Tues: Too Tight to Like

All my pants are too tight. The few that do still fit get worn over & over. If it wasn't winter, skirts would be my outfit of choice. It's happened gradually over two or three months from a lack of exercise and an abundance of eating crap. Come to think of it, I actually feel that way more times than not. The scales are avoided at all costs, because I don't want to know the damage that's been done.

Recently I heard Zonya Foco, a motivational health speaker on PBS (Saturdays @10am on KBYU 11) & was really impressed. She's a registered dietitian & talks straight to your 'wake up & listen' senses. Kind of like that no nonsense teacher we all had in school. We loved them out of respect, but never got by with minimal work.

Here's her website- http://www.zonya.com/index.php

It has an abundance of helpful information from Stress to Exercise, Shopping to Saving money. Best of all you don't have to buy anything.

Sat- Savoring the Savior's Birth

I can never get enough of the true reason for Christmas. Maybe it's because we have to consciously think of and search for Christ everyday of our lives. On the other hand, it doesn't take long to be overwelmed with the material part of Christmas.

Setting out our many creche displays of Christ is a must. I've painted & been given numerous nativities of the Holy Family over the years. The olive wood ones from Israel or the children's unbreakable ones all serve a special need. I still remember the cardboard 3-D glossy one from my youth. This black one pictured with gold leaf, painted in 1984, is one of my best efforts.

May you take time to review the Christmas story in Mark 2: 1-20.

Verse 11: ..."For unto you is born this day, in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."...Then thank the Lord daily for sending His Son, Jesus Christ to save us from this world of sin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PURToRRq7gM

Thur: Theater on the Thrift

Christmas in Manhattan is exciting & colorful. We spent a week on the Hudson River visiting Alicia & family. We managed to see two shows: The Rockettes @Radio City Music Hall & Mary Poppins @the Amsterdam Theater.

Standing in line for Rockettes tickets, we met a man that was in the World Trade Center on 9/11 & lived to tell about it. Thank you McDonalds for offering the buy one get one free tickets we used to get our $75 seats for the price of one. The show was amazing with eye popping events the whole 90 minutes. The precision of the dancers was right on, making our hips hurt as they did their famous kicks in unison.

At the box office for Mary Poppins, (no waiting) I asked for the cheapest tickets. Don't buy them online, the lowest is $85 with a $10+ service fee. Orchestra seats sell for $200+. We paid $31.50 to sit in our own booth. A corner of the stage was out of view, but it was fun to be in this beautiful theater. We had no camera with so didn't get any pictures of the interior.

If you go, make sure to see a play on Broadway the thrify way, if you're broke, that is. Pictured above are Radio City Music Hall's neon sign, great candelabra in the lobby & the stage.

Tues: Test Your Tastebuds w/Pomegranates

It's finally pomegranate time! Hurrah! I love the big red, tart juicy fruit. Watch for them to sell 2 for $3 or less. Give it as a gift for Christmas. It's fun, unique & healthy.

Tear open the top & peel or cut 1/6 section then dig at it all day long. Share with a loved one or put it in a tossed or jello salad. Yum-a-licious. My mouth is watering now. Never had or tried one before, now is the time to test your tastebuds. They'll love you for it.

Fri: Fistful of Finds

I've been on a nine day vacation & forgotten all about finding the best gift for each of you. So far I've found not one thing for the family, friends & unfortunate for Christmas. The mind has been void of the usual pressure cooker boiling inside. Instead it's been occupied with precious grand children as we played Candy Land, watched their excitement with trains or hanging Christmas ornaments. I failed to noticed the days running out. It feels good, kind of like being a kid again.

Why is the current push for the material Christmas such a hassle? Is it because none of us really needs anything? It's almost harder to think of what to tell others we want than buying it ourselves. We are so blessed that the current clothes, toys, knick knacks & such will do just fine for another year. The store offerings quit thrilling us long ago. Few can give what we truly yearn for.

Even though they're not for sale, could you use these?

One free day to do what you want (no work to do or distractions).
One clean house (magically transformed without effort).
Five meals prepared & on the table when you're out of ideas & food.
Five nights of hassle free family time to laugh & play.
Ten naps (deep & relaxing).
Ten bills paid with lots of money left over for fun stuff.
Twenty gifts bought, wrapped & under the tree.
Twenty days from now it will be a memory put away til next year.

