If you have spent some time with me here, you must know I stay “young” with my active curiosity leading to learning, leading to travel, and often a new collection. I love my varied interests, and one usually leads to something new. Remember almost a year ago I discovered “blow molds?” Now I have out all year two ‘blow mold” Santas to enjoy with about one third of my “bottle brush trees.” Over the winter I discovered toy vintage “canned ham” trailers, and until someone disproves me, I may have the largest, if not one of the largest, collections in the world. And, now, thanks to following “blow mold” Facebook pages, I am in a PUMPKIN PURSUIT – PLASTIC PREFERRED. And, of course, today just got in the definitive book on this festive ORANGE ORB – by Cindy Ott – PUMPKIN: THE CURIOUS HISTORY OF AN AMERICAN ICON.

I have had a number of vintage Halloween decorations for decades, occupying a whole shoe box (fortunately I have big feet), and get them out for the season. Really being bid up on eBay this year are paper-mache pumpkins.

Here is my small one, and below my vintage Halloween noise makers. Do click the images for a full view.

I have had fun watching what is on the Facebook “Blow Mold” pages – the postings are amazing from fanatical collectors. I started to “get hooked” but realized it has become a horrible addiction for some folks, and they are buying whatever they can find, even new “blow molds.” Yes, those smart retailers see the potential sales and are making new figures left and right — many not even approaching a vintage look or character. One person posted a Ghost holding a Pumpkin – new at Michels — well, even though “dead plastic” it spoke to me, and I made a “scary” trip into the big city (about 35,000 people – still scary). and purchased him or her to the right.

One day in September it occurred to me to look at Craig’s List and Facebook Marketplace. Surprisingly, not four miles from me there was a grand pumpkin. Quick messages back and forth, and ten minutes later I went up the fellow’s drive. Waiting for me were the folks below – yes bills quickly traded for my new friends.

Currently the fellow above left is behind the wheel in BLACK BEAUTY to deter a potential auto jacker. I have yet to decide where to appropriately “plant” the tombstone. Here are some “plastic”closeups.

my table on the porch

and my PORCH PUMPKIN PATCH — yes, room for growth.

and, an update on 4 October – maybe I should be locked in my house; well, maybe not because here are today’s PUMPKIN PURCHASES – and some related candles – never seen them before, guess I do not get out to the right places.

6 October Update – a friend asked, “what did you do today” – my reply
late morning I mowed grass.
afternoon I did some carving
now just lit lots of candles in yard between “44” and church

Well — my PLASTIC PUMPKIN PURSUIT will continue, but with a “selective eye.” Can you help? Below, not necessarily my goal, but in today’s world people are going all out for Halloween. BOO, have fun, luv, RAY