The decorations were set, the lights were strung,

the skeleton hung.

The jack o'lantern carved,

and lit with flickering artificial, battery-powered lights (a first).

Off in a corner a skull lurked,

whilst on the other side of the door, the treats were ready, and well guarded.

We even had a witch to greet the treaters, with her Familiars.

Including a Frankenheeler, kept restrained in a back room.

The first arrived a little before six, a trio of tiny treaters. Who would not stop raving about the skeleton, the skull, the witch and her familiars, and finally had to be herded off by their guardian watching from the shadows.

And then there were no more.

None.

Until seven-thirty, when a short burst of activity brought us eight more.

And that was all.

Pretty sure it was our fewest ever. Know the town's got more kids registered in school than we've had in a long time, so it's not like there's a shortage.

Me, I suspect the Baptists garnered them all up. In some safe, boring, evening of proper games.

But still, there were eleven. Eleven who greeted the Saints, in their time-honoured fashion.

So, to those who know the holiday,

Happy Hallowe'en.

(And for those who know its roots, here's hoping your visitors from Tir nan Og were pleasant this Samhain. May the new year treat you and yours kindly.)