Val's Cafe

Mike1

Still no contact from my surgery with the results of the plethora of tests that have been undertaken over the past few weeks so I sent them a long email yesterday expressing my concern and anxiety with the request that the GP who is scheduled to phone me on Thursday about my blood pressure tells me about all the test results. However, when the post arrived there was a copy of a letter sent from the hospital to my GP the day after I had an appointment with ENT and biopsies were taken which has got me extremely wound up and worried as it mentioned Lymphoma and said that the biopsy results would follow along with a suggested plan of action! I would much rather have received this news face to face but could not phone the surgery to get some reassurance yesterday it being a Saturday. I know that I need not worry until the biopsy result come through but it does not stop me quaking in my boots. The only person I can speak to about this is my baby Sister and there is no way I am going to dump this on her; I have not even told the cat! Anyway, well done to the GB curling teams, especially the girls who got the gold. Have a good day peeps.

frogmorton

Mike I am so glad to see your post. Of course you want to discuss all your results not just your Blood pressure so the email was very, very good idea.

That letter! What kind of an idiot sends out a letter like that? Incredulous! and to arrive on a Saturday too. I would also be quaking in my boots and wish I could give you some reassurance before the biopsy results come through, but as you know that isn't possible. In the meantime though I would talk to your sister she would not want to know her big bro had such worries and was keeping them to himself. We are a safe place to vent too I am sure you know that ((()))

As for Vixen she knows. Cats can read don't forget.😉

VERY proud of the ladies curling team they did so well🤩

Arthuritis

@frogmorton Morning! Love the vegan brekkie! Windows still there, haven’t ventured out to survey the damage though!

dachshund

Good morning everyone

Kitty (()) how are you and Chris (()) getting on with all the wind and rain stay safe. Love to Anita (()) and Val (()) and Emily (()) and your dad (())

Barbara (()) you go careful and your family love to Mr B (()) and your son (()) and Niamh (()) and your brother (()) and his girlfriend (()) and your niece (()) and her fiancé (())

Toady (()) you wonder how the plants can stay up in this weather when big trees fall.

Toni (()) I read there is another strong wind coming called Frederick I keep saying I would like a bit of snow. I’m sorry you still have a pain in your knee (()). Love to Paul (()) and Charley (()) and Annie (()) and the carers (()) and Lucy (()) and Tia (()) and Kari (()) and your lovely neighbours (())

Mike (()) I’m sorry you have not heard yet (()) perhaps your Doctor will ring tomorrow they must know you would be worried. Love to vixen

Arthuritis

Laugh or cry?😂@frogmorton @bosh @Kitty

bosh

Hi Ar , I feel for you most definitely lol, these days only ever indulge in soya ice cream and that’s not that often when I do it’s a sort of three day indulgence then I have to throw it out can’t trust myself, lol, when my dad had his heart bypass operation quite some time ago now, the docs all said that ice cream is one of the worst things for us can hundred percent block the arteries so we are doing well in generally resisting how are you feeling today? I’m not too bad mind you I must admit I’ve just had some Lucozade but that’s also something I generally speaking don’t do, lol.Tc

bosh

Hi To Kitty Joan and Barbara how are you today ? Joan I’m not so bad thank you, how’s Sue? Hope you’re having a nice Sunday afternoon, Tc xx

how are things with you Barbara? I hope you’re enjoying this Sunday afternoon, Tc, xx

glad that you managed in the storm K , though I personally wouldn’t have gone out unless I was starving tbh, lol.

