Today calls for a cocktail. Why, because summer is officially over.
And what better way to end summer by using up the last of those blackberries in a tasty drink like a gin and tonic!
This week Jonah and Eden started back to school and I literally cannot believe summer is over. I am always in mourning when summer ends, but this year it’s a bit worse. For us, it’s been an unusual summer in good ways and in bad ways.
To hear all about our summer, keep reading, to skip it and just get the recipe scroll towards the bottom.
Table of Contents
Hood River
We kicked off the summer with a little trip to nearby, Hood River. My dad and step mom came to visit and they really wanted to see Hood River, so we headed out there for the weekend. In all the years we’ve lived in this area, we’ve spent little to no time here. I suppose it’s because we typically leave the country. 😂 While in Hood River we ventured out to the Lavender Farm and several wineries. We stayed at the Best Western Hood River and it blew me away. It’s one of the top Best Westerns I’ve been to. The views, the breakfast, all of it was great.
Noah Graduated High School!
Noah graduated from high school and will soon head off to Oregon State University. This is awesome for him, but super sad for me. He’s my first kid to go off to college and to be honest, I want to keep him. Sure I’m glad he’s going to college, but I cannot even imagine how much Jonah, Eden, and I will miss him.
Why So Little Travel?
You may have noticed that we did little to no traveling this summer and that’s because we were suppose to move. The thing I was most looking forward to this summer was moving back to Texas. This has been in the works for a long, long time. I even had a special section added to my divorce decree to make sure I could move to Texas when Noah graduated. Despite our agreement, my ex filed to have that section removed, so here we sit stuck in Oregon for now while he buries me in legal fees.
I know there are lots of single moms stuck places they don’t want to be with no family around just like me. I see you, I know you, I am you. And I don’t know what your future looks like, I don’t even know what mine looks like. But you know what I do know? Keep leaning on God and you will survive it, someday you will finally get to move on with your life. At least that’s what I tell myself every single day. Here are some scriptures that have been helping me:
Texas
We did spend some time in Texas caring for my mother and eating loads of Tex-Mex. She had surgery and some needed help. A perk of helping was that I got to spend my birthday with my life long best friend Lindsey and my other best friend, Ashlee. I do not get to see either of them very much, so anytime with them is a treat. 
Utah Valley
Timpanogos Cave in Utah Valley
Now, of course, we traveled some. We took a family trip to Utah Valley. Where we hiked up and down mountains, toured fascinating caves, ate tons of amazing food, and more! I’ll be sharing more about this area soon.
Quebec
Our other big trip was to Quebec. It was our first time there and it was so fantastic I am already planning a return trip. While we were there we explored the Lanaudière region and Laval near Montreal.
Salishan
Last but not least we did one small weekend getaway to Salishan on the Oregon Coast at the end of the summer. It was the perfect way to unwind after a stressful few weeks. Besides the beautiful beach and a brand new aerial park, they have a little bit of everything like tennis, golf, putt-putt, ping-pong, indoor pool, spa, and fabulous food.
Mustang
Blackberry Lemon Gin and Tonic Recipe
What’s better than a gin and tonic? A blackberry lemon gin and tonic, of course!
- Combine 2 blackberries, 2 minced leaves, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a bar shaker.
- Muddle to until crushed.
- Add gin and citron vodka, shake to combine.
- Top with tonic water.
- Garnish slice of lemon, blackberries and mint leaves.
Blackberry Lemon Gin & Tonic
This blackberry lemon gin and tonic recipe is a slightly tart, yet refreshing spin on the old school gin and tonic. Plus, it's a great use for blackberries.
Ingredients
- blackberries
- mint leaves
- lemon juice
- simple syrup
- Gin
- Citron vodka
- Tonic water
- Ice
Instructions
- Combine 2 blackberries, 2 minced leaves, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a bar shaker.
- Muddle to until crushed.
- Add gin and citron vodka, shake to combine.
- Top with tonic water.
- Garnish slice of lemon, blackberries and mint leaves.
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Thanks so much for sharing your talent with us at Full Plate Thursday. Hope you are having a great week and come back to see us soon!
Miz Helen