My 2014 “Thank You” list: Friends, Family, Food…and You

In a world where the Kardashians are considered royalty; and where Thanksgiving is becoming just another day for shoppers to trample upon each other;  allow me to pause for a few moments and say “Thank You” to some of those who have given me good cheer in 2014:

THANK YOU Tommy Jett for being everyone’s close personal friend.

THANK YOU Krispy Kreme for your Chocolate Covered Kreme Filled Doughnut.  Thank you also, for having only one store in Chattanooga, which is not along my daily path.

THANK YOU NoShaveNovember.  It’s almost over, but I’ve loved having the beard back, and promoting check-ups for prostate cancer.

THANK YOU Dr. Robert Younger, for getting my allergies under control.  You did exactly what you promised.

THANK YOU Hippie Radio 106.9 for still playing the oldies.  Long may you rock n’ roll.

THANK YOU Hamilton County Clerk Bill Knowles.  You started the first “car tag by mail” program in the state, and it works perfectly, every time.  You know how much I hate to wait in line.

THANK YOU my sweet Aunt Kate, for getting on Facebook.  Just knowing you’re reading my posts makes me smile.

THANK YOU Molly Cooper in the Chattanooga Mayor’s office, Liz Henley at 311, and Jennifer Flynn at TDOT.  You know I’m going to complain about something, and you go out of your way to fix it.

THANK YOU Luther.  You were my friend, and that means the world to me.

THANK YOU “Big Bang Theory,” “Modern Family,” and “The Middle.”  In a sea of bad sitcoms, you still bring the funny, every week.

THANK YOU Zaxby’s. This year I discovered your Grilled Chicken Sandwich, and your Banana Pudding Milk Shake. They’re zenzational.

THANK YOU EPB Fiber Optics.  It’s all about customer service, and yours is amazing.

THANK YOU Koch’s Bakery for that beautiful doughnut mural, which is still on display today.  You CAN fight City Hall, especially when common sense, and the public, are on your side!

THANK YOU Dex and Mo, for those fun phone calls every day.

THANK YOU Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson.  You make the world a kinder, safer place.  What a good role model you are.

THANK YOU to the businesses and stores who donate gift cards when I want to honor a local hero.  You’ve never told me “no.”

THANK YOU Jim Powell, radio voice of the Atlanta Braves.  You make mowing fun.

THANK YOU Garry Mac, my old radio pal, who speaks my language.  The brother I never had.

THANK YOU Robin Williams.  If only we had known.

THANK YOU Coca Cola for those “Freestyle” vending machines.  I still haven’t tried every combination, but I’m getting there.

THANK YOU to my cousin Joy Hogan. Because I love you, and because you’re the only person who actually asked to be on this list.

THANK YOU Patti Sanders, the cheery mid-day voice of Sunny 92.3.  If my life story was worth narrating, I’d want you to read it.

THANK YOU Blimpie in St. Elmo, the last one in Chattanooga.  Please don’t ever close.

THANK YOU Coaches Tony Ingle and John Redman of Dalton State College.  What great role models.  Go Roadrunners, Beep Beep!

THANK YOU Phlash Phelps, Lou Simon, and Pat St. John of Sirius XM 60s on 6.  It’s radio done right.

THANK YOU to my late parents, Hoyt and Ruth Carroll.  You never left me locked in a hot car.  Many of today’s parents have to be reminded not to do that.

THANK YOU Ben Cagle, another longtime radio friend.  You’re always there when I need you.

THANK YOU police officers.  You get some bad press sometimes.  But I appreciate you putting your life on the line for me.  I owe you all a burger.

THANK YOU Earl Freudenberg.  Just for being Earl.

THANK YOU to all my work buddies at WRCB.  How lucky we are.

THANK YOU Miranda and J.J., my Burger King friends.  Who else would put one single onion ring in my order of fries?  Only you.

THANK YOU Ed Carter for teaching at North Sand Mountain High School for 45 years.  You made a difference.

THANK YOU Ed Mascolo, a music promoter from my radio days 30 years ago.  But you’re still my buddy today.  That’s a real friend.

THANK YOU to my great sisters, Brenda and Elaine.  Being a baby brother is a sweet, sweet deal.  I highly recommend it.

THANK YOU to my beautiful wife Cindy who makes the Internet a better place by correcting my mistakes, and to my sons Chris and Vince for all the laughs, even from afar.

And, THANK YOU for reading this, my 200th blog since starting this little endeavor last year.  (Click here to read my 2013 Thank You list). If you’ve read this all the way to the end, you deserve more than my thanks.  You deserve a nap.  Happy Thanksgiving!  Now take it away, ZZ Top….