Thankfulness

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is such an unassuming concept--a day to give thanks. Not self-serving in the least. It carries a little history, back to the pilgrims and all, despite how warped and ignorant our perspective on the events of those days may have become. It's not very commercial, except perhaps for the purveyors of turkeys, cranberries and yams. And most importantly, it's a traditional time to gather family and friends at our home.

I love that we keep our traditions alive. We had about 15 people for the 9 a.m. Turkey Bowl. It turned out to be great football weather and we had a terrific time, although I am just now (at 1:00 a.m. Friday) starting to feel sore. Merritt, Angelica, Sam and I were joined by various friends and neighbors.

Dinner was plentiful and delicious, as always. All the traditional stuff, headlined by a 20 lb. fresh turkey Sam got from his work. The family was joined by two of Lanee's schoolmates (including her roomie); Eric, Maricruz and kids (for the third year in a row); Fred Butterick (second or third year); and Brandon's friend Steve (second year). Once you come to our home for Thanksgiving, you are invited for life. It's especially nice to have some folks take advantage of the offer!

The Olympics featured a new sport this year--bocce ball. And after three hours of games, Fred played his guitar and we sang along to tunes from Billy Joel, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Elton John, CCR, Barenaked Ladies, Janis Joplin, The Eagles and more. Spent an hour looking at ads before I decided I didn't really want to shop at 5 a.m. Watched Transformers, which put me to sleep. And in between all of this, watched a little football here and there.

Couldn't really ask for a better day. I love the traditions. And tonight I give thanks for Thanksgiving.