Pumpkins, Chickens and Gnomes - Oh my!

As promised, pictures of our Halloween festivities.

It all started out with a day in the pumpkin patch at school, followed by a parade through the streets of Homewood, and the finale - garden gnome and chicken take on Publix.

Autumn 2009 in Review

Autumn 2009 was a busy time for us!

We found out we were expecting a new little one in May 2010, traveled to the North Georgia Mountains to pick apples, celebrated Halloween with a pumpkin, garden gnome and a feathered chicken (next post), and marked our fourth anniversary...with a night away!

Here's the recap in pictures:

Where Have You Gone My Lovelies?

Managing family, work, friends and community is a challenge for everyone...and we are no different.

That said, we hope to keep our blog better updated!

We have quite a lot of catching up to do!

These Boots Were Made for Walking...

The video says it all...

Emma Walks! from Dugald Hall on Vimeo.

In the Kitchen: Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble

The combination of tart rhubarb, sweet strawberries and the buttery crunch of crumble topping is hard to beat.

For the topping:

1&1/2 cup AP flour
3/4 cup turbinado sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
8 tablespoons (1 stick) of cold, unsalted butter, 1/2 inch cubes
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
dash of nutmeg

For the filling:

2 cups strawberries, quartered
2 cups rhubarb, cut into 1/2 inch pieces**
1/2 cup turbinado sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch (or AP flour)
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping, combine all ingredients and work the butter with your hands until all butter has been incorporated and crumbs begin to form. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.

For the filling, combine all ingredients in large bowl and stir well. Place filling in large dish or divide into smaller ramekins. Top with chilled crumb topping.

Bake at 400 degrees F for 25 - 30 minutes until crumble is browned and the fruit is bubbling. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Lock the door - your neighbors are coming to visit.

**If you are fortunate enough to have a neighborhood Publix, they carry wonderful frozen rhubarb.

Image courtesy of Sunday Suppers.

R.I.P. Squirrels

Let's just say the battle has begun.

The colony of squirrels that call our property (and often attic) home have, until this point, been tolerated. I wouldn't call a peaceful relationship, but we have made it work.

Until now.

Dugald and I were very excited that our beautiful crop of sweet corn was ready. We decided to wait a day or two to pick it - planning one of our weekday meals around it.

This is what Dugald found after a trip to the garden:

Every single ear of corn had been eaten by the squirrels in one night! Let's just say we won't have this problem next year. R.I.P. you fluffy, little destroyers.

I Knew This Day Would Come

So, I knew this day would come...and I knew it was close.

It's here.

Weekend Warriors

Ask and ye shall receive...or something like that.

Two weeks ago, Dugald and I put on our landscaper-hats (and gloves) and set out to build a pathway for my parent's house. My parents (mom) had been wanting a path from their front steps to the driveway for some time -- it's quite a distance, let me tell you.

So, after many hours, pavers and retaining walls blocks, the project is finished.

A Snapshot: Scotland

Yes, it's been a while since we posted on our little blog. Honestly, without the details, it's been quite a time in the Hall household. That said, we have just returned from an incredible time in Scotland. Here's a snapshot:

The Hall trio at Edinburgh Castle.

Our sweet cousin, Henry, at the Standing Stones of Stenness.

Mom and Emma at the Italian Chapel.

The puffin-hunting crew at Marwick Bay.

The Ben Nevis Distillery

Ferns growing on a stone wall at Duart Castle.

Park Days

The weather has been crazy for the past few weeks, but we have managed to get in some time at the park. Mimi was able to spend some time at the park during her visit, too!

Snow Day

Sorry for the belated blogging, folks, busy times at the Hall homestead.

Late winter/early spring weather is always crazy here in Alabama, and this year is no exception. One weekend it is sunny and warm, the next it's cold and white.

Most of you already know -- Emma loves snow!

Hugs and Kisses

Here's your valentine...a little early.

Want Some Lovin'?

I just had to post this separately.

Emma loves her Auntie JoJo -- and it shows! Here is a series of pics taken at the airport. Need a five minute hug? Give Emma a call - she's got it covered.

Vancouver, Part Deux

The rest of our Vancouver trip was great. It was definitely a white Christmas, which was great fun.

We had a relaxing Christmas morning opening our Christmas stockings. We moved on to breakfast and chasing Emma up and down the stairs. We then moved on to some nibbles, and the Hall tradition of Dugald dressing up like Santa Claus and the Christmas Fairy (Jo) passing out gifts.

In the afternoon we had Christmas dinner, and then headed out for some time in the snow. Emma was in heaven! We even made a snowman!

All in all, we had a great visit. It was nice to visit with Dugald's family for Christmas -- his first in six years. Lots of snow and laughter, and a few tears as we had to say goodbye.

DJ Emma

Just hanging with JoJo

Playing in Mom's boots.

Just catching up on some reading.

Nibbles...

Frosty - nice view, eh?

Christmas table

Snow baby!

Hall Trio

Snow anyone?

Cup-o'-tea?

Dad & Dug at the Vancouver airport