Thanks so much for sending me your favorite Halloween treats (and tricks  ;))! There were many staples (pumpkin patches and haunted houses being the most popular), and a few surprises. For example, like me, one reader shared how much she hates candy corn! (Don't judge us - it has to be the SWEETEST candy, EVER - and that's saying something! I'm pretty sure it's made from only hardened corn syrup and wax.  :)) But of course, only one entry made the (randomly selected) cut. And the lucky winner was...

Patricia H.! Congratulations and thanks for entering!

Remember last time, how I was amazed that October was almost over? *gulp* Well, now the holidays are upon us. Wait - WHAT??? I haven't even shopped for Thanksgiving ingredients yet. (Which I'll most likely do online this year, since that's now how I do ALL my shopping, but still! I don't even think I'll switch back when Coronapocalypse is finally behind us!  :))

In some ways, we're very lucky. I come from a large family in my parents' generation and above, but they're all in the Midwest, while I've lived on the West Coast my whole life. My immediate family is quite small, and after we left California, where Mr. Author's extended family mainly lives, it's been almost exclusively us and Author Mother for all holidays. (My dad died 17 years ago, and Mr. Author and I are both only children.) (Wait - BOTH of us?? I KNOW - right?? LOL!)

Anyway, so for us, a very small, insular Thanksgiving is normal. But this year, Author Mother won't even be here, as she's on an extended stay in Iowa, with her sister/my aunt (not the language expert!  ;)), to help with my grandmother, who is 98 and in failing health.

All of which is to say we'll be an even smaller group this year - four of us. How have your holiday plans changed this year (if they have)? Do you feel okay about the adjustment, knowing it's temporary? For a chance to win a $5 gift card to the e-tailer of your choice (that I can purchase e-giftcards at), hit reply and respond (or if you just want to share  :)). Winner will be randomly chosen from all entries received by 11:59:59 p.m. PT on November 21, 2020, and notified on Sunday.

Hope you have a peaceful week, wherever you are. Stay safe! Until the next Very Occasional Time...