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The New Free MountainGnome Auction Site!!
No Listing or buyer fees!!

We recommend the Village Chronicle Magazine

EBAY AUCTIONS!

OUR YAHOO AUCTIONS!

Visual PackRat Plus - Software for Serious Collectors

STUD SERVICE:
NAME:
Remmington Duke Of Boncarbo
TP194686/02
SEX: MALE
DATE OF BIRTH:
JUN 04 2001
BREED:
Yorkshire Terrier
COLOR:
Black and Tan
SIRE:
WHITE'S TOPPER
TN846769/02 (11-00)
DAM:
COUNTRY TOFFEY
TN474414/03 (09-98)
OWNER:
Karen Giammarrusco
24817 CR 47.5
PO BOX 58
Boncarbo, Co.
81024-0058
STUD FEES: $150.00

Folks, we had to discontinue the contests, due to lack of Participation.......

Steamboat Springs, Co.
More Steamboat
Click Above for Steamboat Springs Events.

ILLINOIS

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Free Wallpapers: by Stan Koziol Jr.
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Find: Ski conditions, weather advisories, resort information,shopping information and more!

SKIING
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Arizona
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Colorado
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New Mexico
Nevada
Utah
Wyoming
Connecticut
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Massachusetts
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LODGING

Alpiner Lodge
Steamboat Springs, Co.

Cloran Mansion
Galena, Illinois

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Find: Information and news on Prospecting, Hunting, Fishing, Camping, Biking, Archery, Trails, National and State Parks and a great deal more!

Aladdin Custom Tees and Sweatshirts
Texas Rangers
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THE GNOMES' GHOME..........25.Dec.2002

See Ya'll Next Year.........
For Best Viewing Use NETSCAPE 4.x - 7.x.

* WINTER WONDERLAND @ THE MOUNTAINGNOME *

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PC REVIEWS:
HOW STUFF WORKS
If you'd like to know more about how web servers work, you should visit the HowStuffWorks page. The particular page that the URL listed below points you to explains web servers. However, HowStuffWorks is not limited to web servers--you can get information on science, health, computers, electronics, and much more.

This is a page that you might also want to introduce to your older children.

Visit HowStuffWorks by clicking here.
http://www.howstuffworks.com/

Next issue we'll take a peek at more "who knows what" !!

To all of our readers & visitors: Share your interesting stories or articles with us..........

Talking to God
A man walked to the top of a hill to talk to God. The man asked, "God, what's a million years to you?" And God said "A minute." Then the man asked: "Well, what's a million dollars to you?" and God said: "A penny" Then the man asked: "God.....can I have a penny?" And God said: "Sure.....In a minute."

SPONSOR: Cloran Mansion
Lodging by choice, not by chance... Galena, Illinois A restored brick ITALIANTE Victorian home built in 1880 by Mr. John Cloran. Today, the mansion offers 4 rooms and Antonio's Cottage. Each room has a private bath, central air conditioning, mini refrigerator, cable TV with VCR, double whirlpool and fireplace.

MOUNTAIN PROPERTY FOR SALE
Boncarbo, Colorado
Beautiful home situated on 8.4, secluded acres in 'Chinamans Canyon'. Secluded but not isolated! Thousands of acres of wilderness and trees surround this home18 miles NW of Trinidad, Colorado and 85 miles South of Pueblo, Colorado. Trees include: Pin�n, Ponderosa, Cedar, Blue Spruce and Fir. Great hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking, camping, wildlife and scenery!!! Trinidad lake, Monument Lake, Blue Lake, Bear Lake, North Lake, Cuchara Ski Area are all close by. Spanish Peaks are to the north and the Sangre DeCristo Mountains and San Isabel National Forest are to the west.

