So a while ago, the doorbell rings and Sophie is on her feet barking like mad, which she does every time the doorbell rings. We hear a voice from the front porch say, "Calm down, Sophie. It's just me." Now when Shane the mailman rings the doorbell, it's a sure sign somebody has a package that won't fit in the mailbox. This package was for me.
I opened up the box and pulled out this bag (photo at right). Inside the bad was a bookoodle of treats for me! Candy, stickers, rubber stamps, leaves, flowers, a pumpkin card, a handmade black-cat pin (photo at bottom), reminiscent of my black-cat jack-o-lantern that went up in flames. And very best of all, this wonderful witch (photo below), flying on her broom all the way from Dawn T.'s house to mine to wish me Happy Halloween. The entire goodie box was from Dawn, who took part in the Trick or Treat Swap. Thanks so much, Dawn. Your creations are wonderful! I hung the witch in my kitchen window, where I think she'll stay as Kitchen Witch for The Yellow House.
And while we're on the subject of treats for me, I want to show you this cute little witch's hat pin that Sharon Z. sent me. I wore it all the time at the quilting retreat last week. Now I think I'll let Dawn's witch wear it for a while. Don't you think it would look cute on her sweater. BTW, what's her name, Dawn? Do I get to name her myownself? Anybody have any suggestions?
We have great plans this All Hallow's Eve. We have a big basket of treats by the front door for the Trick-or-Treaters. Actually, I've had to refill it once, since Linda (who helps me clean house) and I about emptied it one time. You see, it was full of Three Muskateer Bars, both mine and Linda's favorite. (Let a word to the wise be sufficient: don't ever fill your trick-or-treat basket a week before Halloween.)
Then this evening, after the T-O-Ters go home, we (me, Vann, and Sophie) are going over to Paul and Karen's across the street for a cookout. Paul is making his wonderful chili, grilling burgers and dogs ("WHAT????" --Sophie), Millie and Eddie are bringing the condoments, and I'm making a Pumpkin Pound Cake with Caramel Sauce. (Yeah, the prednisone seems to be working on my back and I feel like baking.)
What Halloween Means to Me
Anne, who's hosting the Amazing Autumn Coffee/Yarn Swap, poses a question each week and asks swappers to answer it on their blogs. This weeks's question wants to know what we think of when we think of Halloween--how we feel about the holiday (love it, hate it, whatever). Well, I feel like I'm being redundant when I say it is now and always has been my favorite holiday, my favorite time of year. I believe all of you already have figured that out probably.
Since I was a child, I've loved everything spooky: spooky stories, spooky movies; spooky holidays and parties. I love haunted houses--the real ones, not so much the fake ones that pop up and charge admission during October. They always have too much gooey stuff going on.
Speaking of haunted houses, I have a tale to tell. When my mom passed away in 2005, the family gathered at the funeral home to make arrangements. My pastor at the time, Tim, was there also. Now our local funeral director as well as Tim are notorious for their wit. When it came time to choose the guest book, thank-you notes, etc., Dennis (the director) was showing us the choices. One choice was a peaceful lighthouse scene featuring a print by Thomas Kincade. Dennis couldn't help himself; he had to launch into a story.
It seems he was helping an inebriated gentlemen make arrangements for his wife's funeral when it came time to choose the guest book, etc. The tipsy gent pointed to the Thomas Kincade collection and said, "I'll take that. The old lady loved haunted house." Dennis tried in vain to explain that it was actually a lighthouse, not a haunted house, but the fellow wouldn't have it. He was sure the old lady would want him to choose the haunted house design, so he did. We were all laughing through our grief by the time Dennis was finished with his story.
In closing, please go to yesterday's post below and consider helping us out with Plan B, even if you weren't a member of the Trick or Treat Swap. It'll be fun! and your efforts will be rewarded.
But wait! There's more!!
I forgot to show you the pics of the TorT package that Joanne received from Dawn. So here they are. The first photo shows the wonderful banner that Joanne received hung on her mantle.
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On 10/31/2008, mom2fur said ...
I think a 'Haunted House' would be appropriate for my own funeral, when I finally kick the bucket. I'd rather have people laughing...frankly, you can keep wakes and all the mumbling and sadness.
BTW, I guess I can send you a photo of what I sent Dawn...unless it's here already and I missed it?
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
On 10/31/2008, Nicole said ...
Happy Halloween to you and Vann and Sophie Susan. I loved your funny story about the funeral parlor! Your decorations are so pretty and I know everyone who participated in the swap you organized will be thrilled with their goodies.
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