Halloween

 

Some of y'all may remember this olden bowl.
As in my childhood home, it lives on top of the refrigerator 364 days of the year.  On Halloween, however, it's the dedicated repository for treats ... 70-some years now!

Aw, the spirit's willing, but unlike Field of Dreams I don't think anyone's coming.

Ours isn't a large lot, but just look what lies across the road ...

Or to the left.

Spooky!

Initially the ambient darkness gave me the jitters, but I've grown accustomed to the peace and quiet.

Fortunately (unfortunately?) all this is going away any day now.
Do you see what I spotted while uncovering my car last week?

The thought crossed my mind to drape a huge white sheet across the top and let it billow like a spectre.
Then again, I don't need a heavy-equipment operator having me arrested.

Yep, the couple who bought this parcel stopped by Sunday evening to give us a head's up.

They're having every one of these trees leveled ... "You might want to move your vehicles."

Then, news that the fence Tom built sits one foot onto their land.  Huh?

Thankfully, he said they don't expect us to move it.  He even pointed to several enormous trees on our side of the boundary and asked if we wanted their contractor to take them down as well ... "no charge."

What a blessing!  We were recently talking about weighing the odds:  Spend the $ now or wait and pray one doesn't come crashing into our home during the next storm.

Still, I'm going to miss them.

In other news ....

Tom and I stopped by Olive Garden yesterday.
As per my request, they substituted broccoli, tomatoes and peppers for pasta.

Granted, this isn't so pretty but what an explosion of flavors!  

I didn't lick the plate but was sorely tempted. (lol)

I found their sauce 'copycat' recipe online and will be making this soon.

Has anyone else begun their Christmas shopping?

Perhaps because my recipients' list is dwindling, but I'm having a ridiculously good time gathering the Good Stuff.

Ever since discovering what treasures lay inside the covers of Miles Kimball catalog (1950-something) my "Mrs. Claus" won't be stifled.

 Sure, I can be practical ... but prefer to leave that to parents or spouses.

Whimsy is my middle name!

Because family members might visit here, I won't spill all the beans -- but here's what I found a long-time friend who enjoys gardening.

I love supporting the Etsy shops!

... and from Amborella Organics ...

Seed-bearing lollipops.  Sugar-free botanical gummies.  "Eat your lollipop.  Plant your stick.  Grow an herb or a flower."

With the exception of Troy and Lois, my shopping list's complete.

Now the down side to that is, my social media is increasingly populated with tempting ideas -- I want, but sure don't need.

Dear Santa, "unsubscribe!"

Hugs, Myra