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Owensboro, Ky.

I have been around this site for 4 or 5 years...or maybe only 3 or 4 (time flies by so quickly)!! I was doing a lil research, and found names that aren't around anymore. This could be due to name/handle changes, or that the folks aint here no more. One of my fav's from the past was Bortner. Wanting to know who else has memories from years ago!!!?? Peace, Wayne

5/16/2009 2:39:38 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

BTW...I also miss the Hick's from the Sticks!!! LOL Peace, Wayne

5/16/2009 2:40:45 AM

Ohio

I miss Doc Gipe and the squabbles he would have with Tremor every time he would mentioned the word 'pesticide' and one thing about that is they always kept it on a professional level,,,,,, well most of the time,,lol

Doc was as organic as they came. I learned a lot from him and Tremor over the years.

5/16/2009 4:30:05 AM

Rhode Island

wayne has mentioned a very good example of what happens in this hobbyof ours.

many many people get into the hobby with visions of big pumpkins and such only to find a lot of disapointment and failure.most of it they can blame on themselves due to inexperience, lack of commitment, followed by a loss of interest.

i always remember a new grower that attended a spring meet and greet our club held several years back.
he reasoned that if we could grow a big pumpkin he should be able to do even better because he was a farmer (of sorts id guess )

when he left that day he took all the free peat pots and handouts he could carry, never to be seen or heard from again.

this is not an easy hobby . it can be very time consuming and also expensive. the successfull gardner knows this going in.

to be successfull at anything in life you need commitment and effort. our hobby is no different.

5/16/2009 7:32:33 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Pap I would add you need resiliency, and need to compete against yourself. This sport is so much like a game of golf.

5/16/2009 9:14:14 AM

Vancouver Washington

Seems like the intent of the post was to talk about the personalities and voices of people that were liked and enjoyed. A celebration of memory. As far as Bortner goes - he is doing just fine - just involved in other things right now. Except the mild annoyance he feels because - i still haven't returned his lifting ring from last fall...lol
I think everyone misses Doc's strong opinions and animated voice. I too have a far more balanced outlook on things thanks to the back and forth of Doc and Tremor. It is an interesting thing to see which people's diarys end up interesting me, and which peoples posts. The diversity is where it is at for me. Thanks for starting the post Wayne,

5/16/2009 12:22:19 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Mark Muller and Southern come to mind.

5/16/2009 1:43:43 PM

Minnesota

What happened to TlIsH (not that I care) did he just quit? he used to come here all the time. He told me to f4 alt once,,I really miss the guy.

5/16/2009 2:08:30 PM

[email protected]

I miss Dwaine Gipe. It was fun debating the Doll Doc & I believe we both learned & taught a lot. Does anyone know how he is?

Southern (Kyle Little) has been quiet.

Heavy Grower (name?) went off in the army?

Alun Jones is making a come back this year?

There are many retired growers who predate this website who's stories we could all benefit from too.

Maybe Don's next book could include biographies of folks who have contributed somehow.

5/16/2009 6:58:13 PM

So. Maine

Richard , TLiSh ( Tom ) is still growing , he & I take care of the members seed distribution for the Maine Giant Pumpkin Club. I'm sure he'll pop in here sometimes this summer. AL

5/16/2009 10:17:21 PM

Mill Creek West by god Virginia

doc is doing allright the last i talked with him he and the family are planning a trip to west by god virginia this summer and i plan on showing him some down home hospitality and hopefully a slunger or two in the patch!

5/17/2009 12:54:17 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

I miss Dwaine (Doc Gipe) including his diary and postings. We've kept in contact from time to time and I keep hoping that he will grow once again...maybe sometime.

5/17/2009 1:58:22 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

I've wondered about Craig Weir, and if he plans on growing A.G.s again in the near future?

5/17/2009 3:04:25 PM

Montoursville, PA

Hi guys and gals. The ole doc is still getting awake in the mornings. The other option is not acceptable. Just wanted you all to know that after five years in the same patch..the patch informed me no more pumpkins without a lot of fungicides I prefer not to use. We tried last year with a couple of guys helping me. That was a shame because it was the patch in no rotation possibility that put up the no go sign. I've got a great wife but turning the tiller loose in a nice established lawn would not have been such a good idea. That would have worked but sleeping in the pumpkin shed at this point in life was not an option either. She put up with my doings like a champ but tearing up the nice lawn was never mentioned by me.

