Greetings to all near and far. Are you ready for Halloween yet? I never am -- every time I go to the store I see something that would look so nice on my front porch and it is so hard to not buy everything I see. (plus I could not afford it). Last year Americans spent about $2 billion on Halloween candy alone, that does not include the costumes and decorations for the house and yard. We do not get that many trick-or-treaters, so I just make cookies for the few kids who do come by, and they do know me, so the parents appreciate the cookies and always get one for themselves.

So many Halloween traditions in America are a thing of the past. I remember 'bobbing for apples' and having the whole neighborhood gather for cider and songs. What did you do on Halloween when you were a kid? I would love to have you stop by the forum and share your old traditions with us.
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Here is my latest article:

The Kentucky Derby History And Traditions
Any enthusiast of Thoroughbred horse racing will be well familiar with the terms "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports".

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art170912.asp

I love feedback on my articles, so please come join me in my forum and chat with me about the article, or anything else related to the Appalachia regions. I look forward to meeting you.
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Did you know that the Kentucky Derby trophy is made of 56 ounces of 14 and 18 carat gold, and is two feet tall? Well it is.

Who was the first Thoroughbred to win the Kentucky Derby?

STEAMBOAT RACING

I think that much the most enjoyable of all races is a steamboat race; but, next to that, I prefer the gay and joyous mule-rush. Two red--hot steamboats raging along, neck-and-neck, straining every nerve--that is to say, every rivet in the boilers--quaking and shaking and groaning from stem to stern, spouting white steam from the pipes, pouring black smoke from the chimneys, raining down sparks, parting the river into long breaks of hissing foam--this is sport that makes a body's very liver curl with enjoyment. A horse-race is pretty tame and colorless in comparison. Still, a horse-race might be well enough, in its way, perhaps, if it were not for the tiresome false starts. But then, nobody is ever killed. At least, nobody was ever killed when I was at a horse-race. They have been crippled, it is true; but this is little to the purpose.
- Life on the Mississippi by Mark Twain
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Till next time, may your home be filled with laughter and may it ring from floor to rafter.

May you walk in Beauty and Harmony.
Phyllis
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Phyllis Doyle Burns, Appalachia Editor
http://appalachia.bellaonline.com

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