Football season kicks off, and schools, colleges, and universities are in full swing of fall classes.
It is the season of October, which means one of the most popular holidays is occurring... Halloween!!
Before all the trick or treating comes... other activities need attention first. Like the annual carving of the Jack-O-Lantern! Growing up and spending a lot of time at the farm, you learned a thing or two about how to pick a pumpkin that's just right. The usual stuff like looking for deep orange color, checking the bottom to make sure it isn't mushy, and checking for bruises that make the pumpkin decay faster. But here are a few things you might not know...
- Never pick up a pumpkin by the top stem! Leaving the stem on and undamaged makes the pumpkin last longer.
- Thump or knock on the pumpkin to make sure it's hollow. If the thump is high-pitched, that means there's a lot of flesh in the interior, and it will be more challenging and time-consuming to clean out the insides.
- If heading to the local farm or pumpkin patch, go on a sunny day so there's less of a chance you'll get a gooey squash.
However you enjoy the holiday, carve out a fun time!
By David Edge
David Edge is a retirement lifestyle writer and contributor to the ARA monthly newsletter. His articles blend personal stories with practical insights on living well in retirement.
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Easy Eddie's Take
David's farm wisdom really hits home for me. You know, picking the right pumpkin is a lot like making good choices in retirement planning. Most people are surprised when they learn this, but the small details you pay attention to early on can make a big difference later. Just like David says to check that stem and listen for the right sound, successful retirees learn to spot the warning signs and ask the right questions before making decisions.
Whether you're at a pumpkin patch in Scottsdale or planning your golden years, the same principle applies: take your time, use what you've learned, and don't rush the process. Here's the good news though - once you know what to look for, it gets easier every time.