hi Toni how are you ? oh no you’re poor knee you’re right it’s best to be careful and use the wheat bag or deep heat therapy sounds like a good idea to me, my stomach is just about okay with the methotrexate thanks but whether I’ve sabotaged that by eating too many almonds and so on and so forth I don’t know only time will tell I guess 🤢. Remember me telling you I made the tune pizzas ? I remember once I was at work in a kind of office job and one girl told me off because I was eating tuna sandwiches in the kitchen she said they smelt too bad and fishy what else would they smell like cheese? She wasn’t my boss or anything so I wasn’t really worried but it was a little bit strange, lol. LA is on to another lady baby special friend now called Leila they fought with breadsticks apparently, well better than fighting with divorce lawyers, lol, though maybe that will happen in the future, lol. BR can say water and hiya now and recently when his big brother was having a tantrum about not being allowed to eat a whole box of Chocolate or something like that he looked at his daddy and said “mad” haha, oh he seems to be a very perceptive young man already, let’s just hope he doesn’t develop mega brain syndrome hey Toni? Lol. My Leg is actually hurting a little bit now upper leg when getting up and things like that but it’s getting better it’s definitely much better than yesterday I went on a very little walk because of the horrible rain and wind but it definitely helped me but I don’t really think there’s anything to worry about for me there but thanks for asking it is a nuisance though isn’t it? I really I never knew how much cold could affect the joints till I developed arthritis. On the subject of tuna though my sister really hates tuna she’s not vegan or vegetarian but she detests tuna with an almighty passion once my mum gave her some chicken when we were kids and and told her it was tuna she ate it loved it then found out and went completely mad oh those little sisters they certainly keep us entertained, lol. I think I better stop there because I seem to have waffled on and on and got a few things to get done have a nice day Toni take rest and take care. Xx

toady

Gosh, well, that wasn't all over by any means.. really quite nasty for most of the day (no snow or sleet yesterday, frog, just wet.. and buckets of rain today.. and dark, good grief ☁️ ). And 8 more hours of those horrible black-spot wind speeds tomorrow apparently, then the sun is coming out. Believe it when I see it! Mustn't grumble, though, when you know what you could have had. (That cat looks as miserable in its raincoat as I do in one! What a little dear though 😍). Anyway not a day for accomplishing anything, so I have thrown in the towel and the cafe teatowel, will just have to sit it out tomorrow too, impossible to concentrate with Wuthering Heights in the background🌪️(Talking of which, my neighbour was playing Christmas music today, chestnuts roasting on an open fire sort of thing, which I have to say, was all I needed 😶 ). Love to you & your brand new tomato seedling 😊🍅

and love to everyone else, & see you soon. xx

Yes Joan, amazing how anything stands up to this. If this is the way the weather is turning I may think twice about putting in rows & rows of sunflowers as planned! One I planted the year before last, not as well staked as could be, the wind caught me out and bent it in two - but because it was bent not snapped, I was able to splint it back into place & it still flowered & I was able to get seeds from it 😊🌻. Hope this weather will pass over soon where you are! a bit of peace & quiet will be nice!

Hope Barbara is ok I have the kettle on a rolling boil xx

Wish everyone a decent night or as best as we're going to get 🙄 xxx

frogmorton

Morning everyone

Blimey it's windy out there

How right were you Joan the wind is almost worse! I can't believe it. More things blowing around the garden. You can have some snow as long as it comes down when we are all indoors warm and with plenty of food. Then it must go before we need to go out again😉 ((())) xxx

@Arthuritis I am very pleased to hear your windows are still in, but who knows what destruction there is outside😣 As for that icecream well! I won't be getting mine from there. I love the swedish glace? it's the nicest icecream (vegan) ever, but like Reshmi only an occasional treat sadly🙄

Mike I replied to your post from yesterday, yesterday still sending ((())) and strength.

Morning Reshmi. I have all is well and your leg is easing off? is it the same leg as my knee I wonder? Mine is left. I promise I am being careful and have put away my 6 inch 👠 hahahaha! Keeping moving even short walks really is good for us. As for the weather read this:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2019/october/research-indicates-links-between-weather-and-arthritis-pain/

With regards to your tuna (healthy) butties at work your colleague was most rude! The same thing happened to Lucy with the Mediterranean couscous I make. It does have some garlic in it to be fair, but I would be more likely to say 'that smells nice'! Wouldn't you?

Oooooh! Lord A has a new lady friend does he? Leila👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 A fight with breadsticks sounds like flirting indeed!!! That boy is going to be trouble with the women when he grows up!😍 Baby R's brain worries me already he is clearly very observant and his choice of words impressive for such a wee one. Is there anything we can do to help him before it grows too big?

Sisters are the funniest things yes but we wouldn't be without them. Their japes can give us useful distraction from aching bones can't they🤭

Toady I have 3 yes 3 tomato seedlings now. No more geraniums, but that always happens I only ever get very few come up I have no idea why and you get hardly any seeds in a packet too🙄

I know this weather?! is it worse than storms Dudley and Eunice? I think it is. I really hope you are right about some sunshine we need some and my veggie patch is calling me. The lettuce trough....I want to make it self watering. P who died at the end of the year did teach me how, but can I remember? Maybe🤔

I have picked up the café towel and put in with the others on a hot wash. I am sorry to hear your neighbour's choice of music.....a tad early for me I'm afraid. Mind my neighbour (the new ones with the huge trampoline) is having a 60th birthday party on my birthday cheeky eh? Hers is really the next day, but it's a Sunday. their parties are a bit rowdy - they had 70 there one night during lockdown😮

Woo-ooo to Kitty me duck are you ok? Did you see poor Sleek hanging onto this tree?

is that in your garden?

