One quick story:
Often on Halloween night I show up at friend's houses with candy in hand. There is no better night to drop in unexpected than Halloween, especially since a lighted porch means all ghosts and goblins are welcome. Being too old to "Trick or Treat" I instead bring Treats to distribute. Several past Halloweens we have found ourselves standing on Jack and Ruth's porch in the late All Hallows twilight. With a ring of the bell Jack would meet our "Trick or Treat" call with a bowl of candy in hand. Usually he was in full SF costume with an added surprised smile to see our costumed visages at his door. Without hesitation he would invite we vampires over his threshold for a long visit.
This Halloween I was determined to make sure Ruth was one of my treat distribution stops. Driving up I thought - "Ah, the porch light is still on... monsters must still be welcome." We rang the bell and Ruth answered with a beaming smile and candy plus toys in hand. She invited us in and we caught up on all that has been happening. Now, in the living room there has always rested a medium-size cedar chest -- I have often wondered what treasures it might hold. While talking Ruth mentioned she had finally opened it and was surprised to find it contained both WWI and WWII uniforms and accouterments that had belonged to Jack's father. I expected to see jackets and pants but as we all know... Jack never threw anything away... and I now suspect that neither did his father. Here neatly folded in this fragrant chest were military issued spats, socks, belts, pants, jackets, a leather document carrying case, insignias and metals, sock garters, undershirts, and best of all... green three-buttons- at-the-top old military underwear. What a perfect night to find a treasure chest full of costumes.
Ruth and I made some plans to get together again soon.... So you know I will have more stories to share.
All the best,
Patricia