Val's Cafe

frogmorton

Joan it's lovely having Kari here for the 2nd year on her birthday too t4591 I feel so much happier with here nearby and oddly safer too? xxx

Kitty

Toni, those photos are really good. You on the Joanna look like a very young and much prettier Barbara Streisand - can you sing like her though? The one with you and Kari was nice too, who s the elder of the two? You must have felt really at home in the Cafe Kat. The Rag Dolls looked adorable. There's nowt wrong wi yer smile me duck. At least you've got teeth, I've just got gaps.

Aidan, congrats on your 30 quid win on Lottery. Don't spend it all on cakes. Thank you for the Buttermilk Pancakes with Cherry Syrup YUM.

Barbara, so glad you and Mt B had a good anniversary day. Very wise of your brother to chat with Macmillan for advice on is treatment before making his decision. Chemo can be very hard so he will need to know all the ins and out. I'm glad you enjoyed the cocktails, and Niamh needs to be in the pool in this heat.

Joan, my ouchies are bad today, now Tesco don't use carrier bags I had problems carrying the bathroom stuff upstairs. :shock: Chris spread all the food on the kitchen table before putting it away.


This Chocolate Chia Pudding is made with only 5 ingredients! It's healthy, high fibre, absolutely delicious and a filling breakfast option!

INGREDIENTS
3 tablespoons chia seeds
1 tablespoons cacao powder
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tablespoon maple syrup*
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS
In a bowl or in an individual jar, mix all of the ingredients together with a whisk. Stir until completely combined. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir again for about a minute. This ensures everything is thoroughly mixed and nothing clumps together in spots. Taste test and adjust based on whether you want more sweetener or spices.
Set in the fridge covered for 4 hours or overnight.
Remove from fridge and top with your favourite toppings - here I like sliced strawberries and coconut flakes.
Serve and enjoy!
NOTES
You can easily double or triple this recipe. If you’re meal prepping, just portion the above into individual containers. They’ll last the week!

bubbles

Goodness me, it's HOT and then some and that's with the AC on full blast.
Trouble is you have to have one window open, to vent the machine out. :roll: :roll:

I am not surprised you are a tired Toni, Toni. After such a busy day yesterday, in the kitty cafe, then playing the piano to a massed audience
There is nothing wrong with that smile, at all

Oh, Prosecco lovely............. :? :? I am sure you are a wee bit achy today.

I am glad Auntie Kari enjoyed the surprise at the Kitty Cafe. I am sure that they could not just have open house, the lovely puskins would be off and going missing. Do they have two sets of doors to get in and out?

A good idea, not to be able to pick them up, as you say, it is their home, the hoomans are only by invitation. I noticed the big food covers, to keep prying eyes out
Love all the photo's, it looks a wonderful place. The little cutie pie, peeping over the table, he/she would have gone in my bag, along with Mr pepe lookalike t4591 t4591
I am sure you do love having Your Sis nearby, safer too, absolutely, it is nice to know when people are close by, it offers a certain reassurance t4591 t4591

Sleek has told Mother all about it and she said it is a very admirable place, for them to wait for their forever homes. I trust they vet potential owners - I would be giving them the 3rd degree for sure.

Glad you liked the pancakes with the cherries and Kari loved her Birthday Cake t4591 t4591 t69044 t69044

Winning the £30, will go on buying more tickets for this week and next, well, you have to be in it, to win it................

Wonderful, new flooring going down, that will make things feel a whole lot nearer the finishing line It is all going to look fabulous.

Mother was quite right, Daddy did make your sparklies t115006 Mother vets all jewellery, when we are not looking - she has put a force field around it, for when Sleek comes over, she can look, but no touchy Miss Magpie would have a field day :shock: :shock: t115006 t115006

I bet you have your AC is on, it is very hot this afternoon and tomorrow will be hotter :shock: :shock:

Hi Joan and Sue - hope you are enjoying the very warm weather, the hottest August Bank Holiday week end, or so the press are saying.
Thank you for the (((()))), the same to you both as well. And for Dad, he came round for his lunch and had his hair cut while he was here. Then he fell asleep :animal_busy:

Spot on Kath, a young Barbara Streisand, but prettier. Poor Barbara, she has never been a super model, but I love her films and songs. Poor Barbara, what am I on about, she is worth millions and millions.

No, no cakes with the lottery winnings, just more tickets, then, if we win bigger, some cakes will be involved in the celebrations. t115006 t115006

So no bags from Tesco's, not sure why they don't all use large paper bags, like they do in the USA.
Sorry your ouchies are being a proverbial pain. Sending some extra (((()))) and sparkles t115006 t115006 and a beautiful butterfly



I am loving the chocolate chia pudding, as you say, perfect for breakfast too, ta mi duck t4591

Hi Barbara - is there room in your pool, for my tootsies to go in. As long as I am in a bee keepers outfit, to keep the wasps away, I will be fine :shock:

I bet Niamh is having a lovely time, or, has it been a bit too hot - our AC says 30 degrees :? :? not quite sure where it takes the temperature from ?

Hope you are all ok, keeping those (((()))) and prayers going strong and candles always lit. t4591 t4591

I had my hair cut this morning, before Dad came round. Looking SO much younger now, very smart boy B is having his cut tomorrow.

Hi to Carol - I bet you are hotter than the rest of us..........hope the big tree is keeping you in some welcome shade t4591 t4591

Right, I am melting, so I will potter about a bit. I managed to find the ice cream man - double for me, with a flake and raspberry sauce please



Will call back later when it is nice and cool - he says :roll: :roll:

Love and sparkles to all XXXX Aidan t4591 t115006

bubbles

Hi to all Managed a siesta, with a cool flannel on my brow :roll: :roll: worked a treat.

Cooler now, with the AC on low, we are down to about 20, which is just fine.

I hope everyone is as ok as can be.....................after a very hot day.

