Val's Cafe

dachshund

Hello Christine Barbara Bubbles and anyone else I missed.
Christine what course are you doing. I hope you have a good day.
Barbara I hope your staples are took out to night. I hope the sun stays with you.
Bubbles have you tried a lavender spray you spray it across the bed its relaxing.
take care all
joan xx

Kitty

Posting the menu earely this week, and there's quite a lot on it to make up for the fact I was 'otherwise disposed' last week. Let's hope we get some nice weather.

:cheers: :deckchair: :hammock: :splash:

Spring Pasta with Fava Beans and Peas
Spring Risotto
Salmon with Fresh Sorrel Sauce, and Fresh Peas with Mint
Barley-Salmon Salad With Arugula Vinaigrette
Blueberry Turnovers
Spring Linguine with Basil entrée.
Spinach Strawberry Salad
Limoncello-Mint Sorbet with Fresh Blackberries
Sun-Dried Tomato and Herb-Stuffed Leg of Lamb
Shrimp and Bacon Deviled Eggs
Roasted Potatoes with Herb Vinaigrette
Baby Artichokes with Creamy Horseradish-Dill Dip
Banana Cream Pie
Almond-Lemon Bars
Key Lime Cheesecake
Salted Caramel Brownies
Spiced Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Banana-Toffee Cupcakes
Milk Chocolate Crème Brûlée
Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse à l'Orange
Blueberry and Maple-Pecan Granola Parfaits
Mexican Chocolate Soufflés
Sour Cream Panna Cotta with Blackberry-Zinfandel Compote
Almond Crème Caramel

tkachev

How lovely your GD enjoyed her birthday Applerose. Would that be My little pony? My girls loved them and I kept them al safe in the attic. My Daughter will be 32 next month (not a lot younger than Bubbles Niece).
I'd like to know what course you are doing. Sorry if you told us and our brains are all fogged.
My trainers are all battered but they've changed shape with my feet so I wear them most of the time. I do have some Gola's which I love but only wear o special occasions and there aren't many of them. My so-called friend had her hen night but didn't invite me probably because I can't make her wedding (i'd already booked a family holiday) and she is probably miffed. Or maybe because she still owes me money from years ago....

I walk backwards down stairs too as I find it less painful. It will be their turn one day!

OH's last present arrived today-shower foam and deodrent so not a boy thing so its been left on the table. But I like it so that is all that matters.

Thank you for the offer to sit in your garden Joan. We had lovely sunshine as well but then it thundered.

Those staples sound a bit troublesome Barbara. Mind you I didn't like having mine removed.

I'm loving some of those puds Kath but think my fave has to be Almond creme caramel. I am now pining for some.

Hope I've not forgotten anyone
Elizabeth xxxx

bubbles

Hi Joan Barbara Kath Christine Toni Mig Elizabeth and anyone I may have missed.

The menu looks Divine - My maltesers, that were so precious, have long since bitten the dust, since my diagnosis of Diabetes. I have done really well, lost a couple of stone, blood sugars are spot on and I don't starve or deprive myself of some dark chocolate In fact, it seems if I eat say a panini, with goats cheese and peppers, then have a huge muffin, it is lower than normal - suits me, more cakes please, lol

OH ordered some natural lavender and bergamot body wash, all natural, no sulphates etc, so I am heading off to the shower to get into a wonderful lather.

I am glad I am not the only one who walks backwards down stairs, I do try and avoid them at all costs, but, needs must if the loo is on high. I love bungalows, would not live in a multi level house unless it had a lift.

It was dark and misty this morning, now it is glorious sunshine, all the seasons in one day, very British.

Went out for lunch, then to the local hosp to see the podiatrist, I was well overdue and almost needed a farrier. :shock: She was concerned about my neuropathy, but, as I said, it is just one of those things, hands and feet, not going to get any better, just take care, that's all I can do. :roll:

Right, OH is out of the shower, so I am away, (I have already had one, but the new body wash arrived in the post so I am spoiling myself).

