I spent alot of time playing board games with my Auntie Ann when I was a little girl. I remember every detail of her little apartment like it was yesterday....from the gingerbread house cookie jar on top of the fridge to the Pendelfin rabbit ornaments arranged on top of her console stereo. The gingerbread house now sits atop my fridge, a housewarming present when I moved into my first apartment. I cherish that old cookie jar and all memories it holds. The top shelf of her front hall closet was stacked with board games that she taught me to play. It was a treasure trove of fun that I couldn't wait to get into each time I would visit.
Our relationship evolved as I grew...from adult and child to friends and confidantes. She has always been my rock, my safe harbour. All grown-up, I would visit on Sunday afternoons. Most visits we ended up on the patio, drinking tea and playing Scrabble. We have played games together my whole life. Once I had married and had children, we would all go to visit. During the winter months, my boys would shovel her driveway and then come in for hot chocolate and stories from her past. About ten years ago, she moved to Victoria, British Columbia to enjoy her retirement. I was heartbroken and excited for her at the same time. I can't imagine moving to the other end of the country at my age, let alone at 70 years old, like she did. She is 80 now, slowing down a bit. I miss her terribly.
This past Sunday, my darling and I spent the afternoon in the backyard, reading the newspaper and playing Scrabble. I put together a plate of nibbles....cheese, crackers, tomatoes, ham, salami and yellow peppers. I made homemade ginger ale too. The ginger had the house smelling like Christmas in July. And cotton candy. A heady scent. It was a wonderfully lazy and laid back afternoon. But Scrabble just isn't the same without my Auntie.
This past Sunday, my darling and I spent the afternoon in the backyard, reading the newspaper and playing Scrabble. I put together a plate of nibbles....cheese, crackers, tomatoes, ham, salami and yellow peppers. I made homemade ginger ale too. The ginger had the house smelling like Christmas in July. And cotton candy. A heady scent. It was a wonderfully lazy and laid back afternoon. But Scrabble just isn't the same without my Auntie.
Homemade Ginger Ale
Adapted from Roots by Diane Morgan
1/2 cup fresh ginger, grated
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup water
ice cubes
4 cups club soda
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 tbsp plus 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
4 lime wedges
In a small saucepan, combine the ginger, sugar and water and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat and allow to simmer for 5 minutes to ensure the sugar has completely dissolved. Turn off the heat and allow syrup mixture to steep for half an hour. Once steeped, strain mixture through fine sieve or cheesecloth into mason jar. Cover and chill. Syrup will keep for up to two weeks in fridge.
When ready to serve, put 1/4 cup of the syrup, 1 cup club soda, 1 tbsp lime juice and 1 tsp lemon juice into glass over ice. Stir to combine. Garnish with lime wedge.
Adapted from Roots by Diane Morgan
1/2 cup fresh ginger, grated
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup water
ice cubes
4 cups club soda
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 tbsp plus 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
4 lime wedges
In a small saucepan, combine the ginger, sugar and water and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat and allow to simmer for 5 minutes to ensure the sugar has completely dissolved. Turn off the heat and allow syrup mixture to steep for half an hour. Once steeped, strain mixture through fine sieve or cheesecloth into mason jar. Cover and chill. Syrup will keep for up to two weeks in fridge.
When ready to serve, put 1/4 cup of the syrup, 1 cup club soda, 1 tbsp lime juice and 1 tsp lemon juice into glass over ice. Stir to combine. Garnish with lime wedge.
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