Are you still in the paddling pool Barbara? I bet your chillows are coming in very handy, I am loving mine t4591

I thought we could all have a paddle in this lovely waterfall and pool



Niamh will be stopping over I am guessing, bacon butties and a little lie in afterwards. What time does she wake up, not too early for you?

Love to all, as always t4591 t115006

Hi Toni - I hope you are all ok and have enjoyed Auntie Kari's Birthday House renovations moving on a pace, which is good. Is all the flooring down now, I bet it looks lovely and a whole lot better, more finished and less dusty

Sleek was over at siesta time and I think she has popped over a little while back, there was such a shouting and shrieking from the bedroom :roll: :roll: Sleek was getting all excited because the new floor is down and she can chase about and slide :roll:
Mother was nonchalant about it - :? :? It's the weather, she doesn't like the heat m0150 m0150

Hi Carol - how is everyone? doing ok I hope. Baby Kian growing at a rate of knots. t4591
I have completely lost the countdown days now. :roll: :roll: It must be very soon. Have you started to pack yet? Jacket all finished :?

Kath I trust the ouchies are less today, some more sparkles to help, along with the possums and bush babies



I should be moving really, need to potter a bit more. So, I will leave lots of love and sparkles to everyone t4591 t115006 Take care, it's going to be hot hot hot. m0150 m0150 XXXX Aidan

Did I make too many waffles :? :? nah

frogmorton

Too many waffles Aidan? Too many?! never!!! Thank you very much I had one or seven Actually is that you? Really? It looks like your much younger brother.....hair looks good

Oh yes Sleek adores the new floor and has indeed been sliding!! She fetched Tommy Thumb over and he loved it. Wore him out for his Mummy :animal_busy: Tosca said 'Keep me owt ov it'. Probably wise. They are off to Lytham tomorrow morning for a nice fishy latte and some cockles :?

There is about 1/5th of the floor left to do, but it's fabulous an has a layer of vinyl so it's comfy underfoot. Today and tomorrow are no builder days so I am very happy

Blimey was it HOT!! I was

leaving

on each table in the café for us all. Set to aircon it is

I think I need a piano for my 'new revamped' room? I was doing my Liberace impersonation

I bet Niamh has been over I hope she did enjoy the sunshine and got in the pool (factor 50 on!). Maybe Barbara popped her toes in.

I bet your chillows have come into their own again. I had been thinking of putting the aircons away sooooo glad it didn't m0150

I love the earth angel and will join everyone in the waterfall this afternoon? Perfect

I think Silver has come to see Barbara!

Mines a double 99 please no sauce! Keep that machine running please t4591

Kath yes no bags :? Oh dear I have a large shoulder bag which I use to go up and down stairs carrying things if it helps I got in in France many yeas ago.

Aidan's right they should at least have paper ones for people with limited mobility :roll:

That choccy chia breakie sounds lovely. I think Lucy would like his one as she often does overnight oats :?

Thank you very muchly

Ah Kath I was doing a Liberace on the piano!!! Well I thought I was anyway People were optimistically stopping to listen!!

Kari is my big sister

Hello to Joan and Sue. I got Kari one of the lace hydrangeas for her birthday and some khol rabi seeds.

Fingers crossed all is well with Carol and she's just manically busy ATM.

Love to everyone!

Toni xxx

dachshund

Hello Toni Kathleen Aidan
. Toni yes it must be lovely for the both of you being together(((((((()))) love to Lucy Charley Tia Paul (((((((()))))
. Kathleen I'm sorry you still have your ouchies it would be nice if you had a bungalow(((((((())))))))
. Aidan that's good you winning some money from the lottery(((((()))) love to B and Dad((((()))
. take care all love to Barbara Carol Mig ((((((())))))
Joan xx

Kitty

Joan, I would prefer a very small bungalow with barely any garden. Our garden is the proverbial pocket handkerchief size, but is packed solid with all kind of plants which looked glorious when Chris was able to keep it tidy. But he can no longer do that which is very sad. Thank goodness we replaced the grass with slate chippings.

Toni, I agree, you can never have too many waffles, preferably with jam and cream. Liberace eh! here's your candlabra. https://drive.google.com/open?id=1S5DODNtL-JlUT93r2B7wHdpJFCVcuzK5

Regarding bags, I've kept quite a few so I will just use them. I don't know why they can't ptovide us with boxes, they must have loads.

Aidan, I'm glad you managed a siesta mi duck. I can't manage without one - or two. :roll: I want to be sitting by that waterfall, it looks so cooling. My ouchies have actually eased off thanks to all the back rubs and cuddles. They're worse first thing. Thank you for the gorgeous waffles.

Carol must be getting so excited as her visiting day gets closer.

Barbara, sending comforting thoughts and hugs for you and your brother. You are constantly in our thoughts. t115006 t4591 t115006

Homemade vegan chocolates

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
4.5 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/4 - 1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup raw almonds chopped
1-2 tbsp shredded unsweetened coconut
1-2 tbsp salted roasted pumpkin seeds
course sea salt for sprinkling over top
Instructions
You'll Need: Silicon baking molds (or mini muffin molds + heart shaped candy molds).

Roughly chop almonds, if using.


In a medium heatproof bowl, microwave the coconut oil until it melts completely. Add in the rest of the ingredients and whisk until smooth.

Taste test here. I prefer less maple syrup for a less sweet chocolate, but you may want to add another little drizzle here to up the sweetness factor.

Fill the molds with whatever add-ins you'd like to use: about a tsp of chopped almonds to each mold, and for some added in a sprinkle of coconut. For others I used a sprinkle of coconut plus 1 tsp pumpkin seeds. For some I just used almonds. Whatever floats your boat.

Now, using a small spoon, spoon the melted chocolate mixture into the molds. Spread until evenly filled. Sprinkle with a little sea salt, just to dust.


Place the filled chocolate molds into the fridge to set, for at least 1 hour or as long as overnight. Once set, pop them out and get one right into your mouth! Unless it's like, 7am. Then maybe wait a bit.


