My children, every year, immediately get into the holiday shopping season. They love going to the mall at 5:00 a.m. on Black Friday with their friends and cousins. As much as they love the “bargains” they think they are getting,  I believe, what they enjoy most is the social aspect of Black Friday; being in the mall in the early morning hours with their family and friends.  

I hope all enjoyed your Thanksgiving Day and weekend that followed with family, friends, colleagues, however it works best for you. It always involves memories and traditions, some peculiar to some celebrants.

I love Thanksgiving...no presents, no religion, just good food (hopefully:), friends, family and a heaping of gratitude.   But that's not what my blog today is about.   Last Tuesday night I arrived home, ate some dinner and went upstairs to get ready for bed..I was exhausted. As I'm in the process, I hear the familiar sound of a lawnmover rumbling outside. At first I didn't pay an attention, it was just another sound of suburbia. However, there was something strange going on...it was completely dark outside!  

Friday is not Black for this Fred!Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday on which families gather to feast and give thanks. This year I have so very much to be thankful for:I was born in America the Free and fortunate to have parents who wanted to make a better life and provided me and my sister with excellent values and extensive education.  Yes, I came up in the halcyon 50s and survived the caldron of the tempestuous 60s. 

After what has been a most unusual year leading up to the election, we sit down with family and friends to enjoy the ultimate American tradition. In sharing the day with others, enjoy the food, be thankful, be optimistic, watch football (instead of CNN), and don't talk politics.   Happy Thanksgiving.

I am in paradise.

  Rona has the food covered from her blog yesterday.  Today, I want to talk about traditions for your Thanksgiving that are not food related.  For years, we went around the table saying what we were thankful for.    

For the first time, in a very long time, I am hosting family and friends for Thanksgiving.  For weeks, I have been planning all different menus in in my head.