She made it down safely as you can imagine. I hope by now you have heard that your daughter is ok after that storm hit the West Coast.

I hope Barbara's absence was only due to visiting family and nothing to worry about? Did you see Niamh I bet she misses staying over and eating Grandad's bacon.

Love to you all.

Better get on it's Monday and the house is a tip!

the ready brek is on!

dachshund

Good morning everyone

Kitty (()) how are you doing. love to Chris (()) and Anita (()) and Val (()) and Emily (()) and your Dad (())

Barbara (()) I hope all is well there (())

Toady (()) I hope you have a good day today they say this is the last day of the windy weather

Toni (()) It’s March next week we don’t need anymore wind do we. How is your knee today i hope it feels better. Love to Paul (()) and Charley (()) and Annie (()) and the carers (()) and Lucy (()) and Kari (()) and your lovely neighbours (()) how are they doing.

Reshmi (()) how are you have a good day and your family (())

Mike I hope you hear from your Doctor today (()) love to vixen.

Kitty

Morning, oh I get so fed up of typing in the dark. Even though the lamp is on and shining on my laptop!

Reshmi, I love the fact that little BabyR has noticed that LA is mad. But does he mean angry, or barmy? As he was fighting with breadsticks, I'm not sure which it is. I think your lrg must be reacting to the rain we're having.

Arhuritis, the only thing missing from that sign, is NO ICECREAM! they are taking all the pleasure out of eating. I've had half a giant bar of Bournville chocolate two days running. At least I'll die with a (chocolate) grin on my face.

I hope Joan, Sue, Barbara and Carol are safe and well,

Toady, are you still safe? Bon't go out to water your seedlings today.

Antoinette, that tree is one of the flowering cherries that adorn the middle of our court. What is she like? Marie=Claire is fune thanks. She said on FB "North Cornwall and Westward Ho! Got a right bashing and south Wales has suffered a lot too. Bideford is tucked in a little bit and just about survived. We were lucky that Eunice turned up later than predicted and missed the spring tide. That could have been quite a different story."

Speaking about FB, Anita had her profile hacked. I got a friend request from her and warned her!

Pumpkins not just for Jack-o’-Lanterns

18 Oct 2021

Posted at 15:21h in Recipes, The ANRF Chronicle by ANRF 0 Comments Share

Fall brings leaves changing colors, crisp, cool mornings, a move from sandals to boots, and a transition from casual summer lunches to warm, comfort food meals. Surprisingly, one of the most iconic images of fall is not just meant for your autumn decor to be carved into a Jack-o’-Lantern.

While a pumpkin may not be first thought of as even edible, it is not always be first thought of as even edible, let alone as a healthy food. But it is rich in nutrients and should be considered for its health benefits, including:

• Low in calories. One cup of cooked pumpkin equals just 50 calories.
• High-fiber content. Fiber is linked to lowering C-reactive protein (CRP) blood levels, which is a common inflammatory marker used to access disease activity in rheumatic conditions. The beneficial bacteria in the gut feeds on high-fiber foods, releasing substances to aid in lowering levels of inflammation throughout the body.
• An excellent source of vitamins A and C. Both vitamins help immune cells work more effectively and wounds heal more rapidly.
• Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that fights molecules that trigger joint inflammation. It serves as a co-factor in collagen synthesis, the main protein in joint tissue and bone, helps fight infection and may work to control inflammation linked to infection, which may trigger arthritis flares.

The nutrients in pumpkin will have you thinking about it more than just in October each year. You will want this Pumpkin and Basil Pasta dish all throughout fall as it will provide the comfort expected of the season.