Recipe Notes
You can keep these little morsels in a parchment-lined airtight container in the fridge for a couple weeks, or in the freezer for about a month. Because you're not going to eat them all in two days. Right?! Right. You got this. Now go make some chocolates!

bubbles

Afternoon to all - I am saying nothing about the weather :? :? :roll:



You are right Toni, there can never be enough waffles, silly me :roll: :roll:

It is me, honest, I know the years have dropped away and I am barely a teenager in looks In your dreams Aidan.

B has had his hair cut too, so he is super young again now

Glad Sleek likes her new flooring, Tommy Thumb too. I see Mother was less than impressed at the sliding and gliding :roll: :roll: far too warm to be racing about........... m0150

A little cooler tomorrow and a sea breeze will be most pleasant says Tosca. Fishy Latte and cockles, how delightful :? :?
No builders for two days, wonderful. Less than a week to go, oh my, the wedding is getting close now............. :shock: :shock: Will they have finished all their works by the end of the week :shock:

A piano would be just perfect in your revamped room, a baby grand, wonderful, I love grand piano's.............one day, I will have one. We only won a lucky did last night, no one won the jackpot.

We can soon drape you in all things bedazzling, so you look like Liberace, with huge diamond rings and faux fur capes etc etc. He was one heck of a showman t115006 t115006

I had looked at our AC and thought, well, it seems more pleasant the last few days, so we could put this away........................oh no, leave it as it is for now, on full. We are at least 30 degrees outside :shock: :shock:

We will all be in the waterfall pools, up to my eyes I don't want to frighten the neighbours whilst wallowing

Silver did come to see Barbara and the Earth Angels are always here for everyone. t4591 t4591

The ice cream van is here, until further notice....................:) A 99 coming right up.

Hi Joan and Sue - how are you doing in this hot weather, I think we have had enough mini heatwaves this year, but that's just me. Melting.
A win is a win, even if it is a smaller one, so we are always pleased I think I would faint if it was the jackpot :shock: :shock: :roll: :roll:

Thank you for the hugs, you are always so so kind and thoughtful to everyone (((()))) t4591 t4591

Hi Kath - oh it's ott mi duck, am sweatin mi edd off :roll: :roll:

I think you need a park home, like ours, we have a small ish garden, that is 90 gravel, with most things in pots. You and Chris move into one, then Barbara and Mr B will move next door.
I would not be able to look after ours, without B to tend to the hedges and the small lawn at the front.

You did the right thing, replacing the grass with slate chippings, I like them, lovely colour, especially when wet.

We have so many sparrows that love our hedges, they have already been for their baths, 4 or 5 at a time. It needs filling up twice a day, they are very clean birdies

I will be having a cool flannel on my head when I lay down later on. It worked well yesterday. So glad the ouchies are not as bad. First thing it does take some getting going at times, until all the meds kick in.

I am sure Carol will be getting everything organised, ready for her trip to see family. I hope the kitting went to plan :? :? oh, the thought, knitting, in this heat :shock: :shock:

Thank you for the vegan choccies, luvvly mi darlin, ta. t4591 t4591

No more news of next door, activity in the garden? Noises? Footsteps? Peeples?

Hi Barbara - hope you are all ok, I bet you are sat on one chillow with one under your feet. If I had a body sized one I would be wrapped in it.
Has Niamh gone home again now. Another week and they will be heading back to school. Those six weeks went very quickly. We have not had many kiddies around and about. A few, stopping with their G parents at week ends, but not many.

Love to all, ((((())))) and prayerful thoughts t4591 t115006

Hi to everyone else, in and about, taking care in the hot weather.

Time to keep on pottering.

I will pop back later. Love and sparkles to all t4591 t115006 t115006 XXXXX Aidan

We need an industrial ice cream maker

barbara12

evening all just gone slighty cooler ..only just though
Aidan thankyou for all your prayers and sparkles.. I have my coolers on my feet and back I love them..thankyou for all the waffles Buttermilk Pancakes with Cherry Syrup ... and the icecream machines..wonderful
you do look younger and nice and fresh well you will be next week..we didnt get to the GC bought a cooked chicken instead..what are we light.. :shock:
now the pool saga well the top ring that hilds the whole things up went down..so all the water came out..we bought another from from sains..and that did the same but first time we tried to fill it..so we took that one back and got onto ama*zon and thay have replace the first one and it came yesterday ..so we are filling it for tomorrow..phew..
My brother knows what our eldest brother went through and doesn't want to go there..its so sad very surreal...
Thankyou for all the lovely pics silver and the butterfly

Toni I adore the cat cafe I didnt think they would have cats just picture..how wonderful and Happy Birthday to Kari..xx
I hope you can rest before the big day..the room looks so nice now the flooring is down..thankyou for your good wishes .
Joan thankyou you are so kind..I hope you got out and about with the little doggies..xx
Kath thankyou you know all about Chemo..we will have to see what he decides to do and support him..like I say its all so surreal.
thankyou for the vegan chocolate..and the chia chocolate pud
right better go and watch this pool filling up fingers crossed..you are all welcome to come round but bring your own towels..
Love to everyone
t4591 m0150 t4591

bubbles

Hi to all, on a SLIGHTLY ooomid evening. :? :? :?

It has been a silly hot Sunday - Monday is supposed to be at least 8 degrees cooler - I will take that Then back to more normal, for the time of year.
Here endeth the weather forecast

Hi Barbara - You are welcome to all the prayers and thoughts, as you know, they are ever present t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006

I knew you would have your chillows, concealed about your person Best £10 I have spent in a long time, I love them, as you do.

