H-A-LL-O-W-EE-N.

My favorite holiday to celebrate in Memphis was by far, Halloween. It's not that we ever did anything crazy in Memphis. In fact, we rarely, if ever, dressed up for the event. But I have the best memories of sitting on the front porch at 1916 passing out candy. I can even remember one Halloween a few years back when some trick-or-treaters came to the door and LB screamed. She apparenty was not aware of the usual tradition of going from door to door to beg for candy (or SNATCH as children do these days.)

Nevertheless, nothing beat some halloween music on the "Spirits of Season" television music channel, some Blue Moon and good friends sitting on the porch waiting for the neighborhood ghosts, goblins, witches, and princesses. I was always ruthless when it came to passing out candy. I expected children to say "trick-or-treat," say thank you, and of course be dressed in costume. When any one of the three was missing, I made sure to let the kids know. And when teenagers with voices deeper than my own dressed in jeans and white t-shirts approached for some candy, I simply sighed, shook my head, and said, not this house. Call me scrooge if you like. But I honor the holiday. And if you're going to ask for candy, then I expect you to do so approrpriately.

Fortunately for the children of Memphis and Athens, I am not passing out candy this year. Dressed as an "instant rapper," (Party City's label, not my own,) I am headed to Christy's for some drinks before going downtown to a halloween party. Looking forward to it!

Enjoy the night! And Happy Halloween!