Halloween is Almost Here

    It's a couple of days before Halloween and I am excited.  I really shouldn't be all that excited that should be left for the kids.  But I love to see the little kids all dressed up and running around looking for Tricks or Treats.  These days alot of parents do not allow their children to go trick or treating.  I can understand why.  The world is not as innocent for children as it used to be. You have to watch your children all the time.  So instead of going trick or treating there are different ways you can celebrate.
     Many families have chosen to take their children to the local malls to collect candy.  Usually there is some type of Halloween program in which the kids can participate.  They have costume competitions and prizes are given.  The children then go to each store to collect goodies from the vendors or retailers.  I like this venue because it gives adults an excuse to window shop or actually shop at the same time.
     An alternative to going to the mall is attending a church activity.  More churches and religious organizations are offering ways to celebrate Halloween without the secular traditions.  For example, at my church they are having a pumpkin patch picking.  A farmer is going to attend and show the children how to carve the pumpkins.  When the demonstration is over, the church will pass out treats to the kids.
     Lastly, some parents are having Halloween parties and inviting the neighborhood children over.  This give the parents an excuse to really decorate their homes and show off the creativity skills for the children in the neighborhood.  Did I say the children in the neighborhood? I really meant to say show off their talents for the adults.  No matter how you choose to celebrate or not celebrate.  It's a great excuse to get  together with families, friends and acquaintances to enjoy life, laugh and have fun.  And everyone needs a little bit of fun in  their  lives.


 

A Trip Down Memory Lane

For the past couple of days I have been spending time with my grandmother.  She is 96 years old and is experiencing Alzheimers disease.  Alzheimers disease is genetic in my maternal heredity.  Most of my grandmother's sisters and brothers developed Alzheimer's disease during their senior years.  Expect for one sister that experienced  the disease early in life.  Now when I visit my grandmother it is more of a reversal role.  My grandmother was my real parent from the time I was 12 years old until I went off to college when I was 18 years old. She did all the things that grandmothers do like teach me how to make southern dishes from scratch, sew, garden and cut the grass. She also spoiled me very much.  Hence my narcissistic personality. 
Alzheimer's is a very treacherous disease it robs people of the memories they have created over a lifetime.  It takes away your ability to recognize the most important people in your life.  And it hurts all the family members who used to be called baby, sweetheart and dear.  Those are the words that soothed you when you were feeling alone in the world, gave you comfort when you needed love that only a spouse or parent could give you.  In turn you become the comforter and solace with the person suffering from Alzheimers.

It's July in October

For the past couple of days the weather here has been incredible! It's been between 70 to 80 degrees.  I can't believe how much Chicago feels like Los Angeles.  Yes, I said Los Angeles.  We took advantage of this weather by going to the beach and watching fireworks.  That's right fireworks in October.  Maybe we'll get great weather for Christmas.  We can always dream.