The cooler temperatures had barely settled in when first of October began. On my little cul-de-sac it was an easy date to know because Allison began her yearly ritual, Halloween decorating. Which also set off my neighbor Rose, who was better known for her biting comments and jabs. Most called her Barb, for them.
“Honey, Allison has her first lawn decoration up,” called my husband, Tremaine, as he stood drinking his coffee and looking out the front door.
“Damn. It isn’t even eight o’clock