For Halloween I have read a couple of scary books. The first was The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. I was not sure what I was going to experience when I read this book; horror, suspense, mystery etc. but it was not what I thought. It had a sense of scariness but it was also alluring. Almost like the siren song of a mermaid. You have no idea it is dangerous until it was too late. Although there was scary parts it was not like a terrorizing, relentless haunting. It would come and go. Seemed it was more interested in mind games. I am familiar with Shirley Jackson story The Lottery which I watched the short film in school and was impacted by the story line. I often think of that short film and how Shirley depicted human behavior.

I enjoyed the book and recommend it as a good read in October.

The next group of stories I read was from Amazon Original Stories collection called Creature Feature.

I mentioned The Pram in a previous post. The rest of the collection is as follows.

Ankle Snatcher

Marcus grew up believing his father killed his mother—then blamed it on the boogeyman under the bed. Always leave the lights on, his father warned, or the boogeyman will get you. Marcus still heeds the superstition, especially when he invites his new girlfriend over. Is Marcus haunted by a creature or has he just inherited his father’s murderous delusions? The night will tell.

This story was a good tale, sorry it ended the way it did. I rate it a 3 out of 5

It Waits in the Woods

The dense Michigan forest. Haunting wails. The clip-clop of demon hooves on a bridge to nowhere. It’s more than a tall tale to Brenda Jennings, whose sister disappeared in those woods one fateful night. Three years later, on a solo stakeout in the dark, Brenda goes in after her. She’s desperate for answers, and terrified to find what lies waiting on the other side of that bridge.

I really enjoyed the story and it kept me interested. I just wish they wrapped up the ending better. I rate this a 5 out of 5

In Bloom

Journalist Heidi Cohen is in Cape Cod investigating the sources of recurring toxic algae blooms along the coast. A local named Jimmy has his own theory for her. Every year the fetid growth gets worse—but it’s been going on longer than anyone knows. Decades ago, something happened to Jimmy that he’s never forgotten. Is Heidi ready for the real story?

I was following along with the story and was really engrossed, but then it changed dramatically. Not my favorite from the series. I give it 3 out of 5

Best of Luck

For best friends with vastly different fortunes, what’s left to hash out other than a forced confession at gunpoint? All that the destitute, sickly, and grieving Will demands is that monstrously successful Barry admit to draining all the luck right out of him. Like blood. As the standoff escalates, the truth is not the only thing ready to come out.

This was a good read and I was sucked into the story. Not the ending I anticipated. I give it 4 out of 5.

Big Bad

The Strauss family is on knife’s edge. Sam is a resentful stay-at-home dad. Rachel feels the restlessness in her blood returning. Their children are getting out of hand. And a recent mudslide has forced the wolves out of the woods to look for food. As dusk falls and tensions rise, the family must come together to survive the night—from the threats outside and those within.

This was a good finish to the series. I figured out the family issue about half way in but not the ending. I give it a 4.5 out of 5.

Amazon Original Stories have a ton of series if you want a quick read. Most stories are 25-60 minutes long. If you have an audible account, they also give you the audio version. You borrow the books and return when you are done. It sure helps a lot with those darn reading challenges or waiting at appointments. It always helps to have a book on your phone when you are in those type of situations. On to my Autumn book. 🍁🍂

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Target carry’s really cute family pajamas. Even for your pet. Last year I got the Skelton pajamas. This year I went with the fun print pajamas with a black Tshirt with Trick or Treat words. Of course this is not me, as you would never get a photo of me wearing pajamas. But I wanted you to see the set.

Here is the pet bandana. I had it on Eli for a while and eventually found it on the bed. Darn him. Wish I could recall where I put it. But here is what it looks like.

I had to get the matching pumpkin slippers. Last year was the white slippers that said BOO on each foot. Almost missed out in getting the slippers. I dragged my feet (no pun intended) and they ran out. Luckily they came back in stock.

I wonder what next years design will look like.

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For part of my Autumn/Halloween Bucket List I wanted to show my front porch decorated for Halloween. I am not that good at making movies and should have turned my camera landscape, but whatever. Maybe next time. Lol

Nothing like a little scary ambience to set the scene.

