I used to write a lot of holiday pieces where I work, TodaysRecipepro.com. My boss, Cooke2cook, was always nice about letting me add my own special touch to things. For that I was always (ahem) thankful.

I have to say I am genuinely tired of my country always apologizing for things that way before my time if not even way before America officially began. I am often reminded of a line from an episode of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer". One of the supernatural characters was speaking to one of the American

characters. He said something like: You're the only country who apologizes for being good conquerors.

I know it's not politically correct. It is, however, relevant. I find it pathetic that we Americans these days all too often stand ready to place the blame for everything on our ancestors, judging them by our own "modern", way-too-PC standards.

I think it's time we stop apologizing. I have a deep respect for Indian lore. I earned Indian Lore Merit Badge in the

scouts. My one son did, too, in fact. I am a member of the Order of the Arrow.

Still, I am tired of all the nonsense. So someone got a really good deal for Manhattan? So what? My ancestors had it tough, too . . . and I don't get a piece of that Indian casino action. I think we all need to be happy we're alive and not worry about what our ancestors did or didn't do and not have a stick up our collective BUT, I digress . . . )

Here then, is some interesting information I discovered online about the history of Thanksgiving. I don't recall being taught all of this in school.  I don't recall being taught all of this in college. I wonder why?

Thanksgiving Day is a holiday in America and Canada. It’s a harvest festival and a time when people who honor the celebration give thanks to God and often even list additional things for which they express their gratitude. Presently, Americans honor Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of every November. In Canada it is celebrated on the second Monday of every October. The Canadians hold their celebration over the entire weekend.

The day is for feasting with family and friends. While both of the countries now have days on which they hold this celebration the date and place of the original Thanksgiving is an issue of controversy.

Researchers believe the first recorded Thanksgiving Day was held on September 8^th back in 1565 in the city of Saint Augustine, Florida. It’s also believed that the traditional “first” Thanksgiving took place years later at the Plymouth Plantation in 1621.

While sources may vary regarding the specific details of the gathering in 1621, it is agreed by many that the first Thanksgiving came about because Powhatan, an Indian chief, met with the settlers out of not-entirely altruistic motivations. It is believed that he befriended the early settlers because he was in need of allies. While he had a great amount of property on which to live and farm, he

simply did not have enough men left in his tribe to maintain it.

It seems that sometime in 1620 a foreign ship had docked nearby to take on fresh drinking water. During this brief stop one or more passengers or crew carried smallpox and spread it to the Indian tribe. Naturally, this took a great toll on Powhatan’s people and left him in a vulnerable position. Regardless, of the specifics, it is also considered a day of unity and sharing between two groups of people.

So there you have it. It seems there were some more practical motives behind the first Thanksgiving. Perhaps we should just concentrate on what we're thankful for and enjoy a good meal with friends and family.

My name is Phoenix and . . . that's the bottom line.