Happy Fourth of July, Everyone!

It's my second favorite holiday, Fireworks Day!! Happy Fourth of July, everyone. Just be careful out there, and don't blow off anything important...

Happy 4th of July!

Halloween Go Boom

With Halloween fast approaching, an expecting Mrs. Scrapes and I took a needed week-long trip down to South Carolina to recharge our batteries. The 12-hour drive from northeast Ohio means lots of bad coffee, and consequently, lots of bathroom stops. I-77 has plenty of rest areas- the quick on, quick off quonset huts with two bathrooms and four snack machines- but I drive on by. In order to take in some of the local culture, I much prefer a roadside gas 'n sip. One in particular, in North Carolina, took pride in its gas, lotto and fireworks, with the latter being quite the understatement.  Gotta-pee patrons were forced to walk clear to the far side of the building, through numerous rows of mortar shells, roman candles and novelty items. On my way there, I was met by the following display:

Once upon a time, Highbury and I would drop a few bills at a fireworks store, but I don't remember seeing any cakes or shells with such a theme. At $33.44 per cake, Wake the Dead would no doubt add quite a bang to your home haunt*, so check your local, um, retailer.

(*Highbury Cemetery does not promote the use fireworks in the state of Ohio, or in the presence of children.)