Straddling the line between fall and winter is Halloween. It is a time of celebration and superstition. It is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. In the eighth century, trying to change the image of Halloween, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints and martyrs; the holiday, All Saints’ Day. The evening before was known as All Hallows’ Eve and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a secular, community-based event characterized by child-friendly activities such as trick-or-treating. In a number of countries around the world, as the days grow shorter and the nights get colder, people continue to usher in the winter season with gatherings, costumes and sweet treats. The true turning, historically, of Halloween becoming billion dollar annual event, came in 1950 when it became "kid" centered. Today many churches and families enjoy the fellowship of Halloween get-togethers. The US consumers spend around 2.5 billion dollars on costumes alone, and adding candy/treats the money spent is up to 6 billion dollars. These are pretty shocking figures, but look around your local stores and watch it go off the shelves. We hope old and young alike enjoy this Halloween. Hayrides, a bowl full of chili, and a sweet treat we wish for all.
We are still canning a few cooking’s of Rome apple jelly. We enjoy the smell of the peelings cooking in the kitchen. It’s good to have some willing hands to help out those with health issues. The jelly sure looks beautiful in the can. This week we had a little left over from a cooking to have for breakfast.
This week your writer had a little eye surgery in Lebanon, Dr. Evan and his staff did a wonderful job. We visited the Cracker Barrel for a wonderful meal before heading home. The only issue now is the never ending regiment of eye drops. It is hard to be patient with this process.
In a world with numerous temp¬ta¬tions to cut corners or deliver less than promised, it’s vitally important that followers of Christ conduct their business with integrity. The scripture tells us…A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1