We have had quite a few treats over the weekend, with Kath's chocolates, ice creams galore, waffles by the hundred weight - thank Heavens they are all calorie free or I would be the size of a gable end. :shock: :shock: who said "you are already" let me at em :roll: :roll:

Thank you for the compliments, we do look so much younger and it is a lot better with less hair. Bill said his hair was like Roy's from Corry, before he had it cut on Sunday

I do not blame you one bit, for getting a cooked chicken and enjoying every last bit of it. When I did eat meaty things, we would buy cooked chicken, we were like Vultures

We are not going to the GC today, Bank Holiday Monday, with the kiddies off school too, not a chance. Sainsb and that is it.

You have had a saga with the paddling pool, deflating is never a good thing :? :? Glad you have finally managed to get one that will hold water as it should do. I hope Niamh enjoys it today t4591 t4591
I cannot possibly imagine what your Brother and yourself are thinking or feeling. How long is it since your eldest Brother passed away? Treatments can change quite rapidly and there is a constant research and trials, on new treatment regimes. A long talk with Christies / MacMillan / Oncologist.
I send our love and we are all praying for him. t4591 t4591 It is surreal, you are quite right.

Some more of our wonderful earth angels, we have been so blessed with them this year, hundreds of them on the buddleia's



I am off to gather some towels, we will be round this morning, for a dip on the pool

Hi Toni - have you had a bit more of a rest today, not too much in the way of immaculising, in the heat of the day m0150 m0150 :? :?
I bet you have been admiring your new room / floor / doors / over and over I would, trying to decide where to put the piano

Liberace's crystal piano maybe :shock: :shock: Sleek would LOVE it t115006 t115006 Don't let her see it :shock: :shock:



The girls are ready for Lytham. They will be off early doors, back before we even know they are gone. t4591 It is an hour from here, but car, bit with Sleek flying as the Crow flies, at speed, they will be there in minutes :shock:

Hi Carol - hope all is well with you and yours. I bet you have been pretty busy, as long as you are ok and all is on course for your family visit, which must be very soon indeed t115006 m0150 m0150

Hi to everyone else, in and about. Time I was pottering a little, now that we are a bit more chilled down.

Love and sparkles to all t4591 t115006 t115006 Take care XXXXX Aidan

Whole Grain Fruitful Muffins ( a little more healthy today )

frogmorton

Morning all

Aidan the girls were out early doors collecting Pendle mist then down to see the nymphs (and the rainbow droplet :roll: ) and have a fishy latte.

Oh my!! Sleek saw the piano over my shoulder I had scrolled it up before I realised. She has texted Tosca her 'Christmas list' :shock: it's August. She also googled Liberace and reckoned Pepelongstockings would have loved an outfit like his! Pom has candelabras

Thank you for the weather forecast. Can you do one for Saturday over in Lichfield where our do is??

We spent some time in the garden trying to knock it into shape as the photographer will come here first :shock: not point immaculising inside too much as they men will be back tomorrow :roll: They seem on track to finish Wednesday? Good as my friend is coming to help me clean up :?

I'll have anther double 99 - had 3 yesterday all doubles t4591 and now we have some magnums m0150

Sainsbury's will do yes dodge all children-friendly places until September

What's wholegrain? :? what's healthy? muffins were yum thanks t4591

I have all windows and doors open - a bit farmy smelling, but certainly cooler!

Did you say B looked like Roy of 'Roy's rolls'? Get him a shopping bag with his keys attached

I had wanted to put our AC away too glad neither of us did!



Barbara thank you there is still some flooring to go down tomorrow....but we LOVE it! Bought the builders a big box of beer each to say an extra thank you t4591

I can see your brother would be terrified I would be. He MUST communicate that to his team and get some reassurance they honestly can make things painless and much less frightening. ((())) t69044

I am very pleased to hear you have sorted the paddling pool issues for Niamh. We often had those cooked chickens too when all the kids were at home - why not? It's far easier.

Kath those vegan chocolates are to die for :shock: I had a fair few, but the neat melted them so now they are in the fridge t4591

Boxes yes maybe even if it is only for their less physically able customers :? Mind you then you could end up with loads :?

We quite like those slate chippings too you know they do look pretty wet as Aidan says and they allow surface water to trickle away back into the ground where slabs don't :shock:

Oh I LOVE the candelabra!! so does Sleek.....

Joan I bet you can't imagine your sister up in Scotland and you still down here :? We are all much happier now.

Lucy's done two 12 hour night shifts this weekend and Charley will be home early hours Tuesday am, but is then on a night too :roll:

Love to Carol and also to Crinkly

I hope all is well

Toni xxx

dachshund

Hello Kathleen Aidan Barbara Toni
. Kathleen we are in a end bungalow so we have a big garden I loved cutting thee grass but I could not do it all in one day so we have a gardener now. I hope your ouchies are better((((()))))
. Aidan I hope you B and your Dad have a good day((((()))))
. Barbara I will be thinking of your brother ((((((())))) and you((((())))
. Toni we have never been on a plane. Not long till Saturday hope the weathers good. Charley will be tired((((()))
. take care all. love to Carol Mig((((((()))))
Joan xx

Kitty

Guess what! OUR NEW NEIGHBOURS ARE MOVING IN EVEN AS I SPEAK. Blonde lady about late 30s and two dark haired men (one might be her partner) Hoo flippin ray. I haven't seen any pets or children as yet, but you never know.

Joan, I'm sorry you had to give up mowing your lawn, but I hope your gardener does a good job.

Toni, Sleek saw the piano! I bet Mother could teach her a bit of Ragtime, or honky tonk. She'd make the candlabra wobble.

Aidan, ay up mi duck. Blummin eck it's ot innit. I bet yer glad yerve ad yer ed shaved. Cooked chicken, smashing, I'd eat the lot, parsons nose and all the juicy bits underneath, I'd even chew the bones. Ta for the Whole Grain Fruitful Muffins.

