All Hallows Eve

When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers,
‘tis near Halloween.

Author Unknown

Good morning, on this very special day, the Eve of All Hallows. This is truly my favorite holiday of the year. My house has been decorated and menu is in place. Didn't buy any candy this year because no children come to the house, and I usually end up eating it all. If, by the off chance my bell should ring, I've plenty of change on hand.  Besides, it's all about the ancestors today.

Lost another 1.6 pounds yesterday. That's 14.2 pounds altogether. I know I have said this before, but I am going to say it again, Weight Watchers works.

Took this picture of my church while I was waiting for the bus yesterday. The trees are finally beginning to change.

Set up my ancestor altar yesterday.  What you see is basically what I have left of my family...in photos.  I've included both my great grandfather and grandfather, my great grandmother, Constance Mary, aunts Bessie and Annie from Norfolk, England, my dad and his twin as teenagers, my dad, his twin, and I, and a few of my great aunts and uncles.  All pictures are from my dad's side.  All pictures on my mom's side burned in a fire, and there is no one left to help me replace them.  I do have copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates on my mom's side so I will place them on the altar tomorrow.  

Here's a little Samhain prayer I found on the internet. It has made its rounds so I am not sure where it originated.

This is the night when the gateway between
our world and the spirit world is thinnest.
Tonight is a night to call out those who came before us.
Tonight we honor our ancestors.
Spirits of our ancestors, we call to you,
and we welcome you to join us for this night.
We know you watch over us always,
protecting us and guiding us,
and tonight we thank you.
We invite you to join us and share our meal.

If you wish, you may want to recite your genealogy here.  This can include both your blood family and your spiritual one.  

With the gift of remembrance. 

 remember all of you. 

You are dead but never forgotten 

nd you live on within me. 

and within those who are yet to come.