This photo is proof of what happens to our pumpkins in this neighborhood. Some years we carve elaborate faces and the warm days encourage mold growth and shriveling before Halloween even arrives. We will also notice that a grin is altered by little creatures - sometimes adding to the grimacing appeal, but often ruining a perfect composition of eyes and teeth. This year we hadn't even sharpened the knives, and our prize pumpkins became a meal for a furry intruder. Each day they became scarier and scarier in appearance as you can see.
We've been collecting faux pumpkins, and have invested a few afternoons for adding marks with Sharpies and paint pens. This year's crop isn't ready for a photo shoot so I will revisit a few from previous Halloweens - still looking smart.....no bitemarks in these! Maybe you'll try painting the fakes...there is still time!