Barbara, I only know about my own chemo which was probably totally differen from your brothers. I found mine quite easy, no sickness, although I did get sepsis and ended up in hospital. All my problems came after. :roll: I hope your brother has an easy time and successful treatment.

roasted veggie vegan taco salad
DESCRIPTION
this vegan taco salad is piled high with roasted cauliflower, sweet potatoes, & chickpeas, plus any other taco toppings you love, & served with a homemade smoky & creamy cashew vegan taco salad dressing that’s so good you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful! the perfect easy meatless monday dinner, or healthy lunch to meal prep for the week.

INGREDIENTS
1 small head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
1 large sweet potato, diced into ½-inch cubes
1 can chickpeas, drained & rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon Kosher salt
1 lime, juiced
6 cups mixed greens
1 avocado, diced
1 14-ounce can black beans, drained & rinsed
for serving: cilantro lime quinoa (below), pico de gallo, salsa of choice, chopped cilantro, lime wedges for spritzing, smoky cashew dressing for the cilantro lime quinoa:

½ cup dry quinoa
1 lime, juiced
½ cup chopped cilantro
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil and set aside.
Prep the cauliflower & chickpeas: Place the cauliflower florets, sweet potato, and chickpeas in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over top, then season with the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano and salt. Squeeze the lime juice over top. Toss to combine. Transfer the veggies & chickpeas to the prepared baking dish, arranging everything in a uniform layer, with lots of breathing room. Resist the temptation to crowd everything on one baking sheet – the veggies and chickpeas will get much crispier if you divide them between the 2!
Roast the veggies & chickpeas for 30 minutes, giving the baking sheets a good shake about halfway through. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Make the cilantro lime quinoa: Cook the quinoa according to package directions. Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and gently stir in the lime juice and the chopped cilantro. Set aside.
Assemble the vegan taco salad: Add the greens to a large bowl. Top with the roasted veggies & chickpeas, diced avocado, black beans and any other taco salad toppings you like. Pile them high! Drizzle with smoky cashew dressing and serve. Enjoy!

bubbles

Afternoon all Cooler, but we have the AC on, as the dryer is going 10 to the dozen :roll: :roll: 20 ish, is much better than 30 ish, that's for sure.

Hi Toni - Bill and I went shopping this morning - well, you said to get him a shopping bag with keys attached





What do you think of my dark wig

The girls were off early, I think Mother was just leaving, around 5am, when it was just starting to come light.
We had a lot of heavy mists on Sunday night, ooooooo, getting to the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness - and SPID__S

Yes, Sleek saw the crystal piano, she has been giving Mother ear ache all morning, about it. Can I can I can I :roll: :roll: :roll: Pepe would have adored a Liberace outfit, no doubt about it t115006 t115006
One like this, not too overstated :shock: :shock: :shock:



The Bubbles meteo weather, for Lichfield, on the 31st, is for 19-20 degrees, sunny intervals and a gentle breeze m0150

Glad the workmen are on track, for a Wed finish and I am sure they will love their cartons of beer, as a treat. The garden will be just right, for the photo's t115006 t115006

Ice cream coming right up

We did a round town drive past, I said if it's quiet we can pop into Costa..........well, town was like the Marie Celeste :? :? I think everyone was recovering from the week end, maybe a little tiddly.

So, we all went in and had a coffee or two and cake for Dad and I, a croissant for B. Lovely. Made a nice change. Then to Sainsb. I think people were waking up by then, as it was getting busier, with people wandering aimlessly :roll: :roll:

We have farmy muck spready smells here too, usually on a hot day, with hardly a breeze

No, no, not putting the AC away just yet..............

Hi Joan and Sue - hope you are both ok ((())) I don't blame you for having a gardener to come and cut the grass, it can be hard work. Corner plots usually have a much bigger garden, which is nice, but they need tending.
Bill cut the front grass today, there is only a small amount between us and the tiny road. All the roads are tiny on the park

Is it a bit cooler with you today, I think there is a bit of a line down the country, with one half cooking and the other, cooling :shock: :shock:

Hi Kath, NEW NEIGHBOURS - goodness, let's be getting into the garden we need a gander at em...........Blond lady and two dark haired men, two :shock:
I hope they are lovely and that they don't have offspring or pets..........and they are nice and quiet too

Mother said she used to play the piano like Mrs Mills :shock:
It were ott, horrid, swettin mi edd off. Much better wi no air

I must admit the cooked chicken sections in the shops, always smell good. We have a cooked chicken shop in town, it is always busy, queuing out the door.

Ta very much for the vegan salad taco's Lovely

Hi Barbara, hope you are ok and the paddling pool is up and running, well, not running over, but functioning as it should..........with Niamh enjoying herself. Do the children from next door still call round, to play?

Keeping those candles lit, for all t4591 t4591

Hi Carol - hope you are all ok...........countdown must be at nearly zero by now :shock: :shock:

Right. I must potter again. Catching up with laundry, throwing about willy nilly and getting in a right lather at the same time :roll: :roll:

Let me go get the cake I baked earlier, to follow Kath's lovely savoury dish of the day.

Love and sparkles to all t4591 t115006 t115006 XXXX Aidan
Will pop in later, as I do

Chocolate and Caramel Ombre Cake - ooo, posh ombre no less

bubbles

Hi to all - all quiet, I will just have another piece of cake while I natter I hope everyone is as ok as can be t4591 t4591

Not a great deal to report from the land of Pendle Witches. The owls are very busy hooting and shrieking, out in the woods. Nice clear night, had the AC on a while, to get rid of some of the heat that has built up over the past week. Much more pleasant now.

The bird bath was emptied again, after umpteen sparrows took their early evening bath

Watching the tennis from NY. It is only available on amazon prime, which you usually have to pay for, but B had a free months trial, so that was perfectly timed As you know we love our tennis and golf.

