The greenhouse heater is pretty much running non-stop as our weather has turned colder, so I’m trying like mad to get the squash in it seeded out before we have to buy more propane. I’ve been trying to do at least four varieties every day but sometimes my fingers don’t think that’s a good idea. Some of the C. moschata seeds, like Gueramon Martinique, are kind of pointed and firmly set into the meat. To avoid damaging them with a spoon, I rake the seeds out with my fingers. And those pointy seeds have a way of poking under my fingernails. Ouch! But, slowly but surely, there are getting to be less squash in the greenhouse and more seeds in the trays I dry them on and in the seed bins.
Yesterday, I did a big batch of Olinka naked seeded pumpkins. I say a big batch, as they’re very easy to slip the seeds out of, with no pokes at all. Very nice. I love that pumpkin! It’s the only naked seeded pumpkin (that I know of) that has wonderful flavored flesh, as well as tasty, hull-less seeds. Not only can you roast the seeds, which, having no hull, are friendly to those of us with diverticulitis and other gut-related problems, but you can also use the flesh, baked or even in pies and other baked goods. The other ones have insipid flesh that even the chickens and goats don’t like much.
Last night I opened a jar of chili and added ¼ pint of the fire-roasted green chiles I’d just canned up. Oh my God, was that ever good! Will had a big bowl then went back and ate the rest in the pan. After Thanksgiving, I’m going to get busy and can up the rest of that box of containers of chiles.
When the rain tapers off to a light drizzle, Will goes out to the Wolf Pasture and brings in yet another load of seasoned (but rain-wet) poles to add to our big pile up by the sawmill. When it dries up, he’ll cut them up and bring them into the wood shed. In the north, you can never have too much firewood! It’s like a pantry; you can never have too much food or wood.
We’ve been enjoying our Angel Trumpet in the living room. This is its second year in the house, going outside all summer. Right now, it’s covered with beautiful pink blooms. Some color is very welcome in this drab season!
We’re approaching the last weekend of Minnesota deer season and so far, only granddaughter, Ava, has had any luck. The Spauldings will again be enjoying some free-range venison. We’re proud of this girl who loves animals but knows where meat comes from and is willing to harvest it herself.
— Jackie