I'll take ten naps & call you in January.
P.S. What do you really want for Christmas?

Wed: What Would Happen If...

Imagine if we started each day, by praying about who we could help. What would happen if we followed our instincts or promptings & actually did it?

What would happen if we all gave generously to the Food Bank & Sub-for-Santa or other charity in need this season? Think how happy that would make us.

"When you serve yourself, it stays with you.
When you serve others, it endures for eternity."

What would happen if we held our tongues, let someone in, spoke or smiled to a stranger? Everyone wins & pays it forward.

What would happen if we told a friend or family member how much we loved & appreciated them? They may not know & need the encouragement.

Jesus said, 'Walk with Me.' When we do, everyone is blessed.
What would happen if we did?

Mon: Keep My Mouth Shut

"Angry words oh let them never, from the mouth unbridled slip."

BYU beat U of U in the annual football rivalry game on Saturday. It's great for the winners, not so much for the opposing team. When they interviewed a major player from BYU, he spouted angry & hateful words about Utah. I was surprised to hear him say he hated everything about them, their school, team, people and all. Last year his family had been treated poorly by Utah fans, which was the main culprit for such bad feelings. Today this player issued an apology for his remarks.

More often than not in the heat of the moment, many say what's felt in their hearts regretting it later. I've fallen into the trap myself, fortunately not on TV. Satan & his helpers relish when we bad mouth others. We need built in alarms to seal our mouths, when the temptation to talk about people starts bubbling up & out.

This weekend three of my neices visited. What fun it was to talk about their lives, school, movies & Grandma. They got an ear full about how interesting she can be. Afterward, I regretted blabbing away at my perception of her faults. Why can't I keep my mouth shut? When will I get smart & avoid those pitfalls?

We all have hangups & strengths, why highlight the ones we're trying to overcome? Reminds me of the beam in my eye comparing her mote.

Sat: A Sight for Sore Eyes

Dad cleaned the garage!! It looks amazing! I don't care what he did with the all the junk, because two thirds of it is neat & clean. Hopefully he will finish the job soon. It's really a sight for sore eyes & maybe help motivate others to do the same.

Too long now it's been my catch all. I've often tossed stuff into the garage as guests arrive at the front door. Thinking I'll take care later, it soon becomes part of the ever growing mound of mess. Allan keeps the three big doors closed to keep our things safe from stealers. I do it so no one knows what a pig I am.

When I spy a garage door left open, I know they are either careless or haven't caught anyone in their vehicles at 5am rumaging through things. Even though it's been six years or more, recent is the memory of me chasing that young twentyish lady down the street screamming to stay out of my garage, as she hopped into the get-away car and sped away. I hollered that I had their license plate number, but found later the car was stolen. Fortunately, they got away empty handed.

Keep your doors closed & spend an hour cleaning this week. Then treat yourself to a turkey sandwich or Christmas candy.

Thur: Thankful for?

What are you thankful for?

Blessings are so abundant, it only takes a few seconds to list numerous gifts so generously given. Big, small, major, minor, general or specific & everything in between always remember the Lord & thank him daily, not just on Thanksgiving.

Here are a few I have:
BIG: A healthy new grand child
SMALL: Having friends over for a delicious dinner, when nothing flops.
MAJOR: A son's marriage, w/awesome new daughter-in-law.
MINOR: Making new friends when performing in a play.
GENERAL: Having enough money to pay the bills.
SPECIFIC: Husband's that do what you ask, most of the time.
IN-BETWEEN: Major surgeries that go well, in state of the art hospitals.

Best wishes this Thanksgiving.

Here is one in honor of the season:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tuwid8_O8dkst

Tues: Trailer Taken-Found, Before Impound

Four weeks ago our dump trailer was stolen off the job site. We were frustrated & sad, because it's a good source of income in a time where work is sporadic. All were excited when Allan spotted it for sale thru the online classifieds, asking less than half the usual price of $10,000 this spring. It filled multi-purpose needs in trash removal, implement hauling, & more. The hydraulic dump saved extra time, work & effort in unloading stuff.

