Click on a thumbnail picture below to see the full size version. 308 Entries. Friday, January 9 View Page First of all I would like to say Happy New Year to all my fellow Punkinoligists, especially the ones that are that bored to be reading my diary... I have doing alittle reading and plan to jump on the compost tea band wagon..My winter project will be to make a tea brewer, wish me luck...Due to pure laziness I decided to poke a couple hundred holes in compost pile with a rebar instead of turning it. See if this can get alittle oxygen to the center. Hope to some skiing next week ( cant wait )..Have a safe and happy winter .KEEP SMILING. Wednesday, January 14 View Page Today I went to Home Depot to pick up some supplies for my Tea Brewer. Spent a whole 4 dollars which should cover all the internal plumbing. I am going to use copper tubing instead of soaker hose, time will tell if my idea works..I finally got to go skiing Monday ( no broken bones to report ) and I am looking foward to the next trip.....Have a great day and keep smiling everyone......... Sunday, January 18 View Page Picked up a 30 gal barrel yesterday. Made a template and cut and drilled tubing. Tea Brewer is slowly coming togeather, still only have a big 5 dollars tied up in this project......This pumpkin growing stuff is really getting expensive...... Wednesday, January 28 View Page After much thought ( yeah right ) I decided to change the design on my tea brewer. I had too many bends in the tubing, figured I would simplify it a little. Off to Home Depot again, needed another elbow. Now the basic design is a box with a T for the inlet, did I mention this cost another 50 cents. May need a goverment bail out before this project is done.....Oh well. Sunday, February 1 View Page Spent yesterday afternoon in search of an air pump, went to 5 different pet shops none with any power were to be found. I guess I will order one on line. Thanks for the help Dan and Dale it is highly appreciated........ Thursday, February 12 View Page Look really hard those little green things are Daffodils... Saturday, February 14 View Page Friday the 13th was a good day here. UPS delivered my new air pump, and I also had the tubing for my tea brewer soldered. Yes Dan I have to go back to Home Depot to pick up one more fitting to connect the air line........Pictures soon Erin.......My Income taxes were finished, and it was also a vacation day from work. Over all I say it was a good day...... Saturday, February 14 View Page Back from Home Depot, all fittings in place and my test turns out to be an engineering disaster. Too many holes in the tubing. I know where I went wrong and will fix the problem tomorrow..........Back to Home Depot Dan........ Wednesday, February 18 View Page How can one compete with a person who has a pet Rhino........... This will take much effort... Saturday, February 21 View Page MY FIRST WINTER PROJECT IS FINISHED Saturday, February 21 View Page this was the original design for the base of my tea brewer, had too many holes, thought a 110 liter a min pump could handle it but i was wrong Saturday, February 21 View Page this is the new base only 24 5/64 holes over a 4 ft span ( much more betterer ) Saturday, February 21 View Page 30 gal barrel, 110 liter pump and some copper tubing and time Saturday, February 21 View Page it works ( so far ) Saturday, February 21 View Page remember boys and girls ALWAYS cut away from you when using razor blade Thursday, February 26 View Page Started a new project, building a cold frame ( hoop house )what ever you want to call it. I want this one to fold up to conserve on space. So I guess its off to Home Depot again.........Pretty soon I will have my own parking spot.. Saturday, February 28 View Page This is a cold frame I just made minus plastic. I needed something that folded to save space in off season and this is it.It consists of five 2x3s ripped in half, six hinges, and some two inch wood screws, and some babysitter on a roll ( gorilla tape ) which will be used to cover space between between both sides where hinged togeather. Saturday, February 28 View Page Breakes down in a few minutes, 9 screws on the door, 3 on the back and 2 on each bottom brace....Not Jutras Woodworking quality but not bad....... Sunday, March 8 View Page Yesterday was a good day went to a sngpg meeting, was good to see some old friends again. Came home and started my mustang for the first time in 3 month. Believe it or not nothing leaked, radiator has been patched a few times so far, see how long it lasts this time.... Sunday, March 8 View Page Another cold frame that will fold up in a couple mins. This one is a little bigger than the last one seeing I got grief from one of my fellow punkinoligists saying it was too small. I really dont want to say who it was Mr, Oliver. I think this could house a small homeless person, anytime you want to visit come on down........... Sunday, March 15 View Page While the High Rollers went to Niagra us poor people stayed home and made two small cold frames which I will swap for Mustang parts. This turns out to be a good deal for me...All I have to do is (plasticficate) them and the job is done.......Aint that a great word I should have my own Dictionary............. Friday, April 10 View Page SCARE CROWS OF THE MONTH OF APRIL. Things are slow this time of year so I figures I would put the trainees to work. They are my two grandaughters Tayla and Allie. These two have great potential, not only as scare crows but also as great x wifes some day........... Sunday, April 12 View Page Spread 50 lbs of humic acid and kelp and sprayed 2 qts of molasses and tilled patch today............. Tuesday, April 14 View Page 5 of my 6 cold frames are in place finish tomorrow I hope Tuesday, April 