Thanksgiving is over.

Ours started in an unusual way.

Our fierce watchdog, Hobo, began barking up a storm.

I went to the door and there stood old friend Bob Stevens.

He handed me a box, wished us a happy Thanksgiving and returned to his car.

On the box was a card that read "Thanksgiving Blessings, Dorcas Circle, Zion United Methodist Church".

I do not know what Dorcas means, but My Friend looked it up.

Here is what she found: "A woman, who spent her life making clothes for the poor."

There were no cloths in the box, but it contained a delicious homemade pound cake.

Friend Wife asked, "Do you want soup or the cake for lunch?"

I chose the cake. I had a piece with some milk.

She asked, "Do you want another piece?"

I did and so it went.

We ate the all he cake in one sitting.

I hope we get a bigger piece next year.

Next come the holidays.

I like the holidays but not for the reason you think.

Soon after New Year's Day, we will hear the thud of a baseball hitting a catchers mitt. The champion Cardinals will be in training for the most wonderful season of the year, Spring!

That is why I like the holidays, they usher in my favorite time of the year.

So, I went from a slice of delicious cake, through the holidays and into spring training. I doubt if the ladies at Zion, realize their cake contained so much magic.

I hope they remember us next year and, in the meantime, get ready to play ball.

I asked Bob Stevens before he left, "How is the new pastor doing?"

He replied, "He is doing fine, come and see him."

A subtle reminder to get to church.