Cure Your Blues The Island Way

By CHRISTINE JOHNSON

The last days of summer are upon us as we turn the calendar to the month of August. Kids prepare for the dreaded return to school, colleges ramp up for their freshman class, and vacations come to an end.

One August highlight applies to Coronado. As an island with flourishing gardens, August is the peak time for picking fruits and veggies. August is the final growing season for most plants before winter, so it truly is an active time for the league of gardeners who fill Coronado with beauty.

All the days on the calendar mark some variation of something to celebrate, with most being silly. However, August 21 is a standout as National Senior Citizens Day. This day recognizes the achievements of mature people in our nation and our appreciation for what they have given to future generations. While we are raised to respect our elders and love the wisdom they bring to your life, I have a much stronger affinity for that living in Coronado for fifteen years.

Our elder statesmen are on the tennis court next to me, walking their dogs twice a day, riding their bikes instead of driving, babysitting their grandchildren, and, my favorite, strolling the sidewalk for date nights to their favorite restaurant or theater on the island. This community is where I am honored to grow older and work to stay younger.

It is wonderful to be surrounded by neighbors who are active and caring and who I aspire to be as I progress into the next 20 years of my life. Thank you for that inspiration every day.

On that note (realizing I am also old), it’s time for a drink: The Blue Hawaiian! This month, we are highlighting the “Mocktail” craze that has swept the nation. Enjoy this refreshing end-of-summer drink with your kids. No worries, once they return to school, simply add vodka, and it quickly becomes a cocktail!

The Blue Hawaiian

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 ounces orange juice

• 2 ounces pineapple juice

• 1 ounce coconut water

• 1-2 teaspoons cream of coconut (Coco Real)

• 2 teaspoons blue curaçao syrup (non-alcoholic)

• Lemon-lime soda

• Crushed ice

• Slice of orange, lemon, or lime

**If you want to make this a cocktail - add 1 ounce of vodka or rum.

MIXOLOGY:

Add all ingredients except lemonlime soda to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously until cold. Pour over crushed ice and top with lemon-lime soda and a citrus twist.