Thanks Nora's Family Treasures for sharing this tag.
My Adventure treasure Simple Living
Im passing this to Ate Joy, Ate Liz, Gretchen's Real Heaven, Jojo, Rosemarie
1. You cannot touch all your teeth with your tongue.
2. All dummies, after reading the first truth, will try it.
3. The first truth is a lie.
4. You're smiling now because you're a dummy.
5. You soon will forward this to another dummy.
6. There's still a silly smile on your face.
Sorry about this,....I'm a dummy and I needed company :-)
Im passing this to Ate Joy Ate Liz Petra and to Rosemarie
Congratulations! You've achieved a feedback rating of 10 and that means you've earned a Yellow Star next to your eBay user name
It sounds too good to be true foods that can actually stop the aging process. But some can accelerate it. The theory is part of a new diet trend that balances your body's ph levels. So if it's true, what's on your plate may actually prevent wrinkles.
What if we told you the foods you eat could stop the process of aging?
"I'm all for that, definitely"
There's a whole new trend in diets, dealing with your body's PH levels. New York dermatologist and author of "Stop Aging, Start Living," Doctor Jeannette Graf claims by following a two-week diet that balances alkalinity and acidity in your body, you can erase wrinkles and beautify your skin overnight. On the flip side, some foods you're eating might be speeding up the process of aging. But can foods really have a direct effect on your face? "I believe it can. I think there's a growing body of scientific evidence that shows what we eat does affect our skin,"
Let's get to the bad news first -- the age accelerators.
On the list:
sugar
table salt
processed carbohydrates
too much animal protein
Drinks like carbonated soft drinks, alcohol, and coffee Why are these foods bad? Some dermatologists believe they mess up your body's pH levels. Doctor Bruce did test her ph after eating some of these foods, and yes they changed her body's acidic balance. The question remains whether or not that causes aging. OK, the good news is there are foods some say stop the aging process. No surprise your shopping list will bring you to the produce department.
Most of the 'good foods' are veggies:
dark leafy vegetables
root vegetables
most fruits
lemons and limes
garlic and onions
herbs and spices "The dark leafy vegetables have lots of phytochemicals,"
Also on the age-stopping list:
nuts and seeds
oils like olive and avocado
whole grains, especially oats, sea salt
filtered water ........You can definitely have an effect on the appearance of your skin if you're dehydrated, and most Americans walk around chronically dehydrated, some people just don't have enough water intake. Drinking lots of water, eating more healthy, you can actually see the difference. Whereas over the holidays, you're partaking in the holiday foods, you could see the difference then.Whether or not it works, there isn't any risk in giving it a shot. Recommending are good healthy things, whether it's working through the effects of the ph or working through the phytochemicals, who knows, but not bad advice anyway.
Eating your way to the fountain of youth, might be worth sampling
Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form bacteria-harboring “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.
Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases teeth are lost.
Gum disease is a threat to your oral health. Possible health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth. Whether it is stopped, slowed, or gets worse depends a great deal on how welll you care for your teeth and gums everyday, from this point forward.
There are headaches, and then there are migraine headaches. Any headache can make you miserable, but a migraine can be excruciating. In fact, the most severe migraine headaches can just about bring you to your knees.
More than 28 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches. Their frequency and severity varies from person to person, but they strike women three times more often than men. And if there is a history of migraine in your family, there is an 80 percent chance you will have them as well.
Most people who suffer from migraines will have a first attack by the age of 30. Often they begin in childhood and then increase in frequency in adolescence. The condition usually continues through the thirties and forties, but attacks tend to decrease in frequency and severity with age, and they are rare after age 50.
Some people with these painful headaches will experience a variety of visual symptoms--such as flashing lights, blind spots, or zigzag patterns--either before or during the headaches themselves. Migraines make many people feel nauseous or light-headed. Vomiting and an extreme sensitivity to light and sound are other common symptoms. A migraine can incapacitate you for hours or even days.
While there is no cure for migraines and the exact cause of migraines is not known, they are now viewed as a vascular and inflammatory problem, so the new therapies being developed for migraine sufferers are focusing on these two pathways.
Not long ago, aspirin was the sole remedy for migraines, but today there are medications that can help reduce the frequency of migraine headaches and stop the pain once it has started. Severe cases are now treated with triptans, a class of drugs specifically developed to treat migraines. These drugs normally provide relief within 15 minutes to two hours in most people.
