Val's Cafe

Kitty

Joan, I don't suppose many people don't have Windows 10 now. For about 2 years my laptop couldn't pick updates up. Now I get them all thanks to an improved virus checker. This latest update took me from 5pm Saturday until 9pm Sunday. Oh my poor eyes and brain. :?

Toni, incapacitated. LOL I had to check I spelled that correctly. But I'm back now, so where's me brekky?

Aidan, Oh Honey and Sunflower Rolls, followed by Easy Orange Cake that will do nicely thak you. I'll just have a second cuppa tea then get me ed down for a snooze, ta ducky.

Barbara, those spuds sound mouth wateringly delicious. I'm glad Mr B has agreed to make an appointment. ahe'd better, we are watching.

Grilled pumpkin and black bean burger. An easy to make Vegan burger bursting with flavour.

Ingredients
1 tbsp oil
1/2 cup (75g) diced red onion
1/2 cup (90g) diced red pepper
3 cloves minced garlic
1 tsp ground cumin
1-15 oz can black beans
1 tsp salt
2 minced chipotle peppers
1/4 cup (45g) sweetcorn
3 tbsp mashed pumpkin
1 cup (90g) breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (65g) chopped pecans (optional if you are avoiding nuts)

Method
Dice red onion, red pepper and mince garlic. Heat the oil over a medium heat then add garlic, onion, red pepper and sweetcorn then sauté for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Drain and rinse the black beans and pat dry. Place in a deep bowl. Using the back of a fork, mash about half the beans and leave the other half whole. Then add the pumpkin, cooked vegetable mixture, chipotle peppers, pecans, breadcrumbs and cumin. Mix well until all ingredients are combined to desired consistency. Note, if mixture is too dry you can add a little more pumpkin. Using hands, form into four large patties and refrigerate.
Heat grill medium high heat. Brush grill with oil then place burgers on the grill. Cook for approx. 3-5 minutes on each side.
Remove and serve immediately on your favorite vegan roll. Enjoy!
Tips
Other toppings include avocado spread , fresh roasted tomato, caramelized onion or your favorite burger toppings. Garnish with Kosher Dill pickle.

Salt and pepper to taste, we can eat this with some of Barbara's tatties.

Serves 6

barbara12

Evening all..eyes slightly worse the one with AMD..is quite bad but they cant do anything for that so ,so they will see me in 12 months to monitor the glaucoma in the other..
This wont be long we had a lovely surprise when we got back.. our eldest GD and GF..have come up from London to surprise us.. and staying till friday
Toni no dont give the other villages a chance..you go for it..ooh the posh furniture shop did you buy anything nice..
Kath..my updates were the same couldnt get any then they all come at once..pumpkin and black bean burger sounds interesting..thankyou
Joan I am sorry ..I remember now the patches made you sore...I hope the higher does of cocodamol works for you..and they had better fix that boiler or else
Aidan thankyou for the homey and sunflower rolls..yum
Hilde is very clever..I have to laugh just look in the book... at least you sussed it.. its not really stopedd raining here today, but very warm..glad you got some respite in Skipton..gosh no air com I would have ,melted..
Hope all dads appointment go ok especially his scan like you say best to get these things checked
Right better go will be back tomorrow
Love to everyone
t4591 m0150 t4591

bubbles

Hi to all - one appt down, one to go............................................

Hi Toni - President butter, perfect. They have stopped selling it at Sainsb, for some unknown reason :shock: :shock:

I know, we do feel at odds when we (rarely) have a day to ourselves and go out somewhere local. We shouldn't really. A bit like when Mum was in the home, if my aunt and uncle went, to give us some free time, we felt guilty.............. :? :roll: :roll:

Oh Nero's was so hot you had to be there to believe it. It was ok upstairs, which are nearly vertical, so that is a no go. The disabled loo was nice and cool, so I did think about having coffee in there
We did do enough, you are right.

Arighi Bianchi sounds wonderful, I must look at their website, glad you enjoyed the time there, browsing and the like

The whiff of mackerel was quite pungent Mother had obviously enjoyed the wraps. Pendle was totally shrouded in mist and cloud, so Sleek had a field day, hoovering up no end of supplies for the nymphs. It is that time of year, very special mists.

