A couple of years ago, my dad, who adores Halloween, dressed up like a scarecrow--complete with burlap bag head and a 2x4 through the arms of his tattered denim jacket, sat quietly on their porch swing, waiting for trick or treaters to come up and ring the bell.

When they stepped up onto the porch, he leaped up off the swing. Some poor kids ran, screaming and terrified. My mom came storming out of the house yelling, "Dammit, Joe, I TOLD you not to scare the kids!"

We had a fun halloween with maybe 50 kids

bt the best part - i had a witch costume on , my neighbor was dressed as snow white. So I gave her an apple. She kept telling the kids about the nice witch that gave her an apple -- and the kids kept telling her not to the apple because it was poisoned It was awesone

I had to fill out a fun facts thing about me today. They asked for the weirdest food I've ever eaten. I answered, "Circus Peanuts."

I hope shrift wanders by so I can squeeze out some more Gone-to-London tips.

I didn't really do much shopping while I was in London. I mostly went to museums, monuments, parks, and West End plays. Somehow I suspect that Regent's Park is less glorious when it's not summer.

We went to Harrods just to say we did, and also because we were already in Knightsbridge, but the store was so jammed with tourists that I cannot imagine actually trying to shop there without having a panic attack.

Um. There's the Covent Garden Market across from the London Transport Museum that has crafty things and food and street performers, and there are a lot of clothing stores on Long Acre between Drury Lane and St. Martin's. There's a shiny new shopping centre next to St. Paul's Cathedral. Gabriel's Wharf in the South Bank which has art, jewelry, food, and fair-trade stuff.

My friend took me around Notting Hill and told me about the market on Portobello Road, but alas, we weren't there on a Saturday.

Edit: Tip: get Thai food at The Churchill Arms pub in Kensington!

And another tip: it's probably worth it to sign up for LivingSocial London daily deals prior to the trip, because I scored cheap tickets to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead that way. That, or go to the tkts boot in Leicester Square on the day of.

and the kids kept telling her not to the apple because it was poisoned It was awesone

I love this so much! Still with the magic in their hearts!

The kids never did come by last night. I guess the 40F drizzle kept them home. Wimps. When I was a kid I braved snow to get in my trick or treating. *shakes cane*

I managed to sleep from 9:45 to about 1:30. Stoopid cold.

Alarms not due to go off til 7:45; I might try to go lay back down again in a few.

Sniffle. Sneeze.

I think today is not happening. In fact, I believe I will be visiting a clinic about my ears. Sudafed is not really clearing them up.

She kept telling the kids about the nice witch that gave her an apple -- and the kids kept telling her not to the apple because it was poisoned It was awesone

I love this!

I am up too early and I'm grumpy.

Good morning all.

Damn,the tavern/restaurant right across from my vet burned down yesterday morning. I am so out of it, totally missed the news.

We had the best TorT ever. For those who have missed it, the kids and I are currently not living in our house due to the divorce. So I dressed the kids up and first we went to see two friends who were in Iraq with Joe. I wasn't sure how I would be received but they were both wonderful and supportive (with candy for the kids).

The.n we went to our neighborhood. My intent was to let Joe see them:the right thing to do. But he wasn't home. Instead, our cul de sac had an impromptu kid block party that started with everyone so happy to see us all. Ellie and Frisco ran around with all their friends, spread their candy out on the driveway in the dark, and just caught up and hung out. It was so cute to see and it made my heart feel good after two very difficult weeks.