Home includes: 3 bedrooms, master bedroom has double closets, newly remodeled bathroom with pergo floor, newly remodeled livingroom with new large sliding windows, pergo floors in laundry room and pantry, new refrigerator and electric stove in kitchen, new 2 tab interlocking shingle roof installed in June 2002, new front and rear decks, new well pump and electrical, septic system just cleaned this spring. Well creates 6.7GPM. Whole house water filter system. All appliances stay(refrigerator, new stove, new chest freezer, ceiling fans in living room and master bedroom, large satellite system, microwave, washer and dryer). Home is all electric. Nice wood burning stove in living room, heats entire house on approximately 4-5 cords of wood per year, and keeps it toasty warm. Large shop with electric and 220v line. Large crawl space under house has plenty of room for storage. Property is completely fenced and gated with several outbuildings for poultry, game birds or other animals.

Price: $148,000.00
Financing: Buyer to arrange own financing
For more information e-mail realestate@mountaingnome.com
or stncolorado@aol.com

NEW FREE AUCTION SITE
The New Free MountainGnome Auction Site!!
No seller, listing or buyer fees!! We just started this site for your convenience. Please use it honestly. This site is intended for fun and enjoyment....you can also get rid of your junk!!

LETTERS TO THE GNOME
Folks we have a new space on The MountainGnome, where you can reply to articles in The MountainGnome or articles found in our newspapers throughout America. You may also submit short articles that are of interest to Freedom, Privacy, Politics, Views, etc..(Please, no advertisements).

MOUNTAINGNOME FORUMS:
Folks, in the "SIDEBAR" you'll find the "NEWBORN FORUM" and "OUTDOOR FORUM". We want you to utilize these forums to their fullest. It's a perfect place for all outdoorsmen and gals to exchange ideas and ask questions on any subject you want!! So, go and they will answer........

Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine....

GREAT HOLIDAY READING
Folks, here are some great books to read, while sitting by that warm fire in the evening........

The Remnant: On the Brink of Armageddon: by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
This is the 10th book in the best-selling series, Left Behind. This series is about the fictional account of the end times of our world.

The Great Tribulation unfolds as the forces of evil and the armies of God prepare for mankind's ultimate battle. Millions of Christians are protected by God as the anger of the Antichrist, Nicolae Carpathia, burns against them.

The Earth, now a wasted shell of its former beauty, staggers under the weight of worsening judgments from heaven, while Carpathia turns up the heat on Christ followers and anyone else who does not swear total allegiance with him.

All pretense is gone, even on the part of the Antichrist, as the planet hurtles toward Armageddon and the ultimate showdown between good and evil.

Rocky Mountain Christmas: Yuletide Stories of the West
by John H. Monnett
By evening everyone present agreed that the Christmas festivities were "the greatest known to that date" in the entire Taos region and Kit Carson was "chief over it all." For the first time in recent memory, different races and Indian tribes had "ate, drank and smoked together." The last toast of the evening was one pledging "fraternal peace" among the races in the Taos Valley. (From the book) Even under the most extreme conditions our pioneer ancestors kept the festive holiday spirit alive in their hearts and frontier homes. From Lewis and Clark's first Christmas in the Rockies to the generous gift that changed a widow's and her children's lives, this book shares celebrations of the Yuletide season.

[From The Editors Desk]...
"Alot Of Truth"
From: Charlie Brown - Akron, Ohio

I want you to close your eyes and picture in your mind the soldier at Valley Forge, as he holds his musket in his bloody hands.

He stands barefoot in the snow, starved from lack of food, wounded from months of battle and emotionally scarred from the eternity away from his family surrounded by nothing but death and carnage of war.

He stands though, with fire in his eyes and victory on his breath. He looks at us now in anger and disgust and tells us this...

I gave you a birthright of freedom born in the Constitution and now your children graduate too illiterate to read it.

I fought in the snow barefoot to give you the freedom to vote and you stay at home because it rains.

I left my family destitute to give you the freedom of speech and you remain silent on critical issues, because it might be bad for business.

I orphaned my children to give you a government to serve you and it has stolen democracy from the people.

It's the soldier, not the reporter who gives you the freedom of the press.

It's the soldier, not the poet who gives you the freedom of speech.

It's the soldier, not the campus organizer who allows you to demonstrate.

It's the soldier, who salutes the flag, serves the flag, whose coffin is draped with the flag that allows the protester to burn the flag!!!

