Happy Halloween!!

Dave has established a wonderful Halloween tradition at our house that is very different than other families in our neighborhood.   The afternoon begins with his trip to the meat market to select chicken thighs and pineapple bratwurst, no casing, to put on the grill.  Well before sunset, he begins warming a couple of his grills and plans for the evening grilling schedule.  The timing of the addition of barbecue sauce is an important part of the planning.

As trick-or-treaters come to add to their candy collection, Dave has skewers, bowls, forks and napkins ready to serve "treats" to the accompanying parents.  Veterans of this tradition come prepared to sample at least one of everything, while those new to the parent trick-or-treat grill are usually much more timid.

Over the years, we have enjoyed several seasoned trick-or-treat visitors who are traveling childless.  A few have claimed to have children, or recall a trick-or-treating event while accompanying costumed children, but most seem comfortable warming their hands near the grill and making selections from the choices inside.

For Dave, this evening always ends too soon.  As parents head down our driveway, their step seems to be lighter, and they seem to be in better spirits than on their approach.  Could be manifested as a figment of the night's aura, or perhaps the grill adds an anti-gravity spirit on just this one evening.  Whatever the reason, Dave will continue to plan for the next October 31st parenting event in our neighborhood!

I hope you find or plan something high spirited and unexpected for your Halloween festivities to keep friends, family and/or neighbors smiling!

Happy Halloween pumpkin - Black Ranger permanent ink on gessoed tan Strathmore paper.  Color added with Derwent Intense pencils activated with water, and green Sharpie permanent finepoint marker. 

Quick reminder:  Time will FALL BACK tonight!  Change your clocks!