Bugs and Scary-Pokey-Things

So far Walla Walla has proven a really good fit for us.  We're liking the town, loved the fair, love the schools and just really like where we're at.  Now, if we could just take care of a couple complaints: bugs and something called puncture vine.

Here in Walla Walla we have earwigs a plenty.  Barf.  I love putting pictures on my blog, but I will not include a picture of these creepy-crawlies.  Nor will I include pictures of the many different spider species I've discovered.  However, these strange green bugs that we have, which are called Green June Beetles (according to google), I will share.  Here's one:

There are lots of other creepy little things, but that's about all I have the stomach to share for now.  I guess I should be happy we don't have the yellow jacket problem like we had in Pullman.  But I'm not happy.  I don't like bugs and neither does Holly.  At least I'm fine with killing them, otherwise we'd have an even bigger problem on our hands!

Now, puncture vine is a pain in my ass.  Or more specifically, my feet.  This bastard of a plant has seeds that stick into your shoes and then get transported wherever you go.  Like into the house.  Where people walk barefoot.  Like right after a shower.  When they're feeling really good.  Until suddenly they're cursing enough to make a sailor blush.  (Can you guess what happened to me this morning?)

So, if someone could just take care of the bug and scary-pokey-things for me, I'd be very much obliged.

Pumpkin Mini Muffins

Oy vay, I owe you all a lot of posts.  Things have been so crazy around here with Holly's class starting this week, the kids being in school, county fairs, a new car, and a couple of quick out-of-town jaunts this weekend.

But for now I'll post this recipe since so many of you have requested it.  I'll give you fair warning that baking these will make your whole house smell like fall.  Also, just like Lay's Potato Chips, you can not eat just one.  Well, there you have it.  Don't say I never told you!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins

*You will need a mini muffin tin and I strongly suggest getting baking cups (or papers or liners or whatever you happen to call them!).  These can be found at WalMart (sometimes in the baking section, sometimes in the craft section where they have cake decorating stuff), some grocery stores, or Michael's craft store.*

Preheat oven to 350

Yield: Approx. 6 dozen

Ingredients:

3 C all-purpose flour

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

4 eggs

2 C sugar

2 C canned or cooked pumpkin (one large can is more than enough)

1 1/4 C vegetable oil

1 1/2 C mini chocolate chips

1. Combine flour, cinnamon, salt and baking soda in large bowl.
2. Beat eggs, sugar, pumpkin and oil in a separate bowl.
3. Stir into dry ingredients until just moist.
4. Add chocolate chips.
5. Pour into greased tins or baking cups (seriously, baking cups!).
6. Bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes.