I've never really liked stuffing.

[themeshuggener]

Earlier, I woke up and opened my blinds to reveal that the clouds that had been blanketing the Jacksonville, Florida area with a drab and dreary sheet of cold, rainy and gray conditions for the past few days had been lifted leaving us with an absolutely gorgeous day.

I'm thankful for that. I'm thankful for my loving family and friends that are in my life and their company and companionship. I'm thankful to live in the United States of America, the best nation in the world. For now anyway... I'm thankful for football. Yes, I really am. I'm thankful that God has protected me and guided me through my life.

Additionally, I'm thankful for all of those that can't be with us this Thanksgiving, past and present. For all of our servicemen and women overseas, I know they're getting a good meal today, but many of them are not. George Orwell said that, "people sleep peacefully in their beds at night because rough men stand ready to do battle on their behalf." I agree. These rough men are also spending tonight on cold rocks in isolated mountain passes on the other side of the world. Be thankful for that.

I am both thankful and grateful for many things. Now, though, I must go make some outstanding mashed potatoes, because I've always liked those.