rainy days.

Location: Harmony Ranch

It was’t every day that Miles found himself on this side of town. Usually, his hangout spots were anywhere that the crowd gravitated towards. Today was a rare occasion that he was visiting Harmony Ranch. There had been a call nearby, and now, his driving buddies for the ambulance were carrying out their lunch nearby while Miles decided to visit the animals. All of that stopped him in his tracks when he caught Ever talking to the horse. A smile lit on his face as he kept quiet. “They do say that horses have more spunk than other animals. Maybe you should visit him more, and he won’t give you that much attitude.” Miles added. 

See, now I feel like you're enabling me to buy my Halloween decorations early. I mean if it's on sale, I might as well get them now. But it may tempt me into decorating early, so not sure if it's worth getting them. A Ouija board? Definitely spooky, but I kind of want to see how she'd pull that off, not going to lie. I do, but you'll have to wait and see- maybe I'll even do a grand reveal or something. But kind of worried that I'll hype it up, and people won't even get my costume. It may be me just overthinking though. I'd like to think my penchant for thrifting pays off then and only then when I have lots of options for potential costumes. No, unfortunately, had to go without the pup. I think people were disappointed, but I thought it was a pretty cute look for it being last minute otherwise.

Am I? Listen, I think you should start early enough. The stores are already doing it, so what’s holding us back? They clearly want us to throw up some decorations so we could enjoy the holiday a bit longer. She said something along the lines that she’d use body paint, but I’m a little afraid that some bad luck will come into my life shortly after. Don’t know how I feel about that. Ooh, I do love a good surprise. Not to worry, I’ll hype you during the reveal. If there’s anything I’m good at is doing that. Ah, damn. That’s alright, Dorothy is more than just Toto so I’m sure you still nailed it. Do you have pictures? If so, then you’ll have to send some over to me!  

Body paint! You can always blame me. Give my mom another reason to drag me back to church. What else would I be here for if it wasn't to share my Halloween genius with the world?

I don’t know, both of our parents might drag us back to church if we go with that kind of costume. And I like my free Sundays right now! That’s true. You’re pretty much a blessing to this world. 

Thanksgiving is overhyped in my opinion. People eat at like, 4 pm, then it’s over. With Halloween, you have haunted houses and corn mazes all month. Then on the actual day, you have a few hours of trick or treating with the kids, but after that the night keeps going with parties. Oh, no, if Sylvia said she would pick out a costume for you, you better let her. She’s guaranteed to be much better with the whole costume thing than I am. To be honest, it’s been a few years since I’ve dressed up and gone out on Halloween anyways. The real question though is were you going for real BarbieLand or horse-patriarchy BarbieLand?

Wait, what? Say it’s not true. Who are you hanging out with that they stop eating at 4pm? It’s midnight, and I’m still shoving in some mac and cheese. You might just be hanging around with the wrong crowd. I can’t remember the last time I went trick or treat, but I agree with the parties. A lot of them go on really late, too, so I appreciate that. I will, I will! As long as she doesn’t try to dress me as a ouija board, then I’m all game for her to dress me up. Really? So you don’t dress up when you party on Halloween? Hmm, guess I’ll go for the real Barbie Land. Was never a big fan of horses like that. 

The joys of summer leftovers -- everything is either two sizes too big or two sizes too small, and you never know if you're going to be able to find something that fits you. Literally. Not to mention the fact that the styles are just not what you want them to be at all! So you're not running around in bikinis to round out your summer, then? Damn. I love a good surprise costume, like when someone shows up in something that just completely blows your mind, give me that! I plead the fifth, thank you.

That’s why sweats are always the best. Don’t have to worry about it fitting you too loose or tight. And people still argue that Summer is the best season. No, sorry to burst your bubble, but I do not wear bikinis all summer. Don’t know why work has me wear the uniform? Plus, some might give me dirty looks if I tried to go into the store with it on. One of Syl’s suggestions was to be dressed as a ouija board if that’ll surprise you! Mhm, sure. Tryna act innocent. 

Wait, really? But Bridgerton is one of the best shows on Netflix. I'm kind of offended about this. Though I get why people don't want to couple up and do the Barbie/Ken thing, considering what the message from that movie was. I just thought it could be fun aesthetically—and because I'm a sucker for all the outfits they put Margot and Ryan in. Maybe you can go for one of the blue ensembles she wore in that movie instead, if pink isn't your jam.