"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen."

Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, or Coast Guardsman, Prayer is the very best one.....

SPONSOR Aladdin Custom Tees and Sweatshirts
Custom Tops Just For You!
Please stop in and see our wide variety of affordable, top quality designs. Including: Holiday-birds-patriotic-cars-military and novelty designs etc. Sizes range from Small to 3X.
SPONSOR: YOUR AD HERE!
Reasonable rates ~ advertise with the MountainGnome Today........You'll be glad you did!
E-mail adrates@mountaingnome.com for questions, sales or anything else.

America~A Bygone Era: History
The Meeker Massacre "The Last Major Indian Uprising"

"Of the chief participants of the Ute War of 1879, only Chipeta and Colorow were alive. Ouray, the great compromiser, had died before the exile. His widow, Chipeta, acclaimed all over America as a red heroine, had gone with her people to the Reservation. Ute Jack, the war chief during the Meeker Massacre, had been shot by a detachment of soldiers on the Arapaho Reservation in Wyoming, but Colorow, his chief lieutenant, had gone to the Reservation and assumed the Indian leadership in the war of 1887. Unlike Ute Jack, however, Colorow knew that any fight with the whites would be a losing one, and as a result he counseled moderation and caution, but in spite of his efforts, hostilities broke out in August, 1887. When the trouble started, the Indians were in camp at the forks of the White River. Nearly all the bucks and squaws were out picking berries, and only a few old men and several women and children remained at the camp. Without provocation or warning, a posse of settlers invaded the camp. Two settlers, seized an Indian boy, Whishe-e-up. The boy's father tried to stop them, but was shot for interfering.

Read the complete article here: http://www.meekerchamber.com/historical.htm

YES....IT'S REALLY FACT
Subject: Mid-east Mystery?????

Contributed By: Charlie Brown: Akron, Ohio

No deer hunting (i added that one)
No beer
No booze
No bars
No television
No cheerleaders
No baseball
No football
No basketball
No hockey
No golf
No tailgate parties
No Hooters
No pork BBQ
No hot-dogs
No burgers
No lobster, shellfish, or even frozen fish sticks.
Rags for clothes, towels for hats.
Constant wailing from the guy next door because he is sick and there are no doctors.
24 hour wailing from a guy in the tower.
No chocolate chip cookies
No Christmas
You can't shave
Your wife can't shave
You can't shower to wash off the smell of donkey cooked over burning camel dung.
The women have to wear baggy dresses, and veils at all times.
Your bride is picked by someone else, she smells just like your donkey, but your donkey has a better disposition.
Then they tell you when you die it all gets better....
NO MYSTERY HERE........

Good Humor Man....REMEMBER THIS AT CHRISTMAS TIME....
By Carl Pastuszynski, Garfield Hts., Ohio

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both the male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December.
Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring. Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl. We should've known. ONLY women would be able to drag a fat-ass man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost!

-- The Mountain Gnome

EXPERIENCE THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Outdoor Adventure: Railroad America
American Orient Express
All Across America

The 1940s and �50s represented an era of romance and glamour. It was a time when passengers boarded the great streamliner trains bound for points across America. The Santa Fe Super Chief�the 20th-Century Limited�the California Zephyr - each played an intricate role in the industrial era of the 20th-century. Today, after millions of dollars in renovations, the beautiful cars of that era once again ride the rails. Glistening with polished mahogany and brass, they are designed to reflect the golden age of rail - when traveling was meant to be relaxed and savored - not rushed.

Painted in their signature blue-and-gold, the 16 American Orient Express vintage carriages were assembled from museums and private collections throughout America. Each departure carries approximately 100 passengers who are attended to by a highly trained, professional staff and crew.

While traveling aboard the American Orient Express, chances are good that you will find a bridge game in progress in one of our club cars - or you may want to just settle into a comfortable chair, relax in the piano lounge and listen to pop, jazz and old-time favorites. Is there a better way to conclude an absolutely wonderful day?
More Info............