Preventive medication is available for serious migraine sufferers, though they do not eliminate the migraines completely. The beta-blockers used to treat high blood pressure and coronary artery disease can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, and certain antidepressants can also help prevent migraines.
It's important for migraine sufferers to avoid certain triggers, such as smoking, or certain foods or smells that may have triggered their headaches in the past. If you are a woman, birth control pills and other sources of estrogen may also trigger or make the headaches worse. Regular aerobic exercise is highly recommended to reduce tension and to help prevent migraines.
Hepatitis is a disease characterized by inflammation, swelling and tenderness of the liver, most frequently caused by a virus. The most common types are hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The less common ones are hepatitis D, E and G. Each form is caused by a different and specific virus. Hepatitis B and C can lead to serious permanent liver damage and even liver cancer, called Hepatoma, which is deadly.
Hepatitis A virus is contracted by eating food or drinking water that is contaminated by human feces, or even by oral or anal sex, but not through normal heterosexual genital to genital sex. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 150,000 people in the United States are infected with hepatitis A virus each year. This acute disease usually resolves itself within six months and does not develop into a chronic illness.
Getting a tatoo or body piercing, blood transfusion, intravenous drug use (as among addicts), those with multiple sex partners increase the risk of hepatitis B or C, which are the two serious forms of hepatitis that could lead to cirrhosis (damage-scarring) or liver cancer. Healthcare workers (accidental needle stick victims) and hemophiliac patients also have a higher risk of getting the virus.
Most people with Hep-B or Hep-C infection do not have any recognizable symptoms or signs. One can be feeling well, have the virus, and infect others. Some people develop flu-like symptoms (fever, weakness, tiredness, mild abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting). Sometimes, the skin and the eyes turn yellow (jaundice) and the urine becomes dark. Only blood test can confirm the presence of the infection.
Just like many infections, hepatitis can be avoided. Some of the habits that can help prevent hepatitis infection are: making sure food and drinks are free from contamination and the food handler is free of hepatitis, washing hands regularly, practicing safe sex, never sharing objects such as nail file, nail clipper, razors, needles, toothbrushes, silverwares, etc. When getting a tattoo, a manicure or body piercing, make sure the instruments are sterile. Those exposed to blood in their work (healthcare or daycare center workers, etc.) or those who live with, or exposed to, infected persons should be vaccinated against Hep-B and Hep-A.
* Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly
* Only a Biker knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window
* You can forget what you do for a living when your knees are in the breeze
* There are drunk riders. There are old riders. There are NO old, drunk riders
* Saddlebags can never hold everything you want, but they CAN hold everything you need
* If you wait too long before taking that ultimate ride, all that happens is that you get older
* You start the game of life with a full pot o' luck and an empty pot o' experience.. The object is to fill the pot of experience before you empty the pot of luck
* Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut that connects the handlebars to the saddle
* When you look down the road, it seems to never end - but it does and it will
* Young riders pick a destination and go.. Old riders pick a direction and go
* Riding faster than everyone else only guarantees you'll ride alone
* The only good view of a thunderstorm is in your rear view mirror
* Sometimes, the best communication happens when you're on separate bikes
* Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul
* If you ride like there's no tomorrow, there won't be
* If you don't ride in the rain, your not a rider
* When you're riding in the lead, don't spit
Do you believe in an apartment that doesn't have a washing machine or dryer? Here are some hints to make laundry day a little easier.
Hope these hints make your laundry experience better.
Imagine a bank that credits your account each morning. It carries over no balance from day to day. every evening it deletes what ever part of the balance you failed to use during the day. What would you do? Draw out all of it, of course! Each of us has such a bank. It's name in time. Every morning it credits with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off as lost whatever you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness, and success! The clock is running. MAke the most of today.
To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed a grade. ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby. ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper. ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet. ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed the train. ONE SECOND, ask a person who just avoided an accident. ONE MILLISECOND, ask the person who won an Olympic silver medal. Value every moment you have and count it a gift from GOD. Treasure it by sharing it with someone special especially your spouse and children. Remember that time waits for no one. Yesterday is history. Tommorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift.That's why its called the present.
I am passing this to ATe Liz and Ate Joy
It's Valentines day.I read a newsletter this morning about "A GREAT MARRIAGE" so I want to share this to all of you.
