"Pumpkins!"

I'm sure I said it out loud -- even though I was shopping alone. I had recently had a conversation with a friend about the lack of pumpkins at the commissary. I was struck by the irony of a sign in the previously pumpkinless store that proclaimed "Pumpkin carving headquarters!" Yes, there were the implements, but not the implementees.

Until today. I walked into the commissary, and there they were in living color: brilliant orange and gold. And I have to say the timing was perfect. October has just arrived. Leaves are falling.

I did not park near the store. I was planning to grab flour and sugar and go (after paying, of course.) But once I saw them, I was determined to take those beautiful orange orbs home today!

This is my fourth overseas assignment, I know the shopping mantra. It goes something like this: "Don't wait until you need it. If you see it, buy it. In fact, buy two!" This is probably the cause of many a shortage at commissaries and exchanges worldwide, feeding our ever increasing stock-up mentality. It's a vicious cycle.

But I confess. I did buy two. I realize pumpkins cannot exactly be described as a staple, but a pile of pumpkins says "October" like nothing else, and I am a huge fan of October.

Lugging ten pounds of pumpkins -- along with an equal measure of flour and sugar -- a couple of blocks was well worth the sight of them sitting on my balcony beside a pot of chrysanthemums from a friend. After a summer of transition, the return of autumn weather, the routine of school days, and the anticipation of the holidays are all comforting.

Friends, fall, pumpkins ... October, it's good to see you again.