Views of the Neighborhood – Halloween Spirit

Today we are going to cruise the neighborhood and see what kind of decorations are up for Halloween. This year the focus will be on skeletons but there are a few others too. We are catered by Julies Noodles of Austin. Since our temperatures have dipped to below 80 degrees we need warm-up food. Our entertainment is the Bobby Pickett vintage appearance on Dick Clark’s show

Menu
HANDMADE NOODLES 手工汤面
Lamb Stewed Noodle Soup 羊肉烩面
Beef Stewed Noodle Soup 牛肉面
Noodles with Meat and Bean Sauce 炸酱面
Pork Chopped Noodles Soup 排骨面
Chicken Stewed Noodles Soup 鸡腿肉汤面
Eggs and Tomatoes Noodles 鸡蛋番茄面
Veggie Noodles Soup 素汤面
Wonton Noodles Soup 馄饨面
Seafood Noodle Soup 海鲜面
Spicy Beef Noodle 麻辣肥牛面
Spicy Beef Suan Tsai Noodles 酸菜肥牛面

So jump on the Halloween bus and let’s go.

Our first display is a basketball slam-dunk gone awry.

Greetings from the grassland.

Everlasting fishing trip with surfboard.

Swim and talk.

Welcome, all.

Greetings.

Whole house display.

Witchy witch.

Dad, kids, and dogs.

Speaking of dogs. Looks like trouble.

A homemade decoration that is a jack-o-lantern (I guess)

Yup, a transfusion and will be good as new.

We call this the Halloween house for obvious reasons.

An elaborate display. (This is a single residence)

Same by night.

I hope you enjoyed the tour and hope you have a Happy Halloween and a great week. Have some food and enjoy the music.

123 comments

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Michael.

      Liked by 1 person

  1. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more's avatar

    Oh, but that takes a little getting used to this year, doesn’t it? 😉 So many skeletons after such a dry summer. The menu is fantastic as always, John! Thanks for sharing, and enjoy your Sunday! xx Michael

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Michael. Enjoy your Sunday as well. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  2. shoreacres's avatar

    I’d jump on that Halloween bus in a minute!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. It seemed perfect for the tour. Thanks, Linda.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. GP's avatar

    I’ll try the seafood noodle soup. I like the fishing crew. Obviously they were told to wait for the tide to come in, eh?

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think they were told to wait and with the drought we can see what happened. 😁. I liked your Happy Halloween picture. Thanks. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. GP's avatar

        🎃👻👍

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Joan Hall's avatar

    I hope that bus gets us where we want to go. LOL Happy Halloween, John

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Pretty iffy. Thanks, Joan.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    I had a hard time scrolling past the list of noodles. They all sound delicious. This was a spooktacular tour, John! Thanks for sharing! Wishing you and the family a peaceful Sunday.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jill. I wish you and yours a peaceful Sunday as well.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. coldhandboyack's avatar

    I love the new bus. Should we check for snakes before boarding?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      And bats. Big bat population here.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Love the creative use of skeleton decorations.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I thought so as well, Charles. Thanks

      Like

  8. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    As Halloween decorations go, these are pretty good!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Liz. I’m getting the impression this is not your favorite holiday.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        You’re welcome, John. You are correct that Halloween is not my favorite holiday.

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Maggie's avatar

    Our five year old granddaughter is all about all things creepy. She has a life size plastic skeleton she named ‘Skellie’ that she loves to play with. She would love all these decorations! The music choice is perfect, too. Have a great Sunday, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Maggie. You as well.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. henhouselady's avatar
    henhouselady · ·

    That was a scary ride. I know this outing was fun.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Sorry about the tire blow out. lucky we had a spare. Thanks, Molly Shea.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    Wow, I think you have as many skellies cleverly displayed as are in my ‘Hood. It amazes me the sheer number of this kind of decor…you need a special house just to store those things! Happy ‘Howl-oween’ Eve. 👻 🎃

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That one house has four skellies over eight feet tall. I don’t know where they put them. Happy Halloween, Monika. Thanks for the visit.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

        There’s one house near my house that has 21 regular sized skellies and one of those 12 ft. colosis skellies. And that doesn’t count the vultures, fish, and pet dog! There are enough to take up all the space in a large garage! Incredible to me. When I started to add up just the cost of all their guys, I was gobsmacked!

        Liked by 2 people

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I can’t believe the costs either.

          Liked by 1 person

  12. Darlene's avatar

    Great decorations! Happy Halloween to you and yours!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Darlene. Happy Halloween to you and yours as well.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. noelleg44's avatar

    Loved the witch! You certainly have neighbors who like to celebrate Halloween!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks Noelle. The neighbors seem to like this holiday.

