Halloween 2010

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I am uncertain if Halloween is Sunday or Tuesday this year.

Halloween is a big deal in my family. My daughter goes all-out decorating her home with skeletons, spider webs, pumpkins, straw and assorted scary icons. No less crafty, my daughter-in-law routinely makes costumes for her brood with a holiday theme. Last year (you may recall) it was Star Wars. My son grudgingly donned a very authentic looking Obi Wan Kenobi suit to accompany his elder son (2), who dressed as Yoda. They were very convincing. There was an issue with the weather as the evening temperature hovered in the 80s as the swarm ran through the neighborhood. Heat exhaustion became a real possibility for my son. Lucky for him, several Trick or Treat stops provided adult beverages in the form of ice chests on the front lawn. These little life preservers helped more than one adult endure the long journey through many blocks of neighborhood.

My eldest grandson was Spiderman. His sister was a princess. (What else?) As befits a superhero, he flew from house to house until; finally, he could fly no more. His dad carried him on the return trip. The princess thought it undignified to schlep door-to-door. Thus, the local oaf carried her for the whole journey. At the end, the oaf, too, wore out and his back was killing him.

We eventually returned to my daughter’s house to inventory the haul of goodies and apply medicine to those annoying aches and pains. Good Bourbon and single malt Scotch were most effective, as I recall.

It was a delightful evening. This year promises to be bigger and better. There will be four grandchildren out for loot this year. Since they are older and stronger, we expect (nay, pray) there will be less toting them about.

My son is the one slightly dark cloud. Rumor has it he will be leading a family of Smurfs this season. As “Papa Smurf”, he seems less than excited about painting himself blue for the occasion. I am sure a little pre-trick or treat lubricant will ease his objections (again this year) but I think I will suggest a longer-term fix to his bride.

We might provide him a large green ogre suit he can wear every year. It would be a natural fit and practically everyone would recognize him as Shrek. Heck, he might even want to wear it year ‘round. I will keep you posted.

BOO! & Happy Halloween!
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