What Thanksgiving?
Yes, that was the question last year at this time. There would be no parades up and down both sides of the river. And as for Thanksgiving, we weren’t going “Over the river and through the woods…” because grandmother wasn’t cooking anything for us this year. As the Covid-19 continued its relentless reign of terror and death, we spent our days hunkered down in our houses hoping that the next knock on the door wouldn’t be a messenger bearing the bad news that someone we knew well had contracted the virus, and all the local hospitals were bursting with sick and dying patients. What Thanksgiving?
Because the virus was so contagious, people began working from home. And school children began learning from home. There was no interaction in the classroom during this time. Athletic seasons were canceled—not just games; entire seasons were lost! In addition to athletic events, proms and graduation exercises met the same fate—GONE! Virtual became the word of the day. Students participated in virtual learning, meaning that they did much of their schoolwork on a computer or an iPad at the direction of the teacher. High school seniors participated in virtual graduation ceremonies while their family members watch on TV or a computer. Virtual! Virtual! Virtual! Virtual! What Thanksgiving?
Last year at this time people weren’t doing a lot of cooking and baking because family gatherings were taboo, and there would be no one to eat all those goodies. And you haven’t lived until you’ve celebrated Thanksgiving virtually via Zoom or Google Meeting Room. First of all, there was no food because a turkey drumstick cannot be sent electronically. Then you must make sure everyone agrees on a time. At the appointed hour, everyone gathers around a TV screen or a computer, and everyone complains about how miserable everything in the world has become. Then everyone at once says goodbye. What Thanksgiving?
Things have changed considerably since that gloomy Thanksgiving a year ago. Of course, the big news is that several effective Covid-19 vaccines were developed, and despite that fact that some people refused to be vaccinated, this breakthrough was a time for many to rejoice. Slowly, slowly things began to improve. The vicious virus was still around, but it had waned enough that shuttered businesses and restaurants began opening, and children were permitted back in their classrooms. Athletic contests resumed, and the fans showed up in droves for college and pro football games. Area Christmas parades have been scheduled, and excitement is once again twinkling in children’s eyes. And grandmothers all over have been spotted carrying turkeys out of grocery stores as the sound of Salvation Army bells accompany them to their cars. The welcome holidays finally have returned. What a Thanksgiving it will be!
I’m Not Flying
Have you ever wondered what an airline company does with the planes it no longer needs. Well, according to an article the Daily Mail a number of planes had to be shelved during the pandemic, but now that more traveling has resumed, some of those idle planes will be pressed into service. And my question is this: Who is going to clean those planes? A lot of them have been stored in California’s Mojave Desert, and it seems that the empty planes have turned into great homes for rattlesnakes and scorpions. The Mail said that 4.2 million people plan fly over the upcoming holiday, and thankfully I’m not one of them. But if I were, I would figure out a way to keep my feet from hitting the floor during the flight. Now if you really want a thrill, watch “Snakes on a Plane,” starring Samuel Jackson. After you’ve seen that, you may never fly again. Happy travels!
Not Guilty!
Well, after several days of debating, the jury in Kenosha, Wis., found Kyle Rittenhouse not guilty of all charges. No comment!
All Quiet
Despite all the negative publicity and controversy surrounding West Liberty University President W. Franklin Evans, who plagiarized material in a number of his speeches, things have been relatively quiet on the hilltop campus. Right now it appears as if Evans’ job is no longer in jeopardy. Let’s hope his presidency doesn’t damage the University’s reputation too much.
Ponder This:
If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked, doesn’t it follow that electricians can be delighted and musicians denoted?
~ George Carlin
