Click on a thumbnail picture below to see the full size version. 87 Entries. Tuesday, January 13 View Page Wishing for a better year this year..this is how last year started and ended :) Sunday, February 1 View Page Alright Steelers come on down and get a taste of a real Football team!! hehehehe yeah I know I'm to old to playing football but the chance to play on the same team with my three sons was opportunity I couldn't pass up...... have to admit the game has passed me by some since 1975 :) meet the Red Hawks mens Flag Football team. front row left to right: Chris Lee (adopted son)- David Hungate--Joey Robinette-Mike Robinette (QB)-yours truly-Bryant Miller-Corey Melvin(adopted son). kneeling left to right. Mark Kissinger-Hector Horacio--Lil Eddie Robinette-Pat Bouge-Barry Blaylock Sunday, February 1 View Page here's a picture of the "Father Time" my new nick name getting ready to bring the 280 on the blitzing middle LB...Battle of youth-vs-weight..have 25 years and 130lbs on the poor blitzing LB.....Kyle(LB) is good guy i actually coached him in P&R Basketball years ago.. .had so much fun think ill take the tomorrow off (icy hot ibuprofen day for sure). my oldest son Mike winding up for the long ball---Barry looking on trying to find someone to block.. Sunday, February 1 View Page last picture of the game we won by the way 21-18 extra points paid off big this game. Lil Eddie across the middle of a big gain!!! Go Red Hawks!! Sunday, April 26 View Page started the 901 Hunt on Monday at 5pm. this picture was taking Saturday at 5pm. 5 days old and growing like crazy!! the first true leaf is playing peek-a-boo today and should have a pumpkin set by next weekend at this rate. the other seed started on the same day is still trying to come alive. have had seeds germinate as fast as the 901Hunt but never another seedling this big and aggressive in 5 days. note the plastic baseball for scale.. the 901 is getting leggy and will go into the patch tomorrow.. best of luck and smooth sailing to everyone. Friday, May 1 View Page picture of the 901 Hunt in the patch.from the germination chamber to the patch in ten day's!!!! 1260 weir went into the patch on Thursday and the 694 Fowler went into the patch today.. good weather and luck to all. Friday, May 1 View Page going with a new garden protector this year.The hoop-house monkey may he keep all squash bugs,svb,cuke bugs,slugs,squirrels,rabbits,deer,skunks,racoons,possum,birds,bigfoot,loch-ness,E.T.,and my new puppy who loves to dig ,out of my pumpkin patch : ) Saturday, May 2 View Page in case the hoop house monkey has to take on more than he can handle my contingency plan:F-22 Raptor will take care of the big nuisance like Godzilla,King Kong,Cloverfield monster etc,etc. Saturday, May 2 View Page O-Tay bugs & rodents you have been warned! Monday, May 4 View Page the 901 fourteen days since going into the chamber! looking good.hoop house and high ground has come in handy the last few days rain,rain and mo rain on the way.....the temperatures have been good so far low in the upper 50's to low 60's at night highs upper 70's to low 80's during the day.. Monday, May 4 View Page ground shot of the 901 Hunt.. Monday, May 4 View Page 1260 Weir coming along... big thanks goes out to a good friend for this seed !! the 1260 Weir has pollinated some big'ens...hope to cross the 1260 into the 901 Hunt.. Monday, May 4 View Page ground shot of the 1260 Weir. Monday, May 4 View Page ahhhh the sleeper seed!! the 694 Fowler..was goning to hold off in putting her in the ground another day or two but what the heck lets get her moving..hope to throw the 1260 into the 694 as well..the 694 grew the largest outside pumpkin ever grown in the Netherlands @ 965.4 last year.. great cross (1180 Daletas x 1446.5 Werner)great grower & great friend! as a side note The 694 Fowler beat my Pumpkin out for the best looking pumpkin at the weigh-off!!! now its my turn to get even with Mark with his own seed ...shhhhhh don't tell him shhhhhh!!! lol rumors have it few other growers are growing the 694 in the State this year, might have my hands full again DoH... Monday, May 4 View Page Grand baby # on the way in June.the ladies had a baby shower yesterday.. Monday, May 4 View Page Th mommy in the middle the baby still in the germinating chamber.My daughter Sasha on the right, good friend Nichole on the left..the girls had a great time..us boys out back cooking out & drinking ummm beverages and playing baseball good day all-in all Monday, May 11 View Page I have pondered the question why does northern growers out grow the southern growers every-year?? could it be they that the northern growers are better growers? who pay more attention to details while us southern growers drink ice tea in the shade and wonder "how come my pumpkins aren't growing in this heat & humidity"..nawww I believe its the different pest who invade our Southern pumpkin patches...in this heat & humidity we have pest that merit & warrior cant kill...