No way could we replace it. As we berated ourselves for not taking precautions to keep it secure, we regreted our carelessness. The police were called and a report was filed. Faith in our fellow man was once again put on 'Don't trust anyone' alert. Prayers were said as jobs were delayed or passed over.

Yesterday the Sandy Police Department called, saying our trailer had been found abandoned on Sego Lily Road. As they prepared to impound it for being left on the roadside for weeks, the VIN number indicated it was stolen. A quick call to our police verified the owners. They called us saying we had 5 minutes to pick it up. Convincing them we needed more time, no delay was made in driving the eight miles to retrieve it.

Thankfully a dead battery was a minor problem, over damage most stolen property has when recovered. Apparently, someone needed it for their garbage, then left it. Many, many thanks to our Father, for the return of the trailer & the many blessings we've enjoyed this year.

Fri: Foot Follies & Finding Faith

How often we take life for granted, thinking nothing of how perfectly our body works. The mind efficiently sends & receives information second by second guiding our every move. Heart, nervous, gastro & other systems work overtime as we batter & abuse them. Skeletal, skin & senses plug along housing, heating & protecting us from harm. We think nothing of the miracle that keeps us ticking.

Sure we have a few maybe even many blips on the horizon, but when a body part starts acting up, is broken, bruised, inflamed etc. we sit up & take notice. Appreciation for our 'warehouse' increases ten-fold. Miraculously, the body often heals itself. During the mending period, being whole once again is our goal. For some it takes more, but thanks to modern medicine we manage or bear with the imposition like it or not.

When I developed plantar fasciitis a few months ago, it was stupid. I'd pushed my feet to the limit, wearing poor shoes walking endlessly on cement. In twelve hours they went from healthy to hurting & havn't stopped since. A strained tendon running my bottom left foot's length, hurt with every step I took. Doctor's visits, exercises & more didn't work.

WebMD was informative, as well as friends with success stories. After wearing a foot brace for a month, I'm now on the road to recovery. Four more weeks with the splint & a good $100 pair of shoes, has prevented additional problems. I'm glad only one foot reared it's angry head & said, "No more!"

When nothing works as problems arise & despair seeps in, go the the Lord. He will dispell your fear & bring comfort. You are 'Never Alone' & help is out there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIrGKB5nRKE

Wed: Worry Wart to Worry Free

It started last night, when I awoke at 12:50 a.m. & began to worry about what to fix for my book group tonight. After going back & forth between apple cake or trifle, cider or water, supplies I did & didn’t have for the recipes, I moved on to Thursday’s needs. In a short time Christmas arrived on the scene, as I dove into another set of worries to wart about.

Time and again I tried to change my thought pattern to Christ or peaceful things, but within seconds jumped back on the ‘hash & re-hash Merry-go-round of life’. A week’s worth of worries in 2 hours was enough for me.

After praying for help, I packed up Wednesday’s troubles & mentally put them in a box by the door. Thursdays went in another one next to them. Bundling up the rest of my stresses, I threw them in a pile down the hall. My mind was free to contemplate the Savior and His life. Peace sent me off to ‘lala’ land.

When I awoke I picked up Wednesday’s jobs, transformed into a ’can do’ package. They were waiting for me at the door & left the others for later. That is how to go from Worry Wart to Worry Free in ten minutes or less. Be sure to leave a container by the door.

See you at book club. It’s “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson, a great read about how one person can make a difference in the world through service.

Mon: Make a Move to Minimize Messes

I'm on a roll for cleaning out & labeling things. My linen closet has been a mess since day one. I don't need 12 bedding sets, blankets & odd towels any more. I've organized them into piles of like, dislike, worn out & throw out.

Growing up our closets were so full, when putting clean laundry in them it was hard to find room. Most of them were overflowing with unused who knows what. Some of us have tidy homes but messy closets & drawers. Others have cluttered homes but organized behind the scenes. Blessed are those that have both.

Junk drawers are in every home, full of 'Junk!' I had more than one, so full they wouldn't open. I gave myself permission to toss most of it. I love it. I left one drawer empty because it feels so good.

