Val's Cafe

applerose

Joan, that was good that the housing association built your bungalow a bit bigger to accommodate the wheelchair. There is a bit less work for me to do as my boss's two boys are away at university now although they will be coming back regularly for weekends. it'll mean I can't do everything when they are at home.

Kath, your mum was beautiful. I don't think it matters how much time passes, we always miss our mums.

Barbara, I remember now you telling us you had lost presents. Ooh, scones with clotted cream and jam. Yes please.

Oops, I bought ice cream. Gingerbread ice cream from Ald*. Maybe a bad idea as I shouldn't really eat the bits of gingerbread in it. Still working my way through the chocolates I bought for Halloween. Another bad idea.

barbara12

Morning all..cloudy and windy here
Christine I am always losing presents in fact I forget I have bought them... :oops: so I now have everyone's name on a list and write under them what I have bought didnt realize it was that simple... ooh ice cream with ginger bread sounds good..I have been good lately...we buy the crunchy cones and if I have them in I have to have ice cream..this is my plan anyway..
we bought some vertical blinds off the net and OH has just put them up...it was very easy...and they are so cheap if you do it yourself..so now we have privacy..just debating weather to leave the curtains up for extra warmth..
Hope that Toni's journey wasn't to bad..
Love to everyone xxxxx

dachshund

Hello Kathleen Barbara Christine and anyone else I missed
Kathleen your mum has a nice kind face just like yours. my appointment is 12 00.
Barbara we have vertical blinds as well as curtains. I hope you have had a good day.
Christine I have some chocolates from last Christmas. I hope you have had a good day.
take care all
joan xx

Kitty

Good evening all, Joan, what a lovely thing to say about my mum. But I have to admit, she could be a bit frowsty faced when she wanted. I told her it was because of all the vinegar she drank when young. :roll:

Christine, In A**a the other day OH put a box of rum truffles in the trolley. I ate the lot in 2 days. :? Now that definitely wasn't a good idea.

Emily is bringing in a selection of war time favourite meals tomorrow:

Wartime Loaf,
Bread Pudding
Corned Beef Fritters
Wartime Vegetable Turnovers
Wartime Scotch Shortbread
Curried Carrots
Wartime Cauliflower Cheese with Bacon
Pear Crumble
Spam Hash
Wartime Pumpkin Soup
Apple crumble
Lord Woolton Pie
Cheese Whirls
Cheese and Potato Dumplings
Cream of Parsnip Soup
Carrot and Potato Mash
Farmhouse Scramble
Cottage Pie

I tried Woolton Pie once, when our local history society had a WW2 festival in our local community centre. Loved it.

tkachev

Hi everyone. Sorry time is just flying by. All is well (but still driven mad by the itching).

Had my hair done at last and went out for the 50th wedding aniversary meal on Friday. I struggled to get into the mini bus( but I always do but they keep ordering them) and had to be pushed in like a prize cow.

The meal was lovely and the children were as good as gold. I had to leave early, even before the sweet (but I was full of prawns and paella at that point) because they were getting a bit restless.

I slept the entire next day and all I had were 2 bailies and a glass of Champagne. Definitely great fun though.

Lovely pic of your Mum Kath, a year younger than my Mum so I recognise the hairstyle.


Gentle wave towards Toady in the corner.....and thumbs up to everybody else.

Elizabeth

frogmorton

Hello everyone sorry to be late-on.

Good to see you Elizabeth and to 'hear' you sounding so up-beat. I reckon the do did you good...any the baileys

The kids did you proud I am pleased

Kath - your Mum looked lovely! Really pretty My mum also had a similar hairdo in photos when she was a child/teenager. I lost her about 8 years ago and my Dad 4 before that

War-time treats would be lovely being armistice day. I was in TK maxx at 11. Gets to me every year you know

Did you say a BUNKER??!!! Barbara! are the bunker-babes going to make a return I wonder???

Joan I'll remember you apt it's the week after Lucy's shoulder scan. It's good you have extra room for wheelchairs in the bungalow. We have vertical blinds too. Nice and clean looking I think.

Barbara we tried to get to the QE for 8am for early chemo before clinic yesterday - left at ten to 7 (26 miles) and arrived at ten to 9 so by the time it was done (bloods first) and then clinic we didn't get back in time for Lucy's lesson Ya booh:(

Yes lists is the answer for Christmas pressies, but you can still loose them

Christine Have you decided whether to have the expensive filing or to have the tooth out?? Sounds very painful to me

Yes Lucy has spinal chemo and also some of the fluid sent off for analysis. Her type of leukaemia can sneak into the brain.

