I have always found it a bit ironic that we spend all day on Thanksgiving giving thanks for everything we have, and then can't wait to rush out the next day and get a whole bunch more. It keeps the machine running, I guess, so I won't complain--someone may be out there right now getting something for me. But, as a Minnesota Vikings fan, I believe we do have a lot to be thankful for this season--so I will take this time and space to show gratitude. Here's a list of what Purple backers have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving:

* That the Vikings are 9-1 and have a three-game lead in the NFC North Division.

* That Brett Favre still wanted to play football--and still can at such an incredibly high level.

* That the Green Bay Packers didn't need him anymore.

* That Sidney Rice is healthy and having a Pro Bowl year.

* That Percy Harvin is better than expected, and that 21 teams passed on him.

* That Brad Childress picked up Greg Lewis, if for no other reason than one magnificent catch.

* That Ryan Longwell kicks long, well and that Chris has a Kluwe about pinning teams back inside the 10.

* That the schedule makers were kind at the beginning of the season so the late arriving Favre could get comfortable with the offense, and again after the mid-season bye so the team could shake off a little rust.

* That Zygi Wilf says he has no plans to move the team (and hopeful that his plans remain that way).

* That Visanthe Shiancoe figured it out--he's unstoppable.

* That the legal system occasionally moves at a very slow pace.

* That Jared Allen's motor does not have an idle position.

* That Childress backed away from getting Jay Cutler.

* That Chicago didn't.

* That Antoine Winfield's foot is not broken (I think).

* That the secondary stepped up to the plate in his absence.

* That Phil Loadholt is playing every bit just as well as Michael Oher.

* That the Vikings' special teams are special again and just a treat to watch.

* That the attitude of Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels helped to close a schism before it ever became a chasm.

* That Viking fans are voting with their pocketbook and selling out all the Vikings home games.

* That Adrian Peterson remains one of the most exciting players in the NFL and his attitude toward the game is reminiscent another record-breaking player in Purple.

* That one NFL Ironman, Favre, got to meet the other, Jim Marshall.

* That we get to watching such exciting and excellent execution in every facet of the game. It is a blast to watch the Vikings play at this level.

* That the offensive line added two first-year starters and has nary missed a beat.

* That the linebacking corps keeps playing better every week.

* That Bernard Berrian is a team player.

* That this team is talented, focused and hungry to play every week.
 

Now that we know what we have to be thankful in regard to the Vikings, here's hoping they rush right out and get a bunch more.

On a personal note, I am thankful for my kids, my wife (known around here as my Macalester girlfriend), my family, friends and HD technology--but then who isn't?

Happy Thanksgiving!