A Thanksgiving Wish

The Prophet · 11-23-2009

With thanksgiving coming this tThursday in the USA, maybe it's a good time to reflect, and remind ourselves and others what we are thankful for:
Rules - you only get three (3).

I'll give it a shot...

I am very thankful that:

1.) My wife and I are healthy, both of us aced our Cholestorol Tests recently, meaning we are now both within "good" and "great" limits. Mostly diet, lessly "exercise"(!).

2.) My work is going very well, we're extremely busy, and continually growing, which is a good thing, especially in this economic climate. My four kids are all working, so thus far we are all surviving ok.

3.) Slowly (painfully!) but surely, the economy seems to be leaning ever so slightly towards recovery. I'm still not 100% convinced that it is not "imaginary", numbers jumbling style recovery, but at least I see more and more real estate activity in the local market, whereas a year ago there were only one or two private homes for sale. The Ford Motor Co. seems to be doing OK as well, which helps for all the guys involved.

NEXT!

Ride Safe!

Bob

motowebmaster · 11-23-2009

I'm thankful that:

I was able to ride more often this year.
Was able to complete all of my major projects without catastrophic issues.
To have my first year with my boy as a somewhat-normal parent without forcing my will in court.

This was a significantly challenging year, not only due to the economic pressures but also the number of friends and relatives who have passed, and the others still with us who are going through stressful problems.

I think 2010 will be a year of inspiration, as we learn to embrace new values.

The Prophet · 11-24-2009

We had some heated discussions this year over Thanksgiving... who should have it in our family... and who was going to attend.. or not.

My perspective is that Thanksgiving is arguably the only Holiday that hasn't been ruined by commercialism, decadence, self indulgence, and conspicuous consumption (if you discount overeating?).

It is one of the only Holidays that absolutely demands a sit-down meal, and no-one needs to give or recieve any sort of gift.

I also believe it is a keystone of Family togetherness, and a perfect excuse to get everyone together, regardless of any dis-functionality, ill feelings, personal grudges, etc. These can be tabled for a day (hopefully), and if not, it makes for great and humorous tales afterwards.

I demanded that we, the grandparents, hold it at our house until either a.) we die, or b.) my wife's cooking becomes so bad that someone becomes violently ill.

Why? Because I believe again that it is a keystone of family strength and solidarity and togetherness, and if you lose it... the family shatters and becomes dis-lodged.

That said, my message to the kids was "Be there.. or else you are disgracing the family.. end of story". Feedback was understandably mixed, but ALL are going to attend.

Done deal.

Speedtrip · 11-26-2009

Had a great day! Massive food overload, I'm on the edge of a turkey coma. Got to spend this year at home as the inlaws and everyone else seemed to be out of town or having their own thing. First time we have stayed home for turkey day in a long time. Don't think I've stepped foot outside except to give the dog his Thanksgiving turkey carcass.

Tomorrow and Saturday are looking like some prime riding think I'll take advantage of both days.

The Prophet · 11-28-2009

We had a total of 19 people over, and it went... well.

No, seriously, it was great. Oddly(?), no fights, arguing, bickering etc. Everybody seemed to have a really nice time, and the Turkeys (2) came out great. Lots of leftovers, even though we made up "doggie" bags for almost all before they left.

Weather up here was lousy - cold, raining all day, but today (Saturday) it is supposed to be 54 F and clear skies/sunny, which is "balmy" up here at this time of year. I've got some misc. chores to do 'round the place this AM, but at roughly 1:00 PM, I'm off for a good ride.

I've been pouring over my Road Atlas, and I'm going to explore a few backroads that I haven't yet been on. My rules are single lane, must have a few twists and turns, and none that go through towns over say 2,000 population, and definitely none that cross through shopping centers or malls.

Is there anything that ruins a good road more than a new shopping mall?

Anyway, I'd better quit goofing off and get to work here, or I'm not going to make it by 1:00!

Ride Safe!

Bob