Just about every day, I think about few of my many blessings. Some are serious and others include a little humor. Here are just a few of the reasons that I am thankful.

A good Christmas parade. My mother wouldn’t miss one when I was a kid. Salisbury is very fortunate to have both David Whisenant and Ralph Ketner who were worthy to lead the parade. One day, I’m going to see the Macy’s Parade in New York City.

Sports movies that make a rainy Sunday afternoon much better. “For the Love of the Game” is worth watching if you haven’t.

Enormous Christmas displays. Taking the time to put up all those lights is very much appreciated. It is half the fun of having a windmill on the farm when it comes time to put lights on it. OK, so maybe just this one year we didn’t ever take them down.

Lower gas prices. I heard it said best the other day when someone referred to savings at the pump being better than a tax break.

A beautiful United States of America, still the greatest country on earth. It is wonderful to see so much of it and meet the people along the way on a summertime bicycle ride.

A good run on a snowy morning. So far it looks like we might have the winter weather for more of these than normal.

The East Rowan football team, led by the Wyrick brothers. They were great kids growing up at the East YMCA.

The positive results of spoken prayer. I know without a doubt that I wasn’t riding alone on July 31 in Tequesta, Florida. I’ll continue to start every day with “Lord, ride with me today.” Not just on the days that I am on a bicycle.

A new Ford F-150 farm truck, replacing a 15-year-old one. Who knew about windshield wipers that know when to turn themselves on?

The Literary Bookpost, a real full-service book store. Glad they carry my books.

The baseball career of New York Yankee Derek Jeter. In the days that proper role models are hard to find, Jeter did it right by always running hard to first base and crediting his teammates for all those winning American League seasons.

A Matthew Weaver concert. Worth going if you haven’t seen one.

Those stores that don’t open on Thanksgiving Day and all the people in service positions who have to work today so that others can be safe and secure.

All the ex-wives. They each taught me something.

Santa’s annual skydive into the Rowan Airport. He’ll visit this year on Saturday, Dec. 13. The kids, and plenty of adults too, cheer when they see the jolly guy freefalling from the sky. Santa will take time to talk with every child before resuming his hectic schedule.

Charities doing perhaps their finest work during the holiday season, but even more worthy for their year-round efforts.

All the time spent with family over the holidays. Chances to enjoy special traditions and develop new ones mean more as each year passes by.

All of our men and women in uniform, in foreign countries and at home. May you all know how much we value your contributions to our freedom. And to our law enforcement, the fire departments, and all the other agencies who protect us, thank you.

Good health, two wonderful daughters, great friends and a life that is just plain fun.

May you have plenty to be thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day! Set aside just a little bit of time to count your own blessings.

Freelance writer David Freeze lives in Rowan County.