s Summit, Salem, OR; 6:00 PM.  TU
  • April 21 … GL:  IOJD Grand Sessions, SeaTac.  Tux

  • April 22 ... OES:  Southwest Washington Association Dinner

  • April 22 ... OES:  Thurston County Past Matrons Brunch, Olympia

  • April 22 … GL:  District 2 Meeting; 6:30 PM.  TU/Ladies

  • April 24 … GL:  EXCOM (Committee Chairs Invited); Des Moines.  TU

  • April 24 … GL:  Landmark on the Sound Trustee Meeting; Des Moines.  TU

  • April 26 ... OES:  Southeast Washington Past Matrons Luncheon, Vineland Chapter, Clarkston.

  • April 26 ... OES:  Inland Empire PM & PP Dinner & Initiation, Spokane.

  • April 28 … GL:  Grand Master Roast, Monroe; 6:30 PM.  Casual/Ladies

  • April 28 ... OES:  King County PM & PP Luncheon, Seattle.

  • April 28 - 30 ... OES:  Leadership Workshop Retreat, Lake Chelan

  • April 29 ... OES:  Reception for Jean Lindberg, Grand Esther, Ephrata. 

  • April 29 … GL:  Regional Workshop, Wenatchee Masonic Center; 9:00 AM.  TU/Ladies

  • April 29 … GL:  Loggers Degree, Port Angeles; 6:00 PM.  Casual

     

OES:  Events with Worthy Grand Matron

GL:  Events with the Grand Master
EKS:  Events with El Katif Shrine, Spokane
TU = Team Uniform - consisting of blue blazer, grey slacks, white or blue Masonic shirt and team tie.

CTU = Casual Team Uniform - blue Masonic tee-shirt, slacks.

 

 

 

 

 
DAUGHTERS OF THE NILE
 
    Please share with all Daughters of the Nile members.  Please pass this on to each and every Daughter of the Nile you know.  This may mean some will get it more than once but so much better that than not getting it at all.  What a wonderful way to show our love for Jana. Ask all of your Past Queens to let the secretary of their particular group know about this so they can send it on to their ladies.  We need the word to get out.     Thanks, Marie Zimmerman
 
Dear Marie,
   Billie had selected three charities for memorials before I did this one today. Our Friends may choose:
  • Susan G. Komen Foundation, 2551 Eastpoint Drive, Lexington, Ky.  40516;
  • The Rock/LaRoca United Methodist Church, 1015 North Limestone Street, Lexington, 40505
  • Daughters of the Nile C.R.F., 13309 West Meeker Blvd., Sun City West, AZ.  85375-3808
         
 OR ... lease pass on the following:
 
   Several of the Members of the Supreme Temple Board of Directors have expressed desire to do something special in Memory of Past Queen/Supreme
Pr. Marshal Jana Davis, daughter of Supreme Queen Billie Davis. It was suggested that perhaps we could do something for the Lexington
Hospital.
   I have talked to PSQ Barbara after she had been to the Shriners Hospital today and conferred with the Hospital Administrator Tony Lewgood. It was decided that we could contribute to sponsoring a summer camp for the children in Memory of Jana. it would be known as "JANA'S CAMP".
   The Hospital Administrator, Supreme Queen Billie, and PSQ Barbara will work together on a brochure for this camp that will be given or
sent to each of the families of the children.
    If you would like to contribute to this Memorial, please make your check payable to Shriners Hospital and send to PSQ Evelyn Petree, 10320
Rio Los Pinos Drive, NW, Albuquerque, NM  17114.
    I am honored to do this for a special lady.
LOVE,
Evelyn Petree
 
     Should anyone ask, this would be tax deductible and the Temples could  save the contribution amounts for their Annual Hospital Requests Reports
next year, either in contribution by Members or contribution by Temple. 
    Marie, I sincerely thank you for getting this out, my time is limited  right now and the next few days will be most difficult!
God Bless,
Barbara
** Nancy Jo Tutino, Past Queen
 
 

 


 

 

 

