My brother and sister-in-law visited us briefly last night and, along with them, my grandnephew (I think that's the relationship).

Grandnephew was full of tales of his recent exploits. Of the hill he climbed (a "mountain" he called it) all by himself, without having to be carried at all. Of the bicycle he's learning to ride, soon without any training wheels to steady him. And of his recent visit to a firing range, where they have a class for youngsters to introduce them to the proper respect for, and handling of, personal weapons.

I'm sure we'll all be hearing more of his exploits during Thanksgiving. He loves being the center of attention, and his enthusiasm and excitement are definitely contagious, even when we're not too enthralled by the content of his discourse.

See me. Watch me do this. Listen to my exploits. I'm the best! And isn't it all new and wonderful?

So different from listening to those who complain, protest, criticize, grumble, whine, carp, find fault, nitpick, object, grouse and gripe endlessly.