Val's Cafe

bosh

Thanks Joan no need to apologise I hope you and Sue have a nice time going out with the dogs take care have a nice Tuesday, reshmi.

bosh

Hi Kathleen I understand about your family that’s funny about being related to a cat, lol. At one point to friend invited me to her house for tea but she forgot I’m allergic to cat hair so that never happened, lol, just one of those things, I’ve told her enough times though, unfortunately she is one of those very intelligent people was very very scatty about day-to-day things, lol. Have a great Tuesday, glad you like eggs too, btw. Tc. Xx

frogmorton

Morning everyone

Blimey it was hot yesterday and I think today is set to be the same

As Aidan would say 'I'm melting'......

Barbara as long as you are ok that's all we care about as Joan said. I will send a WhatsApp just to be sure ((()))

Joan P is home for however long and my ex SIL came to see her at home as part of her care package (hospice at home) which made me feel much better. Don't worry about not getting on if it was two days I would get Barbara to check you're alright I know she has your telephone number. ((())) xxx

Kitty I am totally impressed your frame and caddy arrived so quickly. Iwonder have you had to alter the height being so wee?

Have as many eggs as you like I know they (along with mushrooms and now cockles) are your favourites. They are done 100% perfectly just how you like them.

Diversity is something people really ought to have no trouble accepting honestly they are weird they must just feel threatened I think. We are what we are and that is that. Who is related to a cat? me (ow) and you!

It will be so much easier to visit P here for definite and she will have so much support too.

Mike Viennese whirls😋 I bet they went down well with a cuppa or two! I hope Sue is well and the bungalow now sparkling.

Morning Reshmi! Just the kind of story to make me smile! Lord A has to be in on the action! I think he was jealous that R has a tooth and wanted to bring himself back in on the conversation😁 Your sister is quite right Auntie's do not steel teeth😮

My friend is happy to be home although it may well not be for long it is nice to know she is here. As Kath/Kitty said much easier for visiting.

Ok just one egg maybe?

Is the kettle on?

Right breakfast what shall we have today?

egg banjo (Mike)

dachshund

Good morning everyone

Kath ((())) have you got the walker the right way around my wheels are at the back you stand in the middle so the frame is each side of you I I've never had sliders. The only time I pick the front up is if I'm walking out side I've only bought new ferrules once. Love to Chris ((())) Anita ((())) and Val ((())) and Emily ((())) and your Dad (((()))

Love to Barbara (((())) and family (((()))

Toni ((())) and family (((()))

Reshmi ((())) have a good day (((()))

love to Chris ((())) Carol ((())) and Mike (((())) and vixen (((()))

bosh

hi Barbara Joan and turbo gran and hope you’re all okay today. Joan you have a good day too. Xx

Morning Toni , yes, Lord A definitely has to be in on the action, lol. At one point he thought that his little baby brother didn’t sleep in a cot, but went back into mummy‘s tummy in the night time. He also thought his daddy had a baby in the tummy, I almost said “no it’s cream cakes pies and things like that”, lol.I’m glad it’s easier for visiting. Kettle is definitely on, lol. I really hope it’s not going to be burning hot today. Do you cope well in the heat? I must I must admit I find it very difficult , anyway heatwave can’t last forever, have a nice day Toni take care.

Kitty

Morning my lovelies, still very warm, but I don't mind, as I've been quite chilly last week.

Joan, thank you. My walker has wheels at the front and the ferrules at the back make pushing it quite difficult and painful on my back. So I've ordered some sliding skis to make it easier. They should arrive around 16th September. But my caddy is very useful for taking my cup of tea from one room to another without spilling it as it has a cup holder as well as a tray and spaces for other bits and pieces.

caddy with cupholder

caddy with tray and a dinner plate

caddy with other things in it

Antoinette, I did worry about my height (or lack of it) but Chris checked the measurements and we decided to have the large one. It's perfect, as I can walk with a straight back instead of stooping. There's only about 3cm between the large and the standard, and it can be adjusted anyway.

As for the cat, it's me, as Sleek and I are sisters. So we are both related to you. We only found out last week when I did some research into our lineage. Then I found this picture of us as babies. I was even wee then!