All I Need to Know About Life I Learned From the Easter Bunny
 
  • Don't put all of your eggs in one basket.
  • Everyone needs a friend who is all ears.
  • There's no such thing as too much candy.
  • All work & no play can make you a basket case.
  • Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day.
  • Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits.
  • Some body parts should be floppy.
  • Keep your paws off other people's jellybeans.
  • Good things come in sm. all sugar coated packages.
  • The grass is always greener in someone else's basket.
  • An Easter bonnet can tame even the wildest hare.
  • To show your true colors you have to come out of your shell.
  • The best things in life are still sweet and gooey.
HAPPY EASTER!!!
** Shared by Glynis Tucker
 
 

 
POPULAR INCOME TAX SCAMS
 
From my Scambuster's newsletter.  ** Lowry May
 
Let's talk about five new popular tax scams:
    1. Who wouldn't jump at a little extra money from the Internal Revenue Service?
    2. Tax Return Preparer Fraud
    3. Zero Wages Tax Scam
    4. Bogus Government Grants for Taxpayers
    5. "Dirty Dozen" Tax Scams for 2006
~~~

1. Who wouldn't jump at a little extra money from the Internal Revenue Service?
    A new phishing tax scam with this Subject line is making the rounds. The email we saw includes a realistic looking (but bogus) IRS logo and falsely tells recipients that they are entitled to a refund of $63.80. The email says: "...after the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity we have determined that you are eligible to receive a tax refund of $63.80."
    The phishing site they are sent to asks for social security numbers, as well as bank info. The purposes are identity theft and financial fraud.
    Action: Never click on these links, delete the email, and recognize the IRS doesn't send tax refund notices via email.
~~~
 
2. Tax Return Preparer Fraud ... Unscrupulous tax preparers add fictitious expenses, false deductions and unallowable credits to a taxpayer's return.
They either file electronically or have the taxpayer sign blank forms.
    The tax preparers then have the refunds returned to them rather than taxpayers, and either keep all the money or a portion of the refunds as their fee.  Taxpayers are then liable for additional taxes, interest and penalties. They are ultimately responsible, since they sign their tax returns under penalty of perjury.
The IRS has recently published a list of warning signs that consumers can use to see whether their tax preparer is committing fraud against them, the IRS or both. The IRS is cracking down on these tax scams. You can find the fact sheet here:
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=153948,00.html
~~~
 
3. Zero Wages Tax Scam: The Zero Wages tax scam is a fairly new taxpayer scam in which the taxpayer attaches an incorrect, substitute W-2 form (Form
4852) or an incorrect "corrected" Form 1099 that shows $0 (or little) wages or 1099 income, along with a statement that the taxpayer is rebutting info submitted to the IRS on the real W-2 or 1099 form.
    The "explanation" often includes that the paying company refused to issue a correct W-2 or 1099 for fear of IRS retaliation.
    Action: We highly recommend you don't do this -- it is simple taxpayer fraud.
~~~
 
