When we were kids, our mom used whatever was around the house to help us make costumes.

Worn out sheets and pillowcases were transformed into ghosts and mummies, pirates and hobos. We made hats out of newspaper and cardboard.

My brother and I won first place costumes for being St. Michael the Archangel and St. Therese of Lisieux at our school's All Saint's Day parade.

We used brown shopping bags and pillowcases for our incredible bounties. In those days, people handed out home made goodies like candied apples, cookies, caramels, popcorn balls, and large-size candies.

There always seemed to be a mystical, slightly scary-but-mostly-harmless atmosphere in our house and neighborhood.

I remember Mom and the four of us walking to every neighbor's home and the thrill of not knowing who or what was going to answer to our hollering of trick or treat.

I loved peering into the homes of the spooky hosts who answered the door. Some homes were elaborately decked out in Halloweenish decor and some weren't at all.

After we visited about two blocks worth or our bags were so heavy we couldn't lift them (whichever came first), we'd head back home and dump everything on our dining table.

Oohs and aahs and other gasps of delight and astonishment are etched in my brain today.

But mostly, I remember our sweet Mother who worked two jobs so that we could have a little something for events like this. I cherish all the hand made things she taught us to make and am glad that I've been able to impart this to others.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!