Pumpkin and Basil Whole Wheat Pasta

Ingredients

• 8-ounce whole wheat fettuccine or linguine
• ½ cup whole basil leaves
• 15-ounce can organic pumpkin puree
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¾ cup water
• Grated parmesan

 

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to instructions on packaging.
2. Blend basil leaves until in small pieces.
3. Add water, pumpkin puree, coconut oil, garlic, cinnamon, salt and pepper to blender. Blend until sauce is at preferred consistency.
4. Heat sauce over medium heat until warmed through.
5. Add pasta and toss until sauce is evenly distributed.
6. Place in a bowl, top with whole fresh basil leaves, sprinkle with grated parmesan and serve.

Article Author

Arthritis National Research Foundation

The Arthritis National Research Foundation's mission is to provide initial research funding to brilliant, investigative scientists with new ideas to cure arthritis and related autoimmune diseases. There are several ways to support research through the ANRF. 

barbara12

Morning all

Sorry iv been awolbut struggling with these eyes

The storm yesday was worse then then the ine 2 days before so mych dMage here we have a roof leaking but others have it worse

Mike you unload on us its alwa5s goid ti talk about things hope you get some answers very soon xx

Toni all is well apart from our leak ..Still strong winds so won't he going out ..you kero safe xx

Sorry better stop love to all keep safe xxxx

bosh

Hi everybody or more specifically Joan, K, Barbara Ar and of course Toni and t too. Oh no Barbara leak on the roof that sounds nasty but how are you feeling today? How are your pains? Hi again Joan how are you and S doing today? Hi Toni , I think that LA is already causing trouble for the lady babies or v junior womenfolk , as I sometimes called them, lol, BR’s potential megabrain, now there is a thorny problem, lol, all I can say is that at this stage he seems to be a modest big brain unlike his mother at times and very much unlike LA, lol, He’s quiet but he’s not stupid, lol, neither is he bossy which is also a good sign, so I’m hoping that when he grows up if he does get a bit mega brainy at least he won’t have all the symptoms or any form of arrogance or big headedness at least I’m hoping that that’s what happens 😄. Breadsticks and flirting yes there may well be a connection there, lol. Thanks About the article I had a quick look and I’ll read it properly later. Just wanted to say our heating has broken down so it’s a case of portable heaters and several thousand jumpers, lol, but the heating company are saying they will send an engineer before 6 pm today that’s the soonest they can send it even though my dad is over 80 and my mum is not well and so on and so forth oh well that probably means 5:59 but at least they’ll come, as you can imagine HV has definitely erupted. Oh yes the tuna and garlic thing yeah that is a bit weird isn’t it? I don’t mind the smell of garlic as long as it’s not overpowering but yes just a bit of garlic couscous or garlic salad or something I can’t see why that would cause a problem people really can be a very strange aren’t they? Lol. I think I should’ve eaten mackerel there that would’ve served the colleague right, lol. Fish Mack to be specific not a Big Mac(k), lol. Yes sisters are many - faceted things I have to agree with that one, lol, she is Bossing poor old bill a lot around though, lol, but maybe that what that’s what happens when you have secret pancake breakfasts with “the works” with LA but not any other members of the family oh dear! I’m running out of charge plus quite tired so I’ll try and hurry my message up a little bit lol, just to say have you tried Alpro dark chocolate soya desserts ? They’re only 11% sugar if I remember rightly and I really love the taste even though at one point I didn’t really like dark chocolate that much but these days I’m enjoying it more I think I like dark chocolate if it’s flavoured with fruit or something otherwise it’s okay- ish , but these desserts are really nice basically, okay I’ll stop the waffling here very little charge left of iPad and self only joking sort of, lol. Have a nice afternoon and take care Toni and everybody. Xx

ps. k I think BR probably means eccentric when he says the word mad (v v eccentric), lol.

Mike1

Rather stupidly I suppose I seriously expected a phone call from my surgery today given the email that I sent them and the shocking letter I received on Saturday. Surprise, surprise not a dicky bird!

Kitty

DWP admits it has wrongly refused disabled people benefits at record rate as cost to taxpayers soars

http//www.independent.co.uk

Kitty

http//www.independent.co.uk

DWP admits it has wrongly refused disabled people benefits at record rate as cost to taxpayers soars

toady

Horribly disorganized day, but at least it's blessedly quiet now - will definitely be in tomorrow (says she, again) - I have literally had my ReadyBrek now, for supper, frog, so it shows you how hopelessly out of sync I've been 😂 I will wash up my bowl, thank you for doing the teatowels!

Tomorrow! love to everyone, hopefully all having a quiet night xxx

frogmorton

Hairdresser for me today and Kari too. at 2. So that's 2 at 2 on 22.2.22!