(just getting my excuses in while the year is still young so when my plants head south i can sit around the weigh off telling war stories about the one that got away :) 901 Hunt Three weeks since going into the germination box..looking Good Monday, May 11 View Page 901 Hunt---dont mind the weeds 8 days of rain here geeezzz , still take the rain over a drought not complaining just explaining :) Monday, May 11 View Page darn mega pest glad he is a carnivore! Monday, May 18 View Page 901 Hunt one month old today!! trying to get the little lady to lady down and take off Monday, May 18 View Page 901 in the foreground the 1260 in the background. Monday, May 18 View Page 1260 in front looking back at the 901 Monday, May 18 View Page another shot of the 901. Monday, May 18 View Page cold temperatures over night just about 70 degrees inside the hoop house mid-day.temps last night in the upper 40's.. Monday, May 18 View Page lost the 694 Fowler to groundhog the other day..Mark sending me more 694's today..will be a late start on the 694 but it just might work out for the best..the F-22 Raptor let me down guarding the pumpkin patch think I'll break out some ole school on that groundhog.. Monday, May 18 View Page more old school !! man i love these planes!! Monday, May 18 View Page Here is Mr.D trying to find the oil plug on the Hummer 2..he seen me changing the oil on my F-150 thought his Hummer was due for an oil change : ) gotta love Grand-Kids ain't that right Nana!!! Monday, May 18 View Page this picture is form the VGVGA Winter meeting..Sam Lovelace (Sambo)in the Middle ...Barry Shrum(shrumpkin) on the left... yours truly on the right.. Monday, May 18 View Page some of Virginia Great growers and former State Champion growers in this photo. Ruth (State Fair Official) with her back to us.. from left to right :Jennifer (State Fair Official). Kreig O'Bryant Former State Fair Champion and always in the top 5 ever-year.:center in the "just hunt" black shirt, Virginia State Record holder William Layton:(Hoots Dirt) Mark Fowler in the red Shirt.and to the right Tim Herring Former State Champion and State record holder..Virginia's best growers in this photo. Monday, May 18 View Page anothe shot of the crew going over new Plans for the Virginia State Fair Pumpkin Weigh Off Monday, May 25 View Page some photos of the 901 Hunt on her 5 week ole birthday Monday, May 25 View Page another pic. Monday, May 25 View Page one more ! Monday, June 1 View Page 901 Hunt 6 weeks old today !!!Yeah Front shot!! Monday, June 1 View Page 901 Hunt Side shot--had to use my cell phone sorry for the poor looking photos.. Monday, June 1 View Page back shot of the 901 Hunt..first little lady showed up Friday on the main..have four total on her now..would like to see some male flowers open..?>>??? Saturday, June 6 View Page asked Kreig O'Bryant what he uses to keep the SVB bugs out of his patch. (seen my first SVB bug today big sucker)Kreig is one best growers in Virginia so i take his advice highly..he sent along this picture of what he uses against the pest.....anyone have any gunpowder they don't need? oh an a few cannon balls would come in handy Monday, June 15 View Page after a very intense day on Friday.more to come on my new granddaughter Addison Marie later.we finally pulled of the big surprise birthday party for my beautiful mother-in-law Mommy Duke. my wife and her sister's were planning this party for 6 months keeping it hush-hush amongst 150+ people in this family was a miracle in its self.the surprise party was held at Gloria dei Lutheran church...we told mommy duke we were having a baptism for one of her nephews!!!! Surprise!!!! Monday, June 15 View Page My lovely wife cutting the cake my Brothers wife Nelda made.Thanks Nelda love you!! Monday, June 15 View Page My mom on the left My mommy Duke on the right..Im a blessed man!! Monday, June 15 View Page Mommy Duke on the left-her sister Bobbie on her right -oldest sister Othelia on Bobbie's right and mommy Duke's brother Cotton standing..Uncle Cotton is one of the nicest person anyone would ever have the pleasure of meeting. true Southern gentlemen with a heart of gold. Monday, June 15 View Page ooops dont know my right from my left---all of Mommy Duke's Brothers and sisters are to her left...hehehehe Monday, June 15 View Page Devin holding his new Cuz Addison!!! Monday, June 15 View Page My wife Jenny got her little granddaughter Addison Monday, June 15 View Page My oldest son Mike proud papa! Monday, June 15 View Page Grand-dads little girl for sure!!! Addison Marie Friday, June 19 View Page this post goes out to all the pumpkin growers on bigpumpkins. inspired by my good fried Steve Jepsen . So dream big-work hard- make your own luck and as Steve posted on bp.com "Never give up Never give up Never give up" Monday, July 6 View Page 901 Hunt x selfed :June 20th Monday, July 6 View Page 901 Hunt June 26th Monday, July 6 View Page 901 Hunt July 3rd Monday, July 6 View Page 901 Hunt July 3rd Stem shot Monday, July 6 View Page 901 Hunt July 6th Monday, July 6 View Page 901 Hunt July 6th stem shot. July 1st:61 cir. July 