      Like

  14. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    Ha! I was a little worried at first glance, because of that tour bus, John. But I know you better than that. Appropriately enough, the skeletons slay me! Thanks for a terrific Halloween tour. Hugs on the wing.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The bus is sound no matter the appearance. Hugs , Teagan

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    Looks like great fun! All treats!! Have a fabulous Halloween.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Great fun for sure. Thanks Annette

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Dale's avatar

    Delicious choices of noodles, perfect tune and I have to admit I am loving the Skellie thing that is going on all over the place now. Some people are so creative!
    Happy Sunday, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Dale. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Gwen M. Plano's avatar

    Wow… the displays in your area are amazing. The skeletons rule! And the bus is extraordinary. I love today’s neighborhood tour! Happy Halloween to you and yours!🦇 🎃🦇

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Gwen. I’m glad you enjoyed it 😁

      Like

  18. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

    love! saw some great ones yesterday but i was too lazy to get out of the car.. 🤣 What kind of a trainer is that! 🤣

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Could you give me a little more information Cindy?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

        I was driving through Sebastopol and they had amazing houses but I was on a time schedule. 🎃

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Ah I see. I used to live in the town of Sonoma so I have been to Sebastopol.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

          Sonoma is lovely. Sebastopol is a funky relaxed town to visit. ❣️

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yes. It’s been that way for a long time.

          Liked by 1 person

  19. srbottch's avatar

    Excellent, John. I marvel at the enthusiasm in your neighborhood. Boy, Dick Clark really turned that Bandstand gig into quite a career. I forwarded Monster Mash to our son. His bday is Halloween as our his twin kids

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Duck Clark did create an empire. All those births on Halloween? My goodness

      Like

  20. jilldennison's avatar

    The wonton soup was delicious and the skeleton tour was great fun! Fine way to start off the Sunday! I had to laugh, when I read that since the temps have dropped below 80° we need warm-up food! Here, we don’t need warm-up food until it’s in the 50s! But then, we don’t see 100° all summer, either! Enjoyed the trip … thanks, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m glad you enjoyed the soup, Jill. Yes we think of anything below 8o as time to think about winter clothes and food. Thanks for coming along.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. jilldennison's avatar

        I enjoyed it so much … it was a much-needed geteaway!

        Liked by 1 person

  21. robertawrites235681907's avatar

    Hi John, I am always bowled over by the enthusiasm of Americans to decorate. What wonderful displays. The last one is better at night.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree on the night shot, Robbie.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    So many skeletons on display! There must be a lot of empty closets in the neighborhood. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Thanks, Tim.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Mae Clair's avatar

    People are getting so creative with their Halloween decorations. These were great!
    Now about that bus… glad it only makes an appearance once a year.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. The inside is quite delux though.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. walkingoffthechessboard's avatar

    No “bones” about it, this was a great way to spend Halloween Eve. The skeleton hanging off the hoop made me lol. All these folks look like they definitely are in the spirit of the season, celebrating all the spirits around us. Thanks for the tour, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for letting me know you liked the post, Bruce.

      Liked by 1 person

  25. TanGental's avatar

    there are a lot of dead people in your neck of the woods, John. I hope it’s not the soup…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Could be the soup I suppose. One skeleton told me.”Seriously soup runs right through me”

      Liked by 1 person

      1. TanGental's avatar

        Oh very drole!

        Liked by 1 person

  26. Sorryless's avatar

    I love the bones on this tour, Boss.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Tried to make it all bones but there were a couple of interesting things to see.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sorryless's avatar

        You ain’t kidding.

        Liked by 1 person

  27. kethuprofumo's avatar

    The painful lockdown experience is over these creatures, dear John! Skeleton dogs seems to be an interesting trend to develop. Happy Samhain/Halloween, dear John! 🍤🍤🍤🍺🍺🍺 Let the whisky and ale make the feast warmer.🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Maria. 😁

      Like

  28. Jennie's avatar

    The flying purple witch is my favorite. And, that purple house always has something interesting. I remember the Monster Mash like it was yesterday and can do the dance. Thanks for the neighborhood tour!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Glad you liked the tour, Jennie.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Dan Antion's avatar

    Love the bus and the transfusion. Spicy Beef Noodle For me.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks for the visit, Dan

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    This certainly puts me in the mood for Halloween, John! Thanks for the tour!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks for going along, Jan

      Like

  31. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    Great photos! Have a Happy Halloween, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You as well, Pete.

