Beat the sugar and butter with a stand mixer or handheld mixer until fluffy. Add the vanilla, eggs and bananas, then beat the mixture until smooth. Though ripe bananas will work, overripe bananas are usually best for baking. They're easier to mash and they're typically more flavorful than green or young bananas. Make sure all the dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the flour has little to no clumps. Marzipan is great for adding moisture to baked fruit dishes because it's an almond paste that melts into the mashed fruit, making it extra gooey.   If you've put the marzipan into the freezer overnight, chop the marzipan up and put it in the bowl. If you've left the marzipan at room temperature, you can break it into small pieces with your hands and drop those into the mixture.   To keep the marzipan pieces from sticking together, coat every piece with some flour before adding them to the mixing bowl. If you would like to add chocolate chips to the recipe, now would be the time. Stir them into mixture, then pour the batter into the greased pan. You will be able to tell when the banana bread is done when the top is a golden brown.  To test if it's been properly cooked on the inside, put a toothpick into the center of the loaf and pull it out. If the toothpick comes out clean (meaning free of any sticky crumbs), then it's finished. If not, put it back into the oven for a few minutes, then take it out again to check on its progress. Once it's cooled, slice and serve. Leftover banana bread can be stored for up to a few days in foil or plastic wrap at room temperature.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Grease a 9-inch loaf pan, preheat the oven to 350°F and begin combining wet ingredients. In a medium sized mixing bowl, mix flour, salt, cinnamon and baking powder together. Prepare the marzipan and then add it to the flour mixture. Mix the butter/sugar mixture with the flour mixture and stir it up until well combined. Put the pan into the oven and bake for about 45 to 60 minutes. Cool the banana bread by taking out the pan and sitting it on the stove or cooling rack for 10 minutes.


Sketch a large circle near the top of your paper. Keep the circle as evenly round as possible. This first circle will eventually become the outer perimeter of the astronaut's helmet. Draw a rectangle that overlaps the bottom fifth of the circle. The size of the rectangle should be similar to the size of the shape.  Also note that the height of the rectangle should be only slightly longer than its width, making it just a little too long to consider it a square. This portion will eventually become the astronaut's torso. Draw one square-like shape coming off from the top right side of the rectangle, then connect a second similar shape to the far side of the first. Repeat on the top left side of the rectangle, as well.  These will become the arms of the astronaut. The total length of both quadrilaterals in one set should roughly match the height of the original rectangle, and the width of each one should be close to its height. The exact placement and direction of these quadrilaterals will vary based on personal choice, though. If you want the arm to be straight, draw the set pointing outward and at a slight downward angle.  If you want the arm to be straight up, draw the set pointing outward and at a slight upward angle. If you want the arm to curve, draw the first quadrilateral pointing outward, but slant the sides of the second quadrilateral so that bends in the appropriate direction. Draw a series of three quadrilaterals beneath the rectangle on the right side. Draw another series of three quadrilaterals on the left side, too.  These will become the legs. The first quadrilateral should connect to the bottom of the rectangle, and it should also be the largest. The second in the set should angle slightly inward and be two-thirds the size of the first. The final in the set should angle slightly outward and match the size of the second. These will become the astronaut's boots. Trace over any sharp corners to create a more rounded figure, then erase any pencil lines that do not belong.  Flatten the bottom of your starting circle, giving it rounded corners. Erase most of the connecting lines between the quadrilaterals in the arms and legs. The only connecting lines you should leave are those between the torso and upper legs, and those between the lower legs and boots; make these connecting lines rounded instead of sharp.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Draw a large circle. Place a rectangle beneath the circle. Connect two sets of smaller quadrilaterals to the rectangle. Place two more quadrilateral sets beneath the rectangle. Smooth out the lines of the body.


As people age, bathing may become difficult. This may be due to a fear of falling, difficulty getting in or out of the tub or shower, difficulty washing themselves, or even a result of a cognitive disorder, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. As you start to approach an elderly family member or friend about their hygiene, keep all of these things in mind and aim to be as respectful and tactful as possible. Approaching the situation indirectly will avoid putting too much pressure on your loved one or client. It is important to make them feel comfortable before going about suggesting a change in routine, which for many elderly can be upsetting and difficult. For example, you can begin by asking whether they have enough grooming supplies, and if they respond yes, ask,”Well is that enough soap for your showers and baths this week? How many would you say you take on average?”, or if they respond no, “Just to get an idea for when I’m shopping, how many baths or showers a week should we restock you for?” If you find out that they’re bathing fewer than two times a week, change your tone of voice from casually inquisitive to concerned.  Approach the issue from a medical, rather than a personal, standpoint, stressing the importance of hygiene to overall health. Explain that doctors recommend bathing at least twice a week to prevent infection. Try something like, “You know I’ve heard on the news / from my doctor that not only should everyone bathe every week, they should bathe at least twice a week for better health. I think we should give this a try.” Bringing up body odor might disappoint or anger them, making it more difficult to convince them to change their routine. And since seniors can have a decreased sense of smell, they might not be aware that there is an odor problem. Pointing this out to them could cause anxiety if they’re unable to detect the odor and might wonder about it. Depending on their physical condition, bathing or showering may be a source of anxiety—undressing, getting in and out of the tub, washing, drying off, and dressing might require more energy than they have. They may be afraid of falling in the tub, have had a bad experience with scalding or icy-cold water, or easily lose track of time. Take note of these for consideration when arranging for help with washing, and improving bathroom safety. To try to understand what anxieties they may have, ask questions such as, “Have you been hurt while using the tub, by falling, or by the temperature of the water?” or “Do you feel really tired after washing?” If fatigue or fear of falling seem to be issues, strongly consider either bathing the person yourself or hiring a caregiver.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary --
Be aware that poor hygiene is not always a choice. Get an idea of the person’s general grooming habits. Suggest a change in routine. Avoid mentioning any issues with odor. Ask the person about their concerns and needs regarding bathing.