We’re running out of days. Do you have your trick-or-treat candy? Do you have your costume picked out? Have you draped your mirrors to prevent…crossover?

I ran out of time AGAIN this year to create my yard monster, but there are plenty of other places around that are fully prepped and decked out in their holiday finest. If you’re in Portland, you still have time to cruise by the Davis Graveyard (https://davisgraveyard.com) or the house I have been for years referring to as the House of Crap (51st & NE Alameda). This year, I was made aware of the Roseway Cemetery (https://www.rosewaycemetery.com/show-dates). I might try to check that out tomorrow if the current weather calms down.

On my way out to the coast yesterday, I saw plenty of decorated yards. Those giant Home Depot skeletons are doing some work. But the most sinister decor I think I’ve ever seen was super simple and likely an accessible build for most of us.

Let’s be real: very few of us are out there building headstones out of drywall putty or whatever. Not everyone has the cash flow for a yard full of inflatable dragons.

Out on 99 toward the coast, Mcminville-ish if I remember correctly, there is a circle of four or five cloaked figures. One has tall horns. That’s it. These eerie, ephemeral forms. No bodies to be seen. No faces. just standing there.

You know they’re up to something.