Happy Columbus/Indigenous Peoples' Day

Today’s Holiday wasn’t listed on this month’s Activity Calendar, so looks like the holiday fell by the wayside and management missed another opportunity to take the day off.

In fact, but for the fact the Catalyst posted a meme of actor Peter Falk in his role as the bumbling LAPD detective Columbo, with the caption "Happy Columbo Day", I’d have missed the day as well and another opportunity to set the record straight as to exactly who it was that discovered who.

Except for news of yet another war, today started off well for a Monday.

Driving out of the complex the long way around, to check on decorated patios, I felt a tad better about the apathy of other residents seeing at least one more patio display had gone up.

Upon returning from this morning’s workout, I walked over to take that above photo, which looks to have a Day of the Dead vibe, and came across one of our bingo usual suspects setting up a display that looks to be part Halloween part Thanksgiving.

Seeing me taking photos, she motioned for me to wait; whereupon she ran inside; returned a few seconds later wearing a witch's hat.

I’m thinking the hat is a dead giveaway as to what she’s planning on showing up as at the residents' Halloween Costume Party, Friday the 27th, which party is replacing that Friday's bingo game.

With not much else going on, it's looking like the Costume Party is going to be standing room only.

I'll have to decide if I want to skip that morning's workout, so I can arrive early, take photos as costumed residents walk through the door OR if I want to make a dramatic entrance by arriving late, take whatever photos I can then take.

I'm leaning towards the dramatic entrance.

As for the patio decorations ... with the two pumpkins on patios across the grassy knoll, my display and the above two, that’s 5 out of 178 units getting with the program.

It’s a start.

So Far So Nothing

It’s been unusually quiet here on the complex.

The calm before a storm?

There is also not a lot of Halloween spirit on the place.

Except for a pumpkin on the patio of a resident across the grassy knoll, and an even smaller pumpkin on the patio of her next door neighbors — the couple that moved into the unit previously occupied by the Black Witch, my now decorated patio is the only other homage to the holiday thus far.

Skelly is in his Johnny Depp, Captain Jack Sparrow evolution — even has the requisite eye patch.

I really wanted to pose Skelly giving the bad finger; but alas, the fingers don’t have individual joints that can be posed.

The Smoker’s unit is ready for new tenants. I haven’t seen anyone come look at it yet, but seeing my dark side patio display may give them second thoughts about leasing a unit in this quad. LOL.

I imagine residents participating in patio decorating would be a different story if management hosted a decorating contest, which they did two years ago — the only time it was done in the 12 years I’ve lived here. The idea of winning a prize had residents decorating in droves but, with no incentive this year, there’s no motivation.

Halloween Day proper actually falls on a Tuesday. Perfect day for a costume party, pumpkin decorating, etc., because Tuesday is Activity Director’s day here.

But nooooo. Not even a mention other than the day blocked off with HALLOWEEN in big letters on the calendar.

What does that even mean?

Does it mean Activity Director is taking the day off?

A movie matinee has been added to the calendar — Friday, October 20, 1:00 - 3:00.

That’s suspiciously new, but there is no mention of what movie is being offered.

Who does that? … Arranges for a movie matinee but then give no information on the movie so folks can decide if it’s something they want to see.

Oh well, something is better than nothing to some of the residents, so they’ll show up. I myself refuse to play the game — prefer nothing, so I’ll pass.

Today was the first day I’ve been feeling like myself since returning from Long Beach. I was so stressed driving up and driving back, due to a now fear of driving long distances because of that tire blowout I experienced last month, that I’d been completely devoid of energy and off center since returning.

It didn’t help my energy level that I ended up with a gut episode that lasted for days because, even though I tried to be careful insofar as what I ate at the Sprinkle's brunch, I wasn’t careful enough and suffered the consequences.

I came back so not myself and so off center that I went through the whole entire of Wednesday thinking it was Friday and didn’t figure it out until 8 pm that night when Survivor came on.

Since when did Survivor move from Wednesday to Friday, thought I, when the show came on.

After pondering it for a bit is when it hit me — the day was not Friday.

I’d even walked out of the Pain Cave that day saying "See you Monday".

Trainer didn’t correct me, so I guess he didn’t hear my mistake.

Oh well. I’m back to myself today — worked out in the Pain Cave, stopped by the market after — where I found the young lady security guard gone, the hugging security guard (let’s call him Mr. Huggy) returned, shampooed the carpets and worked a little on clutter management.

