WOW! This marks the beginning of my seventh year of corresponding with all of you! I hope that it has been as enjoyable for you as it has for me. I am thankful for your patience ... as there are sometimes when I must do other things than computer-work! Like clean out the sink, find the floor in the laundry room, EAT other things besides junk, travel hither and yon ... you get the drift! But I have made tons of friends thru this newsletter ... and feel as if each of you truly is my sister or my brother. So with all that ... let's just plunge into Issue 1 of the 7th year! And hopefully it will print correctly and the entire font remains at 10! So here goes ... it will be short and sweet ... just the way you like them, hum? Saves on paper!
Sent: Sunday, December 31, 2006 9:16 PM
This is not a joke... If you can pass, you can safely turn on your ignition key again and cancel your annual eye examination...
Can you find
the "C" ??? (Good exercise for the eyes!)
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Once you've found the C..........
Find the 6!
9999999999999999999999999999999999
9999999999999999999999999999999999
9999999999999999999999999999999999
9999999999999999999999999999999999
9999999999999999999999999999999999
9999999999999999999999999999999999
9999699999999999999999999999999999
9999999999999999999999999999999999
9999999999999999999999999999999999
9999999999999999999999999999999999
9999999999999999999999999999999999
9999999999999999999999999999999999
Once you've found the 6...
Find the N! (it's hard!!)
MMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMNMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMM
Once you've found the N... make a wish!
OK, now that you've made a wish, it will come true.....all you have to do is
send this on saying, "Can you find the C?"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hogmanay ...
In Scotland, all the Scots' love of dancing, music, mischievous merry-making and, of course, whisky drinking, come together in the biggest party of the year - Hogmanay (New Year's Eve to the rest of us).
Consider the tremendous influence of Scottish traditions on our own New Year's Eve celebrations - what song do we all sing? Auld Lang Syne, naturally. What list do we all make on January 1? Our New Year's resolutions, a tradition invented by the Scots (yes, really). Why are guests told to BYOB? Because the Scots have a custom called "first footing" which consists of a handsome young man (we wish) being the first to cross our threshold as soon as the "bells ring" at midnight, bearing gifts of bread or meat (food for the new year), coal (warmth for the new year), and, what else? Whisky - drink for the new year and by far the most important and consistently unforgotten contribution.
History of Hogmanay in Scotland
How did it come about that the Scots celebrate New Year's so much more heartily than Christmas? During the middle ages, Scotland celebrated a merry Christmas just as cheerfully, piously and faithfully as the other Celtic countries - a wonderful combination of celebrating the "Christ's Mass" in the Catholic tradition combined with Celtic customs and traditions that are familiar to us through celebrations in England and Ireland.
For instance, the Scots decorated their homes with mistletoe and juniper, created and performed comic skits (mumming), prepared and ate special foods, and carefully selected and prepared a Yule log (a tradition the Scots still maintain and Christmas itself is still often called "Yule" in Scotland).
Unfortunately, in the late 1500s, the Scottish Reformation took a strong stand against pagan (eg, Catholic) celebrations and abolished Christmas. They abolished it for four hundred years - no kidding. Christmas was not a day off work for most Scots until almost 1960. This is not to say the Scots didn't celebrate Christmas; it was just a private, family holiday without much ado.
But this went very much against Scots nature. The Scots like to party. They like to have fun. So in the early 1600s, they changed the date of New Year's from March 25 to January 1 and began celebrating Hogmanay.
As the original midwinter celebrations were based on the fire rituals of pagan times (the Yule log is an example), and as many Scots remained Catholic, especially in the Highlands, the resourceful Scots simply transferred the bulk of their Christmas celebrations to New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Throughout Scotland today, Hogmanay is a two-day holiday (no work on January 1 or 2) filled with all kinds of festivals, parties, bonfires and, now, fireworks. Edinburgh's Hogmanay Festival lasts for days and includes one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the world. In many parts of Scotland, a midnight mass is still celebrated on New Year's Eve.
** Cyber Chat
GRAND REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENTS
(Let’s fill in the empty spaces of those that have either expired as of 12/31/2006 and 1/1/2007 … hopefully, I have them all!)
Alberta
British Columbia
Connecticut
Florida
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
New Brunswick
New Hampshire
North Carolina
Ontario
Sao Paulo
Saskatchewan
Regional Workshop in Everett scheduled for January 20th, 2007
For many throughout the jurisdiction, the regional workshops are the prime opportunity to gain knowledge, share experience and renew enthusiasm. The different topics offered run the full course of elementary and fundamental basics for the candidate or new Mason to providing training and tools for long range planning for your Lodge. Each session is a chance to share and learn about events, activities and training that other Lodges have used to grow membership and attendance, gain public exposure and benefit the membership. With rare exception, everyone leaves the workshops with a revitalized sense of dedication and purpose on a personal and Lodge level. In short, the regional workshops are positive experiences at every level for all that attend.
