Halloween, Halloween, oh what funny things are seen.
It is no secret fall is my favorite time of year. Perhaps it's the colors of red, yellow, orange and brown all blended together to give the earth a new glow. Or perhaps it's the crisp cool mornings, bright sun and the crunching of fallen leaves as you walk through the once lush green leaves that a few weeks ago filtered us from the summer sun.
Halloween was always a special time for me growing up in a small community. It was a happy time when you had to make your own costume and you knew you were in no danger running from house to house giving those timeless words, "Trick or Treat." Hearing the words from other trick or treaters that an owner of a specific house was giving out "big" candy bars made you run faster so you didn't miss out.
Yes, Halloween, Halloween, brings back happy memories of being a child and enjoying a child's world of ghosts, goblins, broomstick riders, and coal black cats.
My special thanks to Mrs. Bob and staff for creating such a festive fall display.
They always welcome me to their Garden Center and I personally enjoy their effort and friendliness.
It was a beautiful Saturday morning and after looking at the paper's calendar of events for that weekend we decided on the Decoy and Gunning Show in Tuckerton, NJ.
This show appears to have something for everyone, decoys, dogs, boats, wildlife art, wildlife carvings, gunning supplies, antique fishing and hunting paraphernalia, duck and goose calls, clothing, carving supplies and decoy/lumber.
The show is not new to the area, since this was the 32nd annual event. Some of the contests included skeet shooting, duck calling, retriever contests for puppies, novice and advanced dogs. While we were there we took the opportunity to visit the Tuckerton Seaport and Baymen's Museum. Many interesting objects were displayed and it was fascinating reconnecting with the area's history.
The retrieving dog completion was fun to watch. Some of the dogs were extremely anxious to get into the water to retrieve the tossed toy and they took the plunge before the toy hit the water.
A very special father and son moment. The items this gentleman was selling were priced fairly and beautifully carved. I couldn't resist a carved duck head walking stick and a small curious owl with intense eyes.
Some dogs were there for the festivities, while others were there with the State Forest Service. These dogs are proudly used for search and rescue.
THE BAYMEN'S MUSEUM
This model depicts the historic Blue Comet Train. The train traveled through the pinelands of New Jersey and there are individuals who can recall the historic ride.
The scouts were busy when we arrived and they had finished when we were ready to leave.
Come along with me on a photographic journey at the Grounds for
Sculptures located at 126 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, New Jersey 08619.
A visit to the exhibits makes one suddenly realize art belongs in the lives of everyone for many of the works depict happenings in every day life.
Walking the grounds and being able to touch and become part of the scene was a new and thrilling experience.
Site maps and brochures are available at the Welcome Center and free walk tours are available April through October. The park becomes your own personal oasis and at every turn offers a work of art either in stone, bronze, or aluminum.
I sincerely wish I could share all the photos I took that day since it was very difficult to select the following.
The end of a perfect day. It certainly was a rewarding day and my dear friend used one of her precious vacation days to let me enjoy the head turning sculptures at the Grounds for Sculptures. She was my tour guide, lunch partner, and she is always in my thoughts. By the way the restaurant, "Rats" served desserts that would have you begging for more.