Much less windy ATM I might even brave putting my bin out.

Gosh Joan March winds.....🙄we do not need more I have to agree, but still a little snow that doesn't hang about might be nice to look at? Lovely neighbours are fine I cannot believe how well she did with COVID. You both ok? and the carers? ((())) xxx

Mike I am singularly unimpressed with your surgery🤬 but maybe someone was passed your information yesterday and will act on it today. I have my fingers 🤞 for you still ((())) xxx

Oh Kitty I can see you looking very like that baby! COVERED from head to toe in the elixir of life known to us mortals as dark chocolate.

The basil and pumpkin pasta looks fabulous I am all over that so will Kari be so can I take some with me to teh hairdressers this afternoon for us both please?

I do feel lucky as we have power, but Charley and Annie's wedding venue does not those poor people. Mind you it will be a story to tell the Grandchildren won't it?

Excellent news that Marie-Claire is fine although not so good that Anita is hacked. They are so sneaky those hackers because before you know it they have messaged your entire contact list🙄

I knew that was one of your trees Sleek was hanging on to. We don't have any like that here poor little birdies too I hope they all kept safe and warm😕

Morning Barbara I can see those eyes are being really naughty. Don't you worry too much about reading just let us know you're ok ((()))

Our side patio door leaked again, I've worked out why though not the solution. It happens maybe twice a year when the rain comes that way like this week. I hope your roof can be fixed easily (and cheaply ) as you say others have it far worse.

We all should stay in its blowing up again so I am watching our bin.🤞

Morning Reshmi how are you today? I do hope the heating got fixed last night. Portable heaters hmmmmm....can be better than overheating if you can get the rooms warm enough though. I hope HV settled back down to mild spitting. It's bad that they didn't give priority with the health issues in your house.

Trust me that boy (Lord A) was flirting! Oh yes I've met his type before🤭The very junior womenfolk will be loving every minute of it too he is a cheeky one isn't he that boy.

I think so far from what you have told us about Baby R's nature he should be ok with his brain even if it does grow larger than average. It seems his considered nature, observational skills and sense of humour should prevent any of the extreme issues associated with magabrains. All being well of course. I make no firm promises his Auntie Mimi must be vigilant at all times.

Surely the people who don't like garlic or fish must eat a very plain diet🤨which is not good for their gut biome is it? I would be more likely to say 'that smells nice what is it?' Mind you egg 🥪 can be a bit whiffy😷

I have indeed tried the alpro dark chocolate desserts very nice indeed and also am quite partial to the coconut collaborative's choc pot desserts. You do adjust don't you? Initially giving up milk chocolate was tough, but I am fine now with dark chocolate. BIL well he brings a lot of his troubles on himself eating pacakes with all the works behind his wife's back you know😁 I think they are very well suited indeed. She has 3 boy children to look after!!

Take care hope all is well now.

Toady it was no problem washing the teatowels at all. Ready brek for supper actually works very well indeed! I hope today is an easier day for you. I have a third geranium and a second rosemary seedling peeping through! happy days!

Hope all is well with you @Arthuritis today 😊

cheesy beans on toast

vegan option.

dachshund

Good morning everyone

Kitty (()) I hope you have a good day today sorry Anita got hacked on Facebook (()) thank you for the recipes. Love to Chris (()) and Anita (()) and Val (()) and Emily (()) and your Dad (())

Barbara (()) sorry you have a leak in your i hope it don’t cost you to much and you don’t have to wait too long (()) love to Mr B (()) and your son (()) and Niamh (()) and your brother (()) and his girlfriend (()) and your niece (()) and her fiancé (())

Toady (()) I hope you have a good day today.

Toni (()) what do you think about Boris’s rules it’s hard to believe it’s over we shall see (()) love to Paul (()) and Charley (()) and Annie (()) and the carers (()) and Lucy (()) and Tia (()) and Kari (()) and your lovely neighbours (())

Mike (()) can’t you ring your surgery and say you are very worried about everything because of the letter you had on Saturday you are entitled to know it’s your body (()) love to vixen

Kitty

Morning, it’s a strange day today. Hardly any wind and no rain. Not that I’m complaining of course. We are waiting for the housing association to arrange to move our electric meter. They have to move some cupboards first as the meter is. In a tiny cubby and nobody can get to it. We’re dreading it!

