Monday's With Maxine, It Happens

All looked well....but Love-Lies-Bleeding must have sensed it....

The rooster and Jack be Little were talking....they must have known....

Maxine split....it happens to big pumpkins, especially when they approach 500 lbs.

This from Chris,

Such a bummer, but this kind of crack is a fairly common occurance with pumpkins in the 400-500 pound range.  After doing a little research, I think it was probably due to a sudden overwatering (we had that great rain and then I think I watered too much, too soon) and I think her shape also contributed to an overstress of the blossom end area, which is the weakest part of the pumpkin.  She's still growing- measured at right around 500 this morning.  Unfortunately, this means that the crack will more than likely continue to worsen.  A crack means automatic disqualification from any competition- if she stays together by the Flower Bin contest (Oct. 6) I'll still take her down there to be weighed and enter her just for exhibition.

While I don't see much hope of keeping her together, Joe (aka Mr. Gorilla tape) has taken this opportunity to use some manly products like foaming insulation to fill the cracks and, of course, Gorilla tape to try to ease some of the stress of her weight.  He's quite pleased with his work.  We'll see what happens!

Although I am certainly disappointed with this turn of events for Maxine, it has also been a good reminder of what's really important in life, and how you just have to go with the flow.  Bad things happen to good pumpkins.

I would like to take this opportunity to give a sincere and heartfelt THANK YOU first of all to you Stephanie for creating such a wonderful and inspired story (like everything in your blog- truly amazing and beautiful), and also for all the people who took the time to post comments-  I have looked forward to Mondays and have loved every comment!!!!  Thanks again!

Fondly, Chris

We'll stay in touch.....because who knows??  Maxine has proven to be resilient in the past....she may just keep going and going....

Comments

[AnnieElf]

Awwwww. But, well, Stephanie, it's not the end yet. You may still have a heavyweight to show off. It will be fun to see the pics when the October events arrives. Annie

[Mr. Rodrigvitz]

Maxine will always be thought of as the Marvelous Maxing, the Great Pumking of Sherman St. Hilvitz I see a blog in the making! Have a safe trip home cutie and good luck in Chicago! Love you
gr.

[Kate I]

It's sad that Maxine is having her challenges but imperfections and all, she's an inspiring pumpkin! I'm so enjoying watching her grow and learning about these mammoth pumpkins. Thanks to you both...and I'll keep my fingers crossed!

[biffwix]

What a sad tale! But beautifully presented.
Glad to hear you will be visiting Marrakech in October. If you haven't been before you will be stunned.
Remember to keep in touch with me and Maryam - we'll show you round.

[Jill]

I don't care if she's cracked or not... aren't we all in some way or another.... she is BIG and BEAUTIFUL and BODACIOUS!!!!!
Have a wonderful trip.... hop hop hop!

[elsa]

aw shucks,i hope the gorilla tape does some magic and she comes back alive!

[AscenderRisesAbove]

agreeing with jill; big and bodacious. she will make a great 'franken-pumpkin' with her big stitches holding her together

[somepinkflowers]

oh, no!

the stress of it all!
poor, poor baby!

and poor maxine, too.

:-(

when i saw the split,
my heart cracked a bit, as well...
as this was my first Pumpkin Watch
and we have bonded.

i will agree with jill.
i love maxine anyway...

i am rather certain that michaels
carries orange duct tape
for any *cosmetic uses* maxine might need.

as for the rest,
i am taking a wait and see attitude...

[carolyn]

Poor Maxine!

[rochambeau]

Oh Maxine! You poor darlin'. Listen dear girl, you're still the prettiest, plumpest, Pumpkin in all the land. Even if your bottom's split, and even if you're not a "Show Girl" we still marvel at how wondrous you are! And, who knows? If Gorilla tape is anything like Duct tape you still may be in business!!

[A Fanciful Twist]

Oh noooo!! Poor maxine! Her stretch marks got out of control it seems.... Poor lovely!!!! xoxox

[eb]

breathe...

deeply Maxine...

and just BE beautiful

BEcause - you are

500 lbs of orange...

must be blissful

with or without stretch marks

we love you just the way you

are...

xox - eb.

[Felicia]

Oh man! What a bummer about those cracks. You're right though. Those manly repair products might just do the trick.

[susan]

oh my... i am sorry poor maxine! but like eb said, she is so lovely either way!
i am truly amazed at watching her grow here.
who would have known - pumpkin watching via the web!
hopefully the manly products will mend her growth.

[Vicki in MIchigan]

What a disappointment!

I am learning a lot -- I never knew this was an issue.

I agree with everyone -- Maxine, we still love you.