Tricks and treats

Believe it or not, one of my early thoughts regarding the move back to Winfield was about what it would mean to Su on Halloween. In Geneva's Randall Square area -- the land of track housing -- pulling in a ton of candy is almost a certainty. Houses are close together and it only takes a walk around a couple of blocks to pull in enough candy to ensure that current students in dental school will have jobs waiting for them when their studies are done.

Winfield, in past years, produced far fewer young ones in costumes parading up and down the streets. Houses are further apart. Most of the south side of the neighborhood lacks any sidewalks, and only a few corner streetlights to light the way. Some years were lucky to produce maybe 15-20 kids at the door. You could peer through the front window into the streets and see the dark shadows lurking, but not many ventured to the door, with parents preferring to stick with familiar houses.

Our current address places us in one of the most remote areas of the village. It takes a lot of work to find us -- and many might not find the journey much of a payoff in candy loot. And such was indeed the case for our home this year. We produced a total of 10 kids at the door. Seven arrived in one group, two came from next door, and then there was one other brave child, willing to ring the bell, set off the ferocious bark of Max, retrieve his treats, and head off into the darkness.

Su and I, on the other hand, did surprisingly well. With a tip from a neighbor, we picked the perfect direction to head out. Houses were far apart and there were many hill to climb, but Su was more than up to the challenge. Running from house to house, she trampled through leaves, hopped over ditches, climbed up and over rocks, and really worked hard for her treats. And houses were very much in the giving mood. It wasn't long before I was carrying the overflow of candy to lighten Su's load. The evening was topped off with one house that was grilling up hot dogs for the kids. Yep, the grill was out in the driveway, condiments and juice available, and picnic benches to rest weary legs. Of course Su said yes to a hot dog fresh off the grill.

So, with me now carrying two bags of candy, the juice, napkins, and the flashlight, Su chomped down her dog as we headed back home. A fitting conclusion to a fun-filled night of treats.