The presidential election — such as it is . . . or was . . . orwill be — has been the subject of column writers all over theworld in the days since November 7.

As I prepared to write this week, the election was going to bemy subject, too. Then I realized that I probably could not sayanything that hasn’t already been said, printed or broadcast atleast a dozen times by now.

I also realized that Thanksgiving is upon us. Where has thisyear gone? Seems like only yesterday that I was rushing around tofinish last-minute Christmas shopping.

Enjoy the holiday, and don’t forget to give thanks for the manyblessings we enjoy in this country — like the right to elect ourleaders. And, be thankful that not all elections are as convolutedas this one has become.

Thanksgiving Forecast

Turkeys will thaw in the morning, then warm in the oven to anafternoon high near 190F. The kitchen will turn hot and humid, andif you bother the cook, be ready for a severe squall or coldshoulder.

During the late afternoon and evening, the cold front of a knifewill slice through the turkey, causing an accumulation of one totwo inches on plates. Mashed potatoes will drift across one sidewhile cranberry sauce creates slippery spots on the other. Pleasepass the gravy.

A weight watch and indigestion warning have been issued for theentire area, with increased stuffiness around the beltway. Duringthe evening, the turkey will diminish and taper off to leftovers,dropping to a low of 34F in the refrigerator.

Looking ahead to Friday and Saturday, high pressure to eatsandwiches will be established. Flurries of leftovers can beexpected both days with a 50 percent chance of scattered soup latein the day. We expect a warming trend where soup develops.

By early next week, eating pressure will be low as the only wishleft will be the bone.

— Elliot Abrams, excerpted from the book, “WeatherPrognosticators and the Media: Fallacies, Facts, and Fun inForecasting”, by Norm Macdonald

The Thanksgiving Alphabet

Oh give thanks unto the Lord:

For America with its plenty and freedom;

For the Bible, Baseball, and other Books;

For Christ, the Church and Children who spend money as if itgrows on trees;

For Dads who provide, protect and prepare us for life;

For Easter, Eyes that see, and Ears that hear,

For Faith, Food, Friends, Family and even Football;

For the Good times of the past and the present;

For the Health of body and the Happiness of spirit;

For Immortality and Ice cream,

For Jesus, Joggers and Jingle bells;

For the Kindness of nurses, doctors, mailmen, clerks, teachers,and policemen;

For Life with a good night’s sleep, a comfortable pair of shoes,a glass of cold water and a daily newspaper.

For Mothers with their tender loving care;

For Neighbors who return everything they borrow;

For the Outdoors with its autumn beauty and splendor,

For Peace, Parents, Picnics and Popcorn;

For Quiet times to rest, relax and reflect;

For Rainbows, and the Right word at the Right time;

For Senior citizens with their wit and wisdom and Single personswith their labor and love;

For Teeth to chew and Toes to dance;

For the Unexpected joys, like a letter from a child away atcollege, or a visit from an old friend,

For Vegetable gardens, Victorious teams, Vacations;

For tone-deaf Worshipers who sing just the same;

For all the Xtra things we forgot;

For Youth who don’t know it all and want to learn,

For Zoos and Zippers and Zest for living,

And the Lord’s blessing shall endure forever.

May you all find many things to thank the Lord for at thisThanksgiving holiday.

— Author Unknown.

Happy holidays from all of us at the DAILY LEADER.

Write to Nanette Laster at P.O. Box 551, Brookhaven, Miss.39602, send faxes to 833-6714, or e-mail to nlaster@telepak.net.She’d love to hear from you.