Actually, we all could lighten up. When Missouri Congressman Emanuel Cleaver proposed making the Wednesday before Thanksgiving "Complaint Free Wednesday," he got an earful from people saying how dare he take away their God-given right to whine. Cleaver who's also a Methodist minister also leads the House of Representatives Civility Caucus, so you know he has to be a radical. Civility? In politics? As if.

What a concept, though. For one day that would be today, since the Homer News comes out on Wednesday this week with the early holiday deadline we don't complain.

Get stuck in a snowbank? Don't whine about the dang snowplow driver who can't sand the roads. Give thanks to your neighbor for pulling you out. Grumpy about the long lines at the grocery store? Don't whine at the store for not hiring more checkers. Give thanks you can buy food.

With all the troubles in the world, sure, we can complain until the bears hibernate. Despite the world's challenges, just like the Pilgrims, we still muddle along OK. We always have. We always will. So as you get ready to dig into that turkey feast, don't whine, give thanks and pass the cranberry sauce and then get ready for a fun weekend, like some of these Best Bets:

BEST FAST FOR FOOD BET: Sure, on the day before Thanksgiving, you might want to eat lightly. "Fast" here means fast as in racing, though, for the Race for Food Kayak Race, starting at 6:30 p.m. today (Wednesday). Watch kayak races and then take a spin in a kayak from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Admission is four nonperishable food items for the Homer Community Food Pantry. Bring bathing suits; there's a $5 suggested donation for Community Schools, too.

BEST LET'S EAT BET: If you want to make some new friends for Thanksgiving, try out one of many free Thanksgiving dinners around town: noon at Caribou Family Restaurant, 1 p.m. at Refuge Chapel, 3 p.m. at the Down East Saloon and 3 p.m. at the VFW Post 10222, Anchor Point. The American Legion Post 18 in Ninilchik also has a free dinner; call (907) 567-3918 for the time.

BEST CHOW DOWN BET: After all that turkey, if you're still hungry, Crabbie's serves all-you-can-eat fish and chips starting at 5 p.m. on Friday. Proceeds benefit the Homer Boys & Girls Club.

BEST GET STUFFED BET: The Pratt Museum starts off the holiday season just right with its annual Pratt stocking stuffer from 1-4 p.m. Saturday. Decorate cookies and graham cracker houses and meet Santa.

BEST BEE GOOD BET: Bee brave. Bee daring. If your the kind of rider who turns off spelling checkers, show off you're stuff at the fifth annual Friends of the Homer Library Spelling Bee. The word fest starts at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center. Sign up or sponsor a team. Call Carey at 435-4195 for details.

BEST LIGHT A CANDLE BET: The countdown to Christmas begins with the first Sunday of Advent this Sunday. Share Advent with songs and fellowship from 6-7:30 p.m. at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church.

BEST SANTA IS BACK: If you missed Santa at the Pratt on Saturday, you have another chance to catch him from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday with NOMAR's annual holiday open house. Sheesh, the guy has a busier schedule than a "Going Rogue" book release tour.

Homer's Best Bets