Faster than anyone could imagine, Thanksgiving 2021 has arrived and the annual Thursday gathering of family and friends for a feast.

That means that you’ve got just enough time to turn on the oven, watch a float go by on the television for the parade in NYC, and then get to work on feeding a small army’s worth of family members. Unless you’re me, in which case I have a trip to make northward to Chattanooga for this Thanksgiving season.

So I’ll be taking most of the day off with the exception of a few items I completed before taking a breather for the rest of the day. Jess and I here at Polk.Today wish you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

A couple of points I’d like to remind folks of before I go back to my Thanksgiving weekend tradition of preparing for the Iron Bowl on Saturday after the Silver Comet Festival. (War Eagle!)

Please be sure to use turkey fryers safely outdoors and with sober adult supervision (I’ve been there, done that when a turkey fryer is not used correctly. Fortunately we didn’t require the services of the fire department…)

Remember that most stores will be closed today – at least until those Black Friday deals after dinner start – so don’t be surprised if you find an empty parking lot out there. Additionally, government buildings, banks, and most restaurants are closed today as well. Of note, the liquor store on North Main Street is open today for those needing libations ahead of the festivities with family members.

Travelers, please don’t drink and drive. Don’t text and drive. Be kind to visitors passing through who act like Highway 27 or 278 is the Atlanta Speedway. Avoid the interstate if you can. Please, just get to your family safely and home again. The last thing I want to do on Thanksgiving Day is have to cover wreck fatalities.

If you’re looking for last-minute ideas for some dessert, may I suggest this post from last year with some good ideas (that was of course put together by Jess…)

Enjoy the holiday, back online tomorrow morning with more news.