Buying a car is a necessity and a necessary evil.

You know how it is — for whatever reason, it’s time to get that first car or another car and the sales’ pitches begin. Buy this one — it’s a classic! No, get this car, it’s a beauty! Oh no, come over here and buy this vehicle — you’ll look gooood! Buy this red car — can you imagine the looks you’ll get?

Ugh! When I look for a vehicle, I want to be left alone to make my decision.

To me, a vehicle is a necessary evil. It costs a lot of money up front, depreciates the exact second you drive it off the sales lot and costs money the entire time you own it. Here’s what I expect from a vehicle and I’m thankful when it happens.

I want my car to get me from point A to point B and back again. I want it to be at least fairly comfortable, show some style, keep me (and others) safe in case of an accident and give me good gas mileage. If that all happens, I give thanks at the end of every journey.

Speaking of being thankful — it’s that time of the year, isn’t it? It seems like we’re faced with another necessity — the Thanksgiving dinner! Do you know of any meal that brings so much anxiety with it?

For some of us, this meal is no big deal. We are traditionalists and know exactly what will be on the table for the Thanksgiving meal — turkey, stuffing, cranberries, squash, mashed potatoes with gravy, dinner rolls and the dessert pumpkin pie.

But there are those among us who want to try something different for the meal. How about having corn rather than cranberries? Will Aunt Peggy like that? What if we were to have sweet potatoes? How would Uncle Lloyd react to that change? I wouldn’t even go to the thought of having something other than the turkey! That could result in a civil war!

Maybe traditionalism is best at Thanksgiving — stay the course, don’t upset the cart, keep the peace and let everyone chill out with a glass of wine. Oh, the wine!

What kind of wine do I choose for the meal? A red, a white, a sparkling wine or a rosé? What will Aunt Peggy think if we serve a red wine — she only likes a chardonnay. And there’s Uncle Lloyd again — he likes his sparkling rosé. Ugh! What to do? How do I satisfy all the taste buds sitting around the table?

Well, may I suggest we all chill a bit? The idea of Thanksgiving is to give thanks — so serve what is best for you and if necessary, teach some thankfulness to the gathering. The food offerings will be a success and, as for the choice of wine, serve what you enjoy and smile while you pour it. Here are a few suggestions for wines that you can serve with a smile.

If you like a chardonnay, try Buehler Vineyard’s Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley of California. With its stony fruit taste and aroma which are complemented by a warm creamy finish, this wine will sit comfortably with everyone and, all the dishes, at the holiday table.

Do you enjoy a Pinot Noir? Bogle Vineyards (California) produces one of the finest Pinot Noirs in the country. We should be thankful for its medium body soft cherry taste and aroma. It’s not only the taste and aroma of this wine that’s so great but, the sight of its beautiful soft redness that is so pleasing — enjoy!

Another white wine that will go with everything at the Thanksgiving dinner is Coppola’s Rosso & Bianco Pinot Grigio. I was expecting much more tartness from this wine but it surprised me with its very soft lime/apricot like taste. No matter the person’s preference, this very light and pleasing wine is sure to satisfy.

And how could I not recommend a Riesling? Snoqualmie Vineyards (Columbia Valley, Wash.) Riesling is a wonderful semi-sweet white wine produced from organic grapes. It’s a crisp wine that is very refreshing with its tastes of apricot and spice topped off with a slight honey finish.

Alright, you’ve served the Thanksgiving meal, poured the wine and are sitting down with your family. Take a breath, smile, raise your glass in a toast to your family and give thanks.

Holidays bring enough stress without us creating more unnecessarily. This time of the year is about being thankful — so let’s not forget that very simple ideal. If you know of someone who’s alone at this time of the year, invite them to join you.

And don’t worry too much about Aunt Peggy or Uncle Lloyd. Your smile and your food/wine offerings will melt their hearts.

Next week, we can do it!

As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!