I
usually run with a theme. I promised to take you to my city's newest statue today. I lied. I do have photos of it but will not post them until next week.
I know I have said on several blogs that we don't really do Halloween here (despite the stores attempting to get us to play). I went in to do my usual shift at Lifeline on Halloween Day - and was greeted by lots of decorations. The staff go to great lengths to give us treats, show us we are appreciated and inject a little fun into what can be gruelling shifts. They were there from 6am until midnight and some of them were dressed for the occasion too.
It was unexpected but we were all smiling. And well fed.
The offerings in my own street were much more meagre.
No-one came knocking at our doors either.
However you celebrate (or don't) Halloween I hope you had a pleasant week - and some fun.
River Fairchild - Here in the states commercialism smashes Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas all together like a train wreck, exhausting people. I liked the decorations at Lifeline, not excessive and the skeleton in the chair felt so much like my own job it made me laugh. The treats looked yummy too! It’s always nice to feel appreciated, something that’s sadly gone missing from employers here in recent years.
ReplyDeleteI hope you’re feeling better and sending hugs your way. Give my homage to the furry tigers in your house.
River Fairchild: The staff at Lifeline go out of their way to make us feel appreciated. Which we appreciate. Who hasn't felt like that skeleton after a day (or sometimes an hour) at work. Thank you from me and the ferocious furs.
DeleteSuch good fun!
ReplyDeleteMelissa Baker: It was.
DeleteHi EC - those look fun - what 'a lovely' thing to do for the people who volunteer ... great to see - thank you. We have a few here ... but Guy Fawkes is our day ... bonfires everywhere ... glad you enjoyed the day ... mine is peaceful ... I'm embedded in the Plantagenet era. Cheers and talk soon - Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: The staff go out of their way to support and encourage us. I didn't expect Halloween treats, but enjoyed them. Happy diving into the Plantagenets. I am currently reading a book about your royalty - and while I have just started it I am enjoying it.
DeleteI don't think the dude at the desk will be of much help to anyone...
ReplyDeleteNice they decorated. We personally don't do anything for Halloween.
Alex J. Cavanaugh: There were other people there to take his calls. We don't do anything for Halloween either.
DeleteCute spooky fun.
ReplyDeleteHena Tayeb: It was fun.
DeleteIt was pouring here. I didn't get any candy to hand out and nobody came a knocking anyway. Too wet I think.
ReplyDeleteStrayer; How I wish we had some of your rain. It is heating up fast here, and we need it. I hope you had a quiet and restful night.
Deletethecontemplativecat here. Clever costumes and decor. Here in California, Halloween is done up big.
ReplyDeleteSusan Kane: Halloween celebrations are virtually non existent here.
DeleteI love Halloween, no matter where I live, Halloween comes with me. Looks like they did a great job celebrating. I love SKelly sitting at the desk with headphones. What a hoot.
ReplyDeleteThe Happy Whisk: They did an excellent job didn't they?
DeleteSo good! 🎃
DeleteHalloween - the tackiest holiday ever. But gotta love the guy at the desk. That's what can happen to you when you're stuck waiting on hold.
ReplyDeleteMarty: We never wait very long for the next call to come in - and hopefully our callers don't either.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteI don't do Hallowe'en, but well done to your colleagues for the decorations. It's always good to smile.
Have a good week
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: We don't do it either but hypocrite that I am I was glad to enjoy the fun (and the treats). You have a great week too.
DeleteGood morning, EC. It looks like some stayed too long at their desks! :)
ReplyDeleteNo door knocking here...storms were knocking and rocking, though.
I hope the week ahead treats you kindly...my cuddles to Batty and Odie. I hope, too, that they are doing fine. :)
Lee: Thank you. We could do with some of your storms. We desperately need rain. Next week (and the one after) will be busy. The cats are doing well and Batty's fur had nearly grown back after his latest surgery.
DeleteThe rain I don't mind at all, EC, but the storms are worrying. I think everyone up here where I live are on edge now when storms are brewing....after what occurred on Christmas night, last year, we're all a bit jumpy. I know I am. I was chatting with a couple of gentlemen of around my age or a bit less yesterday and they were saying they feel similar when they hear the rumble of thunder. Many folk here lost their homes during the Christmas night "tornado"...and it was a wild, wild event. Fortunately my humble little abode wasn't damaged, but I was without power and water for more than two weeks, not a lot of fun. And I had to purchase a new TV. It was one night, one event, I never want to experience again. Rain...yes....wild storms, no. :)
DeleteLee: I am not at all surprised that storms have you, and everyone else who endured that, very, very wary.
DeleteNo doubt a nice gesture.
ReplyDeletePersonally, on 31 October I do neither celebrate Reformation Day nor Halloween.
