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TIS THE SEASON…
It's hard to believe that the Holidays are fast approaching! I wish for a nice long Indian Summer - one that lasts until Thanksgiving, at least! It seems that after Thanksgiving, Old Father Time develops huge wings and flies by really fast, right into Christmas! Why was it, when we were little children, that it seemed like there were months between Thanksgiving and Christmas? Now we hurry and scurry to try to get everything done!
The first of the year will bring some changes to the CountryNeighbors Club. To serve our members better, Janice Ford and I will be Co-Directors. I'm sure you've heard the old adage "Two heads are better than one"! Did you ever wonder where that saying came from? Read below!
One day, a very strong Elephant and a very smart Monkey went to the wise Owl to find out if strength was better than smartness. The Owl looked around and saw a big river on his left. He asked the Elephant and the Monkey to cross the river and to go to the other bank to pluck some fruit from a very tall tree beside the river. The Monkey was afraid because he did not know how to swim. The Elephant took him on his back and swam to the other bank. When they got to the tree, they did not know how to get the fruit because the tree was very tall. Quickly, the Monkey jumped on to the tree and climbed to the top and took some of the fruits. The Elephant took the Monkey on his back again and they went back to the wise Owl. Owl told them that strength and smartness were of equal value because without it the Elephant would not have carried the Monkey across the river, and without the smartness of the Monkey who climbed the tree to pluck the fruits, they would not have gotten the fruit. Therefore, strength was as good as smartness. The important thing is that with combined efforts two are stronger, better, and wiser than one person. So the saying goes; "Two heads are better than one".
FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK Terry J. Jorde
As I write this column, I'm still recovering from the harrowing ride to the bank this morning from Cando to Devils Lake, following the first big snow fall of the season. What is usually a 30-minute drive took an hour and 15 minutes, if you include the time spent in the ditch! Fortunately a nice young man in camouflage stopped his pickup and pulled us out with a chain so that we could be on our way again.
It's easy to complain about North Dakota, especially when you're stuck in a ditch during an October snowstorm, but I think all of us have had the chance to put our lives in perspective this fall in the wake of the terrible tragedies that occurred on September 11th. Suddenly the things we complained about, like the weather, or the farm prices, or even the low interest rates, aren't nearly as important as family, good health and the safety of our lives in North Dakota.
As we enter the holidays, I wish all of you the peace and comfort that the season brings. Take the opportunity to reconnect with family and friends and find joy in the little things that we so often take for granted.
We truly are blessed to live in such a great state like North Dakota - in these great United States of America. Freedom is a gift that I, for one, am very grateful for.
Have a happy, safe and blessed holiday season!
Veterans Day - Sunday, November 11th
As citizens of the United States, we have many freedoms people of other countries do not have. However, freedom did not come without a price. Many U.S. Military men and women encountered some of the most gruesome battles, triumphing over some of the biggest nations to maintain the very freedoms we have today. As U.S. Soldiers, they left the soil of their own country to save the solid ground we walk on today, forever changing their lives and that of their families.
Sadly, many soldiers paid for our freedom with their own lives. As U.S. Citizens, we all owe much gratitude to those who have fought for us and our country. Because we treasure the peace and freedom we have, the employees of CountryBank USA would like to thank each and every U.S. military man and woman, both past and present, for admirably fighting for and maintaining our freedoms.
To honor our veterans, CountryBank USA will be closed on Monday, November 12th.
Twas the Night of Thanksgiving!
Twas the night of Thanksgiving, but I just couldn't sleep
I tried counting backwards, I tried counting sheep.
The leftovers beckoned-the dark meat and white,
But I fought the temptation with all of my might.
Tossing and turning with anticipation,
The thought of a snack became infatuation.
So, I raced to the kitchen, flung open the door
And gazed at the fridge, full of goodies galore.
I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes,
Pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes.
I felt myself swelling so plump and so round,
til all of a sudden, I rose off the ground.
I crashed through the ceiling, floating into the sky
With a mouthful of pudding and a handful of pie.
But I managed to yell as I soared past the trees…
Happy eating to all--pass the cranberries, please!
Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
More Notes from Karen:
With all that has happened in our Country since September 11th, I feel we need to have a little more joy and laughter in our lives-if only to get the endorphins going!
Remember, endorphins are released by laughter and are instrumental in reducing tension, lowering blood pressure and improving blood circulation.
I received the following version of Julie Andrew's "My Favorite Things" from a friend awhile ago and am going to share it with you. See if you can read it without singing along!
My Favorite Things!
Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in strings,
These are a few of my favorite things.
Cadillac's, cataracts . . . hearing aids, glasses,
Polident, Fixodent, false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.
When the pipes leak,
When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.
Hot tea and crumpets, and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heat pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.
Back pains, confused brains, and no fear of 'sinnin',
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinning,
And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,
If we can remember our friends and their names.
When the joints ache, when the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
I simply remember the great life I've had,
And then I don't feel so bad.
IN DEVILS LAKE: THANK YOU to everyone who joined me at the White House Café in Devils Lake for Pound Bingo! Although our group was small, we had a fun time and enjoyed coffee, cookies and some great conversation! It was fun reviewing the "goodies" following bingo!
The luncheon and informational program on the 529 Plan held at the Elks was well attended. Scott Dalziel, from CountryInvest USA made arrangements for the presenter, who did an excellent job in explaining the benefits of the 529 plan. If you would like more information on this educational plan just give us a call and we will make sure you get the information. If you have a computer and have Internet access, log on to www.savingforcollege.com.
