But before all of the can happen, I have a long Wednesday ahead of me. There will be lots of writing, some work on band promotional stuff, and then cleaning the house. Since dinner is usually later in the day, I don't worry about setting up the room for dinner until the parade is over. We will have a full house for Thanksgiving this year, and that is just the way I like it. This is a day I love sharing with family and friends, and this year it will be lots of happy people and lots of screaming babies.
Normally, the cats disappear during Thanksgiving because of all of the commotion and noise. But this is the kitten's first Thanksgiving, and that cat is crazy. Needless to say, there will be extra guard duty this year to make sure the kitten does not slide across the table a la Bugs Bunny and take all of the dishes with him. If any cat could pull that off, it is our insane kitten.
From my understanding, the weather tomorrow will be perfect Thanksgiving weather. Nice and cold with the possibility of a little snow. No one from our house goes outside on Thanksgiving, but I kinda like just watching the Thanksgiving weather for a little while and letting my mind drift towards Christmas Day. We give plenty of thanks in our house because we have a lot to be thankful for, but the focus on this day is always the kickoff to Christmas. It is just who we are.
The 30 days from Thanksgiving to Christmas are my absolute favorite 30 days of the year. It is a time when people are a little nicer, everything has that Christmas look to it, and everyone is scurrying around trying to make last-minute preparations for Christmas morning. But it all starts with an incredible turkey dinner on Thanksgiving, and no one outcooks my wife. My son and I are living proof of that.
If you have been following my stories over the years, then you know that I have a couple of extra challenges in my life. After turning 50 in August, the possibility that this holiday season could be my last pops up every once in a while. I would prefer to have about 20 more holiday seasons, but it isn't up to me. While all of that morbid thinking does bother me from time to time, it also gets overwhelmed by how much I love the holidays. Whether this is the last one or I have 20 more to go, they are all special to me.
Tomorrow, remember to take time to be thankful for what you have and who you have surrounded yourself with. Remember to be thankful that you are not fighting the cold weather without the help of a comfortable home, and also remember those who are trying to make the most of their bad situations. The holidays are not a happy time for everyone, and it can do your heart good to keep in mind those people who cannot find happiness during the most wonderful time of the year. That is a level of sorrow I could not imagine, and I try to help where and when I can.
So from all of us here at Niagara's Watercooler to all of you, we sincerely hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. We are thankful for the large audience we have amassed this year, and we hope to keep entertaining you for many years to come.
Happy Thanksgiving!
George N Root III is a Lockport resident who loves the holidays. Follow him on Twitter @georgenroot3, or send him a message at georgenroot3@gmail.com.