I really enjoy October. I usually associate October with seasonal change. We go from sizzling, sweltering, weather to soft, calm days. I'm annoyed that summer continues to ignore my wishes to melt into fall. (But maybe, just maybe it's coming this week!) I suppose I have to be patient. Fall weather will come. We might have to wait until Thanksgiving, but it will come.

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By October, you've settled into school routines. Campers have become students and have summer out of their systems. (We hope!) The focus shifts to school and school activities. October is a month for school fun runs, visiting pumpkin farms, The World Series, WNBA playoffs, and football is in full swing! Volleyball and cross country take center stage. Ok, I will stop. The list goes on and on.

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What do I really enjoy about October? I will give you a hint... it falls on the last day of the month. Yes, my favorite day of the month is HALLOWEEN! I know I'm not alone. Halloween decorations started going up in my neighborhood after Labor Day. Halloween candy and costumes went on sale in September.

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I have to admit, I'm crazy about horror movies. Especially the older monster movies. I enjoy watching them. They are fun and not that scary. Please humor me. I truly consider Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff as terrific actors. My favorite horror sub-genre is haunted house movies. My favorite? The 1963 version of "The Haunting". (Side note: if you are craving truly creepy stores check the writings of Shirley Jackson. She wrote "The Haunting of Hill House" and several novels and short stories) I was ten the first time I saw "The Haunting". By the time it was over I was hiding under the couch. "The Uninvited" from 1944, is another haunted house movie that I enjoy. If you desire fun, not scary, check out "The House on Haunted Hill", from 1959. I always get a kick out of watching Vincent Prince chew up the scenery.

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I realize these movies will appear dated and tame to non-baby boomers. The special effects of "The House on Haunted Hill" fall into the cheesy category. The special effects of "The Haunting" are minimal. The eeriness is achieved by creative lighting, camera angles, and the deft touch by the director, Robert Wise.

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So, here's to October! A month that has something for everyone! For me, the best day is the final one. I will look forward to watching horror movies and handing out (or eating) candy. That is grand way to celebrate October! Happy Halloween!

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-Joe Ray