Make a move today to 'toss' eliminate & take your drawers & closets back.

You have my permission!

Fri the Thirteenth: Things for Thanking of It.

What better day to start thinking about thanking the Lord for our blessings this year, than on Friday the 13th, with the same number of days left until Thanksgiving. I won’t bore you with a daily list. This is a reminder for each of us to reflect on the blessings we’ve had all year. Here are some I’ll be pondering:

13. Not long until we're truly old, so appreciate every minute we now enjoy.
12. Talents & opportunities to develop & share with others.
11. Months this year of paychecks & bills paid.
10. Children & spouses who we love & are very proud of.
9. Precious grand children to dote over & spoil.
8. Maids a milking..oh wait that’s Christmas, glad for food.
7. 24/7 trust, hope & faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ.
6. May to October, the six months we've had weddings/anniversaries in.
5. Close calls from several near car accidents recently.
4. Seasons to enjoy & watch unfold.
3. Be grateful for the threefold mission of the Church.
2. Our spouse, a great mate to love & trust.
1. We have one life to live, so do your best.

The weather forcast predicted storms & snow for today. It's cold, but clear & sunny, so enjoy it while you can.

Tues: My Trash Is a Treasure to Others

This week is our DI Drive, collecting everthing I'm willing to toss. What a great idea to do before the holidays are suffocating us, when we can think clearly. I need my kids to help me, as they would toss so much more than I can. Some mementos have such a hold of past memories on me, it's impossible to part with.

I'll go in each room & say to myself you have to fill this bag, no buts about it. A few things get the boot. Coming from a 'can't part with anything' mom, it's a battle every time. It feels so liberating to do the deed. Thanks to other charities that call on a monthly basis, the job gets easier. I tell them 'yes' every time. Even getting rid a one bag of stuff is better than nothing. Keep in mind someone else can use it or may need it. Be generous.

The best part of dejunking is knowing you can invite guests over without spending hours trying to 'spruce up', if you get my meaning. As a youth I was too ashamed to have friends over, due to my cluttered home. I'm the only one who can change that, but have to work at it everyday to make it happen. I found by setting the goal of doing the job first, then reward myself with 15-30 minutes of pleasure afterward really works.

Our trash is definitely others treasures. I have to admit shopping these second hand stores monthly to pick up a vase, trinket, book or sometimes just to browse is satisfying. Some say it's good to ask ourselves: "Do I need this? Would I use it?" Too much of a good thing is just that, Too much!

Fri: Fringe & Frocks Accompany Baby Emma

Pink plush fringe blankets & frilly frocks were the common fair of gifts Baby Emma received from friends & family. The house was fraught with blue clothes from her older brothers, but Jenn was happy to break out the new gifts.

Life is pretty topsy-turvy when a new baby is born, but Jenn's motherly instincts quickly kicked in. Her three big brothers excited to have a baby sister, helped hold, burp & quiet her. All were happy to assist in bathing and fetching the binky when needed. She was pretty patient with them if they bounced her too high, bumped into her or didn't know how to help. It's a learning experience for all.

We spent a week enjoying Emma Delight. Spoiling her rotten is more like it, by holding her non-stop & fussing over her. How beautiful she is with easy to see similarities to each parent & sibling. It's nice Heavenly Father doesn't skimp when making babies.

Wed: When the Wrong Way is Where You Are

We went the wrong way coming home from Washington. I'd entered 'Pendleton' into our Garmin for the destination. Five Pendleton's popped onto the screen & I chose the Grain Coop, thinking it would take us to the city in Oregon on our route home 395 to I82.

Ever the optimist Allan said, "Maybe it's a shortcut". Yeah, to Walla Walla. As we rounded the lake size merging of both rivers (Snake & Columbia) passing Wallula, we took the Columbia River Highway (the Oregon & Washington state border) West for twenty odd miles. I decided to enjoy the scenery & shut my grumbling mouth up.

We were directed to take the Pendleton Cold Springs Highway 37 South through the quiet, wide open rolling hills of Oregon's dry farms. The verdant new growth, harvested or fallowed fields had a calming effect. Big tractor rigs tilling under the last of this year's stubble dotted the horizon. Family ranches replaced the 'oasis in the desert' to the weary traveler.