14 View Page top secret stuff going on in here Tuesday, April 14 View Page Jutras.............be scared .......very scared...... Tuesday, April 14 View Page I made a funny.............. Wednesday, April 15 View Page Last cold frame is up. Thanks Ed and Cathy......... Thursday, April 23 View Page Went to Lowes today and picked up some 5" peat pots, I may loose my parking spot at Home Depot if this news gets out....Moistened my starting mix and filled pots, now in germ box warming up...The plan is to put seeds in pots sat morning......My plants always look like they are on life support in Sept so I cant see any reason why to start them any earlier.... Saturday, April 25 View Page Came home from work at 2 am and filed and soaked seeds. Started 12 seeds in germ box at 9:30 am..........Let the games begin.......... Saturday, April 25 View Page Picked up 5 lbs of worm castings and fired up my new tea brewer for the first time............Taste test tomorrow....... Monday, April 27 View Page Drenched each cold frame with two gals of tea this morning.........First batch that I ever made , tasted fine to me ...Hope it works. Wednesday, April 29 View Page Have action in 11 out of 12 pots so far, 7 are out in cold frame getting sun expect to see 4 more tomorrow. 1046 is a little slow so I started a back up just in case. Dont worry Dan one will make it I have confidence..... Thursday, April 30 View Page All my seeds came up except one 836 of mine. The 1046 was up when I got home from work. I started a back up today so there could be some changes going on here..... Friday, May 1 View Page Woodchuck hole in back yard opened up again. I guess that means it is the beginning of trapping season..... Sunday, May 3 View Page As i gazed out the kitchen window I saw a woodchuck eating what use to be violet plants...Off to Stop and Shop for more granny smith apples and set a second trap....I guess that I have to move them a little further away,,,I have it Bristol whats ya think Mike.......... Monday, May 4 View Page Second 1046 is up this morning......... Monday, May 4 View Page Put the 1689 and a 755 of mine along with some happy root in the ground this morning....... Tuesday, May 5 View Page Put 3 more plants in the ground today, my 914,the 973 Rondeau and the 1046 Bowles mixed in a little happy root and some fish and seaweed. I also purchased a Wolf hoe with a few attatchments. Just hate being out hoed........ Wednesday, May 6 View Page The sun almost came out today and I was inspired to put the rest of my plants in the ground...First I went over a friends house and put in a 914 of mine and a 837 Sullivan..Sally we are going to make you proud of this one......Then back to the Bates Motel to put the last two in, a 836 and 1077 both my seeds. Now its off to the races good luck everyone.......... Thursday, May 7 View Page After I posted yesterday the sun actually came out for about 3 hours, plants were probably shocked I know I was. Transplanted my back up plants into gal pots today also repotted a couple dozen maters............... Friday, May 8 View Page Finally opened the cold frames today because the sun was out, but it only lasted till noon and it clouded up. Suppose to rain later oh well...At least I got the last 4 doz maters repotted....... Monday, May 11 View Page I was checking my e - mail waiting for some pictures from my kid that never showed... Along came the big brown truck with a present for me. I got my new Wolf hoe today......Nothing better than a new hoe to get your intrests charged up, so I just had to go play for a while. This was a good investment for sure, even better my honey said I can bring my new hoe in the house....Top that JVH.... Tuesday, May 12 View Page Ladies and Gentlemen Tuesday, May 12 View Page Boys and Girls Tuesday, May 12 View Page Children of all ages Tuesday, May 12 View Page The Bates Motel Tuesday, May 12 View Page Proudly introduces to you Tuesday, May 12 View Page The Scare Crows of the month of May Tuesday, May 12 View Page Really these two aint tooooo scary, Only a tiny bit more than last months victims. Its May and I think they can handle the task very well...Please say hi to my lost daughter and grandchild.....Kaarina and Saara.........You guys rock............ Saturday, May 16 View Page Hoed for a couple hours today, did over half the garden. Caught the first woodchuck of the season also, my great great grandaddy must have been a fur trapper in the olden days.......Have a new place to relocate them this season, Road sign said welcome to Bristol i think but I could be wrong....Mike I would never do that to you............. Sunday, May 17 View Page The woodchuck relocation program was hard at work for the second day in a row. I had something in my second trap and it beat the thing up to get out.........Must have a serious head ache it bent the door and latch.....Took over a half hour to straighten it out and I aint sure if it will work right again......oh well..maybe its time for a new trap..... Monday, May 25 View Page I took the day off from pumpkins today. My honey took care of them for me.........She is a keeper......... Monday, May 25 View Page Went to NH to climb Mt. Washington with my oldest grandson. It was a very good day...............Should only take his parents about a week to reprogram him after a weekend with me. Monday, May 25 View Page Here he is on the way up lions head....First time that I saw snow on this trail this late...Took me 8 hours to erase some of that smile he had but I did. Monday, May 25 View Page This is the head wall on Tuckermans ravine. Monday, May 25 View Page This guy hiked in to tuckermans and skied the headwall.........He is more a man than me. Monday, May 25 View Page One of the buildings on top , notice the chains to hold it down.. Monday, May 25 View Page This is how the wimpy people get to the summit. Monday, May 25 View Page Another building on the summit. Monday, May 25 View Page Did I say it was a bit windy and cool .. Wednesday, May 27 View Page The woodchuck relocation program was hard at work again today. Third one of the season, I even went out and bought another trap ( Home Depot ) where else....... Sunday, May 31 View Page Did a 25 gal tea drench today. I have three plants that could be taken out of cold frames today, due to possible thunder storms and hail I will wait till tomorrow. All plants are starting to lay down and vine except the 1046 which being a little stuborn and growing straight for the sun, but with some coaxing it will be fine............Stay tuned next report at 11........ Monday, June 1 View Page Took cold frames off my 836 and 1077 today , also put up temp wind fence. Wednesday, June 3 View Page Found the first cuke beatles in patch today, dont ya know it would be a perfectly sunny day so I guees spraying will have to wait till midnight when I get home from work... Got to love it...... Friday, June 5 View Page The woodchuck relocation program went to work this morning for the fourth time of the season. Not quiet as exciting as chasing a bear out of the yard but it was the best I could do... Dan...Be thankful it didnt want to play whooze your daddy......... Saturday, June 6 View Page Took cold frames off the 1689 and my 755 today.. Two more to go...JVH I played with my new hoe today did you?? Sunday, June 7 View Page Started an experiment today. I picked up two 837 Sullivans ( 500 Northrup x 1689 )I planted them in my compost pile, plan to push them to the limit for the next 4 weeks.. If this works they will be pollin donors for my 755 and possibly the 1046.. If it doest work..oh well... Monday, June 8 View Page Removed top and ends of long cold frame, 1046 and 973 are on the ground and out the ends. I told you I knew how to make a Tundra plant lay down Mr. Unka........... Thursday, June 11 View Page The cold frame over my 914 was removed today, all plants are now out in the open.. All we need now is sun.... Saturday, June 13 View Page I heard a rumor, and its probably only a rumor but the weatherman said the sun may come out this morning here in the northeast. This got me excited so at 5:30 am I went out and mixed up a gal of anti buggie juice and sprayed my plants..Cucumber beatles beware.. Glad the neighbors wernt up.Jammies, flannel shirt, and back pack sprayer, quiet the picture.... Sunday, June 14 View Page I am proud to introduce the Scare Crow of the month of June. Only slightly scarier than last month. You can see that she is deep in thought, probably planing how to get even with me for this. This is my daughterinlaw..Joyce..you are a great sport.. Thanks again.. Wednesday, June 17 View Page The sun came out today, I got all excited went to the gararge and picked up a handful of bamboo sticks, shovel and my bucket of happy root and of to the patch I went. Burried vines for about an hour, plants are getting long but not that wide yet. When I finished I went in the house and turned on the weather channel. We only have 5 days of liquid sunshine in a row before the sun comes out again...........Oh well... Tuesday, June 23 View Page I learned something yesterday. If your garden is on a hill and it is raining your walking boards could be slippery, causing you to fall on your ass and look like a fool in front of neighbors.. Remember this boys and girls.... Tuesday, June 30 View Page Polinated my 755 with 837 Sullivan Thursday, July 2 View Page In a small window between lightning and down pours I went out to polinate my 973 Rondeau, only to find seeds in the blossom. What a waste of time, I have another female that should be ready in a few days about 3ft further out,,,oh well.. Thursday, July 2 View Page On the brighter side we only got 1.5 inches of rain in July so far. I think it is starting to dry out... Thursday, July 2 View Page GOT WHEELS.. Only took me the better part of a year to save for these..I guess my imagination will have to cover the tires for a couple months.....One step closer to driving. Friday, July 3 View Page Polinated the 1689 with two males from 1046 Bowles.. Saturday, July 4 View Page Spent 5 hours burying vines today have two more plants to do tomorrow.... This sunshine stuff is kind of neat for a change.. Congrats to Joey Jaws Chestnut..68 dogs and buns in 10 mins......My hero.. Sunday, July 5 View Page Polinated my 1077 with the 1046 Bowles this morning, I also got caught up on burying vines.. Sprayed Warrior and Infuse this evening......Tomorrow I can get in touch with my hoe for a while......... Monday, July 6 View Page The garden as of 11:30 this morning. Plants are healthy, not the biggest, but I have to play the cards I was dealt..JVH can you tell I was playing with my hoe again ??? Wednesday, July 8 View Page Polinated 1689 with 1046 this morning for the second time. I like where this one is on the plant much more betterer, but the first one looks like it took so possibly one plant down. Also polinated 973 Rondeau with my 836, had 3 semi weird looking lobes in 973.. Last one had seeds in it, have one more to do in a day or two...Weather is making things a bit difficult but I will survive... Wednesday, July 8 View Page Happy belated Birthday EDGAR... Me and Sluggy are going shopping to find that perfect present for you...Trust me you will like it..... Thursday, July 9 View Page I love morning sex..This morning I polinated 5 plants. 