Mother did shriek about Tommy, muting that he had a similar character to a certain Mr Potter..................... :shock: :shock: how cool is that. He needs careful mentoring, to be a powerful puskin wizard t115006 t115006 Sleek is now his mentor. Who knew

Hildegard is clever, so clever I still cannot link the phone to my mercedes me account. The phone knows me, the pc knows me, but are they linked, are they buffalo :roll: :roll:
The triangle comes on when you are going over a certain speed and the car sees that you are getting too close to the one in front, to stop safely.
On the M6, it would think we were in a huge car park :roll: :roll:

Thank you for being under the cloak today, t4591 will get to that at the end. It was not a long, protracted appointment..........:)
I suddenly found I was under the cloak at Barbara's appointment, I really did meet myself on the way there and back :shock: :shock:

Hi Joan and Sue, we know what you mean, if one is not there, then the other feels like a spare part. :? :?

Thank you for the well wishes, Dads appointment was not too bad, he has to have more tests, but today went ok. Good to know yhat your pain is more under control. t4591 t4591
Glad you can have the heating on, it was chilly tonight and first thing in the morning, the same.

Hi Kath, you were incognito, with your very lengthy update :shock: :shock: that was a lonnnnnng time to do an update. Is the pc ok, not running slow?

Glad you liked the Cake and Honey bread, did yer av a good nap mi duck, Second cup of T on the way. Hope your ouchies are not too bad.
Any signs of neighbours.............. :? :? We do need a web cam

Ta for the gorgeous pumpkin and bean burger, delicious, truly t4591 t4591

Hi Barbara - thanks for being on cloak duties, and vice versa for your appointment too.
One eye slightly worse, oh dear, sending healing hugs (((())))

We months for the next appointment, yes, glaucoma needs close monitoring, which they are doing. Rest those eyes a bit now.

Wow, what a wonderful surprise after you got back from hospital. I bet you are over the moon. GD and GF stopping until Friday, you will have a lovely time with them. t115006 t115006 t115006

I am forever looking in Hilde's book :? :? :roll: :roll: and being scolded for playing with the touch pad and vehicle settings. "don't change anything" :roll: :roll: no, no, I won't............. much
Trying to find out how to get speed camera warnings on the built in sat nav...........I think you have to pay for them, once a year, but, can I find a definitive answer, anywhere, nope !!

Dads urology appt was ok. We arrived in fair time, no parking spaces, so parked round by the new wing of the hospital. Well, the urology is right back at the other side and it was a rabbit warren to get there. I was in agony and had to keep stopping every so many yards. But, we made it, Bill went on ahead and booked Dad in and we hobbled along, up one lift, down a level, walk on, up another lift, end up on same level :? :? :roll: :roll: don't ask.

They did a cystoscopy, which showed a red area at the top of Dads bladder. This was only the camera, to take a look see. He has to go back for a less flexible cystoscopy under quick general, to take a biopsy, plus he needs a scan on his bladder and kidneys. He was fine, bless him. We were not really there that long. B went to fetch the car and met us at the outpatient door, which was only a little potter away.

Today is his MRI brain scan, but that is at Beardwood, the private hospital in Blackburn, where I see my new Cardiologist. It will be fine, parking is good (in beautiful grounds) and close to the scanning department. It's all go.......................... :shock: :shock:

A siesta was VERY welcome, to easy very painful bones and joints.

Hi Carol, how was your family "do". I hope it all went well. t4591 t4591 Knit and natter today, I hope there are a few more people there today, with needles all of a clatter

Right my lovelies - I am in need of pottering. Setting time of joints is very short at the moment :roll: :roll:

Gentle sparkles for us all



Big hi to everyone else, around and about. t4591 t4591 t4591

Take lots of care, love to all XXXXXX Aidan

Asparagus and Mushroom Swiss Egg Bake (vegan "egg" works just as well )

frogmorton

Good morning everyone Looks chilly out there today :?

Lovely swiss eggy breakie Aidan thank you very much. Asda still do president butter so occasional visits for some are in order methinks Plenty of mushrooms so left a good bit for Kath.

I am very very pleased to hear Dad got on OK at Urology and although getting there wasn't easy the apt was nice and quick. Sounds like a good plan is in place for now. I hope this kidney scan and bladder one is vis ultrasound. MRI today that will be why the cloak is shimmying :roll: He will need to be brave in the MRI even if it is a lovely hospital easy parking and access etc((()))

It was weird seeing you in the hospital then you went hazy and were there right next to me at Barbara's apt I hope my gasp wasn't audible :shock: :oops:

Yes you do feel guilty when you have a 'day off' of your caring duties, but it really is essential and I know that as well as anyone. A few parents split under the pressure when Lucy was in.

No I could not have coped with Nero's, but to be fair coffee in the loo?? Nah! Hot air through the aircon is what happened to Dudley. Good luck to them!

Now back to cars. I really would nip back to the dealer for a lesson in connecting your phones and checking out the sat nav's warning system for speed cameras.

