[He catches that meaning very well, though he's not interested in it for the moment. It does make for more play, and he'll take it as is, placing a palm on part of the pumpkin he hasn't any intention of cutting into... yet.]

I do apologize if my absence has troubled you, but business has kept me away. Might be you'll see more of me soon though, given this little vacation I've been forced to take. But here. [He pats the pumpkin again.] I think this will make for a good start, don't you?