The Jack-o'-Lantern Lookout

Taking your cue about tackling a Halloween project, I figured—well, any proper seasonal outpost needs a dependable sentry. Right on the second porch step sat a miniature orange plastic jack-o'-lantern, its black wire handle flopped crooked in the grit. Leaving gear out of alignment simply won't do. I planted my boots on the weathered cedar plank, gripped the thin wire hoop with both hands, and levered it upright until the metal ends snapped into the molded rim sockets. Peering through the carved triangular eye cutout, the whole walkway stretches out clear under an orange frame. Our seasonal watch is officially open for business.