Well another Halloween has come to a close. It started off with a party at the dojo after regular sparring class. All the kids got changed into their costumes and went through a number of relays to get treats. They were also presented with an additional bag of treats. Our usual get together with Katya and her family didn't happen this year since a number of us are unwell. Instead this year I took the kids out and Simon stayed home. Considering we only had contributions from about 8 houses, their pumpkin buckets were overflowing. I don't know what we're going to do with all their candy and the left-overs we have. Our grand total this year: 36. The numbers have been dwindling:

  • 2004 - 109
  • 2005 - 82
  • 2006 - 72
  • 2007 - 43
  • 2008 - 29
  • 2009 - 36


Simon sat in the garage with his typewriter, kettle, cup and teabags listening for halloweeners. He figured this would reduce the wear-and-tear on the cats' nerves (avoiding constant doorbell ringing). After I came back with the kids I took Miranda over to the Fire Hall to jump in the bouncy castles. There wasn't much to do their other than the castles. There was face painting and a Haunted House, but both were by donation. When we came back Simon had set up his telescope and was looking at the moon. He invited those who came calling to look too. It was a nice clear night for a bit and you could really see the craters. I'm glad the rain held off. Too bad we had so few come by. Now we have a fair amount of candy and nowhere to offload it.