Hold on, man. We don't go anywhere with "scary," "spooky," "haunted," or "forbidden" in the title! -Scooby Doo

Happy Halloween! The day of costumes, chocolate, laughs, ghouls and freaky things has dawned a glorious fall day in the Pacific Northwest. My Halloween eve will be spent alongside my friends, Robert and Carol, fending the bajillion creatures converging on their porch seeking their sweet treasure. I am so excited! I love holidays, and to me, Halloween is the appetizer to the great things to come!

The pictures today are from our Halloween party this past Saturday. A great time was had by all! There is something to putting on a mask and become something totally opposite than what you really are. Though, deep down Zach truly is a Jedi in his own way. On the other hand, Melissa told me I am quite dismal trying to be "slutty". I will take that as a compliment!

The world lost a beautiful woman

Last Thursday I received the call no grandchild wants to hear--my Nanny had died. The world lost a beautiful woman who loved Jesus and loved people.

The trek to the Frazier farm was a breath of fresh air to a weary heart. Laughter filled the home, fond memories were shared, I ate more casserole in two days than in the past two years, and I got my need-to-ride-a-tractor fix. However, the finality that no more letters will be written, no more tea parties, and no more quilting advice can be sought is hard to comprehend.

It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!

Sunday was an absolute gorgeous fall day for Portland. Therefore, the Bankers had to embark on a grand adventure. Along with our pals, Mike and Melissa, we pillaged and plundered Sauvie Island's Pumpkin Patch. After much debate, laughter, and scrutinization of the orange gourds, we emerged the proud owners of pumpkins. Zach's has a butt! Great fun was had by all!

That was the end?!

The first two enraptured me. The third had me trudging along, hoping the next time I turned the page it would be done. However, halfway through it picked up, then absolutely infuriated me when the last page did appear. It was quite the rollercoaster of emotions, and I will admit that I do not like the ending. However, I am curious to see what others would interpret. Rod--I think you need to get on this so we can discuss. :)

Rain, Rain Go Away! Don't bother coming another day!

I do enjoy fall. But I cannot help but wonder what the heck happened to summer this year?! We have started the dismal gray, and I am not handling it the best this year. I really am kicking and screaming my way into this season. Hopefully we will have a flukey 80 degree December! Yum!

Water for Elephants

Water for Elephants is a story weaved from the memories of a 93 year old man. As he experiences the neglect of family, cranky nurses, and old people shenanigans, he sustains who he has become with the memories of his past. The tale grasped me for its easy meandering story line and the insight to circus life of years past. It was hard to put down, and also gives you some things to chew on afterwards.

Dentist Day!

I started my day by seeing my local dentist! It was a morning of XRays, mint cleaner, the scritch of that weird utensil disposing of all yuckiness, and cool TVs on the ceiling so I could view The Incredibles as I got cleaned. I got a bill of health and many praises for my beautiful chompers...and astonishment that I had not been in two years! I am thankful for good teeth.

I decided to go since 30 days from today I will "bon voyage" from Ft. Lauderdale with my family and friends for a week of bliss. Therefore, I wanted to have pearly whites for the bajillion family photos I know we will be taking!

The journey continues...

Yesterday evening I picked up this little treasure. I have read the previous five Spiderwick books, so it was a treat to embark on a familiar adventure with a twist. These are short reads, so something to pick up when you do not want extreme depth but a good, funny story to fill your time.