Val's Cafe

slomo

Hi folks, how are you all doing?

I'm hiding out in the sitting room just now, as OH has come over all MasterCheffy again and is in the kitchen making smoked mackerel tortellini with a lobster bisque for our evening meal. He's just had a little wobbly there where he forgot he was making tortellini and started making ravioli. He was starting to act like it was a major disaster!

We've finally finished the Christmas present shopping for the kids and its all wrapped and boxed and tomorrow I'll get OH to get it in the post,....... Then I've just got to get a couple of stocking fillers for OH. I'll be so glad when it's all done. Christmas tree went up yesterday and OH decorated it - he likes doing that.

The Christmas menu looks great, what a clever girl Emily is. I like the look of the baked Camembert and the mini smoked salmon and dill cakes. (I seem to have got very into fish since I became ill).

Saw my GP yesterday, just an update appt and he's happy with me and will see me for another review appt in a couple a months. He's also given me a nice selection of steroid tablets of different dosages so I'm well stocked up as my dose decreases and I don't have to make frantic dashes to the pharmacy.

I hope everyone is doing OK and surviving the run up to Christmas. Or maybe it's a shuffle up to Christmas that we have.

Love to all
slomo

applerose

Joan, I hope you have a lovely time at Xmas. I'll be having Xmas dinner with my dad on Xmas Day. Just the two of us. I'm hoping to go to my son's at some point to give them all their presents.

Kath, it is lovely having someone else make the Xmas dinner. I once went to my son-in-law's parents for a few days including Xmas Day, and they did everything. Wouldn't let me lift a finger. It was lovely. I usually go to my son's for the afternoon now but it's my turn to have dinner with my dad. He won't go to anyone's house. Quite warm but dull and damp here too. The cafe party food sounds delicious. Thank you Emily. It's lovely listening to the kids singing carols.

Barbara, oooh, poor baby. Hope she isn't in any pain. My GD and I made Xmas cards for her mum and dad and her brother and sister. When I asked if she would make one for me, she said no, she wanted one for herself. I looked out for the space station but it was too cloudy to see. I did watch the docking and the astronauts floating in to the station yesterday. Fascinating. And to think we can see it.

Toni, it sounds as if you are in the Xmas spirit ho-ho-hoing. Oh my goodness. My GD used up most of the stickers but I will hide the rest just in case Elfie is around.

Slomo, can we come to your house please? Sounds as if your OH is a good cook/chef. Glad you've about finished shopping. I only have one small thing to get my son but on't know what yet.

Two packages arrived today, separately. I have ordered something for my eldest GS and my daughter has sent two packages for me not to be opened till 25th. Now do I open them and risk seeing what my daughter has bought me or wait till Xmas morning, open them all and then wrap up the one that is for my GS. :presents: :presents: :presents:

tkachev

I'm up and on parcel duty.

I had Daniels PIP reply and he has enhanced on both, which is a terrific result. An early Christmas present.

I've finally managed to put some decorations on the tree. I could only manage a few and I'm hoping the children will take over.

I will be staying home on Christmas day. I spent years going to visit OH family ; The men went boozing and I was left drifting round the house. Daniel would hide upstairs and their stairs are steep and I just couldn't keep checking on him. At home I run the show, eat when hungry and watch what I like on TV.

Poor baby. I remember my Jack put his lips to a boiling hot tea urn when he was little-it took the skin off. They don't know not to touch do they?


Applerose they've been telling me to have my hip replaced since I had the first one done 6 years ago. I got out of the loop but my rheummy is aware it needs replacing.

thanks for the link Kath. I think the last one is my problem too because if I stand too long, especially in one place, I get terrible pain but lying down does help.Its worse at the end of the day.

My Son has come home early so I'm going to finish off his uni application with him. We are well behind....

Lots of love
Elizabeth xxx

dachshund

Hello Kathleen Slomo Christine Elizabeth and anyone else I missed.
Kathleen good luck with your appointment.
Slomo how are you doing with all your problems.
Christine that's nice spending Christmas with your dad.
Elizabeth you will know when you want your hip replaced.
take care all
joan xx :presents:

