Native Writes: As I write, it’s raining!

This is great for our parched soil and bodes well for the season ahead.

As an official “old timer,” I have seen six inches of snow on Oct. 24. I can remember strong winds, but I really can’t recall rain.

The “experts” are split on global warming and I am headed for the “warm” side.

Wind is another permanent phenomenon in this Valley of ours and it seems only the old farmers took advantage of it. Photos of old windmills sitting next to abandoned farm structures are available for sale in art galleries.

Wells serviced by windmills have long gone dry.

Rain and snow couldn’t save many of the old homesteads. The wind wails at night as if to ask what has happened.

It adds to the eeriness of the season.

With Halloween coming, I remember wearing a winter coat under my costume as I went with my aunt, uncle and cousin door to door cadging candy.

My sons also had larger costumes in case they might need coats underneath.

Today, churches and civic organizations host safe events to keep children off the streets, but some still go door to door.

What will next Wednesday hold? It’s anyone’s guess. I may be wrong — I hope I am — but it probably won’t snow.

I think some children will be out this Saturday night and I will be ready. I will spike my hair, take my teeth out, put on a sheet and scare the bejeepers out of them.

About 20 years ago, I dressed as La Llorona and wailed as I opened the door. Some parents at my door laughed, though a couple seemed offended at what they said was mocking a cultural legend.

La Llorona is scary. She enforced bedtime for many a Valley youngster.

That year, the wind was blowing, whipping costumes around the young visitors as they shouted at my front door.

There have been years when not many little goblins came. I learned to buy treats I would like if leftovers were abundant.

All Hallows Eve ushers in the Day of the Dead, known in Spanish as Día de Los Muertos, a two-day holiday celebrated in commemoration of deceased friends and family members.

The celebration coincides with the Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2.

Many families visit the graves of loved ones, bringing the deceased person’s favorite foods, along with elaborate sugar skulls.

On Día de Los Muertos, the dead are believed to be awakened and take part in the parties to share the experiences with their loved ones. This is why calacas and calaveras (skeletons and skulls) are often portrayed in fancy clothes, enjoying life. Popular elements of the holiday include candied sweets, parade masks, dolls and more.

Tomorrow will come and nature will play her tricks, but tradition will live on.