Everyone take lots of care XXXXX Bubbles

applerose

Barbara, that is so late for the nurse to come. It's not really good for them or for you. I'd have to leave the key under the mat for her to let herself in. Thank goodness your staples are out now.

Joan, that is a good idea to use a lavender spray for relaxing. I like to mix in some chamomile too. I mix a couple of drops of each essential oil in a small spray bottle of water.

Kath, there are some lovely light spring meals there. Very yummy.

Elizabeth, yes they were My Little Ponies. Just the right size for her little hands. My trainers are Sketchers Shape-Ups. I do have a problem with special occasion shoes so wear my trainers if I have to walk then change when I get there in to a normal pair of shoes. She's not much of a friend if she didn't invite you. You not being able to go to the wedding or her owing money is not a good enough excuse.

Bubbles, it's good you have your diabetes under control. And it seems you are still able to have some lovely things to eat. The body wash sounds lovely. Hope you didn't wash yourself away with two showers.

For those of you who asked, my course is in Mindfulness. It is very interesting and I am halfway through. The last module assessment took some doing but it's done now. I'm hoping to be able to maybe teach others in an evening class although not sure I have the confidence. I'll see how I feel once I've finished.

barbara12

Morning all..no sun this morning...
Kath you have got me fancying Milk Chocolate Crème Brûlée..my OH keeps saying were re all these cravings coming from...so I tell him... he should be glad at least Im not pregnant.... :shock:
bubbles glad to see you have the blood sugars just right..with some tweaking you can now enjoy your muffin..and why not..bet you feel better now you are shod...has for lavender I have it everywhere...hope it helps you sleep
Joan I have the lavender sprays...when we go to Yorkshire we usually call at the lavender fields. you can sit in the middle of the lavender in summer...
Christine ..the nurse are the night ones..because of my injection being in the evening..some of them work 8 till 8...anyhow she came at 8 last night for the injections so your course is in Mindfulness..how interesting..and I think you will get the confidence once the course is done...good for you
I slept with the back rest last night..so sat up...it helped my back a little so could move this morning..not sure what is going on but my feet are so painful..especially in bed...OH had a look and they seem fine..think they might be inflames due to pushing and pulling myself off and on the bed...
The sun has just come out...
Love to everyone...xxxxxx

dachshund

Hello Kathleen Elizabeth Bubbles Christine Barbara and anyone else I missed.
Kathleen I hope you are having a good day today.
Elizabeth how is Dan getting on.
Bubbles we live in a bungalow its lovely no going upstairs that's good.
Christine I have a recliner chair that has heat and massage. I hope you have a good day.
Barbara i'm pleased the staples are out. I hope you have a good day.
take care all
joan xx

mig

Im so angry i could scream some one has let their dog poo at the top of our drive,most people where we live clean up after their dogs,i have had to go out and move it because hubby who doesn't see too well could easily tread in it,I would report them if i knew who the owner was. :x Mig

applerose

Barbara, I don't see why having cravings has to be only for the pregnant ladies. We should be allowed them too. I bet the lavender fields are lovely. I didn't realise there were night nurses. Hope the back rest is helping and you're getting more sleep. Perhaps you should ask the nurse when she comes about your feet.

Joan, your recliner chair sounds wonderful. I think we might all call round for a try on it.

Mig, that angers me too. I reported a mess to the council the other day. The mess was gone the day after and they have put notices up to say they are watching the area.

I accidentally bought cake and ice cream again today but I'm keeping them for the weekend. Trying really hard to be good during the week. My GD and I are going to see Peppa and George Pig tomorrow.

bubbles

Look at the time again, after 12 30 am and I am still pottering about.

Hi to Barbara Christine Mig Rose Joan Kath and all.

