'Tis The Season For Some Pumpkin Lovin'
Now that autumn is officially here, I can post about my pumpkin obsession.
Yes...I 🧡 pumpkins.
I love them more than my own life.
And since Trader Joe's started carrying 2024 seasonal items (including pumpkins) last week, I decided to get a head start by purchasing DOUBLE and TRIPLE of everything. I acted like one of those selfish people during the COVID lockdown who purchased multiple packs of toilet paper and paper towels in fear of running out.
As with every year, when I walked into Trade Joe's that morning, I immediately caught the aroma of cinnamon spice in the air. When I spotted the baby pumpkins, I began clapping and jumping up and down. And then I instantly picked one up and kissed it. Yes, KISSED it!
That's when all the other customers in the produce section slowing began inching away from me.
I had so much fun that day walking around the store, talking to myself, and deciding what to purchase.
Here are a few things I picked up on Day 1...The hand soap smells HEAVENLY. I bought eight baby pumpkins. Four of them I gifted to various people I work with, and the other four I placed around my studio apartment. Over the next six weeks, I will definitely be purchasing more...
I purchased three bags of these...
And two of these...
Here is a bell pepper I purchased because it resembled a baby pumpkin...
This is
Riverwards Produce in Old City. I LOVE this place. They offer produce and much, much more...
As you can tell, they love pumpkins as much as I do...
I have already unshelved my
Dutch Oven and started making autumn soups. Below is a collage from one of my favorite food blogs, where I get so many tasty recipes - the blog is called
Love and Lemons.
🍁🍂🍁🍂 Happy Autumn, Everyone! 🍂🍁🍂🍁
***Oh, and here's a BONUS I'd like to share with you. This photograph will give you a good idea of how trashy Philadelphia can be. I spotted it while walking home from Old City a few weeks ago. These two items were sitting directly in front of an Italian pizza restaurant by the front door. It makes you want to go inside and order food, doesn't it? Yum...
Lucky for me, I had to pee. So, I used the toilet and then took a quick bath. 😂
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Ron, I freaking LOVE this post! That photo of you? ADORABLE! And I laughed my ass off at the final photograph of the toilet and bathtub sitting on the street, right in front of the restaurant. It reminded me of things I would see in certain areas of Manhattan.
ReplyDeleteDon't you love this time of year? I do. Especially all the wonder autumn smells - pumpkin spice, nutmeg, and clove. And yes, the soups!
I've got to get over to Trader Joe's this weekend and check all the seasonal merchandise.
Thank you for sharing your excitement of autumn and PUMPKINS, Ron! It's contagious! xox
Ron, is Riverward produce a co-op market? It looks like one. I checked out the link and thought it was so cool! I love the whole look of the exterior. Those pumpkins outside the market are gorgeous! Don't you love the colors of autumn? It's my favorite season. I am so looking forward to the leaves changing color.
ReplyDeleteFunny you posted about Trader Joe's because I was going to stop at the one not far from where I live, but changed my mind. Now that you shared they are now selling the fall merchandise, I will be sure to go there this weekend, for sure! Got to try those pumpkin tortilla chips. They sound so tasty. Are they new this year? I've never seen them in prior years.
"Lucky for me, I had to pee. So, I used the toilet and then took a quick bath!" --- LOL!
I am so ready for the season change, aren't you? Bring it on!
Ron, I was thinking of you on Sunday - the first day of Autumn - and knew you were enjoying the change of season! Truth be told, I did not enjoy this past summer. Too hot and for too long. Normally I don't mind summer, but not this year. I am ready for some cooler weather.
ReplyDeleteYou look so adorable lovin' that baby pumpkin! I saw those cute little things in Trader Joe's over the weekend. They also had HUGE ones. And all sorts of gourds as well. The store looked so festive.
I bought those pumpkin tortilla chips last year, but I didn't see them at my Trader Joe's this year. They are so delicious!
I cracked up laughing at the toilet/bathtub photo and your commentary. Hysterical! But I'm surprised they were able to place those items on the street.
Happy Autumn, Ron! Enjoy!
