Is it really a vacation if I'm not relaxed?

Home today, got a few things done. Or rather, I watched and tried to quiet the dog while other people got things done. Behold, our new back door:

( Tucked behind a cut so as not to hog your f-page )

Unlike the old sliding glass door, this one actually locks! Both doors open inward, and we have double screens. We need to put in a real doggie door now, though.

Then I started to get a headache. It's an accomplishment! Anyway, I hope I got to it in time because I kept getting distracted as I was trying to take my ibuprofen. And I still need to find the decongestant. I'll take that with my second cup of cappuccino. Oh, that's right, dear f-list - one of the perks of being home is access to my cool espresso/cappuccino maker! I can tell you're jealous, it's okay.

You're also probably jealous that you can't trick or treat in my neighborhood. Well, a few of you probably could, but not most of you. Check out what I'm handing out:

( Boo Bags 2007 - with a guest 'helper' )

The good news is I finally made a suitable octopus box. The bad news is I have to say goodbye. It'll be sad, but he's going to a good home.

Trick or... hey, have you donated to charity lately?

So two separate groups of girls just came by and gave the same schpeal: "Hi, we're from Fellowship Baptist Church and we're collecting canned goods for the homeless."

Well, that's nice. But you know what? This is Halloween. I am giving out candy and toys to the kids who dress up and traipse around the neighborhood. This isn't exactly a night of charity, you have to work for it. Some kid just came to the door dressed as a cowboy lugging a giant inflatable horse around his waist. Now THAT is dedication to the art of Halloween.

Look, I realize charity is a good thing. But you know what? We get it shoved down or throats at every opportunity, at EVERY holiday (I swear I'm about ready to throttle those Salvation Army Bell ringers - they are EVERYWHERE all Christmas season. I purposely try to shop places that don't allow them, as I have been very rudely hounded by them in the past. Look, I'm sorry, I really don't carry cash. It's a check-card world, woman.) and up until now, Halloween was a nice break. Other than giving away the candy (though you usually get a fair amount of amusement in return) it's been a lovely guilt-free charity-free event.

Even if I'd really had much in the way of canned goods (I think I have a can of French Cut Green Beans, a single can of soup and some Tomato Sauce and Paste) I wouldn't have given it to you. Because that's not what Halloween is about.

This Stephalopod has ceased to be!