Courgette frittata

20 Minutes Serves 2Easy

Easy to make and ready in 20 minutes, this vegetarian frittata is the perfect summer lunch. Courgette, spring onions and goat's cheese are an irresistible flavour combination

By Adam Bush Olive

Ingredients

• olive oil 3 tbsp
• courgette 1, sliced
• garlic 2 cloves, thinly sliced
• dried chilli flakes a large pinch
• eggs 4, beaten
• goat’s cheese 100g
• spring onion 1, thinly sliced
• leafy green salad to serve

Method

• STEP 1
• Preheat the grill. Heat the olive oil in a 20cm ovenproof frying pan and add the sliced courgette. Fry for 4-5 minutes over a high heat or until browned. Add the garlic and dried chilli flakes, and cook for 1 minute.
• STEP 2
• Lower the heat to medium. Tip in the eggs, and season generously. Cook until set around the edges.
• STEP 3
• Dot the top with the goat’s cheese and slide under the hot grill. Cook until browned on top then scatter with the spring onions and serve with a leafy green salad.

Courgettes

bosh

hi Kathleen glad that the. Caddy And Walker r useful useful and hope the sliding skis arrive soon. Have a nice day I’m glad someone is enjoying the heat, lol. Xx.

barbara12

Hello eyes not good but let's give it a go 😁

Toni what good news

That P is coming home abd with a nice bed fir her ..did you say an air mattress they are wonderful..a bit like a water bed ..how us our Lucy doing abd Charlie in thete new house ..is the wedding not far off xx

Mike snap we have viennese fingers 😁xx

Joan thankyou I will post has mych as I can ..I hope you are all doing ok xx

Reshmi has long has people are hapoy that is what counts in my eyes..

So the little 8ne thought the baby went back in mummy tummy at night and daddy had 8ne ..bless xx

Kath the caddy is brilliant and wgat a difference being able to carry things ,why didn't I have 8ne when I had my hips replaced , instead if a carrier bag on one arm 🤣xx

Love to everyone

X xxxxx

frogmorton

Morning everyone 😊

Rained overnight and temperature set to be 'down to' 22 today! phew! As Aidan would say I was melting!

Joan it looks as though you couldn't see my post yesterday 😕I was here honestly made egg banjos for Mike - well and the rest of us . I hope you and Sue are well? P is home and seems to be ok so far.

Reshmi you just made Lord A sound adorable thinking that the baby went back into mummy's tummy at night🤗 (least said about daddy's tummy the better methinks!!). We'd all sleep better if that was true. Although after a bit it would be a squeeze😀More stories when remember any or he says anything else funny😁

The temperature is lower today as it rained here over night 9 degrees lower!

Thanks for the tea. Never stopped drinking all day yesterday.😩

Kitty Kat l love the walker it's brilliant and the caddy is the best idea ever as Barbara said she had to use a carrier bag! The height is right even for a wee one walking upright is very important for posture...erm and to see where you're going!I have never used a walker, but kept the one we got for Paul's Mum after she died because I think it is sensible. I regretted selling my mum's scooters to raise money for BHF. When Lu got ill one would have been very useful.

I have a long bag from France which I put right over my shoulder when using walking aids and also have a little bum bag.

Aha! So you and Sleek have done your DNA?! I wonder what relation we all are then? That's lovely to know😍

Thanks for the frittata I might have a go with egg replacer I need to try it a bit more. Or I can use gram flour like I do for omelettes.

Barbara you did ok we don't mind a few smelling pistakes at all😁

Yes carrier bags isn't the best way to move around and does NOT work at all for cups of tea! We got Paul's Mum a rollator with a seat she could put a special try on it with her tea.

P seems ok at home, but boy is she tired I hope not too many people visit her it will wipe her out. She must get used to just resting and letting others 'do' for her bless her. Yes an air mattress - prevents pressure sores?

How are the girls doing? Ok I hope and is Niamh happy back at school? I bet she is bless her.

Mike dare I ask...is there any news on Elliott's progress? I hope he is ok and still sending strength down to him ((())) Have you booked your appointment with your GP about your neck X-ray results yet?

Well I must get on not sure whether I have builders today or not.....

Mike1

Well, I phoned the surgery for my x-ray results yesterday and what a waste of time that was! According to the note left by the GP there is no significant change since the ones done 3 years ago - tell that to my neck - and he said there was no need for a follow up, this is despite me explaining the changes to him which led to the x-ray in the first place; the fact that it causes me to wake up screaming after only 2 or 3 hours; the fact that the bone on bone grinding is worse; the fact that I now also have the sound of crunching crisps when I turn my neck one way; the fact that I need to wear my cervical collar more often. In the space of that 3 years, which is the last time I had a face to face appointment, my OA has spread to other joints which I was expecting so never bothered to consult the GP about, up until this week it has affected all of my joints except my hips but I have been getting twinges there of late. I already feel that I am surviving rather than living and every little problem, even things missing from my supermarket delivery, seem to be a lot bigger than they really are. At the age of 63 I do feel how much longer have I got to put up with this constant pain, lack of physical ability and so forth; as mentioned several times before thank goodness for my cat who is cuddled up between my legs as I type this one fingered.

