The “W” stories are jockeying for the top spot with just six days — or five days , depending on how one counts them — before the voting closes.

We often have a rash of last-minute votes, so it’s still anyone’s guess which story will win the round. Reader’s choices have surprised me a number of times before, and also how narrow the margins of victories have been in many recent rounds. It bolsters the argument that in these voting rounds, a single vote — and sometimes one more — determines the outcome, so consider participating.

If you’re a reader of our stories and someone who votes, the writers wish to express their gratitude and appreciation. Links to the stories and the poll for voting for “Alphabet Challenge W-Stories” are HERE(link) Votes will be accepted until  Noon (Central Time) on Monday, January 25th, 2021.

So, gourds . . .

These were all photographed on the Note 8 at an orchard in Michigan during our September visit with friends and family.

I have to admit to thinking these were fake when I saw them. That’s right . . . I wasn’t familiar with these types of gourds.

This next one brings Mick Jagger to mind . . . not sure why, but it does.

This next one might be an octopus wearing s legging . . .

Gourds (LINK) were one of the earliest plants to be domesticated and have been used as containers, musical instruments, utensils, food, and skis. OK, I made the last one up, but I wouldn’t doubt it. All I know is they make excellent pets; they are quiet, you can dress them up, and they don’t shed.

This LINK will take you to the SmugMug gallery that has the full-size versions of the above and previous reminders photos.

Here’s the gallery of all of them . . .

That’s it. This post has ended . . . except for the stuff below.

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