Almost Thanksgiving!

Buenos Dias from Flagstaff (thought I'd give things a bit of an international flair),


Not much going on here in Flag for me. I am gearing up for a nice little Thanksgiving meal here at my condo with daughter Natasha and son-in-law Jason. I am foregoing my traditional, at least for the last few years, holiday meal with my friends the Hammond's in Prescott. In all probability I would not have been welcome this year after deflating their "windbag" conservative friend last year. However, I will miss being with them.


I cannot remember how long it has been since I spent this holiday in San Diego with family. When Natasha was younger she and I would go over for Thanksgiving. Mostly, that had to do with the arrangements involved in the divorce where her mother had her for Christmas. But as I remember those were good times. At any rate I am looking forward to putting together our little meal for my youngest and her husband. It has been a long time since she and I have had Thanksgiving together.


Speaking of Thanksgiving, the historical event that commemorates it is pretty much a mythology of American culture. After the long hard winter the Pilgrims, a fanatical religious group thrown out of England, invited the Native-Americans to a feast, or so the story goes . . . Isn't it incredible to think that this was the beginning of nearly the end of Native culture in North America. Granted that may be a bit of an over statement, but think about it. In a bit over 200 years the Euro-Americans destroyed most of the indigenous population of what is now the USA. Not much to give thanks for from those that have survived. Guess they have their revenge in the Casinos.


My friend and mentor, John Haynes at 75 has been diagnosed with cancer. So far all we know is that he will have to undergo some chemo, and possible radiation treatments. He started with a back ailment and loss of feeling in one leg. In the exploration of this by the Docs at "Barrows" in Phoenix they found a spot on his lung. We do not know the prognosis, but the "C" word always brings with it great apprehension. My fingers are crossed for him. It has been a truly difficult last few months.



As for movies . . . Went to the much anticipated 2012 and was again disappointed. My guilty pleasure or weakness in films is the disaster genre. I have always been a "sucker" for them, the best of which in recent memory (in my opinion) was The Day After Tomorrow. Despite the great CGI effects 2012 just misses it. The small interwoven stories seem trite for the most part, and the 2 hours, 38 minutes make it way too long. The only thing I can say for it, besides the CGI, is that I did not look at my watch during the film, which is usually an indication of boredom. It is kind of like being on a roller coaster (not one of my favs), you are excited while it is happening but kind of ill when it's over.


Happy Thanksgiving!