This is a very weird Halloween. I feel totally unprepared, even though it turns out to be for the best. Mercedes is pretty much heartbroken about not getting to go trick-or-treating, and to tell the truth, I'm kinda bummed about it myself. There's just no way I'm going to be able to go out in that weather for any length of time, and besides, she's been trying to come down with what the rest of us have/had.

She's coping well though. I can see it written all over her face when she thinks I'm not looking, but she's putting on her game face, and making the best of the situation. We baked pumpkin bread with Alex. She blended the wet ingredients and then held the bowl while Alex mixed the dry. It should be done in about 5 minutes or so.

They're drinking hot spiced cider from Halloween water bottles with attached plush witches, and as soon as the bread is done and can be served, we're going to settle down with Old Mr. Hitchcock, pumpkin bread, cider, chocolate, and popcorn. If they get bored of Dear Alfred's mysteries, we'll turn off the DVD player and watch Cartoon Network and Disney.

the last trail...the next path