Happy Thanksgiving.

It’s turkey day! After moving here as a Brit, it took no time before I really got into the spirit of this wonderful American holiday. It is the one time in the year when Americans take time out, and do everything in their power to spend time with family and friends. For non Americans, Thanksgiving originated from the Pilgrim days, giving thanks for the first harvest. I like it because it’s a non materialistic holiday, unlike the way Christmas has become for some.

Pauline and I will in fact, be visiting with former Ash family member - fellow Ash guitarist, Laurie Wisefield, tonight, at the Tina Turner concert in New Jersey and several folks have asked me to pass on their best wishes to him.

We’ve had some wonderful and memorable Thanksgivings, as I’m sure you have. Notably, a few years ago, when promoters and new friends of ours Grant & Esther, living near New Orleans, invited myself and the band into their home for an amazing meal after Hurricane Katrina had virtually destroyed their neighborhood. Americans are nothing, if not generous in spirit.

The events in India in the past 24 hours will obviously mar Thanksgiving this year for many. Our prayers and thoughts go out to those there; British, American and Israeli hostages and their families and the brave Indian people dealing with this tragic event.

Peace and best wishes to you all ~ A.P.