Lately my posts have been infrequent. My mother had back surgery 5 weeks ago and has suffered a mysterious complication that has also affected three other women who had neurosurgery the same day at the same hospital. No one knows what exactly is wrong with my mother but she has suffered greatly these past weeks and I have been busy helping her as much as I can.
Also, as some you may know, I suffer from Crohn’s Disease and Sjogrens Syndrome and have taken a leave from work since the first of May. I had hoped to be back and at ‘em by now but that is not the case. I have had to resign from my job due to my illness. It has been a huge decision for me as I have always worked. Since the age of 14, I have known nothing else. My new role as a “housewife and stay at home” mother has been a huge adjustment for me emotionally. I’ve always prided myself on being an independent working women and then suddenly, I’m not. I know things happen for a reason and it will be fine but I’m scared of my new role. The plus side is that I have gotten to spend some quality time with my girls this summer and we have both enjoyed that immensely.
I will get back writing more as I feel myself coming out of this lull. I appreciate all who have emailed,wondering where I’ve been and if things are alright.
My friend Katie invited us to her parents farm for a cookout over the 4th of July. It was there that they shared with me the greatest summertime drink I’ve had in a long time. I thought it only fitting that I share the love with all of you…
BLACKBERRY BOUNCE
2 pounds blackberries (you may substitute lemons, raspberries, cherries, etc. If using lemons, use zest only)
1 quart clear grain alcohol, such as vodka or rum
6 cups of purified water
2 1/2 cups cane or granulated sugar
Place blackberries and liquor in a tightly sealed jar or bottle large enough to accommodate at least a quart of liquid.
Place container in a cool, dar and dry place for at least 3 to 5 days. Shake the jar at least twice a day. If using lemons, the zest will turn white when flavoring is done. Strain the fruit from the liquid through a fine sieve or coffee filter; discard the fruit and set aside flavored liquor.
Place 6 cups of purified water in a saucepan over low heat, and add sugar. Heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and syrup is clear.
Cool syrup to room temperature and mix with liquor. Strain the sweetened liquor through several changes of coffee filters, and store in tightly sealed bottles in the refrigerator. Chill and enjoy. Makes about 2 1/2 quarts.
Sassy Chica said,
July 12, 2009 at 9:31 pm:
Glad your back….luv your blog!
deepkickgirl said,
July 13, 2009 at 1:23 am:
Hope you’re mum will be OK. I love your blog so hopefully you’ll have more time to write once you get your head around your new way of life. Hopefully your health will improve too.
Futureblackmail said,
July 13, 2009 at 7:12 am:
Back surgery in and of itself is hard, let alone with complications. I’m praying for you all and your health and spirit.
Golden Girl said,
July 13, 2009 at 8:21 am:
Glad you are back to writing. I have missed your entries. I am sorry that your absence has been due to illness. I hope both you and your mother feel better soon and get back on track. I can’t imagine your adjustment to a full-time SAHM. I haven’t been working since 2004 and I miss it. I plan on going back to work, but I am worried how it will affect my son and our home. Thank you for the recipe, will have to try it. Take care.
-Kiki
Jill said,
July 13, 2009 at 9:33 am:
Sounds yummy. I’m sorry to hear you are dealing with a lot right now.
azn8tive said,
July 13, 2009 at 9:42 am:
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there!!! Being a SAHM isn’t so bad – while I’ve enjoyed working outside the home, I find that I’m much happier being at home and focusing on being the glue that holds it all together.
Blackberry Bounce sounds delicious. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Amy B. said,
July 13, 2009 at 9:51 am:
Yummy! My kids are gone next week, so Momma will have a chance to do a little moonshinin’.
Best wishes to you and your mom. I read an article this morning about how when things happen, we shouldn’t ask, “How is this going to mess things up for me?” Instead, we should ask “What new opportunities will this bring my way?” Your new possibilities are endless!
Destiny D said,
July 13, 2009 at 3:28 pm:
“Blessings sometimes come in the disguise of disaster,” and I’m hoping that this is what you will find…
Ali Holden said,
July 13, 2009 at 11:18 pm:
In DC we call that Jungle Juice, but your recipe is MUCH fancier.
I have been away from your blog – How is your Mom now? I am so so so sorry.
About work. I completely understand about not working. Focus on the good, and enjoy the girls.
love love love you my friend!
xoxo
AiredaleGirl said,
July 14, 2009 at 9:10 am:
Oh, kid. I’m sorry. Did I ever tell you that my father was so pleased when you got your nursing degree? It’s not a career, however, that you can continue when you’re not well yourself.
Mom survived giving up her editorial career to stay at home with us, so I suspect that you, too, shall persevere in the stay-at-home-mother arena. Good luck!
Life Love and Lola said,
July 14, 2009 at 3:07 pm:
YUM!YUM!YUM! I’m so making this! Welcome back!!! Keep your chin up…Now you have more time to make us laugh! HUGS!
Lara said,
July 15, 2009 at 8:49 am:
Your mother will be our family’s prayers Dejoni! Best wishes to you and your family is well.
tipper said,
July 15, 2009 at 6:07 pm:
I so hope your mother is soon well. And I hope your new stay at home status works out for you. After I had the girls-I suffered from IBS-I know it’s nothing like your chrohns-but I do know any kind of stomach issues can mess up your whole life-it did mine until I found the right doc with the right medication.
I’ll say a prayer for you and your mom!
Lori E said,
July 28, 2009 at 2:43 pm:
The French make a liqueur called 44.
Take 44 coffee beans and 44 sugar cubes mix into a bottle of vodka. Shake gently every day for 44 days. mmmmm good. I was going to make some smart @$$ comment about not shooting off your Colt 44 after drinking it to poke fun at your other post but then this city girl realized it is a 45 not a 44. Never mind.