Val's Cafe

frogmorton

Morning everyone.

No Mike?

I do hope you are alright Mike you have so much going on. Sending you some ((())) and some for Vixen too being your pusskin carer! ((()))

Kitty how is the patient? I bet you are on edge waiting to get it back. Should we be getting our laptops serviced do you think every year or so? Just a thought.

I hope all Asda shopping was present and correct? My Ocado was all here which was lovely although I forgot something typical me🙄

I went out for lunch yesterday with two friends which was lovely. It was at the 'Bistro' up the road which reopened after COVID started yesterday lunchtime. It is brilliant as the tables have always been 1m apart it's an old converted barn very warm and sunny all the windows open felt really safe.

I hope your Dad is doing ok when you ring him later ((()))

I have to agree with Brynmor I couldn't type on a tablet although they are fabulously portable for browsing.

Morning Joan how are you and Sue and the carers are they all well? My neighbour is incredible really as she has a lot of health problems. Mind you i am worried that he will get COVID now too. I hope she has got the antiviral medication from the Drs. ((()))

Reshmi that is such good news about your Mum I hope HV returns to a gentle steam now that the crisis is over. Thank goodness😊I hope you made the most of the peace on your own and didn't worry too much.

How are you though today? I am not too bad - on my third day drinking kombucha it is fizzy - natural fermentation - and I never drink fizzy drinks. I am still on the same can which contains only 12 caloies in total. I will let you know if it helps my stomach long term or even makes it worse!

Sorry you didn't get your walk yesterday. I did a surprise one. A neighbour messaged me and said she was taking her dog for a quick walk did I fancy coming along? This was half 3 and i though - why not? It was good fun actually.

Aha the Maidenhead excess family constituent will be here tomorrow? You must prepare Goddess Mimi! Your book reading skills will be tested and possibly plastic cupcake consummation might be required. I hope not for the latter!

No folic acid? Oh I would be cross, but like you would probably buy some else those ulcers will only get worse for you. Annoying when it should be there. My pharmacist is wonderful he is 5 miles from here where we used to live and i have been going to him for over 20 years since my girls were wee. He lets me know when the order seems wrong to him bless him so I can ring the surgery (where mistakes are usually made) and sort it before I come over.

I bought my hat in Scotland a few years ago in the highlands so it is very cosy, but really I want a balaclava although I might look scary it would help with my lungs. Probably trash my hair as well and yes could be itchy.....maybe I will stick with what I've got. Yours sounds lovely perfect 👌

Sweet Magnolias sounds right up my street thanks for the tip. I will have to try to get Paul on board or else watch it when he isn't here😉

Morning Toady I can hear you shouting 'present' from behind that pile of wood and...what is that? boxes?

I am very pleased to hear you have moved on to seed ordering well done that is a step in the right direction. I also had/have those gnattty thingies in bought compost grrr! In fact a layer of horticultural grit wasn't enough and those post were relegated to the greenhouse. I do indeed make my own compost as well, but use it for my tomatoes and cucumbers mostly not for in the house. I have two bokashis which get things started and then add hedge cuttings etc to two large composters which you turn? with a handle if you know what I mean. I sing Windy Miller or get Paul to do it if it's to heavy.

You should treat yourself if you need something if it makes you happy. The only rule I now have is to buy quality if I can and try to avoid plastic as much as i possibly can. You can get bamboo seed trays now you know even in B&Q!

Car shows right so far 3 planned:

1st is Paul's Fiat 128sl the rarest car here. That is at the NEC classic car restoration show March 18-20th.

Then Donnington 30th April My Figaro at the Historic festival.

Then June 4th-6th (the Jubilee celebration weekend) Laon Historique in France My Figaro. Paul will have to do most of the driving, but i will do the best bits - hehehe!

There is the Goodwood members meeting too when we will go in Paul's newest baby the TR4A That one will do my back in for definite. I will cope I hope.