It was a productive day.

BTW, I didn’t ask Mr. Huggy where he’d been or offer a friendly greeting, just kept it cool with "Hey dude". Whereupon he responded, "Hello ma’am". And that was that.

On tap for tomorrow is nothing. Since housework is done, I can just sit tomorrow and watch the world go by.

Everything Everywhere All at Once

Season 45 of Survivor begins tomorrow.

I’ve never missed a season, don’t plan on missing this one, but the thing is Big Brother has yet to conclude (I’m rooting for Matt to win) and Amazing Race is waiting in the wings ready to jump into the lineup.

What with Halloween Wars, the Halloween Baking Competition, Cookie Challenge, Outrageous Pumpkins, et al., it’s everything everywhere all at once.

The seniors had yet another food fest hosted by Activity Director today — a Welcome Fall Luncheon.

I wasn’t planning on attending, could not have attended even if I had wanted to because I was scheduled with Nora at 11:00.

Inasmuch as the seniors were being encouraged to "Wear your favorite football team to show who you’re rooting for this football season", had I gone, I’d have worn my Twilight Team Jacob tee, cause that’s the only team shirt I own.

Eleven o’clock with Nora almost didn’t happen.

I’m a punctual person. Actually, always early so as to not inconvenience others. So, arriving 10:50, I checked in, took a seat, and it really chapped my hide when eleven o’clock came and went.

I don’t know if the client she was working on was late, which pushed into my 11:00 but, along about 11:20, I had this urge to just get up and walk out.

Shame to do so, thought I, because I really liked the vibe of the salon, and loved this sign on the salon wall.

I knew that, had I walked out, it would be another salon I can never return to so, desperately in need of a mani/pedi, I forced myself to be patient but, making the decision to be patient only for so long, set the alarm on the phone to 11:30 and, if not called to Nora’s station when the alarm went off, I’d get up, walk out, no explanation.

She called me up at 11:28.

Happy with the work she did, the vibe of the salon, I told myself to not be so annoyed if it happened again which, looking at the popularity of the salon, it will. So, I’ll be prepared for a wait next time with a book to read, because the work she did was worth the wait.

As you can see, done waiting for October 1 — the First of Halloween to get here, I decided yesterday was close enough and put up the front door decorations, and a new header this afternoon.

I’ll probably string the candy corn lights on the patio railing before I take off for the weekend, and return on Monday with only having spider webs and Skully the skeleton to put in place.

BTW, Nori isn’t any older than the other girls in the salon. They’re all about the same age, and are Swifties — fans of Taylor.

It’s a good thing I’m a bit of a Swiftie myself because, along with my favorite country music, they played quite a lot of Taylor in the salon, while speculating she is in fact dating that football player.

All in all, looks like I’ve at last found a nail salon and no longer have to do my own mani/pedis.

The thought did occur to me that, inasmuch as I now know Nora will likely always be running late, that I should arrive late.

Thing with that is, it would be just my luck she'd be running on time the day I showed up late.

I once did just that with a hairdresser who would stay home until I arrived ... on time, have someone from the shop call her to say your client has arrived then, after having me wait, she would leave home, arrive at the shop acting all important and stuff.

Why?

I've no idea, except it pleased her to do so.

When I decided to not play this game with her again, to not book her or return to that salon in the future, I pranced myself in very late.

She was in the salon waiting and looked shitfaced when I walked in saying I was late because I knew she wouldn't be there anyway, would have made me wait.

Too stunned to react, and embarrassed — because the other stylists were smirking at her (they knew what I'd done, why, and enjoyed the drama), she nevertheless did my hair, and that was the last of us.

I bet she learned her lesson, and never tried to play that game again with another client.

Last Call for Halloween

Yesterday being last call for Halloween, I wore my skeleton leggings to that morning’s workout.

Patio lights were turned on for the last time and today is put everything back in storage day.

It was a fun display while it lasted, only one of a handful of others. That is if you don’t count Painted Rock Lady’s display, which only went up last Wednesday.

"Why now, why so late with Halloween just days away", asked I when I saw her setting up.

She didn’t have a good answer, other than there not being a contest this year.

Whatever.

Her next-door neighbor then made an effort to get in the spirit by putting up a display — if you can even call it a display.

Red Light put her display up in a timely manner, but it was just a wink and a nod to Halloween compared to her last year’s display, which won her first prize in the decorating contest.

Two others got in the spirit without there being a contest.

