Pumpkin Carving Tips
by Karin Amundsen

Pumpkin Carving Tips

If your family is like mine, you look forward to Halloween all year. You let your imagination run wild with all the possibilities for decorating your house for the celebration. Top on my list of decorations is the Jack-O-Lantern, but as a relative novice when it comes to carving them, I am always on the hunt for good tips that simplify the process. Here are some of the best tips I have come across:

Step 1: Choosing the right pumpkin

Before you can choose a design, you must know what "canvas" you will be working with.
• Though size is less important, keep in mind that smaller pumpkins are better for simple designs and larger pumpkins are better for more detailed designs.
• If you plan to illuminate your pumpkin with a candle, it should be at least 9-inches tall.
• Choose a pumpkin with a smooth, even surface. Its stem should be at least a 2-inches long and sturdy—a thick stem is a sign of health.
• If the pumpkin is bruised, stemless, discolored or dented it may already be decaying.
• Do not lift the pumpkin by its stem-- this can damage the pumpkin and make it rot faster.
• Check the bottom of your pumpkin thoroughly for punctures, rotting, or growths.
• If the pumpkin feels heavy and sloshy, it is likely already rotting inside.

Step 2: Making the pattern

I do not possess a single artistic bone in my body, so even basic Jack-O-Lantern designs look pretty crude when I draw them. Thank goodness for modern technology. Nowadays, many retailers sell pumpkin-carving kits which include small stencil books. Better yet, you can find hundreds of FREE stencils on the internet for all skill levels.

When selecting a stencil:

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And The Nation Goes Into Mourning
by A Dude's Guide on Nov 21st

It was 45 years ago today that the nation lost John F. Kennedy to assassination in Dallas, TX. And, one year later, I was born. Then raised for most of my life in, of all places, Dallas, TX. So, yes, for a number of years, whenever it was my birthday, the entire nation went into mourning for JFK. Or, at least, that’s what they said.

Anyway, the last seven years or so, my special birthday has had me thinking about little dudes who have it even worse. I mean, how would you have liked to be born on Sept. 11? Of any year. Especially for those kids who were born in 2001 or after? I really feel for the little dudes. Their parents have to make sure to make those birthdays extra special to compensate for what everyone outside the immediate family is thinking about.

Let’s actually try for some comments here. Other than 9/11, what are some other birth days you wouldn’t want to have as your own?

Fortunately for me, I’ve got something wonderful to take my mind off JFK. Firstly, it’s been so long that, really, the only times someone actually cares about it are on the fives and tens. Secondly, my wonderful nephew, Nico, was born on my birthday. I get to celebrate with him and think about him ripping open presents and smiling so wide you can see his tonsils.

So, here’s to you, Nico. I’m raising a glass of apple juice in your honor today. You make me happy and you make me laugh. Who could ask for more?

– Richard

Tags: 45 Years, A Dude's Guide to Life, Apple Juice, Birth Days, birthday, Birthdays, Dallas Tx, dude, Dude's, family, Firstly, Immediate Family, Jfk, John F Kennedy, Kennedy, kids, Laugh, little dudes, Nephew, parents, Presents, Sept 11, Seven Years, Tens, Those Kids, Tonsils

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