I've been a Halloween addict ever since I was a child. Fortunately for me, my parents were very creative and I think they got into it as much as I did. We always had home made costumes constructed out of the strangest things. I remember this one year I wanted to be a robot (not a hot costume in 2007 but back then it was cool). My parents rustled up a large box and painted it silver. They added a smaller box on top for a head. My robot arms and legs were made with dryer vent hose also painted silver. Then we glued all sorts of things to the box - gauges, toy parts, those little plastic pieces from Light Bright, etc. It was so cool! (Believe it or not, I'm a pack rat and I still have this costume.)

I attended a small school and every year they had a Halloween parade and a costume contest. I won every year (see, is it any wonder that I am the way I am?). A lot of school's don't do this anymore. My own children don't even get to dress up for Halloween at school. Unfortunately, Halloween has been pushed aside in the name of political correctness. What a shame (and another topic for another time).

Another fond memory I have of Halloween as a child was trick or treating. I grew up in the country so when it came time to go door to door my parents would pack us into the car and drive us from house to house. It became a real challenge when you had a bulky costume like a robot but they always made it happen.

It won't be long and the leaves will start to turn and the smell of Autumn will be in the air. I can't wait!