Later in the 19th century, the popular image of the “First Thanksgiving” finally took root.  (After the Indian Wars had ended.)  It would be highly unlikely for settlers and native Americans to engage in a joint gathering to give thanks during this period of time.

In 1939, President Franklin Roosevelt modified Lincoln’s chosen date of the last Thursday of November to the second-to-last Thursday of November in order to extend the post-Thanksgiving, pre-Christmas shopping season.   Then in 1942 FDR signed a law making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday of November, a law which is still in effect today.

Why a Turkey?  One story tells of Queen Elizabeth (16th century England eating a roast goose at a harvest festival, and upon hearing that the Spanish Armada had sunk on its way to attack England, the queen ordered up a second goose to celebrate the great news.  Thus, the goose became the favorite bird at harvest time in England. When the Pilgrims arrived in America from England, roasted turkey replaced roasted goose as the main cuisine because wild turkeys were more abundant and easier to find than geese.

Why Pumpkin Pie?   In 1621, at the first Thanksgiving celebrated by the Pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts, they ate pumpkin custard flavored with maple syrup and spices, baked in pumpkin shells.  The beloved Thanksgiving pumpkin pie may have evolved from this treat.  In 1796, an American cookbook, American cookery, by an American orphan by Amelia Simmons, was published. It was the first American cookbook written and published in America, and the first cook book that developed recipes for foods native to America.  Her pumpkin puddings were baked in a crust and similar to present day pumpkin pies.

Wishing you…  A day enjoying the foods that you enjoy the most.  (Mine are the turkey leg and pumpkin pie).  Sincere Thanksgiving wishes for a day spent with loving friends and family enjoying great food.  I personally give thanks for my health, the abundance of America, for family & friends, and for the day we set-aside to give gratitude. 

For your enjoyment here is a link to an Iroquis prayer of thanks and a fun Thanksgiving Trivia Link.    HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

October also had Summerset 2 (S2) hosting a western dinner dance that was well attended and enjoyed by all.  Summerset 1 had a Wine and Cheese tasting party for only $5!  (Yes, you read it right.)  Local Brentwood wineries attended this event and poured generous wine samplings for the attendees.  Brentwood has some great wine; look out Napa Valley!!!  Heavy appetizers were served and the only small negative was lack of tables to sit and put your food.  It was well-attended and an enjoyable event.  As you can see, there is something for everyone’s taste to enjoy at Summerset!

November is not only the time to think of the turkey going in the oven; each Summerset has charity causes this time of year.  S2 has an angel tree, where you pick an angel off a tree and purchase an age appropriate gift for a less-fortunate Brentwood child.  S4 has a Christmas wreath sale to benefit their charity group, and S3 is having a “Toys for Tots” Pizza Party.  Giving is a way of life to many at Summerset, and a way to honor our community and share the abundance this time of year.  This year, each Summerset is also involved in filling grocery bags with canned goods and non-perishable food items for “Feed the Children”.  Last year, 900 bags of foods were donated.  All donations go to feed the hungry kids in Brentwood. 

There are MANY giving residents at Summerset; come and join them!

1) You should go see a financial planner/accountant to assist you with financial, payment and tax advice.  2) Consult a tax attorney if bankruptcy, short sale or foreclosure are your options so you are aware of your legal liabilities of these choices. 3) If you decide to sell your home as a short sale, contact a realtor who has experience in this process.  4) If you have a hardship (loss of income on a short term) contact your lender to see if you can do a loan modification.  (I understand that some lenders are contacting clients pro-actively to start this process.)   5)  This last option just became available on Fannie Mae loans.  You can now give your home back to the bank, and continue living in it by paying rent to the lender.  This program allows the ex-homeowner to live in the property for up to 12 months as a tenant.

Again, you should seek both financial and legal counsel before making any major financial decisions regarding a home sale or purchase.

First-time home buyers are still eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000, while existing homeowners may receive a credit of up to $6,500.  (10% of the purchase price up top the limit.)  The bill also increases the qualifying income limits from $75,000 for single tax filers and $150,000 for joint filers, to $125,000 and $225,000, respectively.  In both instances, the purchase price of the home is capped at $800,000.

The bill has the provision that home buyers do not have to repay the credit provided the home remains their primary residence for 36 months after purchase.  This 36 month restriction is waived for active duty military personnel who move due to a military order.