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Editorial: Giving thanks

Canadian citizens look forward to the second Monday in October for a variety of reasons. For some, it is all about the long weekend and having additional time away from work to spend with family and friends, inside or outdoors.
Powell River Peak editorial

Canadian citizens look forward to the second Monday in October for a variety of reasons. For some, it is all about the long weekend and having additional time away from work to spend with family and friends, inside or outdoors. For others, food in general is the centerpiece of the day, whether it is a traditional turkey-based Thanksgiving feast with all the fixings or an alternative protein or vegan/vegetarian option.

Everyone has a favourite dessert, from apple or pumpkin pie to cheesecake or homemade ice cream. Whatever the choice, even if the answer is “yes, please” to all of the above (anyone like that in your family?), people who spend the day doing, or eating, exactly what they want, where they want, are usually the ones raving about their fantastic weekend at the water cooler upon returning to work. Those who don’t have to return to work, feel free to rave as well, just don’t rub it in that you’ll be sleeping in on Tuesday morning.

Traditionalists in Powell River can be thankful for the harvest reaped in 2018, or maybe even celebrate the origin of Canada’s first Thanksgiving in 1872, when the gratitude was for the Prince of Wales of the time, who had recovered from an illness.

Non-traditionalists might simply give thanks for living in a culturally diverse community with a tradition of volunteerism, herons frolicking in trees along Marine Avenue, or the amazing view of the ocean.

The new free trade agreement between Canada, Mexico and the United States could be something to be thankful for, too, but that might have to wait for future Thanksgivings, when results of the pact and how it affects industries begins to show positive or negative impacts.

Powell River Villa and Powell River Kings fans will appreciate strong starts by both clubs, and recent donations by Powell River Regals, The Rotary Club of Powell River and local Canadian Tire owners to help youth in the community participate in sports and other activities will garner a thank you or two as well.

Sports fans have early stages of the National Hockey League regular season to watch if outdoor activities are not on the schedule, or even possible due to weather, as well as a Canadian Football League doubleheader and Major League Baseball playoffs. Have you looked at the schedules yet?

That certain spot on the couch is calling, and the bag of Cheezies is begging for a bowl.