It's Thanksgiving Day as I write this from a cabin in the Texas Hill Country. It's beautiful here, rolling and rocky hills full of cattle, wildlife, friendly people and great music. The Texas Hill Country (Central Texas), and especially Austin, have long been known as a hub for an eclectic blend of country, rock and folk music, best known as Cosmic Cowboy music, or more in modern terms, Americana Music. The Austin Music Scene, as it's also known, became a thing in the early 70s shaped by music greats, Jerry Jeff Walker, Gary P. Nunn, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Michael Martin Murphey and many more. Although the Austin Music Scene isn't as vibrant as it once was many of the progenitors are still with us and playing great music.

Last night we went to Luckenbach, just a few miles away from the cabin, and enjoyed a show by Dale Watson, another of the icons of the Austin Music Scene, at the Luckenbach Dance Hall for the annual Thanksgiving Day Ball. We had an absolute great night of dancing (if you can call what I do dancing), libations and fine company. This was the third time we've seen Dale Watson, and the second time we've been here for the Thanksgiving Day Ball featuring Mr. Watson and His Lone Stars. He and the band were on fire, we consider this the best show of the three that we've seen. We left at 11:00 PM full of memories, tee shirts, autographs and photos.

We're staying here through Thanksgiving Day and we'll head back to Southeast Texas tomorrow, Friday. We're forgoing the traditional turkey dinner for barbecued baby back ribs. Yesterday we saw a large rafter of turkeys pass close by the cabin, probably about 100 feet away. I joked with otc that she should have grabbed one for Thanksgiving dinner, but instead we opted for the delicious ribs, being the rebels that we are.

Photos from Outside the Cabin

My wife and I have much to be grateful for on this Thanksgiving Day. Even though Thanksgiving is supposed to be a happy occasion, there's plenty of unhappiness and misery about, both here and abroad.

The recent election has left many in a state of discontent. The internet is abuzz with those opposed to the results of the recent election, just a few short weeks ago. They call for people to disavow family members this Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is supposedly about people of different walks of life coming together as illustrated by the early pilgrims, who were near starvation, and the Native Americans that inhabited the land, who supplied a huge feast as a peace offering. Ever since that first feast, Thanksgiving should be a means to bring families together rather than dividing them.

There's much consternation across the land about the direction the new administration wants to lead the country. It amazes me how intolerant we've become, even as "tolerance" was touted as campaign slogans, that's proof of the effectiveness of political manipulation.

No, wait a minute, it doesn't amaze me. That's the crux of the modern political climate.

How well those that wish to rule over us all have sown the seeds of division. They take satisfaction turning us against one another as the world burns in their vainglorious vanities. Much of the world has experienced the American concept of unity, as opposed to division, much like the Native Americans at the first Thanksgiving ultimately experienced, after the fact. As have the inhabitants of Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon and every other strife worn nations around the globe that have been touched by supposed American democratic ideals. Watch out, here comes some democracy! You can rest assured they are not celebrating the notion of Thanksgiving this year.

So, yeah, Thanksgiving is a mixed bag for me.