An old school begged me to stop & take it's picture. A windmill stood guard nearby, protecting it from predators. Turning to get back in the car, the four story high abandoned grain elevator we parked next to said, 'Pendleton Grain Coop'. We had arrived at our destination!

681 miles in all was our return total with a detour in Boise to see the state capitol & 670 going to Washington. I'd say we did find a shortcut, from the rat race of the interstate highways, leap frog passing, & big truck haulers.

Mon-Migration, A Many Feathered Thing

Few things give us a bond with nature more than birds. Their merry song, flight friendly patterns & flitting about daily, amaze me. A friend once asked what bird I’d choose to be. An eagle was her desire, to be admired by all. I'd be a soaring hawk high above the earth.

‘I pray to the birds-because they remind me of what I love rather than what I fear.’ Terry Tempest Willams

Last week swarms of birds settled then separated into groups. Watching their ebb & flow was fascinating. Canada Geese squawked while taking flight from a nearby golf course to forage elsewhere. Gazing at their V formation as they soared overhead, I wanted to join the gang. Fast flyers, they once overtook my 35 mph commute to work zooming past me in the sky.

A great grey heron stood in the center of the river as I walked the trail last week without a camera. Is this is layover site before heading further south? Still on the river the other day, I couldn't keep my eyes off the rare beauty, snapping some photos this time.

Years ago while returning in late September from taking my oldest to Snow College, several hours away, flock upon flock of geese flew past me headed toward warmer climates. It was definitely a well traveled route for fowls & weekend warriors. They're passing through that area now to winter in the Gulf Coast, Mexican Riviera and points in between. Where do I hop aboard? Wait, that’s a self achieved 1000+ mile journey, maybe not.

‘To be human is to breathe with the rhythm of life; to recognize a kinship with all of life.’ DavidKrieger

Sat-So Saturated

I get so saturated with 30+ days of Halloween my 'Bah! Humbug!' beats me to the 31st.

The candy is gone, but the headache is not.
Those creative abilities are pretty darn shot.

Give me some cider that isn't just hot.
Where did I put that witches, brew pot?

The teens & I have once again faught,
Over who can go party & who cannot.

You want to be who, Sir Walter Scott?
What happened to the pirate costume I bought?

Here's the pumpkin smasher we just caught.
Let's end this year with one happy thought!

Happy H A L L O W E E N !

Thur: Are We There Yet?

Holidays are like road trips. We watch the scenery along the way, getting more excited as we get closer. It seems to take forever to get there. Then again they come too soon or not soon enough for parents. Did we plan ahead or has all the fun slipped by us when we were too busy?

Don't give up, hang in there & you'll be out of the woods soon. Simplify is what you need now. Buy the treats instead of making them. Forget the costume, that frown will do just fine. Bale on carving & use markers instead. No pumpkins or candy in the house, go visit grandma. She'll be delighted.

Many a year I was up to my ears in pumpkin slime as the doorbell began to ring with the first kids & the dinner burned. More than a few choice words slipped out, that I regretted later. The weather seldom cooperated so winter coats were cramed over their unseen costumes. Spilled candy, crying kids, crappy treats & cranky attitudes have all been forgotten, as the good times we had fill the mind.

Tue: Trials of Treasured Costumes

As another year beats its path to Halloween. The kids are still changing their minds on what they want to be. Our heads ache over trying to please them. Take the easy, expensive route, & the costume awaits its master. We know it will fall apart midparade at school or between the 2nd & 3rd house of trick or treating. We don't care our duties done. Miraculously, I still have my witches cape from 2nd grade.

If your a glutton for punishment like I always was, you've been brainstorming, creating, sewing, searching for the perfect outfit above & beyond the store bought variety. Subtly I suggested ideas to my kids, that were remotely possible to achieve. Sometimes they fell for them. The thrill of the holiday is being different & cooler than any of your friends.