973 Rondeau x my 836, 836 x 973, 1046 Bowles x 1689, my 1077 x 1046 second one on main, my 755 x 837 Sullivan also the second one on main, blossom on 755 had issues. I am 99% sure the first one at about 9ft is going to stay and life goes on............. Friday, July 10 View Page Polinated my 914 with 1689, spent rest on morning catching up burying vines.. Sunday, July 12 View Page Birds beat up on the pumpkin I polinated the other day on my 755, so that means the one polinated on 6-30 is the keeper..Made my choices easier. Sprayed sevin and daconil this evening..Hey Bart the sun was out again today only gloomy west of you. Monday, July 13 View Page Folier sprayed and drenched 20 gals of tea between pumpkins and flowers today.. Saturday, July 18 View Page After two weeks of searching, many sleepless hours, a good friend said what do you think of my pictures? Needless to say I was very impressed and a little scared to say the least. The Staff of The Bates Motel proudly introduces to you our Scare Crow of the month for July. We will call her Scary Mary..See if you can tell me who she is...She Rocks.. Sunday, July 19 View Page Down to one pumpkin on my 1077 and 755, also on 973 Rondeau and 1689...Stay tuned more knife work in the very near future... Monday, July 20 View Page Down to one pumpkin on the 1046 Bowles. More tales of the knife comming very soon... Monday, July 20 View Page 20 day number on my 755 is 57" cc. This is down from last year but I dont have any elfin magic around here Sam, all I have is this grumpy Dwarf with a bad attitude and no special powers.........With that said I am happy with what I have... Tuesday, July 21 View Page All plants are now down to one pumpkin, I guess a little late is better than never. I was told that if you folier spray in the rain it is considered a drench so I guess I did a 25 gal tea drench today, kinda got a little soggy myself. Worked in garden for 2 hours today so I have free time tomorrow to hang out with my grandsons........What a good grand dad .. Thursday, July 23 View Page After being advised by a very smart man who happens to be a graduate student I decided to folier spray my patch with a super top secret anti fungal treatment. I feel much more secure now, after that I burried vines for the rest of the morning. Be real happy when all the plants are deadheaded then I can sit back and watch things grow.......... Friday, July 24 View Page GOT DAHLIAS Friday, July 24 View Page 3.25 inches of rain last night snapped off a few side vines that were set for termination in a few days guess that makes my job a little easier. Just have to find the bright side to this crazy weather .. More fungicide in the near future....stay tuned more news at 11........ Saturday, July 25 View Page While burying vines today I had a senior moment.. I put down my favorite multitool ( knife with many other attachments )and it disapeared. I never moved more than 10 ft and it vanished.. Guess the mower or tiller will find it sooner or later, who ever said we get better with age doesnt take the same meds I do..After finishing burying vines I sprayed sevin and t-storm..More blunders from the garden to come.. Monday, July 27 View Page Did a 4 gal folier milk spray this morning per recomendation of Dr. Matt. Probably wash off in a few hours like everything else I spray. If nothing else comes out of this season I am going to learn how to combat mildew, you know it is lurking just waiting to strike.. If I can accomplish this goal my season will be a good one........ Tuesday, July 28 View Page 1689 measures 68" cc on day 20 Tuesday, July 28 View Page 973 Rondeau measures 70" on day 20..Is that a smile I see on the old guy??? CANT BE..... Tuesday, July 28 View Page Did a 20 gal tea folier - drench today.......... Wednesday, July 29 View Page 20 day cc on my 1077 is 65" things are starting to look up a little around here...... Wednesday, July 29 View Page Now serving number 5...... Thursday, July 30 View Page 914 measures 65" cc on day 20 Thursday, July 30 View Page My good friends Festus and Cletus sent me a measureing device so I will use it on all 30 day measurements..Thanks guys.........You guys rock....... Thursday, July 30 View Page 30 day numbers on 755 are cc 14.6, ss 10.3, ee 10.3 ott 35.07..Not bad...Now you just have to do the gazintas...Device is 6.5".......... Saturday, August 1 View Page Spent most of the day weeding and cleaning up around stumps, so far no problems that I can see.. Hope that I can say the same in a month. Sprayed sevin and infuse... Monday, August 3 View Page Did a 20 gal tea folier - drench. Tuesday, August 4 View Page 20 day cc on 836 is 79". Best weather gave this pumpkin best 20 day numbers, better comparisons will be at 30 days... Tuesday, August 4 View Page MAD DOG...GRRR. I guess my luck kind of ran a muck here...I read the posts on foaming stumps, but seeing that this plant is growing up hill the escape valve in the lowest part of the main happens to be the stump itself.. So..I cut out soft tissue, opened up back side of stump and washed out with alcohol, was going to coat with sulfur till I read the label which said not to dust or spray in high heat so captan it is. Can this stump be saved or will it be lost to the knife.......Stay tuned more news at 11..... Tuesday, August 4 View Page Forgot to mention that the stump is on my 1077 and I also covered it to try and keep it dry........ Thursday, August 6 View Page What started out as simple stump surgery turned into a major stumpindectomy. This proves shit does flow up hill after all, had to cut 3 sides off on either side before there was solid vine...On the brighter side the pumpkin is white and that aint my favorite color in pumpkins. See if it will make it to my grandkids porch in a couple months....... Thursday, August 6 View Page Bigest woodchuck that I ever caught..Must have followed Oprahs diet program....... Friday, August 7 View Page 30 day numbers on 1689 are cc 105, ss 72, ee 69 ( 246 ott ) Friday, August 7 View Page 30 day numbers on 973 Rondeau are cc 112, ss 82, ee 76 ( 270 ott ) You can see that I am using my new KY Mafia measuring device, Figured I could help with the math this time...... Saturday, August 8 View Page 30 day numbers for my stumpless albino pumpkin are cc 104, ss 68, ee 70 ( ott 242 ) Saturday, August 8 View Page Sprayed warrior and T storm tonight Saturday, August 8 View Page Ma been playing with the measuring device Festus.. Sunday, August 9 View Page HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY G Sunday, August 9 View Page 30 day numbers on 914 are cc 102, ss 69, ee 66, ( 237 ott ) Sunday, August 9 View Page 40 day numbers on 755 are cc 121, ss 76, ee 74, ( ott 271 ) Monday, August 10 View Page Last Friday I had a visitor. Some one i chat with most mornings but never met. Sam Lovelace it was a pleasure to meet you, I wish I thought of getting out the camera, guess it was just another brain fart...Sorry guy... Monday, August 10 View Page Sunday we had our patch tour, got to meet a bunch of great people from NY, CT, Mass, Maine, NC, and Canada. Had a bunch of laughs and saw some good mellons, had some great food. Twas a good day.......... Monday, August 10 View Page Look who I got to play with today, Matt Debacco and Bill and Dawn Northrup. Went on a Team Pumpkin tour... Monday, August 10 View Page Saw what could be the battle of the CT giants today.... Monday, August 10 View Page In the white corner weighing a bunch we have this man..... Monday, August 10 View Page In the red corner also weighing a bunch we have this man... Monday, August 10 View Page Best of luck to both of you may both your mellons make the scale and weigh the same........... Monday, August 10 View Page These people are defnetly talking ORANGE.... Monday, August 10 View Page This is Matts secret patch, I was blindfolded so I have no clue as to where it is, but if you look real hard the deer in the far corner may talk for a price.. Monday, August 10 View Page Matt and Jim thanks for the great day. Bill, Dawn, George, Jason it was a pleasure meeting you. John and Ken its always a pleasure............. Tuesday, August 11 View Page Then there were 5. This is my 1077, two years in a row it has split the blossom end, guess the rest of the seeds are critter food,,,,,,,,,,,oh well,,, Tuesday, August 11 View Page Did a 20 gal tea folier - drench on pumpkins, maters and flowers. Wednesday, August 12 View Page Did a 4 gal 25% milk folier spray this morning.. Wednesday, August 12 View Page The garden as I see it today..Dan....up on the left they aint oats thems weeds... Thursday, August 13 View Page Caught my 7th woodchuck of the season today. Mike Oliver are you bringing them back......... Friday, August 14 View Page 30 day numbers on 836 are cc 106, ss 72, ee 71, ( ott 249 ) Friday, August 14 View Page Spent my day boldly going where the hoe hasn't been in a while. Found some mildew in my travels, figured the best thing I could do at that point is a little spaying with Infuse and Sevin.. Sunday, August 16 View Page Spent a few hours weeding over the last few days, was all the heat I could handle. Caught the 8th woodchuck of the season today, guess I cant bring them to Bristol anymore, gust seem to be comming back. I know you are helping them Mike..On a more serious note I did a 4 gal folier milk spray tonight ( 25% dilution ).. Monday, August 17 View Page 40 day numbers on 1689 are cc 122, ss 82, ee 79 ( 283 ott ) Monday, August 17 View Page 40 day numbers on 973 Rondeau are cc 136, ss 96, ee 91, ( ott 323 ). What ya think Mr. Pete ?? Monday, August 17 View Page I had lunch along the CT river with a bunch of nice people last week, Jim and Matt Debacco and the Northrups. I think that was pretty cool.......... Tuesday, August 18 View Page Ladies and gentlemen meet our scare crow of the month of August. Summer is finally here,, critters are roaming, pumpkins are growing, mildew is lurking, time for the heavy hitters. This months scare crow brings along her own weapons of mass destruction..Are you scared yet ? Well you should be. She has been scaring the life out of me for the last 39 years..Kaarina meet my other daughter your half sister Lisa..BE SCARED VERY SCARED........ Wednesday, August 19 View Page Its 1 am. Came home from work at midnight and did a 20 gal tea folier - drench. Does any one else have this problem?? Also did a good job feeding the skeeters..... Wednesday, August 19 View Page Cleaned up my tea brewer this morning just didnt care all that much last night, they get a little slimy if you let them sit over night... Wednesday, August 19 View Page 40 day numbers on 914 are cc 124, ss 85, ee 81, ( 290 ott ) Wednesday, August 19 View Page 50 day number on 755 is cc 133. Dont really know how to measure this thing right but it is growing. Had to move the sprinkler that was behind it or we would have had contact by now..This one has some decent color to bad it was stupid human error that got it to grow on stem, try not to let that happen again... Saturday, August 22 View Page I had some company yesterday, which I thought was a great thing until Steve says the two words you never want to hear. WHATS THAT ? Seems the stump on my 836 split. After further inspection the main had some rot..Amazing how fast your biggest plant can become your smallest..Steve and Joe stop back any time I can use all the spare eyes I can get... Saturday, August 22 View Page Mixed up some Infuse and Rose Pride. Have a minor mildew issue that I am trying to keep under control..... Monday, August 24 View Page Did a 15 gal tea folier - drench this morning pumpkins and flowers... Monday, August 24 View Page 40 day numbers on 836 are cc 125, ss 85, ee 81, ( ott 290 ). Not much plant left behind this