That’s what I said! Thought we were all on the same page when it came to Bridgerton. Really broke my heart when most people began to move on. Feel like that show should have lasted a bit longer on the hype. Yeah, not the best message to keep Barbie and Ken paired up. Although, I still was rooting for those two. Think it was mostly because I feel like I’m a child of divorce back when they announced Barbie and Ken splitting all of those years ago. True, there were were some blue outfits that they rocked. I’ll try to find some. You gonna dress up for Halloween?

Jason's mouth turned up into a smirk when Miles said that there was always truth to those popular sayings. He wasn't wrong; there was a reason that they got passed down from generation to generation, why things like the Farmer's Almanac had remained so popular through the years. "Half the time I'm afraid of what happened originally to make someone say those sayings," he admitted on a laugh. As Miles agreed to buy his food, he laughed, stepping up next to him as they took their place in line. "I mean, technically I'm on duty whenever they need me, volunteer basis and all, so… if I catch wind that it's you, I'll head in," then he paused, narrowing his eyes, "although as a park ranger, I do have to remind you of the dangers of arson." Otherwise, he felt like he wouldn't be doing his job right. But when it was their turn to order, he pushed the thought aside, piping in, "make sure you get kraut on my dog."

“Some things are better to be kept a mystery.” Ignorant was in fact… bliss for that exact reason. Miles nodded along, the easy smile on his face remaining, “not to worry, I’ll keep arson out of my list of things to do. Don’t really feel like getting put behind bars? Thanksgiving is coming, and you know what that means? Super Bowl. Can’t miss having my food with football.” He said it with a chuckle, but he was being serious. His favorite season was coming up, and there was no chance that he’d step out of line. Not to mention that Miles was terrified of doing anything illegal or that would get him into trouble. “Got it,” Miles briefly mentioned on his way to the window. Knowing how bad of a memory he had, he made sure to give Jason’s order first before following with his own after. He reached into his side pocket to dig out his wallet, and handed over the right amount of cash before getting told to wait in the next window. “You said no kraut on your dog, right?” Miles teased. 

I think any Oppenheimer costume would just be...sad rather than scary. Barbie is the clearer winner, when it comes to aesthetic. Are you going to be a Ken, then? Hmm, was there ever a reporter Barbie? I could easily make that costume work. Although, I'm a little too old for trick-or-treating. And my nephew is too old to want his aunt to come with him anymore.

Can I be completely honest? I still haven’t watched the movie. Though, I have heard that it was a sad movie. I’ll wait until it’s on streaming services to watch it. I do agree with Barbie… all of that pink? Sign me up. I might, I might. I’d love to see how somebody can have a ‘beach job’, and I do have some killer moves to go with the Ken vibe, too. I’m sure there is/was a reporter Barbie. I feel like she did most jobs. Pssh, you’re never too old to trick or treat. You never know, maybe your nephew is secretly waiting for you to ask. 

Location: Cobblestone Cafe Status: OPEN ( @merrock )

Quiet evenings like these were some of Miles favorites. Well, slightly quiet since the cafe was getting packed the longer he stayed put. It didn’t bother him, though. He was used to the chaos after working years as a paramedic. If he were honest, he preferred the loud chattering that was happening in the background. Somehow, it soothed him. Miles was halfway done enjoying his cappuccino when his attention was taken from his phone and towards Kaia who seemed a little stressed. 

milespulido​:

Now there’s a new idea. Don’t think I’ve heard or seen anybody dressing like him. Syl offered to give me some Halloween ideas, and so far, she’s given me some great suggestions. Who knows, you might end seeing me dress like Shaggy from Scooby Doo. Just have to take the dogs with me. Name one Scooby, and the other Doo, so they can feel included. Kids throw eggs at your house, though? That’s rough. Are they doing it every year? Should I go and make camp at your place to keep guard? Hmm, while I love the idea of a ghostly sailor… I’m pretty sure that I’ll chicken out when I go into the lighthouse at nighttime. 

It's one of those things where it makes sense, because how often are they still selling bathing suits while the pumpkin decor comes out? But it feels so jarring when it's simultaneous Christmas and Halloween all at once. Life can be pretty wild! I guess we'll see when Trick-or-Treat rolls around and people start dragging each other out to go costume shopping. I think it's starting to wear off now, is the only thing. People are moving into other movies, now. Oh, please, don't pin this on me, Miles!