barbara12

Hello all still very mild here but wish it was bright with it...dont like it dark in the day
Elizabeth I am so pleased to hear you have got the enhanced pip for Dan , now you can relax a little..and glad you are staying home for Christmas.it used to be like that when my late mum did the dinner the men would go to the pub..but it different now they have to chuck in and help..
Christine..its good someone will be with your dad at Christmas...but what a shame you cant all be together..but at least you will get to your sons in the afternoon.. :xmas_confused: now the presents..I would open them because Im naughty... :presents: I see you had a nice day making cards... :candycane:
slomo I gets shivers when my OH say he will make me something to eat..don t mind his usual chips and egg ...but anything else and it would be days of cleaning...hope you enjoyed it, must say it sounded good..
Kath glad you are taking your list...it will help..I do love hearing the children sing..I missed them the other day when OH went shopping..thank Emily for the food..will save us a lot of energy... :cheesygrin:
Joan the baby is fine..dont think she will go near them again...hope Sues wrist is on the mend..and you are resting that foot..
Toni what are they like...children are so quick... :xmas_rolleyes:
Well like I said to Joan the baby is fine ..still has a blister so hopefully it will be clean when it burst..and its was too cloudy for the space station..there I was sat on a stool in the back garden freezing...and wet.. :xmas_rolleyes: will try again tonight..
love to everyone thats missing...xxxxx

applerose

Elizabeth, great news on Daniel's PIP. It's much better being able to do what you want for Xmas and not have to follow others. Hope it didn't take too long to get the uni application finished.

Joan, hope you are getting some of the mild weather just now.

Barbara, I don't like it being dark. A bit of sunshine would be nice. I keep looking for the space station but too much cloud here too. I only look out of the bedroom window. Don't fancy going out in the dark.

Forgot to tell you yesterday. My little GD was watching Jungle Book. When Kaa, the snake, went to eat Mowgli, she panicked a bit but then realised he was ok. A few minutes later, Kaa went for him again and my little one shouted and ran at the tv with her baby doll and started hitting the snake and telling him to leave Mowgli alone and he was a bad snake.

At work today, I found a hessian carrier bag full of things wrapped in tissue paper. I couldn't help having a quick look and found a label on it with my name on. Must be my Xmas present but I daren't take it until someone tells me it's there.

barbara12

Morning all the sun is shinning... :candycane:
Christine I would love to have seen your GD hitting the snake.. glad it wasn't anything harder than her dolly...bless..
ooh wounder what the present is..now leave it be...no shaking... :presents:will look out again for the SS but it says rain later..
Our eldest GD is spending Christmas in London with her frind..think I have told you this..so I posted the coat she liked..and some bits ..she text to say she had received it...they are off to Disney in Paris today for 3 days ...so I am worried again... :xmas_rolleyes: just hope they enjoy
my niece is coming here today...so looking forward to that..
thinking of Toady Cate and Coco..hope all is has well has possible..love to all..xxxxxx

dachshund

Hello Barbara Christine and anyone else I missed.
Barbara I hope you and the baby are doing well. I had a blood test last week I was booked for the result today it was cancelled the doctor was sick. now its next Thursday 2 came back abnormal I only went because my legs wont stop aching.
Christine how are your eyes I hope they feel a bit better.
have a good weekend all of you
take care all
joan xx

slomo

Hi all, hope your all surviving OK.
I've finally got all my Christmas parcels posted thanks to OH carting them to the post office, just a couple of cards left to post and a couple of stocking fillers to get for himself. Will get them on Monday when he's working.

Barbara, OH isn't too untidy these days when he's cooking. Mind you the only way was up! There used to be mess from one end of the kitchen to the other many years ago and back then I never would have thought that I'd sometimes have to drag him out of cookware shops.

Elizabeth, its great your sons got the enhanced rate of PIP.

Joan, what a pest that your test result appt was cancelled, hope your doc gets well soon and can give you good news.

I'm heading to the kitchen now to make my own meal. OH is at a work do so I'm on my own.

All the best to everyone,

slomo

applerose

Barbara, I did open one parcel and it was the one I had sent for so the other one must be the one my daughter sent. Now got one from M**npig. I'm guessing it's a card but am waiting to ask my daughter if I can open it. I'm sure your GD will have a wonderful time in Paris. Hope you had a good day with your niece.

Joan, how disappointing not getting your results and having to wait again. Hope you find out why your legs are aching.

Slomo, that's a relief getting your parcels posted. I've got a small thing to get for my son then I'm done. No idea what to get though. Hope you enjoyed your meal.

Still don't know what I'm working over Xmas. My boss has been too busy to discuss it but he said we'll sort it out on Monday. I'm watching Text Santa. I enjoy the good bits but it's so sad when they tell the stories. :xmas_cry:

frogmorton

Hello everyone

Great news about the Pip Elizabeth! BIG phew!! Hope application form is nearer completion too.

