Click on a thumbnail picture below to see the full size version. 2 Entries. Friday, March 20 View Page What was once an activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure has undergone a fundamental transformation, shifting from a source of joy (doing it for pleasure) to motivation (doing it for money or recognition). I guess I'm a sore loser...LOL On a serious side, I truly wish all that have the need only the best. I only hope that those that have already been recognized support the new initiative, not that new growers are the only ones paying to be recognized. Friday, April 17 View Page I know I'm getting old, and I also know that there are folks out there that don't get how I feel about sharing and caring about new growers to our wonderful hobby. When was the last time you participated in a free giveaway of pumpkin plants and seeds? I did last weekend, 30 seedlings and as many seeds. When was the last time you (with the money to do so) invested in the idea to being required to pay to go to a weigh off? Pay to go to a weigh off that has already paid site fees? Forget the jackets, invest in new growers, it only cost your time and effort to give seeds and plants to kids and families. If the seedlings I gave away eventually cost the new growers to pay a fee tom go to a weigh off a disaster is going to happen. Only the folks with money will be involved and the idea of "like to promote the exciting sport/hobby of giant pumpkin and giant squash growing by helping new comers get started" will be forgotten.