23 May 2008
The weather's been fantastic lately, I've been hard at work (both in the money-earning sense and out in the garden), and life is pretty good. Here are a few things keeping me happy this week:
Banana cake. Well, it's actually more like regular banana bread -- it's not fluffy and light enough for me to really consider it cake -- but I did frost it with fake cream cheese icing. (To frost this six inch cake, I mixed four ounces Tofutti 'cream cheese' with two tbsp Earth Balance, both at room temperature, then mixed in about a cup and a quarter powdered sugar.) I've been in more of a fruit-pie-over-cake type of mood for the last few months, but I do like a little sliver of this. Mainly for the frosting.
I had a really tricky time deciding whether to use the above photo or this one. I prefer the look of the frosting in that one, but it doesn't show up in the smaller version as well. I also really like this shot. The quality of the light coming through the window screen almost makes it look like film.
Speaking of window screens, I've been really enjoying my porch:
This is prime porch weather; it doesn't get any better than this time of year. Although! This year I figured out how to open the storm windows. How foolish am I? All last summer, I wondered why I never got any breeze going through the porch, and it was because the storm windows were closed and behind the screens (so it didn't look like they were there at all). So maybe this summer I'll be able to keep it a more reasonable temperature.
I've just cleaned it up for the spring, too. I took everything out and swept and wiped up the floors, I washed out my unused planters and brought them in, and I've been putting various pretty things back out there. My new morning routine includes eating breakfast on the porch and then sitting in the sun with Booty in my lap. Can't go wrong.
Lastly, just because I think she's swell:
I talk to the cats a lot (not in a crazy what's-your-opinion-on-this-skirt kind of way, just in a friendly how's-it-going kind of way), but I've never made an effort to teach Beany any words, the way one might do with a dog. So I sort of figured she didn't really recognize most of what I say. But the other night, while chasing her around the house to get her downstairs (where the cats sleep), I asked if she wanted cat food. And wouldn't you know it, she galloped over to her (empty) dish for some cat food, which I let her have -- downstairs! Ha ha, foiled again. But how about that? It's like she has a tiny cat brain that can work things out on its own.
Now if only she could recognize the inevitability of winding up in the basement at night, and stop putting up such a struggle.
p.s. -- I've been moderating the comments that come through, due to all the spam I've been getting. If you've commented recently, I think a new comment will post right away -- otherwise, I have to approve it, so it might not show up immediately.
Hi there, your photos are gorgeous, I used to love banana cake as a child, but haven't had one for years. I plan to make one now this weekend. Thank you x
posted by thevintagemagpie at May 23, 2008 10:54 PM
Hello,
You don't know me, but I sometimes visit your site and enjoy reading the blogs and seeing beautiful pictures.
Actually I don't think I am very domestic. I can't say that I like houseworks and cooking. So I respect people who like them and do them properly.
Sorry I am not good at English because I am Japanese.
Anyway, I just dropped in just for greeting. Thank you.
posted by hiro at May 24, 2008 01:10 AM
yum, banana cake/bread! I recently had some with a few bits of chocolate and it was delicious. love your back porch � I'm a tad envious of your morning ritual!
posted by kim at May 27, 2008 06:19 PM
I've seen other pictures of your house before, but you know, you're like the first person I've ever seen who can pull off natural wood trim. I really dig it. And of course I love, love white floors.
Actually, I also think you're the first person who makes Minnesota look good, too. I didn't know you could grow so many things there, but you've done it.
posted by Alicia at June 1, 2008 10:33 PM