Time for Pumpkin Muffins

For Pumpkin muffins we prefer not to use true pumpkin, it is too stringy.  This one is a Georgia Candy Roaster, a squash, we were not sure when we bought the seeds if it would grow here because it requires 120 days and that is a little longer than our season allows.  But I am glad we tried because it is a sweet and very good tasting squash.  Other squash we use are hubbard, banana, or acorn.  We grow tons of pumpkins and squash for our livestock so there is always a lot to choose from.

First you need to cut it in half and scrape out all the seeds.  Then put it face down on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until it is tender.

Once the squash is cooked all the way through the shell will pull off easily.

cut the squash into chunks then use a potato masher until the squash is creamy.

Then you can use it in any recipe that calls for canned pumpkin.  If you have left over squash you can freeze it, we usually don't.  I will post my recipe for pumpkin muffins as soon as I get a chance.  They make the best breakfast on a crisp morning with a mug of spiced cider.

Pigeons at the fair

Here are some pictures of the pigeons at the fair....

This one is my favorite!

More of West Yellowstone

Visiting West Yellowstone

This elk picture was taken in Mammoth.

It was right down town and not afraid of people at all.

You can get real close to them and they do not care.

This was taken on the way to Old Faithful.

This ground squirel was at the rest stop.

They were obviously curious about my little sister Gracie.

They came right up to her and she could have picked

them up if she would have wanted to.

This big old guy was stopping traffic.

Walking down the middle of the road in front of us. It was funny.

Layered Strawberry Tiramisu

Mom says that some ladies post recipes on their blogs. I thought I'd try it too. Here is the recipe for the tiramisu we made for the 4th of July.

1 pkg cream cheese, softened

3 1/2 cups milk

2 pkgs vanilla instant pudding ( we have used white chocolate, lemon, banana, and cheesecake)white chocolate is our favorite

1 prepared lemon cake ~ yellow or white works

1 tub cool whip or real whipped cream

2 1/2 c sliced strawberries ( we use what ever fruit is in season, bananas, raspberries, peaches, or huckleberries)

Beat cream cheese in large bowl with electric mixer. Gradually add milk, beating until well blended. Add dry pudding mix, beat one minute more until well blended.

line a pretty bowl with cubed pieces of the cake; top with layers of half each of the pudding mixture, whipped topping and strawberries. Repeat all layers. Refrigerate 3 hours ( over night is better) or until ready to serve. Can sprinkle a little grated chocolate over the top.

General

Here is General, he is Chief's brother but he doesn't know it. They like to play together. The other day he caught Grace's rooster by the tail. When the rooster drug him it looked like he was water skiing only in the grass.

Jasper

This is my Parakeet, Jasper, he is a good friend. I like him a lot. My sister has a blue Parakeet, she kisses him a lot. Or rather she did until mom told her to stop because she could get sick. Andrew has a white one, Edelweiss, she is a female. We wish she would lay some eggs. I love babies.

Breakfast

I made breakfast this morning. I got up at 6:30 and made huckleberry muffins. When my brothers came in from the field it was all ready for them. Daddy didn't get any because he had already gone to work. Tomorrow I will have to save him some. Mom says it is wonderful to have help. They were really good.

Scooter

We had a goat that had three babies and could only take care of two. Now it is my job to feed him with a bottle four times a day and keep him company. I was having a hard time keeping track of him so I put him in the pen with our butcher rabbits for a while.

My brother, Andrew

My brother Andrew is so funny. It is his chore to do the sweeping when we mow and he can drive the lawn mower with his feet. He also gives Grace and I rides, but only when the blades are not going.

Bandy

I miss my Bandit. He has been gone for a few days now. He whined when they loaded him in the horse trailer but I know he will have so much fun herding cows. I miss kicking the ball for him. I'm glad I still have General and Chief.

At My Feeder

We have had many beautiful birds at our feeders this year. I love the humming birds best.

The Finches are nicer, they share better.