Bizzare Tale of the Crushed Dog...

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009....as told and seen by one my son's...

"The Bizzare Tale of the Crushed Dog..."

Awaking to ugly and ominous skies this morning one could see the day was not exactly going to bring about sunshine any time soon...but the tales it spun were also unreal..

Reports from all around town and the effects of the storm were almost hurricane like! The damage to trees and property were pretty surprising...but none as bizzare as what I am about to tell...

High above the ground on the balconcies of one of Miami's many spectacular high rise condominuims, the wind was causing all kinds of havoc. Plants and furniture were being tossed around like paper. Way down below on the surface of the earth was a man walking his dog. Out for what one must imagine was their everyday routine only this day it would be anything but...

Unexpectedly and with no warning...my son sees a patio table being lifted up by the wind from one of the balconies way up top and ejected over the balcony...he watched as it swiftly fell to the earth...he watched as it landed...RIGHT ON TOP OF THE DOG! Splat...blood everywhere...it's owner devastated....poor dog....

Bizzare, very bizzare if you ask me....but also very, very lucky for the dog's owner! It could have just as easily been him....

I know it's nuts...it's only August...

But hey....gotta get going if the party is gonna happen. What party you ask? Why Halloween of course!! Love it. I've been doing this holiday my way for years. It all started out so innocently. A few kids, a few treats, some games. Eventually adding a front lawn cemetary and more creepy foods to eat was just natural progression. With each passing Halloween, my parties have grown larger and my creativity has soared to new heights!

The last 7 years or so I have been hosting what has now come to be a staple in my home every Halloween. At one point I opened it up to the neighborhood for a couple of years only to be amazed at how as many 300 or more stopped by and loved it! The world had spread like wildfire and everyone wanted to see! Unreal! And even though my sons are all but grown, they still insist on the party and are willing to help create our haunted house and fabulous party.

So while it is only August, October is right around the corner and the work must begin. It takes nearly 2 months to prepare and execute this event. I begin by converting an outside area of my home into a "house" of sorts (if you need ideas on how, ask me!). This is just the beggining of the bash! All guests are required to enter through this haunted house in order to enter the party. It adds the element of trick before treat and everyone loves it!! And the party?? Well that rocks!

Once inside, my guests are treated to all kinds of goodies they simply can't believe. The music, the lights, the smoke, the creepy, creepy foods (I need more ideas) all make for the best Halloween magic! Some of my guests have actually been to afraid to eat some of the foods I serve until someone else tells them how yummy it is!!!!!!!!

So as you can see, I need be a busy little bee. And while I have all kinds of goodies to incorporate this year, I would love to see if anyone has some fresh ideas out there. Anyone?? Hope to hear from ya'll....and muuuhahahahahahaha

Summer time is driving me bonkers already!!!!

Ahhhh Summer..so sunny, so beachy hot, rainy days and school breaks! What a way to go completely bananas as I am torn between wanting to play and having to work. It's not fair I say! I don't even have time to feel crazy...............it's totally insane!

I love...no wait...I NEED my peace and quiet at least for 5 minutes a day or I am one cranky contender. Nothing drives me nuttier than the inablitiy to hear the madness in my head! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the company of my teenagers and their friends. [Goodness, my food bill should have the grocers rolling out the red carpet for me!] But some days, I just want my money and my house back! Especially the money! Boy oh boy, is it me or does it cost an arm, a leg and your first born to feed growing kids these days???????

So as back to school quickly approaches, I am grateful for the memories but I sure will be happy with the extra time to think...think...think....so I can stay out of the looney bin. Thanks for your attention and please, share your madness with me...