The trick to keeping pumpkin pulp and seeds from causing plumbing problems is as easy as pie.

“Instead of carving your jack-o’-lantern in or by the kitchen sink, try a newspaper,” said Randy Brague of Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Jacksonville shop. “You need to be cautious when removing and disposing of the pumpkin’s sticky substance.”

When pumpkin pulp goes down the kitchen sink drain, the orange substance hardens and sticks to the pipes. Pumpkin carvers can end up with clogged drains and broken garbage disposals if they aren’t careful – especially when it’s cleanup time.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing recommends wrapping all the cut pieces and seeds in the newspaper and throwing them away. For those who recycle, put the remnants in a compost pile. Pulp and seeds are great for cooking as well.

Average retail gasoline prices in Jacksonville have fallen 1.8 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.75/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has fallen 1.4 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.81/g, according to gasoline price website JacksonvilleGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Jacksonville during the past week, prices yesterday were 8.4 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 12.8 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 10.1 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 13.8 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

The Jacksonville Watercolor Society proudly presents its Annual Fall Show at the St. Augustine Art Association, 22 Marine St. St. Augustine, Florida starting  November 7 and continuing through November 28, 2010.  Show hours are 12-4 pm Tuesday - Saturday and Sunday 2-5pm.  The members' paintings will be juried by internationally recognized artist, Cheng-Khee Chee.