Thanks for the link, Marja-Leena. Happy Halloween! I've been writing down the types of little visitors we've had here - many pirates this year, I've noticed, and dragons for the very little ones. I may post the tally. Have fun with your granddaughter - I loved her costume!

Rediscovered the carving of Rutabaga, in the original tradition from Ireland, in memory of Stingy Jack. Once you've hollowed out the core and have a half inch shell to work with, the carving comes alive with more solid texture and depth than the americanized version of pumpkins. When lit, you get some interesting subtleties due to the purple and yellow colours of this root vegetable. I carried mine throughout the day, and had so many comments and questions about it. Lots of room to experiment!

Thanks leslee - yes, it was fun to see her excitement in getting the costume and makeup on and the role play! We didn't get huge numbers of trick or treaters this year, so much of the candy will be passed around school/work etc.

Linda, I'd read about the use of rutabagas! How neat that you tried it out. It's a favourite vegetable here so I know how hard it is, but can't imagine how you'd ever carve out the inside!!!!

Happy belated halloween! I especially like the pumpkin with the toothy grin.

Hi Amy! Those teeth are chunks of pumpkin attached with toothpicks - cool, eh?!