Pumpkins, butternut squash, and Cushow squash (striped) on a wagon bed.
A southern "sittin" porch is seen in the background
My father was born on Halloween. All through my years of living at my childhood home and later living away I have placed pumpkins outside on his birthday to celebrate. He died in 1991 but I still carry on my tradition of setting out pumpkins. I know folks set out pumpkins for Halloween and that makes neighborhoods look very festive. I think my pumpkins add a touch to that look. My father would have liked this continuation of festive Halloween pumpkins for his birthday.
This past weekend I discovered a farmer's wife standing by a farm wagon parked in the street at a suburban yard sale selling squash and pumpkins. She told me that she had hauled the produce from her farm. Pumpkins were either one dollar or two dollars.The squash was priced in the same range. She mentioned that the pumpkins were not the same size that they usually are due to the summer drought. I thought they were just the right size.
I dug down in my small stash of cash and found six dollars to buy two butternut squash and three pumpkins. It was a beautiful sunny day.The woman and I discovered we had a similar interest, photography. This led to a lengthy conversation.
Soon I was pulling into my drive. My mind was full of my father. Then I noticed the exact place I was going to put his pumpkins. On the chair that I found beside the road about a month ago. There I could view them every time I pulled into my drive. An early Happy Birthday to you Dad!
What a wonderful birthday tribute.
ReplyDeleteMichelle -- My dad was a great man in my eyes -- thanks -- barbara
ReplyDeleteHeartwarming post thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGrampy -- What a kind comment -- need to say that your blog's photos are top quality -- barbara
DeleteThat chair is perfect for displaying those pumpkins.
ReplyDeleteYou reminded me of cushaw squash. I think they may show up in our grocery stores (maybe without a specific name) but the word itself seems to exist in my inner ear spoken in my mother's or father's voice. We grew them and ate them when I was growing up in rural Indiana, but I had forgotten them and that interesting word until I read it just now. As the song goes, Thanks for the Memory.
June -- perhaps you remember that chair as I wrote a post on it a while back. The pumpkins with their earthy look seemed to match the earthy feeling of the chair. I must admit I have never had Cushow. Do you remember liking the taste? Several Kentuckians tell me they are delicious.I never knew about them until I moved to KY. I am glad that I was able to tweak your early home memories. -- barbara
DeleteI love this line: My mind was full of my father.
ReplyDeletemarciamayo -- yes, some times events trigger our memories of our special loved ones. this was one of those times. thanks -- barbara
DeleteI have missed your thoughtful posts so I am glad you are back. This one is good on many levels: personal, local & universal. My early Ky childhood returns in all of them. Very scared child, clutching mother's leg at halloween trick & treat, but yummy pumpkin pie. I have always loved that colour of orange. I do not have a blog because folks out there speak my thoughts and see the things I see. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteclaggle -- You are a native Kentuckian and I am not. But memories wrap around us all in our travels through life -- no matter where we are from. Your stories taken from your Halloween memories are wonderful. I think you would be a good blog writer. Your thoughts would bring new dimensions. thanks -- barbara
DeleteWhat a grand tribute to your dad! They look wonderful sitting on that old chair.
ReplyDeleteMamabug -- thanks for the comment -- I knew I picked up that old chair for some reason -- barbara
DeleteI like the picture of the pumpkins on that intriguing chair you found along the roadside. You've succeeded in making a throne of that poor old chair. Nice.
ReplyDeleteNature Weaver -- A pumpkin throne. I like the sounds of that -- thanks barbara
DeleteThose rockers look sooooo inviting in the fall sun.
ReplyDeleteAre you calling the pumpkins -- rockers? I think so -- haven't heard that expression -- maybe its a Maine expression. thanks -- barbara
DeleteI am smiling- thoughtfully. What a nice post.
ReplyDeleteRaining Iguanas -- And I too smile everyday when I pull in my drive and see the pumpkins. I had such great respect for my dad -- thanks -- barbara
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