The Great Unveiling of the Couples Costumes (10.31.11)

It was a competition shrouded in secrecy. It was a competition that had its start over Agave Margaritas several weeks hence, when neighbors Michelle and Susanne and I decided we would start a new tradition of dressing as couples for the Great Strawbridge Trick or Treat Hayride.    We spent the next few weeks secretly plotting our get-ups while trying to glean information about the other couples' plans.  It turned out it wasn't too hard for the others to find out what Jimmy and I were planning:  all they had to do was ask Michaela, and she happily chirped, "Pirates!"  And we were!  Since my department dressed as pirates for St. Jude trick or treaters, it was an easy decision.  So when we gathered at the corner of the Crews-McNinch lawn at the prescribed time on Halloween , here's what was seen.  The Count and Countess Dracula, and Little Red Riding Hood and her nemesis, the Big Bad Wolf.

The kids all did a great job with their own costumes and joined the hayride that helped us cover 2 complete neighborhoods for a great goodie haul by all!  So what about Chainsaw Man, you ask?  We had been talking and speculating for weeks about whether Chainsaw Man would show up again this year.  Michaela could hardly sleep the last 2 nights before Halloween!  We took the long route to Chainsaw Man's side of the neighborhood.  But when we got close, we heard a scream or two from up the road, but noticeably no chainsaw motor.  When we made it to his block, we started asking for him, and were told, alas, he took his chainsaw to Cordova for the night.  We were all pretty let down, but now our interest is picqued about whether this is a short hiatus and whether he will show up again on future Halloweens!

So who won bragging rights from the costume contest?  Awards went to:

Little Red and Big Bad: Best Costumes

Draculas: Best Makeup

Pirates: Cutest Couple in Costume

Big Bad Wolf: Most Likely to Eat a Trick or Treater
Little Red: Most Likely to Be Eaten

Draculas: Most Likely to Drink Blood

Pirates: Coldest Costumes/Most Likely to Shiver Under Blankets on the Hayride

Happy Halloween!