Life Without a Car

Just before Sebastian was born we got rid of our car. I hadn't been driving it regularly. I worked in a bakery prior to Seb's birth and had to pay for parking. So I used to walk the 30 min to work or take the bus instead. I did that for a year until my maternity leave started and we moved. My driver's license had expired anyway. Why pay for a car I wasn't using? So we sold it.

I now don't have a driver's license. At all. It expired over 2 years ago. I know, crazy right?! This is pretty common around here. I only have a couple of friends who actually have a license. Most families are a 1 car family here in Scotland. Public transportation is easily accessible and getting a British license is pretty expensive. So...I don't have one. Maybe someday I will but not right now.

LD has a company car and we use that for whatever we need. But, I don't have a car during the day. Ever. I'm fine with this. Sebastian and I take our trusty stroller out to the park, library, pool, Doctor's, play date's, lunches in town, etc.This is my normal. I use my two feet to get me places. The train station is just down the street and the bus station is around the corner from me. Makes it easy!

When it rains {which let's face it is a lot} I just try to be prepared for if/when the rain stops or slows down. Or I just grab my boots and we head on out in the rain to where ever we are going. It is rare, but sometimes I do wish for a car. I could run on over to friends houses on a whim or I could go someplace without having to pack for every situation possible.

This is some of what life is like with a toddler in Scotland! No car and it's no problem!

Recipe:: Banana Apple Bread

see? i always have over ripe banana's.

Recently we had a weather advisory here in Scotland. There were strong gale force winds and heavy rain. We'd planned on going swimming but we decided to do a little baking instead. I always have bad banana's in my house. Always. I also always say I'm going to make banana bread with them and I never do. But not today! Sebastian and I got to work in the kitchen and had a great time. He loved it! He couldn't eat it fast enough. It's safe to say I'll be trying hard to not let the banana's go to waste any longer. It was a perfect snack for a cold and rainy Scottish day.

Now I can't stop making Banana Apple Bread. The sun is shining but Sebastian and I tucked in to make some this after noon. We are sitting on the couch watching Cars and eating warm Banana Apple Bread. Bliss!

Banana Apple Bread

Makes: 1 Loaf
Prep Time: 20 min
Bake Time: 1 hr
Oven: 350 degrees

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Shortening
1 cup Sugar
2 Eggs
1 cup Peeled, Finely Chopped Apple
1 cup Mashed Banana
1 1/2 cup Flour
1 TSP Baking Soda
1/2 TSP Salt

Directions:

1. Cream shortening; gradually add sugar, beat well
2. Add eggs, beat well
3. Stir in apple and banana
4. Combine flour, soda, salt. Add to mixture, stirring just until blended
5. Spoon batter into greased and floured loaf pan
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hr or until wooden pick comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 min; remove from pan and cool on wire rack
7. Serve with cream cheese or peanut butter. Plain is good too!

Enjoy!