We had a Thanksgiving dinner that couldn't be beat. My brother-in-law, Scott and his wife Val hosted a delightful dinner for 18 or so. I sat at the kids' table and had a great time. Scott worked as a chef for many years and is able to plan, prepare, and present wonderful meals.

On the ride home from the Cape, Sandra and her mother sat in the back seat and sang in lovely harmony. They sang rounds ("Scotland's Burning), hymns ("That Old Rugged Cross" and "We Gather Together"), and others ("O Canada").

Popular Science is out with its second annual survey of the worst jobs in science: http://www.popsci.com/popsci/science/article/0,20967,713471,00.html.

It's a great comfort to look in the back yard and see all that new wood. Up close it smells good, too. We'll be warm this winter. I don't know how our wood guy makes a living at the prices he charges.

This should be a quiet week at work, with folks mentally checking out in advance of the holiday weekend.

Our niece, Rachael, is 26 today.