As a young girl growing up in Queens, perhaps I wasn’t as introspective and reflective on Thanksgiving as I could have been, but these are the things I remember being thankful for.

1. A mood ring that turned any color other than black or brown.
2. The opportunity to own a pair of earth shoes despite my mother’s repeated reminder that they were the ugliest shoes on earth (although I think Crocs now hold that distinction).
3. Clean tube socks
4. Instant Pants
5. The few times I still had my Pinky ball at the end of the day.
6. A television set that showed a clear picture without having to stand on one leg with your arms crossed while holding the rabbit ears.
7. The demise of the eight-track tape.
8. Alexander’s record department.
9. Crossing Queens Boulevard without getting killed.
10. Finding enough money on dad’s night table to buy a Mr. Softee cone.

Today, I think much more about how thankful I am for having such great family and friends, but I’m thankful for all my wonderful 1970’s memories as well.