I have 32 tabs open on this poor laptop😳

@Arthuritis I do hope you are doing ok. Croissants and pain au chocolat today😊

I hope you can find our replies and don't tire your eyes out too much trying to find the relevant bits Barbara. Have fun with Niamh this weekend love and ((())) xxx

Mike1

Mike (()) how many miles was that you traveled in your sister’s car I hope you don’t have to wait to long to know the results (()) thinking of you and vixen.

Hi Dashund, it was a round trip of 52 miles but felt a lot longer! Thanks for your kind thoughts.

Mike1

No Mike? I do hope you are alright Mike you have so much going on. Sending you some ((())) and some for Vixen too being your pusskin carer! ((()))

Morning Froggie, I thought I put a whinging post on yesterday. Never mind I still pop in for a nosey, just a bit down in the dumps at the moment. Have a nice day.

Kitty

Good morning lades and jelly spoons, MY LAPTOP IS HOME - yay.

John repaired my drive enough to clone it, and copy all data to my spanking new SSD drive (no moving parts). It is so fast now, I've kept John's phone number and wil send for him again should we need him. He was very reasonable too.

Antoinette, Only one item missing from Asda, and one sub, so Kitty is a very happy bunnt all round. More importantly, Chris is too - a very rare thing! I haven't rang dad yet, but I'm sure he's OK and slurping a cup of (weak) tea.

The following recipe is from the BHF website.

Moroccan-spiced tomato sauce with roast vegetables and chickpeas

Category: Main meal | Serves: 2-3

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 35-45 minutes

1. Preheat oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas mark 6. Place olive oil and ras el hanout spice in a small dish and stir.
2. Place onion, pepper, butternut squash, courgettes and garlic (if using) in a non-stick roasting tin. Add oil mixture to vegetables; toss together to mix well. Shake tin to level vegetables into a single layer.
3. Roast in oven for 20-15 minutes or until vegetables are brown and tender, stirring once or twice. Add canned tomatoes, stock and chickpeas to roasting tin; stir to mix. Roast in oven for a further 10-15 minutes or until mixture is hot and bubbling, stirring once.
4. Sprinkle over chopped coriander; server immediately on its own or with baked potatoes, cooked pasta or pitta bread.

Cook's tips

• Ras el hanout can be substituted with mixed ground spiced such as chilli powder, cumin and coriander or curry powder.

INGREDIENTS

4 tsp olive oil

2 tsp ras el hanout spice

1 red onion, cut into 8 wedges

1 red or yellow pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks

200g (7oz) prepared butternut squash (flesh only), diced

2 small courgettes, cut into chunks

1 clove garlic, finely chopped (optional)

400g (14oz) can cherry tomatoes in juice

2 tbsp homemade vegetable stock or water

150g ( 5 1/2oz) canned chickpeas in water (drained weight), rinsed and drained chopped fresh coriander to garnish

British Heart Foundation is a registered Charity No. 225971. Registered as a Company limited by guarantee in England & Wales No. 699547. Registered office at Greater London House, 180 Hampstead Road, London NW1 7AW. Registered as a Charity in Scotland No. SC039426

dachshund

Good morning everyone

Kitty (()) has your laptop come home if so is it behaving. Love to Chris (()) and Anita (()) and Val (()) and Emily (()) and your Dad (())

Toni (()) thank you yes everyone is well some carers are leaving because they work from 7 00 am till 11 00 at night without a break. That is something to look forward to car show’s good luck love to Paul (()) and Charley (())) and Annie (()) and the carers (()) and Lucy (()) and Tia (()) and Kari (()) and your lovely neighbours yes that lady is strong I hope her husband does not catch it (())

Toady (()) you find plenty to keep you busy have a good weekend

Reshmi (()) have a good weekend that’s good your mum is feeling better (())

Barbara (()) have a good weekend love to everyone (())

Mike (()) yes I bet you felt stiff that did not do you any good sorry you have the worry at least you have vixen to talk to have a good weekend

Carol (())

Arthuritis

@toady

Hope you can stay in and stay warm.

