Category Archives: Quick Hits

All Aboard the Pumpkin Fleet

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Goffstown NH celebrates with a Pumpkin weigh off and Regatta

And we have another Pumpkin weigh off. But That’s just Fall in New England.  Giant Pumpkins and wait, What’s that? A Pumpkin Regatta on Sunday!It’s a whole Fleet of pumpkin boats! But do they really float?

Pumpkin Spice is officially in training for Sunday’s WMEO Pumpkin Regatta. He’s chosen his vessel — a hollowed‑out pumpkin boat — and insists he’s “maritime certified.” I’m not convinced, but he looks the part, and he’s taking this more seriously than most humans.

Pumpkin Spice, an orange cat dressed in a WMEO reporter hat and “Boogie in the Bog” T‑shirt, sits inside a decorated green pumpkin boat floating on the water. He holds a WMEO microphone while the pumpkin boat’s painted eyes and colorful antenna-like decorations stand out against the shoreline in the background.

Goffstown’s Pumpkin Regatta Weekend kicks off today with the Giant Pumpkin Weigh‑Off from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Tomorrow’s festivities include the full regatta on the Piscataquog River from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with the Regatta Finale at 3:00 PM — plus the annual Pumpkin Pie‑Eating Contest, which Balboa has already circled in red ink. He claims it’s “research.” I’m bracing myself.

Pumpkin Spice says he’s ready for the water. Balboa says he’s ready for the pies. Sunday is going to be chaos.

Coming Soon: Dusty Roads’ Next Adventure

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A New Adventure Begins

Pumpkin Spice, an orange tabby cat dressed as a WMEO field reporter, stands in a cranberry bog surrounded by floating red cranberries. He wears a white “Boogie in the Bog” T‑shirt and a black WMEO press hat decorated with an orange leaf. He holds a WMEO‑branded microphone in one paw and looks directly at the camera with a serious expression. Behind him are water, trees, and a partly cloudy sky.Banner, Balboa, and Pumpkin Spice have been running wild in my little Dusty Roads universe lately — pure, delightful chaos. Banner is supervising, Balboa is causing trouble, and Pumpkin Spice is posing like he owns the place — and honestly, I’ve been having the time of my life in this little universe of ours. And when Pumpkin Spice marched through that cranberry bog in his T‑shirt, it felt like the moment the whole world snapped into place.

So it’s time to open the doors to our newest adventure:

Dusty Roads Mercantile — where the roads are dusty and the cats run the store.

This isn’t a big-box shop or a HomeGoods cousin. It’s just me sharing the things I love: cozy T‑shirts, sturdy tote bags, mugs for your morning brew, and more to come. Every item is an original creation from my world to yours.

We’re just getting started, but I couldn’t wait to share what’s on the shelves.

Come on in and enjoy the store. Welcome!

WMEO Special report- Punkin Chuckin Edition

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Two cats sit behind a WMEO news desk as anchors for a segment titled “Punkin Chuckin – A WMEO Special Report.” The orange tabby cat named Banner wears a black bow tie and sits beside a small pumpkin on the desk. The black cat, Balboa, sits to the right near a teddy bear and a gray mouse prop. Behind them, a large screen shows a pumpkin chucking event with wooden catapults and a crowd in a grassy field under a blue sky.

WMEO SPECIAL REPORT — Pumpkin Chuckin’ Edition

Banner (Anchor Desk):

“Ah, fall in New England. Crisp air, bright leaves, cranberries floating on the bogs… and pumpkin chuckin’. Yes, that’s a thing — and WMEO was on the scene at the Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival in Stowe, VT on September 27.”

Balboa (Chaos Desk):

“Held at Mayo Farm Events Field, the festival is the ultimate game of fall one‑upmanship. Kids and adults compete to build the best trebuchet — a modern twist on the medieval catapult — and launch pumpkins across the field in a battle of engineering, accuracy, and pure autumn chaos… Tell me, do they have pies?”