Christine they are leaving it a bit late as far as when you are working over Christmas.... :santa:

I remember Charley used to love Pingu and we watched a fair few Pingu vids. One of them Pingu is naughty and his Mum smacks his behind. Charley used to cry at that bit and I had to fast forward it :areindeer: Bless them that snake is very naughty!!!

I hope Elfie hasn't found the stickers??


Hi slomo It's a good thing your OH is a bit cleaner now in the kitchen. Mine burns saucepans :xmas_rolleyes: But he 'makes' a mean takeaway :santa:

Joan - sorry GP was ill, but if two results are abnormal there is a reason for the pain and son they'll be able to tell you I hope ((()))

Barbara your eldest GD will have a lovely time in Paris and I am sure she'll be safe. Hope you had a good chat with your niece

Shame you couldn't see the space-station isn't it?

Kath it's a good idea to hand the list over then she can answer your queries fairly quickly.

Please ask Emily for another baked camembert because I ate the entire thing :xmas_redface:

Got bad belly ache now though

Love to you all and to anyone I missed I am sorry xxx

barbara12

Morning all....
Joan I hope your appointment goes well and the results are not too bad..its rotten when you have to wait..please let us know how you get on...
Christine its not fair making you wait..has to what holidays you will have.glad it was the right present to open... :presents: we watched text Santa..but I was in tears and so was hubby..yes I did have a good time with my niece..she is always upbeat.... :cheesygrin:
Toni are you all done for Christmas or is it just starting for you..I know you have been so busy ..my GD has whatsapped me lots of pics.. :cheesygrin: it does look good..naughty eating all that cheese.. :xmas_evil:
slomo I will send my OH round for lessons in cleaning has you go..glad to see you are all sorted with Christmas I love buying all the stocking fillers... :presents:
we have a tree in next doors garden and it is covered in ivy..and what appeared yedterday is lovely a perfect heart..I will post a pic later..love to everyone..xxxx

dachshund

Hello Slomo Christine Toni Barbara and anyone else I missed.
Slomo how are all your pains I hope they are not too bad.
Christine I hope you don't have to work every day of the holiday.
Toni I hope all your pains calm down so you can have a pain free time if possible.
Barbara i'm glad you had a good time with your niece its nice to meet and catch up on things and have a laugh.
take care all
joan xx :santa2:

tkachev

Hi all- I've only just sent my first lot of Christmas cards! I think I have enough presents now-I've got lots of little things this year. I must tot up my credit card though and see how much I have spent.

Toni bless Charley for getting upset for Pingu. but he could be very naughty!

I hope your GD has a lovely time Barbara especially her trip to Paris. How lovely that you bought her a coat. Did she choose it herself? I'd like to see that 'heart' photo.

Applerose I hope your GD isn't too upset. Some Disney animations can be so upsetting (Bambi for one)You'd never catch me watching Watership Down, never have and never will. I think its okay to peep at presents :xmas_rolleyes:

I was expecting a big parcel today, including my new fire guard (its an antique style) but found an email asking if they could substitute one of the gifts in the parcel, which means it hasn't even been sent out yet. I need that fireguard in time for Christmas. Mind you the weather is probably going to be too warm for a real fire after all.

Got a little bit nearer on the uni application but I really don't think he's ready for uni yet.

This will be the first year I've not sent cash to the Nieces and Nephews; they are all working now and frequently posting pics of their exotic holidays on facebook so hope they won't mind.

Well the itching has eased and the wounds are healing.

Kath I seem to remember you had an appointment tomorrow so wish you well for that.

I hope your SIL is comfortable Mig.

MY Daughter is coming to stay for a week. I'm so looking forward to it. She's done an amazing job on our family tree. Then 2 of my Brother's, including the one who stopped talking to me over money, are coming to visit. I've had the olive branch out for months now so I'm so happy he's responded well.

Thanks for the good wishes on the PIP. Its been a weight off my mind. Merry Christmas Slomo, take it easy.

Well lots of love to you all, inc Toady who's been suffering.

Elizabeth xxxx

applerose

Toni, I haven't watched Pingu but thanks for warning me in case I do. I'm not too keen on Camembert. I'm a cheddar or red Leicester girl.

Barbara, I still haven't got WhatsApp on my phone. I couldn't get connected to the internet to download the app. I'll have to try again.The ivy heart sounds nice. Has the ivy just grown like that by itself?