Then there was the cute little Dalmatian I spotted yesterday afternoon, as he stopped by to show grandma his costume.

My pumpkin held up very well — no rotting, attracted no pests.

Pity to toss it in the dumpster.

I thought about sneaking it onto the college campus for the squirrels to have at, even offered the pumpkin to the Baker to make pies.

She says she’s buying her pies these days, rather than bake from scratch, and campus security would probably catch me in the process and lock my arse up, so to the dumpster it is with the pumpkin.

The skeleton cowboys are staying put as an all-year-round display and, while at the market, I saw another skeleton I could not resist.

This skeleton very much resembles Jane, the Lead Attorney I'd blogged about as being one of three female attorneys who made my working life miserable.

The skeleton carries that same haughty stance as Jane AND even the boney leg peeking out from a slit in the skirt reminds me of the day she wore a skirt to the office that had a slit up the side. Erroneously thinking she looked sexy, she walked around sticking her boney leg out to show the slit off.

She only wore that skirt once, so I imagine she got the message how ridiculous we all thought she looked.

A subsequent visit to the market brought home a sister to sit beside that skeleton.

In the throes of an obsession with skeletons, I would have taken this guy home as well, except he was a display, not for sale.

Yesterday was Day 22 of Mildred’s 30 Songs in 30 Days Competition — "A song that moves you forward".

My long deceased ex-husband tried to trap me in the marriage by attacking my sense of self. Telling me that no other man would want me and I couldn’t make it on my own without him.

Thinking to myself that if no other man wants me, I don't want you!, I managed to escape him and, not only did I attract more than my fair share of male suitors thereafter, but I supported myself and my babies with no help from him.

Now a senior, fortunate enough to still attract male attention — albeit unwanted attention, living on my own, paying my own bills, making my own entertainment, there are too many songs celebrating the independent forward moving woman; but the one that's like a slap in the face to insecure men who try to hold women back by telling them they can't make it without them is one by Runaway Jane that makes me LOL and think of my ex rotting in his grave while I'm still out here doing my thing.

It also makes me think of when my neighbor Handsome Man made his pitch for our hooking up by saying it would make things easier for the both of us.

I was thinking easier how? inasmuch as I'm not lonely or having a problem supporting myself.

Today’s challenge is "A song you think everybody should listen to".

Edwin Starr told us what we needed to hear back in 1970, but inasmuch as there’s one going on now and a possibility we’ll be drawn into it if things go nuclear, Starr’s warning bears repeating.

Jokes on Them

I had three packages go missing recently ─ two on September 30, one on October 1.

The way it works around here is that the mail carrier puts packages into a lockbox, then puts the key to the lockbox in our mail slot.

A good system.

However, the system is only as good as the mail carrier. So, if the mail carrier puts the key in the wrong mail slot ─ which unfortunately often happens when we get a substitution for our regular mail lady, deliveries go awry.

Of course, when I get a key, open the lockbox, find that the package is not addressed to me, I walk it over to the correct unit.

Unfortunately, that does not always work in reverse.

Whoever was getting my packages in error in the past has been the recipient of makeup, bras, a $50 creative memory cover set (that is no use to them without the insert pages), and now two photo deliveries and scrapbook paper.

No way of tracing who received the items ─ unless I catch them with what they’ve confiscated. All I could do and did was file a complaint with the post office — which goes nowhere, does nothing and reorder the items. Only this time in reordering, I paid a lot extra (more than the price of the actual items) to get the photos and scrapbook paper shipped by a carrier, rather than trust the USPS not to screw up again.

The bright side of this latest snafu is that the joke’s on the person who is willing to set themself up for karmic retribution for not doing the right thing because the box the scrapbook paper arrived in is deceiving.

The box is rather large and gives the impression of something grand and glorious inside.

Consequently, it’s tickling me to no end to imagine the disappointment when the person opened the box, saw it was pretty papers they probably have no use for, can’t sell, and the other two packages are non-descript photos of no value.

Joke’s on them.

Except for a rather large jack-o-lantern gracing the patio of a unit across the grassy knoll, I’ve not yet seen any patio displays other than mine and Red Light’s, but it’s early still. So maybe other displays will pop up closer to Halloween.

It appears Wrong Way Witch’s broom has returned to the scene of the splat down.

Actually, I missed seeing a broom so much that I made one by twisting masking tape to look like a handle and gluing straw as the bristles — straw I plucked from a decorative straw bale I had in the trunk of the car (Don’t ask. Besides ... doesn’t everyone keep a big ole bale of straw in the trunk of their car?).

