I was gentle about it.
I was kind.
But they took it badly.
"Look," I told them, "I know you tried and tried to grow but it's just not happening."
They acted all nonchalant like they didn't care, but I could tell their seeds were quivering with emotions.
"It's not that I'm ashamed of you, it's just that you can't compete."
Their silence was mute testimony to their pain.
In talking to a good friend this morning who helps run the Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers ummm.... society... I found out that the victorious pumpkin this year weighed over 1,600 POUNDS!
I patiently explained to my pumpkins that we live in desert and that they can't compete with pumpkins grown in places with actual rain and topsoil and less than 100 days of 100 + temperatures.
They just laid there in depression.
Sadly my little friends aren't even close to competing with their giant cousins. See the brick at the right side of the picture. Yeah. They're puny little pumpkins.
But they tried.
Heroicly.
Alas, their great pumpkin dreams are not coming true this year.
But you gotta admire the little pumpkins that 'thought they could'!
As a reward I'm gonna let them hang out on the vine for a few more days before they are sacrificed for Halloween decorations.
Poor little fellas.
Oh you have the kindest of hearts, letting them hang on just a wee-bit longer.... They are just the most adorable little guys too, really they look quite healthy too given their poor sad desert living conditions, really don't you think? ha ha! I'll still be rooting for them, after all there is the great old sun to help urge them on right! ;)
ReplyDeleteAw, that just means your pumpkins get the pleasure of celebrating Halloween all dressed up. What would you do with a monster? You couldn't carve it and its still going to erm... go bad, which will be extra-gross at that size. I think your pumpkins are cute.
ReplyDeleteWhat they lack in size they make up in adorable cuteness. Now really, would you WANT a 1600 lb pumpkin in your back yard? Can you imagine trying to carve a cute face into it?
ReplyDeleteTry to not let the disappointment show on your face, when harvesting them, Jenny...or you'll have sad looking Halloween Jack-o'-lanterns too!
ReplyDeleteSize isn't everything, regardless of what you might have been told. They are beautiful.. much PRETTIER than those big, gross pumpkins. By FAR. And they will make a lovely addition to your decorations, so their li'l seeds need to just settle down and they need to SHINE!
ReplyDeleteAll the ones in our area are rotted from all the rain. *sigh* My plastic one will just have to suffice this year.
ReplyDeleteLove,
LuLu~*xoxo
Maybe you're being a little too easy on them, Jenny. When push comes to shove, they did let you (and themselves) down.
ReplyDeleteAccountability, my friend. Accountability is all.
;)
PS. Especially in a pumpkin.
ReplyDeleteThis is just hilarious my friend! Those sweet little pumpkins should not have to live up to such lofty standards! Let them be seeds,pie and carved with great rejoicing REJOICE! Competion is highly overrated! Besides they have won a place in your heart (and mine)!
ReplyDeleteThose pumpkins should be thanking you for all the TLC they received in such a hot, dry place as you fought bugs and other scary pests to help them live and grow. I think they are just wonderful...Fabulous job Jenny, 'cause pumpkins aren't easy to grow no matter where you are !
ReplyDeleteHey, they were grown with love and that's what counts!
ReplyDeleteI know how they feel about not measuring up. I have the same problem.
ReplyDeleteAwww, but they're still adorable. Baby mini sizes are cute! :D I've been curious about your updates on the pumpkin patch. I wanted to do one when I read about yours...sounds so fun. Arizona is a tough spot for sure.
ReplyDeleteMaybe if they continue to ripen, you could make a Thanksgiving pie with them. Do you think that might help with the depression? Good luck! Jan
ReplyDeleteI bet they were going for cute rather than big;-)
ReplyDeletethey may be little but from what i see their coloring is GREAT...want to see pics of your decorating with them, plz.
ReplyDeleteThose super-size specimens don't even look like pumpkins; they're all pale and flabby looking. Give me a smart, bright, small pumpkin any day!
ReplyDeleteOh, I think your little guys are much cuter and ARE more house friendlier than those obese pumpkins. :)
ReplyDeleteThey've got pumpkin spririt--you have to give it to them for that!
ReplyDeleteMelinda
M O V E to Ohio .. where your heart is and your home should BE!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Cousin Allie
Even puny pumpkins need love! ;)
ReplyDeleteOh I love pumpkins!!! Even the tiny pumpkins can make fabulous Halloween decor! :) That's what we actually went with this year....small. They are sweet lookin'. :) Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteGood heavens, Jenny! Just be glad that you'll not have to roast the seeds from a 1600 pound pumpkin! The world's largest pumpkin this year was from Quebec!
ReplyDeleteI think you did quite well getting those little suckers to grow at all!
ReplyDeleteMy middle spent four hours preparing all the ingredients for a pumpkin pie! She bought a sugar pumpkin! Let me tell you, that girl can bake! Come visit soon. Hugs Anne
ReplyDeleteBless their little hearts! Charlie Brown's Great Pumpkins have fallen in line with his little puny Christmas Tree. ;)
ReplyDeletekind hearted Jenny!
ReplyDeleteH said it well! Your pumpkins are all taut and shapely. They will surely make wonderful decor (and ssshhhh...eats!).
Sweet little pumpkins! Just tell them anything over a handful is wasted.
ReplyDelete