A Great Pre-Halloween Fall Weekend [Haunted Forest, Pumpkin Party, Caramel Apples]

The weekend prior to Halloween was excellent this year. I was able to participate in several Fall/Halloween activities, which set the stage beautifully for the impending Halloween party blitzkrieg.

Markoff's Haunted Forest
I'm not usually a horror guy. In fact, I still hate clowns because of the nightmares that Stephen King's "It" gave me for several nights in a row when I was 12 years-old. But Markoff's Haunted Forest was a lot of fun. If you didn't make it this year, go next year. It's worth it. Even just for the carnival-type atmosphere and getting a cup of hot chocolate and standing by the bonfire.

Staying warm, prior to getting scared out of our wits

C1 Pumpkin Party
While not exactly a Halloween costume party, this shindig came close. The main focus was on pumpkin-carving, which was fine by me. Having pumpkin in most of the food was a delicious theme. Since I'm fairly new back in the Colonial 1st Ward, this was a great chance to re-connect with old friends and meet new folks. And what better way to break the ice than with a compliment about somebody's costume?

Great Civil War costumes, and Abe's beard is actually her hair. Isn't that hilarious/genius?!?

Caramel Apples
Mmm, just remembering this event makes me hungry. My friends Rachel and Devon put this together, and we all had a fun time. I could only handle one caramel apple, but spending the evening with great people and satisfying that sweet tooth at the same time is a deal I'll take any night.

Oh, and one question. Both are probably okay, but how do you pronounce the word "caramel"?

• Care-a-mel
• Car-mel

This is often a humorous and oddly-heated debate, and I'd love to hear what you think.