Around this time of year in late October, the
weather is conducive to outdoor play. Children
on bicycles and scooters abound amid gleeful shrieks.
Homes and yards are decorated with a myriad of
pumpkins, cobwebs, spiders, witches, tombstones
and more. Haunted houses spring up and are
punctuated by eldritch screams and howls. We
opened the front window just enough for spooky
sounds to be pumped through a hidden speaker.
This greeted the children in costume carrying
bags to be filled with candy as they made the
rounds yelling “trick or treat.” One year it
snowed on Halloween. Undeterred, the kids
donned their costumes over jackets. We
still recall the year our daughter decided to dress
in a witch’s costume; however, the pointy hat
kept falling off. She then threatened not to go
trick or treating if we “made her” wear the hat.
Whose idea was it to dress as a witch? Glancing
at one another, my husband and I smiled at
her “threat.” Our son painted tombstones for
the walkway on plywood. Snow is forecast
for the weekend so who knows about
kids parading in costumes? We have candy
no matter what happens. We live in a vibrant
neighborhood where people are friendly and
look out for one another as it should be in
life. Enjoy. Happy Halloween!
Dr. Mary Ann Niemczura 
I miss these days! The best decorations! Love the blog post.
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Emily, thank you for reading and commenting. Those days have fond memories for you and for us. I just had to include the spider ring which was somehow attached to a black wig with a white stripe. Be well and enjoy the weekend. oxox
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Happy Halloween, Mary Ann! 🎃 xo
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Bette, thank you. We are prepared but wonder how many will actually be out tonight? We usually have a fair amount of young children. I believe snow is in the forecast for tomorrow. For you as well? Enjoy the weekend. oxox
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We had a few flakes flying on Wednesday and expect more Monday night through Tuesday… Changes are in the wind! Enjoying a cool but sunny weekend–no little ghosts or goblins out today… 🎃 How lovely it will be when life gets back to normal. In the meantime, grateful for all those making the best of things at home and online. Blessings to you and yours, Mary Ann. 🧡 xo
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Bette, I imagine in the higher elevations there was snow. We’re not far behind especially given the fact you already had flurries. We left an aluminum pan with candy and a sign attached on a small table. About forty pieces of candy disappeared. Many children and parents were out and about. I am happy that they did this too. In advance, I spoke with most neighbors and found out they were trick or treating. Too much has been taken away with online schooling for many that it warmed my heart to see them. Be well. Hugs and peace. oxox
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I loved your words and photos. We will have two children coming for candy tonight — Logan and his niece Lily. Happy Halloween!
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Since we sing Sat. night at church, we left candy in an aluminum disposable pan on a small table with a sign to help themselves and to save some for others. We have a LOT of kids out now trick or treating with parents and adults with them. Happy Halloween! oxox
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Our goblins didn’t come. Shawn texted that the children went with Lily’s parents to a corn maze and bonfire. Logan will come over in his costume tomorrow. The candy will wait. oxox
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Anne, that’s the annual dilemma: too much candy. There were many out and about in our neighborhood. We estimate that about 40 pieces of candy disappeared. We may just use this procedure in the future. It was nice to see so many children and parents out. oxox
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We’ve never lived in a neighborhood where there were lots of children out on Halloween. I would miss it if I’d ever had it.
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Our daughter already misses it. She was in charge of decorations and our son joined in as well. Not I but was glad to see it. It varies over time, but right now in our immediate vicinity, it is “heavy” on the female side! We run the gamut of retirees and young people who have moved in. I speak with anyone who is out and about. Our “new” neighbors have been here 3 yrs. already and with a 6 month old son. It is great to have a network of friends. Be well. Oh, 3-6″ of wet snow in the forecast tonight.
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I would love to watch your snow falling. oxox
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Well, come on up here. It’s falling as I write. Let the fun begin! I have to venture out for an appointment and am already layering my clothing. As the Norwegian saying goes: there’s no such thing as bad weather; just bad clothing. ^^__^^
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I’ll enjoy your snow from afar this time.
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Excellent idea, Anne. With a wind chill of 21 and air temp of 32, it is probably best to enjoy the snow from afar. Be well. oxox
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This afternoon the sun is streaming through the windows, heating up this side of the house. It’s still cold outside, though not cold enough for snow.
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Beautiful when the sun streams through windows! Usually we have overcast skies but in winter, we do see the sun. It can be deceptive too when that happens. We think it is warmer than it actually is. oxox
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I met former neighbors Connie and Marla for lunch in town. They won’t eat inside a restaurant, and I was thankful we were warm enough sitting in the sun. It could have been uncomfortable. oxox
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Anne, my husband and I have dined indoors a few times. Tables are separated and when seated, no masks. But when you get up, then masks. No issues thus far. You are brave to sit outdoors. oxox
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We’ve been dining inside restaurants for months, following the practices you listed. I was glad I didn’t freeze outside and hope I won’t have repercussions from being in the sun. Outside is more dangerous for me than inside. oxox
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The sun can do much damage if we are unprotected. It is best to avoid too much exposure. I try to be careful as well. Glad you have been dining in restaurants too. Be well. oxox
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It’s a shame so many of these fearsome decorations won’t be seen by many. My neighborhood too has a lot of holiday emblems.
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Jacqui, we have many, many children and parents out and about trick or treating on a very cold night. So happy they allow kids to be kids and enjoy this tradition. Be well. Thank you for commenting. oxox
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I hope you had a good Halloween this year, Mary. I enjoyed reading your description of what goes on during Halloween over there. Lovely to hear everyone gets in the spirit of things and dress up. Halloween is a bit different here in Australia. As it is not really an Australian holiday, not everyone celebrates it. But over the years more and more people are getting into the spirit of it, decking out houses and going trick or treating in the quieter suburbs. I guess Halloween is seen as a fun occassion here where everyone can have fun making costumes and be a character. During this time of the year the shops also have great sales on candy too.
Hope you are staying safe and take care.
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Mabel, thank you for the comment. Halloween is mainly for young children but adults have parties too. We are safe and well. Your kind sentiment is much appreciated. Enjoy the weekend. “”__””
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