I hope all are OK, I’ve forgotten how to sleep and Chris hasn’t been to bed for 5 nights. And now it’s half term which means every child will be playing outside until midnight. It makes me think of the nursery thyme.

“Boys and girls come out to play

the moon doth shine as bright as day

one with a whoop, and come with a call,

come with good will,

or don’t come at all.”

bosh

Hi Toni and everybody, Eyes are feeling a little bit weird wearing varifocals for the first time also a bit tired so I’m leaving it here for the moment sorry about that take care. Xx mbbl

toady

Evening 😊 late again but as yesterday, mostly my own bad organizing of time. There was not much going on yesterday but I was trying to finish up some online shopping and it was not going my way (you know the kind of thing, every other item you want is out of stock, or if you want a single thing you can only get a bulk pack or if you want a bulk pack you have to buy them in ones.. and then you find you are 6p short of your minimum order amount). Much the same sort of thing today, and a bit of ebay, and a bit more garage which has thankfully now passed the get worse before it gets better stage - and I have An Idea - which may not work. A third geranium frog, well they have obviously got the idea now and will be up in their droves 😊 I keep trying to get out to see what's going on outdoors but every time I nip out it blows at me or rains on me (to the actual minute, that I stepped out this morning). But it's generally much better, mercifully, not sure what's to come but I don't feel like looking right now, ignorance may be bliss. Well if there are going to be earthquakes in the West Mids and a supernova maybe on the cards then who knows what's next? How awful that the power is out at 'the' wedding venue - Charley & Annie were lucky there! And floods here and there, you would not give thank you for a riverside property the way things are going and the insurance and selling-up implications are dreadful for people.

Thank you Joan it has been a much quieter day but I have not been out in it, beyond checking up on things and going to see the birds. Maybe some sun to come I think? Hope you're both getting on ok and glad you haven't had any damage yourselves.

Yes Kitty, sleep has been a lost art this week, I keep getting up and making tea. And the dark, as you say 🌘 - I keep going to put the light on, and it is on. Hope you both get some better nights now. xx The garden will have to wait for me. Sorry you have to have the meter man, do you have a smart meter? My energy co keeps prompting me, I must have had countless texts & emails, they have really harassed people (I feel).

Barbara I do hope your leak is not a big job and it did not come in on anything to spoil 😬 and thinking of you both xx

Hope you get used to your varifocals bosh they do say it takes a while don't they. I only have distance specs but really I know I should have reading glasses so am putting off having them tested. Did you have both sorts before or is the varifocal prescription because you have had a change since last test.

I am forgetting something I know but will call in earlier tomorrow and get my thoughts in better order.

Love & a good night everyone xxx

frogmorton

Morning everyone😊

It's only rather breezy out there this morning so far no rain so hopefully no leaks for any of us.

Oh Reshmi varifocals might make you feel a bit squiffy for a day or two. You need to bear with them if you can, but also rest a bit more to give your brain/eyes a chance to adjust to them. My sister loves hers, my Mum had to return hers I hope you are like Kari.

I will not do a long post to you in the circumstances I hope everything else isn't too bad, aches are under control and the heating is fixed, HV is stable and yous stomach leaves you in peace ((()))

Joan I personally think Boris has jumped the gun because COVID has cost too much. I hope it is ok and maybe it will be but I will be happier when the next wave comes and goes. If whatever the next variant is milder than omicron I will feel safer. What do you think? ((())) xxx I will buy tests if I have to.

Mike your phone consultation is tomorrow am i right? ? Not too long and you had better get at least some answers. How was Sue yesterday? I hope you both enjoyed a good natter. ((())) xxx🤞

Kitty I love that nursery rhyme thank you for reminding me about it😊 Even if it was because the children are off and out till all hours. For me it's quieter in the holidays (apart from next door with that huge trampoline) because the school is shut so no parking in our narrow lane.

Sleek has brewed you up this:

I do hope you get some sleep soon😕

Did your meter get moved yesterday? I hope so and that it was more painless than you expected and they wore masks and respected your home ((()))

Lucy is worried about a lump on the back of her head (skull) I think it's a gland I shall keep an eye....you never stop worrying do you?

Toady I now have 3 tomatoes, 3 rosemary and 6!! geraniums😊

Did the world rock for you the other night with that earthquake? I thought it was just the wind so not sure myself.

