Halloween can make your hair stand on end.

California Gull & I took our broods to a local senior citizens home to celebrate Halloween with the residents there.
Mockingbird was begging to go home as soon as we stepped in, and honestly, I didn't blame her. We've not been to a residential center before ever, and to see 50 people in wheelchairs lining the hall plus all the costumed orderlies was initially a bit of a shock.
Especially since there were some green-skinned witches, very convincing zombies with gauges, and a big, tall man poured into his tights, tutu, and pink wings later identifying himself as "Gerry the Fairy." (I thought the barbed wire tattoo on his left bicep really brought the whole outfit together.)

Bowery Bird won the prize for best Children's Costume as the Bride of Frankenstein.
(I think it was due solely to the clapping and cheering of  Frankenstein in the back.)
Add some black rain boots and a sheet--literally draped and cut (see the fairies in Sleeping Beauty for directions) to an amazing up-do and you've got a pretty creepy gal.

How to achieve the 14" do?
1 water bottle
6 bobby pins
Lots of regular and colored hairspray
and my talented friend, Puerto Rican Parrot.

 

Some silhouettes I did for Bantam Hen.

 

 

And Canary running from the paparazzi.

 

 

 

Colonial Days

Around the 4th of July near our stomping grounds, a colonial village of sorts pops up. Time warps and coincedental school subject correlations are something I jump on when the opportunity (or TARDIS) presents itself.
Near the entrance was a wonderful Mayflower replica with all kinds of seaworthy instruments I couldn't figure out how to work--but they were pretty!
Then further in was a traditional oven with colonial treats at practically colonial prices (we each went back for thirds.)

Sauntering in some more we found a large tent lined with replicas of the the Pilgrims and Indians from the Pilgrims and Native American's time.  and even some Spanish Conquistador armor for trying on. (It was heavier than it looks.)
There were plenty of ways for the kids to try-out colonial life; school sessions (Bowery Bird & Mockingbird donned white ruffly caps), rope-making (Kingfisher made 3), water hauling (very time-consuming), and even colonial costumes to try on (so fun for us & generous of them!)

There was a casket maker's tent, pottery, wooden tureen ware, lace-making, preaching, and lots of little white tents for the volunteers to over-night it (a surprised Kingfisher lifted the flap to one.)

But most memorable indeed was the tent filled with military uniforms of various wars--Revolution, Civil, etc. apparently still soiled with blood and worn with wear.
Amazed, I asked the young man standing there, "These are great! Where did you get them from?"
"Get what from?" he responded.
"the costumes--where do they come from?"
"My closet" and he looked me square in the eye.
And if you were fool enough to ask the same question again (I am) a smart aleck would respond the same (he did.)