4. Bogus Government Grants for Taxpayers ... This telemarketing tax scam involves scammers posing as IRS agents calling potential victims and saying that their "good credit and timely filing of tax returns qualifies them for no-obligation government grants."
    The pitch is that because the taxpayer is such a good citizen, they are going to receive a $10,000 grant from the government that they don't need to repay.
Naturally, the scammer only needs your bank account info to electronically deposit the money. And of course, the grants are for a limited time only, so the taxpayer must act quickly. (Since when does anything to do with government happen quickly?) ;-) 
    Action: Hang up. Don't give your bank info to anyone when they call you on the phone for any reason.
~~~
 
5. "Dirty Dozen" Tax Scams for 2006 ... Each year, the IRS announces its list of the most notorious tax scams. You can find this year's list here:
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=154293,00.html

 


 
The Easter Bunny
By Beth H. Arbogast

     When I was a little girl, every Sunday my family of six would put on their best clothes and go to Sunday School and then church.  The kids in elementary school would all meet together to sing songs, and then later divide into groups based on their ages.
     One Easter Sunday, all the kids arrived with big eyes and big stories about what the Easter Bunny had brought.  While all of the kids shared their stories with delight, one young boy, whom I shall call Bobby, sat sullenly.  One of the teachers, noticing this, said to him, "And what did the Easter Bunny bring you?"  He replied, "My mom locked the door on accident so the Easter Bunny couldn't get inside."
     This sounded like a reasonable idea to all of us kids, so we kept on going with the stories.  My mom knew the true story, though.  Bobby's mom was a single parent, and she suspected that they just couldn't afford the Easter Bunny.
     After Sunday school was over, everyone went off to church.  When my dad came to meet us my mom announced that we were going home instead.  At home, she explained that to make Bobby feel better, we were going to pretend to be the Easter Bunny and make a basket of our goodies for him and leave it at church.  We all donated some of our candies to the basket, and headed back up to church.  There, mom unzipped his coat, hung the basket over the hanger, and zipped up the coat and attached a note.

Dear Bobby,
     I'm sorry I missed your house last night.  Happy Easter.
Love,
The Easter Bunny
** Chicken Soup
 
 

                       
 
BLUE LODGE AGENDAS
 
 

DEER PARK LODGE NO. 134 ... Jerry Gendreau, WM

April 24 ... Third Degree - 6 PM Dinner.  Meeting:  7:30 PM.
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DIAMOND LODGE NO. 83, Black Diamond ... Joe Orlando, WM
 
 
April 15 ... Garage Sale; 9:00 AM. 
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FRANK S. LAND LODGE NO. 313, Des Moines ... Bob Starowski, WM
April 20 ... Ritual Night; MRC; 7:00 PM. 
 - - - - - - - - -
 
NEWPORT LODGE NO. 144 ... L. Ted Shrum, WM
April 20 ... Dinner: 6:00 PM.  Stated Meeting; voting on petition; 7:30 PM. 
- - - - - - - - - -
 
RICMOND-HALLER LODGE No. 248 .... Bill Buterbaugh, WM
April 29 ... Friends Night; Dinner with our Ladies.  Invite a friend and his lady for dinner and a movie. 
 
 
(If you wish to have your Blue Lodge Agenda in this section, please let me know!)

 


 

GRAND LODGE
 
Excerpts from letters of RWB David P. Owen, Grand Secretary
 
    The 149th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, F&AM of Washington, will open Thursday, June 8, 2006, at 8:15 AM in the Ocean Shores Convention Center, 120 W, Chance A La Mer Ave, Ocean Shores.
    FOR MEMBERS OF GRAND LODGE, F&AM of WASHINGTON:  A proxy form for the Master and Wardens should be signed IMMEDIATELY in case you are unable to attend at the last minute.  The Lodge may be represented by proxy by any member of the Lodge; however, please remember than an individual may represent only one Lodge as an officer or proxy.  If the Master or Wardens or a Brother holding a proxy does not register before noon on Friday, the Lodge will not be officially represented.  Please note that proxy forms are being sent directly to the Master and Wardens and a copy to the Secretary.
    Please remember overnight RV parking is not permitted at the hotels or the Convention Center.
    Secretaries will receive a form upon which to list Past Masters who are not currently serving as Master or a Warden and who plan to attend Grand Lodge.  We ask that this form be completed and returned to the Grand Lodge office by May 12. 
    Information on the Fellowship Dinner, Secretaries' Dinner, Delegate Lunches, and the Goose & Gridiron Breakfast will be forthcoming.  There will be one order form for all tickets.  All events will be paid for with one check, made out to the Grand Lodge of Washington.  We will hold all tickets for pickup in Ocean Shores.  Please do not send envelopes for tickets. 
