Pumpkin Time

AFTER several years of this, I have got over the grossness of the pumpkin goop that you have to pull out by hand, but I don't think I'll ever actually enjoy this part of the carving. Nevertheless, a beautiful Jack o'Lantern came into being, and the seeds became a crispy snack. Other pumpkins became pumpkin bread and pumpkin soup. Mmmh!

Jack o'lantern, jack o'lantern

You are such a funny sight

As you sit there at my window

Looking out at the night.

You were once a yellow pumpkin

Growing on a sturdy vine.

Now you are a jack o'lantern

May your candle light shine.

Happy Halloween

WITH the abundance of events happening this time of year, we stumbled across the Halloween Hikes. We weren't exactly sure what to expect, but this turned out to be a wonderful celebration of the season.

We arrived just after dark to a buzz of activity. On the field, a percussionist invited all to join in with bells, tambourines, shakere gourd rattles and more as he danced with his djembe drum. Apples and hot chocolate were eagerly greeted as we sat mesmerised around the bonfire, the music and sparks drawing us into the sounds and shadows of the forest behind.

Then it was time for our nature walk. We were guided in groups along a lit path through the woods, where costumed characters crouched in wait. We met a red winged blackbird, box turtle, swamp rabbit, bullfrog, black widow spider, and beaver all of whom told us in short rhymes where they live and what they eat. The last two stops were by characters dressed as a rubbish dump and a mother earth, who thanked us for our interest in the woods and its creatures and pleaded with us to respect the planet by reducing, reusing and recycling. We are trying!