Click on a thumbnail picture below to see the full size version. 161 Entries. Tuesday, January 1 View Page Happy New Year everyone. I made a few New Year resolutions, figured that I would start off the year with some good intentions, trying not to fail all of them. I am going to give blood 5 times this year and I am going to start walking again. Tuesday, January 1 View Page My last resolution is to get this car running and on the road by the end of the year. This is the one I will probably fail.............. Sunday, February 3 View Page Four hours and 800mg of Ibuprofen the compost pile is turned. Good for another month.......Buddy...got worms. Wednesday, February 20 View Page After hours of serious thought ( if anyone that knows me can believe that bs ) I have my 08 line up set. BUT ITS TOP SECRET......... Dont want anyone stealing it. Friday, February 22 View Page To add to my last post I will grow two of my seeds, one more RI seed, one from the Tundra and, one from them there KY Mafia fellers, and one form some people in Canada who specialize in orange, wonder who they could be ( I think their name begins with N ). Thanks to everyone that donated to my cause................ Monday, March 3 View Page Another fine day in Abbynormals neighborhood!!! Thursday, March 6 View Page ITS ALIVE Sunday, March 23 View Page Edgar I'm so depressed hearing that Boom Boom may not have a diary this season. You have to help me out here....Your pal Sluggy............. Sunday, March 23 View Page HAPPY EASTER TO YOU TOO Tuesday, March 25 View Page Thanks Edgar for talking your mommy into keeping a diary this season. Everyone here at The Bates Motel feels so much better now. I am sure you can tell by my smile. Thanks again your best pal Sluggy.......... Thursday, April 3 View Page CADDYSHACK III Sunday, April 6 View Page CADDYSHACK IV Sunday, April 6 View Page Spread about 5 yards of compost going to save the rest of the pile till fall..... Monday, April 7 View Page Finished turning compost pile today. Seems to be breaking down well, has at least a gillion worms. Whats ya think Unkadan??????? Saturday, April 12 View Page Sprayed 2 qts of molasses, spread 50lbs of kelp, 50lbs of humic acid, 10 lbs of magic dust I got from santa that he uses to make the reindeer fly. Four hours, 5 mountain dew's and 1600 mg of Ibuprofen and the patch is tilled. Time for a nap...... Monday, April 14 View Page Put up 4 of my 5 hoops today. Grandkids are comming over tomorrow I guess they can help with the last one........... Probably under protest...Too bad. Tuesday, April 15 View Page The final greenhouse is up with help from my grandsons. It only cost me a pizza. Let the games begin.......... Monday, April 21 View Page 4 days and counting. Friday, April 25 View Page Filed, soaked, and put in germ box at 11:30 this morning 8 seeds. Two 1077s, two 905s, a 982 Northrup, 520 Rondeau, 1046 Bowles, and a 275 Van Hook. Best of luck to everyone in 08. May everyone have a great season.......... Tuesday, April 29 View Page All plants are up and under lights. Had to help the last 4 a little, but i think everything will be just fine....... Wednesday, May 7 View Page I made a new friend today. He told me that he was Digger (of nascar fame's ) cousin. Said all you nascar fans should put Joe Gibbs Racing in your fantasy picks every week, also said that Hendricks team was a pretty good pick also. He also told me he didn't like living here anymore and wanted to be relocated to a better neighborhood so I helped him out. Thursday, May 8 View Page I put all my plants in the ground today. A 1077 and 905 of mine, 1046 Bowles, 520 Rondeau, 982 Northrup,and a 275 Van Hook. I also relocated a possum that told me he didn't like the neighborhood any more. Best of luck to everyone in 08, and thank you to everyone who helped me with advice and seeds........ Wednesday, May 14 View Page One week later and all plants are looking just fine. I finally finished repotting all my maters today, Thank you Mr. DTM Doug....................... Wednesday, May 21 View Page Two weeks later and I havn't killed anything yet, I take that as a good sign. Went on a mini spy tour today and found that I am a little behind, but no worries I have the secret weapon..... Sunday, May 25 View Page Oh No....The secret weapon has developed a double vine. This wasn't part of the over all plan, going to give it another week and make a decision then. I have two backups in gal pots ready to go so it not the end of the world just a glitch in the system........... I just wanted to grow a KY Mafia approved seed............ Monday, May 26 View Page After a short surgery the secret weapon is a keeper........ Saturday, May 31 View Page Its been three weeks and I aint killed anything yet, I may be on a roll here. All plants are doing well and should be on the ground in a few days. The 1046 and 520 are the most agressive but the rest are doing great. Stay tuned for further updates................ Tuesday, June 3 View Page All plants are doing well. The 1046 and 1077 are on the ground, the 905 and 520 should be on the ground by thurs, the 982 and 275 are going to need some coaxing cant see them laying down before sunday, but who knows I may get lucky....... Thursday, June 5 View Page I know everyone just cant wait to see another little plant. Here is the first one out of the cold frame this season the 1046 Bowles. Plant looks good and I should have the rest out by the end of the weekend, even the secret weapon... Sunday, June 8 View Page 1077, 520 and 275 are out of greenhouses as of today. The only plant that is still totaly inclosed is the 982, another day and it will be on the ground and i will take it out of its greenhouse.. Wednesday, June 11 View Page Removed the greenhouse from the 982 today and put up my wind fence. Plants are likeing this warm weather but so are the cuke beatles. Had to go out and spray when I got home at 11:30 form work, one of the adjustments you have to make when you work second shift........... Saturday, June 14 View Page I was readin the Hicks from the Sticks Diary. Cletus and Festus I was just wonderin if your pappy was in RI and stayed at the Bates Motel about 60 years back... If so we ins could all be twins............ Sunday, June 15 View Page Dan you got shoes for your shoes how cool is that.... Thursday, June 19 View Page I know everyone just wants to see some more small plants so here we go. Closest to you is my 905 and next to it is my 1077, to the right and up alittle from the 1077 is the 1046 Bowles, directly above the 905 is the Secret Weapon and the 520 Rondeau and at the top of the hill is the 982 Northrup. So far I am a happy camper......... Thursday, June 19 View Page This is a better look at the Secret Weapon and the 520 Rondeau and the the 982 Northrup............You scared yet....... Thursday, June 26 View Page Had vegatative sex this morning, my hand was a little shakey its been so long. Polinated my 1077 with a lonely 1046 Bowles male at about 10 ft. Saturday, June 28 View Page Al Bundy aint got nothin on me.................. Monday, June 30 View Page Had an open polinization on my 1077 this morning dont know how i missed it ( what a dummy ). I will have another shot at it by the end of week. All plants are growing well now that we have some heat, stay tuned for more updates...........Erin ......I cant walk in those sandals, I guess me and any kind of shoes just dont mix..... Tuesday, July 1 View Page Polinated 520 Rondeau with two 1046 Bowles males. Wednesday, July 2 View Page Polinated 3 plants this morning. The Secret Weapon x the 520 Rondeau, 1046 Bowles x 1077 Gansert, 982 Northrup x 905 Gansert. Stay tuned for more updates in the near future.......... Thursday, July 3 View Page Polinated 1077 with 1046 and 1046 with 1077 Friday, July 4 View Page Did some more polinating today 520 x 1046 and 905 x 982, I had an open on the secret weapon ( Second one I missed so far, Ma must have been right too much polinating and I am going blind ). Saturday, July 5 View Page Polinated 982 with 905 this morning. Main on secret weapon snapped and I had nothing to do with it, pretty sure I have one set already and there is one that will need polinating just before the snap. I guess this is no big deal just train a secondary to be the new main. Started deadheading on all plants my back will sure be happy when that mission is complete..Stay tuned further updates in the near future. Sunday, July 6 View Page More polinations today 982 x 905 and 1077 x 1046 these two plants along with the 1046 and 520 should be all set. ( I HOPE ) Monday, July 7 View Page Picture of patch as of today. I polinated the secret weapon again with the 520 Rondeau, I have one more to do tomorrow on my 905 and I should be done. I cut off the first pumpkin on the 982 because it just had issues......LOOK SAM NOT MANY WEEDS.............. Tuesday, July 8 View Page Polinated my 905 with Secret Weapon. If this one makes it I'm done, if not one more try in a few days. The one I polinated on 7-4 on the 905 aborted....I