Mattawan, Michigan
October 2006

Gene The Pumpkin Man!

My Host Is: Heather T.

Next: Playing With Fire!

Carrying on a family tradition for 49 years, everyone around these parts knows Gene the Pumpkin Man!!! Pumpkins as far as the eye can see, as well as fresh honey and many varieties of squash.

Gene was most gracious and is proud to be one of the "strange people" that Tiki Jr and I are going to meet along our journey. He is not related to Jack the Pumpkin King.

I don't think we have ever seen so much orange in one place! (Nor will we again, most likely.)

Pictured with Tiki Jr and I are Gene the Pumpkin Man himself and Mark the Pumpkin Kid.

Pumpkins galore!!! There were a few that would've made some swell little cottages for Tiki Jr and I. Maybe next year we will come back and vacation in a pumpkin cottage.

I mentioned the Pumpkin Cottage B&B concept to Gene. I can see it now..a field with pumpkin cottages as far as the eye can see. Each inhabited by some sort of woodland creature with a warm candle glowing in the window and a little welcome mat.

The Pumpkin Man doesn't have a website but if you wish to get ahold of him you are welcome to contact me.

Aloha Pumpkin Man & Kid! Thanks for sharing your...uh...orangishness with us.

Bud & Tiki Jr

(Photos: Heather T. / Dialogue: Heather T. & Tony V.)