Views of the Neighborhood – Halloween Decorations

Today, we will cruise the Neighborhood and look for Halloween decorations. Acre 41 of Austin will cater our event, and Mitch Ryder will entertain us.

Menu

Faroe Islands Salmon – ACRE 41 Specialty Item. Wild rice, manchego roasted asparagus, heirloom tomato salsa

Gulf Shrimp and Grits – charred corn, bacon, white cheddar, grits, blistered tomato, jalapeño

Diver Scallops – miso-ginger cream, roasted trumpet mushroom, wilted spinach

Truffled Bucatini – beurre fondue, pecorino romano, black pepper

Belly-On Pork Chop – ACRE 41 Specialty Item. Heirloom carrot, roasted brussels, cider-maple jus

Chile-Glazed Organic Chicken – broiled sweet potato, blistered sweet peppers, red chile glaze

14oz Prime Rib- natural beef jus, horseradish cream, whipped potato

Come on, get on the Halloween bus.

A spider with a smile.

Scary ghosts and not so scary pumpkin.

Taking a nap before Halloween.

A very strange decoration for sure.

A flower child past her prime.

Whole house decorations.

A big threat.

 

Tall ghoul. Frightened skelly.

A fun wish for Halloween.

A very happy display.

Witche’s cauldron.

Orkin man needed here.

Don’t go here for trick or treat. It’s a trap.

The yard needs something for Halloween.

Time to get the mail.

 

I hope you enjoyed the tour. It is now time for food and to enjoy the music.

94 comments

  1. Dan Antion's avatar

    I’m not a big fan of Halloween decorations, but the skeleton checking the mail is pretty cute.

    Since it’s their specialty, Ill go with the Faroe Islands Salmon.

    Have a great day, John. I have a debt to pay since WVU lost to ISU – nothing like family.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I hope it was something you can share.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dan Antion's avatar

        The worst was the bet was he would have to wear a WVU shirt to Beer Club and I would have to wear an ISU shirt under my dress shirt (He was retired, I was still working). When I told my boss, he said, “No. go change and put that shirt on OVER your dress shirt.” https://nofacilities.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/isu-tee.jpg

        Like

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Great shot. Sorry WVU lost this week too.

          Liked by 1 person

  2. srbottch's avatar

    Great community spirit. Like the big spider, witches cauldron and the very funny mailbox skeleton. Give me one pork chop before the music starts.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You got it, Steve. Thanks for coming along.

      Like

  3. shoreacres's avatar

    Honestly? That Halloween bus was pretty darned spooky, but I laughed aloud at the skeleton checking the mail. Given our mail service recently, that seems wholly appropriate. There are times I’m sure I’m going to look like that before the check I’m waiting for arrives.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think we all have taken up that posture. The idea is to not stay in that position too long. Thanks, Linda.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Darlene's avatar

    Your neighbourhood goes all out! These are great. Good to hear Mitch Ryder after all these years.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      These were just a few of the many that have popped up. I have shown the others in years past.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    The bungee cord smiling spider got me hooked… so much ingenuity here. Such fun, John!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for jumping on the bus, Annette.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Cool decorations, John. Some folks in our neighborhood put up Halloween decorations, but they don’t seem to be so artistic to me.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Some of these folks go all out for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    I always liked “Devil with a Blue Dress On,” Halloween decorations not so much. The little clown hanging from the mailbox is terrifying.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes it is. I agree.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Wonder what that caged skeleton clown did.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Isn’t that the strangest?

      Like

  9. circadianreflections's avatar

    LOL! “Flower child past her prime”, cracked me up!

    It’s looking spooktacular in your neighborhood!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is. Thanks, Deborah.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. noelleg44's avatar

    Your neighborhood goes all out! Love the spider and the witches coven!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Noelle.

      Like

  11. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Your neighbors are always fun. Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They are. Thanks, Craig.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    The Halloween bus doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere soon. 🙂 The giant skeletons seem to be all the rage. I see them around town, but I’ve never seen one taking a nap. Thanks for tour, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That house has several giant skellys. I think this one no longer stands.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Debbie's avatar

    Still giggling over the Halloween bus, John! Those decorations are too spooky, though, and I can’t decide which of us — me or the Monk — would be more afraid. The hairy spider on the mailbox, the skeleton with the pumpkin head, the black witches’ cauldron, and the flower child skeleton — all give me shivers. But perhaps the very worst is that clown-thing trapped in a cage on the mailbox *eewww*

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That clown was the creepiest, Debbie. Not sure what it was supposed to be.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Debbie's avatar

        Clowns terrify me anyway. Also mimes.

        Like

  14. Unknown's avatar
    Anonymous · ·

    Your community has great Halloween decorations! (But if I were a mail carrier, I’d avoid the “spider with a smile”–eek!) Skeletons seem to be popular. I’m seeing quite a few of them in my neighborhood this year 🙂

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The skeletons are quite popular. I’m with you on being a mail person. Showing up to a new decoration could be nerve wracking.

      Like

  15. robertawrites235681907's avatar

    Your area is very festive, John. I like the clown in a cage.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think you are the only one, Robbie.

      Like

      1. robertawrites235681907's avatar

        Hehe, me being alone in my likes is not unusual.

        Liked by 1 person

  16. Pit's avatar

    Amazing, what lengths people go to for Halloween. We have a few pumpkins only.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Folks seem to like the holiday.

