See if I start something new here. As I begin my 20th season of Giant Pumpkin Growing Full of Optimism. Let me tell you a little bit about me, and my family. I am Shannon Engel. I am a Quality Engineer for CURT in my non pumpkin time. If you have a CURT towing product on your vehicle most likely I have had some part in its being. I am married to Jodi. We grow four giants orange and pretty pumpkins, and a 1/4 acre of field pumpkins and winter squash. All together I have won five Howard Dill Awards. In the fall you will find Jodi and I carving pumpkins. Our favorite place to carve is Mall of America for Nickelodeon and Lambeau Field for the Green Bay Packers. Jodi thinks she is a better carver than me and we will just leave it at that :) . I have a daughter named Chardonnay, who has a son named Owen. Come this fall I hope he is as excited about pumpkins as trucks. Every season is exciting for me. I really enjoy introducing new growers to this hobby. I hope to one of these years finally get my 4000lb jacket. Good Luck this season