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Thursday, October 31, 2013

A Halloween Howdy

Thought for the day:  Halloween was confusing. All my life, my parents said, "Never take candy from strangers." And then they dressed me up and said, "Go beg for it." I didn't know what to do! I'd knock on people's doors, and go, "Trick or treat!" "No thank you." [Rita Rudner]
Hi-ya. I'm back. Sorta. We're back in town, but I'm not really full tilt boogie on blogger yet. Too many other things to do. (sigh) Really, I've been working my butt off... Oops! Darn. Never mind. I just looked, and it's still there. (Dammit.) Anyhow, I've been restocking the larder, raking a mountain's worth of leaves, washing a mountain of laundry, shampooing carpets... you know, all that fun stuff. And guess what? We even went to the movies! First time in fifteen or twenty years, so talk about sticker shock over the cost of tickets. (But we saw Gravity... in 3-D! Loved it!) Anyhow, I wanted to take a few minutes to wish y'all a Happy Halloween.

So, Happy Halloween!!! (y'all)

Okay, just a few quick pictures, and then I've gotta run...



AR-AR-AR!!! Granddaughter Devyn makes one cute pirate, doesn't she?


But she makes a cute bumblebee, too.
Aaron's our super little man,  Kymber's always a little princess. and (shhh... don't tell him!) I'm not sure about Jaiden's costume. Power Ranger, maybe? Whatever he is, he's a cute one.

And here's three of the Florida grands, modeling some of their costumes while we were in Florida. I do declare, Persephone looks like she stepped right out of the pages of Gone With the Wind, doesn't she?  Ella makes a super duper Jasmine, and Olivia? A delightful pirate lass.




Okay, I'm gonna include a few you've gotta be kidding me pictures of dogs dressed up for Halloween. The poor beagle doesn't look at all happy, does he?





Doggone it, (heh heh) I've really gotta go. But before I do, let me remind y'all to turn those pesky clocks back an hour on Saturday night...


                                       Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.

Know what? I'll bet living in a nudist colony takes all the fun out of Halloween. (Pssst! Don't forget to practice safe hex!)
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94 comments:

  1. ManzanitaOctober 31, 2013 at 12:41 AM

    Everything's getting a good spit and shine at your house. I always think dogs look so unhappy when dressed up. One exception..... chihuahuas. They seem to have been born to show off their costumes. One Christmas I tried and tried to get a picture of Cody wearing a santa hat but she looked so sad I cried at every picture.
    Keep having fun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiOctober 31, 2013 at 3:09 PM

      Yeah, this is such a good time of year to spiffy up the yard, and throw open the windows and do all those pesky indoor jobs that need to be done. Not TOO hot, not too cool. And you know how it is... one job forever leads to another.

      I agree. Dogs look pitiful when they're stuffed into costumes, like their dignity is insulted.

      Will do! You, too.

      Delete
  2. Geo.October 31, 2013 at 1:09 AM

    Wonderful pics, Susan! None cuter. There's a distinct brightness that accompanies your return to my bloglist.

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiOctober 31, 2013 at 3:32 PM

      Thanks! Awwwww, what a sweet thing to say. (A real "treat"!)

      Delete
  3. Empty Nest InsiderOctober 31, 2013 at 2:01 AM

    Your grandchildren are all adorable, and their costumes are as cute as can be! Love the doggie costumes too! My favorite is the order of fries.

    Julie

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiOctober 31, 2013 at 3:44 PM

      Thanks. We think so, too. For a party the Florida crew went to, our son wore his Falcons football jersey, and little Atlas was dressed as... the football. (I never got to see a good picture of that, darn it!)

      Delete
  4. Elephant's ChildOctober 31, 2013 at 2:58 AM

    Awww to the grandbabies. Not convinced about the animals.
    Happy Halloween to you - and I hope there are sufficient treats for you as well.

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiOctober 31, 2013 at 3:48 PM

      I know what you mean about the animals. The look kinda pitiful.

      Happy Halloween to you, too. Oh, yeah, there WILL be "sufficient treats" for me, because I skim off the top!

      Delete
  5. AnonymousOctober 31, 2013 at 3:35 AM

    Your grandchildren are adorable--& would you be happy with a knife through your head?!!

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiOctober 31, 2013 at 3:58 PM

      Thanks! (We think so!) Um, no, can't say that I would... I'd prefer an arrow.

