I believe Thanksgiving is an important holiday, that is if you don't count holiday sales and groaning board family reunions. It always reminds me to re-evaluate and give thanks for what I have rather than focusing on what I want and what I don't have. We did this on the Mudcat last year (CLICK HERE) and it won't hurt to do it again. Actually, I expect it will feel really wonderful.

I will be off-line for about a week. I am taking a few days away from work (and the ability to sneak onto the Mudcat) and my computer is in the shop.

That simple state encompasses much for which I am thankful. The computer has led me to an amazing group of friends whom I have grown to love and care for. It has been joyful for me to talk on the 'Cat and to actually meet some of these folks face to face. I told Max about my computer problems and he suggested the best solution would be to buy a new computer. He was more right than I imagined for the hard drive is hopelessly corrupted. The guy at the shop believes my A version of Windows 95 is part culprit. So for the cost of a new "e" machine my old one will be upgraded.

I will be off from work because my oldest son is flying in from San Francisco so he can introduce his girlfriend to his East Coast relatives. Sounds significant and makes me feel older than I care to feel. I am blessed to have two charming, intelligent, caring, and assertive sons.

I remain ever thankful for Marge who truly "lights up my life".

I am thankful for my own health and I am thankful that my friends and family have avoided deaths door this year and are reasonably healthy.

I am thankful for the opportunities to share my love of music from the stage, on this site, and with a steadfast group of friends close to home. Music has never let me down. It is a constant source of joy and wonderment for me.

I am thankful that the state of the world is not as bad as it could, knowing that it could be better.

And finally, I am thankful that for me the spirit of the '60's (to borrow from the cocaine thread) does live on in many ways, has actually become enculturated so it is the norm and not the radical. I am thankful even though I know there is much left to do to improve the state of mind of the general population of this country.

I will now step down and let others add.

With deepest gratitude, I remain,

Roger in Baltimore