Happy Thanksgiving! I hope that you are enjoying a safe, happy, healthy Thanksgiving with your family and friends.

Although geographically I am far from my family this year, I keep them close in my thoughts, memories and heart.

This has been a year of extreme happiness and wonder and a time of deep sadness. It is easy for me to know the happiest time. That was the weekend of January 18th-19th. Not only was it my first book signing and celebration of launching Ideas Unlimited, Inc. I got to share the weekend with both my sons and their families. Unfortunately Carol and Jonah were unable to join us but they called and thanks to technology joined us long distance. It was a fun weekend I shall always keep as a treasured memory.

Anyone who knows me will understand why this article in the paper gave me a special smile today. It looks like the idea of saying, "thank-you" to the men and women of the Fire Departments is spreading. That certainly makes my Thanksgiving extra special!



By Neil Johnson The Tampa Tribune
Published: November 25, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - Mike Alstott carried a pigskin for 11 years for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Today he carried turkeys for firefighters.

Alstott and his family delivered Thanksgiving Day groceries to the 13 fire stations in St. Petersburg for the firefighters and paramedics scheduled to work Thursday. Alstott, the team leader in touchdowns and perhaps the most popular Bucs player, called the firefighters heroes.
"The firefighters and men and women that serve our community are heroes," he said. "They protect us."

Alstott, joined by his wife and children, toured the city's stations, unloading groceries from the back of a pickup. The food included turkeys, canned goods, rolls, pies and whatever else will be needed to create a holiday meal, said Lt. Joel Granata, spokesman for St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue.

This is the first time Alstott, through the Mike Alstott Family Foundation, has donated Thanksgiving Day meals to the city's fire stations.


Sharing is the greatest part of this wonderful holiday. May you recall happy memories this Thanksgiving and if you are separated from your loved ones may technology link you.