Your marriage does not have to be just good, it can be great! What separates good marriages from great ones? Give GOD His place in your Marriage.Remember that Solomon says " A threefold cord is not quickly broken". Couples who strive to build a relationship with Christ at its center enjoy an enormous advantage over those who do not..REmember your vows.Husband, did you promise to love, honor,cherish and protect your spouse, forsaking of all others? Express love each day. Show the proof of your love. Appreciate one another. When you stop to count your blessings, do not forget to count your spouse. " WHo so findeth a wife findeth a good thing". An attitude of ingratitude will eventually manifest itself in selfish and disrespectful behaviour toward one another.Treat one another as the most important person in the world. Who on earth is more important to you than your spouse? In terms of your relationship with others, no relationships is as important to maintain andcherish than the one you have with your spouse.
On this Valentine's Day
I thank you, dear friend
Your words of encouragement
Bring dark hours to an end.
There is laughter in your voice
On your face, always a smile
You reach out with tenderness
Willing to go a second mile.
There are words left un-said
So, on this Valentine's Day
I thank you for being my friend
You are like a sunshine's ray.
You are precious as fine gold
Always true as friends should be
You often touch my tender heart
Friend, you mean the world to me.
If you dont use mushroom right away, they'll start to collect moisture and get slimy.To keep fresh, remove from original packaging and store unwashed in a brown paper bag in the refrigerator.
Today is the "WORLD MARRIAGE DAY".
World Marriage Day is celebrated, the theme, symbol, prayer, and more.The second sunday in February each year is World Marriage Day.The permanent theme adopted for the day is "Love One Another". Loving one another is a daily decision, simple but challenging. The symbol for World Marriage Day is two candle-like figures joined by a heart. The hope is that couples will be reminded of their calling as married couples to enlighten the world by being life-giving to one another.One of the ways to encourage long term marriage relationships is to celebrate World Marriage Day in your own community.Here are ways other communities throughout the world celebrate World Marriage Day.
Encourage couples to do activities that will strengthen their own marriages, such as reading a book on marriage together or attending a marriage communication course or encounter.
Take your own spouse out for a date.
Display your own wedding album in your home.
Special church services.
Posting of wedding photos at churches, libraries, marriage license offices, or city halls.
Print pamphlets with a listing of prayers for marriage and marriage enrichment opportunties.
Try to find the longest married couple in your community.
Create a Marriage Hall of Fame in your community for those married for 40 years or more.
Prayers for marriage on magnets.
Community gathering for couples to renew their wedding vows or to re-dedicate themselves to one another.
Special Valentine's Day banquets, potlucks, breakfasts, or dances for married couples.
Interviews with long-term married couples on radio, television, or with newspapers.
Media campaign on marriage on how to build a good marriage utilizing billboards, posters, articles and ads in newspapers, talkshows, Mayoral and governor proclamations, sermon series, etc.
Ask couples to submit to a local newspaper contest, their favorite marriage memory.
Ate Liz, we dont need a contract of Friendship becasue no matter what happen we are friends forever....Since, Im one of your friends thanks for the contract.
And here's the contract!After serious and cautious consideration...your contract of friendship has been renewed for the New Year 2008! It was a very hard decision to make. So try not to screw it up!!!
My Wish for You in 2008
May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts. May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet of $100 bills. May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips! May your clothes smell of success like smoking tires! May happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy. May the problems you had forget your home address! In simple words ...May 2008 be the best year of your life!
I would like to Thanks "ATE JOY" for the special awards.Im not deserve it ha ha ha...Im just new in this blogging thing..Ate Joy I really appreciate..Thanks
As I've grown older, I've come to appreciate the reward of accomplishment. I've also learned that life is a string of experiences. If you don't experience anything, you don't have much of a life. If you don't get out and do stuff, you won't have any experiences.
I believe it is important to fill my life with adventures. To be an adventure, an experience does not have to be adrenaline filled, or "on the edge of death" like skydiving. On the other hand, it must have some impact on your life. Even if it's just sitting peacefully on a hill observing the ocean, if it affects you in some way, I classify it as an adventure. If an experience teaches you something, especially if it's something about yourself, or it provides you a sense of accomplishment, it's an adventure to me. With each adventure, I understand a little more about the capabilities of the human mind and body and of what I am capable. That knowledge and the memories of my adventures enrich my life.
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"Knowledge is power when it comes to cancer treatment....
