T or T

Well, it's 8:13 PM, and we've had our 1 trick or treater.
I can still remember our first Halloween in this house. We had moved from the southern part of the state the day before and I told the kids it just wasn't going to work out this year, but there would always be next time. Their Papa had another idea, I discovered. He had brainstormed a couple of easy costume ideas with them and said he would take them around the new area to trick or treat. I was reluctant to help out with the plan. I thought they'd spend the evening handing out candy - meeting the kids in their new neighborhood.
I still remember how excited they were about the houses they went to, with the music and other scary stuff. Their papa did the right thing. Thank goodness boring mom was not in control.
Liseanne was a bum (if I remember correctly) and F was a clown (they're still trying to remember who was what). I was the one who spent the night answering the continuously ringing doorbell. I still remember the boy who remarked, "you're not Mrs. ****". "No, I'm not. We just moved in."
There were only a few more years of having several trick or treaters. (at least it seems that way now) Now for the past 3 years, it's Kevin who rings our bell and that's it.
There was that one strange year when our doorbell rang around 11 PM (yes, we were still up). It was a couple of teens who were associated with teens in our neighborhood. They saw our porchlight on and decided we were still open. That's when it doesn't pay to have a porchlight that goes on at dusk and stays on until daylight.

Rest in peace, Studs Terkel

What an American icon you are!
You were always entertaining and informative.
I'll miss seeing and hearing you periodically on TV and NPR.

Tomorrow will I be a Halloweenie?

As in . . . coming undone when they're so overcome with excitement they forget how to listen.
Naaa!
I began the losing-my-voice faze of this bug. Last night it was a nasty headache and not being able to keep my eyes open. I slept from 7:30-11 on the couch and then continued sleeping once I made it to bed. Thank goodness we've practiced our it's-time-to-quiet-down signal in computers over the past couple of weeks. My squeaky voice may prove to be a challenge.
Have I used up my quota of hyphens yet?? ;>
I understand I will henceforth be known as, "that woman". Howlingly good (or not) story. I may share if asked or I may not.
love,
me

Jobland

L accepted a job offer from the state yesterday. She's not thrilled (she starts on the I'll-never-see-anyone swing shift) and I don't blame her, but I do believe what they told her about how often they hire out of this data processing pool for jobs that are a step up and out. She'll continue her job search, of course.
Today is our pumpkin day. The short people take their small pumpkin looking gourds, weigh, measure, draw and compare at different stations. The adults try to manage the activity level and make sure everyone is on task.

Howl-free

I assisted F in the kitchen while she prepared dinner this evening. After my verbal "display" last night, I think I've frightened everyone in the house into laying low. What kind of dog pack are we, for crying out loud?!
The short people were on the loud side yet productive during project time today. I do love them so. Not in the cheek pinching way, but in the encouraging, adoring, auntie way.
Dinner smells delicious.
Love,
Me