Thought of the Day - October 11 2021 - Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving fellow Canadians (notice I did not say "all y'all", you guys need to wait another six weeks, by then the snow will be flying across much of the Great White North.)

We have a lot to be thankful for. First, of course, is the decline of our fourth wave ( Thought of the Day - October 10 2021 - By the Numbers ) across much of the country.

But there is much more. The Turkey Marketing Boards have, across the country, been working so hard trying to encourage us to eat more of these beasts. Of course with family dinners and group events curtailed for more than a year now, turkey prices have collapsed, or a least have not been subject to the massive inflation witnessed across other "farmed flesh". Heck, dipping close to $2 a pound, what a bargain, and you get to help out our local turkey farmers to boot - they will thank you for it. After all, Thanksgiving is colloquially referred to as "Turkey Day" in some parts of the country, so why not indulge.

At the risk of first nations' ire, here is a little of the history of Thanksgiving. The earliest report of such a dinner dates back to 1578 when English explorer Martin Frobisher and his crew held a special meal to give thanks for granting them safe passage through northern North America, into what is today the Territory of Nunavut (Frobisher Bay anyone). The first Thanksgiving after Canadian Confederation didn’t happen until April 1872, when the holiday was observed to celebrate the recovery of the then Prince of Wales (Albert not Chuck) from a serious illness.

On another note, for you football fans, don't forget the CFL. After its protracted COVID hiatus, the league is back with a traditional doubleheader today. The Ottawa Redblacks (no not the Rough Riders or Renegades) vs the Montréal Alouettes and the Toronto Argonauts vs the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

We should be thankful that, despite reports that this has been a difficult year for pumpkin growers, no shortages have been reported. I guess there are pies-a-plenty out there. Oh, and why not visit a local pumpkin patch and get a jump on All Hallows' Eve.

And of course, here in BC's lower mainland, what about the great weather, eh! Why not get outside - have fun with the kids - see who can find a maple leaf. Me? I am heading off sailing for a couple of hours, to get a mean appetite for today's dinner with all the trimmings. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Cheers

Cliff