Hunley: Giving thanks after Turkey Day

Thanksgiving's over, save for the "turkey hash, turkey a la King, or gallons of turkey soup" as Ralphie says in "A Christmas Story."

But that doesn't mean we still can't give thanks post-turkey.

So I want to do that today.

First, it's most important for me to thank you, the reader.

We do what we do here is for mass consumption. Newspaper journalists are not sitting around, smoking clove cigarettes and writing poetry in a closet by candlelight. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.)

Seriously, though, if you don't read it, then I might as well not have written it. So thank you.

Next, gratitude goes to the subjects I've written about in this space.

Most have been more than generous in allowing me to barge into their lives and ask questions one might not put forth in polite company. Others have done foolish or horrendous things, and I've had to hammer them.

It takes all kinds to make a world, however, and all kinds to fill up a weekly newspaper column, so I appreciate everybody.

I'm also thankful for people who do good here where we live, such as the folks at Action in the Community Through Service and Securing Emergency Resources Through Volunteer Efforts Inc., who provided turkey bird for the needy last week.

I'm thankful for them, and also shameful for not helping out with this worthwhile enterprise myself.

After a water main break near my home Friday night, I have a new appreciation for modern conveniences, as well.

It was in the 10 o'clock hour, and I had just gotten home after picking up dinner.

I carefully brought the vittles in, and turned on the kitchen faucet.

But nothing happened.

One of my neighbors did the detective work to discover the source of the problem, but it was hours before the H2O flowed again.

Not the worst thing in the world, right? Just being without water for a while?

No. But it sure was a pain, considering half of my supper consisted of chicken wings dripping with buffalo sauce.

You know, the kind of cuisine that requires a solid hand-washing afterward.

Thankful? I've never been so grateful for the few wet naps I could scrounge up, and for the baby wipes the parents of toddlers must always have on hand.

Makes you think, though: Even in the bustling America of 2009, people live every day without running water.

While the rest of us concern ourselves with things such as Wi-Fi access, iPhone apps and DVRs, indoor plumbing is the technology these poor folks seek.

So think about the less fortunate as you go about your Christmas shopping over the next few weeks.

And I'll try not to complain about something as trifling as a messy meal.

Jonathan Hunley is a staff writer at the News & Messenger. Contact him at 703-369-5738 or at .