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I really like Starbucks Hot Caramel Apple Spiced Drink. Most years I cannot get it because they run out of cider. But today I got lucky at my local Starbucks.

After running to Aldi’s and picking up a few things I am going to sit and enjoy sipping my drink while watching Bell, Book and Candle. Nothing like a few witches creating trouble with Jimmy Stewart and a hot cider to make the evening.

To top off the evening I made the Aldi pumpkin shaped pizza for dinner. Going to enjoy my last flex Friday from work by getting in the Halloween mood.

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This year I chose the poem Fall, Leaves, Fall by Emily Brontë.

A lovely poem to read. Enjoy.

I pulled out my black Rae Dunn mugs for the Halloween season. But I forgot that none of them actually had Halloween words on them. I could never get my hands on any Rae Dunn halloween mugs 😠. Although the black mugs were nice, it did not meet my criteria of the bucket list. Fortunately when I checked out the Aldi store across town I found these cute mugs.

The white pumpkin mug has a matte gray handle and the black witches brew mug is shaped like a cauldron. So darn cute. Thanks Aldi for a reasonable priced mug priced at $2.99 each. Now I can drink my witches brew, umm I meant coffee in Halloween fashion.

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Every season I switch out my garden flags in the front yard. I have a small collection of flags that I have purchased over the years. I usually get one or two new ones from Joanne’s Fabrics, but I was either too late or they did not have them this year for Halloween. I pulled out two fabric flags from my collection and hung them before decorating the front porch.

Although I cannot decorate like I used to, the flags give a nice touch showing that someone cares.

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I enjoy cross stitching. I remember doing kits (like dimensions) with my Mom way back when when most cross stitch kits and patterns were kinda ugly. Aida came only in white or beige and your only option was to just stitch it up and hang on the wall. Now people are making project bags, cute decorative pieces, and tiered tray pieces or even a dough bowl filled with little stitched pillows. To be honest I do not remember actually finishing anything back then or maybe I just blocked it out. But cross-stitch has come a long way since then. The patterns are really cute with something for every season or occasion in many different sizes. Aida comes in beautiful colors and most are hand dyed to get the beautiful shades. The options are endless.

I rarely buy kits anymore instead I get patterns and my own floss and fabric. I am still a fan of DMC which is classic and very reasonable in cost. But now there is hand dyed floss which comes in beautiful rich tones. Now there are so many vendors who sell on Etsy that sell their custom colors. The choices are endless. I bought some that are Halloween and Autumn tones.

I am not sure what I will make with these floss colors but I am thinking a simple shaker design that will bring out the colors of the floss.

The Halloween ones have fun names like Werewolf, Sweater Weather and Moonlight. I thought this simple pattern would look good in one of these flossesj

The autumn colors are just luscious, so rich in golds, browns and oranges.

With names like Embers, Autumn Harvest and Golden Rule I can pictures leaves and pumpkins. Maybe I can do this pattern.

Or maybe some fall leaves 🍁

Or maybe I will hold onto them until the perfect pattern comes along.

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I really enjoy listening to this playlist when driving my car, especially down the street with all the trees that have changed color. Some songs are repeats but with different artists.

Just like my other playlist I tend to go towards the old timey type songs. But it is also harder to find new songs that focus on seasons. They may be out there so you will have to let me know.

Please enjoy my playlist.

I am not much of a music person per se but once on a while when I hear music I really enjoy it. Music creates a mood or feeling. I guess that is why people like it so much. My kind brother has me on his Spotify account so I can pick out music and create playlists. Thanks brother dear! I enjoy Spotify because it gives me a wide range of music and makes suggestions. Since I do not know music very well, I need a little help. Spotify really helps with that with their suggestions.

My music tastes tends to go to old timey, Frank Sinatra type music, but there is the music from my childhood here too. I should say young adult period. Alice Cooper, Michael Jackson, Blue Oyster Cult. LOL, oh those days of youth. How I miss you.

Enjoy my music selection.