Sleek was over to see Mother, lots of shouting, about the new series of Strictly, with all the glitz and glamour t115006 t115006



Sleek has been on Catazon and ordered a big glitter ball for her new dance studio aka your newly renovated room :shock: :shock: Mother just rolled her eyes :roll: :roll:

So the builders will be back again today then Toni. I bet it has been nice, having the house back to yourselves. One last push, to get everything done. We are on Wedding countdown now :shock: :shock: All will be well, I am certain. t4591 t4591

Hi Barbara - how are you and yours t4591 Did Niamh enjoy her time in the new paddling pool.
I am sure you are glad it has been a bit cooler and far more bearable. Love to all XX

Hi Carol - hoping that you are all ok, I am sure your mini break away must have arrived. If you are with family, have a fabulous time and lots of cuddles with baby Kian t4591 t4591

hope everyone else is ok. Time I was pottering again. At home today, catching up on house things.

Leaving lots of Love and Sparkles t4591 t115006



Take lots of care XXXX Aidan

Cranberry and Walnut Oatmeal Cookies

frogmorton

Thanks for the oatmeal cookies Aidan I will need them today for the last push as you say. It was lovely having our home back!!

We have spent the weekend pottering in the garden ready for the photographer to take pics :? Oh yes wedding countdown right enough!!!

While titivating I spotted this face peeping up at me from the grass :shock: :shock: :shock:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14x0hHkJvbKsWbqUN_1KjtcFHuO4AzTbI/view?usp=sharing

I was terrified a face with EYES!!!! what could it be? A snake? a lizard?? a frog or tortoise even??? Oh dear me!

Quickly I snapped a pic off to Kari and after some further investigation it turned out to be an Elephant Hawk Moth caterpillar. Totally harmless and as we were about to mow that area moved it to under a hedge safe and sound to turn into a rather gorgeous moth!

I love your new bag with keyring attached for B, but i'm not sure about your red coat and wig....


We have amazon prime Aidan here for Alexa's music Lucy has Netflix too so we're all geared up here

I had the a/c on too it was too hot for me yesterday, but slightly better than Sunday. I also had to refill the bird bath bless them it's evaporating too.

So now I know what's happening with my 'room' a glitter ball no less It would make a good dance floor. Note to self - expect a parcel from catazon and ask builders to put it up for Sleek :roll: :animal_busy: We all love Strictly here tooo when does it start? I suspect a piano will also arrive - hope it's cat sized :?

Pepe did rather favour pinks and lilacs I have to agree that outfit is classily understated!!

Not much said about the seaside trip, but my pusskin spent the afternoon asleep so they must have had fun :animal_busy:

That Ombre cake was to die for!! It didn't (and I hesitate to say this) even need and clotted cream!

Hi Kath oh yes you are right Tosca can indeed play the piano rather well anything you hum it she'll play along

as can Aidan - pull your pants up lad!!

So new neighbours a lady and two chaps - one partner and one bro possibly? My bro always helps people move house so maybe :? Let's hope they are lovely. You'll have to get Holly to pick you up a card to welcome them

Lovey vegan taco salad there Kath that was lovely, but must have taken you ages!

Love to Joan and Sue of course I hope all is well - 4 days to the wedding :shock: :shock:


Sure all is well with Barbara just busy with Niamh visiting and hope Carol is ready for the off.

Toni xxx

Turbogran

Hi all
Well what a busy time lately no time for the laptop or internet. But now I am back in the land of technology.


Today I am off to meet my gorgeous Kian and all the other little peoples and of course the big peoples in Ramsgate/Margate.

Jacket was finished in time finished finally last night. And yes I was very very glad when it was completed. I am certainly not doing that pattern again for a while that’s for sure.

Hope you are all as well as can be.

Love and sparkles to you all t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006

dachshund

Hello Kathleen Aidan Toni Carol
. Kathleen I'm sure there is thing's you cannot do either((((()))))
. I hope your neighbour's are friendly ((((()))))
. Aidan we have thunder storms coming are way to day love to all((((((())))
. Toni not long to the wedding what time is it love to all ((((())))
. Carol enjoy the journey I hope it don't take too long((((()))
. take care love to Barbara Mig(((((())))
. Joan xx

barbara12

Morning all..I am very hot... :shock: :shock:
suppose to be cooler today..
Aidan thankyou for the Whole Grain Fruitful Muffins and the biscuits forget what they are called but enjoyed them and I love the pic of the earth angels..I truly believe...
so B looked like Roy form Roys rolls..bless I like the pic of him..dont say we are all laughing will you
So you got to the coffee shop..so nice to chill but if I drink coffee I will melt away...
Thankyou again ..our eldest brother was 60 when he passed away..so it was 12 years ago..I was with him every step of the way and he was so peaceful..thanks to the Mcmillan nurses..
must say I adored Liberace and the piano would look lovely in Tonis new room
Cooked chicken are very handy when you are hungry..
Kath at last new neighbours ..woohoo..I hope they are really nice ones..and thankyou for the info..its very helpful..and thankyou for the roasted tacos..
Joan thankyou again xx I used to love cutting the grass its very relaxing..good you have a gardner at least you can enjoy sitting out..
Carol so you are off and you managed to finish the jacket..I just knew you would..have a lovely time and have give Kian a cuddle form me..
Toni its a relief that the builders will be finished..they have work really hard so deserve a drink..Im so please but dont over do things..
That is a strange creature..Like I said I had heard of them but never soon one..it was glaring at you :shock: ..I googled the moth they are stunning..
I will tell my brother to get all his fears out..they are coming here Friday and having lots of days out..
Right better go...Niamh is coming later and sleeping with daddy..the pool is all ready...
Love to everyone
t4591 m0150 t4591 t115006

Kitty

I just spent half an hour typing up a long complicated post and the router went offline. If you can hear screaming, it's me. post lost.

I think our new neighbours have a little dog, We've heard whining but no barking. Today is Holly's birthday, so we gave her a bit extra money when she went to the shops. She is having a celebratory glass of wine.

Sending everyone hugs and best wishes.

Thai roasted butternut squash and coconut soup
This delicious and warming soup will brighten up any day. Using coconut yogurt as the star ingredient this soup is also soya and gluten free.

