Traveling through that which is the Bermuda Triangle of Indiana to enjoy that which is the best holiday in the land

Every year we go to my parent's house in Jasper for Thanksgiving. We load up the car with dog, dog toys, books on tape, Diet Coke, coffee and of course enough clothes for both of us to stay a week (because you just never know what you want to wear). Every year, with no fail, there is some sort of treacherous storm that we must drive through on the hilly, swirly, dark, country roads. Sometimes it's rain or sleet, or rain and sleet, or rain and sleet and snow. Or, just straight up tornadoes. I have yet to drive to Jasper on a bright, sunny day. This becomes very problematic for me because I have night blindness. Yes, that's right. It hasn't been officially medically diagnosed, but I swear I cannot see the road when it is dark and there are no street lights. This leads Jake to constantly make comments about my driving, which leads me to defend my night blindness, thus using my "shrieky Deborah Barrone voice" (as Jake would say) threatening to pull over so he can "drive the freaking rest of the way."

We always make it there in one piece. However, it is what we must endure to get to the "Crib of all Cribs." As Jake says, "I haven't even seen all of the rooms at your parent's house."

I am very excited for my 26th Thanksgiving (or is it 27th, because my first one was in the zero year?). Anyways, I am all about traditions and force everyone to participate in them. I do not think that the members of my family show the proper enthusiasm for the Macy's Parade. I must admit that the parade has lost some of its luster after I found out that it was not really Santa Claus at the end. That being said, there a lot of other things to enjoy such as the winter outfits and sweaters the C-list stars will be wearing, the big blimps, and of course that perky Katie Couric.

A fairly new tradition on the Thanksgiving scene is the National Dog Show hosted by J. Peterman. My Aunt Jeannie and I really enjoy it, and Jake and I think every single dog looks like Ozzie. I think it is also Bloody Mary time (don't judge me, its Thanksgiving) so, it is a lot easier to enjoy the dog show.

All and all a very fine day indeed. In the words of my Aunt Jeannie, "I love this family!"

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!