Mary Louise Eklund

Tag: Halloween

  • Even not on Halloween Trick or Treating is FUN!

    Even not on Halloween Trick or Treating is FUN!

    Candy bowl awaiting trick or treaters

    This is the first community I’ve ever lived in that schedules trick or treating not on the day.  It’s the Sunday before (unless it falls on a Saturday) 3pm – 6pm.  That means last Sunday was our Trick or Treat day.  Never mind Halloween wasn’t until Wednesday.  Unfortunately I’d say in our neighborhood only 10% of the homes participate.  Many of those who do go all out!  We hand out candy and enjoy seeing the ghosties and ghoulies coming to the door.  Rappy loves it and Mr. Blue supervises as alpha black cat of the season.

    I tend to set on the stoop to hand out candy so the animals can watch from the screened in front porch without rushing the kids at the door when I open it.  One little girl looked up at the regal Blue sitting there fluffed against the cold watching the proceedings with half open bright green eyes.  She asked “Are you a witch having a black cat like that?”  I smiled and whispered “Yes, but not all witches are bad.  I’m a good one and I have TWO black cats.”  Her eyes got wide and she smiled, “Really?!?”  “Oh yes.”  The smile got broader “Oh WOW!”  She took her candy and went off excited.  I can’t wait for the children’s rumors about me to begin!  I don’t know why she didn’t ask if I was into gambling since I have a greyhound but guess she’s not old enough to know about that yet.

    As far as costumed kids?  We get LOTS there are A LOT of kids in the neighborhood being situated within walking distance to four elementary and two middle schools.  We started with 15 and half pounds of candy and ended up with less than a quarter pound left.  One thing I enjoy is families dress-up and go out together.  Often times even the dog is in costume.  It’s fun to see.

    Enjoy a look at Trick or Treating in my neighborhood.

    Trick or Treating in My Neighborhood
    Rappy anxiously awaits more visitors.
    Trick or Treating in My Neighborhood
    Family group trick or treating. Wizard dad was so COOL!
    Trick or Treating in My Neighborhood
    Mario drove his Princess from house to house.
    Trick or Treating in My Neighborhood
    Two family groups wait their turn at one of my participating neighbors.
    Trick or Treating in My Neighborhood
    Clear way to say I AM NOT participating – to which I have to wonder – why decorate?
    Trick or Treating in My Neighborhood
    Yes this actually works in my neighborhood. This was take about 5pm consider it had been out since 3pm and that’s what is left.
    Trick or Treating in My Neighborhood
    See I told you some REALLY participate!
    Trick or Treating in My Neighborhood
    Here the Evil Witch sits on her throne in her graveyard handing out candy. Her husband Freddy Kruger keeps the corn maze.
    Trick or Treating in My Neighborhood
    More yard decorations, this is animated at night
    Trick or Treating in My Neighborhood
    Not all decorations are ghoulish and pumpkins…
    Trick or Treating in my neighborhood
    I was not the only one supervised by the feline overlords.
    Trick or Treating in My Neighborhood
    The final daisies of fall
  • It’s been a Creepy October over at Google Plus

    It’s been a Creepy October over at Google Plus

    This photo from the Haines Museum in Waukegan IL. I made it when we toured the museum. Then for the theme of Creepy October I used Pixlr-O-Matic to add creepy effects.

    It all started unintentionally on October 2nd but by the 9th it had become intentional.  Now I fully mean to make it to November 1st.  What am I talking about?  My posts on Google + about creepy stories based in truth.  That’s what!  I’ll warn you I’m a prolific poster on G+.  It’s where I go to share neat stuff I happen upon and where I go to make long rambling posts about the day. But in October I started adding a link to something creepy in honor of the pending holiday of Halloween.

    If you’ve been reading for long you KNOW I love the odd, strange, bizarre, and creepy.  Yes sometimes I like to be among those things most like me. As I found myself posting more oddities I thought why not share some of my favorite strange stories each day.  I’d kick off telling about how I encountered the story or what I thought of the story then I’d link to a site that went more in depth.   Then like all things when you try to think of them – uh brain freeze.  Still I’ve made one a day since the idea hit me.  Last night at writer’s group I asked for refreshers on creepy stories particularly ones local.  Now I’ve got a list to keep me going some suggested by friend others ones that hit me as the suggestions were flying.

    Here’s links to the Creepy October posts so far:

    This gives you a peek at what I do on other streams.  You see Flickr often and my Twitter feed is on the lower right of my posts.  BUT you don’t get to see my G+ so much and thus I thought I’d share.  If you are over there find me and join in the fun!  If not enjoy these posts and the links they provide.  Also if you know of creepy tales based on truth – tell me I LOVE THEM!

    Until next time!