      Delete
  6. Stephen T. McCarthyOctober 31, 2013 at 3:49 AM

    'D-FensDogg' wuz here...
    He wuzn't sober, ...but he wuz here.

    ~ D-FenzD--
    Oh, I'm too tired to fin--

    ReplyDelete
  7. BrittaOctober 31, 2013 at 4:22 AM

    Dear Susan,
    good you are back - and so cute grandchildren you have! I loved the costumes. And of course the dogs' costumes too: hahaha: "Doggone". Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiOctober 31, 2013 at 4:20 PM

      Hi-ya! Yes, I'm baaaaack! (Sorta.)

      Doggone, it's good to hear from you again.

      Delete
  8. Mr. CharlestonOctober 31, 2013 at 6:10 AM

    I know what you mean Susan. Too busy to even post from the trip up to Columbus, much less Lakeland.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiOctober 31, 2013 at 4:30 PM

      There are fewer hours in a day now, I tell ya. Fewer hours in a day.

      Delete
  9. Jenny WoolfOctober 31, 2013 at 6:29 AM

    These are so funny! thanks for the laughs today on this rather grey and rainy Halloween in London :D

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiOctober 31, 2013 at 4:45 PM

      Sorry about the grey and rainy, but that beats the stuffing out of that scary storm y'all had a few days ago. Happy Halloween!

      Delete
  10. Plowing Through Life (Martha)October 31, 2013 at 7:39 AM

    Hahaha...loved the last one about turning back the clock to the age of 20!

    All the kids look adorable!

    Happy Halloween.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiOctober 31, 2013 at 5:00 PM

      That one about the clock cracked me up, too, but I don't think I'd wanta go THAT far back.

      Thanks. Happy Halloween to you, too.

      Delete
  11. Optimistic ExistentialistOctober 31, 2013 at 7:45 AM

    So glad that you're back!! Love the doggy costume pics. Hilarious. Happy Halloween :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiOctober 31, 2013 at 5:10 PM

      Thanks ! Me, too... we got ourselves plum wore out with all the walking we did in Florida.

      Happy Halloween!

      Delete
  12. Connie KellerOctober 31, 2013 at 7:46 AM

    Loved the photos of your grandkids! Looks like you had a great vacation.

    Have fun playing catch-up with the housework. I've got a pile of ironing calling my name.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiOctober 31, 2013 at 5:20 PM

      Thanks! We sure did.

      I've got a bunch of stuff calling my name, but the ironing is very quiet. I don't do nearly as much of that as I used to do. YAY for permanent press!!!

      Delete
  13. AnonymousOctober 31, 2013 at 7:54 AM

    Kids and puppies and Halloween costumes...perfect. I'll turn my clock back but....I won't like it.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiOctober 31, 2013 at 5:22 PM

      I'm not thrilled at turning the clock back, either. It'll get dark sooooo early.

      Delete
  14. Pat HattOctober 31, 2013 at 8:23 AM

    Welcome back
    Don't flick any boogies at my shack
    Pick and flick
    How sick lol
    Poor mutts
    That is what they get for sniffing butts

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiOctober 31, 2013 at 5:36 PM

      Happy Halloween, my friend.
      All vacations must come to an end.
      We had a ball; we had a blast,
      But "play all day" ain't meant to last.

      Delete
  15. DEZMONDOctober 31, 2013 at 9:30 AM

    have a spooky Halloween, dear! We don't have it here, but I hope you will enjoy it big time!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiOctober 31, 2013 at 5:57 PM

      Thanks! Lots of candy and lots of cute little kids knocking on the door... what's not to like? (Hopefully, there will be lots of little kids, anyway; otherwise, I'll be eating all those calories myself.)

      Delete
  16. StratPlayerCJFOctober 31, 2013 at 9:43 AM

    Have a fabulous Halloween!

    Loved the pics of the grandkids! “A grandchild is God's reward for raising a child.” (Bill Cosby)

    And I actually prefer the revised, more common (but unattributed) version: "Grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your own kids!"

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiOctober 31, 2013 at 6:05 PM

      I like that second quote, too. And this one, by Gene Perret: "An hour with your grandchildren can make you feel young again. Anything longer than that, you begin to age quickly."

      Happy Halloween to you, too!

