About the Off-Season: Giving Thanks

About the Off-Season: Giving Thanks

By Tim Kabel

November 28, 2024

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Editor's note - This will be our only baseball article today. Happy Thanksgiving!

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Today is Thanksgiving and I would like to take a break from worrying about whether Juan Soto re-signs with the Yankees and reflect upon things for which I am thankful. Interspersed with those thoughts will be some random observations  regarding Thanksgiving and other tidbits.

·      Although many people are upset by the results of the presidential election, I am very grateful that I live in a country where there are presidential elections and where we can choose our leaders. I have never cared about whom my friends and family voted for, only that they voted. Many years ago, my boss at the time asked me to accompany another social worker into the field because her client tended to be rather volatile. True to form, the woman began complaining loudly about how much she hated Connecticut, our agency, and the United States. She looked at me and my colleague and said, “that's it, I'm moving out of the United States and back to Alabama.” My colleague was at a loss for words. Naturally, I suggested that the woman have her passport updated before undertaking such a trip. She thanked me profusely and wished me a pleasant day.

·      Apparently, yesterday was my little upstairs neighbor, the Roadrunner’s birthday. I deduced this by the fact that he began his morning regimen of stomping and shrieking earlier than usual, and I heard his family members singing “Happy Birthday”. Those investigative skills of mine have not gotten rusty. As if things weren't good enough, apparently, the Roadrunner has acquired a dog to be his companion. Even better, it's one of those little yappy ones. I don't recall buying a lottery ticket but apparently, I did and I won. There really is no other choice but to refer to the Roadrunner’s pooch as “the coyote”.

·      I'm grateful that I finally have a successful resolution regarding my disability pension and Social Security benefits. Although I certainly would have preferred to continue working, being able to have peace of mind and security during my retirement is a wonderful thing. I can now concentrate on writing, cooking, and taking care of my family and my cats.

·      I'm grateful that I have found a second career, so to speak, as a writer. Thus far, it hasn't been very lucrative financially but, and it's one of those things that you just have to keep plugging away at until you get a break. Besides, I love writing and it has added a whole new dimension and depth to my life.

·      I don't believe they celebrate Thanksgiving in Turkey but if they did, I wonder what they would eat?

·      I'm grateful for all the exciting moments and memories the Yankees have provided me with over the years. Being a fan of this team has been a wonderful experience. Sure, there have been a few disappointments or things that were less than satisfying but, I have watched the Yankees play in 12 World Series in my lifetime and I'm fairly certain that there will be more. As a Yankees’ fan, I have nothing to complain about. Imagine being a fan of the Brewers or the Padres. Both of those franchises I have never won a World Series in 56 years.

·      Although I have some health issues, I'm very fortunate that overall, I'm in good health, and my various conditions seem to be improving. There are plenty of people with much worse situations than mine and I'm a firm believer in positive thinking so, I am confident that I will have a long and healthy retirement in front of me.

·      Because we are doing our Thanksgiving meal on Friday, as you are all reading this, I am wrestling my turkey either into or out of the oven, depending on when you read it. I know there are many people who don't like turkey and who do not enjoy it as part of the Thanksgiving meal. I suspect that's because many people do not cook their turkey properly, resulting in a dried-out bird. I have brined my turkeys many times but now, I use a dry brine and I slow roast it. As i noted the other day, this year i will put lemons, sage, and rosemary inside the turkey to add moisture and flavor. I may not be able to eat a big meal this year but, I will enjoy what I have, and I will enjoy even more the opportunity to prepare it the meal for my family.

·      I'm very fortunate that while I was waiting for the resolution on my retirement and pension situations, I had friends and family who stepped up to help my wife and me out. I have always believed that when you go through tough times, you discover who your true friends really are. That is something that means very much to me and that I will never forget.

·      I thought I was going to have a small turkey this year but I'm very happy to have my stepchildren joining us, and we do love leftovers. So, the only bird larger than the one I will be roasting lives on Sesame Street.

·      I am very appreciative to have the opportunity to write articles for SSTN. When I was younger, I never thought I would be doing something like this, but I was lucky to get the opportunity, and it is a wonderful experience. I hope the readers enjoy reading my articles as much as I enjoy writing them. I would also like to say that our esteemed leader, Dr. Semendinger, is an absolute treasure and getting to know him was an unexpected boon. Not a Boone that would require proofing, but the other kind.

·      I'm exceptionally grateful that my two sons are living with me and that we have very positive and loving relationships. Although my daughter does not live with me, we are very close as well. I spent my career working with people who had problematic relationships with their families so, I realize just how lucky I am. Being a father is one of the best things I have ever done and the fact that I'm reasonably good at it makes me proud. I am blessed to have such wonderful children.

·      I cannot describe how grateful I am to have my wife, Stacey, in my life. I may have found her late in life, but all that matters is that I found her. She has brought so much joy, love, and happiness into my life that I can never possibly repay her. Even when she loses her phone 47 times a day, I am happy to be there to find it for her. She is the Edith Bunker to my Archie, and I hope I am fortunate enough to have at least another forty years with her by my side. I was going to say that I'm more than happy to have her as my wife but then I remembered that the late George Carlin said “more than happy” sounds like a mental health condition.

·      I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and remember the culinary tip provided by Archie Bunker, “put an ear of corn inside the turkey because when it heats up enough, it will explode and blow the back end off of the turkey so you know it's done.”