Pumpkins, Ghouls and Monsters...Oh My!

Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze of Hudson Valley

and Sleepy Hollow

Signs of the Season

First Snow of the Season - Sept. 30, 2013

A Dark and Stormy Night

The wind howled from the north driving the sleet before the car as I headed toward Denver. There was only one thing that would get me out on a night like that! Family! But it was SO worth it!

John Wyatt Gripp

7lb. 14oz.

Born 10-4-13   12:02am

A Vampire's Grave

It was a cold and blustery day. And as the couple walked the cemetery in search of the grave, a light snow began to fall......

This isn't a story-line from a movie or tv show. This is what happened to Hubby & I last weekend when we went in search of a special grave reported to belong to a Vampire! 

As the legend goes, there is a grave in the Lafayette, Colorado cemetery that belongs to a supposed Vampire direct from Transylvania. And the stake that was driven through his heart later grew into a tree.

Here is the headstone......

of Todor Glava who was born in Transylvania and died in December 1918.

And here is the tree which grew from the stake.

Valley Brook Cemetery

Our Friday Roadtrips this October are going to be to a few cemeteries in Colorado.

Our first trip will be to Valley Brook Cemetery - located in Breckenridge, Colorado.

This cemetery is home to almost 5,000 residents. Many of whom were moved here when nearby cemeteries had to be cleared for mining ventures. 

  This cemetery covers almost 20 acres and is actually two cemeteries that sit side by side. In 1882, a Breckenridge resident donated the southern portion of his placer mine to the local Masonic lodge to use as their cemetery. He then donated the northern portion of the land to the town as a public cemetery. The town of Breckenridge then sold off plots to families as well as other fraternal organizations.  

Valley Brook Cemetery is laid out in streets and circles - forming a Celtic Cross. This reflects the heritage of many of the early residents of Breckenridge. The streets are named after the local wildflowers and trees.

A walk through an old cemetery like this one, is very much a history lesson unto itself. A person can take note of the high mortality rate of infants and small children, especially after an extremely hard winter. The wealthier people had tombstones carved fron native stone while those buried in 'Potters Field' had wood markers that deteriorated over time and are now simply marked as unknown. 

This was a very peaceful cemetery. Probably one of the more pleasant ones that I have wandered. And even with all the quiet solitude, there were signs of life. 

A burrow next to a tombstone. 

And a curious chipmunk watching us ever so closely.

Cat Tales ~ Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!

Purz and Catnip Dreams ... Gomez

Master Liam Adam Dixon

I would like to introduce you to Liam Adam Dixon. 

He was welcomed into this world on Monday, October 24th. 

Mother and son are doing well.

This little guy has already endeared himself to Grandma. The day he was scheduled to arrive, the Front Range of Colorado received snow in excess of 12" in many areas. I would have had to drive my daughter through that snow to the hospital. But instead of waiting till that day to be born, Liam decided to arrive two days early! He's already earned a special spot in my heart. ♥

October Trivia....

~  An interesting fact about October 2010  ~

This October has 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays.

 It won't happen again until October 2021. 

Any month with 5 Fridays is considered a money bags month because of the extra paycheck.

October's Blogland Events

Here's a few of the many Blogland Events taking place in October. 

{{so much to see and so little time...}}

The Whimsical Cottage

Mrs. B's Halloween

Frosted Petunias

A Fanciful Twist

October's Eerie Events....

Aaahhhhh, October!

 My all-time FAVORITE month!

 I will be dedicating the posts this month to all things Halloweeny, Spooky, Creepy, or just plain Odd!

We will visit some strange spots around my neck of the woods 
(can we say X~Files weird?) ~
I'll show you some unusual art ~
Point you towards some great blog reads ~
Give you links for some eesy-peezy Halloween decorating~
And tell you where you can find all those
  Needful Items & Accessories.


So get ready...... 


Put your favorite costume on....


And A Haunting We Will Go!

Welcome! To The Halloween Party!

A Party! So much to do! Where to start....

My dress ~ should I have it cleaned?



And my hat ~ it appears ready to wear.



And what should I serve?
Maybe some little fluffy ghosts? Can't you just hear them screaming, "Eat Me!".



Or maybe a few Creepy Cookies? Are they calling your name?


And what would a Party be without some Candy Corn to munch!


Whew! Cooking is such hard work!


It's here! The day is here! We've counted down to Party Day!


The Doors are dressed up with Wreaths and other Seasonal Decorations.



The old fence at the end of the drive and the hitching post are adorned with their Autumn finery. Ready to Greet the Guests!



And the house is decorated.


Oh look! The Skelli Bunch is showing you some of the decorations they put up.


The bathroom even put it's best face on!



The table is set.


and Mr. Skelli is pointing the way to the Brew.

There's even some wee cups for any Fae Folk that might show up.

The tree is lit.


What is that I hear? Someone coming down the drive?
Oh look, The first guest has arrived.


Would you please answer the door?

If you would like another Halloween Blog Party to visit. Go here A Fanciful Twist .