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.

When the Witch in You Comes Out.

October is the perfect month for being a little on the witchy side. With cooler weather we regret our time’s ticking down for outdoor events. We scan the papers to find fun & free or low cost events to take the family to. Ghost Tours, Crazy Corn Maze, Pumpkin Walk, Witches Night Out & Which Witch is the Right Witch tempt us to join the troupe rather than just being a guest.

Gleaning the last from our gardens, we mix up all kinds of concoctions for the family. They warily look at the meal, wondering if it’s some new potion Mom’s invented. Dad, ever the good sport gulps his down so fast, he can’t even taste it. The others whine & complain while they nibble or discreetly throw it away hoping we won’t notice. WE do!
The kids change their minds daily of what they’ll be on Halloween. It’s nearly impossible to know what to make for them until the last minute. Add sniffles, a new zit and the neighbor’s noisy dog, we tend to get a wee bit onery. I do!

As the full moon wanes, we still haven’t put up those colorful decorations. The pressure mounts & we’re bound to blow more than twice. Everyone backs away, when this happens, with a surprised look on their face as if to say, ‘Hey, what’s with Mom?’ Like YOU don't know!!


Now's the time to pull out the black hat, broom, cape & set them by the door, so they're ready to grab as we go screaming out of the house for our very own Witches Night or Day out.

Years ago I was a witch in a local play & had to give the loudest cackle ever. That was my only line, but I practiced diligently until everyone stopped & took notice. A special award was given for that amazing sound. How I loved playing the part of the wicked witch. In October I start practicing the call, to make sure I still have it in me. It’s a natural. Start practicing your cackle now.

Sun-Keeping Sunday Sacred

Sunday is a free day, in that we don't have the pressures of housework, employment, school etc. It's a day set aside to worship the Lord. How easy it is to get sidetracked from that goal. Temptations such as the Sunday paper, a book we're reading, internet, tv, small jobs we've neglected or not noticed all seem to shout, "Pick me! I'm next!' How hard it is to turn away from them.

Subtley Satan tries to distract us, before we pick up the scriptures or Church magazines. Asking Heavenly Father to remind us what the Sabbaths purpose is, makes all the difference. He encourages us to stay the course and by being obedient we are rewarded.

A ten years ago I broke the Sabbath, by going to a Garth Brooks concert. After standing in line five hours, Breann got the only tickets left. They were for Sunday. I was back & forth about going, but in the end decided to do it. I called it, premeditated Sabbath breaking. It was a miserable experience. Not only did I hate the concert, but saw several young people that knew me. What kind of example was I to them?

That year was a bad one, with mishaps & challenges. Finally, I realized if I repented and set a goal to keep the Sabbath day holy in every possible way, blessings would come. After fasting & prayer, peace & happiness came.

Since then keeping Sunday sacred has been a tremendous gift. Sure I mess up, but try, try again to follow Jesus example.

Thur: THNDRRD

Thndrrd is the license plate I followed to work this morning. Did it mean Thunder Rad, Red, Ride, Rod or Rude? For a frosty a.m. the topless speedster seemed a little late for the season. Loud & larger than life sounds forced me to crack my window, as I listened to the engine purr & glass packs pop. The royal blue paint with two white racing stripes down the middle kept my attention. With its individual two seat role bars, I wondered how it would feel to be riding in it instead of catching his dust.

I sized up the driver. Was he young, old, divorced, proud, showing off, or a smoker? Yes, as I sat behind him at the light, he puffed away smugly. I hated him and thought of my own wishes knowing if they came true, that I’d be full of pride, as well. It’s really quite a blessing in disguise, to be poor. Dreams are free, though.

In high school a home town friend had a blue convertible. We all wanted a turn riding in it. Gary was generous to give us all a spin. After only a few minutes, I realized women’s hair & hot rods don’t mix. This didn’t happen in the movies. Although it seems so romantic, the wind drives you insane as it whips wildly.

The wide tires peeled out, as the light turned green on the 30 mph road. Paul Simon was playing '50 Ways to Leave Your Lover' on my radio as I followed him. Looking in my rear view mirror, I noticed the cars far behind me were obeying the limit. I slowed down wondering if a cop was in the group. He always gets the 2nd car, you know. That would be me. Today I was lucky, no officer.

I turned north before Mr. Hot Rad, Red, Ride, Rod or Rude and arrived at work early. Boy, I am lucky! Who knows, he could be in debt, divorced, dying or just a decent guy having fun. It's all in the way we look at it! Life is great!!