Conserve Water; Shower with a friend.....

The Ski Lodge: Angel Fire Resort:
Angel Fire, New Mexico

More Than Mountains�
it�s a special place where family and friends get together to share in an uncommon experience. A place that lifts the spirit and soothes the soul. A playground where you can enjoy the sheer fun of outdoor sports and activities. A vacation retreat where you can be away from it all and at the same time feel right at home. It�s a resort, and a village in a scenic setting. Angel Fire Resort�
it�s more than just the mountains.

Mountain Events: Steamboat Springs, Co.
Visit http://www.steamboatchamber.com/ for more Information........

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Steamboat is the most conveniently accessed ski resort in the Rockies
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

This year, a daily direct flight from Chicago into Steamboat Springs via American Airlines joins Steamboat's non-stop jet service schedule. During the winter 2002/2003 season, Steamboat will also have convenient non-stop jet service from Dallas, Denver, Houston, Minneapolis, Newark and Chicago on American, Continental, Northwest and United. All of the air service is direct into Hayden (HDN) airport, which is just 22 miles (35 km) from the Steamboat Ski Area. Additional one-stop connection service is available from over 100 other domestic and international cities. For more information visit the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation web site www.steamboat.com

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Off the Beaten Path
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Off the Beaten Path was highlighted in this month's 5280 Magazine, as the perfect place to getaway in Steamboat Springs. Here's what the magazine had to say, "Part bookstore, part coffeehouse, and part bakery/cafe, Off the Beaten Path offers two floors of nooks, crannies, and wonderfully illustrated floorboards to transport you to the soothing world of books. Then there's the coffee. Oh, and the paninis. For all the right reasons, this spot is the perfect getaway from your getaway." Visit them at 56 7th Street, or online http://www.skitownbooks.com

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Cross Country Skiing Abounds in Steamboat Springs
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Steamboat Springs offers a multitude of cross country skiing trails, including groomed trails that wind through aspens along Fish Creek at the Steamboat Ski Touring Center, groomed trails at the City owned facility known as Howelsen Hill as well as ungroomed trails on Rabbit Ears and Buffalo Pass.

The Steamboat Ski Touring Center has seven trails which can be linked together to make longer trails. In addition, the touring center rents both cross country equipment and snowshoes. Daily passes cost $14 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under. For more information go to http://www.nordicski.net

Howelsen Hill has plenty of groomed cross-country trails for beginners to experts. Skiers can climb up the Nordic trails on the face of Howelsen and ski to the trails on the backside. Howelsen's trails are maintained and groomed. For a map of the trails visit The City of Steamboat Springs web site http://www.ci.steamboat.co.us/recreation/howlmap2.htm

The cross-country ski trail network on Rabbit Ears Pass is provided by the Hahn's Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District of the US Forest Service for your winter enjoyment. Up on the pass the routes are not groomed and have sections of steep ascent and descent. Routes are marked with blue diamonds on trees.

Relaxation & Recreation: Casino Time.....
Espan�la Casino
Espan�la, New Mexico

Big Rock Casino is in Espanola, New Mexico and is open 8:00am-4:00pm mon-thu, 24 hours fri-sun. The 18,000 square foot casino features 400 slots and seven table games. The property has three restaurants.

Outdoor Tip: Series on High Altitudes
Prevention of Altitude Illnesses
Basic Treatment of AMS

The only cure is either acclimatization or descent. Symptoms of Mild AMS can be treated with pain medications for headache and Diamox. Both help to reduce the severity of the symptoms, but remember, reducing the symptoms is not curing the problem. Diamox allows you to breathe faster so that you metabolize more oxygen, thereby minimizing the symptoms caused by poor oxygenation. This is especially helpful at night when respiratory drive is decreased. Since it takes a while for Diamox to have an effect, it is advisable to start taking it 24 hours before you go to altitude and continue for at least five days at higher altitude. The recommendation of the Himalayan Rescue Association Medical Clinic is 125 mg. twice a day (morning and night). (The standard dose was 250 mg., but their research showed no difference for most people with the lower dose, although some individuals may need 250 mg.) Possible side effects include tingling of the lips and finger tips, blurring of vision, and alteration of taste. These side effects may be reduced with the 125 mg. dose. Side effects subside when the drug is stopped. Contact your physician for a prescription. Since Diamox is a sulfonamide drug, people who are allergic to sulfa drugs should not take Diamox. Diamox has also been known to cause severe allergic reactions to people with no previous history of Diamox or sulfa allergies. Frank Hubbell of SOLO in New Hampshire recommends a trial course of the drug before going to a remote location where a severe allergic reaction could prove difficult to treat.