Hey Ron, I noticed on your sidebar that you are currently watching the Netflix series "The Perfect Couple." Me too! Isn't it great? I did not read the book, but I know the series is based from the book. The series has such a great storyline, cast, and I love the location in Nantucket.
ReplyDeleteI am so into Fall right now, so your post could not have come at a better time. I've been to Trader Joe's and very much like you, went a little crazy buying stuff. Don't you love how the store smells when you first walk in? And thank you for sharing the link to the food blog because this time of year I go insane for making soups.
Your BONUS pic at the end cracked me up. I can't believe those things were directly in front of the restaurant?!?! Gross!
Have you ever tried Trader Joe's Pumpkin Butter? To DIE for! They also have a fig butter too.
Yipppeeee, it's offically FALL!!!!!
Good evening, Denise!
ReplyDeleteLOL! I took that photo with my cellphone and because I'm not used to taking selfies, it felt so awkward were to aim the lens. I took about five photos and only one came out.
I know, isn't that toilet and bathtub both funny and totally gross? I actually went back and took that photo because when I first saw them, I just kept walking. However, I had an idea of using it in a post about how filthy Philly can be, so I walked back.
My favorite thing about autumn are the smells. And the bright, earthy colors. i LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR and am so happy I born during this season.
I went to Trader Joe's again this morning and got even more seasonal things. I also made some delicious soup tonight for dinner. I was so pleased with out it turned out.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend Happy Autumn!
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Greetings, Daniel!
ReplyDeleteNo, Riverwards is not a co-op but it certainly does looks like one. It's privately owned, so it's very unique and fun to shop there. They own two locations in Philadelphia - Old City and Fishtown. I go to the one in Old City.
"Don't you love the colors of autumn? It's my favorite season. I am so looking forward to the leaves changing color."
Yes, I most certainly do! And I can't wait for the color change of the leaves. I plan on taking the train out to Yardly next month and I am hoping by then, the foliage with be changing.
OMG, those pumkin tortilla chips are so tasty. And they have just right about of pumpkin flavoring - not too much, not too little. I like dipping them into my favorite hummus, and then dipping them into my soups.
"I am so ready for the season change, aren't you? Bring it on!"
Sooooooooooooo ready am I! Today I actually wore a black turtleneck shirt for the first time this season! This whole week is supposed to be nice and cool!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel. Always great to see your comments!
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Good evening, Candice!
ReplyDeleteOh how nice of you to be thinking of me on Sunday. And yes, even though I had to work, I so enjoyed the first day of my favorite season! You could feel a subtle change in the air. Today it was nice and cool. I wore my first black turtleneck of the season!
OMG, this past summer was horrendous. I'm not a fan of summer, but I try not to complain about the heat and humidity. However, this summer I bitched and moaned throughout the whole season. It was waaaaaaaaay too humid for me.
Yes, I too noticed the HUGE pumpkins. In fact, I was there again this morning and saw that the store had added more pumpkins and gourds of all various colors. Aren't those tortilla chips the BOMB? Everytime I go, I pick up another bag because I want to have them throughout the season.
"But I'm surprised they were able to place those items on the street."
I'm not, because you wouldn't believe half the gross stuff I see in this city. And it's in ALL areas of the city too. Right now, Philly is especially trashy. The people hear just throw things wherever the want. It's disgusting.
Thanks a bunch for stopping by, Candice! Happy Autumn to you too!
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Helloooooooooo there, Abby!
ReplyDeleteHave you been watching "The Perfect Couple" too?!? OMG, it's faaaaaabulous! And I have to be honest, I only stubbed upon it, not even knowing what it was about. But because I liked the cast, I decided to start watching it. I will watching the final episode tonight, and I can't wait to see how it ends. Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber are so good in it. I think whole cast is good!
" I've been to Trader Joe's and very much like you, went a little crazy buying stuff. Don't you love how the store smells when you first walk in?"
TOTALLY love how the store smells! And you should have seen me when I first walking in this season and caught a whiff of all those spicy aromas - I went BONKERS. LOL!
