I’ve felt a bit stupid this week speaking with advertisers about the upcoming winter sports tab. After wrapping up the conversation with more than a few of them, I’ve ended with, “Have a Merry Thankgiving!”

It seems rather apt that my brain is already on Christmas despite it being Thanksgiving. Like the rest of the year, this fall has simply flown right by. I think the recent stretch of great weather helped trick my brain, but nonetheless, we’re a month away from Christmas.

I’m already putting off buying gifts.

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Last weekend I headed down to Iowa City with my dad and Kaity to catch the final game of the season at Kinnick Stadium. My beloved Hawks prevailed in yet another mudfight, this time clinching their third and final Big 10 West title. The conference is doing away with divisions next season once every school under the sun joins the Big 10.

It was really special to take in the victory with my dad (Kaity doesn’t actually go to the game). I have a feeling next weekend will be the final time I see Iowa play for a Big Ten Championship game in my life. That might sound outrageous, but I just don’t see the Hawks being able to scrap their way to the title game without the existence of conference divisons in today’s version of college football.

Accordingly, I’m more than happy to take whatever win we can get, as should all Iowa fans. We ain’t Bama, and a 15-13 victory is as pretty to me as any other.

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The recent stretch of beautiful weather has put me into a rather sleepy lull when it comes to yardwork. I blew out leaves from the landscaping and got one decent mulch in, but that’s about it unless you consider taking rotten pumpkins to the dump as “progress.”

I need to get up on the roof and clear gutters yet, and I’d really like to get one more mulch in. Christmas is nigh and I’m sure Kaity will start bipping at me to do something with lights, too. I don’t see any precipation in the immediate forecast, though, so I’m not sure I’ll find the motivation to overcome the procrastination.

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With the date of this paper observing Thanksgiving, I wish you and yours a great one. Give thanks for those around you and count your blessings, no matter how small or large.

Personally, I’m just grateful Kaity and the kids still put up with me.

Nick Pedley is the news editor and ad manager of The Hartley Sentinel-The Everly/Royal News.