Thanksgiving is just three days away.  Even with the "fiscal cliff" looming over our heads, unemployment still too high and Florida leading the nation in the number of foreclosures, surely there must be some things that those of us who live in condominiums or HOAs can be thankful for.  Here's a few:

10. By all accounts, real estate prices are on the rebound.  Prices are going up.  Just think, at this rate soon people will again be buying homes they can't afford.

9. Another year without a hurricane.  Certainly this should make our insurance rates go down.  Not.

8. The election is finally over.  No more endless commercials about which political party will make the life of Americans better.  Back to concentrating on mindless reality TV shows with fewer commercial interruptions.

7. If you live in a condominium --- at least this year The Florida Legislature didn't take away your ability to sue your developer for defects.  Of course this doesn't apply to people who live in HOAs.

6. With fewer and fewer people moving to Florida than in years past, lines at your favorite stores should be shorter.  Assuming that the store hasn't already gone out of business.  I'll pay cash for a Twinkie!

5. While numerous Board members around the state were arrested for stealing funds, your association may not have been a victim.  Too often.

4. Despite being foreclosed on by the bank three years ago, you've managed to stay in your condo or HOA another year without paying your mortgage.

3. Your annoying out of state relatives are about to pay you a holiday visit and tell you how lucky you are that you live in Florida .

2. The same relatives may be back for Christmas and New Years.  (Please make sure you register them with the condo and HOA security team 30 days in advance or they will be towed, regardless of whether or not they have a car.)

1. You could still be living in the northeast without electricity and therefore unable to access this incredibly informative blog.