On All Hallows Eve

I’ve never been one to take part in lots of Halloween traditions. Last year I think the most Halloweeny activity I took part in was watch Stranger Things three months after it’s release date (frightening how late I left it) and snacked on the full bowl of trick-or-treat sweets that never seem to get eaten (what is it with kids nowadays?!)…

But this year I’ve tried to get myself a little more excited for the season. Although I know I won’t be attending any Mean Girls style fancy dress parties, I’ve always been determined to take the 31st a little more seriously- especially seeing how well the states do it year after year (Noelle, I’m lookin’ at you). So, after surprisingly little persuasion, I was able to drag Joe pumpkin picking with me last week for the first time.

After doing a bit of Twitter research, we scouted out a relatively close pumpkin patch (close being an hour away)- booked a morning off and got going- ready to pick our perfect pumpkins, use them for endless homemade recipes and leave like the domesticated Halloween celebrators we truly are… Ahem…

…but of course things are never that straight forward are they? After arriving at the station and hopping in a cab- we ended up taking the poor driver 6 miles (!) in the wrong direction, before accosting a poor postman in panic and driving back half an hour the way we came to actually find the farm. It was definitely one of those moments where I wished I was a more confident driver (must. get. back. in. the. car)- but after finally arriving we were thrilled to spot fields of endless orange and yards of squashes, pumpkins and corn growing amongst the fields.

With each field boasting pumpkins in every colour from burnt oranges, bright whites and greys the colour of the foggy sky- although it was a bit of a slog getting there- I did feel extremely Autumnal trudging across the land and plucking pumpkins into our wheelbarrow. Although I’m not quite sure how my carving skills will fare, it’s definitely made me a little excited for tomorrow- just remind me next time to take the car!