IT’S TODAY: Usually, you can tell the “outsiders” by their
ever-present cellphone. You know, like they’re actually expecting
to get a signal. Their flannel shirt is probably from Eddie Bauer
rather than Mayer Brauser. They might drink their beer out of a
glass. No doubt they are in an SUV rather than a pickup.

Often, they have driven great distances to get here. This is
prime time to see these “outsiders” because buck season is upon us.
Why are we mentioning them today? If you were to talk to them,
you’d probably find out how much they envy you and your lifestyle
in this outdoor mecca. They would love to live here, too, if they
could just find a good-paying job to get their kids through
college.

Many people who live in our part of Pennsylvania find this hard
to believe. In fact, they are often the most critical of this place
we call home. We need to stop doing that, if just for today. It is
Thanksgiving, after all. Let’s look at us the way “outsiders” look
at us.

First and foremost, the hills. Imagine living your whole life in
Ohio or, God forbid, Nebraska. No matter the season, our hills are
gorgeous. And speaking of seasons … A friend who used to live in
Los Angeles tells us she used to miss snow and even rain. We’ve got
all that, and more. Sometimes it’s even sunny and warm!

This column devotes a fair amount of space to the wild things
our readers see every day – deer, bear, rattlesnakes, mountain
lions and even black panthers. (We would mention Bigfoot but don’t
want to scare off the “outsiders.”) The variety of birds is
astonishing – everything from the American bald eagle to the rare
Eastern bluebird.

We don’t have to spend countless hours fighting traffic, there’s
no smog or air pollution to speak of, our most “heinous” crime is
probably burglary or bad checks, and we’re probably not on any
terrorist group’s hit list.

We still don’t have to lock our doors, have neighbors willing to
lend a hand, and make friends with even those “outsiders” we meet
along the way.

We could go on as this list is long. As for drawbacks? Nope, not
today. It’s the day to count our many blessings. And, so, a happy
Thanksgiving to everyone!