A St. Andrews Village bus took a small crowd of Village residents to Damariscotta to see the lively display of giant pumpkins ranged along Maine Street and beyond.

The pumpkins had been grown from seeds of the Atlantic Giant variety, given out to growers in the spring. I have never heard what kind of pies or ice cream their flesh would make, because Damariscotta citizens grow them for other uses: artists decorate, carve and paint them to show off in front of stores or elsewhere.

Some pumpkins are grown for nautical reasons as they are hollowed and used for vessels in an annual Regatta. Still others are a part of a friendly parade. There’s a giant-pumpkin-dropping event.

Which is the biggest fruit? At least one candidate this year weighed well over 1,000 pounds.

The bus then traveled to Warren through the golden October afternoon, for a little grocery shopping. A large assortment of apples were for sale.

The following week, dietitian Dimsie Clark led a discussion on foods that are nutritious and some that are not.

Next day, cottage residents had their monthly round table meeting in the Inn’s private dining room.

On Wednesday, several residents went to Freeport on a shopping trip. Some brought back assorted breads from When Pigs Fly, known for its large variety of savory loaves.

Next day, the October birthday party featured a large and delicious carrot cake. The party was held in the Peggy Pinkham Dining room; a group of dedicated mahjong players played on in a section of that room.

“The Irish Music Guy” (Kevin Farley) with his collection of musical instruments came to play them and to sing, with Celtic anecdotes between songs.

Residents are thinking about Halloween costumes!