The use of chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer has proven to be a significant medical advance in fighting a disease, enabling millions of cancer patients to enjoy full and productive lives.However, the treatment can cause serious side effects.
While such drugs often an integral component in disease management can be successful at destroying fast growing cancer cells, they can also adversely affect the body's healty cells.One of the most serious side effects of chemotheraphy treatment is a reduced production of white blood ells which help your body fight infection. When the number of infection fighting neutrophils becomes low and the conition of neutropenia reults, a patient can be at risk fior developing serious even life threatening infections. Neutropenia can also cause an interruption in treatment. Thats why its imperative to learn its warning signs and take steps to help protect against infection.
Australian culture is famous for its "Aussie Barbie," their version of the barbecue. A dish which Pinoys in Australia, who brought with them their love of good food and family get togethers, were quick to adapt this dish to suit the Pinoy taste.
Two grandmothers spearheaded this adaptation, and now sisters Lola Ponjie and Lola Marina Florentino grace nearly every Pinoy salu-salo with the best tasting barbecue in Campbelltown, New South Wales, ABS-CBN Australia News Bureau reported.
Lola Marina proudly says "timpla natin iba sa kanila (our flavorings are different from anyone else’s). Hindi pa sila nagtitimpla kaya matabang na matabang in the Philippines hindi mo malasahan (In the Philippines their barbecue would be really bland because they do not even flavor their meat)."
The Florentinos used to own the famous Matiyaga Restaurant in May Pajo, Caloocan which was established before World War II.
The restaurant counted movie and television stars among its patrons.
But now that the Florentino sisters have moved to Australia, they share their special recipes by catering and hosting gatherings of family and friends.
Lola Ponjie says their barbecue has more taste which is so different from other barbecues.
Conquering the Australian taste buds have proven that Filipino cooking is one Pinoys everywhere can be proud of. But making the second generation Pinoy-Aussie appreciate this is just as important in helping preserve our culture.
In Philippine society, “Igorot” remains attached to discriminatory notions like “uncivilized” and “pagan.” Discussions on who is the Igorot thus always have to grapple with this negative baggage of the name even though many from the inside, like the Igorot Global Association, now want to appropriate it as their identity label, and imbue it with all the positive attributes of a proud people...
A number of Filipino-Chinese own some of the largest commercial and industrial establishments in the Philippines and some of the well known political and showbiz personalities are of Filipino-Chinese descent.
The sizable number of Chinese (and Filipino-Chinese), the coming Chinese New Year of 4706 is not well marked in the public’s mind except in television and print advertisements as well as mall sales—as the celebration of New Year of 2008 in the Gregorian Calendar. In fact, it is not even a public holiday.
However, this may say more of how the Filipino-Chinese have become fully integrated into Philippine society and culture than anything else.
For the ethnic Chinese, Feb. 7 is date set for the Lunar New Year this year. It is also known as the Spring Festival. Traditionally celebrated on the first day of the month of the first lunar month as noted by the Chinese lunisolar calendar, this event is celebrated for 14 days.
The coming New Year is symbolized by the Earth Rat. In the Chinese horoscope, the Rat is the first in the 12-year animal zodiac cycle (supposedly based on the legend that when Buddha invited the animal kingdom to heaven, he named a year for the first 12 animals that arrived). The zodiac cycle is also marked in conjunction with the 10-year cycle of heavenly stems. These heavenly stems include the five elements of Chinese astrology, i.e. Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
Some of the Chinese customs familiar to Filipinos include giving their homes a cleaning, supposedly because this means sweeping away the bad luck of the past year. However, any cleaning done on the first day of the New Year is forbidden so that good luck that came in won’t be swept away.the Chinese wear new and/ or red clothing to signify the new year as well as set-off firecrackers on New Year’s eve. Both customs are done supposedly to scare away the evil spirits of the previous year.
On New Year’s eve itself, Chinese families gather for a dinner celebration with dishes that have symbolic significance associated with fortune, happiness and good luck. Some families visit relatives and friends for new year visits.
As the Chinese New Year approaches, the saying kung hei fat choi (also sometimes spelled as gung hay fat choy) is commonly heard and used. However, despite the mistaken assumption that this means ‘Happy New Year’, the saying actually translates to ‘congratulations and be prosperous.’
The saying became more widespread in use as the Chinese spread around the world and developed sizable Chinese-speaking communities in foreign nations.
