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PAGE 44 www.OverTheHumpSaver.com November 2025

SENIOR SERENITY

THE GREAT PUMPKIN PIE DISASTER THE NEIGHBORHOOD PIE-OFF

Every year, Carol prided herself on making her famous In a quiet suburban neighborhood, fall meant one thing:
pumpkin pie from scratch. No canned puree, no the annual “Pie-Off.” Every family baked their best
dessert, and the neighbors voted.
shortcuts — just good old-fashioned elbow grease.
This year, newcomer Mr. Jones was confident his secret-
This year, though, she decided to up her game. “I’m recipe apple pie would win. “It’s foolproof,” he said,
going organic,” she told her husband proudly, holding setting it on the table.
up a massive pumpkin she bought from the farmer’s
market. Halfway through the tasting, a gust of wind slammed the
patio door, sending his masterpiece flying face-first into
the judge.
For hours, she baked, mashed, and mixed, sprinkling in
cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of confidence. When the Everyone gasped. The judge blinked, wiped his glasses,
family sat down to dinner, she carried the pie out like it and said, “Well… I’ve never worn a pie before, but it
was the crown jewel of the meal. tastes amazing.”
Mr. Lopez won third place for “most memorable entry.”
Her brother took the first bite and froze. “Uh, Carol,” he
said carefully, “this is… unique.” The next year, he brought a pecan pie — and a roll of
duct tape.
Carol frowned and tried a bite herself — only to realize
she had accidentally used a decorative pumpkin.

THE FAMILY THAT TRIED GRATITUDE

At the Johnsons’ Thanksgiving dinner, someone
suggested they go around the table and say what they
were thankful for.

Grandma went first: “I’m thankful for my health.”

Dad said, “I’m thankful for my job.”

Mom smiled sweetly. “I’m thankful for this family.”

Then it was little Lucy’s turn. She thought for a moment
and said, “I’m thankful that the dog ate the cranberry
sauce so I didn’t have to.”

The table went quiet—then burst into laughter.