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From Sept_fire on 12/23/2006 6:48:18 PM

 *~*Let's Trim Tillietoiler's Tree at the BONFIRE*~*

Welcome to The Bonfire! This is indeed, a very special bonfire. Not only would it have been Tillietoiler/Mary 68 months quit today but it is also time for us to put up her tree. I have included the URL to that special bonfire in 2001 when Mary was no longer able to light the fire herself and had appointed the four original BBBs: Withoutmerit/Denise, Leejay, cwt/Carolyn and Pepper38mint.

To view Tillietoiler/Mary's profile, please go to:
http://www.geocities.com/purplkoala/tillietoiler/tillietoiler.html Her story will inspire you.

To read about the history of the bonfire and learn why this magic has continued for over five years now, go to:
http://www.geocities.com/purplkoala/tillietoiler/bonfire_history.html. Even thought the names of the BBB’s are not up to date, it is well worth reading. We are trying to update the history and hopefully will have it finished soon.

This is Mary's legacy to us - she meant for this to be a happy place, a safe haven where we could toss our unsmokeds as well as our cares and woes onto the fire and then visit with friends, old and new. Her one request was always to have fun but to Keep It Clean.

Over the years, the bonfire has grown to include a fully stocked Tiki Bar, A new Butterfly Garden, Big screen TV’s, A Gazebo and band, the gourmet chefs and of course, the cabana boys and girls but tonight, all of the staff has been given the night off and no doubt, they are enjoying the evening with their families. Instead, we have a few picnic tables loaded with an assortment of coolers and thermos jugs containing the basic necessities including leaded and unleaded drinks and that includes the eggnog - the bowl on the left is "original" whereas the one on the right is "enhanced". We also have hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, and all the fixin's as well as vegetable trays, assorted cheeses and of course, the absolutely necessary plates of cookies all dressed up to look like Santa Claus.

Now, let's get to the important part...........here's a huge box labeled Mary's Christmas Ornaments 2003:
http://www.quitnet.com/aspbanjo/Message_View.asp?Conference_ID=10&Forum_ID=8&Message_ID=4132446#4132446

Within that thread is also the URL to that first Christmas of 2001 when Leejay was tending the fire as people brought in their very special ornaments that they had made for Mary's tree. At that time, Mary was no longer able to tend the fire but her daughters were printing out the thread to take to Hospice where they would read the posts to her. The amount of love that existed on the Q that night was wonderful and although I wasn't there, we can still share through the generosity of Pepper who saved that thread:
http://forums.quitnet.com/aspBanjo/Message_View.asp?Conference_ID=10&Forum_ID=8&Message_ID=1469719#1469719

While everyone is reading those past threads, I'm going to open up this box of candles and get some lit so that I can see to start putting some of these ornaments on the tree - going to start with the box labeled Mary's Christmas Ornaments 2001. There are so many angels and precious ornaments of great sentimental value to the person who brought them to share with Mary and I have no doubt that many many more beautiful ornaments will be added to the collection this year.

Tonight, as you come in to add your unsmokeds to the fire, please describe the ornament that you are putting on the tree and then go over and help yourself to refreshments - there are plenty of blankets and more than enough seating on those huge logs that ring the fire.

If you are ready, I will start by dumping my 32,896 unsmoked unwanted cancer sticks out and set them ablaze.....lighting up the sky. I am proud to place our beautiful angel wrapped in a comforter - all wumphy........smiling down upon us on top of the tree. Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth! Happy Anniversary, Mary!

Connie
822 days
Proud very proud BBB

From NeedU on 12/16/2005 7:03:17 PM

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 ORNAMENTS FOR MARY’S TREE ~ 2005
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 WELCOME to Mary’s (tillietoiler’s) Bonfire ~

 Tonight we will put aside the other activities and snuggle around the bonfire to enjoy the magic of Christmas with a warm cup of hot chocolate or a cup of hot apple cider with a hint of holiday spice. If you’re hungry, help yourself to a hotdog, hamburger or veggie burger. We have plenty!

 Just over yonder you’ll notice a large tree ~ simple yet majestic. This, my friends is Mary’s Christmas tree and we are going to decorate it. As I open the boxes on the table, I encourage you to bring your own special ornament to be hung on the tree. As you come in to toss your unsmokeds, please describe the ornament that you will be adding to the tree..

 All are invited to join in the festivities and reminisce about a truly remarkable Lady who has touched the lives of many. For those of you, who haven’t met dear Mary, please visit the following link. It’s heart warming and will surely help you during times of difficulty.
http://www.geocities.com/purplkoala/tillietoiler/tillietoiler.html

 On December 27, 2001, Mary J. Merry (Tillietoiler) passed away but left behind a legacy. We honour this dear lady and her bonfire tonight. Mary meant the bonfire to be a happy place, a safe haven where we could toss our unsmoked cigarettes and troubles ~ a night to meet with friends, have fun, get needed hugs and celebrate our good times. ~ a place to uplift our spirits. Her only request was “To Keep it Clean.” You are all invited to stroll through the”History of the Bonfire” where you will come to understand why the BBBs are so PROUD to light the bonfire each and every night.
http://www.geocities.com/purplkoala/tillietoiler/bonfire_history.html

 Tonight we will also keep Aaron, Jane and Deb (Mary’s children) close to our hearts and pray that they find a peaceful calm this Christmas and New Years. They are a very important part of the Q and will forever be remembered for their kindness

 Now, let’s get a move on…let’s open these boxes and see what’s inside ~

 From the box marked “Mary’s Ornaments, Christmas 2001,” I gently removing a delicate angel made by Pepper, one of the original four BBBs. Underneath there’s a colourful array of ornaments made by other BBBs ~ I see Leejay’s, and look, one made by Denise. For those of you who would like to relive that evening, sit back and read. The love for Mary radiates from this link ~ Leejay, one of the original BBBs hosted this heartwarming bonfire.
http://www.quitnet.com/aspbanjo/Message_View.asp?Conference_ID=10&Forum_ID=8&Message_ID=1470314#1470314

 …and look inside the boxes marked “Mary’s Ornaments, Christmas 2003 and 2004.” It’s amazing ~ more precious ornaments. These special bonfires were hosted by my retired BBB sister, Rexette. Bonfires that will forever hold beautiful memories! While you’re here, take a stroll down memory lane!
http://www.quitnet.com/aspbanjo/Message_View.asp?Conference_ID=10&Forum_ID=8&Message_ID=4132446#4132446

http://www.quitnet.com/aspbanjo/Message_View.asp?Conference_ID=10&Forum_ID=8&Message_ID=5855184#5855184

 While you read, I’ll place pepper’s delicate angel wrapped in a comforter on top of the tree ~ this loving angel is surely smiling down on us!

 The fire is lit, the boxes are open and we’re surrounded by friends. So with that said, let the festivities begin! Eggnog anyone?

 I'll start things off by tossing my 16,290 stinkeroos into the flame!

 In they goooo wwwwwwwwwooooooooooosssssssshhhhhhhhhhh *poof*

 Happy Holidays to All!

 Susan xo
 @--}---
 VERY PROUD BBB
 day 325

Christmas Bonfires through the Years