Last night was much more than I expected. Somewhere between 50 and 75 children visited my house, saying, "Trick or Treat". The littlest ones were, as always, cute as a bug's ear in their bunny outfits or bumblebee costumes, proud momma and poppa watching from the sidewalk. Several I had to hold their hands going back down the steps.

I ran out of candy early and had to resort to one dollar bills. I had 40 of them (my stash for N so he can use the candy machines at the VA). They were gone, and I resorted to my collection of Susan B. Anthony and Sacagawea dollars as treats.

My housemate was stuck at work. We had planned on double teaming the trick-or-treaters, and one of us to go out on a candy run if it looked like we were running out. But it didn't work out that way. This morning when I left the house at oh-dark-hundred, her vehicle was gone, so I guess she's back at the job, finishing up (she works as a private contractor).

I've learned from past experience that the older kids come later in the evening and if you don't have anything for them, you're likely to discover the next morning that you have a flat tire or missing flowers or whatever. For them, with their pillowcases/bags and no costumes, the "treat" has become a bribe to leave your house and car unscathed. Can you say 'extortion'?

Today is All Saints' Day. Time to remember the good and loving people I have known and once again resolve to emulate them. I fail, but I keep trying.