When I was a young lad, my father was a Navy chief. Since he was away for six months out of the year, my mother never bothered to celebrate Thanksgiving. In fact, it wasn't until my sister first attended grade school that we had even heard of Thanksgiving. Apparently she came home one day and asked my mom what this "Thanksgiving" thing was that she'd been hearing about.

Ever since then, we've been celebrating Thanksgiving together. This year we will celebrate with four generations. My sister will be flying in from the left coast with my little nephew who was born just over 6 months ago. My grandfather will be driving up from the deep South to join us as well. I'll be traveling today to join them all.

Ravenwood's Universe will be shutting down over the holiday. No new content will be posted until at least Monday morning, which is a good thing. Rather than reading websites, you should be spending time with your family and being thankful for everything that is good in your life.

Personally, I encourage everyone to live by The General's motto.

Live the good life. Drink, smoke, gamble, feast, joke, fornicate and be tolerant of those who do. Take risks and thrive for the good challenge. Work hard and play hard without going over the edge. Live in the moment. Believe in moderation in all things, including moderation. Live it up!

Here's to you and yours.