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Writer Lori's avatar

    Wow, your neighborhood goes all in, doesn’t it, John?! Loved the display at ‘The Creek’ residence, particularly the night view. Ghoulishly good. Happy Halloween! 🎃👻👻👻

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Lori. Happy Halloween to you. 🎃

      Like

  33. Teri Polen's avatar

    These are awesome! I can’t even choose a favorite. Thanks for the tour, John, and Happy Halloween!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Teri. Happy Halloween 🎃

      Liked by 1 person

  34. circadianreflections's avatar

    LOL!! I loved the endless fishing trip, and the dog treeing that skellie. Great fun! Thanks for the tour. 👻🎃🦴

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks for going along, Deborah. 🎃

      Like

  35. Almost Iowa's avatar

    I want the bus.

    Hey, a little paint….

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The inside is delux.

      Like

  36. Marcia Meara's avatar

    I know I’m a day late, John, but I’m really glad I stopped by. I just can’t believe how the folks in your neighborhood take a theme and run with it! What GREAT decorations! So much fun!! I loved them all, especially the dachshund skeletons! Too cute! And I even watched the entire Monster Mash video, remembering every word of that silly ol’ song!

    Super fun post! Thank you for the smiles!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m glad you could make it, Marcia. 🎃

      Liked by 1 person

  37. Resa's avatar

    What a cool neighbourhood!
    I’ll have the Veggie noodle soup.
    I haven’t heard this song in ages. I always thought Boris Karloff was singing it.
    🎃👸🏻 🎃👸🏻 🎃👸🏻 🎃👸🏻 🎃👸🏻 🎃👸🏻 🎃👸🏻 🎃👸🏻 🎃👸🏻

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Bobby does a good job with it. Veggie noodle it is. 🐨🤴🏻🐨🤴🏻🐨🤴🏻🐨🤴🏻 🐨🤴🏻🐨🤴🏻🐨🤴🏻🐨🤴🏻 🐨🤴🏻🐨🤴🏻🐨🤴🏻🐨🤴🏻

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        Is he related to Boris? 😂
        💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          😂 💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋 🥃

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Resa's avatar

          Yes, 10 mins. and I can have an early wine. Aaaarrrrggghh. I have to finish dishes first!
          Okay, 1/2 an hour! Once I get off the computer. Person could get stuck here.
          Yet another emoji let down. No bottle of glue! Or sticky tape?
          Okay, kisses and wine then!
          💋🍷💋🍷💋🍷💋🍷💋🍷💋🍷💋🍷💋🍷

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          I’ll take both.💋🍷💋🍷💋🍷💋🍷💋🍷💋🍷💋🍷💋🍷

          Liked by 1 person

        4. Resa's avatar

          🐂💋🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🐂💋

          Like

        5. John W. Howell's avatar

          🐂💋🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🐂💋 So now you should go and get that wine.

          Liked by 1 person

        6. Resa's avatar

          Got it!!!! Made pasta sauce, too! Even put wine in the sauce! 🐂💋🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🐂💋

          Liked by 1 person

        7. John W. Howell's avatar

          Whooo Wee. Yum 🐂💋🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🐂💋

          Liked by 1 person

        8. Resa's avatar

          IKR!
          It was deelish!
          I hear the call. I need to draw! OXOXOX

          Liked by 1 person

        9. John W. Howell's avatar

          😁 🐂💋🐂💋

          Liked by 1 person

        10. Resa's avatar

          It’s crazy how I draw myself into corners!
          ox ox ox (that ox got up to #2 again!)

          Liked by 1 person

        11. John W. Howell's avatar

          I think it’s great that you do draw. 🐂💋🐂 🐂💋🐂

          Liked by 1 person

        12. Resa's avatar

          Just started a few years ago… with drawings of Holly’s characters (Boogapony, PBH, RR, AGM Holly) then the AGMs, Dale, Marina, Gi, Shey and Holly.
          The girls really inspire me. Muses, I suppose.
          Gowns, I love drawing gowns.
          I suppose this is why I keep getting Monster commissions. Turns out I draw a good monster. Who knew?
          🐂💋🐂 🐂💋🐂

          Liked by 1 person

        13. John W. Howell's avatar

          Love those monster commissions 🐂💋🐂 🐂💋🐂

          Like

  38. The Coastal Crone's avatar

    People really get creative with skeletons. I liked the one in a wheelchair and the purple witch. Make sure the girls get some treats!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Joe. Those were two good ones. Happy Halloween 🎃

      Like

  39. Sisters in Crime-Colorado's avatar

    Some awesome ideas for yard decorating next year!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes they are. Thanks for the visit.

      Like

  40. dgkaye's avatar

    Lol, loved the neighborhood decorations – and the chicken noodle stew too. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m glad you liked it, Debby. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

  41. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

    I’m not sure about that bus, John, any spiders crawling around inside? 🙂 What a fun display and such a perfect song for the occasion! Happy belated Halloween! 🎃👻

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Lauren. Happy belated Halloween to you. 🎃

      Like