Dear Readers: Happy Thanksgiving to one and all. This is a time to share with family and friends. But we also hope you have remembered those who are alone today and would love to be part of your family for the day. If you aren't able to accommodate extra guests this year, please keep them in mind when you are planning next year's bounty. And for those readers who are spending the day volunteering at shelters and soup kitchens, bless you for your kind hearts and generosity of spirit.

Here's a quote from the late, great Erma Bombeck: "Thanksgiving dinners take 18 hours to prepare. They are consumed in 12 minutes. Halftimes take 12 minutes. This is not coincidence."

Dear Annie: I would love to share my thoughts with your readers at Thanksgiving because there is so much I am thankful for.

First, I thank the Creator for allowing me to be here for 66 years and counting. And, I thank God for giving my wife the strength to tolerate me for over 35 years ¿ and counting.

I give thanks for my two sons, for they have grown into fine young men. John just finished ten years in the Navy, and Ellery is working as a computer engineering consultant and attending graduate school. John graduated with honours, and Ellery graduated as valedictorian.

My wife and I suffer from a host of diseases and diagnoses. We take a litany of medications and prescriptions. I give thanks that I have health coverage and live in a country where I can receive adequate care and competent treatment.

I served in the US Marine Corps from 1958-1988 and got to see a lot of the world and its peoples and cultures. And believe me, I give thanks for growing up in America. While America is not without her bruises and blemishes, she is still, by far, the best when it comes to freedom, opportunity and progress. And, I give thanks for all that.

Further, I give thanks for being able to contribute to the welfare and advancement of others, especially those children and families that are disadvantaged socially, politically and economically. I figure it's time I reflect upon, remember and treasure all the good times, good places and good people that have come into my life. I give thanks to all those who helped and empowered me over the years, to all those whose backs and shoulders I have stood upon. And I give heartfelt thanks for realising that I have not been alone, nor have I done it all by myself. For everything I want to be, for everything I hope to be and for everything I am, I give thanks during this very special holiday season. ¿ John in Norfolk, Virginia

Dear John: You are indeed blessed, and wise to recognise it. We hope all of our readers will take the time to reflect on the good things in their lives, whether large or small. We wish every one of you a happy, healthy, bountiful holiday. Here's one more:

Dear Annie: I live on a fixed income and was feeling broke and underprivileged. But, I took a look around at some of the things I DO have, and it turns out, I am NOT poor.

I have a roof over my head that does not leak.

I have a warm bed, in which to sleep.

I have hot and cold running water, in which to bathe.

My refrigerator, cabinets and shelves are full of food.

Yes, it's true that I don't drive a fancy car (I have a bicycle), but when looked at objectively, I live like a king. I have so many things to feel good about in my life that I had to struggle to keep the list to only the top five. ¿ Not Poor in Riverside