October!

Driving home through our neighborhood yesterday, we saw the first of what will likely be many Fall-themed outdoor decorations – if last year’s displays are to be repeated. Being mostly from the west coast, we weren’t prepared for the enthusiasm with which our eastern neighbors greeted the change of season last fall. Everyone had elaborate vignettes set up in their yards – hay bales, wagons, scarecrows, pumpkins and other gourds, mums in pots… What a treat! What a surprise! It seemed like every time we went out for a walk around the neighborhood another display had been augmented and ‘touched up’ some more. These people were Serious Season Celebrators!

As October wore on the displays became decidedly more focused on Halloween specifically, and we had competing, gaily colored, inflatable cartoon figures (Scooby Doo?) and Halloween ghosts and ghouls as well. It was almost as if there was an unannounced competition for the largest, most conspicuous Thing. They were lit from underneath besides, so that they glowed in the dark.

I might be looking forward to that this year… Yes, I think I am.