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South Bloomfield, Ohio

Every spring, after a winter's worth of chat, discussion, and seed-swapping, we have the highest of hopes for that personal best or, dare I say it, a new world record. Hope springs eternal for every team.

After pollinating, you're in the hunt....a shot at a division title( a weigh-off contender).

Then comes August 1st and the injuries come into play(SVB's, vine splits, fungus, aborts, powdery mildew). You call up a pitcher from the minors to help get you over the hump(but he's young and gets a rude-awakening.....you appeal to Tremor or anyone else who can help). Some injuries are season-ending.

Then come the play-offs. You've made it with three out of seven sets....not the ones you really wanted, but you're there. That final push is what your goal is now. You've seen everyone else's pumpkins and know you're behind. Bang! That early unexpected frost hits and now your just another also-ran.

Just part of the maturation process, I suppose. Hope springs eternal every year for us idiots.

7/31/2007 10:17:42 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Well said! Looking at the diaries, I see some very nice pumpkins, at this stage of the game. I'm hoping to break my personal best(733 lbs.), and hopefully a couple of my pumpkins(or at least one) will make it to a weighoff. Already thinking of next year's lineup, and strategy LOL.

7/31/2007 10:47:03 PM

Indiana

I wish my season was more like the Cubs than the Reds...LOL

7/31/2007 11:04:30 PM

Wood River, IL ([email protected])

You know what they say about the "dog days of summer". That it will make pretenders out of contenders. I think it fits well in both seasons.

Kenny

8/1/2007 6:43:39 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

Yes well said, but we still have 58 days till the weigh off.....theirs still hope....isnt there?

8/1/2007 9:05:10 AM

Farmville, Virginia ([email protected])

Great analogy! I guess it's also sort of like trying to make the "Chase" for the championship in NASCAR. One blown engine (pumpkin) can make a world of difference in the outcome!

8/1/2007 10:01:44 AM

Rhode Island

the more you invest in this hobby ie you knowledge, experience, study, networking with the right growers and professionals, etc, the least you will worry and the more fun you will have ------- sometimes lol
pap

8/1/2007 9:02:40 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

I take it that work=fun, eh pap?

8/1/2007 10:08:20 PM

Minnesota

Judging by my pumpkin size, there's talk of trading me to cleveland.

8/1/2007 11:48:17 PM

Rhode Island

fog

unless you have a couple really good growers hand feeding you info and support during the year you cant expect to get the maximum results

in time you will be in the front row at the weigh off and someone else will be where you are today

dont be fooled by the so called first year growers bringing a monster to the scales

it does not happen unless there is some seasoned help and advise in the area

give um hell

pap

8/2/2007 5:40:32 AM

Massillon, Ohio

LOL fog. i like the tribe so trade yourself on over!! we'll trade you for kenny lofton, who wants him back in c-town anyways.

GO TRIBE and GOOOOOOOO JAKE WESTBROOK !!!!!!!!!!!

8/2/2007 1:54:25 PM

Aloha, Oregon

Whos going to make the Home Run.

Thanks!

Jordan

8/2/2007 2:51:50 PM

West Bridgewater /Brockton Ma. USA

Well put , ....Given what happens in our lives some of us are just as happy to pay for the ticket and sit in the cheap seats and watch the game. The chance even if it is only to play in the minors that is what dreams are made of at least for me any way, add to that one chance to be with or talk with the heavy hitters ...those Gods of the Giant Orange and be in the game with them I am at a loss for words the heart felt joy and happiness I feel.
This is only second to the feelings I get when I can pass on to others new to or even top Pro of this sport/hobby/obsession of orange any help I can , be it my extra seed or some little bit of knowledge and experience to a new grower that helping hand at loading for the weight off the next morning , some times being the best is just not as important as to just playing the game ....
Bill G.

8/5/2007 10:46:37 PM