This article was published back in August 2007 and I sent it to all my friends who know of my fascination with nature. It's time to bring it out this year for my Active Rain friends whose children might have noticed that the stores are stocking up for Halloween (I'm sure no parents have noticed it yet).

The Costco store that I patronize has had Halloween goods out since shortly after July Fourth. After all, there's nothing in August and no special goodies for Labor Day, so that leaves Halloween as the next merchandising holiday after the Fourth of July.

Friends of mine who have some good pictures of spiders and snakes, or anything unusual out in nature, should feel free to contribute them to my collection, along with your name, the picture taker's name, the date and location where the picture was taken, and a brief explanation of any surrounding circumstances (I was on vacation with my husband and daughter in Yellowstone when this big black mama bear came out of the woods, saw me with no makeup on and curlers in my hair, and took off running....)