It's been another great Thanksgiving here at KTLA -- my 18th as a member of the Morning News team.

As usual, we spent the morning visiting people's homes.  It's a tradition that started awhile ago when I convinced one of our producers that there was no real news on Thanksgiving Day (with a few exceptions).  The only story was in people's kitchens, and we ought to be there to see folks cooking and preparing for the holiday.

In the early years, we used to visit cameraman Gary Reyes' mom in Granada Hills.  She had special recipes for Thanksgiving that she was always willing to share.

Later on, we solicited invitations from viewers, and we started showing up at people's homes as early as 5 AM.

Mostly we discuss food and family, the twin themes of Thanksgiving.

Over the years, there have been many highlights.  Once we went to a home where they kept a live turkey as a pet... The bird was stuck in the rafters of a garage, and we watched as the owner tried to get it to come down.

Another year, we visited a family in Glendora that puts on a hilarious Thanksgiving skit.   They pretend to be nurses and doctors working in a hospital.  They bring out a turkey, and then "deliver" a baby (its gizzard).  You had to see it.  I have never laughed so hard.

This year, we spent time with families in Chino Hills, Glendora, and East L.A. 

As always, the people we spoke to told us their various ways of cooking the turkey:  smoking it, frying it, baking it, you name it.

But what was really important to them was the opportunity to visit with family in their homes.  That's what made this holiday important.

On this day, I want to thank all of you who watch us in the morning (or read this blog) and let you know how grateful we all are that you spend part of your day with us. 

Without you, we wouldn't be here.

So Happy Thanksgiving to all, and if you'll excuse me, I must get home to my own family.  I've got 20 people coming over and a turkey to barbecue.