I actually wanted to use a twig from one of the trees as the broom’s handle, but the landscapers and tree trimmers did such a good job of cleaning up the property after the flash flood and on their usual landscaping days that there wasn’t anything on the ground and nothing I could reach in the trees.

Looking online at the witches that did have a broom, the masking tape and straw looks every bit as legit.

More incline training this morning, after which is bingo.

I actually haven’t been feeling bingo lately and somewhat resent wasting the time away from my unit, but bingo is the only time I make contact with others around here, have an opportunity to get caught up on the tea, and they serve really good tea at bingo. So, bingo it is!

Say Hello to My Little Friend

Wrong Way Witch

It appears the GPS on this witches’ broom malfunctioned because, hearing a crash bam boom late one night, I looked out and found she’d run smack dab into the patio door that houses the water heater.

She either lost the broom in the commotion, or the broom took off without her.

At any rate, she’s pretty well stuck to the door for now but I expect, come Halloween night, the other witches will realize she’s missing, send out a search party, find her stuck, peel her off, revive her with some potion, and she’ll be out flying again next Halloween.

As for what else is on the patio, this is what I see from my perch on the couch.

It makes me smile.

This is what those walking down the pathway see.

Hope it spooks them a little.

I was the first in the complex to put up front door decorations, and Red Light was the first to set up patio decorations.

Thus far, it appears we’re the only two in the complex but hopefully our decorations will spur others to get with the program.

Red Light and Talker are still not speaking to each other. In fact, the Talker wasn’t present at bingo last time. Time will tell if her staying away has something to do with not wanting to be in the same room with Red Light.

Also not coming to bingo is Dream Lover. His now ex-girlfriend is always in attendance, so I’m guessing it was a test of wills to see who was going to flee. She won.

Yesterday was Day 1 of restarting incline training in the Pain Cave. Trainer set the pace at 3.4 mph, which is way faster than I ever would or could attack a hill, but I managed it, no problem. So, barring any unforeseen workout injury, I’m good to participate in the Mission Inn 5K.

Wrong Again

Arriving at the nail salon, I could see more bulbs have burned out on the sign.

It now reads “acial waxing”.

Which is an improvement on the “racial waxing” it previously displayed.

Arriving on time, I was immediately seated, and the pedicure began in a timely manner this time, but the guy receptionist/manager still got it wrong.

He once again failed to book a manicurist.

Just as Kim was finishing the pedicure, she asked, "Are you going to get the same color on your nails?"

"I’d planned on it but, since no one has started on the nails, let’s take that off the bill".

"I’ll do it for you" says she.

As I mentioned the last time that guy got it wrong back in March, and Kim had to step in and do both, she’s an older woman who can do wonders on a pedi, but makes for a lousy manicurist.

I had to ask her to correct areas where nails she’d shaped appeared lopsided and, once back at the complex, I had to do 911 with an emery board, to smooth jagged edges. Not to mention the paint job didn’t last two days.

Inasmuch as I can do a better job on my own nails, I declined her stepping in this time. However, not wanting to hurt her feelings I made out like I didn’t have any more time to spend in the salon.

The guy who screwed it up again and who runs the place like a plantation, ever watchful on what the girls are doing — working or talking, came out of nowhere to see what was going on.

Speaking to him in their language, she must have told him there’d been confusion as to who was doing the manicure.

He turned to me and said, "I thought you said Kim was going to do it".

Knowing him to be a screwup, trying to avoid another mishap when I'd booked the session, I'd attempted to lock in the name of the manicurist by asking him "Who is going to do the manicure?".

"Whoever is available" was his cocky answer so, at that time, he knew I was looking for a manicurist and should have written it down next to the appointment.

Lucky for hin, while seated in the chair having the pedicure done, I’d been plugged into the Apple iPod, and was listening to a medication tape.

The speaker has just said the secret to a harmonious existence is to not react to appearances of discord, stay calm. So, all mellowed out, I just calmly said, "No" held up two fingers, continued with "and this is your second time" then slowly shook my head as if to say you poor pathetic fool.

He kept apologizing.

I did not say don’t worry, it’s okay, because it wasn’t. I just gave him that I'm disappointed in you look and shook my head.

Maybe if he paid more attention to what he himself is doing, rather than keeping an eye on the girls, working them like slaves, he’d not make so many mistakes.

