Bob and Andy's Camping Adventure

You will have to excuse this late post - I'm still catching up! This is from Bob and Andy's camping trip that they went on last weekend.
Ever since Andy was about 10, he and Bob have taken a few days and gone camping in the Manistee National Forest. They rough it, going in a tent and have no electricity or running water. They target practice, take lots of walks and just enjoy spending time with each other. This past weekend they were able to spend a few nights doing this before Andy left. They've never done it this early so it was a little colder and not very green, but they had a good time, regardless.

Here is their tent sitting in the middle of the woods.
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The scenery was beautiful, even though there weren't many leaves on the trees yet.

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This is a panoramic shot Andy took of the lake

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You always need a campfire, right?

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Even when there's a lot of beauty around you, but don't forget to look up!

A bear for Bob!

Laura brought a few extra gifts with her when they came to do our family Christmas on Christmas Eve. One of the gifts was this bear from Bob's sisters. Most of you know that Bob likes to carve and does other carpentry work. This bear is a woodworker. Diane made the bear and he is holding a little wooden bear. The tool box he came with has a few wooden toys in it and is filled with miniature tools. He is just adorable. We were all amazed by the detail of the bear and the cute little tools. Don't you think he's cute?

Here's what happening today

We are enjoying our day today. Bob and I both have the day off and I was woken to the smell of bacon cooking. Bob made us omelette's for breakfast and they were really good. Andy said he woke up feeling like he went AWOL! He's not quite used to being home on leave. Their project for today is to get Andy's truck to run so he can use it. It required a $12 part so it would start - a solenoid? (probably spelled wrong) . Here they are replacing it and now it is working again. I am making some last minute goodies. We have a family party tonight and so these have to be finished. If you want a few quick and easy things to make, here are the recipes.
Candy Cane Crunch
1 pkg white chocolate bark or candy coating
24 hard peppermint candies or 16 small candy canes
Place candy in plastic bag and crush with rolling pin. Sift and separate larger pieces.
Melt white chocolate. Stir in small pieces of candy. Pour our onto cookie sheet that is covered with parchment paper or waxed paper. Sprinkle larger pieces of candy on top. Cool and break into small pieces.

Pretzel Candy
Hanover snaps pretzels
Hershey Hugs
M & M's
Set out pretzels on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Set a hug on top of each pretzel. Place in 300 degree oven for 3 minutes. Take an M & M and place on top of hug, pressing down into center. Cool in frig until set.

In the meantime my Dad stopped by to check up on Andy. He had to see him again before Christmas. I'm off to do some more baking and cleaning. Enjoy your day!