Are you on any medication now? What kind of autoimmune condition have you got?

I am on 20mg MTX tabs

Arthuritis

@frogmorton Thanks for the tip on the vegan tofu scrambled egg! Great tip, will try to see if spainsbury stocks it! Mmmhh hot cross buns… i wish i was enjoying those in their café, its not just any café mmmhh!

Can’t wait to see your pics from your france voitures historiques holiday!

BTW, are you on any DMARDs? How do you manage bloods & stuff while on holiday?

bosh

hi Toni how are you today? I understand about the drink natural fermentation fair enough hope it works for you, that’s good about the surprise walk. Thanks About my mum. I’m feeling a lot better than yesterday thanks because the stress about my mum was obviously a big factor in my mood et cetera until we knew she was fine. Best not to over insulate your face, lol, not worth The horrible psoriasis risk. That’s good About your pharmacist here we seem to have thousands of temp pharmacists and most of them are pretty rubbish to be honest unfortunately. Yes LA and BR in tomorrow so you’re right I need to practice my elocution lessons and do voice exercises on top of all the other exercises oh no maybe not, lol. Sis Just sent a video to me of the two kids in the morning it was so sweet because I think LA was doing some kind of morning physio and BR was trying to copy him, he’s only just about learnt how to stand bless him so he just did the tiny back stretch, but with such love in his eyes I think LA is definitely a God to him, GA perhaps? Or maybe even GI would sound good? Oh no gastrointestinal problems do not sound or feel good at all to me, lol.

That reminds me

Hi t how are you today? I just thought I’d ask when you had the methotrexate injections how did it work exactly? did you have to inject yourself? or did the GP or nurse do it? Thanks, I hope you’re feeling a bit better now on your current meds? take care. Xx

Back to Toni sorry being a bit disorganised again my stomach is okay right now but then I really had very simple food and also excess are coming tomorrow so it becomes difficult because I get pressured to eat certain kinds of food and I’d rather not going to the whole horrible thing but with any luck they’re coming later in the day and not at lunchtime they’re waiting for the important delivery or something at least there is the possibility they’ll be coming later on okay deliveries of pains in the neck oh that was a good phrase wasn’t it somewhat appropriate, lol? But the thing is with my sister generally speaking is her megabrain and the self absorbed nature have become so tremendous that nothing else is important to her anyway I won’t go sister bashing right now because you never know who’s infiltrating the Internet, Iol, Im not sure if I’ve answered all points, but I need to get on with things now before HV fully erupts, lol.Tc. Xx

hi to Kitty Barbara and Joan and Ar , Joan I hope you and S are okay today? How are you today Barbara? did you book your kidney blood test? Hi Kitty hope you’re well okay I’ll go now because otherwise time will run out The preparations for the Excess. Xx

toady

Hello all 😊

@Arthuritis thank you, yes, I am staying in today (pretty much most of the time at the moment - too much probably! you can keep winter for me, as I may have mentioned.. just once or twice.. 😉 ). I am on medication for RA, hydroxychloroquine and a biologic (I won't mention which as I've become a bit superstitious during the Covid and I don't want to jinx myself - silly I know!) Mtx on its own did not do anything for me, I did take it alongside another biologic as it is supposed to help by working in combination as you probably know; whether it did, who knows! I can recommend the injections from the side effect angle but that's just my experience. Hope you can have a quiet weekend too; unless you have things you want to do, in which case I hope you feel up to them :)

Yes @bosh I did my own injections, after I'd been shown, lucky for me I didn't mind. I meant to add yesterday, that toward the end of me having it my hospital switched to the spring-loaded sort of auto pen so you don't have to 'inject' manually in the same way as a syringe; some people prefer it and it's less fiddly (depends how your hands are). I am ok on my current meds but I'd say I am just about stable rather than good, I know that if I have a steroid injection I feel more my old self for example, but I wouldn't switch unless I absolutely had to. Hope you are not too tired and coping ok with family, & for tomorrow (hopefully the visit will be late; later the better I expect!) x

