Happy Halloween! Blessed Samhain!

By whatever name you know it, all of us here at Roamin’ Gnomials wish you a healthy and happy holiday, tinged with the memories of good times from days of yore.

Any trick or treaters who come tap, tap, tapping at my door tonight will get the standard-issue candy treats, which brings to mind some sweet memories of my own. I recall, as children, my sister and I receiving a special treat of gooey popcorn balls from our neighbor, Mrs. Humphrey. I can’t remember if I ever told her thank you — and of course it’s much too late now — but it was such a nice and personalized gesture, unheard of nowadays due to safety concerns caused by real-life Halloween monsters.

Of course I also have fond memories of my own children during Halloween. I’m sure I missed plenty of trick-or-treating with them because I always worked at night, but I know there were at least one or two occasions when I had the evening off and was able to walk around with them while they extorted chocolate from neighbors and friends.

My three children, Leah, Rebekah and Aaron, in their Halloween finery. All three are now grown with children of their own.

During this time we especially remember those who have gone before us, and my wife and I did just that this morning as we burned a bit of incense at the family shrine in the upstairs hallway. And for their part, our ancestors let us know that for our own safety, I need to change the battery in the smoke alarm, since it failed to sound. It’s always a good thing to have dead people looking out for your best interests!

I think of my ancestors almost every day, but during Samhain especially, when the veil between life and death is thinnest.

Have a great time everybody, and don’t forget to leave out some treats for your gnomes. The little blighters are sensitive about that kind of thing, and your life will be a lot easier in the long run if they know you’re thinking about them. A word of advice: They like M&Ms!