Squirrels Do The Darndest Things

Is anyone old enough to remember the TV show, Kids Do the Darndest Things with Art Linkletter from the 1950's and 1960's? Well, I’m beginning to think there should be a show called Squirrels Do the Darndest Things! Those little critters never cease to amaze me!

I was walking down the street the last week, when I noticed that my neighbor had placed two big pumpkins by her mailbox. And wouldn't you know it? There was a squirrel sitting right on top of one of them!

I thought it was adorable, so I slowly approached, hoping to snap a photo. I got a few distance shots with my phone, but as soon as I got too close, off he scampered!

When I walked closer, though, I discovered what he had really been up to. The squirrel had gnawed a HUGE hole in one pumpkin and was already working on the second one. So much for just sitting there looking cute!

Pumpkin #1

Pumpkin #2

I already knew squirrels were little bandits when it came to birdseed. No matter how much we try to feed the birds, the squirrels always seem to attack it first and finish it. 

But big pumpkins? I never imagined those would be on their menu too. I was curious how they were able to eat it???

Apparently, nothing is safe from these furry little troublemakers!

My friend Vicki had been telling me that squirrels were attacking her little pumpkins that she put on her patio, and now I've seen their damage firsthand in my neighborhood too. 

Who knew that decorating for Halloween could turn into an all-you-can-eat buffet for the neighborhood squirrels? 🎃🐿️

Do you remember my previous post about the squirrel grabbing the corn on the cob from the neighboring farm field: Squirrel Post Here 

Last week we were visiting my son in Westchester, New York, and I spotted a rather large black squirrel. I thought it was very unusual. In my neighborhood all the squirrels are gray. 

Have you ever seen black squirrels? What are your experiences with squirrels? 

Halloween Jack -O'- Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers

Looking for a fun and festive dinner idea for Halloween? These Halloween Jack-O'-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers are just the thing! Turn ordinary bell peppers into adorable little jack-o'-lanterns by carving funny faces into them and filling them with a delicious stuffing. 

I saw this clever idea with a different recipe on a wonderful blog called Carol On The Lake.  I thought it was so cute that I could not wait to try it and share my version. Thanks Carol.

My Directions: 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 

Wash and dry your peppers. Using a sharp pairing knife, cut off the lids, clean out the pepper, and cut out the triangle eyes. Place the peppers in a wide pyrex pan with 1/2 -3/4 cup of water or just enough to steam the peppers without boiling them or burning them. Cover the pyrex and bake for about 25- 30 minutes or until the peppers are on the soft but not mushy. Check after 20 minutes.

Instead of Carol's meat filling for the stuffed peppers, I made

a filling that is vegan and gluten-free for me. 

Tex Mex Plant-Based Filling

Ingredients

1 cup of chopped onions

1 cup of chopped bell peppers

2 cloves of garlic, chopped

1 can of black beans, drained 

1.5 cups of cooked rice (of your choice)

1 cup of salsa

1 teaspoon of cumin powder 

1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder 

1/2 teaspoon of salt

Optional: some like it hot- add hot sauce! 

Directions:

Saute onions, bell peppers, and garlic on a low heat in a large rimmed skillet until they are soft-stirring often. Add black beans, cooked rice, salsa, and seasonings. Cook on medium for another 5 minutes until filling is hot.

Add the filling to the softend peppers and serve. 

My Pyrex pan for steaming the peppers in a little water in the oven covered.  Check frequently to make sure you take out the peppers when firm enough to stuff. 

These easy Halloween stuffed peppers are a creative way to bring a little Halloween or fall spirit to the dinner table. They're perfect for a family dinner before heading out to trick-or-treat, or for serving when you want something a little different during the Halloween or fall season. With their silly faces and tasty filling, these edible jack-o'-lanterns are sure to bring some smiles to the table!

We really enjoyed these stuffed peppers; they were very filling and tasty. Since the bell peppers were large, I only made three- which was enough for the two of us ! We each had one and a half. 

Don't Forget to Visit Carol's Blog

For the full original meat recipe and directions, visit Carol's Blog at  Carol On The Lake.  You may even be interested in some of her other posts.  I visit her weekly.

Don't want to cook the peppers?

 They could also be used uncooked to hold carrot sticks or celery sticks for crudités at a party!!!

Halloween Fun In My Neighborhood -2026

I've noticed that every year, my neighbors really get more and more into the fun and spirit of Halloween.

I took a walk around the neighborhood and I was amazed with all their decorating. 

From BOO-tiful displays to pumpkins and all sorts of spooky surprises, the front yards have been transformed into a Halloween wonderland.

4 Ingredient Quinoa Bagels - Easy and Gluten-Free

Have you seen this easy four-ingredient quinoa bagel recipe that has been all over the Internet, Instagram and Pinterest?