More on this subject next week...........

If you have a good outdoor tip.....send it to us @ survivaltip@mountaingnome.com

The 4-in-1 Digital Tire Gauge
This little tool can be a lifesaver in many different ways. The 4-in-1 Digital Tire Gauge measures tire pressures up to 150 psi with high accuracy. The tool also boasts an escape hammer that is capable of breaking auto glass in an emergency. There is also a built-in flashlight and a razor sharp blade. This tool could make a real difference in an emergency. The whole thing is small enough to tuck into the glove compartment. You will need two AAA batteries because they are not included.

The 4-in-1 Digital Tire Gauge retails for $19.99 as item number 219719 from Improvements Catalog.

Click Here To Visit Improvements
http://www.improvementscatalog.com/

Until next time: Be Safe ~ Be Happy ~ Be Sporting!!

MOUNTAINGNOME AUCTION - FREE
The New Free MountainGnome Auction Site!!

On The MountainGnome Auction, there are NO LISTING or BIDDER FEES!
You can buy and sell without the Ebay hassle!
Join now and start having fun!
We Are Looking For Sellers NOW!! Oh yeah, BUYERS TOO!!

PRIVATE MOUNTAINGNOME

Software, Articles, Web Sites and Tips helping YOU protect your PRIVACY!!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* NO NEWS TODAY!!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Article Submitted by: The MountainGnome

5th in a series of the money controlling men who own the banks and eventually everything!!
The Council on Foreign Relations
And the Trilateral Commission

The two organizations that run the United States
By: Melvin Sickler

CONTINUED NEXT ISSUE..........Due To Christmas.........

Basics of CRYPTOGRAPHY - Download or view this manual.

YOUR PRIVACY IS UNDER ATTACK!! Check YOUR RIGHT TO PRIVACY for the latest Software, PGP, MixMaster, Articles, Web Sites, Anonymous E-mail and more......to protect YOUR PRIVACY!

MOUNTAINGNOME KOOL SITE

CLORAN MANSION

Bed and Breakfast

Lodging by choice, not by chance...

The Cloran Mansion is a restored brick ITALIANTE Victorian home built in 1880 by Mr. John Cloran, an Irish immigrant who took passage to the United States on a steamer in May of 1841 with nothing more than his perseverance, strong will, and sound common sense. The home is situated in Galena on 1.5 acres and is adjacent to a 240 acre farm, far enough a way from the noisy traffic but just a few short minutes to the many wonderful shops and restaurants of historic Galena.

Today, the mansion offers 4 rooms and Antonio's Cottage. Each room has a private bath, central air conditioning, mini refrigerator, cable TV with VCR, double whirlpool and fireplace.

Folks, we'll be traveling to Illinois this winter to visit Karen's boys, and we'll be making a stop, for at least a day or two, to relax at the Clorian Mansion!

Cloran Mansion
1237 Franklin Street
Galena, IL. 61036
815-777-0583
Toll free: 866-234-0583

If you set your mouse above the lady and click it in throughout the black area, you'll see how it works... LADY FREEDOM
Contributed by Charlie Brown - Akron, Ohio........