I know, can believe how CLOSE those things were to the front door of the restaurant?!? I've never eaten there and never will. Ha!
Yup, I love their pumpkin butter. I like to spread it on a toasted english muffin with coffee. I've tried the fig butter as well. DELICIOUS!
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your excitment of FALL! Have a great week!
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Ron, I'm up to episode 4. I may watch the final two tonight! I agree, great cast! Nicole Kidman is so psycholic and scary in her role. And I love Liev Schreiber's character too. I've always thought he was such a handsome/sexy man.
ReplyDeleteYes she is! Sometimes her character seemed completely normal, but then suddenly she turns into a psycho. I'm with you, such a handsome, sexy man is Liev. Woof!
ReplyDeleteRon, did you ever see It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown? This post immediately made me think of it. I'm a pumkin lover as well. Did you ever carve pumpkins? My family had a tradition of doing that late October. What fun that was! We also had a tradition of dying eggs during the lead up to Easter.
ReplyDelete"Here is a bell pepper I purchased because it resembled a baby pumpkin..." ---- LOL! It really does resemble a pumpkin. Orange bell pepper are my favorite.
And speaking of soup, I can't wait to start making my faves. I like to make them in a big batch so that I can eat them for several nights. I think soup tasted better the next day, don't you?
Hey, I noticed from your photos that you have an HP computer. So do I. I've got a desktop and a laptop.
I'm speechless about the two items left in front of the Italian pizza restaurant. ROFLMAO!
I've got to try those pumpkin ravioli the next time I'm in Trader Joe's. They sound and look so good!
Happy Autumn, Ron! I wish we had a Trader Joe's nearby because when I lived in another state, we had TWO where I lived. I heard that they might be opening one by next Spring. Finger crossed.
ReplyDeleteI'm a lover of pumpkins too. And although I'm not a big sweet-eater, pumpkin pie is my favorite thing to eat when I do get a sweet-tooth. It's sweet, but not too sweet. It's perfect!
That picture of you loving on the pumpkin is precious! I actually prefer the baby pumpkins versus the big one. Every autumn, my boyfriend and I go to a October Fest, where they have a pumpkin patch that you can walk through and it's so fun. That's were I get my apple cider and pumpkin scones.
"Lucky for me, I had to pee. So, I used the toilet and then took a quick bath." ROFLMAO!
Good morning, Robert!
ReplyDeleteYes! And I LOVE that animated film! As a matter of fact, i love all the Charlie Brown animated films, particularly the holiday ones.
Yup, when I was a kid my family would get a few pumpkins from the market and right before Halloween, we would carve them and insert a votive candle inside each one. We would then place them outside the front door for the Trick or Treaters. My family too, we'd have an annual Easter egg dying night and place them in a basket with plastic grass.
"It really does resemble a pumpkin. Orange bell pepper are my favorite."
Me too! I adore orange bell peppers. I like the yellow and red too. The only one I'm not in love with are the green.
Absolutely! Soup tastes much more flavorful the next day. I actually made a delicious white bean, spinach, and lemon soup last night. And I can't wait to have seconds tonight for dinner!
Those pumpkin ravioli are faaaabulous! I noticed that this year Trader Joe's carries them in gluten-free.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Robert! Hope you're having a superb week!
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Happy Autumn to you too, Clair!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy brother said the same thing several years ago because at the time, they did not have many Trader Joe's in Florida. When they finally got one, he couldn't wait to tell me. He loves TJ's as much as I do.
"And although I'm not a big sweet-eater, pumpkin pie is my favorite thing to eat when I do get a sweet-tooth. It's sweet, but not too sweet. It's perfect!"
You took the words right out of my mouth because I am the same when it comes to eating sweets. And that's why pumpkin pie is ideal because it's sweet, but not OVERLY sweet. God, how I love pumpkin pie. And I like it plain with no whipped cream on top.
Oh, that October Fest sounds AWESOME! Next month, I plan on taking the train out to Swarthmore, where they have a fantastic October Fest. Looking forward to it!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! Have a faaaabulous autumn season!
