Pumpkin Galore IV

When Halloween season comes around, pumpkin carving competitions get real and mean. There are even online competitions and I read that all you have to do is send in a snapshot of your most bizarre or wonderful creation.

Yes, competitors get really serious. No holds barred. Carving and cutting tools, scoops, stencils, reference books and not forgetting the star of the show, the magnificent orange ribbed pumpkin.

My daughter received a nice set of carving tools one Christmas and she usually starts practising her carving skills at least a month before Halloween.

The competitions we have participated in so far are friendlies with our buddies and their family. It's all fun and games and then we would adjourn to prepare a sumptuous buffet dinner for everyone.

Since we are all friends, judging the best jack-o'-lantern could be tough and touchy. Egos could get bruised unless the winning pumpkin is an absolute undisputed showstopper.