2nd:65 cir. July 3rd:68 cir. July 5th:73 cir. July 6th:77.cir. 179 ott. Wednesday, July 8 View Page 901 Hunt July 8th...weeds yuck...have some work to do. July 7th 81in. Cir. 51in. S&B 52 in.S&S 184 ott July 8th 85 in.cir. 53 in S&B 53 in.S&S 191 ott. Wednesday, July 8 View Page sorry about the fuzzy picture my wife took a picture of me dancing with Addison Marie Wednesday, July 8 View Page here is a picture of my ex-girl friend Megan last i heard she was in Hollywood making movies .she has a new movie out trans-something or another 2 out in theaters now.just wish she would bring my bike back :) Saturday, July 18 View Page best defense is one heck of an offense--svb spotted FIRE!!!! plus the smoke helps keep the mosquitoes away. Saturday, July 18 View Page JULY 9th.86 cir. 198 ott July 10th.89 cir. 206ott July 11th.91 cir. 211 ott July 12th.94 cir.217 ott July 13th.96 cir. 223 ott Saturday, July 18 View Page July 14th.98 cir. 227 ott. July 15th. 100 cir. 231 ott. July 16th. 102 cir. 235 ott. July 17th. 104 cir. 240 ott. July 18th. 106 cir. 246 ott. world & State record are safe here.but a new PB. is in site.she hit 30 days old on July 16th. (est 282 lbs ott.) hit 322 lbs.est ott today.. nice 22 lb one day gain,the next 20 days or so will tell the tale. Sunday, July 26 View Page Hey Addy what you think about Grandads Pumpkin ? not impressed hummm? well you really dont have to laugh at my small pumpkin.. Sunday, July 26 View Page What'cha think Addy ? maybe a new World Record!?! ok-ok stop your laughing Sunday, July 26 View Page ok-ok how about a new State Record or maybe a personal Best ?? hummm what you think little lady ??? stop laughing: Sunday, July 26 View Page ok-ok maybe one pumpkin big enough for you to set in for a photo opt!?! never mind Addy,your still my little princess even if my Giant pumpkin's make you laugh :) Monday, September 14 View Page Wow what a half a year in the pumpkin patch. this is the sad ending of the pumpkin that was on its way to anew PB. like to apologize to Phil Hunt for having to abandon the 901 hunt ....the 901 is a outstanding seed... .. truly enjoyed growing the 901 this year....... so any of you holding one and want to make a trade shoot me an email. Sunday, September 27 View Page The VGVGA TABLE Sunday, September 27 View Page Free seeds!!! free small pumpkins!! awesome flyers !!! how to books for sell !! awesome day!! Sunday, September 27 View Page Hoots Dirt starting the weigh-off Sunday, September 27 View Page Mark Fowler (hoots dirt)back to us & Barry Shrum (shrumpkins) talking pumpkins Sunday, September 27 View Page Bert Turner's big birdbath.His daughter Dixie pumpkin to the left.it was close but Dads pumpkin beat out Dixie pumpkin by a few pounds. Sunday, September 27 View Page Hoots dirt & Teresa pumpkins the big two on the right. oh yeah Mark hit a P.B. 851 !!!!!!! you go Hoots Sunday, September 27 View Page first time grower Bruce second place pumpkin! Sunday, September 27 View Page Robin's best of show pumpkin!!! won the best looking pumpkin!! Sunday, September 27 View Page Kreig O'Bryant checking on his pumpkin before the show Sunday, September 27 View Page pumpkins getting ready for the show Sunday, September 27 View Page Kreig looking at his stem---humm I mean pumpkin vine. Kreig pumpkin was only 63 days old and was growing 15lbs a day when he had to load her up for the weigh-off. his dog almost destroyed his plant early on.Kreig had a late start and still was just a few pounds under 900lbs. year in year out Kreig brings a monster to th fair.He gets my vote as the best grower in Virginia. Sunday, September 27 View Page Kreig put his pumpkin picture chart up by his pumpkin.. Sunday, September 27 View Page The winner!! Bobby & Mathew Morris big & beautiful pumpkin. Bobby always brings a nice pumpkin to the fair.he brought the winner this year and only the third pumpkin in Virginia grown over 1000.lbs...grown off Sambo 1178 Sunday, September 27 View Page The weigh-off board results..thanks Robin for keeping track of the weights.but you put my pumpkin weight down wrong..my pumpkin weighed in at 1138.5 ..hehehehe Sunday, September 27 View Page Bobby getting ready for the forklift driver..oh and speaking of the forkfift driver.. Sunday, September 27 View Page this guy is the best!!!!! Doug in the back ground Sunday, September 27 View Page WOW!!! what a great looking pumpkin 1057 Morris..second biggest pumpkin ever grown in Virginia Sunday, September 27 View Page Ruth the offical getting things going..the VGVGA would like to thank Ruth & Jennifer and the State Fair of Virginia for working with us.you ladies are the best!! Sunday, September 27 View Page Robin picking up the "best looking pumpkin" ribbon!! Sunday, September 27 View Page loading the beautiful biggie for the scale Sunday, September 27 View Page my honey,lil pumpkin & Mr.d posing with my "dang almost pumkin" Sunday, September 27 View Page Little Addy with her first giant pumpkin picture!! Sunday, September 27 View Page jelly fish!!! hehehehe had to throw in a wt* picture