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nOVA sCOTIA

However, when I see the admiration of his fellow growers and the satisfaction on his face at the weigh off, I can’t help but feel the kids and I can take some credit for this too! In my heart I know the past 20 years are more important than the last six. The last six however will provide many hours of memories and many, MANY hours of reminiscing! Who knew you could have a three hour conversation about pumpkin genetics and maintenance? (With or without another grower in the room! )
As I sit back and admire the family photos of the past five years with my husband’s ‘other woman’ (apparently all pumpkins are females; but that’s a story left to be told another day) I admire his dedication to his affair! It’s the same dedication he has shown to the kids and me for the last 20 years.
So in the end, it doesn’t matter that a seed from Minnesota is $200 because I know he‘s impressed someone in Germany enough for that grower to purchase a seed from a pumpkin from Donkin, NS. It doesn’t matter that the back yard often smells like fish and molasses, because I know that means a 50lb growth in 24 hours. It doesn’t matter that the water bill is triple what it is in the winter because I know he loves a challenge with the other growers, It doesn’t matter that he spends 5 hours a day in the patch because I know it teaches our kids about curiosity, quest for knowledge, dedication, hard work and rewards.
So yes, my husband’s affair is time consuming and often costly, but the rewards at the end of the season is the reason I don’t put an end to it! The pumpkin affair is a lot like our wedding vows; for better or worse. There are better seasons and then there are worse, but we’re in this together, although he’s the one who does all the hard work. We know, in the end, family is first. And there is no price tag on that!

8/6/2012 1:49:00 PM

Ashby, MA

Thanks Donkin for sharing. I already sent my wife an email
to have her read your wife's message. I have no doubts my
wife can and will relate.

8/6/2012 4:17:33 PM

Midway, UT

Buy her a shirt Donkin! http://seeds.denverpumpkins.com/index.php/gaint-pumpkin-seed-shop/the-perfect-shirt-for-the-non-pumpkin-grower/

8/6/2012 4:53:52 PM

Annapolis Valley Nova Scotia

Carl, I do not know your wife's name but please give her my blessings!

8/6/2012 5:02:53 PM

43.841677 , -79.086692

The woman is a saint. 20 years with Carl. Wow.

8/6/2012 5:18:25 PM

nOVA sCOTIA

ahahaaa he does have a sense of humour lol Good one Chris.

8/6/2012 5:29:28 PM

Connecticut

very nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

8/6/2012 7:25:37 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

In my wedding vows I said I will not question how many purses or shoes are in your closet, as long as you don't ask me what I spend on my pumpkins.

8/6/2012 7:45:32 PM

Belmont, NH

He may be growing a pumpkin BUT you are a peach. If we all could be so lucky.

8/6/2012 8:02:16 PM

Long Island,New York

Shannon...you better start racing cars too because she's way ahead if its shoes vs pkns.....

8/6/2012 8:26:39 PM

Cheyenne,WY

I'll send this to my wife to read, I know I enjoyed reading it.

8/6/2012 9:30:30 PM

Massachusetts

carl, is she single? lol.

8/6/2012 9:45:38 PM

Nova Scotia

Nice sentiments Charlene,and great to hear from a woman that truly understands our obsession with these "fat bottom girls". Carl you better take another day off from the patch and treat your lady to a nightout on the town.

8/7/2012 9:33:03 AM

Johnston, Iowa

Oh I know someone who'll be able to related to this one :-)

8/7/2012 9:55:07 AM