am 99% sure I have a set on every plant except the 905...........Time will tell............Stay tuned for further updates at 11......... Friday, July 11 View Page 10 day measurement on 520 Rondeau is 32". I have one that was polinated the 4th that is 21" and I wont have to hack up hardly any plant to keep compared to 3 sides for the bigger one .. Going to wait a couple more days on this....Just hate these decisions..........Pete I need help here......... Friday, July 11 View Page GOT CHUCK Friday, July 11 View Page I like growing these also picked one the other day was probably 25% larger than this one...... Saturday, July 12 View Page 10 day measurement on secret weapon is 29.5" Sunday, July 13 View Page I made a mistake ( cant be you say ). Today is day 10 on secret weapon and the measurement is 34". I will get my gazintas right sooner or later........... Monday, July 14 View Page 10 day measurements ( 1046 - 29" ) ( 1077 - 37" ) Wednesday, July 16 View Page 10 day measurement on 982 is 38" Saturday, July 19 View Page 10 day measurement on 905 is 33" Tuesday, July 22 View Page 20 day measurement on 520 Rondeau is 96". Dam I need a bigger truck already........... Wednesday, July 23 View Page Measurement on The Secret Weapon on day 20 is 91" Thursday, July 24 View Page We got 2.25 inches of rain last night guess I dont have to water today. Thursday, July 24 View Page Circumfrance on 1046 Bowles on day 20 is 71 inches... Thursday, July 24 View Page Circumfrance on my 1077 on day 20 is 91". Friday, July 25 View Page Another two inches of rain guess I dont have to water for a few more days......... Friday, July 25 View Page Houston.......we have a problem.......Had a few leaves near the stump on the 1046 age a little prematurely. Today I found this, but the pumpkin has grown 11" in the past two days. I am going to try and keep it dry and see, may have to cut this stump out not sure yet....Dan I knew things were too good to be true.. Oh well........ Saturday, July 26 View Page 20 day measurement on 982 Northrup is 91" Sunday, July 27 View Page 25 day measurements on 520 Rondeau are( C 114 ss72 ee71 ) 257 ott Monday, July 28 View Page 25 day measurements on secret weapon are c 110, ss 66, ee 69, 245 ott. Tuesday, July 29 View Page 20 day measurement on my 905, not that skinny guy in conn. is 78" Tuesday, July 29 View Page 25 day measurements on 1077 are (c 105, ee 73, ss78, 256 ott ). 25 day measurements on 1046 are ( c 84, ee 68, ss 69, 221 ott ) Thursday, July 31 View Page Its 12:20 am, just came home from work and sprayed 4 gals of fungicide..........ITS MILDEW TIME.... Thursday, July 31 View Page 25 day measurements on 982 Northrup are ( c 107 ee 73 ss 74 ) 254 ott. Thursday, July 31 View Page I forgot to mention that I sent in my entry for Topsfield Fair yesterday. I never had two pumpkins left in October before. I am trying to be optimistic this year. Thursday, July 31 View Page And The Lord said let there be 5 and the 1077 split........ Friday, August 1 View Page 30 day measurements on The 520 Rondeau are ( c 129 ee 82 ss 79 ) 290 ott......... Saturday, August 2 View Page 30 day measurement on the secret weapon is ( c 125 ee78 ss 72 ) 275 ott Saturday, August 2 View Page Came home from work only to find the 982 Northrup split open on the blossom end, and then there was 4.......... Sunday, August 3 View Page 30 day measurements on the 1046 are c 108 ee 76 ss 80 ( 264 ott ). 25 day measurements on 905 are c 97 ee 69 ss 72 ( 238 ott ) Sunday, August 3 View Page This was the 982 Northrup. I had high hopes for this one but just wasnt meant to be. Sunday, August 3 View Page Took the day off from the patch and went for brunch on the Bay Queen. This is the Newport Folk Festival. Sunday, August 3 View Page Not a bad place to live... Sunday, August 3 View Page Newport Bridge Sunday, August 3 View Page Here I was looking for the Mayor of Prudence Island...............Eddy G where are you???????? Sunday, August 3 View Page The economy aint bad in this neighborhood....... Wednesday, August 6 View Page 35 day measurements on 520 Rondeau are c 135 ee 86 ss 84 ( 305 ott ) Thursday, August 7 View Page 35 day numbers on the Secret Weapon are c 135 ee 85 ss 78 ( 298 ott ) Thursday, August 7 View Page The 1046 Bowles went down to a stem split issue, I have been trying to keep it cleaned out and bleached but it found its way into the cavity. I have an open at the end of the main on both this and the 982 that split a few days ago, see if I can get a porch pumpkin for my