Growth rate

It's been more than a month since my last post and I guess that's mostly because things are the same... agent searching, job searching, working on the next book, revising the previous one, doing a little freelancing and part-time editing to pay bills. Still contemplating the big questions (such as what's next). Some of those questions can't be answered right now. So I'm enjoying the summer (as much as that's been possible with the humidity, rain, storms and bugs).

Part of the fun: Dad and I are growing a giant pumpkin. Last year's attempt failed to germinate. This year's popped out of the soil at the beginning of May (pictured). Last week the pumpkin measured 20" in circumference (also pictured), yesterday 39", today 42". My practical father constructed an Excel spreadsheet to calculate the pumpkin's growth rate and figured it had gained 7.6 pounds overnight based on its dimensions. Growers in the film Lords of the Gourd say these things can gain 40 pounds a day. The vine is incredibly long and headed toward the house. I'm a little scared.