Slouching into middle age, the Betster has been facing the bitter reality of a youth-deficient body. Things just break down and wear out. Yeah, growing old sucks, but the alternative is a lot worse. To paraphrase Bob Dylan, “He not busy getting root canals is busy dying.” A physical problem that can be fixed with routine medicine and the price of a used Subaru isn’t a problem at all. It’s just another life challenge.

Monday morning, the Betster woke up with another cheery thought. It was warm inside. Holy Danny Fahrenheit! Outside, yeah, it’s cold. Thanks to a full tank of heating fuel, Chez Betster has been toasty. Oh, and never underestimate the power of wool socks and a thick flannel nightshirt to get you through a cold night, especially if you have someone to snuggle with.

Aches and pains? Feh. All that melts away when you get down to the basics: shelter, food, and — most of all — love. If you’re warm, full and happy this Thanksgiving, well, you’re truly blessed. 

Count your blessings and pass the stuffing, because there’s lots to do this weekend, like these Best Bets:

BEST FULL BELLY BET: Share the joy with friends new and old at community Thanksgiving feasts all over town. See listings for Thursday in the Calendar, page 17. 

BEST URP BET: After you’re done carbo loading on Thanksgiving, work up a sweat Friday with the Kachemak Runners Club 5-K Turkey Trot. The run, walk and stroll is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting at Two Sisters Bakery. The entry fee is a food donation for the Homer Food Pantry.

BEST MORE TURKEY BET: Have some leftovers? Share some turkey and learn about Turkey with “The Other Turkey; Cycling the Mountains of Anatolia,” from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the R.E.C. Room on Nielsen Circle. Adventure cyclist Sage Cohen shows her slides and talks about riding her little blue bike in Turkey. An alcohol-free event, ride your bike and bring leftovers to share. The fee is a $5 donation to support the Homer Cycling Club.

BEST SUPER SANTA BET: We all know Santa Claus has some special powers what with that super gifting he has to do on Christmas. So, don’t be surprised if you see Santa twice this weekend. From 1-4 p.m. Saturday he’ll be stopping by the Pratt Museum Stocking Stuffer Party at the Homestead Cabin. Decorate cookies and do other fun stuff while waiting. 

Then on Sunday, Santa makes another appearance from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at NOMAR. Whew. Doesn’t the guy have some toys to make?

BEST THIRD FRIDAY BET: Can’t wait for December for your next art fix? Check out the Kachemak Bay Campus Student Arts & Crafts Show from noon to 4 p.m. Friday in the Commons at Pioneer Hall.