I hope That you have time to do everything except the boys room Christine and that they cope with the washing themselves :roll:

Oh well ::)

Hope cate and slomo and toady are ok

Love

Toni xxx

applerose

Barbara, I need lists too. One each for cards, pressies, food and things to do. Well of course if you have cones, you need ice cream. I like the look of vertical blinds but have never got round to buying any. I put a curtain up over the door in winter to keep the heat in.

Joan, I used to keep chocolates for months when I was younger but I can't do it now. I can't stop eating them once I start.

Kath, what are we like with things that find their way in to our trolleys? The wartime food sounds delicious. Much healthier and tastier that the ready meals of today.

Elizabeth, glad to hear you enjoyed the anniversary meal and the children were so good. Sorry about the itching still being there though.

Toni, it took you 2 hours yesterday? Wow, that must have been so annoying. Especially as Lucy missed her lesson. Hope she wasn't too upset. I think I'm going to have to have the tooth out as it'll be around £1000 to get it filled and capped privately. I needed 2 teeth out a couple of years ago. My dentist didn't have the strength to do it so her colleague came in and the three of us had quite a giggle about something. Can't remember what it was now. yes, I guess I'm a bit weird.

I was looking after my youngest GD again today. We went round the corner to the park and passed the shop. "That's a big comic shop," she said so we had to pop in for a comic. The man gave her a mug which I think must have come free from cereal packets as it was a K*ll*gs one. Got a bit wet on the way home. A lot of the day was spent making babies and teddies better, especially Fifi who has caterpillar eyebrows and poor Tigger whose cheeks weren't working properly so he needed to have his eyes hammered and a drill on his nose. Don't know where she got that idea from. She just loves tools.

dachshund

Hello Kathleen Toni Elizabeth Christine and anyone I missed.
Kathleen my mum used to like bread and dripping. when I was small I used to drink vinegar.
Toni i'm sorry Lucy missed her lesson will she miss out.
Elizabeth i'm so sorry you have the itching I hope it calms down soon.
Christine I hope you have had a good day. do you have to go back when the boys are out to clean their room.
take care all
joan xx

slomo

Hi everyone, I've been chasing my tail today so just popping my head round the door to say hello.
Just got back yesterday from a few days in Glasgow. This week was meant to be a leave week for me but of course with me being off sick that doesn't apply. OH and I decided to go anyway. Both of our sons and our DIL and our best friend all live in and around Glasgow and we've not seen them since April. We live where we do purely because it's handy for OH's work but we have no family here and I was feeling very much in need of seeing them again. Talking on the phone is all very well but you can't really get touchy-feely over the phone. Had a good time. Weather was bad but company great and had several long lazy meals and conversations together.
Had my DEXA scan the day before we headed off. I thought I could have a quiet few minutes doze like a did when I had the Cat/Pet scan but was all, move this way, turn that way, so no peace at all. Should get results in a couple of weeks.
Tezz. Hope all went well with you today.
I see you're all thinking about Christmas and all the fun that goes with it! I usually use a small notebook with a page for each person and note down ideas as they come to me. It also helps me remember what I gave the previous year as it's easy to find I'm giving something similar to the previous year or two.
Maybe it's just that I'm a fan of lists, just as well too as I really need them now, my brain can't seem to hold more than one thought at a time.

All the best to everyone
slomo

applerose

Thanks Joan. It's not been a bad day. I sometimes sneak in to the boys' rooms while they are away but I've been told not to bother now so I won't do them. Do you have bad weather just now? Hope you are managing to get out with the dogs.

Slomo, are you from Glasgow? My mam's family live there and I was born there. Glad you had such a good time. yes, the phone, or even skype, is not the same. Fingers crossed for a good result from your scan.

