The 20/20 on Thanksgiving

Ace pointed out that this is the 400th anniversary of Thanksgiving.

William Bradford in his history, Of Plymouth Plantation, describes the day thusly:

"Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruits of our labor. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which we brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."

Isn't that great? The Indians heard something going on, went to check it out, and the Pilgrims, having already knocked back a few, waved them over, 'Come on guys!' 

Anyway, the Stroocks of New Jersey will be celebrating Thanksgiving by ourselves this year. Our father isn't comfortable getting out, can't say that we blame him. We sent him a Ham dinner for today. Mrs. Stroock and the daughters a busily making preparations. This will be unique for us, as we've always done Thanksgiving at our sister's house. This year we'll actually have leftovers. And we'll be able to watch the football games on TV.

In this year of years we have a lot to be thankful for. 

Our family is all healthy. The girls are doing as good in school as they can. Mrs. Stroock had a great year.

Personally... It has been a tough, tough year and we'll do that in another post. But there's been plenty of good. We've lost 30 pounds this year and have no idea how. We have two novels out and a third on the way. Next year we'll put out another two. 

And that's not so bad.

Here's hoping all you readers, for whom we are profoundly thankful, have a Happy Thanksgiving.