¡Marianísima!

Not sure how this guy fits into Halloween, but I like him (and his pride-mates) a lot better than the flamingos across the street.

This house has no need of decorations, because c’mon, it looks haunted without trying.

But, stop. Stop and behold Cavity Cove. Many, many people — including drivers — paused to admire the dedication and artistry. I was not the only person taking photos.

The story I heard is that the current owners of the house inherited the tradition of, and decorations for, Cavity Cove from the previous owner, a dentist. They’ve continued to expand the tradition.

And while Cavity Cove is my favorite by far, a special shout out for this unique Halloween offering. I wonder if you need to be in costume to join in the fun.

The bat’s wings wouldn’t stop flapping in the wind.
The other side says “6pm until they’re gone!”

Whether you’re trick-or-treating, handing out candy, or hiding in the back of the house with the lights out, I hope you have a very happy Halloween.

Fairly simple, but way better than spider webs:

I have come to learn that some Petalumans really celebrate and decorate for Halloween. Today, I wandered around like a creepy neighbor taking pictures of people’s homes. (I can’t be the only one.)

First, My favorite Victorian in Petaluma, with its own hanging mummy:

And a close-up:

Another house went all-out with their theme. I can’t help but wonder if it changes every year:

There’s engineering involved in them there pumpkin heads — at least the ones standing up.

The reclining ones may be a little easier.

But the most frightening part of CampScare? Look closely at the Grill Master — he’s cooking up his own kin. What kind of cannibalistic barbecue is this? And why is he so gleeful about it?

Saving the best for actual Halloween. See you tomorrow!

I’m all for Halloween decor, but this? Not so much.

What spider spins purple?

It’s better with some Photoshopping — a little more creepy old house and a bit less purple. Even still, those spider webs are my least favorite Halloween decorations (especially without a single spider in sight).

Better. But the best is yet to come.

The genies never came to pack our boxes at the old house, nor to unpack them at the new one. We were living in Boxlandia for several weeks, but now the new place is really shaping up. Not enough to take interior pictures, mind you, but shaping up.

Waiting to sign the lease

The new place isn’t as charming as the old place, but all the appliances work and the house is unlikely to crash down in an earthquake. We can run the microwave and the toaster at the same time! Plus, now when I’m washing dishes, I look out at a cute patio instead of at a wall.

Someday, we’re going to hike that.

From home to downtown takes 10 minutes on bike (the return trip takes me 15; it’s uphill & both my bike and my body are heavy) or 30 minutes on foot. Either way, I cruise past lovely Victorians. Best of all, the downtown is humming with activity and restaurants (even one that stays open until 2 am!).

Even better, our first in-town adventure led me to baby goats! My head did not explode as Derek feared it might from the volume of unbearable cuteness, but I couldn’t stop smiling. I not only tasted yummy cheese, I held a baby goat. And I told the woman leading the tour, “You’d better just get another goat, because I’m not letting this one go.” I held it until it was time to go. Mama Goat was none too pleased.

Camera couldn’t focus on goat because my smile was too bright.

Cyn says: “The only kids we’re gonna have.”

Never say, “No, I’m not going to hold a goat.” Because this is what happens.

My drive to the gym takes me past sheep and goats, and if I go even a few miles to the north or south on the freeway, or west on country roads, I see cows. It makes me happy to drive by cows. I’m simple like that.

We don’t have trees or chickens or a pool of our own just yet, but the rolling wine country hills are pretty awesome, and I know a month is kind of early for such declarations…but I think I love Petaluma.