Where is everyone? Hope all are ok and just maybe Christmas shopping.

barbara12

Morning all..dark and raining.. :roll:
Joan you have made up my mind I will leave the curtains up for extra warmth..must say I love the blind.and even just tilted a bit you cant see in..hope you and Sue are doing ok..
Toni that is awful...regular journeys like that are bad enough without rd works..fingers crossed they finish on time..think they have to or they are fined...hope that Lucy was ok with the chemo..she is such a brave young lady...and a brave mum...
Kath what a brilliant list it really made me hungry...my mum worked in service from being 14 and used to cook some of thee for us..hope all is well with you or has well as can be
Elizabeth its good to see you..and so glad you enjoyed the meal out..same here with mini buses..I get pushed in..not nice..but you got there..it will do you good..sorry the itching is still bad..
Christine good to see you have list..I couldn't function without mine.. I do think that children lift the spirits.. good old games and play are the best..you keep out of the boys rooms...it must be habit..
Slomo..what a boost to see you family and have a break all at once.. glad the dexa scan is over with...and I hope the results are good..
I didnt get in yesterday..not like me wasn't shopping just chasing up appointments and results.. :roll: then last night we went to a Chinese buffet with our youngest son and family his step daughters birthday she is 11..and we all had a good time..first time I have been to one the food was lovely...and so was the chocolate fountain..
While I have been typing the sun has come out...
Love to Toady and Cate ...hope all is well
Right the kettle is on...

dachshund

Hello Slomo Christine Barbara and anyone else I missed.
i'm pleased you had a good time in Glasgow.
Christine yes we have just taken the dogs for a run then we go into town with dial a ride.
Barbara yes the curtains make the room warmer. I hope you had good results.
take care all
joan xx

Kitty

Hello everyone, as you know, because of my liver enzyme being 'slightly' elevated (85 at the highest) I was advised to stop taking methotrexate for four weeks. After one week my ALT/AST have lowered. ALT is now 55, which although still slightly high, is much improved. AST is 30, so down to normal. I was on 25ml injections, which were lowered to 20mg when the problem first arose. Rheumy is now talking about restarting it at 15ml when my 4 weeks are up. Not very happy about this. I'd rather come off it completely and try something else. I also take 10mg Leflunomide and I'm currently on a reducing dose of Prednisolone because of Vasculitis. I see my rheumy again at the end of the four weeks, on November 30th.

I saw my GP this morning and told her about pain in my right hip. She examined me and thinks I might also have some osteoporosis so I've got an appointment for an X-ray next Tuesday. :shock: :?

Slomo, I hope your DEXA results come quickly and make for happy reading.

I'm glad everyone approved of Emily's menu this week.

Hope you have a goodish weekend.

frogmorton

Gosh what a few days Kath! I do hope that you can have some decent medication soon So frustrating. Not sure whether I hope they find anything on the X-ray unless it's good news :? Your bloods are dropping nicely I think.

Barbara AWOL?? I was too. We have a few of those Chinese buffets here too they are a good idea as most people can find something they like. Lucy can't wait to get back there. Her food has to be cooked fresh.

Hi Joan - I am glad you can get out with the dogs. We lost our internet here today due to the weather back on now luckily. Lucy won't miss out I hope it was maths!! Theory so she'll get the notes.

Christine - I have been here there and everywhere today. No Christmas shopping though and couldn't get online

Such a shame about your tooth, but that is way too costly

I can't wait to play with Gkids you know I think your little GD treated all the toys really well - I bet they are all better now?

Slomo I'm very pleased to hear you visited everyone in Glasgow My husband is travelling back form Aberdeen now. This weather!! It's not safe up there ATM!

My sister lives in Fyfe - I love Scotland.

Lists of pressies. I think I ought to have done one. Time to start now I think. I like to be fair with everyone so sometimes get carried away :oops:

Hope your scan results come through soon...shame it wasn't restful

Just found out today that Rolf Harris is in prison round the corner from Lucy's salon! :shock:

Love to you all

Toni xxx

applerose

Barbara, I did wonder where you were yesterday. Hope you got the appointments sorted. Sounds as if you had a lovely time with your son and his family.

Joan, have you started Christmas shopping yet or just in town for a wander? I like to look round just to see what's available.

Kath, hopefully you can convince your rheumie to let you try something else if you feel the MXT isn't working. Oh no, not another appointment. At least you'll know what it is after the x-ray.

Toni, glad Lucy didn't miss out really on her lesson. It is great having GC. I think the toys are all better now but they do seem to get ill rather a lot. I seem to remember you telling us your sister lives in Fife. That's where my son-in-law is from. Also where my mam and dad met. Not nice to think Rolf Harris is nearby but at least he is locked behind bars.