      Delete
  17. Commander ZaiusOctober 31, 2013 at 9:54 AM

    I dig the basset hound with the fake knife through the head. He, or she, looks like I feel.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 1, 2013 at 8:10 AM

      Aw, you poor thing. Better take some Advil. (Or a cold beer...)

      Delete
  18. Luanne G. SmithOctober 31, 2013 at 10:24 AM

    Happy Halloween. Love the costumes. I have a Boston Terrier like the one n that lobster suit. She would probably go into a week's long depression if I made her dress up like that though.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 1, 2013 at 8:40 AM

      Thanks. It was happy... we had more children come to the door last night than we've had in quite a few years.

      HA! I can't imagine any self-respecting pup being happy about being paraded around in that costume.

      Delete
  19. SuzeOctober 31, 2013 at 12:53 PM

    The beagle pic shocked me! I literally gasped and moved back. Yes, the images of your little ones were a treat. And, weirdly, I was particularly enamored of the foyer (?) pic with Ella as Jasmine. It looks super home-y.

    I was going to say I would never turn back my clock to 20 but then I realized something as I was getting ready to type it. Think I'll munch on that a bit.

    Happy Halloween!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 1, 2013 at 10:18 AM

      Yeah, the beagle's something else; he even has bloodshot eyes. (Guess he was out on a bender, and has a killer headache...) I'm glad you liked the foyer. Our daughter-in-law goes out of her way to make it look and smell good. (with candles and scented waxes)

      I don't have to munch on it. I wouldn't want to be twenty again. Forty was kinda nice, though...

      Delete
    2. SuzeNovember 1, 2013 at 4:59 PM

      I have a feeling I am gonna rock 40. ;)

      Delete
    3. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 1, 2013 at 5:53 PM

      Without a doubt!

      Delete
  20. Julie FlandersOctober 31, 2013 at 2:10 PM

    Oh my gosh all the grand-kids are so cute! Adorable. Love the doggies LOL.

    Happy Halloween!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 1, 2013 at 10:41 AM

      Thanks. We're a wee bit on the biased side, but we think all the grands are adorable, too.

      I hope you had a super Halloween.

      Delete
  21. JonOctober 31, 2013 at 2:14 PM

    Glad to know you're still among the living (I often have a hard time convincing myself that I am......).
    Have a hauntingly happy Halloween!

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 1, 2013 at 10:50 AM

      Yeah, we're among the living and back at our old haunts again.

      We did! Lots of kids at the door. I hope you had a super Halloween, too.

      Delete
  22. Launna October 31, 2013 at 2:43 PM

    Happy Halloween Susan... I hope you have a fun evening ;-)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 1, 2013 at 10:59 AM

      Thanks. We had fun with all the cute little (And big... even one very pregnant gal!) costumed kids who came to our door. Hope you did, too.

      Delete
  23. Janie JunebugOctober 31, 2013 at 3:16 PM

    The beagle looks suicidal.

    Love,
    Janie

    ReplyDelete
  24. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.comOctober 31, 2013 at 5:09 PM

    Lots of sweetness in those photos.

    Happy Halloween, dear Susan.

    xoRobyn

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 1, 2013 at 11:14 AM

      Yeah, the kiddies ooze sweetness. (When they want to...)

      I hope you had a wonderful Halloween, kiddo.

      Delete
  25. Susan Flett SwiderskiOctober 31, 2013 at 5:49 PM

    Thanks! Same to you.

    ReplyDelete
  26. JoanneOctober 31, 2013 at 6:08 PM

    Happy Halloween. I love all the kid costumes - just too fun and adorable. They would get multiple pieces of candy from my house. Keep cleaning - I'm NOT, in order to keep the world in balance. Let me know when you are done, and maybe I'll swish a dust cloth around - ha! take care

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 1, 2013 at 11:19 AM

      I hope you had a terrific Halloween, Joanne. I LOVE your perfectly reasonable theory about doing your part to keep the world in balance. I'll have to remember that excuse... I mean "reason"... the next time I opt to ditch the housework. Thanks!

      Delete
  27. mshatchOctober 31, 2013 at 8:02 PM

    ooh I saw Gravity, too, wasn't it amazing?! I was impressed. And your grandkids are cute as hell!

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 1, 2013 at 11:23 AM

      Yes! I thought it was a terrific movie. (I was so impressed, I didn't even get up to go pee... not even once!)

      Thanks. We think so, too.

