I thought I knew my father quite well. As I have written before, one of the biggest compliments you can give me is "you're just like your dad."

Although, there are some differences. My dad likes to mow; I like my lawn mowed (by someone else). My dad can fix just about anything; I know my brother's cell phone number. My dad likes building stuff; I married a young lady who requested a tool box full of tools for our fifth wedding anniversary.

Last week, I discovered what I thought was the nearly perfect food. I was excited to share this discovery with my father -- horseradish cheese. For those of you who like horseradish, and who don't like cheese, it is fantastic. You throw bacon in that mix, and I might never eat anything else the rest of my life.

Friday night, I was fired up to visit my father with his gift of horseradish-flavored cheese. I handed it to him with the anticipation comparable to the wooden paperweight I made him in the first grade.

Imagine my surprise when he glanced at it and said, "I've never really cared for cheese," and promptly placed it in the fridge. Never cared for cheese? Wait a minute! You eat the organs of pigs and cows that gag me stuffing them down the garbage disposal. You eat the entrails of chickens, and I'm not even going to go into the things they serve at the local stags.

So, you can never quit learning about your parents. That being said, if they ever do come out with a bacon-horseradish cheese, I'm keeping it all for myself.

* * *

The pundits continue to dissect the presidential campaigns and Sarah Palin's impact on the ticket. She wouldn't talk to the media during the campaign, now she won't/can't stop. She continues to deny having much to do with the $150,000 (reportedly much more) "clothesgate."

So far, the best quote was made by a McCain campaign staffer to Newsweek. "It was like the Wasilla hillbillies looting Neiman Marcus from coast to coast." Now, that there's funny.

* * *

Congratulations to House Democrat Leader Dennis McKinney for his appointment to Kansas state treasurer by Gov. Sebelius. This is good news for Kansas, but especially for western Kansas.

Dennis is the state representative from Greensburg and the respect for him stretches across party lines. Not only for his leadership in the Legislature, but for his leadership following the Greensburg tornado. He has definitely been a force in the successful rebuilding of his hometown.

Our state has been and will be well-served by Dennis McKinney.

* * *

One of the greatest things Sarah Palin brought to our country as her party's choice for V.P. was the revival of "Saturday Night Live." I tuned in for the first times in years to watch Tina Fey and even to catch Sarah's own appearance.

I tried to watch "SNL" last week, post-Palin. It was awful and painful. I guess I'll have to wait until the first of the year until the next presidential campaign starts.

But the most disappointing deed to happen during this television season happened on a Monday night. CBS promised (well, almost) to kill off the character of Caine on "CSI: Miami." I quit watching the show long ago due to the scenery-chewing ham we all know as David Caruso. CBS lied!

My spouse says I'm a little obsessed with this subject, but I still have a free hour on Monday nights.

* * *

In a week, we celebrate my favorite holiday. A time to give thanks for the best of friends and the greatest family; much more than I deserve. Perhaps you know of someone spending the holiday for the first time without their spouse, a parent, a child or a good friend. Make their day. Give them a call and let them know you care.

Their thanksgiving and yours will be better served.