Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Going to the Polls



It's a great day to be an American.  Go vote today, if you haven't already. I'm not an early voter. To me, there's something about voting on the actual day.  My Type A self doesn't even mind standing in line.  It's a small price to pay to exercise my 14th and 19th Amendment rights.  

Voting in the primary.  
My baby girl will be casting her first vote for President today.  I'm happy for her.  

Democracy at work.  It's a beautiful thing - especially if your [my] guy wins! 

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Halloween's Popping Up All Over


It's going to be a "crisp" 78 degrees outside tonight for Trick or Treating, but that doesn't mean folks here aren't in the mood for All Hallows Eve.  As promised, here are just some of the crazy inflatable decorations (most of them gigantic) making an appearance today in and around my neighborhood.

Halloween in triple
A ghostly pirate ship
Frankenstein

This jack o lantern was so big it covered 1/2 this front yard . . . 
this enormous cat covered the other half.
Sweet Snoopy
Scary grim reaper in a Grinch-pumpkin horse drawn carriage?

A giant witch.  She's smiling because it's Halloween.
Pumpkins and whimsical black cats . . . 
just seem to go together.  

Friday, October 26, 2012

Pumpkin Carols


While I'm still doing some reconnaissance on the best Halloween house decorations in the area (photos to come), I thought I would share with you this lovely little Halloween card.  Did you know approximately 10 million Halloween cards were sent last year? I even sent a few of my own this year.


This pumpkin-shape card, however, was sent from my aunt decades ago to me and my sister.  I don't know the actual year, but the price on the back indicates the card cost 75 cents so, needless to say, it was a long, long time ago.  

I've never seen a card quite like it - a book of Halloween songs intended to be sung to the tune of Christmas carols.  I've included a few for your amusement the words don't quite seem to fit in every case, but still this little vintage card makes my heart happy (click on the image and they should be easier to read).


Sung to the tune of Jingle Bells, of course.


Sung to the tune of Winter Wonderland

Sung to the tune of Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Happy Caroling!

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Scarecrows




Call it the "Wizard of Oz Effect", but I love scarecrows. Perhaps it's the movie depiction of a loyal, vulnerable and sensible friend who simply lacks a bit of self-confidence that speaks to me.  Or maybe it's just his sweet face and down-and-out clothing.  Regardless, fall, with it's requisite scarecrows, is something I always look forward to.  


Scarecrow peeking out from my fall mums and purple fountain grass

Several years ago, I happened upon this cute Scarecrow craft (in Family Fun magazine). Quite a few years in a row, I  created these as class party and table favors.  I stumbled upon the idea again last week and couldn't resist sharing.  It's not super kid-friendly (glue gun required) but at a minimum you could involve your kids in the sorting and counting of candy scarecrow body parts. The finished product is a hit and adorable, too.




For each scarecrow, you will need:
  • 1 Wrapped round taffy or caramel - head
  • 2 Tootsie Flavor Rolls (bright colors if available) - arms
  • 2 rolls of colorful candies (like Spree or Smarties) - legs
  • 1/2 oz. box of raisins - body
  • raffia
  • low temperature glue gun 
  • scissors

(optional) 2-inch scale wavy brim straw hat (I purchased mine at Hobby Lobby - qty 12 for $3.47)

Assembly is super easy:

Keep the wrapping on all the candies and glue the head, arms and legs to raisin box body.

Cut 5-four inch pieces of raffia.  Place 4 pieces in a bunch and tie fifth piece in center of bundle. Glue knot to the top of the body (where raisin box and round candy taffy meet).   

If you elect to add the hat, wait until the glue used to secure head is dry before gluing on hat.  Please note: do not use too much glue.  



His job is to scare the birds 
and fill their hearts with dread. 
But your job is easier, 
to choose which to eat first: 
his arms, legs, or head.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Gorgeous Gourds (not what you're thinking)


When we were at the Arboretum two weeks ago for my birthday, we hurried through a  part of the botanical garden which I am certain totally merits a return trip (honestly, it was growing dark, but candidly, we were rushing to get home to watch the first Presidential debate. Because, let's face it, I'm not missing that). Anyway, 


I have NEVER seen more pumpkins in one place in my life!



Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater's House
I failed to capture a photo of  Sleeping Beauty's carriage, but borrowed this one from the Arboretum's website:

Check out those topiary horses!

A pumpkin tree!

All I can say is pumpkin shortage? What pumpkin shortage?

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

It's Fall, Right?


Fall has a way of sneaking up on me, especially since living in Texas.  After all, who in their right mind would describe days where the temperature brushes 90 degrees "fall"?  Where I'm from, that's not even Indian Summer.  Most annoying is that no one here seems to know what to wear; the calendar says October but the number on the thermometer screams June (at least in most parts of the country).  At church on Sunday, I observed folks in shorts and sandals and others brazenly wearing boots and sweaters.  Oh, the disparity!

Perhaps all this head-scratching is why it's taken until today for me to even think about my autumnal and Halloween decorations.  Last year, I posted about how many fun and interesting fall and All Hallows Eve decorations these Dallasites seem to possess.  I'm even tempted to post a few more this year.  Believe me, there's a lot to take in.

I noticed last week, that one of my favorites is back:


Since I'm more inclined to focus on the scarecrows, mums (though for the record, not really a fan) and pumpkins rather than the bats, skeletons and witches, this is a favorite spot in my kitchen 

Isn't that little ceramic scarecrow candle topper adorable?
And I love when my kitchen smells like pumpkin spice.
After Halloween last year, I did stumble upon this cute, yet somewhat spooky, picture  frame on sale at Target.  I couldn't resist.  


I used a few of these photos and I'm thinking this may be a new favorite. 

My friends tell me I should be perusing Pinterest, but I'm more interested in the fall decorating that I can see in person and that help define where we live. I'm keeping my eyes open for more clever and creative decorations. If I stumble on some, I'll share, even if it requires that the air conditioning be on while I do it!   

Friday, October 5, 2012

Birthday Doings


Wednesday was my birthday and this is how I celebrated.   

Blue Icicle Tower
 My husband surprised me with tickets to the Dallas Arboretum's Chihuly Exhibition. Even these clumsy iPhone photos  make the sculptures look  good. 

Yellow Icicle Tower (about 20 feet tall!)
Niijima Floats  (photo above & below) 

Dallas Star


Mirrored Hornets
Persian Pond



Sun
Red Reeds (the sun was starting to set and the lights coming on)
Carnival Boat (love the reflection off the water)
Garden Glass

Mexican Hat and Horn Tower (at night).

Spectacular!