Barbara how fabulous GD and GF at yours!! Bless them it will be to give you some support with the news about their Gt Uncle bless them! Enjoy your time with them.

Did you hear me gasp when Aidan appeared under the cloak! One minute we were at B's Dad's apt the next at yours and he sort of materialized there so I jumped!

The glaucoma will be ripe when it is I suppose but must be monitored and the AMD is a little worse I'm sorry about that, but glad they are keeping a close watch on you ((()))

Yes I think we will do BKV again in 2020 - might be nice to get the hat-trick!

Kath yes don't decapitate me hehe! That was a loooooong update must have been annoying :roll: Good it's done now though

We have a lovely scrambled egg swiss mushroom breakie so I've left you loads

Now that burger looks lovely Kari had two :shock: She's on a det and of course these are calorie free!

Joan Lucy is doing very well Daisycat also known as Sleek was on her bed last night. I am so glad the extra co-cos are helping you with your pain ((()))

A man came from London! wasn't Paul was it? He was there yesterday only joking!

See you all later

dachshund

Kathleen have you seen your neighbours yet. Have a good day((((((()))))
. Barbara ow is everything with you ((((((())))))) for your husband((((((())))
. Aidan I bet you felt worn out(((((()))) Dad ((((((())))
. Toni Lucy has done such a lot after being so bad(((((()))) nd to you ((((())))
. take care love to Carol Mig(((((())))
. Joan xx

Kitty

Joan, no, but we hear them occasionally. They must be happy though, as he was singing his head off yesterday - I didn't recognise the tune though.

Toni, I missed all of the appointments because I was asleep when the cloak picked me up and very gently deposited me in the appropriate place. Was I snoring? Thank you for leaving me some of Aidan's delicious scrambled egg swiss mushroom breakie. I've scoffed the blinking lot. :oops: Decapitate you, moi? Never lovey.

Aidan, You are so right about those Mackerel Wraps were eggsepchanally whiffy. Mother very 'kindly' offered me one. I had to hold my breath and decline politely. My PC is running very smoothly thank you and ta for the very tasty Asparagus and Mushroom Swiss Egg Bake. Toni left me loads.

Barbara, I know they can't do anything about the AMD eye, but can they treat the Glaucoma eye? Chris has that in his eyes, he used to have eye drops, but he doesn't any more. Is Niamh enjoying junior school?

Carol I hope you are recovering from your falls now, and getting on with the cardigan you've begun.

mig, I hope life is getting back to normal foryou now you have finished treatment.

Tuna Panzanella with Rocket This recipe is not Vegan, but I copied it from the Royal Osteoporosis Society website. So it's good for our, and Lucy's bones.

Time to prepare: 25 Mins

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS
150g Ciabatta bread, chopped into bite size pieces
250g Cherry Tomatoes, halved
1 Shallot, halved peeled and finely sliced
1 Yellow Pepper, halved, de-seeded and sliced into thin strips
1/2 a Cucumber, thinly sliced
160g tin of Tuna, drained
60g Rocket
35g freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
1 small handful Fresh Basil Leaves, roughly chopped
4 tbs Olive Oil and a little extra for drizzling
1/2 a Lemon
Salt and pepper

METHOD

Pre-heat your oven to 200 degrees.

Take your chopped ciabatta and spread in a single layer on a baking tray. Sprinkle evenly with grated parmesan cheese, a grind of black pepper and a drizzle of oil. Place on the top shelf of your oven for 10 mins or until the cheese is melted and the bread pieces are golden.

Meanwhile, take a large bowl and add your halved cherry tomatoes, sliced shallot, yellow pepper strips, and sliced cucumber. Add half of the olive oil season with salt and pepper and mix through.

Flake the tuna over the top of your vegetables followed by the rocket and the remaining olive oil.

When your bread is ready, remove from the oven and mix through your salad. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and scattering of basil.

Enjoy!

bubbles

Hi to all - at the end of another day - these days just fly..................

It was quite cool early on Toni, I nudged the heating on for a while, which Mother loved of course. :animal_busy: :animal_busy:

Glad you liked the breakfast we aim to please all Asda. For President spreadable. It is the only supermarket that we don't have, none nearby either :roll: :roll: I wonder if they deliver

The next cystoscopy will be a more rigid one, (they were when I was nursing, quite ouchy, hence they give you a short aneasthetic.) Things might have changed.
The scan will be a CT I think.

Today's appointment was a total breeze. The NHS is amazing and we have only had the best experience of care and treatment, on both sides of the bed, it was the getting there that is normally the pain in the neck.

