In spite of having an infected wisdom tooth pulled out Friday by my local oral surgeon I joined the festivities.  Rather appropriate, I think.  The bloody, painful swollen crater of a  now nonexistent molar hidden from view by my forced smile fit the Dia de Muerto mood to a T.  Add the pain of my 19 day-old arm surgery and I was a regular Don Rickles.  Around me the house bustled.  My granddaughter and her boyfriend cutting pumpkins in the kitchen.  My daughter, son-in-law and niece changing into their evening clothes getting ready for the Halloween Ball.  My grandson and his friends downstairs getting ready for their own ball.  I’m enjoying every moment of my last three months in the States with my family.  When I leave again I won’t be back for a long time.