*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^* GADGETS:

From: The Hamilton Collection Soaring Spirits
Sculpturally hand-cast of translucent crystalline, "Soaring Spirits" captures the power and grace for which the bald eagle, our national bird, is known. Flawlessly realized on an impressive silhouette of an eagle's wing, each plume is realistically defined in finely etched detail. Fully dimensional and crystal clear, the form and medium allow light to dramatically infuse the wing from every angle. Designed by award-winning artist, Larry K. Martin, this piece is hand-cast and hand-crafted with meticulous detail and rich, true-to-life colors. A hand-numbered, limited edition, it comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and is the premier issue in our On Eagles' Wings Collection. Displayed upon a black wooden base, this inspiring piece is self-standing and is approximately 7-3/8" high.
Price: $39.95 US
Shipping: $5.99 US
Item No: 103592001

Grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your children.

LETTERS TO THE GNOME

THE FREE MOUNTAINGNOME NEWS:

THE SYMBOLS OF CHRISTMAS
Submitted By: Charlene Valdez, from her son David who is a missionary in Japan...

Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how it happened. I had just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door of the front room, and to my surprise Santa Claus himself stepped out from behind the Christmas tree. He placed his fingers over his mouth so I would not cry out.

�What are you doing...� I started to ask, but the words choked up in my throat as I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone--gone was the eager boisterous soul we all know.

He then answered me with a simple statement of �Teach the children.� I was puzzled. What did he mean? he anticipated my question and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood there bewildered Santa said again. �Teach the children. Teach them the old meaning of Christmas --the meanings that Christmas nowadays has forgotten.�

I started to say. �how can I...� when Santa reached into the toy bag and pulled out a brilliant shining star.

�Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promise long ages ago. God promised a Savior for the world and the star was a sign of the fulfillment of that promise. The countless shinning stars at night- one for each man--now show the burning hope of all mankind.� Santa gently laid the star upon the fireplace mantle and drew forth from the bag a glittering red Christmas tree ornament.

�Teach the children that red is the first color of Christmas. It was first used by the faithful people to remind them of the blood which was shed for all the people by the Savior. Christ gave his life and shed his blood that every man might have God's gift of Eternal Life. Red is deep, intense, vivid, it is the greatest color of all. It is the symbol of the gift of God"

"Teach the children�, he said as he dislodged a small Christmas tree from the depths of the toy bag. He placed it before the mantle and gently hung the red ornament on it. The deep green of the fir tree was a perfect background for the ornament. Here was the second color of Christmas.

"The pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year around� he said. �This depicts the everlasting hope of mankind. Green is the youthful, hopeful, abundant color of nature. All the needles point heavenward--symbols of man�s returning thoughts toward heaven. The great green tree has been man's best friend. It has sheltered him, warmed him, made beauty for him�. Suddenly, I heard a soft tinkling sound.

�Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring for man to return to the fold--it means guidance and return. It further signifies that all are precious in the eyes of the Lord.� As the soft sound of the bell faded into the night, Santa drew forth a candle. He placed it on the mantle and the soft glow from its tiny flame cast a glow about the darkened room. Odd shapes in shadows slowly danced and weaved upon the walls.

�Teach the children� whispered Santa, �that the candle shows man�s thanks for the star of long ago. Its small light is the mirror of the starlight. At first, candles were placed on the trees--they were like many glowing stars shining against the dark green. The colored lights have now taken over in remembrance.�

Santa turned the small Christmas tree lights on and picked up a gift from under the tree. He pointed to the large bow and said. �A bow is placed on a present to remind us of the spirit of the brotherhood of man. We should remember that the bow is tied as man should be tied, all of us together, with the bonds of good will toward each other. Good will forever is the message of the bow.�

Santa slung his bag over his shoulder and began to reach for the candy cane placed high on the tree. He unfastened it and reached out toward me with it.

Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherd's crook. The crook on the staff helps bring back the strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane represents the helping hand we should show at Christmas time. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother�s keepers.�

As Santa looked about the room, a feeling of satisfaction shone on his face. He read wonderment in my eyes, and I am sure he sensed admiration for this night.

He reached into his bag and brought forth a large holly wreath, he placed it on the door and said.�Please teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love; it never ceases, stops, or ends. It is one continuous round of affection. The wreath does double duty. It is made of many things and in many colors. It should remind us of all the things of Christmas. Please teach the children.�

Wishing You Peace, Happiness, and the True Spirit of Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS DAVID From your Mom, Dad and your entire family, and from all your friends!!