We were a little early at the private hosp. parked 5 yards from the scanner unit entrance, surrounded by beautiful trees and grounds. No one in, just the staff to welcome us, coffee, tea, iced water..................I even got to nosy at the scanner. I had to be scooped up at my last MRI - could not stay in for more than a matter of seconds, total panic.

This one was large, wide, short in depth, super ultra modern. Not at all claustrophobic in any way. I said I could cope with that, anyway, I digress.

Dad was taken through, after all the usual checks for metal bits and bobs. 20 minutes, he was dressed and back out, ready for the off. Report will go to the GP. He said that was a bl---y noisy thing. :shock: I had pre-warned him that it makes a clatter, even with ear plugs and head phones.

We were home just after three. I heard the cloak shimmying, and felt a breeze as it wafted past, I know you all had a good look outside and were gathering conkers from the big trees Thank you for the cloak duties, always nice to think that others are there with you. t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006

You did gasp rather loudly when I vanished from one place, to appear at your side, for Barbara's appointment. Made me jump as well, so we both screeched

Caring is a very challenging time, we all have experiences and know how it affects us, only too well t4591 t4591 I can see how it can split relationships apart, if you don't take a wee bit of time out and talk about things together.

Nah, coffee in the loo would not be an option :? :? Hot aircon is just horrid, you can feel it sapping the energy from you. Glad Dudley was fixed.

I had an email from Merc support. With a walk through of what to do.
Well, the first one that is on the pc, already know me, the car etc etc and the other one, on the app, already knows me. :? :? So tried the second option, to call up Mercedes, by pressing a button near the courtesy lights. Up comes the screen and it talks you through the options, so they can assist you. It rang for so so long B was getting a tad irritated, :roll: so I hung up. Will try again. Apart from that Hildegard is just wonderful.

I had to chuckle, the email from Merc, was from a lady called Attila :shock: :shock:

Speed cameras are an extra payment, I am sure of that :roll: :roll:

Glad you are going in for BKV again, a hat trick would be perfect t69044 t69044 t4591 t4591

Sleek was keeping Mother company while we were at Dads second appointment. They watched some 90 Day Fiance and Gone with the wind :shock: :shock: (great film) Mother did nod off a couple of times.
Some fresh litter quidditch by her Sleekness.

I hope honeymoons and holidays are going well m0150 m0150 t4591 t4591

Hi Joan and Sue - yes, we were very tired after the first appointment, because of the time it took to get from one area to another................but that's over with thank goodness. Dad has been fine, with both appointments. Thank you for the (((()))) t4591 t4591 to you both

Hi Kath - there was singing, from next door, gosh, must be happy chappy, even if the tune was unrecognisable :? singing is better than shouting and bawling.

You were fast asleep under the cloak, in one of the plush bedrooms. No snoring at all :? :? How kind of Mother to offer to share her mackerel wraps - she is a love

Good to hear that your pc is running smooth as silk after the mega updates. Mine is just starting to do three, as I am typing. If all this vanishes, I will squeal :shock: :shock:
I knew you would love the Swiss bake

Ta for the tuna panzanella, very very tasty indeed. Would be fine with vegan cheese or tofu / quorn.........

Hi Barbara - hope you are enjoying time with your GD and her GF, on their surprise visit. Have you been out anywhere special, GC or otherwise t4591 t4591 Niamh will be there today as well, you will be busy..........
Is Mr B going to the GP this week, I have forgotten already, oh dear, brain fog. :roll: :roll:

Hi Carol - hope you are both ok and your weekly activities are going to plan. Has the bruising almost gone now, after those tumbles. t4591

Today, it is T room for lunch and a little down time for all of us. Looking forward to that and Dad will be too.

Time for some sparkles - I love this one



Hi to everyone else in and about. t4591 t4591

Time I was pottering. So many bits to catch up on :roll: :roll:

Lots of love to all t4591 t4591 Take care XXXXX Aidan

Soft Oats and Nut Bars

frogmorton

Aidan Asda do indeed deliver they were one of the first to do so. Ocado probably do it to and they obviously deliver so you might be able to knock an order together. They do the French teissiere squash too in case you like it

Poor Dad he needs to be Zzzzing if they are using the rigid camera tube next time :shock: CTs aren't scary. I am relieved that he coped with the MRI they can be can be extremely claustrophobic oh yes! BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG! DRRRR DRRRR DRRRR DRRRR! etc

The scanner sounded much better that the last one I was in and what? Iced water on arrival? How very delightful! Pinkies out! Have you seen the advert for Balsen chocolightnits on TV?

WE like our trips out in the cloak Aidan so t was a pleasure and have left you some conkers for s****r prevention. Old wives tale that :roll:

Sorry about the gasp then our joint screech! Did you see Barbara's eye Dr checking the door for squeaking? I think we got away with it

Attila is a good German name only suitable for scary German ladies or...fast German sports cars in black or maybe red??? Press the button one day when B can leave you in the car awhile.

