Just yesterday it was July (or so it seems), and now itís November; Thanksgiving is here and Christmas is right around the corner. How does this happen?Besides Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, this November we have a national election. And I have a feeling that many Americans feel as I do ó just get it over with. However, before you breathe a sigh of relief, please vote on Nov. 8.†Iíve heard people say they wonít vote this year mainly because they donít like either presidential candidate. But there are other people running for statewide offices and ballot issues that matter. Despite the ugliness that has permeated this yearís presidential campaign, we are still Americans, with great privileges. And we still have freedoms enviable to many.Every day, we hear about more people fleeing their oppressive countries regardless of the dangers that await them; we hear about adults and children being killed in war-torn countries; we see the remnants of natural disasters in places like Haiti because they donít have sturdy homes or shelters to go to in the wake of storms or FEMA to help them in the aftermath of the storms. What they wouldnít give for the privilege of living and voting in a country like ours.November also is a month to honor our veterans, who have fought for our freedoms, including the right to vote. So, by voting, we are thanking our veterans for protecting that right and many others.In November, we also celebrate the rich history of this country by observing Thanksgiving Day. We can be thankful that we can vote on issues and the people who govern us. And we can openly complain about those people and vote them out. It all comes down to ìus.î We, the people, really does exist ó when you vote.This month in the NFH, Shelli Mader has written a fact-based article on the history of Veterans Day. I must have missed the information in history class because it seemed like new and interesting information to me.Also, we have shaken things up a bit by introducing something new and changing something old. Breeanna Jent is hanging out in Black Forest, hoping to snag a person on the street for our new column, On the Street in Black Forest. Itís a fun Q&A (question and answer), so Black Forest readers ó you never know when Breeanna is watching you!We have also changed our Face to Face format. Angie Morlan will introduce the person, and the rest will be in Q&A mode as well. Remember, if you know of someone who would be a good fit for Face to Face, send an email to marylou@kekotiledesigns.com.Finally, Jason Gray has written an article on wine culture ó appropriate for this time of the year. So, we asked some of our team members to highlight their favorite wines to sip with Thanksgiving dinner.Have a great November, and Happy Thanksgiving to all.See you in December!Michelle
