As it was a warm summer with plenty of rain, our pumpkins and squash did wonderfully well. So did the squash and pumpkins that our friend, Dara, grew. She helps us grow out different varieties as we don’t have enough isolated space for all of the ones we collect seed from. She just brought over lots of Canada Crookneck, which was the ancestor of Waltham Butternut, Sweet Fall, and Olinka pumpkins. Sweet Fall really lives up to its name as it’s almost candy sweet. Our Mastiff pup, Sarge even started in eating one, skin and all! We corrected him so now he just stands by, drooling, until I give him some of the insides while I’m seeding them out. The beautiful Olinkas, which are a naked seeded pumpkin, originating in Serbia, not only has very tasty naked seeds, perfect for roasting (and tons of them!) but the flesh is also great for any recipes calling for squash or pumpkin. We love them, too, as they are so pretty. Starting out dark green, they soon change color to green with orange stripes that look so fantastic for fall decorating.
David and Elizabeth have been working on their cabin and David had extra help on Saturday, as Elizabeth’s cousins came over early on Saturday to help David work. Three men sure get more done in a day than one! Thanks guys! They’re still hanging sheetrock and putting in more insulation. Around here, “more insulation” is a frequent saying. Insulation is our friend!
Our oldest son, Bill, just got back from an elk hunt in Colorado. He was happy, bagging a 4×5 bull elk that was really big. We’re all so happy for him. Today and yesterday, he and friends are busy, cutting, grinding, and wrapping the meat. They were very provident, in taking a freezer and generator to run it, in the back of the truck. Now that’s confidence!
— Jackie
Love your squash. I had a dog who would pick cucumbers and tomatoes off the vines.
I lost all my squash plants this year to a moth. I was beyond upset. By the time we knew we had a problem, it was too late. They looked like drought during the day and revived at night. no matter how much we tried to water them. then they just died. Later, we discovered it was a moth that laid their eggs and the larva burrowed into the stems. Now to figure out how to combat that next year.
I’m sure pumpkin “guts” abounded at your house. Wise move on keeping Sarge from consuming squash at will. Dogs, far more than cats, are eat first, think later creatures. Plus he’d be eating your stock!
No matter where one lives, insulation is a good thing. Better half added insulation to the garage wall that abuts the house – made a big difference.
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What gorgeous squash! We are thoroughly enjoying your Geuramon Martinique Moschata squash–not wet and soupy like some winter squash, but nutty, dry fleshed squash. Bought the seed from you a few years back, but see that Seed Treasures doesn’t have it listed this year. Waaah! Will you have this variety again at some point? Another reason that it’s a favorite in our house is that the squash bugs here are terrible, but this variety laughs at them. So thankful for your seeds!
Bill’s location in the picture looks a lot like Kebler Pass, though I suppose there’s a lot of high elevation Aspen groves in Colorado that look alike. I believe those markings on the trees behind him are arborglyphs, left by the (probably Basque) sheep herders who worked in the area. They used to do that to pass the time before they got cell phones.
Those squash/pumpkins are beautiful
I’m just so thankful for my seeds from
Your hard work. The abundance of
The heirloom seeds is amazing
Elk meat is so good. My son and my hubby have a black powder hunt this year in AZ. Much harder to get but sure praying they can both get one. The meat sure helps the budget.
I love elk meat! I got to taste some after my son-in-law shot an elk on a hunting trip in Colorado one year. It was awesome. Now I have to it order online and that is my winter treat to myself these days. The weather here turned stormy today and our beautiful gold, red, and yellow trees lost most of their leaves. Yep, winter just around the corner. I canned apple butter yesterday and working on another batch tonight. It is time to play squirrel and store all your summer goods for the cold days ahead.
Could you explain “naked” seed? I want so much to live where my husband could dispatch elk. Man, that one’s a beaut!!! I’m so glad you have friends to help, and to help at David’s too. Good to hear about their cabin and the work.
It don’t have the hard outer shell. Great snack when roasted.
Elk meat is excellent meat! Used to live off of it all winter in Colorado. What part of Colorado? That sure doesn’t look like the eastern slope in the picture. I spent about 27 years in the SW corner of the state. I miss having the elk meat (for those who have never had elk it is fairly similar to beef, just much leaner).
I love this time of year with all the dividends of spring and summer work. Your pumpkins and squash are beautiful. Congratulations to both sons for their successes.
That elk is AWESOME.
YOWZA!! THAT is an elk and a half!!
I don’t care what part of the country one resides, insulation is a must. Had to chuckle re: Sarge and the pumpkin buffet – I’m sure he thought he was in heaven. I cannot imagine the amount of pumpkin “guts” you’re dealing with!
WOW! What a harvest! We are finally getting our first measurable here in SW Missouri in several weeks. Blessings all around.
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