      Like

  17. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    Oh gosh, you have some enthusiastic fans of Halloween in your neighborhood. Had to chuck with the skellie checking the for the mail. Cute.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That skellie was only there for a few hours. I’m sure the USPS person said it was against the rules.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Michele Lee's avatar

    A fabulous feast for the eyes and belly! Looks like Halloween is going to be quite festive for you and your neighbors! 🍬👻

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes this town goes out for it in a big way. In tow weeks we have the Witches’ ride where folks dress up and ride their bikes in a parade. I’ll have photos on Sunday two weeks from now. Thanks, Michele.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Michele Lee's avatar

        That sounds like great fun! 🧙🏻 I’ll be looking forward to your photos. 🚴🏻‍♀️

        Liked by 1 person

  19. The Coastal Crone's avatar

    I would give first prize to the flower child in the swing and the skeleton checking the mail. I would guess the owner doesn’t get much mail if the mailbox is left over. There were some creative ones. Thanks for the food and music. The bus was a bit creepy though.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes, the bus is only for this season. Thanks for riding with us, though. Say, is that a spider in your hair? Thanks, Jo.

      Like

  20. Resa's avatar

    Love the song and video. Very cool!

    However, I am terrified.

    No way I’m getting on that bus!

    Love your hood!

    👻Ẍ 💀𝔛 😈X 👺𝖃

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Aw, come on. It’s safe. Nothing to fear but fear its self
      🕷X 🦂X 🕸X 🪳X

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        …. and all those creatures living on that Halloween bus!
        Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr Eeeeeeeeeee
        😱𝖃 🥶𝖃 😨𝖃 😰𝖃

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Ha ha ha ha. One more 🦇

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Resa's avatar

          My hair!!!!!!!

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          I know right? 🤣X

          Liked by 1 person

        4. Resa's avatar

          Yes, and no BAT or Vampire will ever make me cut it! 🤣X 🤣X
          (How’s the book coming? I’ve cleared out all my reading, except for 1 Diana book, which can be read before of after your book.)

          Liked by 1 person

        5. John W. Howell's avatar

          Launch in January. The edit will be done in a couple of weeks if you want a republished copy.

          Liked by 1 person

        6. Resa's avatar

          Okay!!!
          Will gladly wait!
          Remember to send me one in November, so I can do a pre-post and have time to do some drawings!
          📘X

          Like

        7. John W. Howell's avatar

          Will do. 😊Sent from my iPhone

          Liked by 1 person

  21. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    The skeletons are hysterical, particularly the one of the swing and the other looking inside the mailbox. People can certainly come up with creative ideas.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They can for sure, Pete. Thanks

      Liked by 1 person

  22. thomasstigwikman's avatar

    That is a lot of great Halloween decorations. The Tall Ghoul was frightening. Our neighbor put up a giant skeleton but other than a few plastic pumpkins we have not put up anything yet. We are thinking about doing that.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Folks here really get into it. They do have a lot of fun with Halloween.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. thomasstigwikman's avatar

        That sounds like a lot of fun

        Liked by 1 person

  23. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

    The truffles fondue sounds amazing and the photos are awesome and put me in the mood! Thanks John 🎃

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So glad. Thanks, Cindy.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

        You’re so very welcome, John
        🙏🏼

        Liked by 1 person

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

    Congratulations on a wonderfully creative community, John! I really miss this. Will Tempest and Twiggy be part of this year’s Halloween? What will they wear? 😉 Enjoy yourself a nice week! xx Michael

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Tempeste and Twiggy both hate costumes so they will be going as themselves. (sadly)

      Liked by 1 person

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

        What a pity. Now, John you have yourself be costumized. 🙂 xx Michael

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yeah I’m going as a grumpy old man. 🤣

          Like

  25. Teri Polen's avatar

    These are so much fun! I love seeing Halloween decorations.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes I would imagine you would for sure. Thanks, Teri.😁

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Jacqui Murray's avatar

    Good grief. People really get into Halloween in your neighborhood. Me, I pretty much avoid it!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You have to really like it to do what these folks do. I can certainly understand yur view as well. Thanks, Jacqui.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jacqui Murray's avatar

        Where’s AI when you need it!

        Liked by 1 person

  27. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    Great tour, John 🙂 Skeltons are sure popular this year!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They are for sure. They are getting bigger too

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Book Club Mom's avatar

    Some good ones, John. I need to get pumpkins tomorrow!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes, you do. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Book Club Mom's avatar

        I finally got them, but it took me longer than I said! 🎃🎃🎃🎃

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          It seems that way.

          Liked by 1 person

  29. Sorryless's avatar

    That party bus is very Rob Zombie-esque. And I love the Flower Child, she’s still very groovy, to go along with very bony. As for the coven, no thank you. Witches scare the bejeezus out of me.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Witches are like Femdom on steroids.

      Like

  30. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

    A fun tour, John, but I haven’t seen any smiling spiders lately. 🙂 The skeleton checking mail is clever and cute. Our block has been dead (pun intended) for years, and it’s sad. When our kids were little, the whole neighborhood came alive with trick-or-treaters. Oh well, we have the memories, and candy! Thanks for the food and tour! 🤡👻🎃

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Lauren. We are very fortunate to live where spirit is high.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. dgkaye's avatar

    Fantastic collections John. It seems everyone gets into the spirit down there. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Folks here do get into Halloween, Debby.

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Jennie's avatar

    I enjoyed these displays, especially the happy one and the skeleton getting into the mailbox. Thanks, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you , Jennie. Glad you enjoyed them

      Liked by 1 person

  33. kethuprofumo's avatar

    Ths year decorations are very “romantic”, dear John. The devilery man is a wonderful satire of everyday life. You might wait for ages until he arrives. Thank you very much for reminding us that Samhain is near. Going to make rosemary bread.🙂😉🍻🍤🍤🍤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Rosemary bread sound delicious. Happy Samhain. 🥖

      Liked by 1 person