A bit of nostalgia

I've always loved a good rain.  I love the way the sky shakes and drops fall systematically onto the roof, creating a comforting beat that reminds me I'm inside and warm.  I woke up this morning in a darkness indicative of cloudy skies.  I didn't even lift my blinds before resetting my alarm 30 minutes later and withdrawing again into the thick, hazy world of sleep.  The skies were still gray when I finally reemerged and I was pleased I'd compromised my walk to school in favor of an extra bit of rest.  Still, without my usual morning walk to pick me up I felt bleary.  This carried on into the afternoon, at which point I began dreading a hard workout.

There are some days where my body just doesn't feel fast.  I would blame it on lactic acid but I know in reality that has little to do with it.  The truth is, some days I just want to lay in my bed with a good book in stead of pushing myself to achieve greatness.  Thankfully my coach eased up on us for a day with a 40 minute run topped off with some quick speed work.

As we plodded down the path around a nearby lake I felt the familiar pangs of nostalgia.  I occasionally get this feeling-- unidentifiable yearning for the way things were.  I rarely know what it is I'm missing, only that I want the simple contentment I remember from my younger years.  It may sound a bit like a mid-life crisis, but it's easily curable.  Whenever I feel this abstract desire I know I need to bake.

So, finally, here is a recipe post!  I don't know if anyone else ever experiences brief nostalgia, but this banana bread recipe is perfect to satisfy it.

Moist Banana Bread (Courtesy Grandma Schad)
1 c sugar
2 large eggs
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 package vanilla or banana instant pudding mix
3 tbsp milk
1/2 c vegetable oil
1 1/4 c flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 c chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease two medium loaf pans.  Beat first eight ingredients until combined. Fold in flour, soda and powder.  Fold in chocolate chips and pour batter into prepared pans.  Bake for 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of loaf comes out clean.