The Days of the Dead come on November 1 (All Saints Day) and 2 (All Souls Day), although most people only recognize All Hallow’s Eve (Halloween), on October 31. In Mexico, people gather in Hallowed Ground (Campo Santo) or cemeteries to commune with the ancestors. It is much colder here in the North, but we try to maintain the intent of spending time with our Dearly Departed, maintaining their memories and their love in our children and their children.

Clyde and Irene took up residence in the Veterans Memorial Cemetery near Spooner, Wisconsin. Other people came to visit their loved ones while we were there. I think they appreciated our idea of picnicking with our vets. The 3 year olds had a great time throwing snowballs at each other. Irene got to meet Imogen for the first time. She really wanted a sister for Felix.

Our Grantsburg stop didn’t have snow. The Grands had a great time running around and eating cheese curds. Auntie Harriette was notorious for stealing other people’s cheese curds. Uncle Klink loved to drink wine, even though he would never be seen buying any. Drinking was something one did not do as a pillar of the community. We spent many Thanksgivings and Christmases with them. It is only right to spend All Souls Day with them now.

Our last stop was in Cushing, where many of Michael’s family reside. When our time comes to return to dust, we will mingle with our ancestors here. We will be in good company.

It is also Felix’s birthday: we celebrate both the Dead and the Living on November 2nd.

I made Felix’s cake on Halloween. It snowed all day, after raining an inch and a half. Talk about a trick and a treat! I remember taking our girls out begging door to door during various snow storms. Luckily, the weather cleared for our outing today. Here’s to many more years celebrating, come rain or come shine!