My Neighbor Threw Rotten Tomatoes at My Front Door Because I Didn’t Put up Halloween Decorations ‘Soon Enough’

While my seven-year-old daughter fought for her life in the hospital with severe pneumonia, my neighbor decided to “decorate” my front door with rotten tomatoes. All because I hadn’t put up Halloween decorations early enough for her liking.

You know those days when life hits you so hard you can barely catch your breath? That’s been my reality lately. Between double shifts at the diner and spending every spare moment at the hospital with Lacey, I’ve been running on caffeine and sheer determination.

A woman standing in a hospital | Source: Midjourney

A woman standing in a hospital | Source: Midjourney

It started with what I thought was just a cold. Lacey came home from school one Tuesday with a slight cough. It didn’t look like anything serious. But by Friday night, she was burning up with a fever.

“Mommy, I don’t feel good,” she said while trying to catch her breath.

That was the point where I realized something was extremely wrong with her.

I didn’t even wait for an ambulance. I wrapped her in a blanket and drove to the ER like my life depended on it because it did. My life is Lacey.

An emergency sign outside a hospital | Source: Pexels

An emergency sign outside a hospital | Source: Pexels

The doctors moved fast, thank God.

Words like “severe pneumonia,” “aggressive infection,” and “extended stay” flew around while they ran tests on her. After what seemed like an eternity, the ER doctor finally sat down with me.

“The infection’s in both lungs,” he explained gently. “She’s going to need intensive treatment. We’re looking at a minimum of three weeks in the hospital.”

“Three weeks?” I looked at him with wide eyes. “But… but I have to work. The insurance… it doesn’t cover everything.”

A woman talking to the doctor | Source: Midjourney

A woman talking to the doctor | Source: Midjourney

He squeezed my shoulder. “Let’s focus on getting her better first. You can speak with our financial department about payment plans.”

I’ve been doing this solo parent thing for five years now, ever since Mark decided his twenty-something secretary was more appealing than his family responsibilities. The divorce knocked us down hard, but my daughter Lacey and I aren’t the type of people who’d give up. We’re fighters. We didn’t let Mark’s poor decisions affect us.

I worked as a waitress and picked up extra shifts after the divorce. Living on a single income taught me how to stretch every dollar and avoid unnecessary expenses.

A person holding their empty wallet | Source: Pexels

A person holding their empty wallet | Source: Pexels

Last year, we even managed to move into this supposedly “better” neighborhood. You know, the kind where people treat their HOA guidelines like they’re the Constitution.

“Alice, hon, you’ve got tables 4 and 6 waiting,” Maria called out during another hectic dinner shift.

She’s been my rock through all this, covering for me when hospital visits run long.

“On it!” I called back, tucking my phone deeper into my apron pocket after checking another message from Lacey’s doctors. These hospital bills were piling up faster than I could count, but what choice did I have?

My baby needed me, and I had to work harder for her.

A woman working as a waitress | Source: Pexels

A woman working as a waitress | Source: Pexels

“You look dead on your feet,” Maria said while refilling coffee cups. “When’s the last time you got some real sleep?”

I just shook my head. “Sleep’s a luxury I can’t afford right now. Between the hospital visits and these double shifts…”

“At least you’ve got good neighbors to help out, right?” Maria asked.

I let out a bitter laugh thinking about Carla from two doors down. That woman could give surveillance cameras a run for their money.

Ever since we moved in, she’s appointed herself as the neighborhood’s personal CNN. Carla’s Nosy Network.

An older woman standing outside her house | Source: Midjourney

An older woman standing outside her house | Source: Midjourney

Just last month, she caused a whole drama with the Hendersons across the street. They’d painted their front door navy blue. It’s a perfectly normal color, right?

Well, Carla didn’t just notice it. She measured the paint swatch against the HOA handbook, took photos at different times of day, and then sent a 500-word email to everyone about how it was “Midnight Navy” instead of the approved “Classic Navy.”

The poor Hendersons had to repaint their door to avoid a fine.

A house with a blue door | Source: Midjourney

A house with a blue door | Source: Midjourney

“Remember that time she counted how many people came to Janet’s book club?” I told Maria. “She actually reported Janet to the HOA for ‘running a business from home’ because there were more than six cars parked on the street. It was a book club, for heaven’s sake!”

Carla’s the type who doesn’t just check her mailbox. She watches everyone else check theirs too. She keeps a literal notebook of when people bring their trash cans in and out.

I swear I’ve seen her peeking through her blinds so often.

A person's hand on window blinds | Source: Pexels

A person’s hand on window blinds | Source: Pexels

That’s why I wasn’t surprised when she started blowing up our HOA group chat about Halloween preparations in mid-September.

Every day brought a new message about “maintaining neighborhood standards” and “preserving property values through seasonal charm.”

But with Lacey in the hospital, festive decorations were the last thing on my mind.

That’s when my phone buzzed again. Another message from Carla, but this time sent directly to me. My heart raced when the notification popped up on my screen.

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read her text.

