It's that time of year again! Thanksgiving Day is near; and we look forward to having our loved ones with us.
    It's time to give thanks for our many blessings, a time to be thoughtful of others, especially the less fortunate.
    I remember Thanksgiving of long ago when we looked forward to going to Grandma's. She would have turkey, baked hen and perhaps a ham. Mama would bake different kind of pies ... apple, pumpkin and custard. All were baked in a wood-burning cook stove. I do believe food tasted better cooked that way. Most all our food was raised on the farm. When we planted in the Spring, we were sure of a bountiful harvest.
    So when crops were in, it was a time to give thanks. However, we were thankful all year 'round for good health, good neighbors, the privilege of attending church and having a home where there was happiness.
    Times have changed and though I liked the old ways better, one must go along with progress.
    So Happy Thanksgiving to all the "Over The Ozarks" readers!

Mellie Smith
November 26, 1970