Count your blessings, name them one by one, and when you're finished, a virtual mountain will be in front of you. With Thanksgiving Thursday, November 27, gathered around the table with family and friends, take a minute to appreciate all the goodness in this country.

Getting a jump on the holiday and joining together Sunday, November 23, Evelyn and Dale Burgess, Chris, Yvonne, Ben, and Brad Maison, and Ray and Ruth Derusha, "the Rexton connection," were joined by Larry and Julie Derusha with their children, Brewer and Austin, who were here from Acworth, Georgia. They all traveled to Brimley to celebrate with dinner at the home of Leon and Brenda Derusha and their children, Justin and Jenna, as well as the grandchildren. The early dinner was held because Justin will report for duty next week, before heading to Iraq.

I called the Ron Jones home with regard to the names of Frances' son and family, who are here from Lake Wales, Florida. Hello to Tim, Terri, Brandy, and Jordan Tucker. I asked Frances what they thought of all the snow, and she described their reaction as "awesome." After living in the north all of these years, for me that puts a whole new perspective on the white stuff.

Nothing can stand between a grandmother and her grandchildren, and Cindy Pongracz was not about to let a few thousand miles stop her as she traveled to South Carolina to visit her daughter and son-in-law, Dani and Chris Berrera, and grandson, Christopher, for the holiday.

Lucky hunters this week include Fred Maison and Brian Belleville. There may be more, but they're keeping quiet. Maybe they don't want to give away that special spot.

The Naubinway Elders of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians will meet Wednesday, November 26, at 6:30 p.m. at the pavillion in Naubinway.

The Wildwood Mennonite Church will host a community Thanksgiving service Wednesday, November 26, at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Our son, Andy, traveled from Grand Rapids for the holiday. While here, he spent a great evening with a former classmate, Brad Butkovich, who along with his wife, Jackie, and son, Owen, are at the home of Brad's parents, Art and Peg in Engadine.

Happy birthday wishes to Jeff Dishaw November 26.

Anniversary wishes to Lee and Lenora "Lee" Kerridge, who celebrated November 22, and Al and Lorraine Dyer, who will celebrate November 27.