Playing Fair

As soon as I saw the bounty hunters, I knew that hoop skirts were a bad idea.What made me think that Scarlet O'Hara was any match for three bounty hunters and a bail-jumper? So what if my costume took me years to assemble and was an authentic reproduction of a post Civil War day- dress with matching accessories, costing more money than I wish to disclose? It simply paled in the presence of torn black T-shirts, tight pants, stiletto heels, and tattoos.

Ever since the Taft College Bookstore staff united in their Halloween costuming, they have been an unbeatable phenomenon. Last year they were Hillbillies. The year before that, they were nerds with drooly noses. (If I had added a runny nose to Scarlet O'Hara, I'd have been unbeatable.) This year they not only presented a cast of four, but also a script. I don't think they play fair.

But then again, they're not my only competition. The Dean of Students is downright creepy on Halloween without hardly trying. He does a Bayou guy dragging a burlap bag. The mystery bag appears to contain some kind of swamp varmint that thrashes around and makes hideous wailing sounds. But it's the crazed look in the dean's eyes that causes my flesh to crawl. Knowing and appreciating his sense of humor as much as I do, I still avoid him come "Beggars' Night."

No more Mr. Nice Guy. I can play this game too. Next year I pull out all the stops. I'm thinking Nancy Drew with a chain saw.

In the meantime, you may as well check out my grandkids in costume. Click on my Favorite Link to the rightof this entry.