Early this morning Dad took a couple of my younger relatives and friends off to a Show. Which meant that Mum came up to feed us a little later. The clocks have all been put back one hour during the night, so it seems, and we had to wait longer before breakfast was served. Binny was pretty starving by the time the lid on the corn bin was lifted and for one of shall we say, more senior years, she swooped in and started gobbling frenetically! Some of my older buddies and I were also very happy to see the bright orange bucket swinging along and got stuck in to a tasty meal without further ado.
 Binny |  At last! |
It is less chilly today. Although we had a frost last night, the cold wind has dropped and it is more clement.
Gail and Sheena have been telling us about the traditions associated with Halloween. Apparently they have been making Whooey things and Spookadoodley bits at school in preparation for Wednesday night. Gail excitedly recounted the old saying that 'Unmarried mothers who pulled cabbages blindfold on All Hallows Eve would be able to discern the looks of their future husband.'
To my mind this raised a few questions that I would have liked to have asked. But best to keep those thoughts to myself, I decided.
And Sheena told us 'That all journeys should finish before sunset on All Hallows; if this is not possible, then the traveller must carry a piece of bread on which salt has been sprinkled in the form of a cross.'
Again, I raised a querulous eyebrow, but decided to keep quiet lest I dampened their excited enthusiasm.
"And did you know, Uncle Gordon - In Lancashire - a far away county - groups of people carrying lights would walk the hills around midnight. If the flames burnt steadily, then the bearers were safe for the year; if they went out, then they were blown out by witches - a very bad omen." Giles looked triumphant.
And when we looked at Baby White, who was hanging on their every word, his little eyes wide with terror - it had frankly scared the living daylights out of him! Gordon x
Gail and Sheena have been telling us about the traditions associated with Halloween. Apparently they have been making Whooey things and Spookadoodley bits at school in preparation for Wednesday night. Gail excitedly recounted the old saying that 'Unmarried mothers who pulled cabbages blindfold on All Hallows Eve would be able to discern the looks of their future husband.'
To my mind this raised a few questions that I would have liked to have asked. But best to keep those thoughts to myself, I decided.
And Sheena told us 'That all journeys should finish before sunset on All Hallows; if this is not possible, then the traveller must carry a piece of bread on which salt has been sprinkled in the form of a cross.'
Again, I raised a querulous eyebrow, but decided to keep quiet lest I dampened their excited enthusiasm.
"And did you know, Uncle Gordon - In Lancashire - a far away county - groups of people carrying lights would walk the hills around midnight. If the flames burnt steadily, then the bearers were safe for the year; if they went out, then they were blown out by witches - a very bad omen." Giles looked triumphant.
And when we looked at Baby White, who was hanging on their every word, his little eyes wide with terror - it had frankly scared the living daylights out of him! Gordon x