The latter has become an economic factor (costumes, make-up, etc.), anyway. In this country, the estimated annual turnover: half a billion.
Enjoy a scary-free Sunday, Sue.
Sean Jeating: It was a nice gesture, even for those like me who don't celebrate. I don't know what our Halloween turnover is, but know that the stores would like it to be much higher. Tough.
DeleteA scary free Sunday sounds good.
So many fun yards decorated here and about. I saw a new Spirit of Halloween store up the road, imaging much was carried out of there. That platter of watermelon has me craving it so much. I just watched a show earlier, a gal had a huge glass of watermelon juice. I must go on a hunt tomorrow if I can find a good one! Happy November!
ReplyDeleteCj: The watermelon was a nice touch. As well as the sweet treats the staff always try and ensure that there is fruit to enjoy. There were a couple of mangoes too - my favourite fruit.
DeleteI hope your month is marvellous.
I would have moved my chair to the watermelon plate.
ReplyDeleteMike: You would have been welcome to make as many trips to that plate as you wanted - in between answering calls.
DeleteWhat a great surprise and fun. Is the skeleton sitting in the chair foreseeing your future?
ReplyDeleteAndrew: I hadn't thought of that - but quite possibly that skeleton is in my future. I can think of worse places to go.
DeleteWhat great Halloween fun. No expectations, just fun.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: It was. Which was lovely.
DeleteOh goodness this was an some exciting fun and how cute to actually see skeletons hard at work! Halloween is one of those fun filled holidays for all ages! Thank you for this fun Sunday post!
ReplyDelete21 Wits: We really don't do Halloween here, but it was fun.
DeleteLove the skeletons at the desks and the carved watermelon. I've sent that picture to a couple of my kids, maybe next year they will have carved watermelon at their Halloween parties. Hope Batty and Odie are keeping well. And you too.
ReplyDeleteRiver: Thank you. The cats are doing pretty well. I am struggling a bit. I hope that your kids will carve watermelon - it looked (and tasted) great.
DeleteLove that skeleton. A bit of fun doesn't go astray, EC.
ReplyDeleteMargaret D: There is always room for fun in my life.
DeleteI can't help but smile... We're rural enough that we don't get kids trick-or-treating. Still, aside from candy sales, there is a lightness that makes me smile. I need the smile because of the possibility of what could happen this coming Tuesday. Hugs from the other side of the world. (Insert evil laugh here)
ReplyDeleteBill: From this side of the world I will be watching your election. Anxiously. And that you find plenty to smile about.
DeleteThe kindness is palpable. We need more. I had no idea that Halloween was even celebrated in Australia.
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: Halloween is barely celebrated here - but the kindness of the LL staff made them latch on another reason to pamper us.
DeleteWhat a great way to cheer up the volunteers at Lifeline! Looks like fun.
ReplyDeleteMarie Smith: It was a lovely gesture wasn't it?
DeleteI love the decorations. I didn't get any kids knocking on my door this year either but my grandson got two huge bags of candy while trick or treating.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: I am glad that your grandson did so well.
DeleteGreat photos and what a wonderful boost for all who work so hard!
ReplyDeletee: Thank you - and it was.
DeleteWhat a great way to inject some fun into the work. Thank you again for being a blessing to those in a crisis.
ReplyDeleteMy selections are in the usual spot, over here.
messymimi: It was fun - and thank you. I enjoyed your Sunday Selections.
DeleteBelated "Happy Halloween"! I'm glad to hear that you got treats instead of tricks. :-)
ReplyDeleteDiane Henders: Lots and lots of treats.
DeleteHow fun1 I love that they try to make things as fun as they can for the people working the shifts. I love Halloween and Halloween decor- but I know it isn't celebrated everywhere. Lots of people actually decoracted more than usual this year. I noticed many yards with 10 ft tall skeletons with glowing eyes etc. Very festive! Glad you got to enjoy some Halloween fun. :) And treats are much better than tricks!
ReplyDeleteDMS: We are one of the places that doesn't really celebrate so the effort put in by the staff at Lifeline was a surprise, and definitely a treat.
DeleteI saw those 10' high skeletons too.... but where do you store them after halloween is over?????
DeleteShammickite: Ditto the humungous Christmas decorations that some households put up.
DeleteFun halloween decoration....they remain me a about hocus pocus movie...
ReplyDeleteThe watermelons are watery and sweet...i really like red watermelon...greetings
Mbul Kecil: The water melon was inspired wasn't it?
DeleteI live in a 55+ community so there are no little ghosts and goblins knocking on the doors. I really miss seeing the little ones all dressed up. Some of the houses in the wider area were quite spectacular with lights and noises and skeletons and graveyards.... ooooo spooky! Growing up in UK we didn't have Halloween tradition but I think its all over the world now.
ReplyDeleteShammickite: Halloween really doesn't have much of a foothold here. Yet.
