This weekend, we learned that you could discover some really interesting things at a pumpkin farm.

First, goats are happy to eat leaves off the ground if your Mama can’t figure out where to buy the actual goat food.

Second, sand comes in a rainbow of colors and, when poured into a plastic pumpkin, makes for a necklace even boys will wear.

Third, corn mazes with Daddy are really fun to explore.

Fourth, Mama gets distracted really easily…

Okay, so yeah. If you knew a bin of these existed, wouldn’t you stare at them to make sure someone didn’t grab the one you wanted?

BLUE PUMPKINS! I had no idea such a thing even existed. They are the most wonderful shade of greenish-blue that I have ever seen. Well, that I’ve ever seen in a pumpkin.

My entire house is decorated in shades of blue, so I knew one of these had to come home with me. It’s now replaced the little urn of Alabama acorns that once sat atop the books under my coffee table.

Ain’t she a beaut? After doing some research once I got home, I have learned that this pumpkin, as well as some of the other non-Jack ‘O Lantern pumpkins, can actually last well over a year (some claim up to 4 years, but I highly doubt that) with some care.

• When you buy a pumpkin, look for one that has a uniform flesh color and doesn’t have many scratches or blemishes.
• Once you get it home, thoroughly wash and dry the pumpkin. It’s suggested to use a bleach and water solution (1 part bleach for every 10 parts water) to kill any bacteria that may be on the surface.
• You may display your pumpkin outdoors until the first freeze. When it freezes, bring it indoors to keep it warm. You should put it on a piece of wood or cardboard in case you forget about it it does start to rot.
• When the temperatures are hot outside, keep your pumpkin cool in a basement or air-conditioned room.
• If you are carving a pumpkin, spray all of the carved portions with a bleach and water solution so that it will last longer (up to a few weeks, it seems).

Pretty interesting, huh? I think I will try to keep this gorgeous blue pumpkin around until next year, just to see if I can. It’s so beautiful – maybe I can even figure out a way to decorate with it year-round. Wanna dare me?

Have you ever tried to preserve a pumpkin? How did it work out?

So, what are you doing on Saturday, October 24th? Nothing, you say?

Well, if you live in the Austin area, you can now say that you have plans! I’m inviting all of my local readers (and anyone not local who wants to make a day trip) to meet up for a cup of coffee and some shopping at Austin’s City-Wide Garage Sale on Saturday morning.

From Texas to Mexico on Flickr

The City-Wide Garage Sale is definitely not your typical garage sale. Touted as the best antique and vintage show in this area, the CWGS offers everything from tables full of old linens sold by the pound, vintage toys, dishes, furniture, and everything in between. I’m giddy just thinking about it.

From jmtimages on Flickr

There’s even a vendor who has tables and tables of beads, buttons, and crystals. I am definitely going to be picking up some crystals to dress up the chandelier in my dining room.

From english_rider2003 on Flickr

The end of October is the perfect time to visit the sale. There will be some fun items to chose from for you last-minute Halloween planners and there will be plenty more to pick up for holiday gifts and decorations.

From aka_creativity on Flickr

Are you game? Leave a comment below or send me an email to let me know! Make sure there is a way I can contact you (link to your blog or add your email address) so that we can coordinate our fun morning closer to time. You have exactly one month to line up your babysitter (aka husband) and save your pennies.

I can’t wait to meet everyone, and I wish I could get together with all of you around the country world. Maybe I’ll have the little Flip video camera I’ve been coveting by then and I can share our shopping trip with all of you!

Oh, and Tom, that’s Lindsay’ birthday hint #1. 😉