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opefully, as we all prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, with are minds on Christmas, may we all pause and peruse the last year and think about the small things we take for granted.

Be grateful you’re stuck in the snow – we need the moisture. On Thursday and several days after give thanks to the farmers and ranchers who keep our nation and many others well fed. Think about what it takes to get food from the field to the shelf in the store. No farms – no food.

Don’t always complain about the government. Step up and run for office. Your corner of the city, county, or state isn’t the only fishbowl in the world and your the biggest barracuda that should be listened to. Consider others.

Contemplate what you presently enjoy. We have good roads, – not just potholes. They could be dirt. Watch out and slow down for road construction. I know its been two years of trying to exit into town and get into Wal Mart. I’ve been one of the chief complainers. However, it sure is great now that its almost finished.

Send a thank you out to the military. I’m proud of my 21 year old nephew who has the courage and patriotism to protect our country and fight for freedom, while many only want to give lip service to the cause.

Show gratitude to a teacher and be their partner in education. They’re not all bad. Parents are the first teachers and models for their children. Be a good one. Do your part.

Applaud your neighbors. I appreciate the ones of the next generation who can help us old folks lift machinery, move furniture, and save me (a novice) from trying to catch horses and cows. It’s good to know somebody cares enough to give my strange relatives the third degree about hanging out in my yard, when I’m not at home. When traveling on the roads, we all need to thank our neighbors for taking time to save us from snow drifts, breakdowns, and the big bill of calling a wrecker. I appreciate knowing someone will always be coming along to save me from the side of the road and go out of their way to deliver me home.

Happy Thanksgiving from Standing on the Eastep