Scott Schmeltzer, Thanks for Listening

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is the day that you give thanks for all you have received throughout the year. I am sure that everyone has some things to be very thankful for. I myself am thankful for many things and when I started this column I thought it would be a good idea to list everything that I am thankful for. (Not in any particular order, except for No. 1.)

1. My wife, Bonnie

2. My daughter, Tayler

3. My sons Scott and Brian

4. Our dogs Molly and Scout

5. My religious beliefs

6. My health

7. My Mom

8. My brothers and sisters

9. My job

10. Living in Albert Lea

11. Our staff at the Tribune

12. My daughter&8217;s smile

13. Bonnie&8217;s humor

14. Our friends

15. To be able to provide for my family

16. All of our veterans

17. All of our fighting men and women currently providing for our safety

18. Education and realizing it is ongoing

19. Books; great authors

20. Bonnie&8217;s undying support

21. Green Bay Packers sweeping the Vikings this year!

22. Being in a financial situation that I can give back to less fortunate

23. My own sense of humor; it helps in this crazy world

24. Public library

25. The meal we are about to eat, and pumpkin pie after it!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Shopping on Black Friday

Please prepare for the biggest shopping day of the year!

Men: Do not go! This day is better to be left to the professionals. The best we can do is hope that our better halves leave us room in the checkbook to pay bills for the month. Stay home, eat leftovers, go hunting, have a beer, relax.

Women: Go through today&8217;s paper and cut out all coupons, mark all sales, check all times that stores will be opening and the early savings. Double check that you have the following items: Checkbook with ample supply of checks, older purse with pepper spray, Tazer, car keys, credit cards and gum. These items you will need to battle for the last remaining whatever that is on sale. Don&8217;t forget to also pack your attitude! You will need this as you are going hunting, bargain hunting! It is no different than real hunting except no firearms and the designated kill just happens to be clothing, shoes or toys. Remember also to use an older purse because I have heard hunting stories about purses used as badgering devices as well as trying to get a better spot in checkout lines. Leave your Dooney and Bourkes and other designer bags at home as they might just get hurt.

OK, if you think you are ready, good luck and no biting!

Tribune Publisher Scott Schmeltzer&8217;s column appears every Thursday.