DeleteHow fun! The staff there sure does have a great sense of humor. I love watermelon.
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: A sense of humour is invaluable in the type of work they do. They put in v long hours too.
DeleteLOL what a fun and spooky Halloween. I can tell you sometimes I feel that I will wind up finally typing my last at my PC and wind up like the photo of the skeleton in front of the PC, Hopefully, still a long time in the future and what a way to go. I hope you have a great new week ahead.
ReplyDeleteRasmaSandra: I suspect that the cats at least would notice my absence long before I got to skeleton stage. Yours would too. Have a great week.
DeleteUnexpected fun can be better than planned fun!
ReplyDeleteWe had a quiet Halloween but Gini is concerned I can't seem to remove my mask and it's scaring everyone.
Have a great week EC!
Wally Jones: Unexpected fun is always welcome. I hear you on a face that frightens passersby...
DeleteHave a beautiful day.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
rsrue: Thank you - you too.
DeleteI carved out a smiling pumpkin. Gave it a grinning Halloween face and lit the tealight candles inside.
ReplyDeleteSpacerGuy: That sounds great. Do you have any photos of it?
DeleteMy Halloween was quiet (just as I like it) but there were quite a few families out and about dressed for the occasion as witches, ghosts etc.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed seeing your photographs here.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member: Quiet is as we like it too - and we didn't see anyone out and about near home.
DeleteHow wonderful that they went all out for you. This makes me smile :) you all so deserve this.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Thank you. The staff go above and beyond in their support for us.
DeleteI like that watermelon!
ReplyDeleteCloudia: So did we.
DeleteI didn't grow up celebrating halloween but the littlies love dressing up and visiting neighbours so I feel that it brings a smile and a sense of community that is pretty special.
ReplyDeleteKim: We didn't celebrate either though we were in and out of each others houses a lot.
DeleteDoes it count if you just link your blog in a post?
ReplyDeleteDanielle: It does - but please leave a comment here so we know to go and visit you.
DeleteThat was quite nice. Some distractions, good ones, go a long way.
ReplyDeleteCaterina: Positive distractions are always welcome.
DeleteSome of those skeletons look like I do on a bad day.
ReplyDelete;o)
Cheers
PM
Plastic Mancunian: On bad days I look more like a witch than a skeleton.
DeleteAquí en España, la opinión está muy dividida en cuanto a la celebración de esta fiesta, pero aún así cada año se ven más niños disfrazados y creo que mucho tiene ver que en las escuelas de preescolares los maestros les dedican un día a ello, y van los pequeños disfrazado.
ReplyDeleteYo tuve la mala suerte que a mi casa llamaron de 6 a 7 veces,, pero siéndote sincero no abrí la puerta a ninguna de ellas.
Un cordial saludo, Sue.
Manuel: It really isn't celebrated here, and no-one knocked on our door. It was nice of the staff at Lifeline to provide us with treats though.
DeleteWhat a great job your staff did, Sue! I live in a gated community for people over 55. We don't get any trick-or-treaters. I miss them. Enjoy the ret of your week!
ReplyDeleteFundy Blue: Despite there being young children just across the road from us (in two houses) there was no Halloween action here. I hope your week is healthy and happy.
DeleteI cant see a comment of mine so I guess I just thought about writing one!
ReplyDeleteI like the fun of the decorations and who can resist watermelon?
It's great to be recognised, we all want to be seen and as volunteers you need the recognition even more than a paid person
kylie: I like watermelon until I bit into the first floury one of the season and then like apples I stop eating them until next year.
DeleteI really appreciate the support the staff give us - but am not sure I want to be seen. Flying under the radar suits me better.
Not the skeleton manning the phones!! We do the cute side of Halloween. Not the scary stuff though. :)
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: After a gruelling shit I think all of us have felt like that skeleton from time to time.
DeleteI assume that calls were coming in during the party, but then this would suggest that you guys kept the noise down. I miss trick-or-treaters, but so few kids were coming around anymore that I started keeping my front lights off. As you might imagine, watermelon probably wouldn't appear at a Halloween Party in Oregon USA.
ReplyDeleteSnowbrush: Calls were certainly coming in. Mostly we took our treats and retreated back to the phone room(s) = which were indeed kept quiet. How are your cats? And you and Peggy?
DeleteThe cats are all well. As for Peggy, she has been suffering from dizziness, although she appears to be getting better. I''m in the process of switching narcotics, and am currently in withdrawal.
DeleteYou don't come around as much as you once did, and I miss you. Of course, I don't blog--or visit blogs--as much as I used to either, but please don't take my absence personally.
Snowbrush: I am glad to hear that the cats are well. In your last post they were not and Peggy was away. I hope your withdrawal isn't too rough on you.
Delete