grandkids..........AND THEN THERE WAS 3........... Friday, August 8 View Page 30 day numbers on my 905 are c 111, ss 81, ee 77, ( 269 ott ). Monday, August 11 View Page 40 day numbers on 520 Rondeau are c 146, ee 89, ss 87 (ott 322 ) Tuesday, August 12 View Page 40 day numbers on the secret weapon are c 143 ee 88 ss 81 ( 312 ott ) Wednesday, August 13 View Page 35 day numbers on 905 are c 117 ee 82 ss 87 (286 ott ) Sunday, August 17 View Page 46 day numbers on 520 Rondeau are c 148 ee 91 ss 89 ( 328 ott ) 45 day numbers on secret weapon are c 151 ee 91 ss 82 ( 324 ott ) Monday, August 18 View Page 40 day numbers for the 905 are c 121 ee 85 ss 92 ( 298 ott ) Thursday, August 21 View Page 50 day numbers on 520 Rondeau are c 150 ee 93.5 ss 90.5 ( 334 ott ) Its still on a slow steady climb, there may be hope for Topsfield........ Friday, August 22 View Page 50 day numbers for the Secret Weapon are c 154 ee 93 ss 84 ( 331 ott ) You didnt see it here .......Top Secret.. Saturday, August 23 View Page 45 day numbers on 905 are c 123 ee 87 ss 94 ( 304 ott ). Grandkids are great I get to play with all their toys...........cool...... Tuesday, August 26 View Page 60 day numbers on 520 are basically the same as 55 day numbers, for some reason i dont think that is a good sign...... Tuesday, August 26 View Page Me and my buddy here have a bunch in common after todays numbers on 520. We are both Grumpy..........I could have made a mistake..............cant be......... Wednesday, August 27 View Page First thing...I did make a mistake yesterday. The 520 was 55 days old not 60,some woman told me I was only a stupid man .......what did I know.....guess she was right...... Wednesday, August 27 View Page 55 day numbers on Secret Weapon are c 157 ee 95 ss 85 ( 337 ott ). We have a new leader, it passed the 520 Rondeau...... Wednesday, August 27 View Page The Secret Weapon day 55. I used my Favorite Toy for todays picture......... Thursday, August 28 View Page 50 day numbers on 905 are c 126 ee 88 ss 96 ( 310 ott ). Sunday, August 31 View Page 60 day numbers for 520 Rondeau are c 151 ee 94 ss 92 ( 337 ott ) I couldn't get my Favorite Toy to be part of this picture, seems Little House on the Praire is more important today so I had to get anothet toy.......Oh well... Monday, September 1 View Page 60 day numbers on Secret Weapon are c 157 ee 96 ss 85 ( 338 ott ) things are getting a bit slow.... Tuesday, September 2 View Page 55 day numbers on 905 are c 128 ee 89 ss 97 ( 314 ott ) Thursday, September 4 View Page Its Sept 4th and I still have 3 pumpkins. This is new territory for me, all are growing very slow, plants look older than Pap.... Cant be you say.....3 weeks to Durham, 4 weeks to Topsfield and 5 to Frerichs. What are the odds that they all make it, time will tell.......Sorry Pap the voices made me do it............ Sunday, September 7 View Page 60 day numbers on 905 are c 130 ee 89.5 ss 97.5 ( 317 ott ). We got 4.5 inches of rain in the last 24 hours , the plants were already worn out they dont look any happier today....I also found another woodchuck hole , this one in my garden . Time to load the traps again............. Sunday, September 7 View Page Only took 5 hours to catch my 5th woodchuck of the season. I must be getting lucky..... Wednesday, September 10 View Page 70 day numbers for 520 are c 152 ee 94 ss 92 ( 338 ott ). I am gaining weight faster than this one, now I have to figure how to keep it around for two more weeks till Durham..........This keeps getting more fun by the minute... Friday, September 12 View Page 70 day numbers on Secret Weapon are c 160 ee 96 ss 86 ( 342 ott ) Still growing real slow. Only 4 weeks to Frerichs hope it doesnt have premature detination........ Friday, September 12 View Page This is new territory for me. It is Sept 12 and I still have 3 pumpkins, all have minor issues but they are still on the plants. I have never had more than one after Sept 10 before. I know that I wont be in the top 15 anywhere but with a lot of luck I could be going to 3 weighoffs. Hope thats not being too optimistic..... Sunday, September 14 View Page I have been treating a soft spot on my 520 Rondeau for the past week. It is on the stem side, scraped it with a spoon and have been using bleach, alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide, captain, sulfur, and straight daconil. I have been trying to change the combination every day and it may be working. The only thing I havnt used is Owen's hair dryer. 10 days to Durham Fair, there still is hope........ Monday, September 15 View Page Today I scraped more and sprayed with bleach, ran a couple extension cords and hooked up a fan on my 520. Went back to check in a couple hours and found what looked like a small soft spot. Sraped, bleached and dusted with captan and back on with the fan. This is getting to be a job to get this pumpkin to the scale. I aint quitting Mr. Pete. Only 9 days to Durham....... Wednesday, September 17 View Page The soft spot on the 520 keeps growing. I keep scraping and bleaching but may be running out of hope for this one. I think there is going to be a change of plans and take the 905 to Durham next week. Its only a matter of a few days and I am going to dig my way through the cavity...... Wednesday, September 17 View Page 70 day numbers on 905 are c 131 ee 91 ss 98 ( 320 ott ) Wednesday, September 17 View Page Nice mellons Dan Thursday, September 18 View Page After I finished painting my toe nails ( ORANGE )I stole my honeys hair dryer and went to the garden to try a new method of madness in the attack of the soft spot which now looks more like a cavern on my 520. It seems to dry things up. After a couple hours I did a little more scraping and put the dryer back on. Only 6 days to Durham... Will it make the show? If it does it will make the compost pile the next day. On the bright side my toe nails sure look nice.... Friday, September 19 View Page My weapons of mass destruction, I seem to be holding my own in this battle, but it aint over yet. Hope to organize a lifting crew for Sunday, child labor is accepted..Cathy told me to use my weapons on the soft spot between my ears. I just dont understand what is she trying to say. I would like to say thanks to all that have offered me advice, it is highly appreciated. Thanks again.........5 days to Durham.... Sunday, September 21 View Page We have liftoff Sunday, September 21 View Page Almost done Sunday, September 21 View Page Finished. Thanks to all that helped, and a special thanks to my neighbor Ed. The Jeep made life so much easier. Now if it lasts another 80 hours it will be great........Thanks again everyone... Thursday, September 25 View Page I went to Durham last night and guess who was the only one to get DQed..Oh well .......After close examination a soft spot was found that entered the cavity. I cant say I was surprised the way that I have been digging at this for the last week..Even that couldnt ruin my day...I just want to say thanks to all that helped me try and save, and pick this pumpkin........Next time I will aproach it a little differently and maybe have a different outcome..Joanne it was a pleasure meeting you and your honey....I did get a weight of 836.......Topsfield in 10 days see if things go better there.......... Sunday, September 28 View Page 5 days to Topsfield and counting......... Tuesday, September 30 View Page I cut my 905 off the vine today, getting ready for Topsfield a little early. Final numbers are c 132 ee 90 ss 98 ( 320 ott ).Not bad........... Tuesday, September 30 View Page Front view of 905........Looks almost good enough to be a Northrup Pumpkin............Now thats kissing up......... Friday, October 3 View Page All loaded for Topsfield, first time I ever went with a pumpkin, and I am 99% sure this one is solid..... Good luck everyone............. Saturday, October 4 View Page Its 4:20 am . Making Tea for a bunch of crazy women. Its Topsfield time. Saturday, October 4 View Page Just got home from Topsfield where I came in 37th with a 755 lb pumpkin from my own seed, which I thought was kind of cool. Now if it only weighd 710lbs more I could have won, I guess I will have to work on that part..But it was a great day.....Hope everyone else had a great day also....... Sunday, October 5 View Page The final resting place before the compost pile. Look Bob no staging this year.......... Monday, October 6 View Page Caught my 7th woodchuck of the season this morning. These things must multiply faster than rabbits, or someone else is relocating them also. I have been told they are finding their way back I sure hope thats wrong... Wednesday, October 8 View Page Picked the Secret Weapon today. No one really wanted to do the tarp thingie to get it down the hill, so I had to take advantage of my neighbor and his jeep again. When I hit powerball I am going to buy me one for sure till then Ed you are my bestest friend. My honey was suppose to take pictures but she was too busy yapping with Eds wife and forgot.. WOMEN.. Oh well just have to get one in