Saturday, October 28, 2017

Remembering when we made our own fun and it didn't cost a thing....

I am remembering the childhood version of the upcoming candy fest, Halloween.  When we were kids, the best place to go trick or treating was in the nearby streets close to Grandma Berglunds house. 

We carefully went to houses that had the lights on.  When we got back we looked into our brown paper bags a bit more carefully to inspect the home made goodies.  There would be popcorn balls, cookies, fudge, candies and the occasion toothbrush.  We thought actually getting one of the miniature individually wrapped candy bars was an absolute treasure.  Mom did hide the bulk of the candy.  I am a bit fuzzy about whether we ever say any of it again. 

Grandma Horn had a recipe for Hawaiian Penuche.  It was mostly brown sugar, butter, walnuts and pineapple pieces.  Sweet enough to send you into instant diabetic coma.  She always used a Paul Revere ware sauce pan and my main job was to scrape out any left overs and lick the spoon.  Grandma Horn was VERY good about getting everything out of the pot and into the dish.  There was never very much to clean up..dang it.  But I was a faithful hanger on. Now as for dressing up in costume, forget about it.  We were considered adequately clothed and costumed if we maybe had a mask or something and it was always cold in Gem county.  That was fun. 

Now as an adult, at one point I lived in a very popular mobile home park.  We got slammed by the helicopter parents and children and, oh can we get a treat for the baby in the care?  Uh sure. So we do not participate in the event here.  The cost of candy along can become staggering, then costumes and parties and Lord only knows what else.  I read somewhere that America was going to spend something like two BILLION dollars on All Hallows Eve.  Oy Gevalt.

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