Joan, I hope I don't have to work much over Xmas. It'll depend what mood my boss is in. He'll be more relaxed now his business has wound down so might be feeling the Xmas spirit. :carolers:

Elizabeth, I think there's still time to get cards to their destination by Xmas. I nearly always go in to the red by a few pounds at this time of year. My daughter had a party when she was 8. I decided to sit the girls down to watch a film - Watership Down. I had never seen it or even heard of it at the time. It just looked like a film about lovely fluffy bunnies. I had to apologise to the parents when they picked the girls up as they had all been in tears. :xmas_redface: How lovely to have a real fire, especially at Xmas. Hope your parcel does arrive in time. I stopped buying my nieces and nephews presents last year. It was silly the amount of money I was spending.Great to hear your daughter and brothers are coming.

Well I didn't feel right in the head today. :cheesygrin: A bit like when a cold is coming on. Hope it is just lack of sleep. Bought the last of the presents. Just to wrap them now. People who annoyed me on the bus today were a man who had been smoking in the bus shelter, a man who, despite everyone being able to see him, had his finger up his nose, a man sitting in the outside seat so no-one could sit with him despite lots of people standing and a young girl who stood up at the front with a little one about 3 years old. She just let her wander about till the bus driver shouted at her and told her to get hold of the baby and sit down. The girl said she had told the baby to sit down. :xmas_rolleyes:

frogmorton

Morning all

Barbara I need to see that photo!!

I am pretty well organised for Christmas this year I think. Tia and I did a bit more yesterday

Hope you're all done?

Christine! You don't like camembert?? Mind you my cholesterol levels might not like it either!!! :santa:

I like cheddar, red Leicester, edam, emmental, brie etc etc etc!! :xmas_redface:

Your buss journey sounded awful :frown:

Elizaeth - I hope your credit card hasn't melted!!! :presents:

Pingu was a naughty boy wasn't he? I remember my bro (who does a brilliant Pappa Pingu impersonation) ringing Charley up as him one day. She was enthralled!!!

Good to hear itching has eased and you are healing now.

We are doing a family secret santa for all kids 19 and over in my family this year to stop the giving of gifts dragging on....and on....

Joan all is well here - I do hope you do get your results soon. Lucy's double hip MRI this afternoon at the QE :xmas_confused:

Love to everyone who has posted and those who haven't ((())) xxx

barbara12

Afternoon all a lovely day here...please let it last... :candycane:
Elizabeth glad you are all done and dusted..its so hard when you have a family to look after..you have done well there and glad your brother is coming to see you..and your daughter coming to stay :cheesygrin:
Christine ..they panted the ivy to hide the tree when all the leaves fell off..not a good day for you ..I used to watch people on the buses and trains and get all irate...dont use them now thanks to hubby...now you must unwind and settle down...
Toni I will look for the oic...glad to see you are now sorted for Christmas..I am surprised at myself for being organized for once.. :xmas_confused:
Joan..will be thinking about you with the results..and hope you Sue keep has well as possible no more accidents...
Right off to look for the pic..and have a cuppa..love to all that are missing...xxxxx

slomo

Afternoon everyone, hope you're all well.
Do you still have your lovely weather Barbara? We're down to 7 degrees now and its become quite windy after a nice start.

Toni, so it was you who gobbled the Camembert, was it? It is lovely though and hard to resist. I'm supposing that as the café food is calorie free, that also means that my dairy intolerance issue won't matter and I can indulge without getting blocked sinuses and sneezing.

Elizabeth, it sounds like you'll be busy over Christmas with family staying. Hope you have a great get together.

Barbara, I bet your GD enjoyed Paris, I'm sure she'll have lots to tell you about it.

Kathleen, Have you had your appointment yet? I'm sorry but I've lost the plot a bit with dates. I hope it went OK. I always take a list of questions with me whether it's a rheumy appt or a GP appt, it helps me organise my thoughts and make sure I don't miss saying something I wanted to.

Christine, hope you're not going to have to work much over Christmas. Your boss seems very slow in letting you know, I would have been pestering him for weeks, you must have more patience than me.

Joan, I hope your legs are behaving and not causing you too much trouble and that you get your results soon.
I'm doing OK just now and have recently gone down to 12.5mg Prednisolone daily. I started in September on 60mg so I've dropped quite a bit. Rheumy is surprised I haven't yet hit the hiccup (as he calls it) and says that I will hit it at some point. As a result of that I'm a bit paranoid about any funny twitches in my knees, bit so far so good, fingers crossed.

Tomorrow I'm going to grab a couple of stocking fillers for OH while he's at work and that will be me totally finished, with just a few food odds and ends to get for the Christmas meal- veg and spuds and that sort of thing.

