Back to It

It hasn't all gone exactly according to plan.  At least not to any plan I had concocted in this head of mine.  I had envisioned being moved into our new Island home by now, being immersed in painting, unpacking, decorating, and planning a fall garden.  I was certain we'd have the kids begin the school year at their new school.  Alas, none of this has come to pass.  We've missed two closing dates on the house, and are coming up on our third, which will undeniably result in yet another delay.  Painting, decorating, and garden-planning still exist only in my mind.  But...there is a bright side...

These kiddos just hopped on the bus this very morning, off to school.  Their old school, of course, as we're not yet moved.  This is a mixed blessing, because while they're happy to spend time in a familiar place, with familiar friends and teachers, for a bit longer, we will have to transfer them.  Soon, hopefully.  And, being a parent of the worried-mum variety, I fear it'll be much harder on them, than it would have been to start anew at the beginning of the school year.  They're flexible little people though, so I'm sure it'll all work out in the end.  If only we had any inkling of when that "end" was to be.

Happily, though, they are well ready to start school...and I'm not too proud to admit, I am well ready for them to get back to it.  And on that note, let's have a little celebratory toast, shall we?

Remember that blueberry vodka I began a couple weeks ago?

It went from this...

...to this...

Here's how I made it:

Blueberry Vodka

Ingredients
3 cups fresh blueberries, rinsed, stems and soft berries picked out
400 ml vodka

I used two old juice jars, and split the berries and vodka between them.  Leave to infuse in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard, for 2 weeks, shaking daily.  The blueberries will gradually lose their color, and the vodka will turn a gorgeous magenta.  At the end of the two weeks, strain out the blueberries, and store the vodka in the fridge.

It tastes absolutely lovely.  If you're a martini sort of drinker, this would be divine shaken with ice, and served with a twist for garnish.  Or, if martinis aren't your bag, let's mix up a little blueberry lemonade...

Blueberry Lemonade

1 to 2 oz blueberry vodka, depending on how strong you like it (or need it)
lemonade, either freshly made, or I like Newman's Own, or Simply Lemonade, 6 (or so) oz

(Note - limeade is delicious here too!)

In a shaker full of ice, combine your vodka, and lemonade, and shake vigorously.  Pour into a glass, over ice, and enjoy.

Here's to Back to School!  And to making it through another busy summer.  Well done, my friends.  Well done.

Given that it's still morning though, we may want to wait just a wee while before cocktail hour...