Banner:

“That’s right, Balboa. It’s a high‑stakes, high‑energy game out there. Let’s see what Pumpkin Spice has for us from the field. Over to you, Pumpkin.”

Pumpkin Spice (Field Reporter):

“The energy is vicious out here. There are smashed pumpkins everywhere. They’re being catapulted… and even shot from guns! One family even has a child‑sized catapult.A small homemade catapult built from white PVC pipes sits on a concrete surface outdoors. The angled launching arm holds an orange ball in a plastic cup, with two more orange balls resting nearby. Fallen leaves scatter across the grassy background, showing a simple DIY setup for launching small objects.

Oh—wait. Not me. No. No.

Pumpkin Spice, an orange tabby cat wearing a black PRESS hat with a red band, is flying through the air after being launched from a large wooden trebuchet at a fall pumpkin chucking event. He’s stretched out mid‑jump, holding a small WMEO microphone in one paw. Behind him, spectators watch from a grassy field surrounded by autumn trees.

This job is hazardous.”

Two cats sit behind a WMEO news desk for a segment titled “Punkin Chuckin – A WMEO Special Report.” Banner, an orange tabby in a bow tie, sits beside a small pumpkin, while Balboa, a black cat, sits beside a teddy bear and toy mouse. Behind them, the studio screen displays a smaller framed image of the “Young Glory” Punkin Chunkin cannon mounted on a trailer. The headline remains visible above the screen.

Banner (Back at the News Desk):

“We hope Pumpkin Spice is okay after his first‑hand experience with pumpkin chuckin’.

And Balboa… I’m sorry to report we didn’t see any pies.”

Banner (Merch Desk):

“And in lighter news, Pumpkin Spice has authorized the release of the Boogie in the Bog T‑shirt. It’s available now for anyone who enjoys seasonal chaos as much as he suffers from it. Dustyroads Mercantile

A white T‑shirt featuring a playful design of three red cartoon bog creatures dancing beneath musical notes and a treble clef. The text below them reads “Boogie in the Bog.”

Balboa:

“Wait—Pumpkin Spice has merch now? Does it come in my size?”

Banner:

“Yes, Balboa. And no, it doesn’t come with pies.”

Banner (Closing):

“This has been a WMEO Special Fall Report.”

Two cats sit behind a WMEO 9 news desk as if hosting a broadcast. The orange cat on the left wears a dark blue bow tie, while the black cat on the right sits beside a small gray mouse toy and a brown teddy bear. A sheet of paper with red markings lies on the desk. The front of the desk displays the text “WMEO 9” in large yellow letters and “Thank you for watching” in white. The blurred newsroom background features blue and red tones.

 

 

WMEO Reports- Howl-O-Ween Parade

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This weekend brought another round of festive chaos to Salem, and as a result, WMEO has plenty to report. Before we dive into the details, it’s worth noting that the Howl‑O‑Ween Pet Parade continues to be one of the most anticipated events of Haunted Happenings. With that in mind, let’s head straight to the WMEO News Desk for today’s update.

Two cats sit behind a WMEO 9 news desk; the orange cat wears a black bow tie and the black cat wears a blue witch hat. A microphone, paw‑print paper, and small toy mouse and bear sit on the desk. Behind them, a screen displays a dog in a zebra costume during the Howl‑O‑Ween Pet Parade in Salem, MA.

WMEO — Howl‑O‑Ween Parade , Salem

Good Morning Readers This is the WMEO News Desk with an update on the Haunted Happenings in Salem, MA. This is WMEO — We Meow, You Listen.

Banner: Good morning! This past weekend one of WMEO’s favorite events was held on Saturday — the Howl‑O‑Ween Parade. Now, Balboa… what are you wearing?

Balboa: It’s my genuine Witches and Warlocks hat.

Banner: Well take it off. It looks silly.

Balboa: It is not silly. It gives me great power. Best watch yourself or I’ll be forced to put a spell on you.

Banner: Anyway, let’s get back to the exciting Howl‑O‑Ween Parade. The weather was perfect for the outdoor event. So, let’s go to Pumpkin Spice, on location, to get his first‑hand observations.

