A THANKSGIVING MESSAGE

Leaves dance through the sky and land on the tarmac with a brittle, paper-like sound.  Exposed branches have turned a lonely grey and brown.

This morning, another "V" formation of gypsy geese starting their journey south, pass overhead squawking a vocal farewell.  With hesitation, I wave my goodbyes, telling them I will see them in the spring.

A few remaining red apples hang on forgotten trees, perhaps a later treat for scavaging, hungry critters.  The weather has turned cold, a preview of coming temperatures that will soon challenge man and beast--at least those who choose to remain behind--while others escape winter's wrath.  It's November in New England.

This is the month of thanksgiving, starting with the harvest for which we are so grateful.  Food is the mainstay of any culture and nowhere is it more apparent than in New England.  From dairy to fruits, vegetables and grain, we see crops rotated, planted, growing and harvested from early spring until late fall.

History.com quotes from A Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth by Edward Winslow--describing the first Thanksgiving in New England--as a three day affair involving 90 Indians and a group of early Colonists at Plymouth in 1621 with feasting and game playing for three days.  The menu probably included deer, fish, carrots, acorns, chestnuts and stewed pumpkin.

Most Americans probably don't know that Thanksgiving is celebrated in Canada on the second Monday of October.  And, our first president George Washington, stated in his proclamation of October 3, 1789:

*"...Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint

Committee requested me 'to recommend to the People of the

United States a Day of Public Thanksgiving and Prayer, to be observed by

acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God,

especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of

government for their safety and happiness.'"

And so, a Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

You will find the first president's entire message at:

*Thanksgivingworld.com/Thanksgiving Proclamations/Thanksgiving1789.html.