After Thanksgiving

I was remembering that when our kids were little we took a camping trip to Meridian State Park every year on the two days following Thanksgiving. This Friday I had nothing better to do so I drove to Meridian just to check out the park once again. While driving to the end of the road west of the lake I noticed the entrance to the Shinery Ridge Trail. For some reason we had never hiked in this area so I decided to check it out. The trail had very few inclines and was a very beautiful and relaxing site.



It was far enough away from the highway to be very quiet and peaceful with a nice blend of cedar and deciduous trees, mostly oak.



There were lots of deer tracks and the leaves were all sporting their fall colors.



For some reason I am never able to capture the bright colors of the fall foliage.



There was lots of moss growing along a shady embankment. I don't know how it survived our long hot summer this year.

I am very glad I took this trail today.

Candied Sweet Potatoes




Candied Sweet Potatoes

1 to 4 Sweet potatoes (enough to fill container)
4 tbs butter
1 cup cane sugar
1 1/2 cup water
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 pinch ginger
All measurements are approximate.

Peel potatoes and cut into half inch slices.
Place potatoes into baking dish.
Melt butter in saucepan.
Add spices to melted butter.
Stir in water and sugar (may not need all the water).
Pour liquid over potatoes.

Cover with foil and bake until tender
Remove cover and continue baking until liquid is reduced by at least half.
Baste frequently with reducing liquid to glaze the potatoes.
Just before removing from oven sprinkle sugar liberally over the top of all the potatoes.
Serve.

Another Bridge

Bill and I always enjoy looking at old bridge structures. We came across this excellent specimen in Ovilla. It is now on a private road.

A special thanks to Kristi Reynolds for directing us to this one.