31 October 2017
A couple of months ago, our friend Tony, who had been talking about having a garden party here, asked if he could invite some friends for Halloween. Absolutely, said I. He said he and his husband, Scott, would bring food. and all we would have to do is set up, so we did. (I also had cleaned the house including dusting almost every tchotchke; the cleaning went on into the afternoon of Halloween day.)
I was adding the last touches to the Corridor of Spooky Plants when Tony and Scott, and our mutual friend Jan, and the first trick or treaters arrived shortly after four.


5:20 PM: Trick or treaters were in full force by now. Because of the beautiful weather, we had set up all the food on a picnic table outside. (Allan’s photo)
Judy had brought me a new piece of her art representing my cat Smoky’s having passed this Halloween morning.
We had set up two campfires, one in the traditional campfire area back by the bogsy woods, and one closer, made of an old barbecue top and a metal plant stand on a metal table. The closer one was the one that got lit.The trick or treaters were non stop from 5 till 7:30 and kept arriving in groups till 8:30, with some straggling groups after that.
At 5:30 PM, Seattle Carol and I left for a walkabout of the town (which will be covered in another post).Allan took some views from the roof.
At our inner gate, each new set of trick or treaters presented themselves to an appreciative audience. At 6:15, Carol and I returned. I thought Tangly Cottage looked rather fine as we approached from the west.Outside our gate, Maddy of Pink Poppy Bakery was bringing her brand new baby girl to meet us.
Q had originally been dressed as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, but that costume had been too elaborate for the baby’s comfort and only stayed on for a few moments. Around the campfire, I found that one of my favourite local artists, Wendy Murry, had arrived (on the left, with Tony). Wendy and her spouse, Del, toured our house and appreciated all the art and tchotchkes. Tony came indoors to see the various pieces of Wendy’s art that I have collected at the annual 6×6 auction over the years.Tony’s photos of some Wendy art:
I felt comfortable having guests because the house was so clean. Wendy and Del’s style of interior decorating is similarly…full.Del and Wendy noticed, as did Carol, that I had put my scariest books on display.
Steve of the Bayside Garden arrived and we had a visit in the house. We must tour his and John’s garden soon and see some new areas they have recently created.At 7:45, Allan went on his walkabout of town.
At 8:40, the almost full moon came out. I wrote on a piece of paper the words that Maggie had sent me yesterday, on October 30th, the day before Smoky died, and added a message to him, and burned the paper in the small back garden campfire with Tony and Scott as company for the ceremony.
Smoky dearly loved sitting with me around a campfire.
a handwritten message to Smoky going up in the smoke; he might not read, but he could feel the message, if there is that sort of an afterlife. I hope so.
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There may be a one or two day blog break while I spend time with my friend Seattle Carol.
What a joyous Halloween. Tony and Scott are marvelous co-hosts and party givers. Their buffet items are so delicious looking and so photo worthy in their depiction of the holiday. All the trick-or-treaters are so obviously having a great time. Your home is a perfect treat in its own right. You and Allan must be so satisfied with your celebration.
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Thanks, maybe next year you can join us. I meant to make an event and properly invite people but Smoky’s illness took all my attention. Fortunately, some of our folks knew to come, and Tony took care of the rest.
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Your indoor and outdoor Halloween decor was Spooktacular!! Loved Alan’s pumpkinhead gardener! Scott’s jack o lantern was awesome. The food looked fabulous, especially the jalapeno poppers and mummy truffles. There were lots of great costumes, too. That was a very touching ceremony for Smoky.
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Thank you.
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So sorry to hear about your loss of Smoky. I love Maggie’s words for him – and your ceremony sounds very healing.
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Thank you.
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Outstanding. You outdid yourselves this year. Love the pumpkin gardener and your message to Smoky.
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Thank you.
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Wow! What a great way to immerse yourself into something positive , creating a fantastic fantasy world and sharing it with appreciative kids and friends! Good Job!!
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Thank you.
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What an evening.
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So sorry I missed it–dang it, wish I could retire sooner, looks like the best one yet! Glad you had such a great time.
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You were missed.
Sent from my iPhone
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