the morning..... Thursday, October 9 View Page They say the BS stops when the tail gate drops, but I dont think it ever stops. Secret Weapon all loaded up for Frerichs..........Good luck everyone....... Saturday, October 11 View Page Its 5:32 am the day of the weighoff. Do you know where your pumpkins are ????? Sunday, October 12 View Page Its Oct 12 the season is over, and thats not a bad thing. Went to Frerichs Farm yesterday and came in 14th with a weight of 914.5, so now I guess the secret weapon will be called the 914.5 Gansert 08. This was my best season so far having three pumpkins make the scale. Two that were solid and one with a minor defect, better known as a soft spot that found it way into the cavity. I am going to have the two best porch pumpkins in my neighborhood. Time for some fall patch prep and alittle R&R. Eric and Del it was a pleasure meeting you guys........... Monday, October 13 View Page Bart gave me this at Frerichs Farm saturday. Its getting a frame and a place on my wall. Bart, Matt, Jim, you guys are the best........ Monday, October 13 View Page I must be nuts Monday, October 13 View Page You just have to love this Jeep Monday, October 13 View Page See why Abbynormal fits me....... Monday, October 13 View Page I think the porch never looked better..........THANKS AGAIN ED....... The Jeep is priceless............This is why I grow these things is to show them off......... Monday, October 27 View Page Whats going on here Monday, October 27 View Page OH NO Monday, October 27 View Page Cant be the secret weapon Monday, October 27 View Page I really have issues Monday, October 27 View Page Some days I scare myself Monday, October 27 View Page Bob...........what ya think ???? Tuesday, October 28 View Page Careful someone is watching you Thursday, October 30 View Page Happy Halloween from the staff at the Bates Motel Friday, October 31 View Page I went out to see a couple local punkinoligists and look what I found. Friday, October 31 View Page And one of these Friday, October 31 View Page Pete is that you Friday, October 31 View Page This won best looking at Topsfield still looks cool now..... Monday, November 3 View Page Did a section of the Long Trail over the weekend in nothern VT. I was looking for you John but you were nowhere to be found. First time I have gone backpacking in a few years.. Monday, November 3 View Page For some reason I dont think this print belongs to Yogi...... Monday, November 3 View Page My friend Rick heading up trail on Whiteface Mt Monday, November 3 View Page This is Whiteface shelter, as you can see its not the Hilton so dont expect to see Paris. The two guys in the center stoped in to warm up some food before they hiked out.Had a great view of Madona Peak and Mt Mansfield from here. Monday, November 3 View Page View of Madonna Peak from shelter Monday, November 3 View Page View of Mt Mansfield from an overlook along the way Monday, November 3 View Page It was a good trip, hikihg was slow due to ice on the trail. Overall it was a great weekend. I only told my friend Neil that I hated him 1000 times for beating me up so bad, but I guess thats why they made Ibuprofen........Hope to finish the Long Trail next year. Only taken 15 years to do it the first time........Then we can work on the second time around. Wednesday, November 5 View Page I got 70% of garden tilled so far. Waiting for my neighbor to finish blowing in leaves before I till the rest... Saturday, November 8 View Page Started my new compost pile for next season today , put in first load of horse manure. Sunday, November 9 View Page I had to do it , even though I really didn't want to. This morning I cut the secret weapon, for anyone interested it was a 275 VanHook. Threw it in the bed of my truck and moved it to the compost pile. The Great Pumpkin and the KY Mafia must have heard of my exploits and put a curse on me. Soon as I backed up to the pile the truck sank up to the running boards and got stuck, not to leave the garden without help from my neighbor, who thought it was very entertaining and made me send him a picture to put on his frig..... Sunday, November 9 View Page The worst part of the story is now I doomed to hell for being pulled out by a Chevy.. Friday, December 19 View Page HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE STAFF AT THE BATES MOTEL Friday, December 19 View Page Does this guy remind you of anyone ???? Saturday, December 20 View Page The neighborhood kids seem to approve of my fall patch prep program........