So, remember, when you’re is greeting a friend, loved one or a stranger on the Chinese New Year, you’re actually wishing good fortune and prosperity for the coming Lunar New Year.
IN the Philippines during LENT, families and individuals participate in a marathon reading and chanting of the story of Jesus Life, passion, death and ressurection. This takes place during Holy Week, as people take turns singing and reading aloud from a book called the "PASYON" from cover to cover without stopping. The entire reading takes one to two days!......The text and the melodies in the book have been handed down over the generations with variations created for local dialects and customs. This tradition called "PABASA NG PASYON" (reading of the Passion. The Pabasa is usualy broadcast over public address systems so that even passersby can participate.
Tomorrow we will begin the holy season of "LENT" with the celebration of Ash Wednesday. Lent is a season of penance and prayer.This special season is an opportunity for us to reflect upon the sinfulness of our lives, to repent and to return all of our hearts,minds and souls to the Lord. All Catholics over the age of 16 are asked to fast during Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (except the elderly and those with health conditions). Fasting is a discipline of reminding ourselves of our hunger for God.
Unfortunately, many people do not take Lent very seriously because they dont recognize their need for conversion. We live in a world that ignores or diminishes the true effects of sin in our lives.I pray that each and every one of us will recognize the destructive effects on these sins in our lives and repent of these sins.
Let's understand the season which the church calls "Lent". The word Lent comes form the Angolo-SAxon word "LENTEN" meaning Spring. The season climaxes with the Resurection of our LOrd on Easter morning the Spring" of new life!
The season begins with Ash wednesday and lasts for 6 weeks or more accurately, 40 days, excluding sundays. These 40 days represent the days Jesus spent in the wilderness during His temptation (see Mark 1:12-13, and Luke 4).
The mood of this season of that repentance and reflection. We are remembering the sacrifice that Jesus made at Calvary for our sins. This is motivation to turn from any and all known sin in our lives. Many choose,as a way of remembering His sacrifice and participating in His self-denial, to give up something for Lent.
The symbol of this season are those associated with Palm sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Jesus trial Crucifixion, palm branches, basin and pitcher, bread and cup, 30 silver coins, crown of thorns, 3 crosses,hammer and nails, etc.......
The color of Lent is purple. It is both the color of repentance and royalty. We not only turn from our sins, also look forward to the coming of our risen Lord, who is the King of KIngs and Lord of lords.
Thanks "ATE JOY" for passing this....I have 76% chance to live...oh well not too bad.....
76%
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Your first garage sale can be to clean out your "junk". Your subsequent sales can be for items you pick up at bargain prices at flea markets, swap meets and auctions, which you then turn around and sell out of your own garage. You can still give someone a bargain and make a profit on the merchandise turnover.
Why not you? If you've ever had a garage sale, you must have realized the potential involved. All of these customers come to you simply because you put a small advertisement in the newspaper. People come for all kinds of reasons: a day out, a specific objective, or someone who likes browsing in search of that little unknown gem that might have great appeal.
What do people look for? Almost anything! Clothes, books, art, old records, furniture, pots and pans, a fishing pole- you name it! Most people will buy at least one thing. They have that shopping itch! They want to be able to tell someone about the bargain they found!
Flea Markets and Garage sales are full of surprises for these people. It's not like going down to a K-Mart or Sears where you know what the merchandise is and where it's located. Something that would be of no interest to you can be someone else's hobby!
As you get to be a garage sale expert, you will end up going around to these sales and acquiring great deals which you can turn around and sell at a profit.IM not bragging with my husband but he is a good salesman... If someone needs cash, there may be tremendous deals out there on the tables. Or if someone is moving and wants to get rid of whatever they don't wish to move this means a great opportunity to pick up something unusual or needed without spending much cash yourself.
How much money you can earn at your garage sales depends on the inventory and the customer traffic. The variety of goods you have will make your sale more attractive, especially if you start having them on a regular basis. If you're preparing for one and cleaning out the house, you will likely stumble upon items that you might not have known you had- some of them almost brand new!
If it's stored in your attic, basement or other storage space and you haven't seen it for years, much less used it, it's a good candidate for the sale. Some people have wedding gifts they've never used, duplicates or whatever, and they've forgotten they even have it.
It's not only the hidden items, though. Items in plain sight, that are taking up room, have taken on a familiarity so that you may not even see them anymore. It may be a lamp you haven't turned on since you installed a ceiling fan with a light. It may be a chair you never sit in. It may be clothes at the back of the closet that don't fit any longer.
