Thanksgiving is over, except for the leftover turkey and pie and the warm feeling of being around family and friends that lingers on. It is nice to have a holiday that is all about appreciation and gratitude, and I am so grateful for so many blessings in my own life. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well.

In a side note, this morning I finally finished reading Moby Dick. Hurray! The last thrilling chapters proved why it's a contender for the Great American Novel. Like Shakespeare, Melville ranges from comedy to tragedy in one story and creates unforgettable characters. The climax had me biting my fingernails. I also learned more about whales than I really wanted to, but if you can make it through the portions about the different parts of the whale, its history in art and literature, and the various techniques involved in hunting it, it's a rewarding read.