Wash chicken feet in 2 tablespoons vinegar or lime juice and cold water. Discard water. Place meat in large pot add salt, pepper, 1qt of water, pumpkin and garlic. Cover and let simmer over med- low heat for 45 minutes. While the chicken feet cooks peel vegetables and cut into small pieces. Remove lid. Add veggies and stir well. Pour in ½ gallon water cover and let cook for 30 minutes. While the vegetables cook prepare the dumplings. After 15 minutes add dumplings to pot and stir well.
When the soup begins to boil add more water if desired. Add thyme, scallion and noodle. Stir well, cover the pot and let it cook for 10 minutes. Remove the cover, stir well, replace cover and simmer for an additional 5 to 7 minutes.