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As I think about a bigger view, outside my own little world, I realize that we as a country and as a world really have much to be thankful for. In the United States, we continue by most measures to be the greatest country in the world, and live with an amazing level of comfort and freedom compared with many other places and times. The following is food for grateful thought.

Oscar De La Hoya expects to see a lot of fireworks when Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and Andre Berto square off Nov. 24 for Guerrero’s WBC Interim Welterweight World Championship.

“Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan” comes to the Center for the Performing Arts in San Jose with music, lights, action, flying and all the hoopla of the Neverland classic.

Somehow I have ended up being the official hostess for Thanksgiving dinner for a dozen or so people. I have no idea why. I can only assume it's a cruel joke. Anyway, to prepare, I consulted the Great Internet Advisors and found a handy little checklist that will ensure my turkey day goes off without a hitch.

When you retire, you may well have accomplished some important financial goals, such as sending your children through college and paying off your mortgage. Yet, you can’t relax because your retirement could easily last two or three decades, which means you’ll need at least two or three decades’ worth of income – which, in turn, means you’ll need the proper savings and investment strategies in place. And, just as importantly, you’ll also need to be aware of the types of risk that could threaten these strategies.

Tuesday night on Fox News, host Bill O’Reilly said this: “Obama wins because it’s not a traditional America anymore. The white establishment is the minority. People want things.”

Community Solutions is one of those grassroots organizations that has flourished. It’s become an integral part of the social fabric in South County, improving lives as only a compassionate and capable social service agency can. The fundraiser to celebrate CS’s 40th birthday at Frank Leal’s impressively renovated Willow Heights Mansion, which is north and west of Morgan Hill, not only highlighted the good work done by CS CEO Erin O’Brien and her staff, but it showed off the community support that is so critical to the success of a community service agency. Master of Ceremonies Jayson Stebbins from Guild Mortgage Company really kept the program moving ahead while showing a real penchant for impromptu humor. And, if you haven’t been to the Mansion since Frank, the owner of Leal Vineyards in Hollister, bought it, try to make a point to go. It’s sharply spruced up, ready for weddings, events and soon to be open as a regular wine tasting station for Leal. Hats off to generous Gilroy McDonald’s owners Steve and Jan Peat for the donation of a limo ride and candlelight dinner auction item at MickeyD’s. Supervisor Mike Wasserman, who definitely deserves a break today, paddled up to win the Big Mac bid. Jim and Andrea Habing picked up a stunning wine lot donated by Erin O’Brien left from her late father’s wine collection. And Gilroy Councilman Perry Woodward outlasted a few bidders looking to spend a few days in the Grand Tetons. Great food, good time, beautiful setting and an organization worthy of strong support.

Looking back to when I took this job three years ago, I realize that I had no clue what I was getting myself into. My first full-time newspaper gig. I had hopes, ideas and a spring in my step.