Or, "Happy Thanksgiving."

I had a nice conversation with James Riley yesterday, and to be brief, he truly did not want to leave Seattle and is glad he didn't have to. His contract option has been picked up for next season.

Now, a while back I said I wanted to give away another prize on the blog after reading all of the tributes to fans' favorite players last month. Today, on Thanksgiving, I'm giving thanks to you the readers by awarding one of you with a $50 gift card to the Seattle Team Shop.

The STS is the great sports apparel chain of stores that sponsored my KJR-AM radio segment this season. I got several jerseys from them this year at the stores right across from Qwest Field. I know this sounds like an ad for them, but it really was good of Jeff Scoma and the company to sponsor my show and offer up a prize for the blog family.

You will recall that the winner of the short essay contest in October got playoff tickets. This is not as big, but it's something to show my gratitude. So congrats and thank you,

On Oct. 28, Kirsten Schlewitz sent me this tribute to Osvaldo Alonso.

Os-val-do A-lon-so. Os-val-do Al-lon-so.

I tend to stumble over syllables, and have a tendency to switch words around, so I first said Alvalso Olando when referring to the Sounders midfielder. But after I watched him play, with his aggressiveness and grace in the midfield, I realized I needed to learn to say his name properly. When I learned about his brave defection from Cuba, I was sold: number 6 would be my favorite Sounder. Imagine my dismay when ESPN pre-empted our game of June 17th to show college baseball, and prevented me from seeing Osvaldos first MLS goal. Instead, I watched the repeat of the game and rejoiced when I saw the giant grin on his face. Its clear to me that Osvaldo is so happy to be in this country, playing a game he loves with teammates he enjoys. Ive had the opportunity to speak to him once, in my hesitant Spanish, and his humble manner is so opposite what I would expect from such an assertive player that it made me love Osvaldo even more. When I have my season ticket for the south end next season, I hope to be wearing a number 6 jersey!

Kirsten, I'll contact you to inform you of your prize, unless you read the blog and see yourself.

Thanks again and hope everyone got as stuffed as I did with turkey...apple pie is next!

-Jose