thank cake it's Friday

At my children's school, a new custom has been introduced through the PTA, called 'Thank cake its' Friday'. Volunteer mums put their names on a rota, and when it's their turn, they 'produce' a cake on Friday, which the children try to win, by buying a 20p raffle ticket. Apart from committing the first mortal sin (which is forgetting your turn - and suffering the unspoken humiliation at the school gate) there is the dilemma of how to 'produce' the cake. Does a quick trip down to Tesco, suggest busy, pre-scheduled, efficient parent, or is it a snapshot of lazy, can't be-bothered, kitchen-inept motherhood? Likewise, is a home baked creation, a symbol of earnest support for your child's education, in a domestic goddess kind of way, or does it suggest 'too much time at home with nothing to do after Richard and Judy.'

I survive the first part, by remembering - thanks to prominent fridge magnets since Monday. I then decide to opt for the home baked approach - whatever people want to think, and am reassured by the seal of approval from my children, when they see lemon jelly decorations. An accompanying card, stating the names of the hens who have obligingly laid the 3 eggs required for the recipe, and the offering is complete. I am slightly nervous handing over the cake, and quite relieved, to see a smiling child coming out of school at the end of the day, seemingly happy with their prize. I'm a bit happier again, later that evening, following my own custom of a glass or two of red (or white for that matter!). thank cabernet sauvignon it's Friday.