Fall in the valley was always cold. A crispness filled the air. Corralitos school often had ice on the lawns. We readied our costumes as Hollowen approached. The School had a contest every year and lots of candy was handed out. Store costumes had not really come in yet, so most all were home made. My Mother liked to Win this competition and worked fervently on that old peddle Singer my Dad had electified for Her. The Childern would line up every year on the lawn between the buildings . Classes were cancelled for the day and Mothers ran after their kids with the rest of their costumes. A tail or tall hat or beard. I remember Lincoln being very popular. It was quite a competition. We arrived with our Moms and siblings, costumes in tow, at 9 am. The Parrade before the judges was at 10 am. Prizes and candy handed out at 11 am. Home by noon. We spent the rest of the day carving our pumpkins and planing our attack for trick or treat. I remember Mother really bundling us up under our costumes to brave a cold Corralitos fall night. I know it seems odd now, but girls were required to wear dresses or skirts to school everyday. This was one day at school when we wore pants under our costumes and we were much warmer. And yes, my Mother did win many times between the three of us. A fact that She reveled in for years to come.
Gypsy
Fairy 
