If it’s not one thing it’s another. Thankfully reader Dale sent in a recipe for homemade Ginger Ale that I’m happy to share with you.
On Sunday night John fell while going up the stairs to bed and hit his head on a rendered brick wall. A fractured skull, bleeding in the brain, pneumonia and a couple of other things ended up with him in an induced coma and on a breathing machine. He is now awake and was moved today out of ICU at the brand new university hospital to the stroke unit as brain bleeds from an injury are the same as what you get with a stroke.
He’s pretty second hand at the moment but he’s been assured he ‘isn’t that bad’ and with effort he’ll be back at 100% soon. His memory seems fine and his ‘thinker’ seems to be perfectly normal but he has some weakness along his left side. SO, if you wondered where I’ve been, I’ve been pacing back and forth. Send him your best thoughts, it’s been a tough week.
Here’s Dale’s recipe for homemade ginger ale. If you’ve got a fizzy water maker, this recipe is a dream. I bet you could even make this with Splenda for a sugar free ginger ale too. I’m going to give it a try anyway.
- 3 oz fresh ginger, unpeeled
- 1-1/2 oz. sugar syrup (2 parts sugar to 1 part water. Simmer 5 min. then cool.)
- sparkling water
- 3 lime wedges
- Chop ginger very fine.
- Scrape into double or triple thickness cheese cloth.
- Wring out juice into small bowl. (Should have about 2 oz. of juice.)
- Add syrup to ginger juice and stir well.
- Pour over ice into 3 tall glasses.
- Top off with sparkling water and stir.
- Squeeze lime wedge over each drink and drop 1 into glass.
Hopefully we’ll be home in a few days and life will get back to normal. The dog is beside himself, the cats want to know if they can have his side of the bed and I’m just plumb pooped.
movita beaucoup says
My word, Maureen! Best wishes for comfort and healing – you both need it. I hope you are both home soon, snuggled up with the pup and kitties…
CGinAZ says
Very best wishes coming your way from Phoenix, AZ. You are in my thoughts until you are both up and running again.
Liz Posmyk (Good Things) says
Dearest Maureen, thoughts are with you both at this time. Do please take care.
John/Kitchen Riffs says
So sorry to hear about John!!! That’s awful news. Although the upside is he seems to be mending OK. But wow — so sorry to hear this. Hope things are back to normal, and soon. And ginger ale? Looks wonderful! I’ve never made this — I really should give it a try.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Oh my goodness Maureen! Wishing John a speedy recovery. What an event! I hope things return to baseline…well better than baseline for you and John and will have to try this ginger ale soon. Hugs!
Glamorous Glutton says
Take care both of you. I’m not surprised you’re pooped and I’m sending positive thoughts to John. GG
A_Boleyn says
My prayers go out to John for a complete recovery and to you for strength to carry on and be the support that I know you’ve been to him in this difficult time.
Lell Trogdon says
Oh dear! Sending best recovery wishes for John along with hugs and stamina for you. xoxo
Merle says
I am so sorry to read about the traumatic time you have had, my thouhts are with you both and prayers for a rapid recovery for John
Abbe@This is How I Cook says
Boy Maureen. You’ve been through it. My mother used to give me ginger ale when I was sick and claimed it cured everything. Hope this helps and sending thoughts and well wishes, also.
Linda says
Goodness Maureen, enough is enough! So sorry to hear about John. Sending you both love and healing hugs. xx
Nancy | Plus Ate Six says
Jeez Maureen it’s about time you guys copped a break I reckon don’t you? Add a shot of gin or vodka to that ginger ale I think you’ve earnt it xx
Eha says
All the prayers able to be mustered . . . minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day . . . oft there is no option but to survive otherwise . . .
Laura | Tutti Dolci says
Oh my goodness, Maureen! So sorry to hear about John – praying for a speedy recovery and sending you a big hug!
The Ninja Baker says
I’m so sorry, Maureen. When it rains, it pours sometimes…I am praying for you and John that lots of sunshine and rainbows are in store <3
Dale's ginger ale does indeed look very refreshing.