Thai coconut soup
Ingredients
1 medium sized butternut squash
3 carrots
1 leek
2 small garlic cloves
Small knob of ginger – grated finely
1 tsp dried lemon grass
2 tsp ground coriander
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp cayenne pepper
Handful of fresh coriander
Chilli flakes
8 1/2 cups (2l) vegetable stock (roughly)
2 2/3 cups (350g) The Coconut Collaborative yogurt
¼ - ½ lime - juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
To serve
Fresh coriander
Cumin seeds
Rice of choice – allow ½ cup per person

Method
Pre heat your oven to around 190°c. Slice your butternut squash in half (length ways), de-seed and then place flat onto a baking sheet; insides down. Put into the oven and roast for around 35-40 minutes.
Put your rice on as rice takes a little longer to cook; follow packet instructions for correct water to rice ratio.
Chop up your leeks and carrots. Sauté in some water with the garlic and ginger until a little softer. Add the ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, lemon grass and chilli. Continue to fry, adding a little more water if it starts to dry up.
Once this is fragrant and the carrots and leeks soft, add in your vegetable stock. Bring to the boil then allow to simmer for around 10 minutes; season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once your squash is done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few moments. Scoop out the insides. They should be very soft so will easily come away from the skin.
Put into the pot with the stock and mix. Bring back to the boil and then add a squeeze of lime and the fresh coriander, season to taste.
Using a hand held blender, blitz your soup until thick and creamy. Add the coconut yoghurt and stir well.
To serve, ladle a good serving of the soup into a bowl, adding rice if desired. Top with some fresh coriander and any other seasonings. You could also add another dollop of coconut yoghurt on at the end to make it extra creamy!

bubbles

Afternoon to all - whoever said the weather is cooling off (was it me :? :? :oops: :oops: ) they / as in me, are telling a pack of lies. I am sweltered, AC on full and still melting :roll: :roll:

We have a weather warning for thunderstorms and heavy rain - will believe that when I see it :? :? :roll: :roll:

Anyway, how is everyone..........................

Hi Toni, you will need lots of low GI foods, to help with the extra push. Now, steady away, we do not want you ouching more than would be normal, for Saturday. I can tell you are very busy, I just know.................. :? :? Matron knows these things.

I would have jumped too, seeing the big caterpillar looking at me. Elephant Hawk Moths are wonderful, Mum and Dad used to breed them. I am sure they used to eat lime tree leaves and willow leaves. It was a maz ing to watch them chrysalis and then finally come out as huge gorgeous moths. Glad he / she, is safely away from lawn trimmings.

Bill is fine with his new bag I have had to ditch the wig and the coat, I was far too hot and bothered

I have a free month for amazon prime music, so I might use it. Not that we have much time for listening to any. It is good though, 50 million songs and counting, that is some playlist :shock: :shock:
Never really looked at Netflix.

I saw a trailer for Downton, the movie, out on the 12th September I think. Cannot wait for that to come to Sky Cinema t4591 t4591

Bill did the beds, so I have fussed with washing, B filled the bird bath, well, the sparrows must have been watching, they piled in had a wonderful time. Now it is empty again :roll:

I put some laundry in the dryer, in my wisdom, NOT. Thought I was going to pass out, with the AC trying to battle with the dryer :shock: :roll: :roll: It aint going on again until it is proper weather.

Yes, Sleek has her new room earmarked for a crystal piano, lights all sparkling with the glitter ball, Mother on the piano, playing away.

I thought the first bit of the new Strictly series was on last night, it must be on catch up tv. We didn't watch it, but it was all over the mail online.

I quite agree, the outfit was quite classy and not at all loud :shock: Mr showbiz himself, was Liberace. There is a museum you can go round in Vegas, we saw the signs, but never went in to look around.

The girls have kept rather quiet about their trip to Lytham, Mother said the cockles were very nice, mashed up :?

No cream on the Ombre cake, goodness woman, are you not well :shock: :shock: It was rather creamy and delicious in its own right.

4 days to the wedding. oh my, no wonder we are all in a lather :shock:

Hi Carol, we guessed that you had been super busy, getting ready for off to Ramsgate. Glad you are ok and back online with technology
You finished the jacket for Kian, just in the nick of time. No more will be made in that pattern, I am sure.

Have a lovely time with your family, lots of cuddles and hugs from peeples teeny and not so teeny t4591 t4591 Hi to Mr T too t115006

Hi Joan and Sue - thunderstorms are on the way to you as well, after the very hot weather, I am not surprised. How are the doggies when it is thundering? Some go mad, barking, some hide. Our cats used to sit watching the storms, they were never bothered at all. :roll:

Hugs to you both (((()))) and to the doggies

Hi Barbara - Glad we are not the only ones, it is bloomin hot and oomid as can be. More like Miami weather.

You are welcome to the goodies, it is a pleasure to keep us all fed and lots of treats too.

Butterflies are wonderful, many say they are signs of Angels being present. The same as "when feathers appear, Angels are near" t4591

Bill approved of the picture of him as Roy from Corry, well, he said it
I had to rip the wig off and the coat, I was boiled.

It was an impromptu stop off at Costa on Monday, very pleasant it was too. It was all chilled inside, so not too bad. Coffee does make me leak though.

12 years since your eldest Brother died, Bless him t4591 t115006 Things will have progressed a whole lot since then. Of course you were there for him, right through. MacMillan are just so wonderful, it is their job to make sure their patients are very comfy and not in pain at all.
Your Brother will need to have a good talk to all the relevant medical people, they are there to be a support and offer guidance and treatments.
Good that he is coming over on Friday with his GF and having lots of days out. He seems to be one that likes to keep going t4591

Mum liked Liberace, he was such a showman. I would like to see the film, Behind the Candelabra, with Michael Douglas and Matt Damon. His life was not so happy, away from the stage...........