Jenn was a mean big sister one year. No wait that was every year until she left home. Mauri's hospital crazed peacock outfit got her 2nd place & a prize in high school. I still have & use the witches hat from Alicia's wicked witch costume. Breann & friends bought granny dresses from the DI in sixth grade. They all wore hairnets & bumble butts. Jory has loved dressing up since his famous cute, cow duds at age 5. Our homemade outfits pale in comparison to his amazing artwork. He won the best mask at the Garage Masquerade Ball this year. Step aside Jim Henson.

Just thinking about what you'll be for Halloween or were in years past makes for much discussion. I'm going to be a weird scientist, perhaps Alberta Einstein.

Fri: Fascinating Food & Free Fun

All photos & recipes from www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Holiday---Celebration-Recipes/Halloween-Recipes




Spiderweb Dip w/Bat Tortilla Chips
by Sonia Candler, Edmonton, Alberta
Ingredients: 20 flour tortillas (8 inches)- Cooking spray
3/4 tsp of each garlic salt, grnd coriander, paprika, pepper
DIP:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup salsa
1/2 cup prepared guacamole
1 to 2 tablespoons sour cream
Directions Cut tortillas into bat shapes with a 3-3/4-in. cookie cutter. Place tortillas on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Spritz tortillas with cooking spray. Combine the garlic salt, coriander, paprika and pepper; sprinkle over tortillas. Bake at 350° for 5-8 minutes or until edges just begin to brown.
In a small bowl, combine cream cheese and salsa. Spread into a 9-in. pie plate. Carefully spread guacamole to within 1 in. of edges. Place sour cream in a small resealable plastic bag; cut a small hole in a corner of bag. Pipe thin concentric circles an inch apart over guacamole. Beginning with the center circle, gently pull a knife through circles toward center edge. Wipe knife clean. Repeat to complete spiderweb pattern. Serve with tortilla bats. Yield: about 1-1/2 cups dip and about 7 dozen chips.

With the grandkids coming for the weekend, I've got plans to stir up a pot of goodies. They will join in helping make them, painting projects, pumpkin picking & more exciting Halloween events. It's hard to choose what to do & leave for next year.

Get cackling & invite your friends, family or neighbors over for a lively time away from computer games & TV.
blogs.sltrib.com/cheap/index.php for other free & savings to find.

Wed: Windy When You Love It!

'The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy. While cares will drop off like autumn leaves.' John Muir
Fall brings with it the wonderful wind, washing out the impurities in the air. The gentle tapping sound the leaves make as they rustle and bump into one another from the wind soothes my soul. The warm wind before the storm whips up leaves recently fallen or tears them from their alpine home never to return again. Breathing in the fresh air gives one an energy burst.

Watching a modern earth friendly windmill rotate peaks my interest how efficiently they work generating electricity. Old fashioned mills, a rare sight now, used to stand like scarecrows reminding us of times past. Smart gardens varieties decorate many yards whisking wildly.

Walking along the Parkway Trail last week, the pampas grasses were waving vigorously up and down like spectators at a foot race offering high fives to all that passed by. I had no choice but to join in the run slapping the numerous cheerers, as I raced toward the finish line. It was fun to pretend I was a celebrity they all were reaching out to touch.
It reminded me of a day many years ago when the then current prophet, President Spencer W. Kimball, was a guest at our church meeting. His grand daughter, Susan Johnson’s baby was to be blessed that day and she'd invited him. My eyes nearly popped out after noticing this VIP on the stand after we sat down. The Spirit in the meeting was very humbling as he bore his testimony extending love and encouragement to each of us.

At the end we all stood when he departed. Many reached out to shake hands or just be near him. We stood with our arms outstretched, as well. Allan was lucky enough to get a hardy handshake. I’d been onery that morning & didn’t feel worthy to touch the Lord’s servant. I pulled Mauri, my 20 month old baby’s arm out to be next, but she retracted it out of fear, not understanding the opportunity. I was sad, but determined to be prepared for the experience the next time it happened. I'm still wishing & waiting as I walk in the wonderful wind.

Mon: Munching w/My Friends

It's important to make time for high school chums to reminice and laugh about old times. Eat in or out, but take time to be together. Finding out what your friends are doing now & compare family photos is also enjoyable. Of course I'm always arriving late, Janet still has her girly figure, JoAnn now runs in 10k's with her daughter, Paula's hair looks the same as it did on graduation day & Bonnie hasn't changed a bit.

