The candy is stockpiled, the pumpkin is ready for carving. All we need are the little ghosts and goblins. They will be knocking on the door in less than 12 hours.

Meanwhile, nature has conjured up an eerie day. A brisk wind bends the bamboo fronds till they tap against the side of the house. My office bears the brunt of this breeze and the screechy, scratchy bamboo. The house creaks and groans in response.

This same wind rattles acorns down on the roof. I jump when they hit the gutters and roll down to the ground.

If this wind continues, the Dulles-bound jets may use an alternate runway, which sends them roaring directly over my house. That brings its own terror.

It promises to be a day of spooky sounds. I’m ready for them.

(Ghostly sounds deserve weird and colorful pumpkins.)