Beautiful Finds

William has been enjoying the time he and Alice (his new-ish puppy) spend going for walks together and today when they came back he had a beautiful little find with him.  He and Charlie spent a fair bit of time sitting at the kitchen table checking out this moth, looking it up in the field guides, noticing how 'furry' it is, and just admiring its beauty.  Whenever something like this happens I am reminded of a study I once heard / saw (can't remember where or who it was by) noting that most people can easily identify over 100 common brands, but cannot identify even 10 species of trees that grow in their own neighborhoods. I am trying to shift that focus a little bit for our family.  How beautiful our world is, if only we take the time to look at it.

Tobermory 2013 - The Grotto

One of our favorite places to visit in the summer months is Tobermory, Ontario.  There is great camping, hiking, swimming, and exploring.   This year we went up for a long weekend with my sister and her kids, as well as some other friends.  The more the merrier!!  Here are a few pics.

Gifts in the Mail

Oh wonderful day...not one, but TWO National Geographic Magazines in our mail box today!!!

Caramel Corn

Thought I would share a new favorite recipe around here - home made caramel corn!  We first made this for our block party back in the summer, and are glad for any excuse to make it again.  Easy and yummy.  Enjoy!

Caramel Corn
16 cups air popped pop corn
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract

Pop popcorn and put it in a large, lightly greased baking pan in a 250 degree oven to keep warm.

In a large sauce pan, combine butter, sugar, corn syrup and salt.  Book over medium heat stirring constantly until it boils.

Boil for 5 minutes without stirring.  Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla.

Pour syrup over warm popcorn and return tot he oven for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Remove from oven and pour onto a foil lines cookie sheet to cool.  Once it is cool, break apart into pieces and enjoy!