A woman reading a message on her phone | Source: Midjourney

A woman reading a message on her phone | Source: Midjourney

Are you special or something? Why isn’t your house decorated for Halloween? It’s almost the end of October, and your house is the only one ruining the vibe. Do you want to spoil Halloween for the whole neighborhood? It’s embarrassing.

I had to read it twice to believe someone could be this insensitive.

I took a deep breath before typing out a response, trying my best to keep it professional despite my rising anger.

A woman using her phone | Source: Pexels

A woman using her phone | Source: Pexels

Carla, I’m sorry I haven’t decorated. I’ve been in the hospital with my daughter for two weeks now. She’s really sick, and all my money’s gone to medicine and bills. I’m not sure I’ll be able to put anything up this year.

Well, I didn’t get a response from Carla, so I thought she must’ve found something else to worry about. I had no idea how wrong I was.

After three long weeks, Lacey was finally well enough to come home.

A woman driving | Source: Pexels

A woman driving | Source: Pexels

We pulled into our driveway at sunset as we discussed how good it’d feel to finally sleep in our beds.

That’s when the smell hit us. A putrid, sickening odor that made my stomach turn.

Our front door was completely covered in smashed, rotten tomatoes. The red pulp dripped down the wood and seeds stuck in every crevice. But the pièce de résistance? A note was taped right in the middle. It read:

Now at least it looks a bit like Halloween. No need to thank me.

A door with a note smeared in tomato pulp | Source: Midjourney

A door with a note smeared in tomato pulp | Source: Midjourney

“Mommy, why does our house smell bad?” Lacey asked.

I didn’t have an answer to my daughter’s innocent question. I was so angry that my feet were almost shaking.

I got Lacey settled inside despite the garage, made sure she was comfortable in bed, and then stormed over to Carla’s house. I could see her peeking through her blinds as I approached.

When she opened the door, that smug smile on her face made me want to scream.

“Oh, hey there. Enjoying the Halloween decorations?” she asked.

An older woman smiling | Source: Midjourney

An older woman smiling | Source: Midjourney

“Are you kidding me, Carla?” I snapped. “I told you what I was dealing with. You know my daughter’s been in the hospital, and you still did this?”

She rolled her eyes like I was being dramatic. “Look, I just thought you were making excuses. Everyone decorates, and it’s unfair for you to spoil it for the rest of us. I thought a little tomato juice might remind you to get into the spirit. You didn’t put up the decorations soon enough. Not my fault.”

An older woman talking to her neighbor | Source: Midjourney

An older woman talking to her neighbor | Source: Midjourney

Before I could respond, her husband Dan appeared behind her. He was horrified after hearing his wife’s confession.

“Carla, what the hell is wrong with you?” he demanded. “You did what?”

The next few minutes were pure chaos.

Dan pulled Carla inside, and I could hear him confront her. The muffled argument was punctuated by phrases like “completely unacceptable” and “lost your mind.”

When Dan returned to the door, his face was red with embarrassment.

A close-up shot of an older man's face | Source: Midjourney

A close-up shot of an older man’s face | Source: Midjourney

“I’m so sorry,” he said. “I had no idea she’d do something like this. I’ll clean up your door and pay for any damages. Carla, you better apologize right now.”

Carla emerged and muttered what had to be the most insincere apology I’d ever heard.

But this isn’t where the story ends. Karma intervened a few hours later and taught her an unforgettable lesson.

That night, the strongest storm of the season hit our neighborhood.

A stormy sky | Source: Pexels

A stormy sky | Source: Pexels

The wind howled like a banshee, and the rain came down in sheets. When I looked out my window the next morning, I couldn’t help but laugh at the irony.

Carla’s elaborate Halloween display – the one she’d been bragging about for weeks – was absolutely decimated. Her precious inflatable decorations were scattered across three yards, her meticulously carved pumpkins had turned to mush in the rain, and her collection of “premium” skeletons lay broken and tangled in the bushes.

Mother Nature had delivered the perfect revenge.

Broken Halloween decor | Source: Midjourney

Broken Halloween decor | Source: Midjourney

Dan followed through on his promise, showing up early the next day with cleaning supplies and groceries.

“I can’t apologize enough,” he said while scrubbing the last bits of tomato off my door. “How’s your daughter doing?”

“She’s getting stronger every day,” I replied. “Thanks for asking. And thanks for, uh, everything else.”

Carla hasn’t spoken a word to me since then and I’ve been loving the silence. When I pass by her house these days and see her bare lawn, I can’t help but smile a little.

A woman smiling | Source: Midjourney

Dick Cavett’s 1972 Interview with Raquel Welch: The Secrets She Never Wanted You to Know

Raquel Welch is truly one of the most beautiful women to ever grace this planet. However, with all the attention on her looks and acting career, many people haven’t heard her speak from the heart.

That’s why, when I found her appearance on *The Dick Cavett Show*, I noticed something surprising…

First, let’s appreciate just how stunning and elegant Raquel Welch was in the early 1970s. She had no hair extensions, no Botox, and her natural hair color, without a tattoo in sight. She had a full figure, an intriguing personality, and a sharp mind. In my opinion, Welch is one of the most beautiful women to ever appear on screen.