    Registration will open on Wednesday at 9:30 AM.  On Thursday registration will open at 7:30 AM and close at 5:00 PM.  On Friday registration will open at 7:30 AM, but registration for voting and Lodge representation will close promptly at 12 noon on Friday.  The Registration Fee of $20 per delegate will be collected at Registration. 
    FOR GRAND OFFICERS, PAST GRAND MASTERS, DEPUTIES OF THE GRAND MASTER, STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEEMEN:  Please do not register with your Lodge.  If you carry a proxy, turn it in at Table No. 1 at the time you register.  Please remember than an individual may represent only one Lodge as an officer or proxy.  Badges and registration slips are typed and ready for each of you at Table No. 1. 
  
    I will be sending the information on the meals in a later STARS ... as well as information on hotels and RV sites.   LADIES:  The Ladies activities and pre-registration form was in the last STARS ... and that form should be sent to Kay Pursey, 3975 NE Hyak Way, Bremerton 98311.
 
 

 
LOWRY'S HINTS
 
 
HINT 1: Sticky Patio Doors?  If your patio doors tend to stick when you try to open them, vacuum the tracks regularly and coat with a fine layer of sewing machine oil. Or try using an eraser to clean them up and keep them moving smoothly.
                 * * * * * * * * *
HINT 2: Are You tired of your knobs loosening up? Tighten a cabinet or dresser knob by dipping its screw or screws into fingernail polish or shellac and reinserting the knob. When the polish or shellac hardens, the screws will be set.
                 * * * * * * * * *
HINT 3:  Check Your Battery Terminals:   If battery terminals are heavily corroded, the quickest and easiest way to clean them is to pour carbonated soft  
drink over them. It will eat the corrosion away. Baking soda mixed with water will also do the trick.   
                            * * * * * * * * *
HINT 4: Bumper Stickers..   Remove old bumper stickers with lighter fluid. Soak stickers for a few minutes then gently remove with a razor blade
 
 

 
RECIPES
 
Herb-Marinated Lamb

1 (5- to 6-pound) leg of lamb, butterflied
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

TO PREPARE:  Place the leg of lamb in a nonreactive dish.  Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, pepper and thyme in a bowl and mix well. Pour over the lamb, turning to coat.
    Marinate in the refrigerator for 3 to 10 hours, turning occasionally. Drain, reserving the marinade.
    Grill the lamb over hot coals for 40 to 45 minutes or until done to taste, basting with the reserved marinade occasionally. SERVINGS: 12 - 15
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
 
Easter Bunny Rolls
Country Woman 

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
3/4 cup warm milk (110° to 115°)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons shortening
1 egg, beaten
2 teaspoons celery seed
1 teaspoon rubbed sage
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 to 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Melted butter or margarine
 
DIRECTIONS: In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add milk, sugar, shortening, egg, celery seed, sage, salt, nutmeg and 3 cups flour; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic; about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/2 hours. Punch dough down; let rest 10 minutes.
    Divide dough into 24 pieces. For each bunny, roll one piece of dough into an 18-in. rope. Cut rope into one 10-in. piece, one 5-in. piece and three 1-in. pieces. Coil 10-in. piece for body; place on a greased baking sheet. Coil 10-in. piece for body; place on a greased baking sheet. Coil 5-in. piece for head; place next to body. Form ears form two 2-in. pieces; place next to head. Form tail from third 1-in. piece; place next to body. Pinch and seal pieces together. Repeat, placing bunnies 2 in. apart on the baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks. Yield: 2 dozen.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
 
Pudding Easter Eggs

Cook 2 minutes ....
1/2 Cup margarine
1/2 Cup milk
2 small packages of cooked pudding (any flavor you like)
Add:
1# powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
 
    Add: what ever fruit or nuts you like.  When cooled a bit roll into Easter eggs.   Dip the eggs in melted candy melts.
** Dianne Corby AGCCM, "Stars bringing Wishes", Dallas #396, Dallas, PA
- - - - - - - - -
 
Strawberry Amaretto Trifle

1 (12-ounce) round angel food cake
1 quart fresh or frozen strawberries, sliced
1 cup amaretto
3 Tablespoons sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 cup amaretto
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 ounces whipped topping
1/2 cup sliced almonds

TO PREPARE:  Slice the cake horizontally into 3 equal layers. Combine the strawberries, 1 cup liqueur and sugar in a bowl and mix gently. Chill, covered, in the refrigerator.
    Beat the cream cheese and confectioners' sugar in a mixing bowl until creamy. Add 1 cup liqueur and vanilla and beat until blended. Add 8 ounces of the whipped topping gradually and beat at low speed until smooth. Add the remaining 8 ounces whipped topping and beat until smooth.
