Pumpkins, Pumpkins Everywhere

Lots of fall was around today. Mike and I went on a search for a new apple orchard. One to rival Edward's Apple Orchard up north. That we did not find today, though the stand we went to today did have a ton of neat pumpkins.

We were able to get fresh apple cider, too. Always a plus. But the search for 'our' orchard will continue. Most likely not this year, as the house has started to eat away October, but next. I know we won't be able to find Edwards the Second with Baked Potato Tent and popcorn balls and lining up in the bitter cold at like 7 am to be the first to get fresh apple doughnut, but I am determined to find a worthy substitute.

One thing this place does have going for it is their pumpkin selection. Back north I only saw carving pumpkins, pie pumpkins and an occasional warty pumpkin. But here! Just look at the variety. They even have the elegant white pumpkins that Martha Stewart uses all the time. It took a lot of strength not to take one home because one could not come alone. They look so much better in groupings, don't they? Or stacks? I'm beginning to love the stacks.

Pumpkin madness did not stop there. This afternoon my friends here invited me to the Carrillon in the Park to carve pumpkins for FREE!!! for the annual Carrillon Jack O'Lantern Walk. Next weekend 2007 pumpkins carved by the community with be lit along the paths to the Carrillon and through the rose garden. Fun tradition, huh? I can not wait to get some pictures next week. So look forward to that.

I carved two pumpkins during our hour and a half there. 'The Many Moods of a Ghoul,' which turned out to be a bit of a disaster as two of my four ghoul head broke off. People, who happened upon us in the back hidden by the tent, seemed to love it. Little did they know I jimi-rigged the faces in with little sticks. I doubt it'll make it to next weekend, but we shall see. And 'Eek!', which was my speed pumpkin, done in about 20 minutes, turned out adorably surprised. Both in his facial expression and interjection carved upon his back.



Oh, and I think I'm going to try something new this week. Sharing a week of meals with you. Photos, recipes, whatever. I'm just really loving our new kitchen, and as Mike might tell you I'm using up a ton of dishes. So many that he can never stop loading and unloading the dishwasher.

I'm sharing the joy! Look for tonight's delicious, yet quick meal, tomorrow morning.