Wild and Woolly

I should be...

...marking GCSE History coursework but was distracted by three bananas past their prime in the fruit bowl. Obviously, they had to be transformed into banana bread as soon as possible (because once they start getting that acetone smell they aren't good for anything).

The best recipe for banana bread is from Jill Dupleix's Totally Simple Food and the best cake tin in which to make it is the one you see in the picture by Tefal, which I bought in a French supermarket a couple of years ago. It is quite simply amazing - doesn't need to be greased and has survived the many rigours of my baking unscathed. I also love shape which holds the same as a 2lb loaf tin but produces a longer more slender cake, quicker to cook and easier to slice.

 George, my 14 year old, completely supported me in my cake-making diversion.

Right, now, where was I? Oh, yes - 'Why was it Stalin and not Trotsky who succeeded Lenin as leader of the Bolshevik Party? [12 marks].'  
 

Ravelympics

Today is the start of the Ravelympics. It's another caper started on Ravelry, to coincide with the Winter Olympics in Canada. Participants can join different teams (I'm in Team GB) and enter knitting projects in appropriate events. The idea is to knit while watching the sports and complete your projects during the two weeks of the Olympic Games. The project has to have sufficient challenge, so I have chosen to cast on for Benbecula by Marie Wallin from Rowan Magazine (number 47). It has lots of cabling and moss stitch so I have entered it for the Sweaterboard Cross and Cable Cross-Country events! I found the very patriotic zip up bag in Accessorize and it is perfect for holding circular needles, tape measure, scissors etc.

Benbecula by Marie Wallin (Rowan Felted Tweed Aran 726)

In fact, I shall be doing the first half of my Ravelympics in Cornwall, as we are spending half term in a thatched cottage by the sea. It has thick stone walls to keep us snug should it turn stormy and a huge fireplace. I am going prepared for plenty of lazing by the fire at the end of the day with the new Designer Knitting and Marie Claire Idées to read, plus a Henning Mankell thriller. A lady who lives a few cottages along the row, makes the most fantastic pasties to order and Roskilly's Farm is not far away for supplies of clotted cream for our scones! Just as well I am also packing walking boots and running kit, too...

Gypsy caravan on Roskilly's Farm, St. Keverne, Cornwall