City Views, Country Dreams

Good morning from New York.

It's a bright day, but around the neighborhood some folks have been busy decorating for the cold, dark Halloween night that will arrive tomorrow.

Some of the brownstone houses have beautiful harvest seasonal displays arranged on their front steps.

Here is a close up view to show the variety of gourds, pumpkins, plants and twigs that have been used.

As I walked along and looked up to the windows, I began to notice a certain change in the direction of the decorations.

There's a rather quiet fellow sitting by this window....

Spiders and their webs began to appear.

I spied a mummy through the window of the Magnolia Bakery at the corner of West 69th Street and Columbus Avenue.

Emboldened by the warm afternoon sun, I continued my walk.

It was difficult to actually find all the scary features that were on display in front of this house.

Children that were walking along with their parents on their return home from school were giggling and shrieking.  Many cameras were in evidence.

Large, furry spiders dangled overhead.

Strange contents were contained in a clear plastic bag.  A large orange spider crawled up the stair railing.

Minty green spider webbing created a nest for this fellow.

Are you all still with me?  This doorway was wide open.  No secret password required for anyone brave enough to enter.

The house next door was more secure, perhaps waiting to open to the sound of Trick or Treat.

Costumes featured in some displays.  Do take a look at that clear globe.

More glad rags.

He's resting up in the boxwood, waiting for the Big Night.

The thoughtful residents of this house have placed an orange caution cone at the curb edge of the entrance way.

Anticipating a big party ahead, this chap has put on his special Halloween hat.

I thought I heard a sound behind me and turned around to see another very large spider.

That spider seemed to be biding its time, planning its next web design.  The fellow below was dressed for a cool October night.

The coleus plants at the base of this tree had to share space with some spare parts.

Yes, another spider, a little brother to the giants dangling in the air.

It was almost a relief to see this charming ghostly couple watching us passersby.

Another charming duo offered a street level welcome.

I am uncertain how Trick or Treaters are going to be able to climb up this stairway to ring the door bell.

Bit of pirate spirit here.  With teeth.

More red spiders, perhaps attracted by the pretty greenery in the window boxes.  It might be a good place to spin a web.

I do hope that you all have enjoyed this little tour of some of the extravagance that makes its appearance around this time every year.

Happy Halloween!