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Robert, in case you're interested. Here is the Instagram link to the white bean soup I made last night.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the Trader Joe reminder! I haven’t been to one in a few years. There are only two in all of Northeast Ohio and I HATE the interstate I have to take to get to either of them. But I do love my pumpkin items. Fortunately, in the past few years, we’ve gotten a number of Aldi’s and they carry things like pumpkin ravioli and pumpkin waffles. Their prices are pretty good, too. I’ve even replaced our fave (Food Should Taste Good tortilla chips) with the Aldi brand multi grain chips and have been happy with the equal quality but better price. But TJ Carrie’s a lot of great items that I’d love to try again.
ReplyDeleteI’m holding out on my gourd purchases because I like them to last through Thanksgiving and sometimes they get moldy. Very gross! Thank you for the link to that cooking blog. I followed her in Pinterest so that I can easily find her recipes. Looks yum!
OMG on that trash on the sidewalk. I get irritated when people put toilets and appliances on the tree lawn in our neighborhood. You are supposed to call to schedule a Friday pickup and then put it out Thursday night. People just put it out there any old day of the week and never call. I think eventually the Monday trash pickup reports it, but it can take two weeks. Just what I want to see on my walks!
It’s raining this week, but I hope you’re having a good one, Ron! XO
It's so funny because the first thing I check when I investigate moving outside of Center City is make sure they have a TRADER JOE'S! LOL! I have one only 4 blocks from where I currently live and then there's another one about 10 blocks.
ReplyDelete" Fortunately, in the past few years, we’ve gotten a number of Aldi’s and they carry things like pumpkin ravioli and pumpkin waffles. Their prices are pretty good, too. "
We have an Aldi here as well. However, it's in South Philly, which is not one of my favorite parts of Philadelphia. Also, it's about 45 mins (walking) from my apartment. But I hear it's a GREAT place to shop, and the prices are very good.
You will LOVE that cooking blog because she shares a variety of cuisine. I use her site mainly for soups, salads, and pasta dishes.
"I get irritated when people put toilets and appliances on the tree lawn in our neighborhood. You are supposed to call to schedule a Friday pickup and then put it out Thursday night."
Same here, however, no one EVER does that. They just toss it on the sidewalk whenever they feel like it. And sometimes that crap is there, like you said, for WEEKS!
We are not getting rain until tomorrow, and then again on Saturday. But I'm loving how the temperature dropped into the low 70s. Tomorrow into the 60s. Yesterday I actually wore my first turtleneck shirt for the season!
*happy dance*
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a grrrrreat rest of your week!
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P.S. While on You Tube this morning, I found a channel by some guy who was at that same ELO concert (in Cleveland) you attended and he filmed the whole concert.
Ron, thank you TONS for sharing the link. That soup looks incredible! Can't wait to try it.
ReplyDeleteHow I love this post, Ron -- those baby pumpkins are sooo cute, no wonder you had to grab an armful and hug and kiss them! Did you remember that Illinois grows the most pumpkins of any place else in the US?? Yup, we do. I just love seeing them in open fields and knowing we feed the entire country!
ReplyDeleteThose autumn soups look wonderfully delicious, and I'll have to visit that website when I finish here. There's nothing more satisfying than hot soup on a cold day!
It saddens me to see those abandoned bathroom fixtures lying outside a restaurant. Gross!! Maybe somebody forgot to call the waste and sanitation company to request a pickup??
I hope you manage to avoid all the rain we've been having (though everybody seems to think we're abnormally dry and need the water). xx
Hellooooooooooo there, Debbie!
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear you enjoyed because I so enjoyed putting this post together. I was initially going to post it last weekend, but I worked a lot of hours at my job, so I didn't have time to double check everything before posting, so I saved it for last night.
Aren't those baby pumpkins so cute? I can never resist picking the up, hunging them, and kissing them. HA!
"Did you remember that Illinois grows the most pumpkins of any place else in the US?? Yup, we do. I just love seeing them in open fields and knowing we feed the entire country!"