### Underrated Genius

In a captivating 1972 interview on *The Dick Cavett Show*, Welch’s timeless beauty and elegance were clear. At about 32 years old, she radiated charm as she settled into the chair across from Dick Cavett.

The American television host, who ran *The Dick Cavett Show* from 1968 to 1988, was a skilled interviewer. He interviewed many famous film directors like Welles, Hitchcock, De Palma, and Scorsese, making each interview feel like a lesson in film.

Cavett had a talent for making his guests feel comfortable, drawing out engaging and thoughtful conversations. This interview showed Raquel in a way many had never seen — beyond her famous looks, revealing things I didn’t know about her.

### Broke Her Wrist

Welch’s appearance on *The Dick Cavett Show* was partly to promote her latest film, *Kansas City Bomber*.

In the movie, she played roller derby skater K.C. Carr — a woman trying to balance her desire for a happy personal life with her dreams of success.

The film featured many intense scenes from the matches, and according to Raquel, she performed most of her own stunts, which took a toll on her.

Raquel explained that she had to learn how to skate from the ground up for the role. The professional skaters in the film used a track with banked turns at a 45-degree angle, which made it even more difficult.

One day while practicing, she broke her wrist, causing the production to delay filming for about eight weeks.

“I had a lot of aches and pains for a long time,” Welch admitted.

### Recognize the Dress?

Those with sharp eyes might remember Welch’s stunning blue dress from her interview with Cavett. It was the same iconic gown she wore to the Oscars just a few months earlier. Talk about a fashion statement!

Raquel was ahead of her time in recycling outfits, and her Oscars gown wasn’t the only piece she repurposed. The beautiful dress she wore to the premiere of *The Godfather* was also the same one she wore at Elizabeth Taylor’s 40th birthday celebration in Budapest back in 1972.

Getty Images

Who knew Raquel was such a trendsetter long before it became a popular term?

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By the way, did you know that Welch’s wardrobe for public events was very different from her personal style? People always expected her to maintain her glamorous image, and she did so perfectly. However, when she wasn’t on the red carpet, Welch preferred simple pantsuits and comfortable clothing.

### Humorous Anecdote

For decades, Welch has been known as a sex symbol, with a lot of focus on her beautiful body. Yet, few people have had the chance to hear her talk openly, especially on serious topics that show her depth beyond her famous image.

During her time on *The Dick Cavett Show*, the *One Million Years B.C.* star discussed the difference between her glamorous on-screen persona and her real-life experiences. The conversation included her public image and the expectations placed on her as a female actress in a male-dominated sport.

Raquel shared a funny story from her experience promoting *Kansas City Bomber*, recalling an interesting press conference with sports writers.

Getty Images

“I had a really interesting press conference when I first came into town to promote the film with all the sports writers. They said, ‘You know, you’re a nice-sized lady and all that, but you’re not exactly what I expected.’ I replied, ‘I know I always seem to disappoint people if I walk in the door and the door hinges don’t splinter off, like I should come in with a machete or something.’”

Some people who saw her in person were surprised by her size—she is only 5 feet 5½ inches tall with a small-boned frame, elegantly complemented by broad shoulders and beautiful olive skin.

Dick Cavett then adds, “I know people walked in and looked at you, and their reaction was, ‘There’s an attractive woman.’ But many didn’t realize it was you, even though they had seen you on screen.”

### “Downright Intoxicating”

Many viewers who watched the interview later (available on YouTube) have commented on Raquel Welch’s lovely voice. It seems some have forgotten about it because of the strong focus on her stunning images and posters over the years.

One YouTube user commented, “She becomes even more attractive when she speaks, downright intoxicating!”

Another commenter added, “I love the way she speaks; there is something unique and also time-stamped about it.”

Another viewer noted, “Raquel was not only stunning to look at; she had a wonderful voice and a captivating way of speaking.”

This detail shows that Raquel’s appeal went beyond just her looks; her voice added a special charm that still resonates with audiences today.

She was very articulate and well-spoken!

### Why Was Raquel Welch So Down-to-Earth?

Raquel Welch, who got her first name from a grandmother in Bolivia and her last name from a teenage marriage, described herself as a product of middle-class America.

She never forgot her roots and always stayed connected to the part of society that wasn’t filled with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

“I’m practical, but I also have dreams of how things ideally should be,” she once said.

Getty Images

In her private life, Welch was often seen in comfortable, loose-fitting sweaters and classic blue jeans, with just a touch of eye makeup. Even with her great fame, she had a sweetness and gentleness that made her feel easy to approach.

During her interview with Dick Cavett, Welch seemed very sweet, gentle, and down-to-earth.

### Suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease

Welch was truly one of the most beautiful women to ever appear on screen. Not even Kim Kardashian, with all her surgeries, could compare to her beauty.

Raquel was something special, and we should be thankful to have experienced her brilliance. Sadly, she passed away from cardiac arrest on February 15, 2023, at her home in Los Angeles, at the age of 82. At the time of her death, she was also battling Alzheimer’s disease.

Let’s remember this amazing woman through her wonderful interview with Dick Cavett — a moment when Raquel Welch was at the peak of her career. Share this story if you also admired Raquel Welch!

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