It is, officially, Autumn; and so begins the long, slow goodbye . . .
. . . as the days shorten and the shadows grow longer, the leaves begin their free fall and many of us in a northerly climate begin to turn our thoughts inward as we relish the harvest of the cold crops, the gourds and pumpkins, especially the pumpkins.
Illinois is the top producer of pumpkins. Last year was a sad year for pumpkins here in the Prairie State, but, this year – ah, this year looks to be a a good one for those glorious orbs that are traditionally orange, but, appearing in other colors and shapes as well.
We stopped at a local farm stand, The Farm, where I often visit for fresh, local vegetables as well as the flowers they grow and sell. The zinnias have been particularly spectacular this year, and this bouquet caught my eye, but, it was organic tomatoes and pickles that I was after this day. I’ll be back soon for a bouquet – and I think I will try one of these pumpkins. Goosebumps. Their unique bumps are rather wart-like and the color and name are intriguing. I’m sure one will lighten up our little corner of earth here along the Cutoff.
Lifeonthecutoff's Blog 
As we stepped outside this morning here is SW Michigan both kids said, “Oooo, it’s time for swearshirts!” 🙂
LikeLike
It certainly is beginning to feel like Fall – and sweatshirt weather. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow. I did not know that Illinois was the top producer of pumpkins. I just know we like to visit the orchards and pick some up when we get apples. 🙂
LikeLike
An interesting little fact, isn’t it? Illinois is, and most of the canned pumpkin started in our Illinois fields. I love going further afield and seeing the pumpkin fields, L. Marie, with their round, mostly orange orbs waiting to be plucked.
FYI – McHenry County is having a Farm Stroll tomorrow. About 12 sustainable farms, from Alpaca farms to apple orchards and more are open. Sounds interesting and free, though a bit of a ride.
Hope you are enjoying your weekend.
LikeLike
Never would have thought that about Illinois and pumpkins. The Supermarket had a huge display all across the front of the store — including some of what I now know are the Goosebump variety! Definite sign of Fall —
LikeLike
I didn’t know until a few years ago myself, Sallie. Most canned pumpkin purchased comes from the pumpkins here in Illinois. I love the displays in front of stores. They seem to shout “Fall” and always seem so festive to me.
The trees are just starting to turn here.
LikeLike
We still have strawberries and pumpkins are popping up also. Days are getting shorter and mornings are cooler.
LikeLike
Those late season strawberries always seem to be the sweetest to me, Gerlinde – and we in the midwest eat a lot of California’s strawberries, for sure. 🙂 I hope you are enjoying those cooler nights as much as I am.
LikeLike
I do enjoy the cooler nights Penny but I miss the longer days of summer.
LikeLike
I know, Gerlinde. Me, too. If only we could have longer days and cooler nights at the same time. Sigh.
LikeLike
Goosebumps! What a perfect name for these pumpkins! We haven’t picked out any pumpkins yet, but I have stopped to admire them everywhere we go. I’m already thinking about pumpkin soup! Like Gerlinde, I really miss the longer days of summer. But oh how I look forward to the cooler weather we will have this week! It will be just right for digging in the garden. Wishing you a wonderful Autumn week, dear Penny! 💗
LikeLike
It will be refreshing having some cooler weather. Today turned rather humid and sticky. I haven’t picked out any pumpkins yet, either. It seems a bit early, yet. We passed a few vast fields of pumpkins up near Marengo and Woodstock this afternoon and lots of stands with pumpkins for sale. I admire them as well, especially stacked up at stores, so colorful and bright.
We had a great, but long, day today at the McHenry County Farm Stroll. I hope to write about it soon. This week – lots of garden cleanup. Thank you, Dawn. You too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Didn’t know about Illinois being the top producer of pumpkins! When I see them I know that summer is almost over altho it was 97 degrees here yesterday and broke records. The gourds are my favorite as my grandmother grew them and sold them at the market. Now faces are painted on them. I like them better plain! Hope your week is a happy one and full of ideas for your blog. This is the first place I stop when I turn on the computer and you never let me down.
LikeLike
I have lived here in Illinois all of my life, Marilyn, and did not know we were the top producer of pumpkins until just a few years ago. We often think of Illinois as corn producer, but, pumpkin it #1. Most of it goes into canned pumpkin, so, you pumpkin pie may have its roots in Illinois.
We used to do jack-o-lanterns with our girls when they were growing up, but, I prefer just seeing their bright colors, especially as we enter several months of everything dying back.
Thank you, Marilyn. You are very kind and I sincerely appreciate not only your words, but, that you faithfully stop by to read and to comment.
LikeLike
I don’t know which excites me more, Penny, the beautiful and unique pumpkins or those gorgeous zinnias. I just love that bouquet! I love your photos and the reminder that fall is here…somewhere. LOL! We are still in endless summer, Penny. If I bring a pumpkin home to decorate our front porch and usher in the season, it doesn’t last long in 100 degree heat. T Maybe some pumpkin mousse would be a good idea, do you think? 🙂 The Farm looks like a place I’d really enjoy! And I would never guess that Illinois would be the top producer of pumpkin. Goosebumps is the perfect name for your pumpkin. What a fun variety and perfect for Halloween!
LikeLike
I love zinnias and this has been the year for them hereabouts, Debra. In addition to all the produce, The Farm also grows the flowers for their bouquets. I love being able to bring a bouquet home and have it last all week. I think you would enjoy The Farm; a small, independent, local farmer. 🙂
We are really having some cooler temperatures here. I wish I could blow some cooler temps your way. Yum. Pumpkin mousse sounds delightful. A few of us had lunch yesterday, most of us ordered soup and one did pumpkin soup, saying it was delicious. The time is here for us, though we can still have some heat. I did go back and brought home a Goosebump, which is sitting in a now employ flower pot, adding some color to the deck.
LikeLike