As to my health the three times a week in the exercise gym has kept me on my feet. I may be better today than two years ago when I thought a scooter or chair was in the picture. The one thing that is not better is the fit of my hands on a hoe. Just can not do stuff like that anymore to any extent like chasing a dam fool pumpkin. I gave all my "stuff" to the local growers. They are still a nice group of about twenty who are trying to grow the big one. I talk at 'em but that is about all. LOL

Once in a blue moon I check in on the chat board. My main interests now are centered on a fifteen year old athlete, musician and National Honor Student. He was a State Regional Champion this year wrestling in eighth grade at ninety five pounds. The State Finals taught him that there is another world out there. Now it is baseball and soon will be football. He is really top shelf in all that he does. We tag along and buy the hot dogs.

Thanks for the kind words. You should just see the grass growing for three cuts a week where the pumpkin patch used to be. My mechanical donkey and I can still mow it.

5/17/2009 7:04:16 PM

Montoursville, PA

As an aside......look into a product called Calcium 25. Don't tell pap. He has enough secrets. You have time to get and use it. Very inexpensive and unlike any other Calcium product on the market. It is good on many garden and flower items. I've used it enough to suggest the claims are not at all out of line.

5/17/2009 7:10:54 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

Great to hear from you Doc! As you can tell, you've been missed here on BP! Regards, Duff

5/17/2009 8:16:01 PM

So. Maine

Doug , I spoke with him a few weeks ago and he mentioned he and his Daughter were planning on growing this year .... AL

5/17/2009 8:47:32 PM

ordinary,VA

Very good to see a post from Doc!!
very happy to see Doc is doing well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5/17/2009 9:19:59 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Hey Doc...thanks for the tip....

5/17/2009 10:43:13 PM

Rhode Island

i miss your edcuational responses doc. to many people who could really help the newer growers are absent from this site.
hope to see you back some day.
pap

5/18/2009 7:27:17 AM

Lexington, Ky

I miss those Gipe seed packets with those outstretched arms! Good to hear from ya Doc....got one of your long gourds up and going this year.

Jamie

5/18/2009 11:29:43 AM

[email protected]

Glad to see you're still here doc. Hey. I have an all terrain power wheel chair for the patch. Lots of strong young backs too. We do what we must.

Those who can do. Those who can't teach.

5/18/2009 1:01:19 PM

Sort of Sunny Sometimes, WA

Hi Doc!

5/18/2009 7:43:56 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

I'm glad to read your post Doc. You don't know me from Adam but I have enjoyed reading your posts. Sounds like you are very alive and kicking and that's a very good thing. Post now and again if you don't mind. I wish some of the mature growers would make an appearance from time to time.

5/18/2009 9:53:35 PM

Ohio

THE DOC!!!!!, One of the best organic growers I have ever met, and have learned alot from over the years!

Miss ya ole bud!

5/18/2009 10:08:18 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Welcome back, Doc!!! (Thanks Brooks!!) Glad to hear you!!!
PS...very pleased, so far, about this post!!! Who else??? ie..who was the grower who moved to Florida, and set the new state record?? Peace, Wayne

5/19/2009 1:26:56 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Oh, yeah...I seee the Hicks are back also!!!! LOL Peace, Wayne check out the diaries section...the Hicks is BAK!!!

5/19/2009 1:28:14 AM

So. Maine

Hey Doc , good to hear from ya ! Hope things are good . Starting season # 20 up here ...

5/19/2009 9:30:01 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Another I miss...cause of the Orange and the kids...Is Zunino, Vince...I think!!! And the themes w/names was sorta cool!!! Peace, Wayne

5/20/2009 12:36:15 AM

Rhode Island

that grower who moved from ct to fl was alan reynolds.
alan still maintains a residency in durham ct but spends most of the year in fl.
he pollinated his plants last week and will be heading up soon for a few weeks in ct and ri.

5/20/2009 8:02:22 AM

Cameron,ontario Team Lunatic

Welcome back Doc.

5/20/2009 8:18:24 AM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Yo. Dwayne. Please send me your Email address. The one I have doesn't work. Marv
[email protected]

5/21/2009 2:52:18 PM