We laughed about the crazy things we did & heard about ones we couldn't remember or missed out on such as toilet papering events, running into a herd of sheep & leaving the accident scene, sleeping at the town park & more. Here's a few pics we took. Six months from now we'll be lunching and laughing again. Come join us or get with your own pals for an hour or two.

Fri-Frank & His Fearful Friends

With two weeks left before All Halloweds Day, let's talk about Frankenstein & Friends for reminding us how to have fearful fun. Homemade spook alleys for $1 used to attract all the neighbor kids. Now for $20 real scary Haunted houses full of weirdos make their yearly living the six weeks their open annually. Kids line up for hours to have their wits scared out of them.

Harvey Brassfield was a tall lanky kid in 2nd grade we all called Frankenstein. Who hasn't found a person to give name for every ghost & goblin out there? My own sister with her buck teeth, black frizzy hair and crooked nose was called a witch more than once, on the school bus of life. It's devastating for the victim, but happens without fail. Our job is to see the good in everyone & turn a hurt feeling into a friend for life. Find ways to build them up & feel good.

When front teeth have fallen out, many a child pretends he's Dracula saying, 'I'm going to dweenk your blud'! A black cape, fang teeth & deep voice bring the beast out in all of us. Why not join in the fun from Witches Night Out at Gardiner Village to haunted houses to graveyard guided tours & so on. Mascarade parties really hit the spot with goofy games & food.

A bunch of friends & I slept in a graveyard one summer night in our teens to prove our bravery. We made it all night. I awoke the next morning with a swollen face from a bug bite. We joked about how it happened, but never stayed their again.

Do fun things with your family to make memories that will last forever. Start looking for your outfit now at the local DI, goodwill or $1 store. Lots of fun things can be found in your own closets.

Let your imagination run wild. Halloween will be here before you know it.

Tues-Treats or Not, Take your Pick

Time to buy those treats for Halloween night. Every year I start early watching the sales stockpiling my favorites. Usually several bags are consumed before the blessed night of doorbell ringing, jack-o-lanterns & ghosty goblins shouting 'Trick or treat'. Don't wait until the last minute when nothing's on sale & the best stuff is gone.

I have to admit, I love candy. Our house is never void of it, in case a craving needs satisfying. Fruit & veggies are given the first chance, but when they are ineffective I go straight for the sweets.

Get it when prices are right to maintain a hearty variety. A few pieces bounce around in my purse, car & desk 24/7. ‘Just one!’ is my rule, unless it’s M&M’s, Smarties or Skittles, then I nibble all day long. Who knows how much it adds up to?

I’m particular about what I buy. Why get the yucky stuff? As a kid, my faves were Jaw breakers, Smarties & Tootsie Rolls. Big Hunk & Payday’s ruled in my teen years. With a houseful of children we had gummy bears, Starburst & Snickers. I steer clear of gum drops, taffy & hard tack due to over exposure from my Mom. Who can resist the newer kids on the block, Peanut butter M&Ms, Rolo & Twix.

One year Breann & Alicia decided to go candy free. THE WHOLE YEAR!! Friends were getting $100 from their parents by doing it. They hoped to get the same reward. It didn't happen. I was amazed at their will power. I was proud they fulfilled their goal knowing the prize was in the accomplishment, not the bribe.

Sat-Spontaneity Sessions Breed Happiness

Spur of the moment events end up making the funnest memories. Jumping on the trampoline with kids, running through the sprinkers, picking apples or a pumpkin patch make it possible to forget time & just enjoy life. Joking, laughing out loud, making fun of some silly thing helps everyone join in. Serious adults let their hair down surprising the youngsters with the crazy antics that come of relaxation.

At a pizza joint in a small town years ago, the youth started playing ice cube basketball spewing ice from their mouths into the water pitcher. When I joined in with the best of them, it nearly shocked my future son-in-law to death. He couldn't believe I would act with such goofiness. That made it all the more fun.

Don't ever become to serious that you're unable to enjoy doing the things we did as children. There's nothing wrong with being a 'Kid' again at least temporarily.