No trick or treat, just an empty nest

The first time we celebrated Halloween was thirteen years ago. It was the first time for me and my Malaysian relatives. We have never celebrated Halloween before Quay Lo came into our lives. We actually did not know much about it. Obviously, the kids were excited and happy but then when they went to knock on our neighbors door to trick or treat, they were yelled at and being chased away fiercely! That did not spoil their fun or dampened their excitement. On the contrary, they were more thrilled! We all had so much fun that day as you can see from the photos.

Top photo: My Quay Lo doing make up for my nephew, Cavin

Bottom photo: My son, Nick, Count Dracula

My god daughter, Cheryl and my niece Christine

The lovely Cat women!

Top photo: me and my godddaughter, Cheryl

Center photo: my niece Christine and

my god daughter Rhianna (The Countess Dracula)

Bottom photo: My sister in law, Jeanie

playing the game, eating apple from the string

A group photos of the kids.

From left, back row: Christine, Rhianna, Cheryl 

and my nephew Christopher

From left, front row: Calvin, Nick 

and my god son Darryl

I did not know why, but we did not celebrate Halloween after that but I am glad we have had celebrated once when the kids were little. It was a cherished memory. Moments like this has an important place in our lives. Material things don't last but memories will last a lifetime. In fact, they can help us get through difficult times throughout our lives. Recollections of memories can create strong bonds between members of the family and definitely reinforce shared values and our love for each other. 

Tomorrow is Halloween. There is no Halloween eve's party, no spooky cocktails or trick a treat, only two old folks at home getting ready to have roasted butternut squash and carrots as a side dish for our brunch! Does that sound like our home now is an empty nest to you? I think you can say that because all the kids are grown adults and live their own lives. They have gone out to make their world bigger. Empty nest can be good if you look at it the right perspective. When our home was a full nest, we lead a life for our children and now the nest is empty, it is the time to lead a life of our own, don't you think?  For those who are suffering from an empty nest syndrome and feeling unhappy, take this advice from an article that I have read.  Quote: "Take a look at the big picture of your life. Having your children go off to lead their own lives is just one small piece. Consider this time of your life a step forward, a step in the right direction. You now have your very own life, so go lead it!"


The side dish I told you about earlier is so simple to make and for squash lovers, I bet you will not be tired of eating squash prepared this way. Have a peek into our main dish which are maggots and bloody eyeballs! Want some? LOL!!

Roasted Butternut squash and carrots

Ingredients:

1 butternut squash, skin and seeds removed and sliced (1 cm thick)

5 small carrots, skin removed

(A)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp ground black pepper

1 tsp sea salt

1 or 2 sprigs of thyme

2 heads whole garlic (sliced off top)

Method:

Toss sliced butternut squash and carrots with (A) and roast them in a preheated oven at 200C or 400F for 20 minutes.

Tweet

Pin It