"A penny for the old Guy, sir."

"A penny for the old Guy, sir."

If no one else is going to get to it, I guess it's up to me to remind us of today's date.

Remember, remember, the Fifth of November
'Twas Gunpowder Treason and plot.
I see no reason why Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.

I'm giving you early warning so you can get your bonfires going for tonight, and prepare your bangers and mash, bonfire toffee, parkin, and baked potatoes.

For those of you without strong feelings concerning a plot to murder James I and restore the True Faith to Protestant England, this is just Samhain, the Celtic fire/harvest festival that marks the end of summer, when the veil between the Overworld and the Underworld stretches thin, and candles can be left in an open western window to welcome visits from the beloved dead. It's time to decide which livestock must be slaughtered in order for both the herds and the people to survive the winter. The children should also prepare for guising and pranks -- or we may be a few days late for that.