Halloween Post Mortem
Well, it was a great Halloween. Lots of great yard displays, pleasant weather, and with Halloween falling on a Friday, there were lots of trick or treaters out on Alameda sidewalks.
I want to start out with some unfinished business. As I mentioned in my last report, I had one more yard display to cover. I would be remiss if I did not cover one of Alameda’s most popular Halloween displays. The folks that live at 1803 San Antonio Avenue have been creating politically themed commentaries for several years, and this year was no exception. Now, as a dog, I am definitely non-partisan, so I express no opinion on the substance of the display, but there was a lot of effort put into this year’s project.
Tradition dictates that in this after-Halloween report, I release the results of my informal survey regarding what Alamedans were giving out for treats this year. There was a lot of variety judging by the wrappers found on the street with the notable absence of chocolate-based candy. One possible explanation is the shortage of cocoa from West Africa and then there’s the whole tariff thing that has added to the expense. Regardless of the reason, I did not hear anyone complaining, but…can someone please explain to me what is “fun” about getting 8 pieces of peanut M&M’s in a FUN SIZE pack?! Geez!
New this year was the appearance of adult beverages on the street. Not sure who was giving out these cans, but I am sure they were very popular with the older crowd. Do you think they were checking IDs?
Another event that went on over the weekend was the Dia De Los Muertos celebration at the First Congregational Church of Alameda on Central Avenue at Chestnut Street.
I was very confused on Sunday morning when my HC (human companion) was an hour late for the morning walk. Lucky for him, I have good bladder control. The usual morning shadow was also much longer on our morning walk. Is this a time warp thing?
I also wanted to share a few of my favorite Halloween images. The orange fairy door with the peace sign and black cat showed up during COVID-19 many years ago, and I walk by it often during the year. It is a constant reminder of the best holiday of the year. The other scene is the seasonal pumpkin collection on Becca’s front porch. I don’t know exactly why I like it. It’s just sweet and classy.
If you don’t already know, I am obsessed in a very negative way about all the Christmas decorations and merchandise that makes an appearance right after Halloween. What the heck happened to Thanksgiving? I did manage to find two turkey sculptures in the window of the antique store on Park Street. If there are any other signs of Thanksgiving out there, please let me know.
And, I will give the folks at Starbucks a high four for at least waiting until after the 31st to put out all the holiday merchandise, seasonally appropriate drinks in seasonally appropriate cups, and don those red aprons. The boxes were delivered before the 31st and had big warnings.
I have one final picture of what I call a subtle but meaningful expression of the Halloween spirit. This single string of pumpkin lights goes up every year at this house. It’s not expensive or glamorous, but it does demonstrate that you don’t need a lot of money or fancy displays to celebrate the day.
I will end this report with what has become an annual observation about the human condition. Each Halloween, I am amazed that there are no reported injuries when I see the things drivers do like looking at yard decorations while slowly driving by the location. Equally shocking is the lack of pedestrian injuries from kids, sometimes accompanied by adults darting out between parked cars in the middle of a block. WTF! (What the fur).
While Halloween has passed, it is still ever-present in this reporter’s heart. I am already thinking about next year’s costume. This is Mouf, signing off and refusing to acknowledge anything Christmas until after November 24th.
Mouf, Roving Reporter
Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda
Mouf and his human companion can be reached via [email protected]. Their stories are collected at AlamedaPost.com/Jeff-Cambra/. All photos and videos by Jeff Cambra.
