Have a Great Thanksgiving!

I'm traveling today, yes, today, the day of all days, the biggest travel day of the year. Thank you, Hotrod, for making my reservation for today. Bleh.

Anyway, as I'll be a "guest" at my parents, I thought I'd discuss the "tips" Reader's Digest suggest guests follow:

*Arrive no earlier than the time the host has announced and no later than half an hour after the time.

> Since I'm staying at the house, this doesn't really affect me.

*Plan to stay about an hour after dinner unless travel plans or sleepy children necessitate leaving earlier.

> It goes without saying that I'll be sticking around longer than an hour. Besides, that's when we start eating again.

*Bring a gift and write a note of thanks afterward.

> A note of thanks? What, you want my mother to faint with shock? Seriously, though, I already sent flowers ahead. I'm not a complete heathen. And I come bearing a duffel bag's worth of goodies for my neice and nephew.

*Offer to help set up for dinner and to clean afterward.

> No way, dude. If it weren't for setting and cleaning up, my dad and Hotrod would do nothing all day.

*Notify the host of any special dietary needs -- if you are a vegetarian, diabetic or allergic to common foods. You can tell the host how to prepare a dish you can eat, or even better, offer to bring that dish yourself.

> Already done. I told my mother about my special dietary needs that include an extra pumpkin pie and a spiral ham.

*If you're going to a potluck Thanksgiving, bring a serving dish with your contribution. Remember, the best potluck dishes are those that need minimal preparation in the host's kitchen, can be served at room temperature and require only a fork to eat.

> Sorry, pie doesn't do well on a plane.