The Pilgrims and other settlers were filled with an enthusiasm and a new found feeling of freedom. There were those, even in their own ranks, who wanted to squash that independence, but they were doomed to fail.

There were hard times, many sacrifices, a lot of martyrs, and a few very powerful figures who seemed destined to control the whole of the New World, as they had dominated the old. But here there could be no kings; what kings there were, were thousands of miles away. For many years, of course, these hardy bands were dependent on the homeland for their needs, but as time went on, that too was reversed. The Native Americans also provided for the needs of the new comers, helped them to grow and to develop. The wisdom of that generosity is not a matter for this discussion, since right now we are "about" Thanksgiving.

As you read this, you too are a pioneer, and a stranger in a strange, new land. Yes, cyberia seems familiar, but most of us still cling to the coastal areas we know, and venture little outside of the familiar realms of the "old" computer worlds.

Of course, many of you who are reading this are members of that special band of explorers, the C=ommodore people. While most of our brethren and sistren wander only in the safe harbors of Microsoft, a few are daring the seas in their apple wood boats; the true and brave explorers go into uncharted lands unencumbered by the weight of the PC, they venture out on the paths of adventure in the beautiful, but sturdy, ships of the C=ommodore. They plow new fields in new ways with their C64's and C128's. They go where few of the conservative and less daring would ever set foot. There is much less challenge in reaching America in an SST than in a small fleet of individual ships.

Here, in C=om Com, we celebrate the treasures of friendships and the sharing of lore and knowledge. Where would we be without the marvelous wisdom of Maurice, or the Smores of Sharen and Sleepy? Myke has created a program and found his market here. Refugees from the shores of Genie slowly make their way to us. Now that the land called CIS has been invaded and conquered we may look for more bands of desperate 8 bitters to find their way to our portals.

We, here, are both native and pioneer. Many of us came to this land long ago, and finding the land of C=ommodore to be good and fertile, we settled in. When the time of troubles descended, and the ruler of CBM deserted their followers, we held open the door for the escapees. When the land of the Quantum was savaged, and then deluged, and then totally destroyed, we held a death watch and opened the doors again to refugees. Always here, even when Delphi herself was assailed, we stood our ground, and we survived. We survived the harsh winters of "rupert," and our land stayed fertile and grew. When dissention looked to destroy our home, you rallied and fought, and together we rebuilt and saved our lands.

Pilgrims and Pioneers, Natives and Warriors, we salute you. Farmers and mechanics, we hail you. We are one family here in C=om Com, let us always remember that, and what this special place has meant to us, and to those who will come after. Still we stand, still we joke, still we talk. Now we share, now we learn, now we grow, and together we move forward to new and uncharted lands for our C=ommodores.

On December 1st, the "new C=om Com" will be a year old, lets plan a party then as well...but for now....
.... here we are, the hearty band of venturers, settling down for our annual bout of gluttony, a ritual that mystically stuffs us and prepares us for the onslaught of winter. I realize that this is no great hardship if you live in the warm climes, but for purpose of metaphor--pretend you actually have weather out there. The crops are in, the meat has been smoked, the apples and pears dried, the cider pressed, the flour ground, all is in readiness for the descending cold. And so, for one day, we stuff ourselves, look around, and say "It is good."

Lets not forget though, why the day is named "Thanks Giving." It is a time for us all to look back and feel gratitude to whatever Higher Power we acknowledge, that we have come through another season, mainly together. A few of our numbers have slipped away, and they will be missed. New travelers have found our doors and are welcomed. We give thanks then, for all we have, and all we are, and all we shall become. As with our forbearers, we can but look forward with trust in Divine Providence to guide us, as it always as. Just keep your hand out and your arms ready to hug the new comers to our jolly band.

From all the staff and friends here in C=om Com, a very happy and fulfilling Thanksgiving to one and all.