Spring in Winnipeg by Margaret Ullrich - Tom Collins Recipe

It’s March... time to think about Spring.
Some people see daffodils peaking through.
Some people see daffodils in full bloom.
Some people don’t live in Winnipeg.

In Winnipeg we still have snow on the ground.
No daffodils.

Well, there is a neighbour who has a cluster of daffodils on the snow on her front lawn.
But she also has clusters of roses, tulips, daisies and poinsettias on her lawn and in her back yard.
They’re all plastic.
Well… she likes them.

All in all I can’t complain about this past winter.
Compared to last winter we dodged a bullet.
There isn’t much snow, and there isn’t much of a threat of flooding.

That is, if we don’t get a blizzard in April as we did in 1997.
That blizzard led to the flood of the century for Winnipeg.
It really was referred to as a 100-year flood.
It also badly affect North Dakota and Minnesota.
So, apologies to the folks back east, but no, I can’t complain about the light snowfall we've had during this past winter.

The funny thing about winters on the prairies is that when it is really cold we have brilliant blue skies, and when it is milder we have cloudy skies.
Whenever it’s cloudy I crave lemon.
Especially in winter.
Along with the food recipes that feature lemon, I like drinks with lemon.
Such as Tom Collins.

The recipe was introduced to New York in the 1850s.
It’s a lemonade with a bit of a kick.
If you’re not thrilled by the ingredients in the Tom Collins, no problem.
There are about two dozen other Collins drinks: Juan, Jack, Jake, Michael, Sandy and Denzel, to name a few.
There’s even a Barnabas Collins with Sloe Gin.
It was most likely named after the 1960s show Dark Shadows' star character.
Not the 2012 Dark Shadows (film) based on the same show.

Each Collins uses a different juice and spirit.
Something for everybody.
Try them all, or stick to an old favourite.

                        Tom Collins

Place in a tall glass
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 teaspoon sugar
Mix well.
Add 
2 ounces gin, vodka or rum
ice
Fill glass with
soda
Garnish with a slice of orange and a cherry

About Thursday’s full moon in Virgo…
According to the folks at astrology.com:

This hard-working full Moon arrives in the middle of all this week's fun social activities, ensuring that you take care of basics. Get plenty of exercise and sleep, and eat healthy foods to make the most of this time. 

A full Moon is an excellent time to tie up loose ends, so clean out your closets and clear out any negative energy. 

When the Moon is full you'll have an opportunity to see how far you've come.  This full moon provides an opportunity to purify yourself by releasing toxins that have built up over the last six months.  You’ll be feeling pretty special.

Tap into the power of the Pisces Sun to help you access your intuition, which will guide you in making wise decisions. 
You'll want all of your sharp attention to take advantage of the new Moon on March 20 which is also a solar eclipse, and a potentially dramatic new beginning for you!