Ten Bullet Point Post, Oct. 29:

1. I've lived in Wisconsin for nine years now. In Wisconsin the kids trick or treat the Sunday before Halloween, unless Halloween is on a Sunday, when they'd trick or treat on the actual holiday. I found this weird when I first moved here, but I'm used to the practice now. I also, as a parent, don't mind the prescribed fourPM to sevenPM hours, but they would have driven me nuts as a kid.

2. I've discovered the less I answer email on weekends the less email I get on weekends. This is a good thing.

3. My middle son, age six, said "why do our parents do this madness to us?" to his older brother. We were in the van, getting ready for downtown business trick or treating.

4. That reminds me, trick or treating is no longer a one day event. We trick or treated at the downtown businesses yesterday, had a Halloween party at church, and I think we have another one at the library this week. I don't mind, I guess.

5. Is it wrong to snag candy from your kids' trick or trick bags after they fall asleep?

6. I watched "Sketches of Frank Gehry" last night. Great movie. I'm trying to track down a poster with his squiggle drawings on it, but I can't find one. Maybe he's only available at prices I can't afford.

7. Vic Chesnutt's "Ghetto Bells" arrived yesterday. I snagged it from ebay for $4.50, including shipping. I was the only bidder. How did that happen? The CD sounds great...I listened to it twice while cleaning. Tomorrow I want to listen at work, in my office, where I can hear a bit better.

8. My dog and I walked through the woods this morning. Man, we both needed to get into the woods, more than I realized. Most of the leaves are down, so we crunched through the paths amid the bare trees. We could see fish (I have no idea what kind, although I probably should know) fighting up the creek. The air was wet, too...my sinuses cleared up quickly. I felt better all day for the work. It's not like I never work out...I've played basketball or rode the bike the last few months. My dog, eleven, did well walking, too. I'll miss her when she's gone. I'm glad she's here now.

9. Daylight savings time started tonight. I was surprised sunset didn't arrive earlier. I guess the shortest day isn't until early December. Right? It's only 8:37, which is good, as I'm not tired yet. Maybe I should lay off the tea.

10. I haven't attended church much lately. The services and community haven't meant much to me over the last few months. I suppose I have to go back sooner or later, with the kids, but I'll hang out in the corners and empty storage rooms, reading.