one due to a rotten main. If you look real close the weeds come up real fast.......Are we having fun yet????? Tuesday, August 25 View Page 4 gal milk folier. Thursday, August 27 View Page Sprayed sevin and daconil this morning.. Thursday, August 27 View Page 50 day numbers on 1689 are cc 133, ss 90, ee 85 ( ott 308 ) Thursday, August 27 View Page 50 day numbers on 973 are cc 145, ss 104, ee 98 ( ott 348 ) Friday, August 28 View Page Due to rain expected tomorrow I did some measurements today..59 day numbers on 755 are cc 155, ss 85, ee 85 ( 325 ott ) not sure if I am measuring this right.. I used the cc as the largest part of wheel. If you do cc from stem to blossom it is larger than 9 days ago..Just not sure which way is correct..But I think it is still growing..... Friday, August 28 View Page 49 day numbers on 914 are cc 137, ss 93, ee 90 ( 320 ott ) Monday, August 31 View Page Did a 15 gal tea folier - drench.. Mr Pete 973 still growing............ Tuesday, September 1 View Page It was an Infuse and Daconil type morning here. Tuesday, September 1 View Page Here we have the scare crow of the month of Sept...This is a heavy hitter for sure, ready to protect the garden from all evils on land or in the air..This is my honey and best friend in the whole world..Say hi to Cathy everyone........ Tuesday, September 1 View Page Are you scared yet?????????? Tuesday, September 1 View Page I sure am..... Wednesday, September 2 View Page sprayed 4 gals of 25% cow juice Thursday, September 3 View Page 50 day numbers on my 836 are cc 135, ss 88, ee 87 ( ott 300 )not too bad for a plant that is the size of a mater plant.. Saturday, September 5 View Page EDGAR Saturday, September 5 View Page I had a dream !!!!!!!!!!! Sunday, September 6 View Page Edgar !! A few beers sounds good, this little patch guard dog stuff is wearing me out.. Sunday, September 6 View Page 60 day numbers on 1689 are cc 140, ss 93, ee 88, ( 321 ott ) Sunday, September 6 View Page 60 day numbers on 973 are cc 157, ss 108, ee 100, ( 365 ott ) Tuesday, September 8 View Page 70 day numbers on 755 are cc 157, ss 89, ee 86, ( ott 332 ) The cc measurements were hard to get today seeing my helper is busy being the queen of farm town...... Tuesday, September 8 View Page 60 day numbers on 914 are cc 144, ss 94, ee 98, ( ott 336 ) I may start measureing on 5 day intervals instead of 10 for the rest of season. As far as I can see everything is still growing.......... Tuesday, September 8 View Page Did a 8 gal tea folier - drench. Trying to stay ahead or keep up with the mildew.. 15 days to Durham......... Wednesday, September 9 View Page Hey Edgar....After a few beers how about we go chase some Kitty..Here Kitty Kitty Kitty... Sunday, September 13 View Page 60 day numbers on 836 ( child of Durham Fair DQed pumpkin ) are cc 142, ss 91, ee 89, ( ott 322 ) still growing. Not bad for a plant with no stump and only two sides on either side....Be a good one to drop on Barts toe..But I would never do such a thing........ Sunday, September 13 View Page Thats because I care Mr. Bart.. Tuesday, September 15 View Page 8 days to Durham, 18 to Topsfield, and 25 to Frerichs..Getting closer but still a long way off.......... Tuesday, September 15 View Page Due to rain in forcast and other issues I measured a day early so 69 day numbers on 1689 are cc 140, ss 93, ee 90 ( 323 ott ) Tuesday, September 15 View Page 69 day numbers on 973 are cc 161.5, ss 110, ee 103.5, ( 375 ott ) Sure hope this one makes the scale... Any comments Mr. Pete. Thursday, September 17 View Page 10 gal tea drench - folier.....6 days till Durham..... Friday, September 18 View Page 70 day and final numbers on 755 are cc 163.5, ss 89.5, ee 87, ( 340 ott ). This one is getting picked Sunday..Oh Yeah.. Friday, September 18 View Page 70 day numbers on 914 are cc 151, ss 99, ee 93, (343 ott) and still growing slowly..... Saturday, September 19 View Page No entrys in Boom Booms diary since Sept 5th. Erin are you all right..The staff at The Bates Motel are concerned...... Sunday, September 20 View Page Do we really want to do this...... Sunday, September 20 View Page Man power no horse power this year. Sunday, September 20 View Page Pete barking out orders.... Sunday, September 20 View Page Flat ground finally Sunday, September 20 View Page Almost finished Sunday, September 20 View Page Done deal Sunday, September 20 View Page You know who your friends are when you ask for help and it involves work. These people are friends for sure, from the left Frank, Ed, Paul, Me, Doug, Pete, Steve, ( partially hidden ) Dave , and Glen..Thanks Guys..Durham in 3 days..Bart - Matt sharpen your tools I'm ready..... Monday, September 21 View Page Sprayed Fung-onil.........Matt did I do good ? Tuesday, September 22 View Page 76 day numbers on 973 are cc163.5, ss 111, ee 103.5, ( 378 ott ) Still growing Mr. Pete.. Tuesday, September 22 View Page Got Orange Tuesday, September 22 View Page This is why I need friends Tripod dont work here... Tuesday, September 22 View Page Theres some happy campers.. Tuesday, September 22 View Page Hey Edgar..Please ask your mommy to make some diary entries, I'm sure people are getting sick of this guys fractured fairy tales by now.. Wednesday, September 23 View Page I went to the Durham fair tonight Wednesday, September 23 View Page Guess what there is a new Sheriff in CT.. Wednesday, September 23 View Page I was in the top 10.. Wednesday, September 23 View Page I met some nice people.. Wednesday, September 23 View Page Bart gave me his new rule book to read just in case I had any questions.. Wednesday, September 23 View Page Great job Ken Thursday, September 24 View Page Priceless Thursday, September 24 View Page To Matt, Jim, and all the rest that gave up their time to help ..........Great Job.......... Thursday, September 24 View Page Due to old age the I missed 70 day measurement on 836 so here we are on day 71 cc 145, ss 93, ee 90, ( ott 328 ) Saturday, September 26 View Page 80 day numbers on 1689 are cc 144, ss 96, ee 91, ( 331 ott ) Saturday, September 26 View Page 80 day numbers on 973 are cc 164.5, ss 112, ee 104.5, ( 379 ott ) Still growing slow Mr. Pete......... Saturday, September 26 View Page Due to poor math skills the last entry should be ( 380 ott )....12 years of Catholic school down the drain....... Monday, September 28 View Page 80 day numbers on 914 are cc 153, ss 101, ee 94, ( 348 ott )This is my Topsfield fruit............ Friday, October 2 View Page Look what we found in the weeds, and who is that guy behind me, should I be scared????? Friday, October 2 View Page Moved it next door........ Friday, October 2 View Page Got more orange... Friday, October 2 View Page Finished product.. Friday, October 2 View Page My favorite view Friday, October 2 View Page Steves shiney new truck with a mellon in back , dont get no better.. Friday, October 2 View Page Topsfield here we come............ Friday, October 2 View Page Last I would like to say thanks to the kind people that helped make the lift possible Steve and Dave Sperry, and Dick (pap) Wallace. Thanks guys I could have never done it without you.. Saturday, October 3 View Page Just came home from Topsfield Fair, where I broke into the top 20 with a 958lb pumpkin grown on my own 914 seed. It dont get any better than that... Saturday, October 3 View Page Matt taking some measurements... Saturday, October 3 View Page A fine collection of pumpkins .. Saturday, October 3 View Page Look who is on top of the leader board......It was great while it lasted Glenn...Congrats. Saturday, October 3 View Page Trucks all loaded and ready to go..Who belongs to that woodworking truck..I remember now...... Saturday, October 3 View Page Top three.. Saturday, October 3 View Page The King and Queen of the Prom...Congrats.. Sunday, October 4 View Page Me with my ribbons from Durham and Topsfield. I guess if you cant laugh at me and I cant laugh at myself how can I ever laugh at you......... Sunday, October 4 View Page Here is where friends and family come in handy. Sunday, October 4 View Page On the porch but its the wrong way.. Sunday, October 4 View Page Final adjustments.. Sunday, October 4 View Page Forgot I need the tarp again next week. Sunday, October 4 View Page My oldest grandson and the 958. Sunday, October 4 View Page I just want to say thanks to my friends, Paul, Steve, Frank, my son Norm, daughter Lisa, and grandson Jacob, for taking some time out of your day to give me a hand. I hope I can bother you guys again next weekend........... Tuesday, October 6 View Page Me and my Lucky Dwarf with the 973 on day 90, its been a great ride hope it lasts 5 more days..90 day numbers are cc 166, ss 113, ee 106, ( 385 ott ). Mr. Pete its still growing... What ya think.. Thursday, October 8 View Page Ladies and Gentlemen we have a Contest...Guess the number of weed seeds in this pile without going over and win a Gansert seed of your choice.. With a deal like that my e-mail inbox should be busier than the new world champs.. By the way Congrats Christy and Nick.. Friday, October 9 View Page will it be solid Friday, October 9 View Page We have lift off Friday, October 9 View Page almost done Friday, October 9 View Page Finished ...Frerichs here we come. Thanks Joe, Steve, Matt, and ED.. Saturday, October 10 View Page I went to Frerichs Farms today where I exceeded my wildest dreams, well maybe not my wildest but I had an awsome day..I came in 5th with a 1287 lb pumpkin..What a great day........Good weather great people who could ask for more.. Saturday, October 10 View Page Pete in control with Eddie G standing by ready to take over at any moment.. Saturday, October 10 View Page John Williams where are you going? Saturday, October 10 View Page Ron and Dick got stuff. Saturday, October 10 View Page Is that a smile I see... Saturday, October 10 View Page Me and Mike Parenty.. Saturday, October 10 View Page Bart is that you... Saturday, October 10 View Page Mr. Doucet Saturday, October 10 View Page Fancy meeting you here Mr. Tom.. Saturday, October 10 View Page I know she wanted to put this little guy in her pocket and take him home.. Saturday, October 10 View Page My favorite mad scientist Matt... Saturday, October 10 View Page Now aint that pretty.. Saturday, October 10 View Page Some funny lookin pumpkins. Saturday, October 10 View Page Dill award winner by Linda Radonis ( well deserved ). Saturday, October 10 View Page Bet ya it dont survive the fall.. Saturday, October 10 View Page The Band. Rather unique instrument the guy on the left has, check it out good... Saturday, October 10 View Page What a happy couple.. Saturday, October 10 View Page Real Happy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Saturday, October 10 View Page Mr. Sperry I presume. Saturday, October 10 View Page Hail to the King Ron Wallace.. Saturday, October 10 View Page Cant take me anywhere.. Saturday, October 10 View Page That takes talent... Saturday, October 10 View Page Another job well done by the Frerichs and the Staff of the SNGPG. Monday, October 12 View Page Never had this problem before I had more pumpkins than I ever had at end of season. This is my 836-08 final numbers were cc 150, ss 95, ee 96, ( 341 ott ). Monday, October 12 View Page Side view.. Monday, October 12 View Page Rear view.. Monday, October 12 View Page I know this guy from somewhere... Monday, October 12 View Page I forgot to mention that the pumpkin on 836 plant was polinated by 973 Rondeau. Monday, October 12 View Page I removed this pumpkin from the 1689 