Alice

It was a weekday but with this glorious late september weather and everyone at home a family trip was on the cards. We decided to go to Butterfly World for the afternoon, only a ten minute drive from where we live. The final Phase and main structure, the Biome, has yet to be built but don't let that put you off going there's still lots to see and do especially for children.

It's over a week since we were down on the south coast, celebrating Alice's degree in Brighton. After the degree ceremony, two hours of continual clapping was just a tad too long!

On Wednesday we had a day trip to the seaside, Brighton, to see Alice's Degree Show. Alice studied textiles, specialising in knitting, with business studies. I really love Alice's final pieces, all hand knitted and crocheted, based on fishermen's knots, ropes and nets. Well done Alice!

At the weekend, whilst Alice was at home, she made some chocolate treats. If you want to find out how she made them take a look at her website Bake n'Beebz 

We have had a couple of family weeks and the weather has been kind. A few days in Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire visiting relatives in particular celebrating my nephews 18th Birthday. Alice went to Egypt for a week, enjoyed it but it was somewhat marred by having her ipod and money stolen as well as prickly heat. Bobbin has been given a spring hair cut, like a shorn sheep, she looks very cute though!

I just want to flag up the Blog Alice has just started Bake n'Beebz It's about a girl, a dog and cooking. Lots of mouthwatering recipes but with a healthy twist even ones for dogs!

Alice wants to do French knitting on a grand scale, as part of her knitting degree, she needed a big Nancy. We had a think and a search on the internet and came across the idea of turning a wooden stool into a knitting machine! I bought a Frosta stool, from Ikea, a broom handle from Wilkinsons and with power tools we made them into a Nancy. It should be interesting to see the knitting Alice produces from it.

On Tuesday we went to East Sussex for a couple of days, mainly to Hastings to see Alice. The hotel we stayed at on the seafront, the White Rock Hotel , was very friendly and we would happily recommend it.

We had a hectic weekend in Yorkshire, with family, celebrating Steve's mum's 80th birthday. The surprise celebrations started with a family meal at the Mill House restaurant, Skidby Mill. We calculated It's the first time in about 15 years that all eleven of us had sat down to a meal together, how that time flies! We couldn't stay long because Alice had to get back to University.

We had a lovely family Easter, both the children were home plus Bobbin (dog). Alice and I baked, knitted, crocheted, made organza flowers and shopped, a bit of mum and daughter bonding. This is the recipe for the Banana Cake we made for Easter, this recipe is great if you want to use up very ripe bananas. For the topping we melted chocolate then decorated it with chocolate animals and Maltesers.

BANANA CAKE