A Howl - O - Ween Tale of The Mysterious Visitor

Twas Halloween Day, 

And a Howl filled the air.

A ruckus like no other, 

Drew me outside in despair.

The morning was damp,

There was something weird found.

See that gate at the far end?

It lay over on the ground.

Sasquatch had been here?  

Or a deer or a bear?

We searched the yard over,

There were clues everywhere!

The blood on the fence 

Resembled a large creatures paw,

Aha! A bear probably, maybe,

Or a raccoon - real tall!

More blood on the fence,

Poor thing must be hurt.

I searched for more clues,

And found lots in the dirt.

See the panel now taped up,

To keep together the gate?

Well that panel was kicked out,

So this thing could escape.

But it could not get out there,

What would it's fate be!?

So it pawed and ran wild,

Kicking the other gate free.

Yes, Halloween morning,

Remember the date.

When something peculiar,

Jumped our 6-foot gate.

It came in with a whooooosh,

And soon it was gone. 

Leaving us puzzled,

As to what really went on.

Dear Diary,  

I'd just been out to pee for the morning, and back inside when Mom and Dad started running around the house like mad-peeps.  Something was happening outside!  I wanted to go out but they wouldn't let me.  Mom said I dodged a bullet.  She said I was one lucky dog! She said I had an angel watching over me and that if I would have stayed outside one more minute that I would be history.  I'm not sure what all that means but I don't want to be history.  I want to be Gracie.  Gracie.

Fall Camp stuff

It's that time of year where we put away the sun block and break open the stash of pumpkin spice candles.  

Fall is extra special for us since renting a campsite at Little Orleans Campground.  It's a great place for cool autumn walks and the most awesome wafting in the air of campfire smell!

 A jam-packed day of fun for kids and adults! is planned!

The scenic hayride gives us some idea of what to expect when we are cut loose to visit the campgrounds different campsites trick-or-treating.

There are some pretty shady characters out there handing out candy, but hey, it's all in fun and good times.  Don't be afraid, they warn.

The crisp air...

The freedom to run....

The feel of fall in the air...

And the laughs.  Oh yes, the laughs.

Trick-or-treating at it's best!!

And memories have never been this sweet.

Checking In

Been busy with life with not much time for blogging.  But let's catch up a bit.

How was your Halloween?  Us old folk just kinda hung out at home and enjoyed the wee ones stopping by for some treats.  

The neighborhood was flooded with kids knocking on doors and begging candy.  So we thought we'd join in the fun.   What do you think?  Am I retirement-worthy yet?  LOL **See video below** 

                                          

Snow has come to our neck of the woods ...  early- much.  Not a fan.  But Gracie and I are here to report that we got 11 inches.  Boo!!

Dance rehearsal time ...  and Rissi was the star...

Gracie decided she wanted to be a rock star for Halloween.  She asked to sing her beloved Samson a song...

Where Are You, My Samson

Samson, I miss you.  Haven't seen your sweet face in so long,
That is why I made up this song.
California fires are raging and I think about you every day,
For you, your mom, and Faith - I continue to pray.

So Samson, be safe... I'll wait for your return,
You've been absent too long but patience I must learn.
I know you're alright...  you're my one and only
Come back to blogland soon - So I won't be so lonely..

Your Gracie

Next topic:  Our Karate kid.  She was happy to get her new belt...

And speaking of new...  the hubby got...  a new car.  Well, almost new.

Halloween lingered...  and a warewolf showed up at our house one night.

I smell Jake

My new neighbor gifted me a gift certificate to have my nails done.  We are so blessed to have such good neighbors.  So during Summer's sleepover with us, I took her along for her first manicure.  She was excited!

Sorry this was such a random post...  I wanted to get something on but didn't have much time to think about it so this is what you get!

I am very anxious to slow down after Thanksgiving and start visiting blogs again...    Missed you all.

Things That Go Bump In The Night...

or rather things that smell awesome in the night.  or the middle of the night, say...  one, two o'clock.    Night life is the best life.  And when the irritating one hollers out the door into the black of night, "Gracie it's time to come in now!" I just jump up from the cool grass and do a couple laps around the pool.  

Defiant?  Don't know what it means but this is what I am these days...  according to the irritating one (you know who!)

She says, "No Gracie!  No bed at 6 PM or you won't sleep tonight!"

I beg.  I plead.  I give her my 'I don't understand' look.

And then.  I must insist.  Listen, woman!  I'm tired.  Give me access to the bedroom NOW!

And finally she caves.  But not without a lecture.  

You better not get me up at 2 AM or I will never let you go to bed early again!  I feel like I have a newborn baby.  A new puppy.  Just starting out.  You have your days and nights mixed up.  Yada Yada Yada.  

I can't hear you woman...

I'm way too busy resting....

Having sweet dreams...  and wondering...  was it a dream or did I actually witness my entire family turn into creatures from another planet?  I must quit eating oreo middles before bed.  Gracie.

... about the pee

Ring * Ring * Ring

Gracie, it's for you....

Ellie:  Yea, Grace old girl it's El.  You know, your favorite niece... the baby of the family... the cute one...  the one you're not sure you like.  The one that jumps at you and tries to play with your face.

Gracie:  What do you want?

Ellie:  Can I borrow your dress tonight?  The purple one.  The one that's too tight on you now that you're fat and outta shape more fluffy.

Gracie:  I guess so.  But don't get it dirty.

Ellie:  You going to the big shindig tonight at the Animal Hospital?

Gracie:  I plan on it.  Is that where you're going?

Ellie:  Uh.  Yea...  guess I'll see you there...

Gracie:  Hope not...  umm..  yea.  So looking forward to it.  Just don't jump on me kid.  No nonsense from you.. got it?

Ellie:  Sure, Grace.  got it.  I'll be good as gold.  or black.  well, you know.  BOL.  Lighten up Grace...  it's party time.  Have some fun for a change. Howl like nobody's watching! Hey what are you dressing as?

Gracie:  A legal immigrant and Trump supporter.  And don't.  I repeat. don't laugh at my hat.  got it kid?

Ellie:  I got it Grace.  Yep.  100% got it.  I won't laugh nor will I instigate laughter from any other four legged friends we might see there.  I will protect you, old girl with all my energy and might.  We.  Are.  Family.  I got your back Grace!

Gracie:  The name's Gracie.  That's G-R-A-C-I-E. 

 Have some respect kid!

Ellie:  Ahhh sure thing Grace.  I mean.  Gracie.

...And Later That night

Ring * Ring * Ring

Gracie, it's for you...

  Ellie:  Hey, I saw you talking to cousin Opie there.  Were you talking about me?  What did he say?  Does he like me?  Did he say I'm cute? What did you say?

Gracie:  Listen, it's not always about you kid.  We were reminiscing about Obedience School.  We went there together a few years back.

Ellie:  Seriously?  You?  Obedience school?  BOL!!  And you don't even obey!!  How ironic is that?!  

Gracie:  If you weren't my niece I'd...

Ellie:  What?  You'd what?

Gracie:  Never mind.  Just don't forget, I want the dress back in one piece and without your doggie dribble all over it.  Got it kid?

Ellie:  Sure thing Grace.  And... ummm...  sorry about the pee on the ruffle.  Sometimes the excitement is a little too much....