So, anyway, I stopped off at Ulta Beauty on the way back to the complex, purchased a color to match the toes and will do my own mani some time tomorrow.

The trip to Floor & Décor was enlightening. The business should be called Floor & Walls, because that’s all I saw and nothing I’d classify as décor.

Fortunately, construction on the next-door Home Store had been completed and the store was open.

Looking for a new patio chair, I was drawn to one of the Egg-Shaped chairs and will probably go that way if I can find a store that delivers a fully assembled chair.

Walking through the front door of the store, this is what I saw.

They ready.

Of course, I had to browse the Halloween Isle. Captured a few photos of gnomes to show Debra (She Who Seeks).

Couldn’t resist buying this little guy for myself.

I'm seriously thinking about going back and getting this spooky tree.

I don't imagine we'll have a Halloween Patio Contest, as that was a one-time deal concocted by Manager No. 9, and he's gone. But I always decorate for Halloween anyway, so why not.

Too Soon?

On the parking lot at the other market Monday — the non-security guard market, heading in for a few items, I saw a couple loading their car with groceries. The woman had a rather large Santa figurine in her arms, which I assumed she’d just bought while inside.

Thinking it kinda of early for that, when we’ve not yet had Thanksgiving, I walked out of the market 20 minutes later with eggs, kale, tomatoes, frozen potatoes and ……

I couldn’t resist.

Setting him up on top of the bookcase, where he can’t be missed, seeing him with his hot chocolate and plate of gingerbread men cookies makes me smile.

Also makes me anxious for the Day After Thanksgiving, when the tradition is to haul my other Christmas decorations out of storage, get them set up.

Rumor has it that the Tyrant is so pleased with himself over the Halloween patio decorations contest, that he’s doing it again for Christmas.

Is this the “something for everyone” the Tyrant was talking about when he told Activity Director he was taking the money budgeted for Arts & Crafts in November AND December? 

Is the "something" lousy trophies for Halloween Patio winners AND Christmas Patio winners?

My guess is yes, but trophies for the top three is no more promising "something for everyone" as was his "family friendly only" declaration.

The bad thing about these contests is the Tyrant taking credit for something us residents have always done.

The good thing about these contests is more residents than the usual handful will join in, as it was with those Halloween pop up displays.

Walking up at 4 a.m. this morning, too early to start my day, too early to make noises that would disturb my neighbors, I logged onto the laptop, popped in my earphones and watched the Season 2 Finale of Heidi Klum & Tim Gunn’s Making the Cut.

Unlike Season 1, when I was behind the now famous fashion designer Johnny Cota from the beginning, I could not decide between two designers.

I viewed both as underdogs (I have a tendency to root for the underdog) — the guy because he appeared to struggle with physical afflictions, which I felt was making it difficult for him in the business; the woman because I felt the color of her skin was making getting ahead in the business difficult for her.

I couldn’t pick between the two right up to the finale, but at least my record of picking winners was on point, because both were in the finale.

The current running Project Runway may end my winning streak because, thus far, I can't pick a designer to get behind as I don't really care for any of them.

At any rate, I had two takeaways from Season 2 of Making the Cut. The first takeaway being a godawful outfit Heidi was wearing in Episode 3.

What?

Why?

The second takeaway was a fabulous jacket one of the judges was wearing in the finale.

I may have to find this design on a workout tank top OR make one myself.

Trainer tells me he had a woman come into the studio asking, "Do you take seniors?"

"Sure", said Trainer. “I have a client who’s 77”.

"Oh no!", said the woman. "I mean like me ... 35".

Trainer, being 35 himself and not thinking of himself as being anywhere near a senior, said he’d been so surprised at what she’d said that he’d blurted out "What the f__k!". LOL.

First of all … In what world is 35 considered a senior?

Secondly … he’d answered her question when he’d said he had a client that was 77 because, if the woman was worried about being too old to train at Age 35, him saying he has a client way older should have allayed her concerns.

Maybe I should change the design to "Eat the Stupid".

Actually, it’s kind of sad that someone at 35 is thinking of herself as old … a senior.

Where’s Bernie

Remember the “Where’s Bernie game” that was going around a while back? I think I found him … in the flesh.

I popped into the corner market after this morning’s workout and there he was. LOL.

Driving through the parking lot a week ago, heading to the drug store, I saw a different security guard standing outside the market. Same uniform, so same company, which led me to believe the other security guard was history.

