See? A GREAT pumpkin.

Our fine hosts, dressed as Hugh Hefner and a bunny
Kevin and Suzette, as Darth Vader and Princess Leia (crossed in such a way that we'll never look at Leia the same again)
Michael and Melissa, as an electric banana (from the Donovan song), and a stork (we think)
Rick and Charlotte, as Bennidito's pizza heads (no stretch there!)
Austin and Christina, as...well, it involved a large afro wig and some dog ears...

Finally, thanks to Ben and Heather for contributing a very cool centerpiece - a Vespa-themed carved pumpkin with the big "V" insignia on on side and the club logo on the other. With the exception of this cool melon, which is linked below, pictures, when we get 'em, will be up on the club Picsa™ account.

Minion Pumpkin (.JPG image)

Orin, at this year's 'Scoot

Orin's been ailing recently, and posted a note on his Facebook wall about something sounding pretty damn ominous - a surgery related to his life with diabetes. Tonight, we received an e-mail from a close friend of Orin's with some good news about the outcome:

Friends:

This is to update you on Orin's status after his surgery last Thursday. I am happy to tell you that all is well (given the circumstances), and that Orin is resting quite comfortably and is preparing for an expected followup surgery tomorrow to bind the wounds from his early operation.

To answer a few questions: Yes, this surgery is a result of diabetes, which, because of Orin's personal situation, went untreated for the better part of a year. Long story short, an infection in his right foot necessitated the amputation of the forward part of his right foot – all five toes back to the area of the first joint near the ball of the foot. Thankfully, the surgeons were able to keep the ankle, heel and much of the foot. He is expected to have full mobility, once tomorrow's surgery is complete and he finishes some physical therapy. We expect that he has another week or so in the hospital before he comes back to my house, where he has been lodging since late summer.

Orin is getting terrific medical care, courtesy of the Veterans Administration Medical Center here in Portland (it's better health care than I have, to be truthful!) His doctors say the surgery was "textbook" and without complications, and his prognosis is good. I am happy to report that despite this turn of events, Orin is upbeat, feeling good, and eager to get on with life.

Sorry for the long post. Thank you for being Orin's friends, and for caring about a special person.

Best regards,
Paul Nickell

A few posts back on his blog, Orin noted the arrival of a new motorcycle that would've fit his needs had it been available a few years back. Because it wasn't, Orin ended up buying a scooter instead. Times like this, we're especially glad to be part of something that comes with its own community, with good friends we enjoy, and that the same's happened for Orin - folks he'd likely never met on a motorcycle. Join us in wishing him a fast recovery.