Pumpkin Patching

I can't believe it is fall.
There is not a crisp in the air.
There is not the promise of rain... anytime soon.
My jackets and scarves are still packed away.
And my body is still sweating.... a lot!
It has taken me a while to get into the swing of Autumn.  The harvest and Halloween decorations just can out a week ago.  I just don't feel ready.  But... ready or not.... it is pumpkin season.... and a pumpkin hunting we must go!

In Oregon one goes to a farm that has pumpkins growing. most likely there is a tractor pull hay ride... Sometimes there is a corn maze... your lucky if there is a petting zoo or horse ride.  Here in California, the findings of a pumpkin are usually in  a bounce house filled parking lot with bright lights, hay bales, and lots of, well, pre-picked pumpkins.  Since moving here I was not ready to experience this type of Pumpkin Patch.... I just couldn't.  I searched and searched for a pumpkin patch in the area.  I found one about 40 minutes away, down a winding road, and in the hills.
The place is called Bates Nut Farm.
OH GOODNESS!  I wasn't the only one who thought going here was a good idea.  The place was packed~ I should have known a Saturday before Halloween would be a high draw of people.   Even among the people.... we had a blast.  There were animals everywhere.... and the kids loved the Hay Maze.  The boys picked out a pumpkin and we walked around the grounds a little.  It was one of our first outings together as a family that combined a tradition we had in Oregon, and were able to be continued here in California.
Happy Fall!

costuming

tis the season of thread, felt and creativity as Halloween fast approaches.

the little wanted to be a pumpkin this year.... imagine how thrilled I was that even as a 9 year old he still wants to be something fun, cute and easy to make (of course we all remember the year when he wanted to be Mt. Vesuvius).  I had the costume all cut and ready to sew when I asked him to draw the face he wanted for it.  problem #1... BIG MISTAKE.
he drew this super elaborate face and was set on it being so.
the eyes were easy.
the nose was easier.
the eyebrows... well, he needed eyebrows.
but that  mouth.
ack!!!

I went through felt section after felt section trying to perfect the "super scary" mouth.  It was never up to the standards of the costume wearer.... so, in the spirit of giving....
I gave him a chalk pen, some scissors, and a square of felt.

problem #2  I SHOULD HAVE DONE THAT A LONG TIME AGO.
his first drawing, first image, and first cut.  He was done.  But, most importantly, he was happy.


In closing I have to add a conversation we had today walking to school.
mom: " B, you get to wear your costume to school on Friday.  Would you like that?"
B: "oh no mom.  I can't do that."
mom: " yes you can.... its OK with the school."
B; " oh no mom.  It is a way to scary costume for school.  All of the little kids will not want to see something scary."

oh, how cute is he.  He thinks his costume is a scary costume.  I don't have a heart to tell him how adorable he looks.  Pictures will be posted over the weekend.... we don't want you to be too scared!

pumpkins

earlier this month we hit the local pumpkin farm and did some pumpkin fun with grandma and grandpa who were visiting.  we love Lee Farms because they make the pumpkin patch experience.... a big experience.  They have hay rides, a hay maze, bounce pillows and all sorts of animals.  It is at least 3 hours of good fun~ not to mention homemade cider donuts and hot chocolate (which is why I go!).

Lee Farms 2013

grandma and grandpa were here!

mmmm.... donuts!

all this to bring home some pumpkins..... 

so that we could do this to them!

our carving creations!   Jack-o-Lantern, Mike Wazowski and Scary Pumpkin.

We are getting ready for Halloween around here!

summer color

we are in the midst of trips here, and trips there.
I feel like my large canning pot is always full of hot water~
my canning closet is full of sweet jars of peaches, pickles, plum sauce and apple butter.
The freezer is full of zucchini bread, green beans and peas...
and tomatoes are coming up quick.
I may be in and out of the house~
but I love grabbing a pair of scissors and a jar
walking out back
and making a bouquet of color.

Its just a cheerful reminder of what some water, a little seed and a lot of sun can bring us.
Exhale.
for school begins soon,
and things will once again be changing.

sweet seeds

I have never really made a good roasted pumpkin seed.... but I try every year.
I always think... maybe with more salt... they would be better.
Well, This year's RACHEL RAY MAGAZINE... told me how to really do it, and do it well!

The key:: boil the seeds in salt water before roasting.
(this is the step I never thought about)
but this year,
I did it... and these babies are now resting in a bowl in the kitchen.... disappearing quickly!

Rachel Ray's recipe ( page 129 in October 2012)
preheat oven to 375 degrees.

1 cup of raw seeds (cleaned)
1 Tbs. sea salt
4 cups of water

:: bring these three ingredients to a boil in a sauce pan, and then simmer for 10 minutes, then drain.  Pat the seeds dry.
Toss the seeds with olive oil and 1 tsp. salt. spread in a single layer on a foil-lined, greased baking sheet.

