Life in the Middle Age Lane

When we first starting going to Fantasy Fest ,we had no idea that this would turn into a yearly event for us.  And every year it just gets stranger and stranger.  It's definitely an adult Halloween party that last about 10 days and after a few days you wonder if anyone there is  from Earth. These folks just got in from the farm along with their own "Mad" cow. Friday nights costume was a toga.  I probably could have used a slip but did not pack one and this costume was a last minute one, bought at Fairvilla.  A huge store that probably makes all their money this month right down the street from the pier. You probably are asking why I'm the only one in costume while John gets to wear his normal clothes.  It's part of the fun in attending Fantasy Fest, our group of women love the costumes and make up. Gotye   Can't have a parade without beads being thrown. This is just a glimpse on the craziness that go...

This is our third day in the Keyes and have enjoyed amazing food, good friends, and lots if good laughs. If ever down hear you must go to the pier at the White Tarpon and try the Key Lime Martini.

Key West , Florida I have no idea who those folks are in that picture.  But it sums up what Fantasy Fest is all about in a PG13 sort of way.  First time we went to Key West was in 2008.  John's employers keep their boat docked in Key West and they invite us down for this festival every year in October.   Do you know that insurance commercial with Mayhem causing mishaps and accidents.  Well, it's like a whole week of those for most of the attendees at FF.  It's a great place to people watch and see the most amazing costumes.  And also to see no costumes, or clothing, or inhibitions.  Not a place I would take my kids to but I would take my mother.  She would have a blast looking at everyone! So many different costumes.  I guess the best way to describe it is Halloween for adults on Pixy sticks. Lots and lots of Pixy sticks. One of my favorite stories was told to me on the day we were leaving Key West and we are sit...

Entertaining In the past month I have planned a Ghoul's Night out at my home for 20 close friends and neighbors, in the process of helping with the neighborhood progressive dinner, coordinated a booth for our 100 year celebration of Girl Scouts with my troop of Ambassadors, making trophies for a friends Halloween Costume Party, made boo baskets , helped with my mother in laws wedding, hosted a car sense and craft for our Ticktocker girls and currently planning a ceremony/celebration for Shelby's Gold Award. With all the planning, meetings, and gatherings in October I came across some fantastic vendors and websites.  I felt it would be beneficial to many with the upcoming holidays and festivities to share them.  Plus having a cold and not being able to go running or running around has me "couch"- ridden. I found  http://whipitgoodcookies.blogspot.com/  , owned by a Spring resident, which makes this very convenient for me when ordering my cookies. The cook...

Me and Bruce Campbell :) I grew up with two brothers and a mom who loved scary movies.  SO much so that at age 10 she took us to the drive in theater to see the Exorcist.  Yes, you read it right.  The Exorcist. I was fascinated by the scary movie and had no nightmares or traumatic affects from it.  But I am sure that you could find someone that would argue that point. It is no wonder that when October comes around my television is on 24/7.  Well, almost.  You see, the scary movies are aired during this month on various channels.  Rosemary's baby, The Omen, Jeepers Creepers, Silent Hill, etc.  I do have to admit, my favorite ones are the comical scary ones like Evil Dead (hence the picture of me and Bruce Campbell) and mostly the Abbott and Costello movies. I am a big fan of Bruce Campbell and have met him twice at book signings (yes, I read too.)  He has made some really good B rated sci -fi movies that I highly recommend f...

  October 2002-Halloween One thing I miss among many is our annual pumpkin carving with the kids.  Everyone enjoyed picking a pattern and digging out the guts of the pumpkin.     Emilio was about 12 years old here. Before contacts, braces, and puberty! John and Shelby busy at work, she was 7 years old and full of personality at this age. As you can see in the below pictures. Shelby was in 1st grade this year and at her private school they truly got into the "spirit" of the holiday with games, treats, crafts, etc.  I still have the t-shirt they made in school with glow in the dark paint and spooky stamps.  Great idea moms!  They also played a race of mummy wrap in the playground. I sure am glad that I was able to be there for all the fun activities at their schools. 

I hosted a Gals Night out for friends and neighbors last night and here are the recipes to some of what we had.  Bacon wrapped dates stuffed with almonds were easy and can be done a day in advance.  I did use the reviews recommendations and used thick bacon and baked them at 400 for 25 minutes. Another huge hit at the party was the Blue Cheese-Bacon Dip and I made this in the morning and just placed the ramekins in the oven 25 minutes before the party. My good friend and neighbor, Paige, made Apple-tini's for the girls.  They were delicious! The next recipe is from Southern Living. The Guacamole-Goat Cheese Toasts with diced tomatoes and tomatillos.  One more thing I made and I prepared this on Thursday and chilled until the party was a Green Goddess Dipping Sauce . I was going to present them in shot glasses but opted to just tray them due to unexpected house guest over the weekend.  (I loved having John's family over.) I was s...