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NO BAD NEWS ALLOWED ON CHRISTMAS!!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Send Us Your Short Article............
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Submit Your Article Today...........

SPONSOR: Karen's Little Yorkie Shop
Karen's Little Yorkie Shop provides a variety of services. "Remington", who is a 3 lb. Yorkie, will be breeding soon, for small Yorkies! Puppies will be reasonably priced. More products will be added as soon as possible. The site is presently under construction. So, if you're looking for a small Yorkie to take home and love, visit the shop and put in your order. E-mail Karen's Yorkies for questions, sales or anything else.

Have an interesting article?? Send it to my_article@mountaingnome.com

TIPS FOR MEN ~ WOMEN and BABIES
GUYS: Guy Guide To Ski Fun
If you're heading to the ski slopes this winter � you dog! � don't forget your skin. A high SFP sunscreen will protect against winter cold and UV radiation that comes from the sun and is reflected off the snow. Coat your face and seal your lips with lip balm. And don't wipe off the lotions when you go indoors because the high heat/low humidity of the cabin will dry out your skin.

Because higher altitude will dry out your nose dab a little Vaseline inside your nostrils to prevent nosebleeds.

And finally, keep your innards moist in higher climates by drinking plenty of water - not hot spiked cider - before, during and after physical activity.
NOTE: Always Check with and follow the advice of your Physician!

GALS: Benefits of red produce
According to the authors of "The Color Code" strawberries and raspberries contain ellagic acid, which some studies have shown can protect against colon and esophageal cancers. The also contain lots of vitamin C, folate and fiber.

Strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, cherries, red grapes, beets, and red peppers are ALL potent sources of antioxidants, which can keep healthy cells from turning into cancer cells.

Tomatoes, watermelon, guava and pink grapefruit are rich in a pigment called lycopene, which is a powerful anti-cancer agent.

Source: "Nature's Best Medicine: Foods that Fight Disease" by James A. Joseph, Ph.D., Daniel Nadeau, M.D., and Anne Underwood. Family Circle magazine, April 2, 2002.
NOTE: Always Check with and follow the advice of your Physician!

The first baby born on the Mayflower during its voyage to the New World was named � Oceanus Hopkins. The second child born after the ship set anchor was named Peregrine White.

BEAUTY: Lighten Up!
Have you wanted highlights in your hair but don't want to pay to have it done in a salon? Try a sun-lightening product for creating blond streaks and highlights. Try creating more lights around your face for a natural effect. Also try a homemade hair-lightening product made of equal parts orange and lemon juice. Apply it to your hair on the top layers and sit out in the sun for about twenty minutes. Make sure you rinse your hair and condition it, as this treatment can dry out your hair quite easily.

If the blues set in when the clocks roll back, you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder. Learn About Depression here.
http://www.learn-about-depression.com/html/types_of_depression.php3

DADBURN KOMPUTER STUFF

LINUX SOFTWARE: WinLinux 2003
"WinLinux 2003 was designed and built to be the easiest to use Linux system. Its installation and configuration tasks are performed directly from windows as easily as any Windows application. This version offers full compatibility with RedHat 7.3, support for the rpm package system, an improved support for new hardware tecnologies such as FireWire, USB 2.0, Bluetooth and ATA133. WinLinux comes with up-to-date software, like Kernel 2.4.18, XFree86 4.2.0, CUPS 1.1.14, KDE 3.0, KOffice 1.1, gcc-2.96, RealPlayer 8, AcrobatReader 5.0.5, The Gimp 1.2.3 and OpenOffice.org 1.0."
DOWNLOAD!

Linux Note: When downloading a linux .tar/ .gz or .rpm file, It is sometimes necessary to hold down the shift key while clicking on the file you want to download.

