In Vermont and New Hampshire, we take our pumpkins seriously. I had to smile when a photo arrived in my mailbox tonight from my friend, Charlotte Croft, our volunteer roving photographer in Vermont.
“Pumpkin Totem” in Woodstock, VT
On her way home today, Charlotte Croft spotted the pumpkin totem seen above. What a clever way to celebrate autumn!
Previously, she had sent the next photo that shows pumpkins on display at a local fair.
Pumpkins at a Fair in Vermont
The more industrious women of New England make their own pumpkin pie filling from … pumpkins! I have only sampled this sweet treat made in this manner, only once. I usually resort to opening a can of pumpkin to make a pie.
Good Memories
Just seeing pumpkins makes me smile because I remember how much my own son loved Halloween and all that went with it. He would get pretty elaborate and even recorded some “scary” music using a keyboard synthesizer. He carved “jack o’ lanterns,” and put together a stuffed man, using old clothes, one year. The fall seemed to be his favorite time of year, as well as ours.
Autumn in New England
There really is nothing like the autumn in New England. This week, we have posted more photos of foliage on this blog and on our main website. Cider is being made at the orchards, and the last of crops are being harvested. The smell of wood smoke is again in the air. At this time of year, our thoughts turn “to batting down the hatches.”
Just today, Jim made a wonderful Borsch soup, using just a portion of a gigantic beet he pulled from our garden, plus other vegetables, such as parsnips and carrots, from the same source. It was very tasty with its homemade chicken broth base. I hope he will share his recipe with you.
Technically, we are on vacation, but since we love home more than anywhere else on earth, we are here, doing the work we enjoy the most. There is no place like home.
Thank you, Charlotte. We really enjoy your photos.
Pat and Jim