Hotly Spiced says
What a week. You must be so exhausted. Sending lots of love and best wishes to your John. I hope he’s home from hospital and back to his old self very soon xx
Judy Purcell says
Wow, Maureen, I know what you mean about one thing or another … and when it rains, it pours. Praying a quick recovery for John and a stretch of sunshine for you both!
Gerlinde says
Oh Maureen, I am so so sorry to hear about John. Sending you lots of love and a speedy recovery for John. You really have been through it. Let’s hope for the best in the future.
Eva Taylor says
Oh my goodness Maureen, how awful! I am glad he is on the mend and that you are able to breath again, what a week! I will be sending my good thoughts your way. Tell John we are thinking of him all the way in Toronto.
I made gingerale some time ago for a friend who doesn’t drink any alcohol (gives her migraines) but I will give this lovely recipe a try next time we entertain them.
Anna @ shenANNAgans says
Oh my goodness Maureen, I gasped reading your opening few sentences. This is absolutely awful. Please tell John we three (Mom, Little Chef the dog and I) are praying for you all, sending all the healthy and healing energy we can muster too.
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
My thoughts are with you both and prayers are going John’s way. I hope he makes a full recovery and is home very soon. I think maybe you should put a little something in that ginger ale to get you through this. Take care.
Liz says
Oh, no. I’m so sorry to hear this. Glad John is on the mend and I’ll be keeping you both in my prayers until he’s good as new!! xoxo
Ruby & Cake says
How awful Maureen – it must have been quite a shock. Glad to hear he is doing better. but sending you guys wishes for a speedy recovery. I’d be adding vodka into that ginger ale if I were you right now.
Barbara | Creative Culinary says
Maureen, I have huge empathy and while I didn’t have a fall, I had a scare last week because my blood pressure has gone skyward. Stress they say…really, no shit Sherlock! It’s been nonstop crap for the past couple of years so I know how that feels and I’m over it. We need a damn break don’t we?
Take good care…not just of John but of you too! XOXO
Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert says
Oh my gosh Maureen – I will be praying for John and you! You must have been so scared, I know I would have been. Please take care and know we are thinking of you both. The ginger ale sounds great!
SallyBR says
Popping to join everyone else in the positive vibe for John, although we’ve been communicating off-blog too
slowly getting back to my routine, a visit to your blog is always a treat, but wish there were only wonderful things happening to you… you’ve been through enough
a very warm hug going your and John’s way
Julie says
Omg!!! I am totally shocked Maureen!! “Far out” did you two burn down a convent in a past life??? How can you have so much bad luck with your health?!?! I am so sorry for what you are both going through. Send my love to John and make sure you look after yourself too! All my best wishes and love are with you. I hope John has a speedy recovery. Then… go and get a massive roll of cotton wool and wrap yourselves up!!
All my love
Julie
ThermoKitchen
mjskitchen says
OMG! So sorry to read about John’s fall and all the complications from it! Bet you were going nuts! So very glad that he is doing better and will keep you both in my thoughts for 100% recovery. thanks for sharing this recipe for ginger ale. I drink quite a bit of ginger ale and would love to make it myself. Take care of yourself Maureen!
Lizzie || Wholehearted Business Coach says
Send love to John.
Love gingerale and how simple is this recipe to make. I might try it with our kiffir water (its quite bubbly) yumm
Agness of Run Agness Run says
Such a healthy and thirst-quenching drink! I would love to try it!
Emma @ Bake Then Eat says
Oh my Maureen I hope John is well on the road to recovery. You really have had a time of it lately and I truely do sympathise with you. On a happy note this drink looks so good!
Hector says
A wonderful toning drink! In the heat, what you need.
Lancy Bragg says
Thanks for sharing this amazing drinks however, I have tried and It was very easy to make as well as quick drink and It was testy. When will you publish more healthy drinks ?
Chris Scheuer says
Oh my gosh Maureen, I think I was in the middle of babysitting two little grandchildren when this post came out and then the herd from London arrived, so I’ve not seen this post!
I’m so… sorry to hear about John’s fall and hope and pray that he’s getting back to snuff by now!!
