Uncle Punkin's Pumpkins (10/06/03)
Went to a family friends pumpkin patch to get the fruits of the harvest. I purchased many pumpkins and gourds, but the pumpkin in this picture somehow rotted from the inside out, and is currently as flat as a pancake. I've noticed that the color palette for my photos is drawn to the orange and yellows that fall has to offer, but many of my summer photos are the same colors as well. I used to say that purple was my favorite color, but I'd have to say that it's orange. I'm sure being a redhead has nothing to do with it.

My life-long nickname (in my family) has always been Punkin. I grew up with 10 aunts and uncles, all just a few years older than me. I had red hair from the beginning, and was "mommy's little pumpkin." My aunts and uncles who were 3, 5, 7, 9 years old, etc. all assumed Mom calling me pumpkin because of my orange hair. "Pumpkin" changed to "Pumkin" which evolved into "Punkin" and the name stuck. I suppose it seems odd to have my 27 year old brother calling me that, but that's just the way it is. The tradition is passing on as I have now become "Uncle Punkin" to Derick and Brett. To be honest, it's a term of endearment. I have one aunt who calls me Gary, which always feels a bit weird to me. I can honestly say I've never heard my mom or dad call me Gary, other than in an introduction. And even then, it's always with an eplanation of what they really call me tacked on at the end. Standing back, I guess that seems odd. For me, it's my life.

Well, I didn't expect to share that dirty little secret this morning. Oh well. :)