Pedley's Ponderings

I’ve noted in past screeds on this page that Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. The food, drinks, people and football…what’s not to love?

This year’s rendition of Turkey Day comes with one item off that list. My clan is not going anywhere or seeing anyone this weekend due to the plague, and we’re cooking everything ourselves. Not to brag, but I make a mean turkey – I use a recipe from one of my favorite YouTube cooking channels, Binging With Babish. Though I’m not losing sleep over potentially screwing up our food, I will miss showing up somewhere and being told when it’s ready. The pile of dishes won’t be fun, either.

Food and football aside, it’s important to remember the true meaning of this great American holiday. I’m always thankful for more than I’m usually aware of at first blush, and I can truly say I’m lucky to have what I do.

Here are a few highlights.

My family: I’m not sure why they put up with me, but I’m glad they endure. This year has brought us literally closer together than anticipated – both Kaity and I were working from home for the better part of three months due to the pandemic. That meant the kids were right there with us, and boy, you don’t know how wonderful a quiet office is until there’s a 1-year-old with a smelly diaper screaming under your desk at home.

My health: Admittedly, I don’t do myself any favors. Mowing the yard is about as much exercise as I get, and my diet could use some work. This year also featured a trip to the ER with a broken and gashed finger, as well as brief stint under an MRI machine due to a banged up knee. Those were both firsts, but it could have been worse.

I’m truly grateful I’ve avoided catching coronavirus thus far. Like anyone, I just don’t know how I’d fair. I’ve got a pre-existing condition and that’s one of the main checkmarks against someone who contracts COVID-19. Nonetheless, I’ll keep doing what I can to stave it off until my number is called for a vaccination. It’s about all any of us can do at this point.

My TV: Where would any of us be without the boob tube this year? We ditched our satellite dish in the spring due to a high bill and lack of use, but I think we’ve easily negated any savings with subscriptions to various streaming services. My only gripe now is that there are too many shows. Most nights I give up trying to find something new and instead watch reruns of shows I’ve seen 20 times. No matter how many options I have, there’s never anything on.

My job: I’m glad to have a paycheck any old year, but 2020 is decidedly different.

I don’t think anyone has felt too incredibly safe at their job since March unless they worked at a toilet paper factory. The pandemic forced a wave of cutbacks, and the news industry was no different. The owners of this publication have been able to hold the walls up, though, and that’s nothing to sneeze at.

Our medical professionals: I can’t imagine being a nurse, doctor, EMT or anyone in the health care profession right now. Hospitals are swamped and staff members are absolutely bushed. This pandemic is ravaging the Midwest, and I fear Thanksgiving gatherings are only going to exacerbate an already dire situation. Right now those taking care of the sick are angels on earth. Their commitment and perseverance in the face of this cataclysmic storm is remarkable.

Electoral consequences: I’m not going to go too far into the weeds here – the political discourse right now is insane, and my opinions on matters of the day aren’t going to do it any favors.

That said, I am incredibly grateful I will never have to cover another Steve King town hall meeting again. Northwest Iowa finally got it right.

You: As previously noted, it’s not easy for any business right now. I’m truly grateful for all our readers and advertisers who’ve stuck with us. We strive to cover the news, sports and other community events that matter to you most, and we are thankful you allow us to tell your stories.

Nick Pedley is the news editor of The Hartley Sentinel-The Everly/Royal News.