The sunshine is thin and not too warm but it is there. The breeze brings the wind chill to an uncomfortable level. Thankfully we are not scheduled for snow, and those of you who have snow.... you may keep it!

Food baskets occupied all of last week. I am so tired of boxing canned goods and other nonperishble foods that I could scream. The people who need this food though are so appreciative. We have found only one sour note and much could have caused that situation. We have been called a number of things.........'enablers' so people can spend their food money on less desirable things. Our reply was they probably would have anyway and we are mainly trying to provide food for the children.

The turkey eating day approaches and it has lost so much appeal this year knowing there are so many hungry families. Our dinner is always simple anyway but still there is hot food on the table. And to many it might look like a feast. We have come to know so many more of our neighbors in this project and that is such a blessing.

The local fire department is totally voluntary and there have been many attempts, some very successful to support these men with water, funds, and our appreciation. They recently had a chili lunch on Saturday and raised $2500 for their needs. They have made 76 runs this year and most because of a 'fire bug' that might have already been apprehended.

Because we are an aggricultural region, we have had a number of state agencies working on the investigation and hope this will soon be concluded. It is scary when the trucks go out knowing they might be going to a pasture where many cows are in danger or where precious pasture is being burned off taking the food for those cattle. These farmers are not big farmers and they need all the pasture land they can obtain and maintain for their herds of animals.

May your holiday be filled with joy, may beautiful memories be made, and precious time with friends and relatives be enjoyed. We will be thinking about all of you as we sit in this small prairie town in the southwest corner of Oklahoma. Not even the barbed wire can slow down the wind as it builds and then sweeps down across the land. Showers are forcast and that would be a wonderful thing also. Herkie the youngest of the tom cats that has invaded our household sends his meow along with Lonesome and Goldie. Fuzzy, granny's cat so misses his lady that held him most of the day, but all will have some turkey and a lot of loving on Thursday...Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.