Scaring Up Some Fun
The scary season approaches as the autumn glow of October dims.
The sun sets a little earlier each evening in Shady Pines Story Town and the shadows grow longer.
Leaves on the trees cling to the last gasp of fall colors. They rustle in the cool, gentle wind and float to the ground.
Children jump in and play with the piles of fallen leaves.
Change is on the way. Can you feel it?
As that spooky holiday draws near, it’s just about time to change our clocks back an hour.
First Things First
Halloween is next Thursday, the 31st. This holiday is a really big deal around these parts. Neighbors in our small Southern town decorate the front and back of their houses. And you never know who you’ll see just drop by the local library. 
Over yonder, not far from downtown, is the cozy home of the Sanders’ family on Dogwood Drive across from Copy Cat Lane. 
Right now, Edna Sanders is tidying up the family’s den.
She throws out old magazines, plumps the pillows on the couch and dusts the table tops ’til they shine. “We’ve got to get ready for Halloween,” says Edna. “There are pumpkins to carve, recipes to bake, and costumes to select.”
Next, she vacuums the floor. “What Is That?” cries Edna, as something hard and noisy jams the wand of the vacuum cleaner causing a terrible screaching sound.
“Oh my goodness. What do you know? It’s Halley’s Mr. Squeaky,” says a relieved Edna. It’s hard to believe how many dog and cat toys I find hidden everywhere. Well, that may be enough vacuuming for now.”
Ghoulish, Glamorous or What?
Right on cue, Boomerang, the Australian Shepherd dog and Halley’s Comet, a silver streak of a cat,
wander into the room. Boomer growls at that darn machine that is always too loud for his liking.
“Oh, get over yourself,” says Halley. “You do that every time mom gets on her cleaning kick.”
“It’s not mom,” says Boomer. “I hate the grey monster with that sucking sound.”
“Look!” says Halley. “That big ol’ monster machine found Mr. Squeaky.”
“Oh, brother,” moans Boomer. “Now I’ll have to listen to you throw that thing all over the place.”
Selecting The Right Look
Edna looks up and sees both of her kids. “Oh, good. You’re here. I want to show you something. I’ve been looking up ideas for Halloween costumes for you, two. Here, let me show you.” Edna gets down on the floor.
“This first book shows ideas for cats.”
Boomer looks at Halley. “Uh-oh. Halley, did I just hear that awful word, costumes?”
Halley stares at Boomer. “Not again.”
Halley looks at the first photo and gasps. “Oh, no. I’m not wearing anything that froo-froo.”
“Halley, isn’t this get-up just precious?” asks Edna.
“Or, how about this one? It’s a little sailor’s outfit.”
Boomer starts to laugh. “Ahoy Halley. Off to sea you go!
Be quiet you overgrown furball,” hisses Halley. “No self-respecting cat would wear either of those outfits.”
Costume Ideas For Dogs
“And look at these clever ideas for you, Boom,” says Edna.
Boomer barks. “What in the world is that thing I’d be toting around on my back? No way, no how, no siree.”
Now it’s Halley who’s laughing. “I sorta like it. At least you’d finally have a friend!”
“Very funny,” says Boomer.
“Oh, and here’s another one I found,” says Edna. “You’d be the takeout delivery boy.”
“I’d like to take out an objection to this whole idea,” says Boomer.
“Should I put my order in now?” asks Halley batting her eyelashes at him.
“Halley, you’re such a pain.”
Edna pats Boomer’s head. “Why are you growling boy?”
Almost Time to Change the Clocks
Edna gets up from the floor. “Your dad should be home from work soon, guys. Harold and I will have to decide what costumes we’re going to wear. In the meantime, there’s something else that I need to do this time of year.”
Edna walks over to the fireplace where a clock sits on the mantel. Edna takes it down. She sticks a note on the clock to remind her to change the time in a couple of weeks.
“Boomer and Halley, we’ve got to remember to Fall Back! November 3rd is the end of Daylight Saving Time. That’s when we turn the clocks back an hour and get an extra hour of sleep. Are you both ready to Fall Back?”
Halley turns to Boomer. “Let’s go!”
Boomer cocks his head. “Where?”
“To the back of the house. Didn’t you hear mom? We have to fall back.”
Boomer gives Halley a challenging look. “Bet I get there first.”
“Bet you don’t!” yells Halley as she takes off.
Edna whips around. “Wait. Where are you going?”
Watch Out for Little Goblins
While Edna tries to round up Boomer and Halley, we leave you with a couple of cautionary notes. Halloween can be a fun time for kids of all ages. But make sure to watch out for the young tick or treaters who may be out at night.
You may also want to pay attention to some of those porch decorations like pumpkins with candles. Costumes and lighted candles can be a dangerous combination.
However you plan to celebrate the haunting holiday, all of us in Shady Pines Story Town hope you and yours have a howling good time this Halloween!
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I was away for Halloween this year so I totally enjoyed this piece! Thank you!
Glad you liked it!
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Such a cute story with the pet’s conversations. Nice reminders about Halloween safety and daylight savings time change. Happy Halloween.👻
Thank you Linda. Happy Halloween!
This is a wonderful time of year. The costume selections for the cat and dog were a hoot. Happy Halloween everyone
Happy Halloween to you Jim!
You’ve covered all areas of this time of year…… covering all age groups Change of seasons, change of time and a holiday for all of us to share, I could hear the crunching of dry leaves as piles were made to jump in.
That’s a lovely response to the story Jane. Glad you liked it!
This was a very fun story to read. Thank you for mentioning the time change. I always forget
Thank you Sharon. Glad you enjoyed it!
The covers of those two books about costumes for cats and dogs are too much. Fun post. Thank you Shady Pines
Another fun holiday in Shady Pines. I’m on the side of Boomer & Halley. It must be uncomfortable for our furry friends to be in costumes! Us humans on the other hand love dressing up & attending Halloween parties. Thanks for reminder to turn back clocks. Safe trick or treating y’all.
Thank you Barbara. I wanted to have the animals point of view represented when it comes to dressing them up. Humans think it’s cute.
Very entertaining. Halloween has always been a favorite day in our house.
I have seen cats and dogs in some amazing costumes. But it’s funny to hear it from the animals’ point of view
There are books about dogs and cats in costumes? Not sure I needed to know that! Thanks for the fun.
Apparently there’s a book on every possible subject. Just had to include those
The sibling rivalry of Boomer and Halley is so spot on and funny. Really enjoyed this story
Very sweet post. I can’t believe it’s time to change the clocks again.
Enjoyed reading about Boomer and Halley’s Halloween costume selection. Happy Howl-oween!
Glad you like it Tammy. Happy Halloween!
I can just picture the expressions on Boomer and Halley’s faces when the costumes came out. I remember it well on my pets.. 😊 Very cute.
Glad you could relate Stephanie. Thank you!
I always sense that for all the bickering, Boomer and Halley love each other.
And darn it, not another clock change!
Secretly I think they do love each other. Yep another time change Sheri!
I get such a kick out of Boomer and Halley. They sound a lot like my kids. And those costumes were so funny
This is so darn cute. Happy Halloween!
An interesting read as always and a great reminder to change our clocks next weekend
Thank you Joanne. It creeps up so fast!
Made me smile reading what the pets thought of costumes. This is a fun and colorful time of year. And perhaps a little spooky.
Thank you for the reminder of the time change.
You’re so welcome Elaine!