Post Thanksgiving Notes

It's 7:55 AM, and the womenfolk are already out the door for Black Friday. 

This morning it's raining here. Mrs. Stroock will be making preparations for hosting her sisters and their families tomorrow. Other than some straightening up, there's not much for us to do till the aftermath. We get dish duty as is right and proper. 

If we may indulge in a bit of nostalgia, 20 years ago was our first Thanksgiving in New Jersey. We hosted a second Thanksgiving for Mrs. Stroock's family in our rustic, colonial era farm house in bucolic Peapack. Mrs. Stroock's mother passed away that spring. 

We got across the Hudson for Thanksgiving at our sister's place in New York State (the one who ran the motorboat up on shore two summers ago) and back home by 6:30. Since the family met in session there was discussion of scuttling the boat and a motion made for getting a pontoon boat, always our preference. The motion was tabled for further discussion. We actually didn't eat all that much. One plate. It was a big plate, but still. 

Traffic there and back was normal and it took us about 15 minutes to get across the George Washington Bridge. From there we hung a right onto route 9A and proceeded up Manhattan's west side opposite the geologically imposing Palisades. 

Did we collude with the Soviets on Thanksgiving? Did we ever: 'This Thursday America will have its second Covid Thanksgiving. Despite treatment and vaccine breakthroughs more Americans have died of Covid in 2021 (392,000 +) than died of Covid in 2020 (377,000+). American Covid cases are surging once again, and as of 18 November the seven-day rolling average stood at 88,482, 16% than the previous seven days. At least 59% of the nation is vaccinated, with the Centers for Disease control approving vaccinations for children and suggesting adults get boosters.' We managed to work in an NFL and a WKRP reference. Click the link, comrades...

An interesting article from NJ.com about a Native American family's Thanksgiving traditions. 'Being a clergyman for more than 40 years, The Rev. John R. Norwood, of Moorestown Township, understands that Thanksgiving’s core meaning is rooted in gratitude and togetherness...“We share a meal with loved ones and share food with those in need, in celebration of God’s continued provision..." with some Native American dishes and customs thrown in. It's almost as if these Native Americans are Americans who love America while honoring their heritage. Imagine. This blog urges reader(s) to read the whole thing. Click on over.

Life imitates Will: 'The former head of the Mossad spy agency said Thursday that the option of an Israeli military strike on Iran’s nuclear sites must be seriously considered, days before nuclear talks renew between Tehran and Western powers. “Independent strikes on nuclear sites, if Iran takes this path that endangers our existence, should and must be on the table — unequivocally,” Yossi Cohen told the Ynet news site.' I am a prophet. I have the sight. Click the link.