Bugs can show preference for given varieties within the same species, and this can even be affected by conditions. Hence, your pumpkins got hit, but the zucchinis did not. As a general rule the c. moschata are more bug resistant. However, I do agree with Farmerdilla: most are still prone to those grey squash bugs which eat the leaves, etc. Still, it's the borers which generally KILL one's plants. I don't know of a c. moschata which isn't more resistant to borers than almost any c. pepo or c. maxima. (These are the two main groups from which most Jack O Lantern pumpkin types come from. Eaglesgarden, in response to your other questions: 1)We normally use a butternut type of squash for EVERYTHING a person would normally use a Jack O Lantern type pumpkin. The c. moschata squash usually have better quality and flesh color and make great pies and breads. 2)C. Moschata seeds are often small. But they toast up just fine for eating. I wouldn't be a bit hesitant to grow a bunch of butternuts, in place of regular pumpkins. The only thing you can't easily do with them... is make a Jack O Lantern! Cheese pumpkins and other c. moschatas should also work. I'd just recommend that you read up on any variety you choose, to make sure that flesh quality is good. I've never heard of a butternut that didn't have good quality flesh. But there are a few c. moschatas out there with slightly more coarse flesh. George Tahlequah, OK

Thanks Deanna. I did dry them and froze them. Surprisingly, they dont even appear frozen or cold at all in the freezer. I can pick them up individually, they are just cold and must be thawed. But I expected them to be more clumped up or something. Its not difficult at all to just grab a handful and so something with them.

Karen, yep, DGD knows Nana to well already. I'm always up to makin' a mess if it means having fun. Jane, your so right. Some of the best times aren't planned. We talked about how lucky the girls are that the guys jumped in to carve for them. If there would of been more time I can only imagine what they would of come up with. I was pretty impressed when DS cut a little bit off to be able to get them to sit up right and use the stems as noses. He even made me put candles in them so he could see how they would look lit up. Luvs, the popcorn balls were enjoyed by all we shared with and we shared with several. I really like my recipe and if anyone needs an easy one would be more than happy to share. Don't need a candy thermometer to make these. NanaK, sometimes I do better when events aren't planned. Is this known as flying by the seat of our pants?LOL Frou, I'll let the guys know you commented on the teeth. To bad I didn't bring all of them in so they would be orange but I kinda like having the different colors. I offered to paint them but they didn't think it was necessary and I think they were right. J, glad you enjoyed these. I'm not always sure what to share but since we don't have a discussion post guess this was just fine here. Jeanne, that is such a neat picture of GGS on that big scarecrow. Kids are pretty lucky now days when it comes to entertainment. We went out to mom's garden to pick pumpkins when I was growing up.LOL Luvs, glad to hear you and DGD had a fun time at the "punkin patch". Some times us Gramma's need to look the other way and not be over protective. Easier said than done huh? So glad you all enjoyed seeing the carved pumpkins. I'm thinking it may become an annual event for a few years and I'm sure it will take place at our HOME. DM was always game for messes at her place and I laugh when I think about it. She was also one who always fixed to much food for our dinners and I do the same. We live what we learn in so many ways. Punk

Oops. Hope they are out of the oven now... Um, low heat and just keep an eye on them until they are lightly brown is my method. Cool one and see if it's "done" (whatever that means--you'll know). It's been ages since I've toasted pumpkin seeds. Gee, thanks, now I'm craving them. ;o)