Roast for 10 minutes.
Toss with seasoning and roast for another 5 minutes.
(now she has 5 ways to season up these babies) but I went with the sweet version.

SWEET SEASONING
2 1/2 Tbs. sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg.

just a few

of these sweet berries left.

the crisp night air is here
a freeze is coming quick
the last of the berries are now picked....
the littles with stains of pink on their nails.

Trick or Treat!

What a day!
We started talking about it the night before.... we wrote the plan on the chalk board to make sure we had smooth transitions and no mix-ups about what was to be expected of everyone.
To my surprise... the night went very well.

I figured out that I hate touching pumpkin goo... and so does my mom.
We had very little rain... which brought out all the kids trick or treating ( probably one of the best turn-outs of kids in a few years!)  It was a blast!

Volcano Bjorn

Jedi Odin

B and O were trick-or-treating together for about 45 minutes, and then O headed out for a Harvest Party. This left B and I going back out door- to-door.  B lasted for about an hour more, and he was hilarious!
I have never seen anyone so excited and structured before.  He knew the routine...
1. look for lights on. (if there is a car in the driveway~ that was a huge plus!)
2. walk on the sidewalk ( not the lawn.)
3. ring door bell, AND knock ( they might not know that there is someone there... so you must do both.)
4. say "Trick or Treat" as loud as you can.
5. comment on their costume, or their decorations.
6. (optional) say " I am a volcano"
7. say "Thank you" and "Happy Halloween".
8. wave (optional)

He always had cute little comments about other costumes he saw and I found it adorable at how he awkwardly engaged with  the ones who opened their doors with candy.... priceless!

TRICK or TREAT

Some of my favorite quote from the night were

• " I really like walking around in my favorite costume and having fun like this."
• " It is important to BEWARE of cars that drive by and scary decorations"
• " Do you know that volcanoes are very dangerous... but I am just a pretend one"
• " I am so strong that I don't need help to carry my heavy bag"
• " I just saw the most beautiful cupcake costume... it made me hungry"

what house now!

 Another great year was had.... and now the candy comas are in full swing!

this volcano is sugared out and ready for bed!

3 beautiful things

a little mouse friend hosted a birthday blog swap...
and this is her third year.
She asked us to put together three packages of three beautiful things.
As I previously posted...
there is nothing more beautiful than Autumn.
so I put together a package with a autumn photo card I made,
my favorite Apple Chicken Chili
and a pattern for a small knitted pumpkin.
~ and a small little sweet treat from Portland, Or. since all three of my girls are in England.

wrapped them up perfectly~
and sent them on their merry way.
oh happy happy heart.
Swaps are so great~ each time a package comes in the mail~ you cant help but get a little giddy.

Autumn porch

This is my favorite season.
I love the warm hues of reds, oranges, and yellows.
I love the crisp wet mornings~
the apples,
the pumpkins,
the soups,
the scent of cinnamon.

My front porch reflects the love of the season.

this year, we have only a few pumpkins
( I didnt grow any this year~ so there are not a million of them... like last year HERE )
but, every time I walk in my front door...
I smile~ and think, hmmm... should I sit by the fire and sip some cider????

Our own apples

A few years back we planted two column apple trees.
The first year we got fruit... and it was really sweet.
the next two years we got nothing... but moths.
But this year,
the fruit is beautiful, sweet, and big.
and this girl was very very happy!

So~
I made THESE Apple Dumplings for a group of friends coming over.
of course, I didn't take pictures...
after I told myself many many times... "DON'T FORGET to take pictures"
but, usually, those are the moments that my memory fades... and fades fast!
Trust me....
the Pioneer Woman knows what she's talking about...
these babies are TO DIE FOR!

you have got to make them...
go now,
get some apples off that darn tree in your backyard,
buy a can of Mountain Dew ( I know, gross right!)
and LOTS of butter!

canning.... again.

this time.... tomato sauce.
not just any pasta tomato sauce...but a jar of amazing dipping sauce for french breads and such.  This stuff is WAY TO DELISH for just noodles.
trust me.....
this stuff is special~
so special,
I think it will get opened when the kids go to sleep,
a great bottle of wine is uncorked,
and some quality time with the hubby is on the menu.

we will label it "super special sexy sauce"

Is that weird that I think about canning foods in that way????

Thanksgiving

If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation,

you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude,

a feeling that nurtures the soul.

Rabbi Harold Kushner

Happy Thanksgiving friends!

Meet Trudee

This is Trudee in July.....