OMG, thank you for sharing that very interesting piece of knowledge because I did not know that!?! Yahooooo to Illinois! And thank you for all those pumpkins that make me smile!
There are several different food blogs that I follow, but Love and Lemons seems to be the one I find the best recipes; especially soups and salads. You're right, nothing more satisfying that hot soup on a cold day!
"It saddens me to see those abandoned bathroom fixtures lying outside a restaurant. Gross!! Maybe somebody forgot to call the waste and sanitation company to request a pickup??"
I know, isn't that sad? But that's Philly. They just do what they want to do and no one is ever held accountable. Philly is one big free-for-all.
I just checked the weather channel and saw that we are going to get all that rain, starting tomorrow through the rest of the week, up until the weekend. To be honest though, I really don't care because I enjoy days and days of rain and overcast skies. Remember? I'm a vampire. LOL!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. I look forward to your next Thankful Thursday post! Have a great week!
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I LOVE YOU, RON.
ReplyDeleteIf I had seen you chatting and kissing pumpkins at Trader Joe's, I would have jumped right in to talk to you—you’re my kind of person! I love pumpkins too. It’s finally a chilly, rainy day here, making it the perfect time to enjoy this post.
I adore all the pumpkin goodies you picked up at TJ's! That Riverwards looks absolutely beautiful; I would love a place like that.
And the toilet and tub made me laugh so hard! 🤣
Happy Autumn!! 🍂
Good morning, Kari!
ReplyDeleteLove you too, my friend!
" I would have jumped right in to talk to you—you’re my kind of person! I love pumpkins too. "
That's because you and I are kindred spirits!
Yes, it's finally chilly and rainy here as well. People think I'm crazy but I ADORE gray, rainy, chilly days. They actually relax me and energize me simultaneously. They also make me feel more creative.
Happy Autumn to you too! Our season is FIANLLY here!
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Ron, hubby and I just got back from fives days in Upstate New York and we saw the start of the foliage change. We were so shocked that it started this early, but we were delighted! As you know, like you, I am a fall and winter person. So, I get so excited when they approach. Yes, Sunday was the start of FALL!!!!
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your post about visiting Trader Joe's, we'll be going sometime this week. Can't wait!
That photo of you snuggle that baby pumpkin is so cute! You can see the love in your expression.
And thank you for the food link because I like trying new recipes, especially soups.
"Lucky for me, I had to pee. So, I used the toilet and then took a quick bath." LOL! And I love how you found the HUMOR in it. Reminds me of things I've seen in parts of NYC.
Happy Fall, Ron! Are you enjoying this FALLISH weather today? I am! xox
Hey there, Elaine!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Upstate New York!
OMG, I'm so jealous! I wish the trees would change here in the city. However, I have a feeling (like last year), the foliage was very late. My boss has a house in the Pocono Mountains and she told me last week that the foliage was starting to change, like in Upstate NY.
You will go bonkers when you go into Trader Joe's and see the seasonal items. I was literally jumping up and down and talking to myself about how HAPPY I was.
The link I shared has some amazing soup recipes, and also salads. Being that I'm vegetarian, the website offers a lot of great choices. I think you're enjoy it!
Yes, I've seen things like that in NYC as well. I remember when I lived there, seeing it a lot in the Village.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Happy FALL to you too! And yes, I am enjoying this weather. Love the rain, love the gray sky, and love the cooler temps.
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Hey Ron, your exuberance for pumpkins AND autumn, bursts through your every word! Great photos, by the way. I really like the ones of Riverwards Produce. Wow...those are a plethora of pumpkins! I wonder if they get any stolen after hours? I mean they can't possibly bring them all inside at night, right?
ReplyDeleteI've had those pumpkin flavored tortilla chip in past years and really enjoyed them. I've got to try those fall leaf corn tortilla chips. They look good too. I like that they're different colors.
I noticed from your photos that you have an HP computer. I do too. I've got a desktop and a laptop. I find that brand very reliable.
LOL at the toilet and bathtub!
Greetings, Sammy!