Merryn Galluccio says
I haven’t checked in on you for ages and I am so sorry to hear of John’s nasty accident. I hope, and am sure he will go from strength to strength. Remember to take care of yourself too Maureen. Thanks for sharing this amazing ginger ale recipe, it’s perfect for a winter pick me up with the goodness of ginger and lime as well as being a relaxing end of day tipple 8)
Mackay Sherry says
This drink sounds delicious but poor john’s dilemma does not. Oh dear so sorry to hear this Maureen. I hope he is very much better now. Xx
Anna @ shenANNAgans says
Oh my Lord Maureen…. what an ordeal. I’d be pacing too. Hope John returns home better than ever. Look after you lovely one. And your ginger ale does sound the business.
Samantha says
Ohh, I just can imagine how amazing it would be to drink it in hot weather…It must be super refreshing!
Nicole says
I didnt know i could make my own ginger ale. Thank you for the recipe
Fran @ G'day Souffle' says
I hope you and John are doing well and thanks for the ginger ale recipe. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ellen Taylor says
Drink likes cool and delicious. Will try to refresh mind soon.
Amanda (@lambsearshoney) says
Oh no, Maureen!
I’ve only just seen this. I do hope he is much better now. xxx
Maureen says
He had new surgery a couple of weeks ago and he’s still going to physical therapy for the stroke-like symptoms but his thinker never broke which is a HUGE blessing. He’s on the road to recovery and he’s a happy man.
Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert says
So glad to hear he is getting better Maureen – I think of you often and hope you are well.
Vicki Bensinger says
Hi Maureen,
I’m so sorry to hear about John. I know this is a late reply but rarely see your posts as they always seem to go into my spam.
It looks to have been about 4 months since this post so I hope John is on the mend and you as well from some health issues you had a while back.
Sometimes it’s hard to get a break. Makes me wonder what the guy upstairs is thinking. Wishing you both sunny skies ahead.
Cateraar Den Haag says
I love it!!!! Yum. Great blog
jessica says
Ginger ale gives Mind refresh.. thanks for sharing
pavitra says
Hope you are well now. Ginger ale is awesome. Thanks for sharing.
Denise Browning says
I love Ginger Ale. It reminds of a Brazilian soda called Guarana. I gotta try this recipe from scratch. Cheers to this great share!
Denise Browning says
I have just read about your husband. I am so sorry! I hope he is doing much better. Sending you both our prayers.
Food Shot says
Hope you guys are doing well!
Love ginger-ale, definitely helps during the summer heat.
Jason Freeman says
I hope John recovers soon. That’s sad to hear.
Good Ginger Ale by the way.
Vered says
Hi Maureen,
Could you please give us an update? Is John OK?
Thanks
Vered
Maureen says
Hi Vered,
Sorry for the long delay. We’ve had some serious issues. John is fine now. He had a fall with a couple of brain bleeds but he’s back to normal. I’m not normal but hopefully one day will be able to blog again.
rebecca says
lovely recipe my boy will love and so sorry about your hubby thats awful, hugs and wish him a speedy recovery
Jeff the Chef says
Good Lord, talk about hitting a brick wall! I’m so sorry to hear of that accident. I feel a little guilty liking this ginger ale recipe in that light, but my mom always gave ginger ale to me when I wasn’t well. I hope you give some to John and it makes him feel a little better.
Rose Mary George says
This looks delicious! Want to try this.
TendersPedia says
Very interesting,we need to grab few things from market to make it and thanks for sharing such a good recipe.
Haveliharrispark says
Brilliant and so easy. Very tasty too
grademinrs says
Orgasmic recipe of ginger ale from orgasmic chef. Thank you for your update.
flavorofindia12 says
Awesome recipes. Awesome pics
A really marvelous effort at sharing tried and tested recipes
shiraaz says
Wow, amazing. I wish I could try them all.
Annie Walker says
This recipe looks very delicious and healthy. Can not wait to make it at home!
Jenny says
i hope john is going good now and your drink is amazing we all loved it
Carol says
i just love ginger and this is one of my fav top ginger recipe and thanks for sharing
and I hope john is good and healthy
Velva says
Maureen, a million positive vibes to Dale for a quick recovery.
I love a good ginger ale and it has never occurred to me I could make it fresh. Thanks for the inspiration.
Velva