The Mindfulness course sounds very interesting Christine, Keep us posted as to projects and assignments. It sounds like you are doing great and I am sure you will be fine teaching others, it is scary at first, but you soon start to enjoy it. I remember giving my first teaching sessions to student nurses, I was terrified, but after a short while I was on a roll.

Dog doo doo's not being cleared up would infuriate me too. We have a lot of people round us who walk their dogs,( mainly to see if they can find out any gossip). I keep an eye out, as we are set up a bit higher, we have had some doggie doo's on our front lawn, probably from a late night walk. Everyone I have seen in the daytime, cleans up and uses the poop bins that we have around and about.

Glad you managed to rest Barbara and ease your back a little. Your feet might be hurting a bit if you have been wearing compression stockings, they can make your legs and feet feel pretty odd.

I have thought about a recliner / riser chair Joan, but we were so worried that the cats would be curious and hop inside, that we did not get one. I have my chair on high blocks from the OT, makes a big difference.

Today's venture was to Ner*** for coffee and lunch, with in laws and niece and her partner. Healthy panini then a yummy chocolate fudge cake. Then to Mark's to stock up the fridge. Quick nip into Tes*** and I was done for. Another cake after a healthy super greens soup. Two cakes in one day, naughty, but so so nice.

I need to potter a little more, my back is singing to me and then some. Everyone take lots of care XXXXX Bubbles

dachshund

Hello Mig Christine Bubbles and anyone else I missed
Mig some people don't care where their dogs do it.
Christine yes you can all come but you will have lexi sitting on your lap.
Bubbles I always pick up when our dogs go. they have never got in the recliner.
take care all
joan xx

barbara12

Afternoon all
Mig that is awful..we have a grassy mound at the front of us and used to get people letting there dog do this..till next door put a camera up..and traced to people.....
bubbles think you might be right about theses stockings...it is really inflamed no pain off the hip just the blinking foot.. :roll: bet you enjoyed your panini and muffin now you know it doesn't effect your sugars.... you keep on pottering ..I will join you...
Christine I keep having accidents like that...the ice cream seems to jump in the trolley...and why not...its something to look forward to..were are you going to see peppa and George...your GD will be so excited...
Joan I bet your little doggy's are really well trained..bless..and I know they like riding on your scooter.. its there little legs...
Steris off tonight... just been for a little ride out.. its getting easier getting in and out of the car...took my cushion to sit on in the cafe and had a cuppa and a cake...so Im happy... very cold and windy here...
Love to everyone xxxxxx

Kitty

Well, what strange weather. We've just had a downpour of hail and now the sun is out again! I hate it when it gets dark. I think I'm suffering from depression as my mood is very low. It's all this morphine- even though my sciatica pain is not under control. Plus the fact that I haven't been out since before Xmas. I'm having trouble walking again. It's like one step forwards, two steps back. I sometimes think I'll never walk again - and then I read Barbara's post and think I'm being mardy.

Joan, the thought of little Lexi sitting on my lap is very comforting. I have a 'lazy boy' chair, but we have no space for me to use it properly.

Doggy Doos - yuk. Our little doggy neighbour's mummy and daddy always clean up after it (I still don't know if it's a girl or a boy)

Well, feeling a bit weepy. :oops: so will say bye before I have everyone in tears. xxx

bubbles

Hi and hugs to one and all

Coffee and cakes, that's the way Barbara - no matter what the question, cheesecake is the answer Glad things are slowly getting easier for you. I am very fussy where I sit, the chair has to be right, hence we only frequent a select few cafe's / coffee shops / tea rooms, Whatever they are all called.
Cakes good, seats good, access good, coffee excellent, then I am hooked.

I was naughty yesterday really, not with the cakes, but with having two large Americano's, each one has three shots of coffee in, so 6 in all, not exactly good for my heart rhythm, but it did taste so good. I was a bit squiffy for a while, had to drink plenty water to get me back on track. Maybe one, then a decaff one to follow.