Think I still saw some bathing suits for sale in a few stores. The only problem is that a lot are a certain size, so not everybody can purchase a few. Plus, I’m not a big fan of those two pieces. You just need to have a talent when it comes to decorating. We’ll see, we’ll see. People always surprise me with the selection they wind up getting. Some are out of the ordinary, too! I guess so. There goes my wish. Alright, fine, I’ll take the heat for this one, but deep deep deep down, you know I’m right! 

I wouldn’t be surprised if they do. Most Christmas albums release in October anyway, so that by the time Halloween is over, stores can start selling the holiday things. I think the big stores already have their gift selections ready to go! Yes! I am all for the football season. Been waiting for that. All pink? I see it. I don’t think Star Wars will ever go away.

I saw that, too! Usually you’ll get your Christmas selection towards the back of the store. They’re all a great price that some are hard to resist. Think I still have some rolls of unopened gift wraps somewhere in the trunk of my car. Football season is one of my favorites. Always happy to watch and chill with friends. Star Wars is one of those things that’ll live on no matter how much time passes. 

It's absolutely too early, us Christmas lovers get reamed if we so much as mention it before December or before Thanksgiving but everyone can start popping out Halloween when it's still summer. Nope, on my end, it's a hard no. I'm betting a lot of Barbie and Ken. Maybe some Queen Charlotte and George. At this rate people could also go as celebrity couples that have broken up this year because 2023 is coming for everyone. You know Amazon will always deliver you a new banana costume.

Aw, c’mon. Get with it already, Emmy. Everybody is already rooting for Halloween to come this year around. People are talking costumers. The pumpkin spice options are open. Give in, and let Halloween into your Christmas heart. I’m not too sure. A lot of people aren’t into the idea of Barbie and Ken anymore. Think that’s all died down some. Which is a shame since I was really looking forward to this place being the next Barbie Land. Broken up couples? That’d be… a great idea. Why buy a new banana costume when I can just start patching up this old one? Throw some duct tape, and I’m good for another year. 

I think once Starbucks breaks out the pumpkin spice, you're in the clear for starting the Halloween prep. I think Barbie will definitely be a big one. I don't think Oppenheimer really lends itself to any great costumes... I'm so boring, I usually just try to make something out of the clothes I already have. Or my one of my brother tells me that we're doing some sort of family costume and I go with that. Maybe I'll do Barbie this year -- I'm blonde enough, at least!

Oh, so, I should have been clear a while ago. Think that I saw some Starbucks locations open their pumpkin spice options about two weeks ago. Yeah, somebody else had suggested Oppenheimer, but don’t think that’s as iconic as Barbie was. Who can beat that much pink?! Ahh, see, the family costumes might be a cute idea. There’s a ton of ideas for that, too! Listen, I’m all for everybody turning into Barbie or having this place turn into Barbie Land. 

Yeah, seems like I'm telling time by which holiday season it is. I try to avoid buying decorations early, but it doesn't help when things are out that soon. Well, seems like you're in good hands then with costume help. I'm sure whatever she thinks up will be great. It'll definitely be fun to see what Barbie people decide to dress as. I think if I wasn't already planning something else, I would've done that too. There's nothing wrong with the banana costume, just think there are more creative ideas. I've had some pretty cool looks, well, at least in my opinion. I had a checkered dress so I pulled off Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz once, and I used some old gala dresses to go for a princess look another time.

Some decorations are put on sale when it gets put up that early. Only saying it because I’ve purchased unnecessary things because they’re on sale. Let’s hope that’s the case. One of her options was the ouija board, and that might just have my parents call up the priest. Oh, you already have an idea of what your costume is going to be? Mind sharing or are you trying to wow everybody that day? True, true, but the banana costume never fails. Those are some pretty cool costumes. Gives you the option to reuse a bunch of stuff. Did you get a dog to play Toto or did you go without a pup? 

Do you want to get a shift during one of the games so that you can jump in on all of the action, or because you know that you'll get in free and someone might be so grateful for your service that they'll give you free food? Be honest here! I did, I ended up hanging in the stands with my mom and dad, since they wanted to go to the opener, but it was a great game! I'll come find you this week during halftime, though. Regardless of whether or not you're in uniform.

Hmm, would I be a bad person if I said all of the above? I just want my moment to shine. Also, getting free food wouldn’t a bad option. That food starts to add up when you order so much! Ah, I see, I see. There was a lot of people there, too, so gives anyone a chance to hide in the crowd. I’ll do the same! I always grab something to drink during halftime or cave, and grab another hotdog, so you’ll more than likely find me around that area.