      Delete
  28. Yolanda RenéeOctober 31, 2013 at 8:17 PM

    Fall cleaning, such fun! LOL
    Love the photos, Halloween is all about the kids, and those cute dogs, poor things!

    Happy Halloween!

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 1, 2013 at 11:53 AM

      Oh, yeah, the fun never ends around here. Best thing about cleaning is admiring your handiwork after it's all done.

      I hope you had a spook-tacular Halloween, too.

      Delete
  29. Pixel PeeperOctober 31, 2013 at 8:35 PM

    Welcome back...and let me tell you, there is a karma rule somewhere that any trip has to be bookended by tons of laundy!

    We saw Gravity last Sunday. Took about an hour after the movie for the white knuckles to subside.

    And your grandkids look so adorable! Happy Halloween. It's one of my favorite holidays. Cute kids in all sorts of costumes come to our door, say "trick or treat," and hold out their sacks for me to pick out something. So sweet! It's too bad we're getting less and less kids every year...

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 1, 2013 at 12:15 PM

      HA! I think you're right about laundry.

      How neat that you saw that movie, too. I really like Sandra Bullock, and hope she at least gets an academy award nomination for her role in that movie.

      LOVE your comment about picking out your favorite treat from the bags. Too funny. We actually got MORE kids coming to the door this year than usual... which meands LESS leftover candy to stuff into my mouth. Not sure if that's good or bad, but while I'm trying to decide, I think Publix has its leftover candy on sale for half off today...

      Delete
  30. klahanieOctober 31, 2013 at 9:10 PM

    Greetings human, Susan,

    Yes, finally, your eager wait for my comment is finally over. A delightful collection of photos. Sorting our the house and making things sparkly clean, no doubt. If it wasn't for Sir Isaac Newton discovering gravity, we'd all be still floating around. Dontcha' reckon, y'all.

    Cute grandchildren and cute dogs. Is that "Dog Vader"?

    Thrilled to see you put up a pawst. And hey, Happy Howloween!

    Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar! :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 1, 2013 at 12:20 PM

      Yep, if Newton hadn't discovered gravity, we'd all be in a pickle. And if Edison hadn't discovered electricity, we'd all be watching TV by candlelight.

      Thrilled to be back to put up a pawst, Penny. I hope that Gary gave you a fair share of your favorite Halloween treats.

      Delete
  31. The Happy WhiskOctober 31, 2013 at 10:11 PM

    Great Halloween pictures. Happy Oogie Boogie Day.

    ┈╱▔▔▔╲▕▔▔▏╱▔▔▔╲┈
    ╱┈╱▔▔╲▔▔▔▔╱▔▔╲┈╲
    ▏▕▂▇▇▂▏╱╲▕▂▇▇▂▕
    ▏┈┈┈┈┈▕▂▂▏┈┈┈┈▕
    ▏▕▔╲▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂╱▔▕
    ╲┈▔╲▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂╱▔┈╱
    ┈╲▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂╱┈

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 1, 2013 at 12:37 PM

      Oh, aren't you clever??? (Why yes, YES you are!) Love your picture.

      I hope you had a happy oogie boogie day, too.

      Delete
  32. angryparsnipOctober 31, 2013 at 10:16 PM

    A big yeehaw back at you.
    Love the grand kids all dressed up so cute.

    Granddaughter was a Hanshin Tiger (Japanese Baseball team) Butterfly
    So cute. I used to make the kids costumes every year and miss it.

    cheers, parsnip

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 1, 2013 at 12:43 PM

      HA! Do they say "Yeehaw" in Arizona? (Well, evidently, YOU do, so DUH...)

      I'll bet your granddaughter looked adorable. We had lots of kids come to the door last night. Kids of all ages... one was even verrrrry pregnant. (!) Some of them weren't wearing costumes at all, and a couple weren't even carrying a bag. (?) But some had fantastic costumes, and it was a lot of fun seeing them. Now, (darn!) I guess my hubby and I have to finish up the leftover candy.

      Cheers. Happy weekend!

      Delete
  33. RiverNovember 1, 2013 at 5:24 AM

    You have such gorgeous grandchildren! I love all the costumes, even the ones on the animals.
    Don't forget to take a break in between working those jobs.

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 1, 2013 at 12:49 PM

      Thanks.

