In our part of the world, long before Covid became a household word, there was a move to take kids to private parties to celebrate Halloween, rather than putting them through the often-sleety, cold, rotten slog that frequently happens on October 31 in Southern Ontario. So, over the years, we've seen the numbers dwindle.

Before that, though, I did enjoy seeing all the kids and their costumes, when I was well enough to plan for it, decorate, and answer the door. The old me, pre-depression, used to get dressed-up, too and have a good old laugh with the kids and parents. (I did myself up as a different type of witch every year; it was kind of an inside joke among all our crowd.) Friends used to make the trip to our neighbourhood with their grandchildren, as we're kind of in an out of the way development and it's pretty safe and quiet, here---and people did go all-out on Halloween, the neighbourhood was bustling with cars full of kids from in town---and we LOVED seeing the little cuties on their first Halloween outings. But of course, Covid has put an end to all of that.

This year will be a bit sad, I think, as I do not plan to open the door to ANYONE. It'll be lights out and no candy. And that's got me a little bummed out, as I've been feeling better, and would love to dive right back into the fun again.