The Essential Pumpkin

Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie.

Jim Davis, American actor (1915-1981)

In readiness for the upcoming feast, tonight's projects involved prepping the sweet potato and pear soup and roasting a pumpkin in advance of tomorrow's baking binge.

Cat, who is famous for her Halloween-cat jig across the floor, showed some interest when introduced to her first pumpkin -- as much as a cat will show interest in anything. She's more interested in things that move . . . like fingers and toes . . . of which she will have plenty to feast on as the family gathers around the table.