November is when we traditionally stop and give thanks for the good things that have occurred during the past year. Granted this was a pretty challenging year, one marred by a devastating nation-wide economic disaster which in turn created high unemployment rates. Even in a good year, meeting the day-to-day costs of "living the island lifestyle" can create a real world "survivor island" situation for many residents in the Florida Keys. Being a true optimist (which most fishermen are), I think we still have a lot to be thankful for down here in paradise.

• Rushing in our day-to-day survival mode, we sometimes begin to take our beautiful islands for granted. The fact is, our islands and waters are so beautiful that people actually stop their cars and get out to take pictures to share with their friends back home who are buried in snow.

• While most people were complaining about the hot fall, I was pretty happy that I didn't have to dig out my winter T-shirts (the ones with long sleeves). I was raised in the Keys so I really don't do cold weather very well. I am always thankful for the sunshine and the warmth it provides.

• This year, we had great fishing seasons that was capped off with a bonus of a prolonged mahi mahi season, as well as a superb bonefish season. The fantastic fishing made charter captains and fishermen alike happy that they were in the Keys.

• I have to laugh when people say they hate the iguanas. If our economy had completely crashed, those problematic lizards would have at least been a great source of protein for people struggling to survive down here. In fact, iguanas, lobsters and fish would easily sustain us through a prolonged economic disaster. I'm sure iguanas could be quite good barbequed, especially when served with native grown pineapples, bananas and Key Limes.

• The wheels of justice kind of fell off the train down here this year. Thankfully, a few people persevered and were able to get them back on and a few people were actually held accountable for some very strange behavior (even for the Keys). The Wildlife guys have also had some success in dealing with the poaching problems that frequently impact in the Keys.

• While I think there is a place for some thoughtful and balanced development, I am relieved that the banking crisis put a halt to the rapid conversion of marinas and boat yards into mega-yacht clubs and dockaminiums. There is nothing as vital as a well run "working boat yard" when a mariner has a serious problem with his boat..

• Who isn't thankful that we can boat year-round in the Keys?

• I am eternally grateful that our islands are bathed in the rich currents of the Gulf Stream, Gulf of Mexico loop currents and the Everglades outflow. These currents keep our waters warm and full of bait fish which helps stimulate the migration of spectacular pelagic game fish through our island chain.

• I am really glad the Sheriff's department caught some of the guys stealing boats and outboard lower units. I wish them continued "good hunting" as they attempt to keep those types of dirt bags in jail and out of the Keys.

• I hope everyone appreciates the job done by our Coast Guard personnel stationed in the Keys. They frequently rescue mariners in distress during hazardous conditions and also serve as the first line of defense in protecting our borders.

• Everyone should be very thankful for the dedicated young men and women serving in our military. They defend our country 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are on duty, standing their watches around the world so you can put your head on the pillow at night without fear of our country being attacked.

• Anyone who experienced the 2005 tropical storm season would probably agree that the best news for the Keys this year was that we had a very uneventful hurricane season. High altitude winds provided enough shear in the Caribbean to impede the development of many tropical storms this season. This effect was a blessing for folks living in South Florida and the Keys.

I have always said that living in the Keys is not for the faint of heart. Fortunately we still have a small town sense of community and most people are more than willing to help out a neighbor. While the Keys will never be perfect, I think it is still one of the best places to live.

Capt. Pete Peterson welcomes comments and suggestions sent to petersonventures@aol.com.