A few days after that, I popped into the market because I thought the coast was clear and, sure enough, he appeared to have been replaced, which caused me not to hesitate to pop in after this morning’s workout.

Walking in, I saw no one.

Walking out, there he was … the old security guard. Guess he was on vacation last week.

At any rate, he was engaged in conversation, didn’t look up, so I was able to get out without feeling harassed by his eyes.

I began taking down my Halloween decorations before I headed out to the Pain Cave this morning. Finishing upon my return, everything is now back in storage until next year. Looking around the unit, it’s almost as if Halloween never happened … except for the leftover goodies.

Halloween night was a bust — not a single trick or treater.

Oh well. The kiddies missed out on some good safe oreo cookies and full-sized candy bars.

Heading out this morning, I drove the long way around the complex, so I could look for the mysterious 2nd Place Patio winner.

Lo and Behold, there were some pretty nice displays set up that side of the building, which surprised me. Surprised because they were not there the last two times I’d driven the long way out looking for patio displays.

I can only conclude these were pop-ups — set up just days before Halloween.

I don’t see the point with so few days left in the month to enjoy your work, but whatever.

The Monthly Calendar, posted to my door just minutes ago, makes it official ... the patio with the creepy doll won First Place.

Second Place was one of the patios I spied with my little eyes when I drove around this morning.

Second Place

Third Place, as stated in the last post, was neighbor across the quad downstairs corner unit.

This one, that I also just saw this morning, was nice, but did not place.

As for what they won … trophies.

Little trophies, with a pumpkin head topper.

Trophies that I suspect were paid for with the money budgeted for our now cancelled November and December Arts & Crafts sessions.

Happy Halloween

Jan’s most recent artwork depicts a little boy and girl out trick or treating.

THAT’s as close as I’ll get to trick or treaters tonight but, just in case, I played it safe and purchased a box of individually wrapped Oreo Halloween cookies that will go to the Community Room table, marked “please take” tomorrow, if none of the grandkids visiting relatives knock on my door.

I don’t know what happened with the haunted house across the street, but it just never came to fruition. Days ago, the black tarp covering the windows was removed, the Halloween motifs on the outside of the building painted over.

As for the patio contest, it appears that, when I saw the Tyrant taking photos of downstairs neighbor corner unit across the quad’s patio (I've not yet thought of a name for her), it was for a positive purpose, not negative. The Grapevine says he gave her Third Place in the patio decorating contest.

I didn’t think to ask what the prize was (probably a gift certificate for the corner market), but I did say, “I’m surprised. I thought she’d get first place”.

The Grapevine (the Talker) said neighbor got knocked down to Third Place because "There’s another spooky one over there", and she directed me to go past the building she pointed to, and to zigzag “this way, go that way”.

In spite of the twisty turny directions, I found myself standing in an area I'm familiar with, as I usually stop by to see what the resident has put on her patio for past Halloweens.

After the Tyrant decreed "family friendly", I'd expected she'd be reluctant to put up her usual skeleton but noooooo. She not only ignored his decree, but went above and beyond.

That creepy doll and witch over to the left, are new additions to her usual display, as are those two creatures over to the right.

The skeleton I recognize from past Halloweens.

The heads, along the railing, also new, are actually Michael Myer heads — the character from the Halloween movie franchise.

This resident was in it to win it ... and the Grapevine is speculating she did.

I won't know for sure that patio is First or who won Second Place or where it's located on the complex, until I see the official announcement in the Monthly Calendar, which I expect will be posted to our doors tomorrow, but Third Place is confirmed.

In fact, I ran into the Talker on Friday, when I was returning from the pain cave. She was on her phone and, when she hung up, she said that was my neighbor telling her that the Tyrant had just called, saying she'd won Third Place.

That's got to be a record in how fast someone on the Grapevine delivered information to me. LOL.

Hopefully, I can get a photo of Second Place before the resident takes it down.

So, now downstairs neighbor corner unit across the quad knows who her competition is for next year. She's going to really have to step up her game to beat out the patio the Talker and I think is the First Place winner.

Downstairs neighbor corner unit across the quad also now knows, as we all do, that the Tyrant is full of horse manure and speaks with forked tongue when he caused some residents to not participate, afraid to put up their skeletons, with his "family friendly" decree and then chose displays with skeleton and bones.

And btw, the Tyrant better not take credit for this event, better not go thinking he's finally had a success, because we've always put up patio displays. The only thing he did was to take what us residents have always done — decorate our patios for Halloween and Christmas, and turned one such into a contest.