And Now for Something Completely Different

Have to say, Trick-or-Treating in the desert is something else entirely from anything I have yet to experience. I grew up in the Midwest and Halloween was always somewhat of a "crap-shoot". We've had record heat, cold, rain, and snow (2 feet the day of not, too long ago), and I'll been out in all of it. Its a little different now, as I am experiencing it through my kids instead. But down here, its a whole new experience. First was the weather.......in the low 90's all day, then around 80 after the sun went down. It was GORGEOUS! No clouds, thousands of stars, sidewalks lined with palm trees on both sides of the streets. Had I been 20 years younger, I'd probably still be out going door to door right now. Instead, I went out with my kids, and the length was dictated by my "little-witch". She's four (just turned) and made it for an hour before announcing that she had to "go pee", and after having passed off her broom, peaked cap, and candy bag. She was done, but all three managed more than enough candy in that time. What made the experience so COOL was the neighbors.......rather than shutting themselves inside and waiting for the kids to come to them, they came out and met us instead. Most houses had large groups gathered around in lawn chairs, sitting in their driveways, meeting the kids and parents as they came by. Some had set up more elaborate decor, others had extra snacks for the parents (couple drinks were passed around, very nice!), and everybody really got to know each other. One woman even had a popcorn machine going, handing out bags of freshly popped corn. It was a really nice way to feel welcome and more settled then I ever have, yet so far.
Wearing the costume was FUN! It was the first (and best) chance I've had to dress up in years. I was planning on wearing the outfit all day at my office, but then I got pulled into having meetings, so I had to wear something a bit, subtler. But, afterward, there was nothing stopping me from going all out, which, as you can see, I did. I even had a "script" of Einstein quotes, which I recited when someone talked to me. The only down side was that whenever my oldest wanted to get my attention, she would add "Einstein" to the comment, i.e. if I was lagging behind getting to the next house, she would prod me with "Come on, let's go Einstein." Sadly, Halloween was now almost a week ago and it has yet to stop!