My dad has been spending quite a bit of time with one of the ladies in the care home. One of the carers had a word with my sister about it and told her that as long as they remain friends, that's fine but if it gets serious, one of them might have to be moved to another home. I am quite surprised about it but my sister thinks it's in case my dad forgets that he's in a relationship so it could cause all sorts of problems. I was with him today and from what he said, it's only a companionship thing. There's only her and another man my dad gets on with. He feels the others are all really old and don't join in anything or speak much.

On the way home, I have to walk under a narrow bridge we call the Cattle Arch. Many years ago, it was used to take the animals from one field to another. Anyway, today it was full of leaves. Lovely dry, crispy leaves so I just had to walk through them. Better still, the noise echoed. Might go back tomorrow.

dachshund

Kathleen Toni Christine Slomo.
Kathleen good luck with all your meds. I went to the chemist for tabs for sues wrist the lady said she must only be on them for 3 days she could get addicted .so what happens to all of us I have been on co-co's for 10 years I take them when I need to and the morphine. when I had my DEXA scan the lady told me you have it in your hips so you will have it everywhere.
Toni we have a field not far from us the dogs like to chase the squirrels.
I hope the traffic has eased for you,
Christine we have no relations to buy presents for only friends. it must be lovely to have a big family.
Slomo I hope your scan results don't take too long to come.
have a good weekend all of you
take care
joan xx

Kitty

Joan, if you don't take those pain killers all the time I think you will be safe from addiction. I think it's only those who have them every day that become addicted. My GP suggested I started them but I refused. Paracetamol doesn't really make a lot of difference, but at least it's something.

Christine, got all my Chrissie prezzies in courtesy of the south american river. Just have to wrap them and write on all the cards. Hope those leaves don't get soggy.

Toni, yes I was very relieved when my GP told me the new values for ALT/AST by the time my four weeks are up they should be really good. I too hope Rheumy decides MTX is not for me any more. Don't know what she will suggest though.

Very dull here, but not much rain. I think there will be as everything hurts today, even my ribs!!

Hope those not in the cafe at the moment are as well as can be expected.

barbara12

Afternoon all ..terrible things happening in the world..wouldn't you think they would appreciate being alive and well..very sad
Joan ..hope you and Sue have a good weekend ..thanks for the advice..
Toni you are so busy dont worry about posting just so we know how things are..Lucy will be back to having Chinese bless her...the first one will taste so good I had heard that Rolf Harris was in hospital ..he eats lots of chocolate and it effects his diabetes ..method in his madness..going to hospital..
Kath you have it out with them and see if you can get something that is suitable..I hope the scans show your hip is ok...
Christine..what a shame ..your dad and the lady will be good company for one another..I can understand there thinking but how sad...he crisp autumn leaves..it does take you back..Im so sacred of the wet ones now I try and avoid them not easy :roll: yes I got some things sorted thanks
its a mixed bag of weather here..got more pressie bagged how easy compared to wrapping..
Love to all that are missing..xxxxx

applerose

Joan, I remember being told to only stay on the cocos for 3 days but I guess you need to weigh up how bad the pain is. Hope you're having a good weekend.

Kath, I think I'll be getting most of my Christmas shopping online too. Think I should start looking to see what there is. Hope the rain stayed away. I managed to get back home before it started.

Barbara, it is very sad indeed what is going on. I can't begin to understand it. I too avoid the soggy leaves. Could be nasty to slip on them.

A couple of weeks ago, we got a new shuttle bus service from the next town to the retail park so I decided to go there today. The only time I have ever been there is when someone was driving there and I've gone along. Had a good look round, bought a couple of things but didn't find what I wanted. I've decided to make the kids' advent calendars this year so was looking for things to use. I found some square Xmas cup cake cases so I'm going to glue them on to some card and pop little chocolates in. Well that's the plan anyway.

frogmorton

Ah yes France My beloved France

I am very upset to hear what's been going on Barbara. I do hope there won't be all-out war though.

Christine - I am not impressed at all at what the home said about your Dad and that lady's relationship!! How dare they! I am sure CQC (Care quality commission - inspection to you and me) would have something to say about that. I get that he might forget who she was, but not sure it's ethically right. Treating them like kids :x

Anyway I am sure you will be keeping an eye.

Shame those poor toys get ill so much. It used to be me who was ill when mine were little.