You're ready! You're in the right frame of mind for this task, so let's set up your first garage sale.
Does your carpet need a little help. For a quick and inexpensive carpet freshener, use all natural, environmentally friendly baking soda. Just put some baking soda in a clean spice bottle with a shaker top or in a Parmesan Cheese container and lightly sprinkle the entire carpet,then vacuum.
Vacuuming regularly will help keep your carpet looking good. The best way to really clean out embedded dirt particles is to take several slow overlapping strokes in different directions and be sure the vacuum bag isn't full.
As long as you're deodorizing, sprinkle some baking soda in the trash compactor, an empty ice chest and dont forget your shoes and tennies.It's even safe enough to use as a dry shampoo on your pets.
For dark colored carpets, add a little cinnamon to the baking soda container for a fresh cent
Beginning Thursday,January 30,2008 U.S. and Canadian citizens who want to enter the United States from Canada must provide border agents with two documents: proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate and a government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license.
The rules apply to people who are 19 and older and who do not have passports.
Until this week, U.S. and Canadian citizens have been able to enter the U.S. without any proof of citizenship. Saying they were Canadian or a U.S. citizen was sufficient.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel could ask additional questions if they doubted those claims, but documents were not required.
But the new rules, which are meant to strengthen security in the United States, are causing anxiety for Americans who depend on tourism for a living.
They said they are worried that new travel security rules will keep away Canadian visitors, such as those who regularly flock to ski resorts across the border.
On Thursday, people were whizzing through at customs as border protection agents provided some leeway until Canadians and U.S. travelers get used to the new rules. Watch Canadian tourists talk about the new rules »
But people in the tourist industry remember last summer, when minor changes in document procedures at the border created hourslong backups and delays.
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About 50 percent of the skiers and snowboarders who visit Vermont's Jay Peak come from north of the border. The resort makes sure Canadians feel wanted. The sign at the entrance says "Bienvenue," French for welcome. The Canadian and U.S. flags fly alongside each other over the lodge. The snack bar and ski shop accept Canadian currency.
It is a stopgap security measure. Congress has pushed back implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which will require that travelers carry passports or other approved travel documents, until at least summer 2009.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said in an interview that he thought the previous requirement of only an oral statement would be news to many U.S. citizens.
"I think this would frankly shock a lot of people. It certainly surprised me when I learned about it,"
The new document requirements will help secure the border at a time when the public is demanding tighter measures.
"It strikes me as a little anomalous to say we're going to build a fence between the ports of entry, but you can just walk right through the port of entry by saying, 'Hi, I'm an American citizen,' without being checked."
The new requirements have brought cries of protest from the travel industry, northern border states, their chambers of commerce and representatives in Congress.
"It's a terrible idea. It's a job killer, plain and simple,"..... "putting the bureaucracy ahead of the needs of the people."
Tens of thousands of Americans and Canadians cross the border every day to jobs and families on the other side. Some communities, such as Derby Line, Vermont, even straddle the border.
Despite publicity about the new document rules, many people living near the border may not have gotten the message.
"I think there is a degree of confusion," ...... "It's not just that they don't have documents; people don't know which documents are required."
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has indicated it will not enforce the new rules strictly at first, but such assurances haven't allayed concerns about possible backups and delays at border crossings.
"Have your passports. Bring your IDs. Have them ready at the border. Make it as efficient as possible. That way, hopefully, we can minimize the impact." the real test will come in about three weeks, when Canadian students get their winter break and head for U.S. ski slopes.
The Canadian government estimates that 7 million jobs in the United States are directly or indirectly tied to U.S.-Canadian trade.
"Every day $1.5 billion worth of trade goes across the Canadian border. Forty million Canadians visit the U.S. every year, and 16 million stay overnight," ..... "It's really going to have an effect."
A coalition of U.S. senators from 19 border states wrote to Chertoff this week asking him to delay implementation of the new requirements, but the secretary said it was time to end the "honor system" for crossing the border.
"I still have ringing in my ears the words of the 9/11 commission, which talks about the importance of dealing with this," ... "I frankly thought the heat I would get is, 'Why did it take so long?' and why were we still not at the end state."
But critics said asking for birth certificates is not going to improve security. There are thousands of different kinds, and they can be counterfeited or stolen, they point out.