Your NEXT opportunity to do just that is at the Masonic Regional Workshop, January 20th , 2007 at the Everett Masonic Center. That address is 234 Olympic Blvd, Everett, WA 98205. Registration is between 8-9 am. Pre-registration is $10, which includes lunch and materials. Pre-register (with the names attending) by e-mail to WORKSHOP@EverettMasonicCenter.com. Registration at the door is $12. If you have questions or need more information you may E-mail to the same address or call Grand Lodge.
The day opens with a presentation from Landmark on the Sound (Masonic Retirement Center) to bring everyone up to date on the activities and plans of the facility. The day ends with an open round table discussion with the Grand Master.
Work sessions include Mentoring, Long Range Planning, FreeMasonry101 and more. These sessions are specifically targeted for the Brother who is concerned and caring about their Lodge, now and in the future. That includes candidates, new masons, officers and Past Masters. Ladies; there are sessions of particular interest to you. The Freemasons Apron, The Lodge Officers (and their Ladies), and Communications – In and Out of the Lodge. And for the Ladies only, there is a special surprise after lunch.
Past assessments and surveys have shown that all attending benefit, so bring a Brother, encourage your Lodge to attend. It will be a time to share and explore the knowledge of like minded Brethren around the State.
** Sam Roberts, Leadership Training Committee, F&AM of Washington
First Degree Planned ...
Brethren,
As our RW Grand Secretary is famous for saying "isn't a Great day to be a Mason" and along those lines start your Masonic year off by attending a 1st Degree at North Hill 210.
Said degree will be conferred Friday, January 5, 2007. Lodge will open at 7:00 pm
Hope to see you at the North Hill Masonic Center, 706 W. Garland Ave. ("Home of the RED BOW TIE Lodge")
** Fraternally, John Wyman, Secretary
- - - - - - - - - - -
READY FOR MY LAST DEGREE
An
old man lay sick in the Masonic Home.
His face was as wan as the white sea foam.
His eyes were dim, his hair was gray.
His back was bent with the trials of the way.
He faltering spoke, but I heard him say,
I'm ready for my last degree.
I've come to the end of the level time
That leads us all to the Grand Lodge sublime
From whose borne none ever return.
More light in Masonry there I shall learn
By an Alter where light shall evermore shine.
I'm ready for my last degree.
With the Apprentice's gauge, I've divided my time
Into three equal parts since life's early prime.
And this I have found amidst life's turmoil.
My wages are due me, in Corn, Wine and Oil.
I'm ready for my last degree.
Each day from life's quarries, I've hewn a stone,
With the gavel I've shaped them, each one alone.
And shipped them along beyond that bright stand,
To build me a house in that great better land.
A spiritual house not made with hands.
I'm ready for my last degree.
I've squared each stone by the virtue square,
And plumbed them all true, as I shipped them there.
With the compass I've measured the Master's designs
And kept within due bounds, with his points and his signs.
My blue prints are folded; I've answered his signs.
I'm ready for my last degree.
The Mortar I've made, from friendship and love,
To be spread with the Master's trowel up above.
My apron is worn, but its surface is white.
My working tools now will be cold and quiet.
My Trestle Board's bare, and I'm going tonight.
I'm ready for my last degree.
A few moments later, the old man was dead.
And I fancy that I could see his soul as it fled,
Upward and onward, to the great door,
Where he gave an alarm, and a voice did implore.
The old man gave his answer with these words once more,
I'm ready for my last degree.
That night in a lodge, free from all strife and storm,
He took that degree his last in due form.
So may I live like he did; to build day by day,
A spiritual house, in that land for away.
So I, when I meet my Grand Master I can say,
I'm ready for my last degree. … Author Unknown
** Shared by Howie Wynia
- - - - - - - - - - -
A true story ...
On Thursday, On December 14, 2005, the front-page of the San Francisco Chronicle reported that two days before a female humpback whale had been found. She had been entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines and would die. A fisherman spotted her a few miles outside the Golden Gate Bridge and called in an environmental group for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad off that the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her. This was a very dangerous proposition as one slap of the tail could kill a rescuer.
Hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat
weighted her down. She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped
around her body, her tail and her torso, and a line tugging in her mouth.
The team worked for hours with curved knives and eventually
freed her. When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like
joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time,
and nudged them, pushed them gently around and thanked them. Some said it
was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives. The person who
cut the rope out of her mouth says her eye was following him the entire
time, and he will never ever be the same.
We as Masons are blessed and fortunate to be surrounded by
Brothers who will help us get untangled from the things that are binding
us. Things like depression, alcoholism, envy, lust, self-indulgence, greed,
et cetera.
May you always know the joy of giving and receiving gratitude and love.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Relief of a brother ...
The 1723 Constitutions of the Freemasons concerning relief of a brother; “If you discover him to be a true and genuine Brother, you are to respect him accordingly; and if he is in Want, you must relieve him if you can, or else direct him how he may be relieved”
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Poinsettia ...
Joel Poinsett was elected to the South Carolina State Legislature in 1816. He became the first US Ambassador to Mexico in 1825. He was the US Secretary of war from 1837 to 1841.
