Happy Halloween

We saw this Halloween decoration of a dog stealing a skull on a neighborhood walk. I love it.

Four years ago my mother was in the hospital on Halloween; I visited her dressed as Carmen Miranda. She was in the hospital again today (released this afternoon,) I didn't think my criminally insane ax murderer costume was a good choice for visiting. I just visited as myself.

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Jeff and I celebrated a double-header Halloween celebration a week-and-a-half ago.

First up: A Haunting at Mill Hill. This is our third haunting. We heard six tales of deaths of Norwalkers' deaths including deaths by explosions, a flu pandemic, and World War I. We wore our costumes to the Haunting because we were headed to a party directly afterward. We were the only costumed guests. One of the dead even complimented me on my outfit. After apple cider and snacks, we entered the haunted maze--not as scary as last year's but fun.

Next: our friends' party--this year's theme was House of Horror. My first idea was to carry a bloody ax. When I got the ax, an illustration showed a wide-eyed, wild-haired man in a prison jump suit. I had a yellow jump suit that I'd previously used as an UFO Inspector costume and a red and black "seductive temptress" wig that was more scary than tempting: some fake blood and I was done. Jeff wore grey makeup and a zombie scar with a hoodie: he looked scary.

As usual, a good party.

What I Did on my Summer Vacation

I didn't post much this summer; I was overwhelmed dealing with the aftermath of my mother's broken hip  Actually I still am overwhelmed. The focus now is cleaning/clearing out her apartment now that's she's permanently in the health center.

This summer is another that got away.

I didn't make a a summer fun list, and I missed out on several art shows and a few dog park Fridays due to fear of the dog flu. I still managed some fun things.

• Saw Joe Jackson at an outdoor concert in Stamford
• Enjoyed several dog park Fridays
• Went to a craft beer festival
• Went to a wine tasting 
• Went to the Norwalk Art Show
• Went to two book sales
• Celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary
• Had several nice morning walks with Lola around the neighborhood and Oyster Shell Park. 

It's important to remember the fun things and happy times.

Art Inspired Writing Course

Not the greatest title; I doubt the instructor wrote it. But who cares, it's been fun.

I found out about the class the day before it started and quickly signed up. It's free, held at a convenient time and place, and isn't a huge time commitment (six 1.5 hour classes.)

In our first class, after introductions, we got a copy of American Gothic, wrote stories based on the characters, and shared them. Our homework was to write a story based on Christina's World. In the second class, we shared them.

Next it was Whistler's Mother. I struggled with this one. I had an idea almost immediately. The next day I hand wrote the opening scene. But I didn't know where to go from there. I rejected my first idea of an ending and kept writing.

On to Nighthawks. I love this painting and was excited to write about it. Somehow I ended up with a vampire story.

Current assignment is to write about Madame X. I've got an idea--just need to see where it goes.

At this point, we only have two more classes left. I'm happy to be writing again. Having assignments with deadlines has helped.

How do I keep it up?

I Bought a Car

Almost. I signed a document, gave a down payment. But I'll get the bank check and pick up the car in a day or two.

Wow!

It was a quick decision, and that scares me.

Jeff says it was meant to be.

He got a check-engine light in his Tiguan today returning from the dentist's. He went to a VW dealership in Stamford.

When I went to pick him up, he said he wanted to show me something: a 2010 VW Jetta with only 12,000 miles. Jeff sat in it and said this is the car for Lynne.

I agreed. We could never find another deal like this again.

Saturday at Lake Mohegan

Last Saturday was perfect for a hike; we headed to Lake Mohegan. We took our usual route around the lake. Things were different: felled trees and a steep drop-off at dog beach. Closed trails had been reopened.

I said it may have been our first visit this year. Jeff didn't think so.

I checked this blog.

I didn't post about it.

I don't remember for sure.

That doesn't mean it didn't happen.