Ice cream, well, it is one thing we never buy, if we did, it would be malteser ice cream and I would eat the lot and have blood sugar through the roof. I don't blame you for having some "fall" into the trolley Christine, it would be rude to put it back

I am sure your doggies are very well mannered Joan - riding on the scooter, excellent, doubt our cats would stop on mine.

We have had all the weathers under the sun, hail, rain, high winds, bright sunshine, now sky is as black as soot. Not set foot outside today. Coffee and scones out tomorrow, look forward to it, little things eh.
Talking of snacks, it is time for T and a biscuit before a rest in bed.

Take care all, XXX Bubbles

bubbles

Kath, just reading you post and wanted to leave extra hugs and well wishes, we are having the same weather too. I hope you feel a little better real soon. There is nothing wrong with feeling down, pain is very wearing, hence many of us are on anti-depressants. It does get you down and then there are always side effects of the pain relief.
A chat with the Dr might not go amiss. Thinking of you, take lots of care XX Bubbles

applerose

Bubbles, did you teach mindfulness? I have done a few teaching sessions a while back to introduce a group to holistics and beauty but I'm less confident now. Once when I was looking out of a downstairs window, I saw a woman watch her dog mess on our lawn and she saw me watching. I knocked on the window but she just walked off leaving the mess. She'd gone by the time I got outside. Sounds as if you had a good day out.

Joan, I don't mind Lexi sitting on my lap as long as she enjoys being petted.

Barbara, great to hear you've been out for a while and got your cake and cuppa. It's good to hear you say you are happy. We went on the train to one of the bigger towns (Middlesbrough). The first train was cancelled so went to the park for an hour then caught the next train. Got halfway through the queue to see Peppa then needed to go for a wee. Finally got our picture taken with Peppa and George then went for lunch. Had one very tired little girl on the way home.

Kath, we had a hail downpour too about 7pm. Didn't last long though. I think we all live in several different bubbles (sorry Bubbles). There's a big one where we think about the world, a small one where we think about the people around us and an even smaller one where we think about ourselves so It's very natural to worry about the future of our own lives. I also think there's no point in worrying about the future. It hasn't happened yet and may never happen. That's partly what I believe and partly what I've been learning on my course. You will get there in the end I'm sure. (((hugs)))

Zooby doo, zoobly doo, zooby doo, zooby dooby dooby doo. Sorry but I love that advert where all the animals are jumping about. Can't even remember what the ad is for. :cheers:

bubbles

Evening to all, hope everyone is as ok as can be on this rather blustery day, more hail, rain, winds - crazy April showers.

I would not say that I taught mindfulness as such Christine, but, as a nurse, we were always looking at an holistic approach to patient care. Well, that is what I always brought into conversation with Student nurses, that caring is not a textbook vocation, yes, you need a sound knowledge base, to understand the way we all tick, but, remember that the person in the bed is often there at their lowest point, frightened, worried, unsure of what is happening or going to happen.

I think it makes a difference if you have been on both sides of the bed, as a patient myself, six times round, I can well understand the anxieties that people go through, forget my training, that went out of the window as I arrived in the ambulance. Suddenly I had no idea what anyone was talking about :shock:

I really am rambling on -

Glad you managed to get your pictures taken with the piggy, a tiring day indeed, just the thoughts of getting on a train fills me with dread.

Well, I will away and potter a little, feed our boy cat who is giving me daggers from across the room.

