For many, this time of year is a joy. After all, there is a lot to like. For example, today is Allyson’s birthday! Woot-woot! And the weather on the coast has been just perfect! We have a blue sky, with colourful leaves, and I for one can’t quit looking out the window at the ocean and mountains. Things are just beautiful!

The walks I’m taking have been lovely. I walk out the door wearing a light jacket, and sunglasses. I can kick orange and red leaves to my hearts content. I constantly search for the biggest maple leaf I can find, and while I’ve found some beauts, they don’t seem to be as big as the ones we used to find on Bowen Island. (Side note here: I’m not tromping around in the bush where the bigger trees are, the way I did on Bowen either… I’m scared of bears you know.)

Still, for all that is good in the fall, I’m not a pumpkin spice girl, and I really do not like Halloween or Remembrance Day.

Today, I’m pissed off that I feel I must hide, in my own home this evening. The lights need to be off, because the children are wandering the neighbourhood, collecting ransom, in exchange for not vandalizing your house and car.

I’m not a fan of the feeling, that one must buy, and give away shitty, cheap candy, to allergy sensitive children, who now must wear non offensive costumes. And I must keep our dog from barking at strangers in our yard, and from being freaked out by fireworks all night.

I feel the same way about the red poppy sale Canadians shame you into buying this time of year.

I realize this is a rant and not a ramble and perhaps I shouldn’t hit post today. I could just let it all go! I know I may say something that (gawd forbid) could offend. After all Halloween is all about the children, and the poppies are for the vets. Neither are topics of my favour.

Okay, I’ll keep my head down for the next two holidays, and go kick some leaves.