On Wednesday, September 21, 2005, at 12:35 PM, Steve Niles wrote:

Hello Gene-!

Long time.

Can you please fill out the Q&A below and send it back. I want to run these on my site throughout October for fun. And please pass it on to anyone else you think would be interesting

Thanks!

www.steveniles.com

Steve: What does Halloween mean to you?

Gene: At one time it struck fear in my heart like you wouldn't believe, but, today, it means family life, children going door to door. I love the idea of it. It should be a wonderful experience to kids. a wonderful moment in their lives.

I love the season of Halloween....the leaves, the crisp air. it sends me back in time to an era that I miss.

Steve: Where did you grow up and how did you celebrate Halloween?

Gene: In New York City. Celebrated by going around with the other guys and ring the doorbells. if no one was home, we'd stick a pin in the bell that would keep it ringing and ringing and run like hell. lol.

Steve: How does Halloween compare to other holidays, like X-Mas?

Gene: Oh. Christmas is the top of the chart!!!!!

Steve: Was it something you looked forward to?

Gene: And How!! I learned about the truth of Santa Claus in the street. I couldn't believe it! They found it odd that I wasn't told earlier. But I was only six or seven.

I saved up my money. it was a big deal to me, Christmas time. My Aunt Jewel would take me to Macy's and spend the entire day, maybe two weeks before Christmas, and made sure I came home with more packages than I could carry! Festive! It all reminded me of a Dickens story. When I got a bit older, I took myself to Macy's. I once bought a boomerang for myself, but could never get it to come back to me! LOL.

Steve: Any memorable costumes you wore.

Gene: No. I didn't wear any!

Steve: What is one of your favorite Halloween memories?

Gene: I don't have any favorites. Just horrific ones: if anyone came along wearing a mask, even two blocks away, I'd spot them. I'd beg my mother to take me back to the house. I couldn't stand the idea of anything unearthly coming towards me. I believed those faces. I was so petrified , it knocked out all my thinking. I was also afraid of rubber bands and balloons. Frightened of Clowns too!

Steve: How about now, do you still celebrate?

Gene: Halloween, uh, no...... although I'll look on TV for any new horror movies . It's usually all trash.

Christmas, with my children and grandchildren. when I was raising my children, Adrienne and I made a big deal out of Christmas. Still do. Still pray for snow. Even in Florida! ha!

Steve: What are you going as this year?

Gene: At this age, I think I'm scary enough without a costume! LOL

Steve: Do you give kids fruit on Halloween? Or are you cool?!

Gene: When our kids were growing up, Adrienne made the best candy apples for the entire community of kids. They loved it and our kids were proud that our house was special. But we also gave out tons of good candy and some loot.

Now, I give the kids who come to my door pin, needles and grief!! LOL Not really. The past ten years parents in our nation have become cautious and rightly so. We almost never get to see kids come to the door. Sometimes, we go see our grandkids for Halloween.

Steve: What was your favorite treat?

Gene: Good N Plenty or Peter Paul Mounds or Bittersweet Choclate bar....that's my real favorite!

Best, Gene