Late October Reflections

 It's that time of year again !

Around here,the leaves are slowly turning  color...

....and I've begun assembling Hallowe'en goodies for the little "trick 'r treaters".

    

   

My wife - the Late Great Granny Grumbles - used to do this every year. She would go upstairs, assemble all the "ingredients" , and begin filling up the bags.

Why upstairs ?

I think she started doing that when the kids were young. If they couldn't see the candy,they would not have a chance to scarf it down before she managed to fill and hide the bags.

I also think - (No. I know !) -she liked to sample the goodies herself,and didn't want anyone to catch her. Since I was the one who emptied the wastebaskets, I couldn't help but notice the empty wrappers ! (But I never ratted her out.)

Later, when the kids were grown, I would sometimes go upstairs when she was wrapping,and would hear that tell-tale stealthy rustle. She would look up - all innocence - and say : "What ?"

I'd hide a grin over the smudge of chocolate she hadn't quite managed to wipe off her lip,and say : "Oh, nothin' . Just checking to see if you'd like a cup of coffee or something."

Ah, well.

Now it's just me, the candy,the trick 'r treat bags...and someone I can almost see sometimes ; and I think maybe... Just maybe I'll "liberate" one of those Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

For old time's sake.

IN MEMORY OF:

 

Granddaughter Jessica, who was " a kitty cat" that  Hallowe'en

Grandson Joshua,whom we never got to meet

 

And my wife Ruth-who loved children.