Brother Poinsett was Past Master of Solomon’s Lodge #1 in Charleston SC and Recovery Lodge #31 of SC. While in Mexico he started five Lodges who received their charters from The Grand Lodge of New York. Those Lodges later became the Grand Lodge of Mexico.
He was associated with the "Mexican Fire plant" which he brought back from Mexico and later developed it into the Poinsettia pulcherrima-commonly called the “poinsettia”.
- - - - - - - - - - -
And a word from a Past Grand Master ...
To the New Master:
This is the time of year when numerous Brothers go to the East as newly elected Masters. We all applaud you on receiving this high honor. When your Lodge is open, it is your privilege alone to wear the hat of distinction.
Some Brothers seem to have a hat that is too small for them. Their heads have gotten so big that the hat sits way up there on top and it looks rather silly. Those Masters shout orders and make a fuss. How can they be taken seriously, when the Brothers are chuckling at the position of that hat?
Some new Masters may choose a hat that is just too big. It falls over their eyes and they appear as if they have no vision. In the absence of having a Master with the ability to see, the Brothers will guide themselves. Harmony is threatened without well defined leadership.
A few Masters put their new hats on with a casual tilt. It can be a refreshing alteration. A tilted hat, however, can blow off when the winds of change threaten. It is at those times when the wisest of Masters straightens his hat and seriously weighs the positive appearance of change with the stable aspects of tradition.
Many Masters have hats that fit perfectly. They lead with certainty, but also with compassion. They appear confident and yet show kindness and consideration.
Congratulations, on being the new master of your Lodge, may you have a great year. We all want you to do well. We all want to see how well you look in your new hat. …………………………. Neil
** Cinosam
HINT 1:
Body Paint for Kids: Crisco mixed with food coloring makes great body
paint. Especially with Halloween right around the corner. Heat the Crisco
in the microwave, pour into an empty film container and mix with the food
coloring of your choice.
* * * * * * * * *
HINT 2: Use Kool-Aid In plain Yogurt to make eatable finger paints for your kids. They'll love it!
* * * * * * * * *
HINT 3:
No More Sticky Hands.... Before kneading bread, shaping cookies or
flattening rice krispie treats spray your hands with cooking oil. For the
rice krispie treats use buttered flavored spray.
* * * * * * * * *
HINT 4: To keep kitchen towels more absorbent, don't use fabric softener.
* * * * * * * * *
HINT 5:
Keeping Your Tea Pots Clean: To clean limescale from kettles or glass
vases, soak in hot water and 1/3 brown vinegar. Rinse kettle well, fill
and boil water. Empty completely, rinse again.
* * * * * * * * *
HINT 6: For stained or burnt coffee pot, sprinkle in "Comet" and add crushed ice. Rotate the pot to make the ice do the scrubbing. Also good for small necked glasses, bottles, etc.
Beer Nut Cookies
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1-1/4 cups sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 eggs
1-1/2 cups beer nuts
TO PREPARE: Mix the flour, salt and baking soda together. Beat the butter,
sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy,
scraping the bowl occasionally. Add the eggs 1 at a time, beating well after
each addition. Add the flour mixture gradually, beating until a soft dough
forms. Stir in the beer nuts.
With the Holiday's coming I thought you might like to put this one in Star's.
** Shared by Dottie Hardenbrook
Kitty
Litter Cake
This is *no joke* This is for all you cooks out there looking
for something a little different.........
WANT TO HAVE FUN
AT A PARTY? PREPARE THIS RECIPE! COMPLETELY EDIBLE, BUT YOUR FRIENDS
MAY NOT THINK SO!
CAKE INGREDIENTS:
1 box spice or German chocolate cake mix
1 box of white cake mix
1 package white sandwich cookies
1 large package vanilla instant pudding mix
A few drops green food coloring
12 small Tootsie Rolls or equivalent
SERVING "DISHES AND UTENSILS"
1 NEW cat-litter box
1 NEW cat-litter box liner
1 NEW pooper scooper
1) Prepare and bake cake mixes, according to directions, in any size pan.
Prepare pudding and chill. Crumble cookies in small batches in blender or
food processor. Add a few drops of green food coloring to 1 cup of cookie
crumbs. Mix with a fork or shake in a jar. Set aside.
2) When cakes are at room temperature, crumble them into a large bowl. Toss
with half of the remaining cookie crumbs and enough pudding to make the
mixture moist but not soggy. Place liner in litter box and pour in mixture.
3) Unwrap 3 Tootsie Rolls and heat in a microwave until soft and pliable.
Shape the blunt ends into slightly curved points. Repeat with three more
rolls. Bury the rolls decoratively in the cake mixture. Sprinkle remaining
white cookie crumbs over the mixture, then scatter green crumbs lightly over
top.
4) Heat 5 more Tootsie Rolls until almost melted. Scrape them on top of the
cake and sprinkle with crumbs from the litter box. Heat the remaining
Tootsie Roll until pliable and hang it over the edge of the box. Place box
on a sheet of newspaper and serve with scooper. Enjoy!