Well done you getting the garage past the egg breaking stage. I am keen to hear about your 'idea' I am sure it will work whatever it is....

Today it is just very breezy but I heard another storm is due to hit at least Stoke so we might get it and it includes SNOW Gladys they've called it Gladys. I can't imagine any human Gladys' causing trouble can you?

I'd say after the wind the rain has been the worst thing for us here. No I would not really thank you for a gorgeous riverside property sadly even though I'd LOVE that really...sigh....

I hope all is well with @Arthuritis

Love to Barbara no leaks today i think all dry here and at Kari's too.

Take care everyone

welsh rarebit. Lo sodium cheese fo Barbara

for vegans and probably Kitty?

Kitty

Sicilian caponata

45 Minutes Serves 6Easy

Inspired by holidays in Sicily, this caponata makes great use of summer's fruit and vegetable glut and is an ideal meal for a summer's day, packed with sunshine flavours

By Rosie Birkett from Olive Magazine

Ingredients

• olive oil 10 tbsp
• aubergine 1 large (about 400g), cut into 3cm pieces
• celery 2 sticks, strings removed, thinly sliced
• carrots 1 large or two small, sliced into 3cm pieces, then finely sliced lengthways into rectangles
• red onion 1, halved and finely sliced
• bay leaf 1
• dried chilli flakes a pinch, (optional)
• red or white wine vinegar 2 tbsp
• tomato passata 270ml
• caster sugar 1 tsp
• green olives 2 tbsp, pitted
• capers 2 tbsp, rinsed
• toasted pine nuts 2 tbsp
• mint leaves to garnish

Method

• STEP 1
• Heat the oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7 and boil the kettle. Pour 8 tbsp of the olive oil into a roasting tin large enough to hold the aubergine pieces in a single layer (or split the aubergine equally between two roasting tins). Put the tin into the oven to heat up for 10 minutes.
• STEP 2
• Remove the hot tin from the oven and quickly tip in the aubergine, tossing to coat in the oil and spreading out in a single layer. Season with a little sea salt and roast for 25 minutes, carefully turning the cubes halfway through, until charred and softened.
• STEP 3
• While the aubergine is roasting, pour the boiled water from the kettle into a high-sided frying pan and boil the celery and carrot for 5 minutes. Drain the veg and rinse under cold running water to stop it cooking.
• STEP 4
• Wipe the pan clean, drizzle in the remaining olive oil and return to a medium heat. Fry the onion with the bay, chilli flakes, if using, and a pinch of salt for 10 minutes until the onion has softened and is aromatic. Pour in the vinegar, stirring to coat the onion. Tip in the passata and 100ml of water, then stir in the sugar until it has dissolved. Return the celery and carrot to the pan along with the olives, capers and pine nuts, and simmer for 5 minutes. Tip the roasted aubergine into the pan and gently stir to coat it in the sauce – use a metal spoon so as not to destroy the soft aubergine.
• STEP 5
• Simmer gently in the sauce for a few more minutes, then transfer to a serving platter and leave to cool. Drizzle with some more olive oil and scatter with mint leaves before serving.

Morning all, I thought I'd start with a recipe today. We're still waiting for them to contact us about moving our electric meter!

Antoinette. thank Sleek for the sleeping draught - I got some seep last night. And I'm drooling over the Welsh Rarebit.

Toady, oh you and me both. We don't have a smart meter but when it is moved I might have one fitted, because I take my life in my hands going outside to read it.

Reshmi, I hope you get used to your Varifocals soon.

Sending hugs to Joan, Arthuritis and Mike.

dachshund

Good morning everyone

Kitty (()) I hope everything went well with moving your meter you might have a good night to night

love to Chris (()) and Anita (()) and Val (()) and Emily (()) and your Dad (())

Toady (()) the weather seems a bit better today have a good day.

Barbara (()) have a good day love to Mr B ((()) and Niamh (()) and your son (()) and your brother (()) and his girlfriend (()) and your niece (()) and her fiancé ((())

Toni (()) we will still wear our masks sorry about Lucy having a lump (()) she doesn’t need anything else wrong. Love to Paul (()) and Charley (()) and Annie (()) and the carers (()) and Lucy (()) and Tia (()) and Kari ((()) and your lovely neighbours (())

Reshmi (()) I hope you feel a bit better soon love to your mum (())

Mike (()) have you heard anything yet love to vixen.