All the best to everyone and apologies for missing those I've missed.

love
slomo

barbara12

just checking if this will work the heart that appeared in next doors tree...
Hello slomo the temp has dropped here now,suppose we have to have it sometime..Im glad to see you have been able to reduced the preds long may it continue for you.. :presents:
oops sorry it wont go any bigger but you get the Jist... :xmas_redface:

applerose

Toni, I'm only guessing but I think you like cheese. :candycane: Your tale of your brother phoning up as Papa Pingue reminded me. The other evening my youngest GD was playing up and wouldn't go to bed so my DIL asked her mum to phone her and pretend to be one of the princesses. She phoned and told the baby she had to go to bed now and off she went, straight in to bed and to sleep. A secret Santa when there are lots of family members is a great idea.

Barbara, it's not been a bad day here weatherwise too but it's just been on the news that somewhere (didn't catch where) they ha 14 degrees then suddenly a hail storm. There were cars skidding off the road. My daughter in Australia said they went out in the morning when it was 40 degrees. A couple of hours later, the temperature dropped, it was really cold and raining heavily. Crazy weather everywhere. Had to laugh, Barbara. Your finger must have slipped and you put you were going to look for the oic. I was wondering which oic. Must be Elfie then I realised you meant pic. :cheesygrin:

Slomo, I have a wheat intolerance so enjoy eating everything in the cafe with no bad side effects. I guess I should have pestered my boss about my holidays but his business is so busy in the few weeks before Xmas and I'd rather catch him this week hoping he's relaxed a bit and has some Xmas spirit. :presents:

Managed to get to Ald* today to buy a few things, food and drink, for over Xmas. Wrapped most of the presents. My knees couldn't take any more as I decided to do them on my bedroom floor to save brining them all downstairs and so I could have the tv on to keep me company. Only thing was, I forgot to put the tv on. :candycane:

applerose

You sneaked in there Barbara. The ivy looks quite pretty in a heart shape. I magnified it using the keys on my keyboard so I could get a better look.

barbara12

Christine good thinking with the magnifier....oic what am i like..that is nothing I sent an email today to say I got our son some T shi*s... :oops: :oops:
40 in Australia..blimey I dont want it that hot half will do.. :candycane: glad you have got the wrapping done..shall we come and get you up off the floor...says me.. :xmas_rolleyes:
Hope everyone has a good evening I'm off to bed..an early hair appointment at my neighbors in the morning...night all..xxx

tkachev

oic....wasn't it that Lady C's favourite put down...she called everyone an oik! Barbara I'm sure it gave your Son a laugh!

I ca see the heart. It is very pretty.

I had a big clear up today, mostly washing up and tidying. This is the last bin day before Christmas. As my D. is coming to stay I felt like I needed some more space. OH still has all his mess on the table but it will need clearing ready for Christmas board games.

We've had warm weather-18 degrees-and the heating is off.

I hate present wrapping Christine, it is a killer on my back and feet. I used to do all the wrapping for my Mum and loved it before RA got a grip.
I expect your boss doesn't know if and when he needs you so is leaving it to the last minute.

Good luck tomorrow Kathleen. I was a day early.

I'm not sure if it is all done and dusted yet Barbara. There is still tomorrow for present buying.

Elizabeth xx

applerose

Just popping in for a hot chocolate before bed.

Ha ha Barbara. That is funny. I hope your son likes them. :candycane: Yes, please. Not sure I can get up on my own. Often wonder what my boss and his family would think if they see me trying to haul myself up at work. :areindeer:

Elizabeth, I managed a bit of cleaning and clearing up today. If it comes to it, I'll stuff everything in cupboards over Xmas. :xmas_confused: 18 degrees? Wow. It was 17 inside the house but pretty chilling outside this afternoon. I used to love wrapping. Not so keen now.

barbara12

Morning all..raining here but got my hair done.. :candycane:
Good luck to Kath...thanks for the reminder Elizabeth..and you are right you do need more space at Christmas with visitors..I have only wrapped one present..and the rest are in the bags I got..hope your hubby will clear his stuff away...do what I do and threaten to send it to the charity shop
Christine..hope you find out what your holiday are..wounder what they have bought you :cheesygrin: same here everything is stuffed in cupboards and under stair till January.
My GD has sent me some lovely pics of the Eiffel tower and Paris at night..but it seems there are delays on the eurostar...I hope they haven't ran out o9f money..then they can get a drink and something to eat...here I go again worrying.. :?
Love to everyone and there are plenty of mince pies around..xxxxx