Take care everyone, let's hope the weather is a little more settled today as we are out for coffee and the most amazing scones I have ever had XXX Bubbles

dachshund

Hello Barbara Kathleen Bubbles Christine and anyone else I missed.
Barbara you are doing well you enjoy your self.
Kathleen i'm sorry you are in so much pain have you thought of getting a scooter they are very easy to work. I go to the shops on mine and then I walk around the shop and ride back home.
Bubbles you would have been a very understanding matron.
Christine I hope you have a good day to day.
take care all
joan xx

barbara12

Afternoon all...
Kath you are far from mardy..I know how much you have had and still have going on..and dont worry I think the same about me...bless if you feel so down please see your GP..its a few years now since I had ADs and they really did help..you keep talking to us lot...xx
bubbles..sometime naughty can be nice...but we dont want you poorly..its not fair is it...squiffy is not to bad... its good that you understand both sides..but suppose being a patient is not good... :roll:
Christine you did well there for your GD..there is no holding you back...and that is good..glad you get the pics.. I would have loved to have seen her face...and yours..
Joan I am being proper good honest...we have a man that walks past with two dachshunds..I have to laugh at there little legs he is walking and they are running..
Had my strips out last night and the wounds is clean..but oh so gruesome compared to the other..I know I shouldn't compare..but it will fade...the nurse was lovely in fact out of around 7 now we have had one not very nice...she took the staples out...3 weeks today post op..had a lovely shower..so am going out with this back support on see how things go..
Toni should be home soon..hope they are feeling all relaxed...
Love to everyone xxxxxx

applerose

Just popping in to say hello. My eyes have started watering and are a bit stingy so I'll pop back tomorrow. Hope things are ok with everyone. xx

bubbles

A misty morning to one and all. Hope your eyes are less stinging this morning Christine - mine started about an hour ago, yes, I was up with the larks, as OH was taking Dad in to local hospital for his other cataract removed. Had to be there just after 0700 :shock: That is the middle of the night.

But, I got up as well, I didn't go out, far too cold. I had turned the heating down twice last night, so it would not have come on unless there were icicles on the windows - stupid me. Anyway, we were soon cooking on gas and warming up.

F in Law is suitably delivered to the hosp and will be ready to come home soon after 10, all very quick, but makes such a difference. Now he cannot drive for a while so we will be out every day, to shops and appointments. Never mind.

I am just on my second coffee, I have pottered, pulled sheets of bed, that was a wrestling match, but I won. Mattress needs a turn round, but I cannot manage that, Oh has to throw it about.

One of the cats is making a right noise, for more food, so I will go feed him and potter some more. Hope everyone has as good a day as possible xxxxx Take care, Bubbles

mig

Clear morning here but chilly.
Anyone have a bet on the national ? the day hubby and i got married was a grand national day and Highland wedding won,hubby and his family are from Glasgow so everyone had a bet on it ,we even had a radio on and listened to the race while we were have our meal.
Off shopping in a little while hope it warms up.Take care all Mig

dachshund

Hello Barbara Christine Bubbles Mig and anyone else I missed
Barbara yes I hope you have a gooday don't work to hard.
Christine i'm sorry I hope it is a bit better tomorrow.
Bubbles yes it is chilly to day you stay in the warm we have been out with the dogs.
Mig I love horses I had my own I hope you have a good day shopping.
take care all
joan xx

barbara12

Afternoon all sunny but feels cold..not that I have been out
bubbles I hope your FIL will be ok...it will make such a difference to him... our heating is the same..one min I am hot the next I am shivering...
Mig I will get someone to put me a bet on, when we were children my dad used to let us pick them for him..we weren't very good at it.. how brilliant that Highland wedding won and especially that you all had a bet on it...
Joan I was the same with horses but never had my own,hope you and Sue have a good weekend
Christine you are right to give your eyes a rest..especially from comp screens..hope they are better soon
Hope our Kath is feeling a little better...
Toni will soon be home
right I am going to make some jewellery...
Love to everyone xxxxxxx

Kitty

Feeling a bit more cheerful today. My granddaughter Willow sent me a text last night, to thank us for the gift voucher we sent her. Cheered me up no end, and I certainly needed that.

One of the several charities I support, is the Countryside Restoration trust (www.countrysiderestorstiontrust.com). I ordered a gold coloured Skylark pin badge. It arrived today - lovely. Another thing to cheer me up.

And now I'm on here with you lovely lot. :cheers:

Have a good weekend. :splash: