Sinister Stuffy Tree (10.18.22)

There are trees, and there are trees, and then there is this tree, which might be called the Sinister Stuffy Tree.  It stands in the front yard of quite a nice house on a small street near the St. Croix River. I was startled, and nearly ran my bike off the road. I caught a photo and then pedaled away. I admit to glancing over my shoulder.

Prizes won in carnival games at the county or state fair? That seems a little unbelievable…who is that skilled at the ring toss? Home of a carnie, then, and these are leftovers from the season? Many seasons?

Beloved creatures outgrown by children? That seems a little sad, especially the part where the children get out their little hammers to tack them to the tree. 

Creatures in stasis, exiled here from a different universe?  Hmmm. That might explain the peculiarly blank eyes and general lack of animation. That is a universe I do not want to visit.

Do they stir at night, drop to the ground, and move quietly down the street in a pack, treading softly on their plush feet? Is it getting dark in here? It seems chilly. Brrr.