Trudee grew up to be 20lbs and will make a great centerpiece this Thursday.....

she was a gift from a good friend,

and she will be well received...

with open arms, a roasting pan, and a nice side of sweet potato and veggies.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Harvesty

HARVESTY

what do you think when you hear that word (yes, I know... it is a made up word... but play along with me)?

I think~ brisk chill, cozy blankets, fallen leaves

what do you smell?

I smell~ cider, cinnamon, ginger, fireplaces, and pumpkin puree.

what does your heart feel?

I feel~ comfort, calm, home, at rest.

This morning.... was harvesty!

I baked some pumpkins for puree... Made some harvest muffins... Set up a fire and wrapped myself and my boys in a blanket.

breath in.... and exhale slowly.

we are home.

Harvest Muffins (vegan/GF adapted)

in mixer bowl combine:

2 cups of flour (in our case 1 1/2 cup GF flour and 1/2 cup almond four)

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

4 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp ginger

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp cloves

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp zanthan gum (only if using GF flour)

once blended~ add in rest of ingredients until blended.

1/2 cup apple sauce (in our case... today was homemade pear sauce)

1/2 cup oil

1/2 cup apple cider

2 eggs (in our case... egg replacer ~ ground flax)

dollop into muffin tins about 2/3rds full. Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes. Makes 16 muffins. when ready to serve just dust with some powdered sugar and enjoy!

:: exciting side note::

this recipe rocks because it only dirties one bowl, one measuring cup (if you use 1/2 cup), and one measuring spoon (use 1/2 tsp)~ making clean up swift and easy!

my front porch

this is Halloween weekend......

one costume is done (because he has worn it every year- since he was 2). By the way~ those are the best costumes ever!!!!! I am glad I made it BIG so that he could wear it this long. I tried to actually convince him to wear something different this year- but, nope.... it shall be another year of Mickey Mouse (and I am SO okay with that!)

The other costume is in my head.... and will be in the workings this weekend.....

but until then,

I wanted to share with you my front porch.

I love my porch. There is space to decorate and to have some fun with... as well as some room to move around and be out of the rain.

This year I saved some seeds from a few squash that we ate last year and grew them out at my aunt's farm. We dont have space to grow large vines (yet!). so imagine my surprise when I found that two seeds (one sweet pie pumpkin, and one kabocha) grew and grew and grew..... making plenty of pumpkins for a "sweet" autumn display on my porch. This year we have not bought one single pumpkin..... making this year even sweeter!

view from the street

some old tombstones I made years ago... before Bjorn was born.

(Paul is a cousin of ours)

the pumpkin party

BTW- this is only a third of the crop...

many of the pumpkins are still at the farm,

or were shared among friends and neighbors.

Fruit Loop

no not these!

but this.... HOOD RIVER FRUIT LOOP

With all of the great progress we have had with B's behavioral and social interaction issues we decided to attempt a family trip to Hood River for the day..... now you think, who cares... right?!? but when one has a child that does not process the idea of people around, plus the element of not knowing what to expect~ let alone not being able to eat (say... pie, Caramel apples, BBQ, Fritters.... all that great harvest treats) the foods around him..... we dont normally go on trips like this as a family. Bjorn's social issues have grown and changed as he has begun to learn to cope and process things in relevance to his self.... but, we still have our struggles (especially in new situations). But, if we never took him places~ the experience would never have a chance to become familiar.... thus creating a cycle of inability.

So this trip was an experiment as well as a fun time out and about. And we are sure glad we did. Both boys were amazing. They were patient, kind, full of wonder and joy. I cannot tell you how proud I was, as a mom, to see my two boys hold hands and talk about apples, pears, pumpkins.... they loved the corn maze, and shared the experience together~ like brothers (which is one of the first times we have had the cohesive bonding between the two of them). In the past it has been one parent with one child~ one parent carries the role of autism manager, as the other parent share the experience of the environment. Two very separate but shared experiences..... minimal to a family experience.

This trip, this day, was different.... and as I share this I have tears of simple joy.

What a gift yesterday was.... what a gift.

Odin was very aware of Bjorn's needs and talked everything through with him...

Bjorn even yelled once "Odin come look at this"... wanting to share a moment with his brother.

Odin understood he could not get a caramel apple because his brother couldnt.... but accepted the bag of popcorn as an alternative. Bjorn, knowing we had a bunch of pumpkins already, accepted that we did not need to buy another one for our house (that was huge people... HUGE!).

As a Mother..... yesterday was a glimpse.

As a Family.... yesterday was a miracle.

tractor ride.

double fruit fisting!

"hey Bjorn show me how happy you are" (this is what I got)

making apple butter

helping make apple butter

corn~mazing!

hood river waterfront park

stripped.....

Today we said goodbye to our veggies, and began to prep the soil for a winter's rest......

one perk is that we have very very happy chickens!

They are loving the worms and bugs that are being tilled to the tops of the soil.