My plastic Frankenstein and his parachute. Her kitchen? Really? Seriously? For real?

Ten thirty. The day before Halloween. It's that time where jack-o-lanterns rule the evening streets and haunted houses come alive to let you know that everyone needs a little "spooky" in their lives... If you live where I live, the weather is cooperating with us. It's perfect outside. As I type this note to you, I will say it again... It really is perfect outside.

Tricks, treats, pumpkins, witches and a killer broomstick, the moon (oh, my moon), good candy, shite candy, hay rides, spooky music, mangled tree limbs, caramel apples, laughing skeletons, scary movies, wicked costumes, silly masks, screeching owls, corn stalks, screaming cats, more candy, crows and ravens, cobwebs, grave markers bent by the wind, you get the picture, I hope. Oh, and more candy.

Three things to watch...

1) Find "Dark Night of the Scarecrow" and watch it with an open "made-for-TV" mind. Please. Do that for me. My VHS copy is wearing thin... It's probably not as good as I remember, but it is something that reminds me of Halloween in Benbrook, TX. I remember watching it in the living room with my parents and I remember being oddly fascinated with life after death. I also internalized this idea: One stem of one flower can mean everything to someone who believes in something more...

2) Search for "Fat Albert's Halloween Special." Chill out with Fat Albert, Russell, Bill, Dumb Donald, Weird Harold, Mushmouth, Rudy and Bucky. Watch this gem with a friend and sip on a soft drink. Don't laugh. This special is hard to find... It doesn't carry the weight of the more touching Christmas Special, but it's something different and it provides a different spin on Halloween. Well, maybe not, but it's worth a look. Remember: Soft drinks.

3) Relive your elementary school cafetorium (I feel like I've referenced that word here before) action with "The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad." First up, we get a fun take on "The Wind in the Willows," but for these purposes, I'll only reference the "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" part. However, give Mr. Toad your time. In 1949, Walt did it right and escorted the Washington Irving classic into my personal Animation Hall of Fame. Narrated by Bing Crosby, this short feature came to life and influenced my sense of imagination with bold hints of uncertainty and wonderment. My "what if" attitude towards just about everything was spawned at an early age and I'm forever grateful to Mr. Disney for making me a believer. The message is clear, people. Important Note: For maximum effect, this should only be viewed with the lights off.

So, tomorrow, as you enjoy your Halloween festivities, think about your earliest Halloween memories and don't forget to make a silly face in the mirror before you leave to show off your ridiculous costume. I chose "The Hamburglar."

Save one Junior Mint for me. And maybe a Twix. We'll share.

Lastly, don't forget to fall back.

- Ichabod