Early Jack o lanterns were carved out of turnips.  I can’t imagine trying to do one of today’s ornate carvings on one of them instead of a pumpkin.  However, I sure there were some crafty artisans who did carve some remarkable turnips.  G and I have made a name for ourselves around here with ours but we can’t do them without a pattern. 

     Allentown, PA had the very first Halloween parade in the US back in 1915 (correction: the year was 1905)  followed by Tom’s River, NJ in 1919.  This year it will be held on November 2^nd.  Somewhere out in TV land there’s a picture of our old Malcolm on one of the Halloween floats.  He always was a ham.

     Although it is 2:30 a.m., it’s a balmy seventy degrees outside with a misty rain.  Not bad for late October.

     I called G this evening to check and see how she was.  Her eye surgery went very well.  She sounded quite chipper.  She was also pleased to announce that she didn’t have a shiner this time.

     I overheard her husband in the background saying, “If she keeps complaining about not having a shiner I’ll be glad to oblige.”  Wiseass.