    Arrange 1 layer of the cake in the bottom of a round trifle dish. Spoon 1/3 of the strawberry mixture over the cake, allowing the juice to soak into the cake. Spread with 1/3 of the cream cheese mixture. Layer the prepared layers with the remaining cake layers, remaining strawberry mixture and remaining cream cheese mixture 1/2 at a time. Sprinkle with the almonds. Chill, covered, until serving time.
    Seasonal fruits such as mangoes, kiwi fruit, blueberries and raspberries may be substituted for the strawberries, or a combination of the fruits may be used for additional color. SERVES:  6 - 8

 
 
HELOISE
 
  • For a Relaxing Bath:  Put one-half cup of herbs like rosemary, mint, chamomile, rose petals or lavender into a net bag and dip into the water for a relaxing herbal bath. 
  • To Clean Up Spilled Gravy on a Tablecloth:  Spoon it up as fast as you can. Sprinkle artificial sweetener or flour over the stained area. Put the tablecloth into a sink and soak in a mixture of one teaspoon of a mild, colorless detergent with each cup of lukewarm water. Then wash. 
  • When You Fry, Sauté or Boil Foods That Stink:  Cabbage, broccoli and fish can smell up a kitchen. Turn on the fan above the stove and set out a small bowl of household vinegar on the counter next to the stove to absorb smells. 
  • Coffee Burned on the Bottom of the Pot?  Pour table salt, along with a little hot water, into the pot and allow to stand for several minutes. The burned crust should come loose and you can then wash the pot as you usually do


 

 

SOME JOKES

 

    Mrs. Goldberg was shopping at a produce stand in her neighborhood. She approached the vendor and asked, "How much are these oranges?"
    "Two for a quarter," answered the vendor. 
    "How much is just one?" she asked. 
    "Fifteen cents," answered the vendor. 
    "Then I'll take the other one," said Mrs. Goldberg.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
    The orthopedic surgeon I work for was moving to a new office, and his staff was helping transport many of the items. I sat the display skeleton in the front of my car, his bony arm across the back of my seat. 
    I hadn't considered the drive across town. At one traffic light, the stares of the people in the car beside me became obvious, and I looked across and explained, "I'm delivering him to my doctor's office." 
    The other driver leaned out of his window. "I hate to tell you, lady," he said, "but I think it's too late!"
- - - - - - - - - - -
 
    The man said to the dentist, "Doctor, I'm in one heck of a big hurry!  I have two buddies sitting out in my car waiting for us to go play golf.  So forget about the anesthetic and just pull the tooth and be done with it -- I don't have time to wait for the anesthetic to work!"
    The dentist thought to himself, "My goodness--this sure is a very brave man, asking me to pull his tooth without using anything to kill the pain."
    So the dentist asked him, "Which tooth is it, sir?" 
    The man turned to his wife and said, "Quick, Honey, open your mouth, and show the doctor which tooth hurts."
 

 
AND A WORD FROM YOURS TRULY ...
 

    Our daughter called several weeks ago and wanted to know if she could come visit with her family and 'bond'!  I asked when ... and she said EASTER.  So guess what I am doing?  That's right!  Cleaning house and cooking for Teresa, Dale, Sasha, Kerina & Chelsea.  But isn't that what being parents are all about?  Makes me feel special!  So our dinner of lamb, ham, rice pilaf, and plenty of dinner rolls is planned!  Ted wants shrimp cocktail and deviled eggs.  That should work.  Granddaughter number 2 wants an Easter egg hunt!  Daughter wants 'heavenly hash' salad that my mother always made for Easter so she is bringing that!  Then figure out something for a veggie (fresh asparagus), salad and dessert!  Should be something from all the food groups!  I found an easy recipe for a cheesecake but have misplaced it!  So am making a carrot cake that has 120 calories.  Wonder if it is a misprint.  If it is good, I'll share.

    Ted and I want to wish you all a wonderful Easter.  We wish for you and your families the joy of peace, the knowledge of Salvation, and the happiness of those things that are so important to you, like your God, your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions -- things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
    Star hugs and happy thoughts.  AND REMEMBER:  Friends are always there to pray for you, to comfort you, to share your sorrow, and to celebrate your success!
** Connie
 


 

 
    Remember to send me your Ode Cards when finished! 
    Thanks to the following members for their Ode Cards:
    WM Lynette Zierden, Grand Coulee Dam Chapter, Coulee Dam
 
 
Remember! Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
 
Star hugs and God Bless America! 
Connie
 

 
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Connie Shrum, PM,
Conductress, Zillah Chapter #111, Newport, WA
Martha, Bethlehem Chapter #87, Deer Park, WA
GGC Triennium Committee - Eastern Star Journal
GC 2006 Session - Registration Co-Chairman
 
Email:  starsofwa@washingtonoes.org  
Creator & Editor:  'Stars of Washington'   Newsletter
 
 
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