Hello frog, I have slipped a few more seeds in my shopping so will update when I'm done. Small setback; I mentioned extra pots, I had actually started putting them in my basket 3 or 4 days ago (at a store that shall remain nameless but they sell bamboo seed trays, ahem) - prices had gone up a few pence from last year but you'd expect that. I went online today, and they had gone up again just in that time - enough to mean I would have saved quite a few pounds if I made the order then & there. I checked the large ones I had bought last year, out of interest, and they have doubled! Gosh! There was a review complaining, they will get a few more I should think. When I said I will buy what I need nowadays, that was not an invitation for shops to put their prices up in my face! 🙄 And the cruel twist? There are perfectly nice, nicer maybe, much cheaper pots at a rival store - but - no home delivery. People don't seem to want me to have things do they.. pots, chimney pots.. infamy, infamy, they've all got it in for me 😂. I love the vision of you turning your compost handle 😀 dear Old Camberwick Green, they don't make 'em like that any more. I will look out for car show updates thank you! Hope neighbour's OH is ok. 😧 Did you see the chap who was nearly crushed in his greenhouse by neighbour's van? And had only gone in for his lunch?! Heavens! 😱

Hello joan, yes I am keeping busy indoors, the Covid and the weather have rather put the 'tin lid' on going out, as they say! but I ought to go for small walks at least, everyone here is putting me to shame including you taking the dogs out, I must really make the effort! Hope you have a good Sunday. xx

Kitty has a shiny new SSD, I'm envious! One of these days maybe. So glad all is safe & sound! 😊 And glad your shopping is safely gathered in as well. Must look at mine today for next week - but I'd rather not.

Love to Barbara if passing xx

Best to everyone xx

barbara12

Evening all not a nice day outside

Please firg7ve me for not typing much this macular is getting worse, but ti be expected..just hope they see me out ..sorry about the pun..🤪

Toni hope your friend will ge OK..people are getting covis more than once..hopefully it's on it way out ..glad the girls are enjoying there honeymoon and you both enjoy the far shows xx

Reshmi hiw is mum I suppose she us waiting fir the results ..hope you are doing ok xx

Toady I see you signed the register 😂 gosh I look forward to spring ..good fir you getting seeds and making di wuth peices if wood ..to much thrown away xx

Joan how are you and Sue doing you both put up with so much and just get on with things xx

Mike I really feel fir you ..i bet you are in agony today has well ..thank goodness fir your sister..I hope all the test are ok xx

Kitty glad your laptop is home and better then ever..and thankyou for the Moroccan recipe thing you already know I like chicken peas xx

Love to all xx xx

frogmorton

Morning everyone😊

Raining - it's ☔ ah well.

Morning Mike. Yesterday I ventured into a place I had been after visiting for months and months. The vintage emporium near Lucy's work. I was so excited to go masks on Paul parked really close this a pic is just for you of what I saw there (amongst many other things of course)obviously thought of you! The place is HUGE so I felt very safe.

I do hope you are doing ok I am thinking of you and hoping that soon your GP is able to give you some news so you know what is going on ((()))

Good Morning happy bunny Kitty! Only one item missing and one subs very good result. Clearly neither were things Chris wanted so he is happy that must help you a lot.

As for the return of your laptop all working again that is great news even better that your computer man has been able to sort you out with an SSD so all good no more lost poems. I was so worried and had started looking for all the ones you have posted on here. I think we need one about 'lost things' don't you now?

Yes Dad is probably slurping tea - weak tea though? 🤢

Takes all sorts I suppose....

Thank you for the Moroccan-spiced tomato sauce with roast vegetables and chickpeas. I have googled the spices 'el hanout' and you can buy them in supermarkets even swartz do them (sp). I think we all love chick peas here don't we? I have been making a Mediterranean couscous with them and Lucy has been chomping it all up as fast as I can make it! kids eh?