WINDOWS TIP: Cumulative Patch for Internet Explorer
Who should read this bulletin: Customers using Microsoft� Internet Explorer 5.5 and 6.0 More Information | Download Patch

PC SOFTWARE / FREEWARE
RegSeeker :
RegSeeker is a perfect companion for your Windows regsitry ! RegSeeker includes a powerful registry cleaner and can display various informations like your startup entries, several histories (even index.dat files), installed applications and much more ! With RegSeeker you can search for any item inside your registry, export/delete the results, open them in the registry. RegSeeker also includes a tweaks panel to optimize your OS !

RegSeeker is FREE for personal use only !

My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY:

"If I've told you once, I've told you a million times--Don't exaggerate!!!"

GNOMES' GRUB SHOPPE

TIP: Turkey Gravy Tips
The best turkey gravy is made from pan drippings. Drain all liquids from the roasting pan into a heat resistant bowl. Allow to separate. Skim off the fat that rises to the top. Place (about 4 tablespoons) in a saucepan. Over medium heat, whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour. Cook for 3 minutes. Whisk in the remaining pan liquid (add canned chicken broth to bring the total to about 3 cups). Whisk to eliminate any lumps. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring frequently.

~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^* Cooking Websites: Recipes
Although it might be premature to call anything on the web "classic", there are several sites I keep returning to over the years. Epicurious (epicurious.com) has excellent feature articles plus the Bon Appetit and Gourmet recipe archives. The Food Network site (foodtv.com ) is a great page, especially when used with the television shows. Recipe Source (recipesource.com) is the best site to find many versions of the same recipe.

If you have a favorite recipe or a great cooking website, and you'd like to share it with our readers, you can send it to The MountainGnome. Send your specialty to my_recipe@mountaingnome.com

~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^* A RECIPE FOR CHRISTMAS
Take a quart of joy and gladness -- A pack of folk and kin -- A dash of Christmas spirit -- And toss some laughter in. Take a large amount of giving -- And spread it generously; Read directions in the Good Book -- And apply them carefully. Garnish well with human kindness, On crystal leaves of cheer, And you'll have a batch of Christmas -- To last the coming year. ~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*

TURKEY CHOWDER: Makes Plenty....12
Note that you should use good table wine in this recipe. Don't use "cooking wine," which contains a lot of salt.

1/4 pound bacon, diced
2 onions, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
4 ribs celery, chopped
1/4 cup flour
1 pound unpeeled red potatoes, diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons salt
1 bay leaf
8 cups chicken or turkey broth
1 cup dry white wine
2 cups diced cooked turkey
2 cups heavy cream
Chopped parsley for garnish

In large soup pot, brown bacon. Remove bacon and reserve; leave fat in pan. Saute onions, carrot, and celery in fat until soft. Add flour; cook 2 minutes. Add potatoes.

Remove from heat; stir in thyme, pepper, salt, bay leaf, broth, and wine. Cook over low heat 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add turkey and cooked bacon; heat 10 minutes. Add cream; cook 5 minutes (do not boil). Sprinkle filled soup bowls with parsley.

PETITE CHEESECAKES: Makes about 6 dozen
These tiny cheesecakes are elegant and delicious mouthfuls. They're very nice on a tea table, or as a light dessert. They also freeze well, so you can make a full batch and have them available as needed.

Cakes:

1 cup sugar
24 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
5 eggs, at room temperature
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
Topping:
1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup sugar
1 to 2 cups fruit jelly (any flavor)

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line mini-muffin pans with miniature cupcake liners.

Cream sugar and cream cheese. Add one egg at a time, stirring well after each addition and scraping the bowl. Stir in vanilla.

Pour batter into pans, filling each cup 3/4 full. Bake 30 minutes; do not brown. Cool on wire racks.

Topping: Combine sour cream, vanilla, and sugar in a small bowl. Spoon one teaspoonful of mixture onto each cake; spread to edge. Drop a bit of fruit jelly onto each cake. Return to 300-degree oven for five minutes to set topping.

Caleries per serving: "Don't Ask!! Enjoy!!

So until next time, REMEMBER: They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them....Merry Christmas....

The first novel ever written on a typewriter was Tom Sawyer....