Although we really don't celebrate Halloween in OZ I have always been intrigued by it - probably as you can dress up for it and no one would worry otherwise. Its also one of the few holidays the organised religion hasn't changed or lost or buried...Maybe as "Halloween," has origins in the Catholic faith. Hallows Eve on November 1 also known as "All Hollows Day" (or "All Saints Day"), is for the honor of saints. In 5BC Ireland, summer officially ended on October 31st. The holiday was called Samhain (pronounced sow-in), meaning "end of summer" - the Celtic New year.
During Samhain, Druids (being druids) believed that the dead would play tricks on mankind and cause destruction and bedlam. Folk would give the Druids food as they visited their homes to appease the dead- Hence how the trick or treat thing started...
The Bobbing for Apples thing happened when Roman Empire took control of the Celts - The Romans were worshiping Pomona, the goddess of the harvest. Apples were the sacred fruit of the goddess, and many games involving them entered the Samhain customs.
Now why so many Jack-O-Lanterns - Irish children used to carve out them out so to light them for Halloween. They commemorated Jack, an Irish villain so wicked that neither God nor the Devil wanted him (apparently there is a waiting list for both). As he was rejected by both, he wandered the world endlessly looking for a place to rest, his only warmth a glittering candle in rotten veg.
Anyhoo I'm buying a large pack of lollies (candy) for any spook who may knock on our door for visit on Hallow's Eve...but I suspect it will only be a few drunks from the Riversdale pub or the crazy cat lady complaining my cat doesn't like to be petted. And he doesn't.
Firstly off to Mt Ainsle to see the best view of Canberra. The vista from the War Memorial (down Anzac Parade) to Capital Hill (down Federation Mall). Very impressive.
Canberra owes itself to Walter Burley Griffin who won the 1913 capital city competition. Although its quiet and only has a population of 300,000 - It's a very clean and pretty city (Opponents also say its lifeless and not a true indication of Australian Society - is it that bad to have an ideal for a country?)
Canberra is based on several axises - The most prominent is the central government triangle & vista to the War Memorial - with avenues to the City (civic) and to the American-Australian War Monument (Russell).
Above is the very Art Deco inspired War Memorial - quite lovely - Below is Parliament - quite impressive on the outside but a bit like a 80's Joan Collins inspired Mansion (WAY too much bright color and marble). At this point the party needed rest so the other monuments will need to be left for another trip.
After a quiet evening (the weekend party was STILL recovering from Friday night) on Sunday we ventured to Floriade on the banks of the lake - It was very pretty however it contained a lot of the same rather than different displays of flowers and plants.
There was also a few display marquees around too- mostly they were full of crap (a bit like the below example ) 'Beanie' Tent consisted of people who made beanies ( a hat for those NOT in the know) - the below is a breakfast beanie - complete with toast!
Yes and this too was in the gallery - however we were laughing but at them not with them.
After a few more flowers, then the glass works & markets - we all made way to the the pub for Sunday lunch...I actually got sun burnt it was that bright & sunny.
After a playing a fabulous game - Articulate ( a bit like Pictionary with words) and a few too many wines, Andy and I cooked a Sunday roast to say thank you for our hosts Erin & Mark...then we woke up early for the LONG drive home. 
While the lovely Brigid kept us entertained with humorous Crazy Cousin Anne stories and a CD compilation EMI would be envious of.
At the moment the countryside between the capital and Melbourne is fabulous - Canola fields are a plenty and mountain ranges are lush and green. Amazing what a little rain does.
As Albury-Wodonga was the half way point - we decided on to stop for lunch...it's a very pretty town on the Border of VIC & NSW on the Murray River.
We left Albury soon after and got into Canberra by mid afternoon - not before spying this cunning place on words bead shop...they must have spent hours coming up with that.
( Darlink - bwring me a mwirror - I don't have great legs - I just know what to do with them)
Joanie Rivers after being attacked by PETA! 
Anyhow Like Karl Lagerfeld - Ode to a fur coat - fuck PETA -
