To all lovers of the macabre, Happy Halloween!
Life is unpredictable and often shorter than we wish. Delight in each precious moment of joy, beauty and friendship. We never know how many we will be given.++++++++++++++
"Every year, on November 1st (All Saints Day) and 2nd (All Souls Day), something unique takes place in many areas of Mexico: Day of the Dead festivities. 
While it's strange for most of us to accept the fact that "death" and "festivities" can go hand-in-hand, for most Mexicans, the two are intricately entwined. This all stems from the ancient indigenous peoples of Mexico (Purepecha, Nahua, Totonac and Otom*) who believed that the souls of the dead return each year to visit with their living relatives - to eat, drink and be merry. Just like they did when they were living.
While it's strange for most of us to accept the fact that "death" and "festivities" can go hand-in-hand, for most Mexicans, the two are intricately entwined. This all stems from the ancient indigenous peoples of Mexico (Purepecha, Nahua, Totonac and Otom*) who believed that the souls of the dead return each year to visit with their living relatives - to eat, drink and be merry. Just like they did when they were living.Tempered somewhat by the arrival of the Spaniards in the 15th century, current practice calls for the deceased children (little angels) to be remembered on the previous day (November 1st, All Saints Day) with toys and colorful balloons adorning their graves.
And the next day, All Souls Day, adults who have died are honored with displays of the departed's favorite food and drinks, as well as ornamental and personal belongings. Flowers, particularly the zempas*chil (an Indian word for a special type of marigold) and candles, which are placed on the graves, are supposed to guide the spirits home to their loved ones.
Other symbols include the elaborately-decorated pan de muerto (a rich coffee cake decorated with meringues made to look like bones), skull-shaped candies and sweets, marzipan death figures and papier mache skeletons and skulls. (the Nahua speaking peoples of
Other symbols include the elaborately-decorated pan de muerto (a rich coffee cake decorated with meringues made to look like bones), skull-shaped candies and sweets, marzipan death figures and papier mache skeletons and skulls. (the Nahua speaking peoples ofpre-columbian Mexico saw the skull as a symbol of life - not death.)
Today, these macabre symbols and other similar items fill the shops and candy stalls by mid October. During this time, homes are often decorated in the same manner as the graves.
This may all seem morbid and somewhat ghoulish to those who are not part of that culture. But, for Mexicans who believe in the life/death/rebirth continuum, it's all very natural. This is not to say that they treat death lightly. They don't. It's just that they recognize it, mock it, even defy it. Death is part of life and, as such, it's representative of the Mexican spirit and tradition which says: "Don't take anything lying down - even death!"
Here's a reminder of what a winter tree should look like!
Bruce raked and picked up debris.
Sue R. and John P. were so busy they never even noticed the camera.
Big Oaks...and squirrels! I hadn't seen squirrels in ages! Just across the water is Mexico. 
"Or that way..."
Oh, look! The Rio Grande Valley's biggest ant hill!
After the ride, we stopped at PJ's Brewhouse. Great beer, creamy root beer, too. Yummy food!
Fun Day. 
Dancing....
Live Music.....
Boats on the river....
Delicious Nachos.....
Cheeseburgers...
That was mine...
Brisket....
That one belonged to Jim....
Good conversation.... 
It wasn't too crowded either...
Lot's of beer consumed....Here is an illustartion of two wanna-be-beers, and also a good one. A rose between two thorns, so to speak.
Some bought by the pitcher...
More tasty treats....
That really was a good burger....
Wonder what sins they are asking forgiveness for???
