We score a flat of raspberries. They’re a little burnt from the record-breaking heat, but fine for making jam.
It’s a little dream come true, working side by side in the kitchen with Laurinda and Makiya, teaching them how easy it is to make jam. I make the first batch, offering tips while I go, then turn over the figurative keys to my kitchen and let the girls have a go.
While my jars are cooling on the counter I notice the fruit has separated slightly in the jars and remark on it. Laurinda’s competitive streak rises up as she draws a line in the sand.
“Ours won’t do that.”
Ah ha! A jam-making challenge!
And, sure enough, her jars come out of the canner looking like jewels and she kicks her heels up and gives an enthusiastic fist pump. “Yes!!”
I’m thrilled she “won”.
We spend the rest of the afternoon doing nothing much in particular. The smoke clears enough to allow us to sit outside where we talk and talk about everything and nothing. Gerry joins us and Laurinda introduces us to something called The Mandela Effect and we exclaim “no way” again and again as she reads examples to us.
Gerry barbecues burgers and after we eat, the girls head out for a short drive to visit a few of their favourite Kamloops spots. When they return, we grab snacks and settle in to watch the first episode of the latest season of America’s Got Talent.
All in all, it’s a quiet and deeply satisfying day. Simply priceless.
