Joining Patrice Again ...

I missed Patrice's chat last week, but I'm glad to be joining herself and the other ladies on the porch this week.


1. How many loads of laundry do you do each week?

I haven't a clue of the number, Patrice. We have smaller washing machines over here than you have in the USA. Our machine is a 6kg, but I do think yours are considerably larger. Over the past few days, my washing machine hasn't stopped. DR spent the past two weeks in Inverness on a course for the Fire Service, and the washing that came home with him was ... well, you can imagine! Added to the 'normal' stuff, it has meant I've dealt with Mount Everest this week, rather than my normal Ben Nevis.


2. Where do your household pets sleep?

Jackson discovered the shoe cupboard about three weeks ago. We always kept the door of this cupboard well and truly shut when he slept in the Utility Room, thinking he'd chew every shoe there! But, one day, he nosed his way in, lay in the corner, and has never been happier or more settled. This cupboard/room backs onto the wall where we have the stove, so it's very warm and cozy.... That probably explains his delight at the find.


3. What is your favourite thing to listen to whilst driving?

If I'm on my own, I like ... well, hang on... you know, it actually varies. At times, I enjoy silence - after all, that's a gift I don't get too much of. Often, I listen to a sermon, and other times, I listen to music. I never tire of Vivaldi's Seasons, and it brightens my day and gives me the oomph I need at times. 


4. Do you have to do a big clean-up when you have company, or are you always ready for guests?

The last part of that question almost made me choke on my banana muffin!! Always ready?!!! Ummmm, NO, I am not always ready at. all. My best clean-ups happen when my Mum is on her way to visit. (Is anyone else like this? Please say you are.)

We do have a Lounge that's always tidy. Sometimes, the Builder and I go and sit up there for about half an hour in the evenings. We take our cuppa up there, sit in a no-mess room, have some time to talk ...

It makes me ready to face the evening.


5. What's your favourite breakfast food?

Well, I am very boring with breakfast food. I simply have tea and toast. The kids mostly have cereal - Weetabix and Cornflakes or Krispies - always Kellogs: I'm told that is very important.

'Why not the cheaper brands?', I ask. 'They are awful!', I am told. 

The Builder takes porridge most of the time, and when the kids were younger, that's all they ever had. Sadly, they are now onto the flavoured cardboard - aka boxed cereals!

*      *      *

Over the past couple of days, I've made a few batches of these Banana Muffins.

The muffins themselves are so soft, and eaten along with the crunchy topping makes this the yummiest banana muffin I've made until now.

The topping reminded me of Laurie's Coffee Cake.

Do y'all remember the Coffee cake - the cake that's called a Coffee cake but has no coffee? 

Read about how we first discovered Coffee Cake, and find Laurie's recipe here.

Hope y'all have a great week!