We’re all eagerly awaiting what is sure to be a feast of epic proportions over here in pinot-land. Food coma is all but assured.

But as we count our numerous blessings and give thanks for family and friends, it’s incumbent upon us all to remember those less fortunate than us; the downtrodden upon whose backs we feast each and every year.

That’s right, I’m talking about the turkeys.

Happily we can assuage our considerable collective guilt by realizing that our crack team of administrators in Washington is on the case. Each year a turkey gets a bona fide Presidential pardon, and this year one lucky turkey gets even more:

"WASHINGTON — Every November, the president of the United States is presented with the National Thanksgiving Turkey — and promptly issues it a formal pardon.

But unlike the turkeys granted reprieves from the chopping block over the last 15 years, this year’s bird will not be sent to Frying Pan Park, an animal farm in the Washington suburbs, to gobble to its heart’s content for the rest of its days. This afternoon, minutes after being spared, the 35-pound presidential turkey — along with a back-up bird — is going to Disneyland. On United Flight 197. First class."

Here’s to first class turkeys!

And from our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.