      Oh, I'm taking plenty of breaks. Gotta stop and scratch every couple minutes. For some inexplicable reason, mosquitoes love me, and I got a ton of bites when I was raking. Instead of getting better, the darned things itch worse every day.

      Happy weekend!

      Delete
    2. RiverNovember 2, 2013 at 1:06 AM

      Dab each bite with disinfectant to stop the itch and add a little vinegar to your daily diet, mosquitoes hate it.

      Delete
    3. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 4, 2013 at 5:50 PM

      I've been disinfecting like mad. Seems like the darned bites are multiplying.

      I've heard that anti-skeeter tip before. My problem is, I prefer to drink my wine before it turns to vinegar. I may have to reconsider...

      Delete
  34. Rosalind AdamNovember 1, 2013 at 7:55 AM

    Hope you had a happy Halloween. Love those dog pictures. Wouldn't dare try it with the cats though!

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 1, 2013 at 12:58 PM

      Thanks, Roz. We had a terrific time. I hope you did, too.

      Uh, no, I don't believe I'd ever try putting a costume on a cat. They aren't nearly as tolerant of our failings as dogs are.

      Delete
  35. Carol KilgoreNovember 1, 2013 at 9:32 AM

    Welcome back! Loved all your photos and funnies :)

    ReplyDelete
  36. Sherry EllisNovember 1, 2013 at 1:25 PM

    Those are all adorable! I'm amazed those dogs allowed themselves to be put in costumes. Schultz would never go for that!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 1, 2013 at 1:39 PM

    Schultz is obviously much more dignified than the ordinary dog.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hilary Melton-ButcherNovember 2, 2013 at 4:59 AM

    Hi Susan .. gosh - now you've practised .. could you pop over here and help out with the cleaning, laundry et al!! Sounds and looks like you had a fun time with them grandkiddlies ... and Halloween .. yes you survived I see!

    Those photos always bemuse me! Cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 2, 2013 at 11:01 PM

      Sorry, luv, you're on your own. With the way the leaves are falling,
      I may be busy raking our yard for the six weeks!

      We did indeed enjoy our time with the grandchildren. The youngest was born six days after your Prince George, so he's our "little prince."

      Cheers!

      Delete
  39. Al PenwasserNovember 2, 2013 at 2:39 PM

    Problem with Halloween at a nudist colony. Half the costumes are of Jimmy Durante.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Oregon Gifts of Comfort and JoyNovember 3, 2013 at 4:52 PM

    Hi Susan! Just spending the day visiting my blog friends ... glad that you had an enjoyable trip. Your grandkids are adorable.

    Hugs,

    Kathy M.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 3, 2013 at 5:59 PM

      Hi-ya, Kathy! Good to hear from you again. Thanks.

      Hugs back atcha.

      Delete
  41. mail4roseyNovember 4, 2013 at 8:56 AM

    lol you're punny. :) And the grandkids all look cute!!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 4, 2013 at 3:11 PM

      Yeah, I know. It's a curse. :) And the grandkids... our blessings.

      Delete
  42. VR BarkowskiNovember 4, 2013 at 12:47 PM

    OMG, I'm in love with the fast food collies. How cute are they?

    I adore Halloween, which is why my entire October was nothing but Halloween—easy to do in Salem. I did wear a costume to the Witches' Ball, but I looked nowhere near as adorable as any of the subject posted above.

    Hope your Halloween rocked, Susan!

    VR Barkowski

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 4, 2013 at 3:17 PM

      Yeah, me, too. They're really cute.

      You've gotta be in one of the best places in the country to celebrate Halloween. (I wonder if anyplace else even HAD a Witches' Ball?)

      It did. Sounds like yours rocked all month long.

      Delete
  43. JJNovember 4, 2013 at 4:38 PM

    I never thought about it, but we all tell our kids not to take money from strangers, and then dress them up and send them out! The dogs are great!

    ReplyDelete
  44. S.P. BowersNovember 4, 2013 at 6:49 PM

    Happy Halloween! (four days late) The grand kids are adorable!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Julia HonesNovember 4, 2013 at 7:15 PM

    Welcome back, Susan!
    I love all the pictures your shared here.

    ReplyDelete
  46. BECKYNovember 4, 2013 at 7:42 PM

    Hey you kooky woman, you! Just stopping by to say howdy!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiNovember 4, 2013 at 11:19 PM

      Hey, back atcha! Good to hear from you again. Now it's my turn...

      Delete