2000

Pumpkin's Progress (a62)

by Suzanne Goldklang

Fearing the urge of urban bacchanalia seven female members of the MCA took to the water to create a ladylike Halloween cruise and encampment that they hoped would make their idol, Martha Stewart, proud. (Ms. Stewart could attend in spirit only due to prior commitments.) After a rendezvous at the home of Miss Jackie Kanthak the group continued to a colorful local farm to select the pumpkins that were so vital to the holiday. Upon arrival at the St.Croix river above Stillwater the group became aware of the challenge that paddling with many pounds of the large orange produce would create. After some experimentation, boats were balanced with their burden and the ladies set off to enjoy the crystal clear and temperate fall day. A special guest of Mrs. Shirley Kysilko was the aptly named Ms. Candy Enquist .

After a placid one mile paddle the group stopped for an easy and rustic waterside lunch. All enjoyed the apple/cheese/sausage kebobs that were accompanied by Miss Kanthak's lively homemade gingersnaps. As the paddle continued, a gently sloping isle in the St.Croix was chosen as our overnight home.

After setting up camp the balance of the afternoon was spent with paddling excursions and carving the ripe orange fruits that would transform to a festive yet eerie presence by nightfall. Libations were enjoyed by all as wood was gathered for the bonfire to come.

At long last, with the sun setting over the St.Croix valley, the Jack-O-Lanterns were complete. All had unique and piquant personalities. Special creativity was used in Ms. Joan Furlong's cow o' lantern which brought thoughts of famous incendiary bovine "Mrs. O'Leary's cow" to mind. The flickering visages were placed onto the boats which were placed along the river to light the way for spirits of paddlers past.

A highlight of the dinner was the miniature gourds provided by Mrs.Kysilko in which an earthy white bean and turkey sausage stew was served. The stew was lovingly prepared by Mrs. Mary Rapirardo. It was then time for more of Miss Kanthak's baking. A pumpkin pound cake with whimsical seasonal motifs created from marzipan and a tangy orange colored frosting was moist and satisfying and enjoyed by all. More libations were then imbibed and the not present gender was discussed at great length.

The ladies then repaired to their tents for a restful sleep in the crisp and slightly nippy night.

Upon awakening to the cliffs of the St.Croix reflected in the morning sun, a breakfast of smoked salmon, bagels and cream cheese was enjoyed by all. The festive and appropriate color of the salmon was noted while the service (provided by this author) on paper plates with plastic knives was graciously overlooked. The ladies seemed cognizant of the fact that we inky wretches are so rarely aware of the finer points of being an elegant hostess (not to mention the dangers of overwrought prose).

With tummies full and the day warming there was a ceremonial planting of seeds in the hopes that when we return next year our island would be covered with bountiful pumpkin vines. All soaked up some of autumn's golden rays as we packed the boats and embarked on our return journey.