Orange, fat and heavy

Nope, not a new Garfield movie.. but time for Halloween prep.

After driving to 3 different pumpkin places, we finally found one to all our liking. The selection had been thinned out a bit already due to our late start, but I totally admit we were being very picky too - not wanting to go with a thin, crooked or damaged specimen.



I decided to experiment with a new carving design this year so Kevin could participate...So yes, those are his hands outlined on the pumpkin. He actually had more fun playing with the scooped-out pumpkin seeds than actually carving anything himself, but that didn't deter him from thinking it was cool (how could anything slimy, messy be otherwise?). The highlight was lighting the matches and putting the tea-light candles in the pumpkin. Not sure why, but it seems we are all little pyromaniacs at heart.

Like many people, I like the fall/winter season here. In Belgium, I usually preferred spring and summer, but here the summer humidity isn't my cup of tea. I much prefer the balmy autumn/winter days. Even when it's grey and rainy outside, it feels warm and seasonal inside, the perfect time for hot chocolates, pannekoeken and gluhwine (yesterday's lunch).

On that note, yesterday evening, we attended a rallying party for the NC democrats. Eventhough I can't vote here (I'm only a green card holder, not a citizen), I am very eager to see a change of leadership in this country, and with the November 7 elections coming up, the party can use the help. It's the first time ever I have gotten involved in politics...but I feel things are so off-course people have to speak up and step up...tells you something about how far it's gotten. Previously, I was always very ambivalent about politics. I had an opinion, but wouldn't take any action, thinking that it wouldn't make much of a difference or wasn't needed. I don't now. If you can vote in the upcoming elections, please do. I will make a difference.