Joan my neighbour is strong she has been so close to death many times, but she recovers every time. Always has time for people too. Gosh Sue's carers are suffering those are dreadful hours how do they even get a life at all for themselves and their families? ((())) for you and Sue.

@Arthuritis you have to make your own tofu scrambled eggs, but trust me it's easy the only unusual things are nutritional yeast (sainsbury's do stock that) and black salt. Wait till you crush that and smell the eggy smell!

Bloods become less frequent when you have been on your meds a while to be fair and when COVID is over you will develop the sort of relationship where you can do them a few days early, like ordering repeat prescriptions early, if you are going to be away. Don't worry life is ok once you get into the swing of it so to speak😁

Morning Reshmi I hope today is a good day for you with your excess family visiting. At least there will be plenty to distract HV. I hope the delivery delays them enough (of course your sister's needs rate higher than anyone else's!) so that you can get away with eating only foods which will not harm your stomach too much🤞

You must have been so worried about your Mum kidney disease is very serious and can't be taken lightly. It sounds as though your Mum is doing all the right things like she should and keeping healthy. Well done her.

I can picture you doing voice exercises there la la la la la la la la laaaa!🎶 So you should be ready to discharge your Auntie duties perfectly. What an adorable sight it must have been LA doing his physio and BR copying him. How wonderful BR thinks LA is! Long may that adoration, love and loyalty last. A lifetime I hope 🤗 GLA that's him.

I am lucky having a proper family pharmacist. His nephew works there now too so even when he retires there is excellent back up. They all know me in there and stop what they are doing for a chat. They have seen us through so much health wise with Lucy's cancer, my surgery, Lucy's epilepsy etc etc

Sounds windy out there as well as rainy - will we manage our walk?

Oh dear me Toady! The pots to which you refer (sage green?) at the company which I also use have gone up what can you do? That is a ludicrous price hike and can only be because us gardeners have cottoned on to bamboo rather than plastic🤬 Naughty aren't they?

It's a conspiracy. That's what it is!

I keep looking at my seed trays and nothing doing yet.....of course it has only been 2/3 days, but I am an impatient gardener😳

Paul did Windy Miller yesterday as I made him add some leaves....too much organic matter in there at the moment due to lack of winter gardening, but plenty of eating hence lots of bokashi. I will try to take a photo at some point so you can see it.

Photos will be posted of various car shows and events as they happen to bore you - apart from the NEC most are outdoor so nice and safe. Much safer I hope than innocently pottering your own greenhouse can be it sems😯

Hi Barbra how are you? I see not a good 'eye day' yesterday I am sorry I hope they 'see' you out too.

Has Niamh been? I hope so she is growing up fast and before we know it she will want to see her friends at weekends. Mind you maybe your older Grandchildren will be making babies by then. Charley and Annie seem anxious to get started with their baby production.

How much do we love chick peas - ok for kidneys I hope I am planning a chick pea dish for my brother to try. Dodging salt is easy enough.

Remember the bracelet Bill made for Tia's wedding well it has arrived back here safe and sound after he repaired it for the 3rd time!!! This time it's in the curly wire so absolutely cannot break! Toni proofed it is😁

Take care now

vegan option

Mike1

Thanks for the picture Froggie and your kind thoughts,

dachshund

Good morning everyone

Kitty (()) that’s good news your laptop is working well. and only one thing in your order was missing (()) love to Chris (()) and Anita (()) and Val (()) and Emily (()) and your Dad (())

Barbara (()) how are your pains you have so many problems (()) love to Mr B (()) and your son (()) and Niamh (()) and your brother (()) and his girlfriend (()) and your niece (()) and her fiancé (())

Toady (()) where do you live we are in Wiltshire

Arthuritis (()) you have Ra I have Oa you are doing well

Toni (()) that looked a good shop you went to yesterday. How is your neighbour now (()) love to Paul (()) and Charley (()) and Annie (()) and the carers (()) and Lucy (()) and Tia (()) and Kari (()) and your lovely neighbours (())

Reshmi (()) your mum (()) is doing well take care

Mike (()) how are you and vixen

Carol (())

Kitty

Typed a huge post, and lost it. Can't do it again as my neck, shoulder, spine and hips are so painful.

