Southern Manitoba update

First off I just want to say I have enjoyed reading about how everyone has been doing - I just wish everyone would indicate how old there pumpkin was when they give their measurements.  Hats off to www.bigpumpkins.com although I have not entered into the diary, I have thoroughly enjoyed it.
 
It has been an interesting year.  Started off with a warm dry early spring followed by a cool wet late spring/early summer.  The weather then switched to warm/hot and dry and now it is cool/cold and dry. 
 
As I reported earlier my 741 Reinsburough was doing great up to day 21 with an OTT of 157.   Since then the pumpkin (now nick named "The Breather")   became bumpy and stopped growing for 2 days - myself along with feedback from Al Eaton thought it was doomed.  But so far it is still going.  As the name may explain, its growth habit has become very inconsistent: puts on 3-6 pounds on one day and then 12-18 pounds then next (thus the name).  So far watering and the weather doesn't seem to matter, the pattern continues.  Before this it was consistently putting on 14-18 pound a day.  Presently at day 35 it is at 229 OTT - nothing to brag about.
 
My second pumpkin is on a 99 Rivard 542 which was (up until now) a big disappointment.  It had very few male or female flowers and it took until July 25 before I finally successfully pollinated one.  Since the plant was doing poorly I gave it little attention - until day 10 - it had a CC of 29" --  Look out!  I took notice and started to give it attention.
 
At day 20 it had a CC of 71" and an OTT of 181.  Since then it has been consistently putting on 6-8" per day.
 
Now for those who think cold temperatures are the end of pumpkin growth.  Over the last three days the 99 Rivard 542 has put on approximately 47lbs. under the following weather conditions:
 
August 16: High Temp: 70F  Low Temp: 50F - Partly Cloudy
August 17: High Temp: 72F  Low Temp: 52F - Sunny
August 18: High Temp: 69F  Low Temp: 46F - Partly Cloudy
 
Granted my garden does have some shelter but not as much as my back yard - I am a climatologist and have a live weather page at: http://www.members.home.net/thebez   showing live weather data from my backyard (including lightning strike images). [end  of commercial].  My garden is located about 5 clicks north of this location.
 
If you are wondering, these temperatures are not normal for this time of the year.  This is more like the middle of September.  It should be about 75-80F during the day and 55-65 at night.
 
Do I believe in putting blankets over the pumpkins when it is cold???????? --- I do now.  This is exactly what I have done for the last 3 nights.
 
Daniel
 
 
 
 
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