I see the pool is ready, hope you don't mind if I jump in, well, fall in
Have fun with Niamh and Daddy

Hi Kath - i could ere screamin, thought summat wer goin on. Is the i pad, laptop still in the house, or did you throw it out the window :shock: :shock: :roll: :roll:
The internet can be wonderful and equally as frustrating, all in the same day................ Sorry you lost your post hun, it's no fun when you have spent a good while writing. t4591 t4591 (((())))

I had better move about again. It has just started to rain and the humidity is off the scale :shock: :shock:

Let me go find the cake I made. Everyone take care, will call back later, lots of love and sparkles to all t4591 t115006 XXX Aidan

A Marjolaine ( nutty meringue, praline buttercream and chocolate ganache ) It was quite fiddly

bubbles

Hi to all - it is still very oomid and super warm. Not a breath of air outside, so AC is on low, to aid ones comfort. :? :roll: Today is supposed to be a fair bit cooler, but don't quote me on that :roll: :roll:

Hi Kath, your post has appeared, there be magic in the air t115006

Sooooo, the neighbours have a little doggy. A little bit of whining is not too bad, barking, well, let's hope that is not an issue, Mother will cast a spell of anti bark sparkles - one she learnt a long long time ago apparently. :? :?



I hope Holly had a lovely Birthday and enjoyed her glass or two of wine, courtesy of you and yours t4591 t69044

Ta for the lovely butternut squash and coconut soup, perfect with some crusty bread and a tiny bit of butter :? :?

Hope any ouchies are not too troublesome, somem extra (((()))) and t4591 will never go amiss.

Hi Toni - I hope you are all ok, not too tired or ouchy..............Sleek said Mummy had been a bizzy person, she also said that her new room is ee nor mowse. Telling Mother that there is enough room to host Strictly :shock: :shock:

Mother thought it would be rather nice as the village Tea Rooms with comfy chairs and cast iron bistro tables. Seems like the girls have it all planned out :shock:

I am certain it is looking SO much better. Brighter, all on one level, new doors, new floors, a very good job done, by some very good tradesmen t4591 t4591 Just in time for the Wedding.

Hi to Carol - hope you are safely with your family, having had lots of cuddles and hugs from everyone, especially baby Kian t4591 t4591

Hi Barbara - did Niamh enjoy her time in the pool? I am sure she will have had a great time, with a roast dinner maybe Back to school next week.
Once the term starts, all the Christmas chocolates will start to appear in the shops. :shock: :roll: :roll:

Hi to everyone else, love to Mig and Christine, DD, SW, Toady, Elizabeth, Crinkly, Mell, Kerrin and all our friends.

Time I was pottering and catching up on the tennis from NY. Raffa has just started his match...........which he will no doubt win.

Podiatry at the local Hosp for Dad this morning, hopefully his toe will be fully healed by now. Then to the T room for some brunch.

Love and sparkles to all t4591 t115006 t115006 Take care XXXXX Aidan

Lemon, Almond and Oat breakfast bites

frogmorton

Morning a quick fly by on way to fetch Lucy will be back in about an hour.

Joan just to answer your question the wedding is at one :shock: hairdresser will be here at 7.45 am :?

back in a mo

dachshund

Hello. Barbara Kathleen Aidan Toni
. Barbara I can't like sitting outside it's boring I like doing things.
you are a good nurse looking after your brother's (((((((()))))
Kathleen it might not be long now before you meet your neighbours (((((()))))))
. Aidan we have not had the thunder storm yet we have sun at the moment. Good your Dad's toe is better((((((())))) enjoy your coffee((((((())))
. Toni I shall be thinking of you all (((((())))
. take care love to Carol Mig(((((())))
. Joan xx

frogmorton

Barbara I expect you are shattered having had Niamh overnight :Bless her I hope she enjoyed the pool and it is still watertight

The building inspector has to come later on to sign off the steel over the bifold doors :roll: then the builders can sort of laminate it with slivers of brick.

My friend is over too later to help me (or try to!) get straight :roll:

((())) t69044 for you.

Kath that soup looks delicious thank you

I did hear some screaming and thought it was Sleek oh dear it was you :? bloomin routers :roll:

Happy birthday to the lovely Holly I hope she enjoyed her glass of wine. I bet the kids enjoyed her day more than she did!!

The doggie is bound to feel unsettled I hope the whining stops once he/she feels secure. Sleek is thinking about investigating and has her Sherlock Holmes outfit on including (unlit) pipe :shock:

Aidan I hope you are well both of you Dad too t4591

The marjolaine was totally YUM good for the waistline (!) not for the teeth but YUM anyway

Decaf coffee does not make you leak so worth a try and can be had before bed if so desired

I am glad B liked his photo and very glad to haer you only wore your wig and delightful coat for the photo :shock:

Sleek has started 'caring' a bit much for Mother hence the mashed up cockles - sorry! Next she'll be paw-feeding her :oops: Lytham was lovely apparently after questioning Sleek wanted to wear a 'kiss me quick' hat but got a 'look' and put it away hastily

She was dancing in the new room on and off all night while I was putting batteries in artificial candles :roll: for the candelabra floral displays Mirrorball sparkling away and Tosca kindly magicked up a Liberace style piano which played itself she herself was seated in a win backed chair feet on a pouffe :shock:

No evidence at all this morning :shock:

Matron is quite right I am manically busy, but it needs to be amazing for each of the girls when their day comes t4591 I am sitting down too a bit from time to time I promise. Well I did have my hair done yesterday??? and there were the candles too?

I did jump when I saw the moths and bruised my knee 'running' away I also did not want Sleek eating said caterpillar :shock: it was huge so she'd have been very full Well done your parents breeding them! They must be rare then.

Thanks for the breakfast bites low GI so I have had several.

I hope Dad's foot is 'signed off' today fingers and paws crossed.

Carol is off!! As we suspected and that naughty jacket took until almost the day before they left!! I hope the visit goes perfectly I can't wait to see the photos t4591

Love to everyone

Toni xx