Scary Things in October

 October is all about Halloween and a celebration of all that is spooky and scary.  Anna has always been a big fan of Halloween and starts planning her costume months in advance.  Actually, it is usually multiple costumes before making a last-minute decision depending on where she is going.  This year she had to work on Halloween, which meant wearing her mad scientist costume to work (we are still waiting on a report of the other costumes).  

Theresa was asked to serve as one of the vehicle judges (people decorate their trunks) for Trunk or Treat at work and promptly recruited Anna to serve as a fellow judge.  It quickly became apparent that Theresa was very out of touch with the latest in pop culture, thus Anna was instrumental in translating what the various themes and costumes were.  Fortunately, the other judge was more well-versed.  It was a fun night out seeing all of the costumes and of course dressing up (Theresa as an overprepared camp counselor and Anna as a mad scientist).  Joe opted not to participate in the antics.  

There were a few scary things this month besides Halloween:

Anna's car - After 4 months of owning the car, the check engine light came on.  This was followed by the car running rough.  With encouragement from her dad, Anna took it to the local mechanic.  This was followed by a very scary diagnosis:  the engine was bad....as in needed to be replaced.  A second opinion confirmed the diagnosis.  After countless hours of research by Joe and numerous consultations from Uncle Tim, it was decided to proceed with the translate.  Joe located a donor engine (he is now well versed on purchasing from salvage yards).  Surgery was this week and we are awaiting the results.  The scariest part of this will likely be the bill.

Grandma & Grandpa's Driveway - After deciding to put in a new driveway and front sidewalk, things took a scary turn thanks to a concrete shortage.  The contractor tore out the driveway and steps on a Friday promising to return on Monday to pour the new drive.  Alas, on Monday he called to say they were delayed at least a week due to the Ohio Department of Transportation getting priority on concrete and there wasn't enough.  Ther were multiple problems with this, not the least of which was the fact that the only way to get out of the house was through the back door and walk around to the front.  Grandma & Grandpa were on modified house arrest.  It took 1 1/2 weeks, but at last there is a new driveway.  

The Election - There are lots of scary things about that.  At least the ads will be over soon.

Acorns - It seems that the herd of suburban deer roaming the neighborhood have adjusted their diet and are grazing on acorns.  This is super helpful for those with big oak trees as the deer are serving as living lawn ornaments and acorn vacuum cleaners (there are consistently 6-8 deer grazing on acorns).  The bad news is the leave other presents in the lawn.

It is time to turn out the lights for trick-or-treaters (there were not that many, which is good because candy is expensive).  Happy Halloween!





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