Hope all y’all had as cool a Thanksgiving as I did. Significant Other and I spent it with my younger daughter, her husband, and their beautiful little girl – my first grandchild – who will soon hit her third birthday.

It was a reminder of touchstone values…those we most love are our Raisons d’etre, our reasons for existing. And I expect this particular holiday was all of that for you, too.

Yes, turkeys were involved. We watched a flock of wild turkeys near a reservoir when we all took the little one for a romp in the more-or-less wilderness. (Actually more less than more, but when you live in skyscraper country with floors and sidewalks, I guess anything with hills and grass qualifies as “wilderness.”) Main thing was, the kid enjoyed heck out of it…and so did her parents and the proud grandparent present.

We had our “Thanksgiving feast” at an overpriced restaurant in a big city, so my youngest – well along in a pregnancy which, according to the sonograms, will give me a grandson in the spring – wouldn’t have to cook. Country and metropolis, all in one day … a microcosm of life in America. Somewhere, I hope, Norman Rockwell was smiling, even if we weren’t convened ‘round a family table.  At the reservoir, we spotted huge families who had gathered at picnic tables for their Thanksgiving celebration, under clear and pleasant West Coast skies. They were having a good day, and we were happy for them. It was a cheerful reminder that in our country, large families can gather for a sharing of love without having a big “rich man’s house” to accommodate a large group of people who care about one another. After all, historical depictions of the “first Thanksgiving” depict it al fresco.

As I write this, the Thanksgiving Weekend continues. Peace and happiness to you all, and enjoy the coming Christmas Season. These end of year celebrations remind us all of our core values.  They renew our commitment to live for – and, yes, even fight for – the things, the principles, and above all the people who are the touchstones of our existence.

Three generations at Thanksgiving.

3gen

An Outdoor Thanksgiving

OutdoorT_Giving

1 COMMENT

  2. Happy Thanksgiving Mas,

    I also spent the weekend with my 90 year old aunt and 4 year old grand daughter. It kind of keeps things in perspective when you think about the world.

    Looking forward to seeing you at IDPA next weekend.

    Stay safe,

    Gary

  4. Glock 27 subcompact .40 on the hip, S&W 340 M&P snubby w/.38 +P in the pocket for backup, one spare reload for each.

    Thank God for the Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act.

    It’s taking altogether too long for The System to catch up and create national reciprocity for law abiding armed citizens, IMHO.

    Good to hear from you, Mark.

    Best,
    Mas

  5. I remember you writing about your daughter’s birth and the years of reference to both her and her older sister throughout your writings. It was almost like watching them grow up. You are a lucky man, Mas, to be surrounded by so much family love.

  6. Gary, schedule may keep me from making IDPA this weekend (one I REALLY wanted to do, dammit!).

    Thanks for writing. Sounds like you’re ahead of me on Thanksgiving, though: you had at least 4 generations of family present, and I had but 3.

    Let’s hear from those who had more generations than that, with whom to share this quintessential American holiday!

    best,
    Mas

  7. We have a lot to be thankfull for living in the good ole US of A. I hope that people who have been silent in the past now choose to stand up and speak for what is right. We are at a crucial point in America and traditional values are worth defending both here and abroad. My best to you and yours. Rick D.

  8. Mas,
    What a pretty little girl, looks like Grandpa. Guess I’m not the only lucky one!
    We had 48 family members here for the feast ranging in age from my 2Y.O. Granddaughter to 96 year old Uncle Audie. Next year I’m renting the Legion Hall.
    I hope you and your readers have a wonderful Christmas season!
    Lew

  9. I remember your writing about your younger daughter when she was about the age of your granddaughter. My how time flies.

    Best wishes,
    John

  10. Mas,
    What a lovely family you have! I enjoyed so much your thoughts on the importance of family and maintaining the right to protect our own families. We had 4 generations present at our home for the holiday including our newest grandson 11 weeks old. What a blessing!!! Wishing you and yours a safe and happy Christmas…
    Jeanene

  11. I remember you writing about Count Dante.

    Does that make me the oldest one here?

    Blessings to all, by the way.

  12. Enjoyed reading your Thanksgiving message – our thanksgiving was wonderful as well.

    Thanks for all you have written!

    Best wishes,

    John Mohan