plant this morning and placed it in my daughters front yard. That is my 4 year old grandaughter along side.This pumpkin was polinated by the 1046 Bowles and the final numbers were cc143.5, ss95.5, ee90, ( ott 329 ). My second pumpkin that will never get weighed this season but who cares, I am sure a seed from both will see dirt in my yard in near future.. Sunday, October 25 View Page Bob..............This is what a true throw back from the 70s does on Sunday before Halloween. Sunday, October 25 View Page Biggest Jack O Lantern on my street. Sunday, October 25 View Page Oh Yeah Thursday, October 29 View Page Strapped down and ready for the trip to DC in the morning..Thanks for the help Steve and Cathy.... Sunday, November 1 View Page The begining of Norm and Dans adventure.. Sunday, November 1 View Page Security dog thought the truck smelled better than me and Dan Sunday, November 1 View Page My pumpkin was White House security approved Sunday, November 1 View Page These two guys on the White House grounds, whats this world comming to.. Sunday, November 1 View Page They are on the outside looking in at us, how can this be??? Sunday, November 1 View Page Shiney new forklift to unload while armed guards stand watch.. Monday, November 2 View Page Look there is a new Sheriff in town.... Monday, November 2 View Page They didnt want anyone messing with pumpkins Monday, November 2 View Page TV star to DC Office..........What next ????????? Monday, November 2 View Page How can I be here?? Monday, November 2 View Page Front lawn with fountain and pumpkins in back..Way back.. Monday, November 2 View Page Retired Scarecrows Monday, November 2 View Page 973 Rondeau offspring on the White House driveway Mr. Pete.... I did real good... Tuesday, November 3 View Page Opened my last pumpkin this morning, it was the 1689 x 1046 seed count was outstanding. I guess the squirrels wont go hungry this winter..The 827 and 958 also had good seed counts but the 1287 was on the low side.. Oh well, all I need is one............ Tuesday, November 3 View Page Family portrait Thursday, November 5 View Page You meet the nicest people at The White House.......... Friday, November 6 View Page My White House PR people Sunday, November 8 View Page Got first load of manure today. I just love wollering in a truck load of shit. ( No shoes Tom ) Monday, November 9 View Page Another load of manure today. It was cool this morning so I had to wear shoes Tom... Tuesday, November 10 View Page It was a sad day at the Bates Motel. I had to put my 958 to sleep, probably my best carving job so far, its gone , nothing but a memory now. Awwwh Folks.......... Sunday, November 22 View Page Garden at 9:30 this morning Sunday, November 22 View Page Garden at 3 pm after about 4 hours of love. Tilled in about 4 yds of cow manure, 27 lbs of bone meal and 100 lbs of 0-0-50, done till the spring what will I do with myself for the winter?????????Oh Yeah SKI.... Sunday, November 29 View Page Took 5 hours over the last 4 days to turn my compost pile, no tractors here just old people power. When I finished I added a couple lbs of bloodmeal. See if it will stay cooking and maybe i can muster up the energy to turn it again in a couple weeks, stay tuned for next update.......... Friday, December 4 View Page Some people dont understand they are easier to carve from the outside............ Friday, December 4 View Page +Sitting on the porch thinking back on our best season ever. I have many people to thank for this, first my honey for putting up with me, next Mr. Pete for the 973 it really rocked, then we have the mad scientist Matt for helping get my spray program in line, then there was my buddy Dan for helping me get my soil right and getting me on the White House lawn without handcuffs. Lastly I would to thank all the people that gave up time to help lift pumpkins and offer support and sometimes harassment you guys rock.. Thanks to all the people that read my diary you guys are the best !!! Friday, December 4 View Page Thanks to the SNGPG, NGPGA. VTGVG, WGPG, and TEAM PUMPKIN. These clubs make this hobby great and a fun thing.. Friday, December 4 View Page Anyone got a KY MAFIA application ?? Sunday, December 6 View Page There is a Santa and he likes me. My neighbor bought a Jeep with a boom and winch, he told me I have my own private pumpkin picker..No more tripod on the hill..Life is good.. Monday, December 14 View Page Turned my compost pile, was surprised to see how hot it was in the middle....Thanks for the help Al I know you were here in spirit...I also added 2.5lbs of bloodmeal to pile. see if its warm in 2 weeks when it gets turned again.. Sunday, December 20 View Page Its still fall imagine that Sunday, December 20 View Page Dog aint liken this stuff Sunday, December 20 View Page But the old guy does Sunday, December 20 View Page Awwwh folks Sunday, December 20 View Page look dan pictures up the same day Monday, December 21 View Page This is the extent of my Christmas spirit this year..Happy now Kaarina ?? Sunday, December 27 View Page Spent a couple hours turning compost this morning, added 3 lbs of bloodmeal when finished. Pile is still hot in center, try and do this again in a couple more weeks. I know you were here in spirit again Al.. Thanks..Now its Ibuprofen and the couch for the afternoon............... Monday, December 28 View Page Added a load of horse manure to compost pile.... Wednesday, December 30 View Page Added another load of horse manure to compost pile. It was dark by the time I finished. Shoveling shit by the light of the full moon, this should be on a Halmark Card... Thursday, December 31 View Page The last day of the year and what did I do ............get another load of manure for compost pile..I really have issues.....