Finally Fall!

Fall has finally arrived in SW Virginia. This morning the temperature was 48 degrees and that cool foggy mist is hovering near the ground. When I went out to feed the dog and cat, there were 5 deer standing under my dogwood tree. Of course I ran and got my camera, but alas, when I returned they had ran away.

Yesterday was a beautiful day with the high only 71 degrees. A perfect day for making candy apples. I'm sure there is a way that you can make the candy part from scratch, but I just bought the mix at the grocery store.

Start with clean apples. (if you get them at the grocery store like I did, make sure y0u wash them in hot water to get that waxy film off of them.
Boil the mixture with 2 cups of sugar and bring to the hard ball stage on your candy thermometer. (If you don't have one go buy one, they are great!). Carefully dip each apple into the mixture and swirl to make sure the apple is completely covered and place on a lightly greased pan.
Voila! Beautiful candy apples!

I also made a "pumpkin girl" similar to the one in the Martha Stewart Halloween magazine. I couldn't find the right "natural" elements to do the face so I just painted it on. I am working on making a cape. I bought the pattern this summer and last night I cut it out of some brown corduroy that I bought for $1.00 at the thrift store. So if it doesn't turn out right, I really haven't lost anything but the time I spent making it. I'll get back with you on the progress of that!

Hope everyone has a blessed Sabbath.

Linda