Here's an interesting bit of history Fred found: http://docs.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/thanksg.html Apparently, contrary to what we learned in grade school, the Pilgrims didn't decide on one Thursday they should prepare a feast to thank the Indians or God or Mother Nature for helping them to survive. They probably gave thanks every day for just making it through. Thanksgiving Day is a fine opportunity to be thankful for family and friends, and for most of us here in America, a pretty good life. It is also an opportunity to help those who are down on their luck, jobless, and less fortunate. So be kind, generous and compassionate. Be thankful for what you have and share it.

We were both busy on our computers yesterday, but in the afternoon we decided to take a break and go interrupt son Bill's family at home in Waterford. Monika is taking some on-line courses and was writing a paper and Jo-Ann was studying, getting ready to go back to school today, and Bill was acting as translator to help both with the English language. We were successful in breaking up their routine for a few minutes, but they were all very gracious and seemed happy to change gears.

Jo-Ann had been to her first school dance on Saturday, which was a pretty big deal for her. I don't imagine the children in her school in Namibia had dances, but I didn't get a chance to ask the question because she was so excitedly telling us about the Waterford School dance. She can't wait for prom night and already knows what she's going to wear. That's the enthusiasm of a 12-year old!

Coming to the top of the hill before getting into Danville on our way over, we saw some turkeys grazing with the cattle at the Isham Farm and beyond them the White Mountains were absolutely beautiful - really white with snow and glistening in the late afternoon sun. Fred used plenty of zoom and got this picture.

Then, as we were coming home, we were aware of the moon as it was beginning to get dark. We didn't take any pictures right away - we have lots of moon shots, so to speak - and it wasn't until we got to Joe's Pond that we decided it would be an opportunity missed if we didn't get a picture with the reflection on the water. After all, we might not see the moon OR open water again in combination for a while, right? This photo was the result of a quick stop at Mo and Pat Gardner's on West Shore Road. We pulled into their parking space and didn't even have to get out of the car! It looks as if it was the middle of the night, but actually it was only about 5 o'clock.

Today the weather has changed - a lot. Yesterday was pretty cold all day, mostly in the low 30's and on our way home we had a warning for icy conditions as we were leaving the gas station by Hospital Drive. The car was getting reading of 27 degrees and as we progressed toward Danville the temperature dropped steadily and was finally at 23 degrees when we got home. Overnight we had a little snow, but then it changed to rain and of course froze on the cold surfaces of roads, etc. The driving could have been a little tricky this morning. Fortunately, we don't have to be anywhere.

This short item was in the Burlington Free Press this morning: A motorist sustained serious injuries at about 9:46 a.m. Saturday after driving off Wightman Road in Danville and crashing into several trees, Vermont State Trooper Charles Winn said. Myrtle Bell, 72, of Danville, was not wearing a seat belt, Winn said. The road was slick with snow, he said. Police ask anyone with information related to the crash to call Winn at 748-3111.

We don't know Ms. Bell, but we sincerely hope she will be ok. There is more in the Caledonian Record: Danville Crash