Frost, Mice, and All Hallows’ Eve Magic

We woke to a stunning pink-and-orange Halloween sky, the ground silvered with frost and the temperature sitting at -5°C. Coffee was served in bed, and I moved on to publishing a blog post, working on photo downloads to OneDrive, and doing my Spanish lessons while Sheldon scrolled through his favorite updates on X.

Before showering, I suggested a soak in the hot tub, which was perfect in the cool, brisk air. once dry and dressed, Sheldon pitched hay for the horses while I made lunch.

Fridays are plant care days, so I tended to the houseplants—having done the orchids yesterday—while continuing photo sorting and editing for the next blog post. I finished one for Kaylin’s birthday, ready to publish. I also reorganized the pantry while S caught up on news, looked for a new kitchen TV, and browsed through blog posts on his laptop in big brown.

In the midst of that, Sheldon was on the phone with the service shop about Shaina’s Jeep. When he went to find the serial number, a mouse jumped out of the glove box, ran across his leg, and disappeared into the back! Shaina laughed when text and said, “Maybe it’s on sale for $10,000 now!”

I made Dave’s famous apple crisp while Sheldon took Harley for a walk in the now blustery, overcast afternoon, checking the bison skulls he has in the trees. Once back, he gave her a bath, and I cleaned her kennel, replaced the bedding, and washed the dirty blankets.

The Boysis family was coming for supper before trick-or-treating, so I made a big pot of chili—a Halloween tradition from when the girls were little. I usually made chili or hamburger soup so they and Sheldon could have a warm, hearty meal before heading out (or after coming home, frozen and happy).

While S napped in Big Brown, I worked on my password list. Later, when he moved the Ranger into the shop, he checked his “trap line” (aka the sticky trap in Shaina’s Jeep) and found the guilty party. I’m not one for torture—but I’m not fond of mice either—so I kept my distance.

The Boysis crew arrived at five. We powered down a quick bowl of chili, a short playtime in the castle, then loaded up to head to the Paetz’s, where Aislyn and Archer were waiting eagerly for our arrival to start trick-or-treating. Sheldon stayed with Craig to hand out candy and watch the ball game, while Nathan, Amanda, Kaylin, and I set off with the kids. After the first few houses—and a few game checks on his phone—Nathan gave in and joined the guys in front of the TV.

Thanks Amanda for this picture before Asher was off with friends

The grim reaper, Wednesday Addams and Baby Shark

First stop was the front door where Auntie Amanda let her choose what she wanted... well chocolate bar of course AND candy!

The littles covered plenty of ground (and stairs!) over the next hour and forty-five minutes, each filling a huge bag of candy. The weather was much better than last year, with a high of 10 degrees Celsius tonight.  Renn was over the moon—she just had to open her bag, say “trick or treat,” and be showered with candy. She happily accepted extra when offered, and many people adored her “lollipop” choice in her cute Baby Shark costume.

first official trick or treat stop

Wednesday giving the shark a lift

Many of the houses had candy givers in full costume, this one had a live creature on the deck that was instructed not to scare these little ones :)

Stop at Stouts

This house scared K last year but nothing super spooky this year, they do have cool bat lights again

This was the spooky house especially once behind the black curtain

Back at the warm Paetz house, the candy was inspected—by kids and at least one dad—while the ball game played on. Plenty of “taste testing” happened, too. Craig played the perfect host, keeping everyone’s glasses full. Unfortunately, the Blue Jays lost this crucial game with a few odd calls and errors, leaving the final showdown for tomorrow night during the church fundraiser.

Auntie B stopped after feeding her horses 

Cooper even came in from the car to join the party

Ada was picked up after the ball game ended having trick or treated with her "Toy Story" friends in another area of town.

Such a heavy candy bag

In Ottawa, Shaina and Matt were celebrating at a friends and did a couple FaceTime calls during the evening to be a part of the celebration here too

We laughed and visited late into the evening before heading home at 10:30 with Nathan’s excellent chauffeur service. Renn managed to stay awake until home, then everyone drifted off to bed.

What a fun, memorable All Hallows’ Eve—a day of frosty skies, family, and a touch of magic. 🎃