Small dog wearing a black witch hat with purple spiderwebs sits in a pink stroller at an outdoor event, looking toward the camera.

Pumpkin Spice: Good morning, Banner. I’m here on Essex Street where the Howl‑O‑Ween Pet Parade is in full swing. As you can see, spirits are high, costumes are questionable, and at least one participant has already tried to eat my microphone.

I’m joined now by two parade participants. First, can you tell WMEO what inspired your ensemble?

Three cats in colorful costumes sit inside a red cardboard car; one wears a red‑and‑white striped hat, one wears a blue tulle headpiece, and one wears an orange “Thing 2” outfit during a festive pet parade.

Black Cat in Red Bow Tie: Professional attire. I saw Banner wearing a bow tie and thought, “Yes. That’s the look.”

Orange Cat in Blue Tulle Wig: I didn’t choose this. My human did. Please send help.

Pumpkin Spice: With that, powerful statements from the field. Back to you, Banner.

Two cats sit behind a WMEO 9 news desk; the orange cat wears a black bow tie and the black cat wears a witch hat. A microphone, paw‑print paper, and small toys sit on the desk, while a screen behind them shows a dog in a lion costume for the Howl‑O‑Ween Pet Parade.

Banner: Thank you, Pumpkin Spice. As always, it’s a pleasure hearing from our field team — especially when they’re not being chased by bears.

Now then, Balboa, I understand you also attempted to attend the parade?

Balboa: I did! I was ready to march proudly in my hat of mystical authority.

Banner: You mean the silly hat.

Balboa: The powerful hat. I was prepared to bless the parade with enchantments, but someone — (glares at Banner) — said I wasn’t allowed to leave the studio wearing it.

Banner: For the record, WMEO does not endorse unsupervised magical activity.

Balboa: For the record, WMEO does not appreciate my greatness.

Two cats sit behind a WMEO 9 news desk as if hosting a broadcast. The orange cat on the left wears a dark blue bow tie, while the black cat on the right sits beside a small gray mouse toy and a brown teddy bear. A sheet of paper with red markings lies on the desk. The front of the desk displays the text “WMEO 9” in large yellow letters and “Thank you for watching” in white. The blurred newsroom background features blue and red tones.

Banner: In conclusion, that wraps up our update on the Howl‑O‑Ween Pet Parade. Stay tuned for more Haunted Happenings throughout October.

Balboa: And stay tuned for my spell of revenge.

Banner: Balboa…

Balboa: I’m kidding. Probably.

Banner: This is WMEO — We Meow, You Listen. Have a safe and spooky day.

Black cat wearing a dark witch hat with a crescent moon sits with a press badge and camera, posed against warm blurred lights.

 

 

 

 

California Builds Wildlife Overpass

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A newly built wildlife crossing bridge stretches over a highway, with three mule deer walking across the top. Cars travel beneath the structure, and forested hills rise in the background. Construction equipment is still visible on the bridge, highlighting how quickly wildlife began using it.

Wildlife Overpass comes to California

 

Good Morning, Readers

I love good‑news stories, and there never seem to be enough of them. Recently I’ve shared updates about Colorado’s new wildlife overpass and the incredible success they’re seeing — fewer crashes, less carnage on the roads, and migratory animals like pronghorn returning to their historical routes.

Then I learned about Arizona. They already have more than twenty wildlife overpasses and tunnels. I had no idea they were so conservation‑forward, but apparently they’re planning another one because the existing crossings work so well.

And now California has joined in. Up in Siskiyou County, their new wildlife overpass isn’t even officially open yet, but it’s already proving its worth. Just 15 hours after construction wrapped, three mule deer crossed. They were followed by a bobcat… and then a black bear.

I guess it really is a case of: If you build it, they will come.

A forested highway runs beneath a wide wildlife overpass covered in soil and vegetation. Dense pine trees surround the scene, and a snow‑capped mountain rises in the background under a bright blue sky.