Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be, across the nation and across the world. It is just past 6:30 a.m. in "The City." I thought that rather than my usual blog, I'll just report that it is currently 50° outside the WW. According to the NWS, today's high will reach that same temperature before we plunge to an overnight low of 28° with snow-showers possible this evening. It looks like there is also a Small Craft Advisory in effect from St. Joseph to Manistee, until tomorrow evening, with winds of 15 - 25 knots over water and gusts up to 30 knots, with waves building up to 11 feet this afternoon into tonight. It will be windy on land today too. It should be an interesting day today after the sun rises @ 7:56 a.m. and before and after it sets @ 5:13 p.m. 

None of the above is the reason that I am thankful for today. No, my thanks today and everyday go out to those people who provide the essential services in grocery stores and pharmacies. Also, the people who the deliver the goods and services and stock the shelves, and those who keep our homes and streets safer every day. 

In addition, I am thankful for the people who made a decision to go into the medical fields and who provide all of us with the care that makes our lives better each day. Let me also thank those among us who made the decision to get themselves vaccinated and boosted in order to protect themselves and others. 

However, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the Covidiots, the anti-vaxxers, the fools, who can and need to be vaccinated. You may know some of them, those fools who seem to revel in the myriad conspiracy theories as they listen to the misinformation provided by too many media outlets and politicians, the people who by their own actions, or to be charitable, their inactions, are landing in the hospitals, sick with a disease that could have been prevented or mitigated by another affirmative and informed decision, a decision to get three easy and FREE shots! 

I don't have a medical degree, nor am I a scientist, but I do know that without the vaccines that eradicated polio, diphtheria, and other childhood diseases, those vaccinations that our parents mandated that we get as children, our lives would be shorter and likely less fulfilling and productive.

Back to the other many things for which I am thankful. My wife of 48 years, Mary. She has managed to keep us healthy and safe throughout this pandemic. She has been able to navigate and overcome the supply-chain issues that seem to have vexed so many. 

I am thankful for my son and daughter in law too. They are part of what is making our lives a bit better each day. 

I am thankful for each day since I became a vegan. I believe that every animal deserves humane treatment that transcends the often horrific conditions under which they are often forced to live, as they provide humans with dairy products, meats, and other by-products. It took me a long time, but once I saw a truckload of pigs on their way to the afterlife and then looked at our own fur-children, I knew what I had to do. 

But, all of that is in no way intended to change anyone's mind. It is just my way of giving thanks to all of the people and other sentient beings who share this planet with us.

Have a safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving everyone. Ciao.