Mike1

I am getting a lot of spam emails about arthritis, pain etc, I hope nobody has infiltrated Versus!

dachshund

Good morning everyone

Kath ((())) I've never had a caddy they are good I'm glad you got it ((())) love to Chris ((()))Anita ((())) and Val ((())) and Emily ((())) and your Dad ((()))

Reshmi ((())) I hope you have a good day children make you laugh don't they. When I was walking with crutches a young girl said what have you got wrong with your arms.

Barbara ((())) sorry about your eyes ((())) it must be hard for you doing things ((())) love to Mr B ((())) and your son (((())) and Niamh ((())) and your brother ((())) and his girlfriend (((())))

Toni ((())) sorry I don't know why I cannot find your post. That is good that P (((())) is home yes she needs the rest ((())) love to Paul ((())) and Charley ((())) and Annie ((())) and the carers ((())) and Lucy ((())) and Tia (((())) and Kari (((())) and P ((())) and your lovely neighbours ((()))

Mike ((())) when I could not stand the aching anymore I phoned the pharmacist and said she told me stronger tablets I could take I phoned the Doctors and said and I got them good luck ((())) love to Vixen ((())) and Elliott ((()))

love to Chris (((())) and Carol ((()))

dachshund

Toni I just found your post thank you ((()))

Kitty

Good morning lovelies, I've booked a prescription (14 items, not all of them) and when checking the bank this morning I found that Complete Care Shop have taken the money out for my slider skis for my walker. So they must have ordered them in for me. I'm supposed to get them around 16th September.

They replace the ferrules on the back legs.

Joan, that made me laugh, the girl asking what was wrong with your arms. What did you tell her? I remember years ago I was riding my bike on a rainy day, and wearing my sun glasses because I'd just had a corneal graft (which failed) She asked me why I was wearing them when it was raining and not thinking, I said because I was blind! You should have seen her face. Well I am blind in that eye. 🙄

Barbara, I know your eyes are a pain, but you do surprisingly well in spite of them.

Mike, the sound of crunching crisps is a good description. That's just how my neck is, but I don't know why.

Antoinette, thank you for the breakfast. Very healthy with all that fruit and nuts, yum.

Recipe from Olive

Orange loaf

1 Hour 40 Minutes Serves 8A Little Effort

This zesty orange loaf from Valentine Warner makes the perfect accompaniment to your mid-afternoon cup of tea. It's the perfect bake for when you're just beginning to welcome in Spring.

Ingredients

• oranges 2 medium-large, well scrubbed
• lemon 1, unwaxed
• golden caster sugar 175g
• unsalted butter 175g, plus extra for greasing
• self-raising flour 175g
• baking powder ½ tsp
• eggs 3
• icing sugar 100g, sifted

Method

• STEP 1
• Peel strips from the oranges with a potato peeler and cut each strip into thin shreds. Finely grate the lemon zest and put aside. cut the oranges and lemon in half and squeeze the juice. Reserve 1 tbsp juice and put the rest in a small pan with the orange zest shreds. Add 100ml water and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat slightly and simmer for about 30 minutes or until well softened.
• STEP 2
• Stir 50g golden caster sugar into the pan and boil for about 5 minutes until the liquid is syrupy and reduced to around 2 tbsp. Scoop out roughly a third of the orange shreds and put in a small bowl. Pour the remaining orange syrup and shreds into a large bowl and leave to cool for 10 minutes. Heat the oven to 180c/fan 160c/gas 4. Base line a 1.2 litre non-stick loaf tin with baking parchment and butter well.
• STEP 3
• Put the remaining golden caster sugar, butter, flour, baking powder, eggs and lemon zest in a food processor and blend on the pulse setting until just combined, thick and smooth. Transfer to the large bowl with the orange syrup and fold in lightly.
• STEP 4
• Spoon the cake batter into the prepared tin and level the surface. Bake for 35 minutes or until well risen and pale golden brown. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack until cold.
• STEP 5
• To make the icing, blend the reserved citrus juice with the icing sugar until smooth. Put a plate under the cake while it is on the cooling rack. Drizzle the icing over and leave to set for 10 minutes. Scatter the reserved orange shreds on top of the icing and serve in thick slices.