IN CANDO: Janice said that the Pound Bingo in Cando was well attended and everyone had a fun time! Thanks, Janice, for all your hard work!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Check out the bulletin boards in Cando & Devils Lake for any added events or trips prior to the next newsletter.
If an event calls for pre-registration, please call and make your reservation. That way, if there are any changes we can notify you. Thanks!!
IN DEVILS LAKE… The Christmas dinner for our CountryNeighbors Club members will be held Wednesday, December 12th at the Elks in Devils Lake. We will begin serving a delicious turkey dinner at 11:45 a.m. After dinner you can sit back and enjoy some festive holiday entertainment by one of our own CountryNeighbors members, Nancy Lawson. She has a beautiful voice and I know you will enjoy listening to her.
NOTE: PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
IN CANDO… At the time that this newsletter is being written, plans have not been finalized for the Christmas dinner for our members from the Cando Bank. If Zephyrs doesn't re-open by the holiday season all of the CountryNeighbors Club members will be invited to the dinner in Devils Lake. We will keep you posted on this - or you can check with Janice at CountryBank USA in Cando as the holiday season approaches.
HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS!
Need some ideas for the Holidays? We have beautiful all leather checkbook covers. We also have very attractive quarter folders for the 50 states quarters, as well as Charlie Brown and Snoopy quarter folders for the younger generation.
Best Wishes
to everyone celebrating
a Birthday or Anniversary
in November and December
and a warm WELCOME to all our new
CountryNeighbors members
from all of us at
CountryBank USA
HOLIDAY GREETINGS
Wishing you all the joy and happiness
of an old fashioned
Country Christmas!
From all of us at
CountryBank USA
CountryNeighbors Club Trips
You can still sign up for…
Christmas in san antonio
Nov. 28 Thru Dec. 2, 2001
Double Occupancy Was $1329 - NOW $1,166/pp Single Occupancy Was $1629 - NOW $1,466/pp
Triple Occupancy Was $1321 - NOW $1,158/pp
(No Quad Occupancy available)
DAKOTA NEIGHBORS NETWORK TRIP
Detailed brochure is available at CountryBank USA in Cando & Devils Lake
BRANSON, OZARK MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS
December 6-12, 2001
Osmond Brothers · Shoji Tabuchi · Barbara Fairchild · Mickey Gilley · Hughes Brothers · Mel Tillis
Lawrence Welk Show · Legends in Concert · Precious Moments Chapel
Fountain of Angels Water & Lights Show
Cost of Tour
Double: $698 per person Single: $849 per person Triple or Quad: $659 per person
If you are over 60 miles from Minot lodging will be paid for you in Minot the night prior to departure - on Dec. 5th.
* * * * * * * * * *
If you are interested in this trip call Karen for information or a brochure at 665-5000 or toll free at 1-877-258-1348
SOUTHWEST WINTER GETAWAY
January 24th thru February 8th
Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Oak Creek Canyon,
Sedona, Sea World, San Diego Trolley Tour, Welk Resort Theater, Catalina Island, Crystal Cathedral, Universal Studios, Tijuana, Mormon Tabernacle
3 days in AZ-3 days in San Diego-2 days in LA & 2 days in Las Vegas
Cost of Tour
$1,559 p/p Double - $1419 p/p Triple or Quad
Early bird discount: Save $75 p/p if you book by Nov 20th
$200 p/p deposit must be received by 11/24 to receive discount
* * * * * * * * * * *
If you are interested in this trip call Karen for information or a brochure at 665-5000 or toll free at 1-877-258-1348
The Kingdom of Thailand
March 7th thru 20th, 2002
Bangkok · Temples · Grand Palace · Floating Market · Chiang Mai
Bridge on the River Kwai · Teak Forest · Hill Tribe Village & Cultural Show
Night Market · Golden Triangle · Jade Cutting Factory · Chai Cooking Class
14 Days · 25 Meals
Includes Round Trip Air from Bismarck, Cancellation Waivers, Hotel Transfers and Departure Tax
RATES
Twin $1,907 per person Single $2,207 per person Triple $1,867 per person
Detailed brochures are available at CountryBank USA in Cando and Devils Lake. Stop in or give us a call and we will mail one out to you if you are interested in this trip.
The best of...
Scandinavia: Denmark, Norway & Sweden
August 13-23, 2002
Tour Highlights: Stockholm's Old Town * Scenic Rail Journey * Lillehammer * Borgund, Staved Church * Norwegian Fjords * Hardanger Mountains * City tour of Oslo * Vigeland Sculpture Park * Cruise Oslo Fjord * Tour of Copenhagen * Little Mermaid * Tivoli Gardens
Your Tour Includes: Round trip air transportation from Bismarck - First class hotels
2 nights in Stockholm-2 nights in Lillehammer - 1 night Geilo-1 night Oslo - 1 night Fjord Cruise-2 nights Copenhagen
Breakfast daily-1 lunch-6 dinners and Welcome Reception
Full time Tour Manager - Deluxe air conditioned motorcoach - Handling of 1 piece of luggage per person
Cancellation fee waiver included
Tour cost: $3,369* per person - twin sharing (Add $550 for single room)
*Includes $85 for U.S. Airport and departure tax, facility fee, customs inspection fees and security charges.
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