Arthuritis

@frogmorton Thanks for the tofu-how-to tip! Much appreciated! Can’t wait to try. Monday is delivery day.

I look at Tim Spector’s C19 zoe app on covid spread, and I see it will be many weeks before I venture out. Despite govt reassurances Tim Spector’s app gives a real world view of the rising spread in London.

toady

'Morning all :) nice dismal day here (I'm in the Midlands joan, we're in for a wet week it seems.. I suppose we have to pay for the long dry spell we've just had 😔 ). Hope not too bad where you are but Wilts looks much the same, looking at the forecast.

Frog.. as above, not much gardening weather for us 😕☂️ bah. Looking at your seed trays already, oh yes, that's me too 😂 you can imagine how well I get on with something like Astrantia - 'can be very slow indeed to germinate.. please be very patient and do not discard the seed pan, no matter how long it takes.." Really I should give in and buy a plant, then I'd have a plant that should self seed and the freshest possible seeds. The pots I was talking about are large terracotta - I probably have all the functional/grow pots I'll ever need, just not enough container-gardening type pots. 2 of my favourites I rescued from a skip - that's more my kind of price 😉 ..if materials were in short supply or Covid had affected things you could understand but it doesn't explain how other stores can manage to sell you something much more reasonably priced. Ooh, what a lovely vintage place 😍 did you buy anything? Surely you did. What brilliant models.. tiny greenhouses! maybe Banksy will slip an extra litle shed in among them that they can sell for £1000s. I love that ladder I have one like it, old ladders are fabulous in their own right, have to say I wince when I see people turning them into novelty bookshelves or something. I meant to say your converted barn lunch place sounds lovely too, nice to go somewhere normal and nice for them to be able to reopen! haven't businesses had an awful time. Look forward to compost pics, and deer pics if you ever get one! :)

Oh Kitty so sorry you lost a post 😬 starting again would be just too much, I've done it with emails sometimes, & could cry. You never feel it would be the same, either. See you again soon & hope you had nothing too complicated to tell, & it's mainly just the annoyance.

Hello Barbara & sorry things are not better for you and do be very slapdash reading anything of mine, it won't be riveting and if it is I will repeat it in bold (& try and post some more pictures). Yes my grandad was a carpenter and I wish I had inherited more skill from him rather than just a liking for wood & woodwork, my other was a plumber, think how useful if I had all their ability put together!

Hope everyone else is as well as possible, I'm away to put the kettle on and checkout my seed order.. and I ought to do some ebay listings as there's a promotional fees offer.. oh dear, 'play' is so much more appealing than 'work' xx

bosh

Hi t , Thanks for your message, I know what you mean steroid injections some people think they can go on having on forever but of course that would very dangerous and foolish. This is a public voice controlling session as I like to call it, lol, so I can’t speak freely but yes I’m dealing with the excess family situation thanks, but only really managed to get any proper sleep about an hour ago but at least that sleep did happen. I hope you’re Having a nice Sunday take care. Xx

bosh

Hi Barbara thanks for the nice message my mum‘s got her results already the docs said she’s doing well thanks for asking, how are things with you? The excess family are here today is here so it’s a bit of a stressful day, take care of yourself. Xx