Mike1

Mike ((())) when I could not stand the aching anymore I phoned the pharmacist and said she told me stronger tablets I could take I phoned the Doctors and said and I got them good luck 

Thanks Joan but I am already on Morphine!!

bosh

Hi Barbara thanks we’re not too bad thanks I think you’re right about people being happy you have a nice day too,

hi T, that’s funny about the mummies stomach, lol, not a lot of time or energy for Lord A’s stories today unfortunately, bit of a tiring start, mum is in a tremendous strop today, I just hope it doesn’t last all day long, its raining here in Reading and thank goodness for that. Still quite stuffy though not sure how that works. Okay before I gets really bad neck also have a nice day and enjoy the cooler temperature take care. Also my usual greetings to Kathleen and turbo gran. Yes Kathleen kids are funny indeed mainly funnier from a distance, lol, I just mean I wouldn’t want to have any, no offence. Tc. Xx

Kitty

I've popped back to leave this article from the Nottingham Post, specially for spider haters. It gives tips for keeping our omes spid free. Rosie, Clarence and Florence fully approve.

https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/local-news/simple-household-items-help-stop-5885924

barbara12

Evening all..

Toni I love it 🤣why does post always come up naughty ..

Poor P she does need to rest ..hopefully visitors will realise xx

Joan I don't do to badly thankyou love to all of you xx

Mike I totally get what you say about things getting you down ,i am the same small things get me down..I hope you can get help with that neck ..xx

Reshmi I hope mum us in a better mood ,you send more story's when you are ready xx

Kath thankyou ..I rely on spell checker ..doesn't always work though 🙄

aren't there some good inventions ..hope the sliders arrive soon..Xx

Love to everyone

frogmorton

Right Mike this just isn't good enough you must must must make an appointment with the GP preferably in person. The minimum you need is to go back to the pain clinic but really I would ask to see a spinal specialist. 'No significant change' means very little in such a tiny space as the neck! A GP is just that a general practitioner. You now need an expert in the spine. You are far too young to be left putting up with this for 20 or more years! ((())) I haven't had any Arthritis spam luckily but will let you know if I do get any. Is it on your phone or your laptop/tablet?

Reshmi Oh dear I do hope your poor Mum feels a bit happier now? Not easy to live with....retreat Reshmi retreat! Perhaps your Dad upset her or it's fear over her eyes.

Funny nephew stories when you remember them or they happen is fine of course.

We had loads of rain but the temperature still seems very high and the air close 😕

Barbara spell check helps a lot doesn't it? Remember it used to change Aidan to Sudan. Or was that predictive text??

My Dad always used to say smelling pistakes.😊

P is doing ok but it is tough she is just staying in bed except for showers and the loo. Carers 4xs a day is really helping her to 'let go' of worries.

Yes Mike is right little things can feel huge when you are struggling can't they? Is Mr B on the surgery list yet?

Joan i am so glad my post reappeared for you! It's always me isn't it who goes missing? P does need her rest it's time for her to be looked after instead of running around helping everyone else. If you are out for your cafe trip today have a lovely time both of you ((())) xxx

Kitty Kat my lovely! I really like your skis 16th September is soon. Sleek will be disappointed though

She was ready.....

I bet that girls to this day tells the story of the blind girl who was riding her bike😁

The cake looks lovely you are still convincing me i need to try my egg replacer I would love some cake😋 It's 'cake Friday' on the cart. Normally we pack it away at this time of year September so waiting to be told that it's all over for another year. Well at least until Christmas when we'll do the wreaths.

You enjoyed the porridge? So did I we may go 'posh' muesli today methinks.

Mike1

Right Mike this just isn't good enough you must must must make an appointment with the GP preferably in person. The minimum you need is to go back to the pain clinic but really I would ask to see a spinal specialist. 'No significant change' means very little in such a tiny space as the neck! A GP is just that a general practitioner. You now need an expert in the spine. You are far too young to be left putting up with this for 20 or more years! ((())) I haven't had any Arthritis spam luckily but will let you know if I do get any. Is it on your phone or your laptop/tablet?

Morning Froggie, thanks for telling me what I always tell everyone else without that I would probably have boxed it away again. I WILL get hold of the surgery this morning. Thanks for calling me young too 😊 as for the spam it is coming through on my laptop into my hotmail account. Have a good day.

Mike1

Follow up: I did an "EConsult" through my surgery's website as it gives the opportunity to write everything down, I should get a response by Monday evening.

bosh

Hi Barbara thanks yes I will do when I’m up to it, lol yes I think she’s in a better mood now, one reason is because she is seeing the grandbabies, also I think maybe she didn’t sleep too well the night before last and well, I don’t know, they’re always arguments raging between my parents, to be honest, but she’s in a good mood now so that’s the main thing, thanks you have a nice day too, it’s raining here but at least it’s nice and cool temperature so far take care.