Mr Harris is naughty eating chocolate to escape to Stoke Hospital. Maybe they'll treat him as badly as they did me when I had Charley there 20 years ago!!! Hehehe!!!

Making advent calendars is a great idea Christine - I would have loved one as a child

Joan - it's good that there is somewhere for the doggies to go. Did I tell you about the squirrel we have in our garden? In the summer I looked round and he's sneaked in the back door!!

If you only take your Co-codamols when you need them you'll be fine I am sure.. It is a problem addiction, but they are more worried about those with 'acute' problems like Sue's which will go away in time.

Poor you Kath Horrible when everything hurts isn't it? I hope se takes you off the MTX if that's what you'd prefer and that she finds a better alternative for you.

I think our boiler's pilot light has blown out - no heating here Ya boo

Love to everyone hope Elizabeth, Cate and Slomo are ok :?

mig

Morning to all on this blustery Sunday morning.Baked gammon and cauliflower cheese today.
Both hubby and I have had this cold thats doing the rounds and just when we thought it was going it came back with a vengeance hope my nose stops running soon as I have my 6 month check-up with my rheumy tomorrow.
Hope everyone is safe and warm at home. Mig

barbara12

Morning all very dark here..
Christine making the advent calendars is a brilliant idea..you can put all sorts in there... bet they will love it..I found out we had a free bus to Tes*o than they took it off... :roll: ..glad you enjoyed your look around ..its nice to see somewhere different..
Mig sorry that cold is still with you both..good luck at the rheumy tomorrow hope it all goes well
Toni..this is the worry for all of us especially the young ones I know our GC worry about wars..they never learn..hope you have got the boiler lit..dont want you all cold..
One GD here ...14 she is and counting the days till Christmas... I love it..
love to everyone xxxxxx

slomo

Hi everyone, hope you're all doing OK today and keeping cosy and warm.
I had a bad day yesterday. I've traveled to and from Glasgow eating at various establishments and its when I get home that I get the bad stomach. I know why it's called the runs. Unfortunately it could and I couldn't and it was an altogether unpleasant and undignified matter. OH blames the supermarket cafe we used the day before as assistant was not wearing gloves, some of the cutlery didn't look that spotless either. Anyway today I seem much improved thank goodness.
Christine, yes I'm Glasgow born and raised
Kathleen, I'm also on mtx but orally and currently on 20mg, having started at 10 and moved to 15 and now 20 as my prednisolone is lowered for my vasculitis. I was on 60mg daily in September and I've just gone to 15mg. Hope you're xrays show nothing untoward happening with your hip.
I suppose I'm really going to have to get my head in gear re Christmas gifts. I just am totally lacking in inspiration and I don't like just giving money,don't mind putting a gift voucher in with a gift but not just a voucher in its own, not for Christmas.
I'll head off now, OH has brought a Swiss roll back from the shop so I think it's time for tea!
All the best everyone
slomo

applerose

Elizabeth, have you managed to get your boiler lit? Hope you've been able to keep warm.

Mig, hope your cold is on it's way out in time for your appointment. I love cauliflower cheese. Haven't had gammon in a while though.

Barbara, not sure how long the bus to the retail park will last. There weren't many using it and everyone is out Xmas shopping now. Isn't it lovely when the kids get excited about Xmas. Hope no-one minds me using Xmas instead of Christmas but I often get it mixed up with my name. I've signed a few Xmas cards with 'Love Christmas'.

Slomo, it's bad enough being ill at home but horrendous if you are travelling. Glad you are better. My two eldest GC often ask for money for birthdays and Xmas. Not sure what my GS wants this year. Already got my GD's present.

Our river has burst it's banks. The flood defence gates have been closed but someone has taken pictures and the water is up over the landing deck behind the High Street and the water is lapping at S*insbury's car park. Hope it doesn't get any higher. I'll be ok though as I live on top of a hill just out of the main town.

dachshund

Hello Kathleen Barbara Christine Toni Mig Slomo and anyone else I missed.
Kathleen do you think the cold makes your pains worse. it does mine.
Barbara I hope you have a good week and you get your results.
Christine i hope you had a good weekend. what is wrong your dad can talk to who he wants.
Toni i hope your boiler is soon mended.
Mig we had the cold and a cough i hope yours soon go.
Slomo i hope you feel a bit better now.
take care all
joan xx