No One Came

Each year candy is purchased, pumpkins are carved and lit, lights are turned on, and a happy somewhatfortyplus lady in waiting sits, waiting and waiting and waiting. No one comes. The door bell does not ring. Head lights don't venture up the long dark driveway. Voices are not heard in unison shouting "Trick or Treat!" No one comes. A friend calls to say 42 kids have already been to her house. She lives in the well lit town; I live in the dark and spooky country.

Trick and treating hours have been set in this Chicagoland area, and range from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. CDT. It is now 8:40 p.m. A $12 five pound bag of assorted candy bars, purchased at Costco, sits undisturbed, missing only those eaten by the somewhatfortyplus husband. One more year of no monster mash. No goblins or vampires. Good thing I can remember Jack dancing and singing to "The Monster Mash" on stage a few years ago. Thanks Jack. Tell them Boris sent you......

Photo Attribution: somewhatfrank

Happy Easter

Here's hoping the Easter bunny found you and left delectable goodies for your eating pleasure. Happy Easter.

What did you learn over the holiday?

Always an advocate of life long learning, holidays are an excellent time to ponder life's lessons, often learned in special inopportune moments. So before lessons are forgotten, take a moment to reflect on what you learned and answer the question, what do you know now you didn't know before the holiday? I'll begin.

1. Red wine, white wine, scotch and champagne do not mix well and can cause great stomach discomfort several hours later.

2. Spending a full day in pajamas is more relaxing then previously thought.

3. Wrapping gifts as they were purchased far exceeds a giant wrapping marathon at 1 p.m. December 24th.

4. Shattering a wine glass over Christmas cookies requires checking each one with a magnifying glass prior to eating.

5. Hiring a limo to take guests to O'Hare is better then driving in a snow storm under a winter storm warning.

6. Waiting to vacuum until all guests have departed is simpler then vacuuming around them.

7. Christmas wish lists are more beneficial then they get credit for.

8. United Airlines has a bigger problem then they think.

9. Parting is such sweet sorrow.

10. Making chicken soup is good for the soul.

Each day sheds light on what could have been done better, easier, or more efficiently, and each day brings lessons learned. What do I know now I didn't know before? I have three loving children who are grateful for life and all it delivers, are generous beyond belief, and excellent at parties, but then I guess I already knew that. Now here comes the question for the test: what did you learn from the holiday?

Photo attribution: somewhat frank