I have remarked many times on how very peculiar a year 2004 has been and promises still to be. As I think back it occurs to me to give thanks in accordance with the big day approaching for the many good things this year:
- For finally mastering the art of exiting a ski lift on a snowboard thereby exponentially increasing my winter enjoyment – even if I did break a rib having too much fun.
- For the wherewithal to travel far and wide this year and all the grand people and things I have seen in: Washington DC, Boston, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Chattanooga, Miami, Key West and Rader, Tennesee. We will withold judgement on Dublin for another three weeks.
- For many beautiful days of baseball: watching the Phillies at home on a sunny Father’s Day, the Phillies and the Red Sox in Fenway on a gorgeous June afternoon, the Marlins at home from an air conditioned skybox on a muggy August night, and the Orioles in Camden Yards in the shade on a boiling August afternoon.
- For the Bell in Hand, McGillin’s, O’Rorkes, the Generals Bar, the Livery and all the other watering holes that make life happy and complete.
- For the victory of the forces of light against the staid defenders of the failed past.
- For loud goddamned music and many pints of beer at venues all around this great country.
- For the AL division series, the ALCS, the World Series and the complete and utter collapse of the top two winningest teams in baseball; clearing the way for a deliriously happy October Wednesday.
- For the delightful collection of madmen, misfits, and oddballs I am proud to call my friends and family.
Remember, there are only 30-odd more days to buy me Christmas presents.
To everyone out there in Intar-net-web-land:
Happy Thanksgiving.