ReplyDelete"Hey Ron, your exuberance for pumpkins AND autumn, bursts through your every word!"
I know, can you tell just how much I love pumpkins from this post? And autumn too? I get so excited this time of year. I feel that way about winter as well. I much prefer autumn and winter weather. I'm not of fan of summer because I can't stand being hot. And hot to me is 75 degrees. Lol!
"I wonder if they get any stolen after hours? I mean they can't possibly bring them all inside at night, right?"
Funny you asked that because I wondered the same thing. No, I don't think they bring them inside every night because that would be to time-consuming. And yes, I'm sure some get stolen after hours. Hell, here in Philly, things get stolen in broad daylight. Ha!
I am a huge fan of HP. The first computer I ever purchased was an HP and from that point on I've never changed. Yes, I find them very reliable and with a long life. I had one HP desktop that lasted over nine years! I've also at one time had an HP laptop.
Thanks so much for stopping by today, Sammy! Have a great rest of your week!
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Ron, my girlfriend and I are as excited and happy as you are that autumn is finally here, bringing with it cooler weather, colorful foliage, soup, and PUMPKINS!!! God, how I love this time of year. And it's only just begun. We've already been to Trader Joe's twice already to stock up on their seasonal goodies. For the first time, we also picked up a pumpkin bread mix, and are going to try baking a loaf ourselves instead of purchasing it. We may even try making a pie, using their organic canned pumpkin. And also thank you for sharing the food link. I took a quick peek just to check it out and it immediately caught my eye.
ReplyDeleteThe image of you with your baby pumpkin ROCKS! I feel the LOVE!
And that toilet and bathtub in front of the Italian pizza restaurant is gross, but your commentary made it hilarious!
Happy first week of autumn, dude!
Hiya, Matt!
ReplyDeleteLoved reading this....
"Ron, my girlfriend and I are as excited and happy as you are that autumn is finally here, bringing with it cooler weather, colorful foliage, soup, and PUMPKINS!!! God, how I love this time of year."
God, how I love this time of the year too! And I'm going to savor every minute of it. And winter as well. After the horrendoud heat and humidty of summer, I'm so ready for some nice, gray, rainy/snowy, cold days.
" For the first time, we also picked up a pumpkin bread mix, and are going to try baking a loaf ourselves instead of purchasing it. We may even try making a pie, using their organic canned pumpkin. "
Yes, I've seen that pumpkin bread mix on the shelf and was tempted to try it. I've also seen that organic canned pumpkin and have used it when I made soup! It gave the soup a wonderful pumpkin flavor.
Isn't that toilet and tub GROSS? And IN FRONT of a restaurant!!!!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Happy first week of autumn to you and your girlfriend!
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Ron, I wanted to stop back real quick to let you know that I watched the final episode of The Perfect Couple last night and was totally gobsmacked by the ending. I did not, for one second, think the murderer was who it ended up being. Did you? Excellent twist at the end!
ReplyDeleteIsn't the ending a TOTAL surprised? And no, I did not think it was the person who ended up being the murderer. As I watched all 6 episodes, I would go back and forth on who I thought did it. However, I was wrong about all of them. GREAT twist at the end!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping back to let me know! X
Hi Ron,
ReplyDeleteI love pumpkins too - and I love TJ's! There is a local nursery that grows its own pumpkins and they have the best variety...all kinds of unique ones. I love getting their pumpkins for my front porch. I'd love to go this weekend, but I know it'll be packed, so I'll wait until next week. Have a great weekend!
Hey there, Melanie!
ReplyDeleteSo nice to see you again! Aren't pumpkins AND TJ's the BEST?!? And especially this time of year!
"There is a local nursery that grows its own pumpkins and they have the best variety...all kinds of unique ones. I love getting their pumpkins for my front porch."
That's awesome! I LOVE pumpkins outside of a home during this season because it makes the house look festive and welcoming. I had a friend in Florida who used to carve her pumpkins on Halloween night and thenplace a candle inside, before placing them on her front porch.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Melanie! Happy Autumn to you, and have a great weekend!
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