bosh

Hi T how are you? I am completely exhausted by the excess family duties, which includes the finding and distributing of multicoloured dinosaur stickers, lol. Of course it is lovely to see the kids, but in this semi public was controlling session, I will just say that there is a lot of stress involved, oh yes indeed. I did manage a walk today thanks for asking but I couldn’t sleep properly straight after because of thermostat issues et cetera but did eventually make up for sleep here roughly 1:30 pm thank goodness for that otherwise I wouldn’t have lasted auntie duties would’ve been completely unfulfilled, lol. Also didn’t help as I didn’t sleep that great last night got very stuffy my mum had the same problem anyway it’s over now 😁. Didn’t actually do any voice exercises but maybe my sis should do some because she’s one of these people who likes to sing, she has a good voice but to be honest with you horrendous taste in music most of the time, lol. Thanks about my mum I also Think as far as I’m aware she’s also doing well with her diabetes she has a lot stronger mind than I have and even though my dad is constantly tempting her with junkfood she stands strong with him I hate him for doing this to be honest and I always will do okay bye for now hope you’re enjoying nice time with your “ just the right amount of family”, lol. Tc xx

bosh

hi to everyone just quickly want to mention that I was on FB today and Turbogran aka Carol said hi to the group and she will try and be on here very soon okay have a nice evening everyone take care. Xx

frogmorton

Morning everyone😁

Happy Valentine's Day

Morning Mike I am of course still thinking about you and will continue to send strong vibes through the ether to Cornwall. Sleek is sending cat treats....

Good Morning Kitty I am so sorry you accidentally lost your post. So frustrating isn't it? Not worth trying again if you are in even more severe pain than usual. As Toady said the second version is never really as good as the original.

I wonder, with this being Valentine's day whether Holly has ever had a love interest or is she still too busy with the girls?

Miss Sleekipuss has got out an old card from Pepe and looks at it sighing.......😕

Morning @Arthuritis I hope you get some fun stuff in your delivery today🤞

I can see the London figures on the Zoe COVID app you must remain vigilant and OFF the tube or town centre for now I have to agree. OUrs are going down nicely at less than 3.5,000 atm.

Morning Toady I few of my terracotta pots cracked last year - probably my own fault having had the garden done and not putting them safely away, but I hope i still have enough. I do not understand at all why some companies charge so much more for the same item either or some don't offer 🚚 delivery.

I have checked on my seed trays....nothing doing still🙄 I want to see my babies popping their heads out🌱

I was remarkably restrained and didn't buy anything (this time) although there was one chimney (huge) £120 one enormous metal vase and two cast iron pots I had my eye on. The van (Paul's) was loaded though ready for work so no room at the inn. I 'll be back!!!!!!!!!

I have a ladder like that it's my Dad's. I suppose better they are used if indoors rather than being scrapped? I know those dear little greenhouses!! I adore them. Mike makes those I think when he has done Nottingham Castle for Kitty he must do us a garden or a café - sorry Mike.

Did I say I had loads of plants from people in the village? well one was astrantia so sorry I have cheated, but gosh how long can a woman be expected to wait eh?

Morning Reshmi - well done walking! It must have stopped raining in Reading (the famous holiday destination) it rained all day here yesterday 🙄

It is reassuring to note that your Mum had the same problem sleeping the night before as you I hope last night was better.

I see you were able to discharge your Auntie duties properly yesterday and in fact added a new duty/skill to your repertoire 'dinosaur sticker distribution'. The duties of an Auntie are never ending🤭No excess family for me luckily for now I hope none of mine have any children just yet I was hoping for some holidays once COVID finally lets us out. Paul is picking Charley and Annie up from Gatwick tonight. Annie was a lobster when they videocalled the other night🙄

Your Mum is good to manage her diabetes and a strong woman to stand up to your Dad regarding unhealthy food choices. I may have said before, but my Dad was a diet saboteur and used to bring my Mum home cakes when she tried to diet.

BTW my nephew and niece in law shop at Sainsbury's and now i have one chocolate vegan kefir to try for my stomach. Better than the fizzy and caffeinated kombucha, BUT more expensive so we shall see.

Thanks for letting us know that Carol is ok and might pop in soon.

Hope you had a good weekend Barbara and can find our replies to your post here.

Take care everyone

breakfast quesadillas

vegan option!

Mike1

Mike (()) how are you and vixen

Vixen is fine thanks Carol.