Kitty

Well. Tesco day already, how time flies when you're having fun! I've checked the order online - a few bits missing - but we have bread and milk so we can always have a slice of bread and butter and a cuppa.

Mike, you are young compared to some of us café dwellers. Of course Froggy is one of the youngest. I don't know about Bosh. 🤨

Barbara, don't get me on chell speckers!

Antoinette, yes I thought Sleek had got the wrong end of the stick when she logged into Catazon and started looking at winter woollies. 🙄

Love to Joan, Sue, Carol and Reshmi.

https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/vegetarian/vegan-gumbo/  Vegan gumbo

Vegan gumbo

A classic Southern gumbo is typically started with a French dark roux to help thicken the base of the soup. In this veg-packed version, we've use gram flour to create that base, making this gumbo not only ideal for vegans but great for people on a gluten-free diet, too

By Nadine Brown

Ingredients

• rapeseed oil 2 tbsp
• gram flour 2 1⁄2 tbsp
• celery 2 stalks, finely diced
• red onion 1 large, finely chopped
• red pepper 1, roughly chopped
• garlic 2 cloves, crushed
• chopped tomatoes 400g tin
• fresh gluten-free vegetable stock 850ml
• sweet potato 500g, peeled and cut into 2-3cm chunks
• black-eyed peas 400g tin, drained and rinsed
• okra 175g, trimmed and roughly chopped into 2cm pieces
• bay leaves 2
• flat-leaf parsley a small handful, roughly chopped
• steamed brown rice 600g, to serve

CREOLE SEASONING

• smoked paprika 2 1⁄2 tbsp
• onion powder 1 1⁄2 tbsp
• garlic powder 1 1⁄2 tbsp
• whole black peppercorns ground to make 1⁄2 tbsp
• ground white pepper 1⁄2 tbsp
• dried parsley 1⁄2 tbsp
• dried oregano 1⁄2 tbsp
• dried thyme 1⁄2 tbsp
• cayenne pepper 1⁄4 tsp

Method

• STEP 1
• Combine the ingredients for the Creole seasoning in a small bowl and then decant into a small jar. This will keep for up to six months in a cool, dry space, out of direct sunlight.
• STEP 2
• Put the oil and gram flour in a large, deep pan. Whisk together and continue to do so over a low heat for 2-3 minutes or until the mixture has thickened and turned a dark caramel colour.
• STEP 3
• Add the celery, onion, pepper and garlic, season with salt and fry for 8-10 minutes or until the vegetables have begun to soften. Add 3 tsp of the Creole seasoning, cooking for 30 seconds, then stir in the tomatoes and cook for a further minute.
• STEP 4
• Stir in the stock, sweet potato, peas, okra and bay. Bring to a boil then leave to simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes until the sweet potato is cooked through and the liquid has reduced slightly. Season to taste. Serve with steamed rice, scattered with the parsley.

Creole Lady Marmalade

dachshund

Good morning everyone

Kath ((())) the sliders look good I hope they help you ((())) love to Chris ((())) Anita ((())) and Val ((())) and Emily ((())) and your Dad ((()))

Barbara (((())) you do so well I keep thinking about Mr B ((())) putting your pants by the window to air. love to Mr B ((())) and your son ((())) and Niamh ((())) and your brother ((())) and his girlfriend ((()))

Mike ((())) I was on morphine and Co Co's now I'm on Tramadol melts I was told your body gets use to tablets and they don't work any more good luck ((()))

Toni ((())) I hope you have a good day when do the builders finish then you can rest ((())) how is Lucy's ankle ((())) is P ((())) resting better now she's home ((())) love to Paul ((())) and Charley ((())) and Annie ((())) and the carers ((())) and Lucy ((())) and Tia ((())) and Kari ((())) and P ((())) and your lovely neighbours (((()))

Reshmi (((())) I'm sorry perhaps your mum is worried about things ((()))

Love to Chris ((())) and Carol ((())) have a good weekend everyone

bosh

hi T she is in a better day mood today I think due to seeing grandbabies and various other reasons but the main thing is that her mood has improved a lot thank you. I see yes the air is getting very muggy sometimes I’ve noticed that too it’s really annoying in the night especially. Not too bad here though at least not so far I’m staying in though because of the heavy rain just giving it a break today 😄. Getting a Costa delivery, but the hot chocolate is reduced sugar so could be worse. Lord A loves dinosaur stickers I gave him some recently but the problem is that he was putting them everywhere on his tiny baby brother , inside the desserts, well that’s one way to lose weight, lol, okay take care guys bye for now.