Halloween 2010

My evil eye pumpkin did not make it to Halloween.  The warm weather brought on decay.  Unfortunately it didn't make the eye look more evil, just droopy.  Thanks to Crabby, I had more to choose from.

It was time to slice up a couple more squash.  I like to cut the bottoms out instead of the top.  I find it easier to clean them and get to the candle if necessary.  I get my patterns online.

You can see in the top picture I don't use candles much any more.  I put a couple glow sticks in to make an  eerie, green glow.  I did them that day so there was no time to do anything fancy.  Evil grinning faces are great for this holiday.

I added a few other decorations and thought I was ready.  Crabby came over to help out because she doesn't get many kids in her neighborhood these days.  Last year, about 30 showed up so I prepared for that many and had extra candy.  Thank the Great Pumpkin I had extra because 52 kids showed up at my door!  I know I don't have that many breeders in my hood so these must have been bused in.  This beast got to do some scaring (not scarring) when he heard one little girl walking up to the door saying "it's ok, nothing is jumping out."  Who can resist that?  She screamed when I jumped out but didn't run away.  The smell of candy kept her feet planted.  It was a good night.

Slicing Squash

I really enjoy carving pumpkins this time of year.  Don't ask me why because it seems pointless.  They don't last very long especially in this warmer weather.  I guess it's just a creative outlet for me.

Crabby invited me to her sister's pumpkin carving party.  Last year was fun so I was happy to go again.  They have good food, all the pumpkins you can carve and a hayride.  Last time I carved two pumpkins but cleaned out four or five.  No one likes touching the gooey bits.  I don't mind gooey things and I really like toasting the seeds.

Let the slashing begin!

I chose to do a single but more complex pumpkin this year.  The carving kits out there make this much easier than using a kitchen knife.  I was able to do all that detail work without swearing in front of the kids or cutting my own limbs off.  (limbs of others beware)  It did take a couple hours to complete but I was well fed the entire time.  We had dogs, chili, finger foods, pulled pork, melted caramel over apples and hot cider.  Plenty of sugary treats for afterwards too.

Because they live out in the country, we could actually do a hayride through the fields.  Ok so not actually in the fields but right beside them.  All aboard!  And don't forget to grab a beer.

Nifty setup huh?  We needed coats and blankets because the day was cooling off.  This was the second hayride of the day.  I was busy earlier as you can see above.  Off we went across the country side.  The tractor gave a couple fits as we went but all seemed well.  We got to enjoy the fresh air and see homes decorated for the season.

Night began to fall and a beautiful moon rose in the sky.  My phone camera is limited so just trust me that it was beautiful.  As we admired the scenery, we noticed that we weren't moving fast if at all.  The tractor seemed to have trouble going up hills and eventually it stopped going altogether.  We'd make it about 50 feet and then the engine sounded like it would stop.  A thinking man in our group (not me) used his GPS app to find out we were 2 miles from home if we had to walk.  The driver was doing his best but ended up calling for help.  Crabby's sister showed up to save the night with a pickup which could pull the wagon.  By then, full night had fallen and it was a very cold drive back.  At least we didn't have to walk!  I should have brought more beers because one just didn't cut it.

Even with the tractor problems, a good time was had by all.  My pumpkin even made it home in one piece.  Here's hoping it lasts until Halloween!