All Hallows' Eve

Some people object to the celebration of Halloween on religious or commercial grounds. I tend towards the latter. We did have Halloween parties when I was a child but they were of the turnip lantern, apple dooking, guising, treacle scones strung from the garage ceiling variety. Nowadays - well we all know.

However, Halloween is my daughter's big family party and she pulls out all the stops. There wasn't a Halloween party last year of course. This year, to allow for better distancing and other anti-covid measures, the party is in our house. Her flat is a squash for us all these days.

She has bought all the food. She has gathered up all her decorations. She will arrive here about midday to start the food preparations. My job is usually to make cupcakes but my granddaughters' mum has kindly taken that role this year.

All we need to do is await the arrival of three little pumpkins/witches/ghosts or however the wee ones are dressed. It will be lovely to see them.

Preparation for any such event requires a lateral flow test these days. Glad to say ours are clear.

After the party our little grandson is going to stay the night. This is the first time he will have stayed here without his mum and dad. I hope it goes well. Collecting him from Glasgow would be tricky tomorrow with all the Cop26 disruption. Not that I've any objection to that and I'm grateful to the people who will brave the horrible weather to make their voices heard. Let's hope our leaders are listening and actually show some leadership.

If Halloween/All Hallows' Eve/Samhain is your thing have an enjoyable day. If not, have an enjoyable day anyway.