Thanks Froggie.

Kitty

Let's recap on yeserday as rhe pain in my shoulder isn't too bad.

1 I can't find the poem about Avril saving my life anywhere. Checked hard drivr, checked YW, checked all my pen drives and cloud drives. I have umpteen back ups but it isn't anywhere!

2 dad is fine, he use to have 2 sugars in his tea, but now has none. I've never known him drink coffe nor have strong tea, even though mum like the spoon to stand up in hers.

3 I'm assembling another poetry book to donate to VA called Kitty's Memories (unless I change it).

Holly doesn't have a man in her life ATM, but she'd like one. With her past history, I worry she'll end up with a new baby and left alone!

Reshmi, thanks for the message from Carol. I hope you're not in too much paim. I used to inject MTX (25mg) but now take Leflunomide and only have 7.5mg MTX in tablet form.

Hope Joan, Barbara, Mike and Aurthuritis are all OK.

Okra and tomato tabbouleh

 30 Minutes Serves 2Easy

Okra, or ladies fingers, is a subtle-flavoured vegetable that works well with strong flavours. This recipe with bulgar wheat, mint, parsley and lemon is ideal

Published: December 19, 2014 at 2:33 pm

Olive Magazine

Ingredients

• bulgar wheat 50g
• okra 175g, ends trimmed
• olive oil
• garlic 1 clove, crushed
• tomatoes 4, chopped
• kalonji (black onion seeds) 1 tsp
• flat leaf parsley 1 bunch, chopped
• mint 1 bunch, chopped
• lemon 1, juiced
• yoghurt to serve (optional)

Method

• STEP 1
• Put the bulgar wheat in a bowl, add enough boiling water to cover it by 1cm, cover with a plate and leave for 20 minutes.
• STEP 2
• Meanwhile, fry the okra in a little oil and as it softens, add the garlic and stir, followed by the tomatoes. Simmer everything for 5 minutes and then add the kalonji and season well.
• STEP 3
• Drain the bulgar wheat and stir in the parsley, mint and lemon, season well and stir in some olive oil. Spoon into a bowl and spoon the okra on top. Add some yoghurt, if you like.

dachshund

Good morning everyone

Kitty (()) I’m sorry you lost your post yesterday very frustrating I know it caused you pain has well sorry (()) love to Chris (()) and Anita (()) and Val (()) and Emily (()) and your Dad (())

Toady (()) spring will soon be here have a good day.

Toni (()) have a good day how is your lovely neighbour(()) love to Paul (()) and Charley (()) and Annie (()) and the carers (()) and Lucy (()) and Tia (()) and Kari (())

Reshmi (()) I was told you could only have 3 steroid injections then you had an operation love to your mum ((())

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Mike (()) how are you and vixen.

bosh

Hi Toni happy happy Valentine’s Day to you as well, even though this is not really something that affects me, lol, my mum did give some special chocs to LA for valentine’s Day though, He called them Valens’ Day chocolate and wanted to eat them immediately there’s a surprise, lol. It’s actually raining in the famous holiday destination but I just caught a bit of rain on the tail end of my walk so it wasn’t too bad thanks, I’ve only just really fully made up my sleep though, in the morning I had a nap in the spare room with portable heater on skin was a bit prickly of course, but my goodness I needed that rest so at least I’m fully rested now which is great thanks 😁. No Worries about Carol. Choc kefir sounds nice shame it’s expensive though. Oh Dear lobster tan that’s one problem I don’t have to worry about thankfully, lol, my sister though has quite a pale complexion for an Asian person , so she tans easily as is quite prone to heatstroke etc, when we went to India once she was still a kid, maybe 9 or something like that, she got really flustered and hot bless her, so some complete strangers all got off a bench and let her rest there and drink water , it was an Indian family, just outside The Taj Mahal, it was a v nice gesture they made, the kindness of strangers, not something I’ve come across often, tbh. Ok I’ll stop there. Tc. Xx.