Sleek enjoyed the two films she watched with Mother and they had a chat about Sleek mentoring Tommy. When ever Mother nods off she wraps her up warm and watched over her only one eye on the TV.

Thanks for the oaty nut bars mmmm...lovely. We'll have energy all day!

I love the sparkle fountain too t4591 t115006

Kath isn't it useful the cloak picking us up ready or not....just a thought though I hope it would pop us on the cloak's loo if we were using the facilities when we were 'collected' :? :shock: :? :shock:

Glad you ate all the mushroom eggy breakie and enjoyed it. The new neighbour sings? Really? in tune?

I think the tuna posh salad could be adapted for vegans quite easily and it looks yum!

Joan Yes Lucy likes keeping busy now. Today she is off to see her Nan in the next town.

I hope Barbara's eyes aren't too sore after her apt the other day :?

Carol is probably recovering from her trip to see all the small people and their parents

Hello to mig and Crinkly.

Love

Toni xx

dachshund

Hello everyone I hope you have a good day
. Kathleen it looks a bit breezy this morning but the weekend is alright(((((()))))
Aidan yes a MRI scanner is noisy a CT scanner is like a doughnut I hope it won't be a long wait for your Dad(((((())))
. Aidan you have a posh car do you give a little wave((((())))
. Toni how is your house coming on ((((()))))
. take care all love to Barbara Carol Mig ((((()))))
. Joan xx

Kitty

Thought you'd all like to know, we heard our new neighbor(s) this morning chucking loads of glass bottles in the recycle bin. They did that last week too, maybe that's why we heard raucous singing the other day. Possibly alcoholics? :shock:

I rang Rosie this morning too, Chris saw a huge sp.... crawl across the living room floor first thinh. We'll have a good sweep and clean by the gang tonight while we're in bed. Clarence and Florence checking behind the furnitue.

After 3 weeks and countless calls to the doc and chemist, I'm hoping my Leflunomide should arrive today. :roll:

Joan, the weather is all over the shop just lately. :roll:

Toni, I think that when we're expecting the cloak I shall put 3 Tena ladie on - in case. :? Yes, I thought you might adapt the recipe yesterday. Did you look at theros website for Lucy?

Aidan, wouldn't you think they would give you earplugs/headphones and play soothing musack for those having an MRI? Many thanks for the Soft Oats and Nut Bars, I'm dunking mine in me T and mekking a right oad mess.

Sending hugs to Barbara, Carol and mig. t4591 t4591 t4591

Quick muesli
This is great for anyone trying to cut back on processed foods - and as you would expect from this section, is super fast to make too. You'll be bursting with energy after this healthy brekkie.

Serves 1

Ingredients
1 small apple, grated
1 tbsp raisins or sultanas
2 tbsp nuts
3 tbsp oats
Soya, oat or rice milk to taste
Soya yoghurt - optional
Method
Mix all the ingredients together and serve.
If you want a sweeter taste try adding more dried fruit rather than any sugar. You can, of course, use other fresh fruit such as chopped strawberries or raspberries when in season.
35

Kitty

Thought you'd all like to know, we heard our new neighbor(s) this morning chucking loads of glass bottles in the recycle bin. They did that last week too, maybe that's why we heard raucous singing the other day. Possibly alcoholics? :shock:

I rang Rosie this morning too, Chris saw a huge sp.... crawl across the living room floor first thing. We'll have a good sweep and clean by the gang tonight while we're in bed. Clarence and Florence checking behind the furnitue.

After 3 weeks and countless calls to the doc and chemist, I'm hoping my Leflunomide should arrive today. :roll:

Joan, the weather is all over the shop just lately. :roll:

Toni, I think that when we're expecting the cloak I shall put 3 Tena ladie on - in case. :? Yes, I thought you might adapt the recipe yesterday. Did you look at theros website for Lucy?

Aidan, wouldn't you think they would give you earplugs/headphones and play soothing musack for those having an MRI? Many thanks for the Soft Oats and Nut Bars, I'm dunking mine in me T and mekking a right oad mess.

Sending hugs to Barbara, Carol and mig. t4591 t4591 t4591

Vegan Quick muesli
This is great for anyone trying to cut back on processed foods - and is super fast to make too. You'll be bursting with energy after this healthy brekkie.

Serves 1

Ingredients
1 small apple, grated
1 tbsp raisins or sultanas
2 tbsp nuts
3 tbsp oats
Soya, oat or rice milk to taste
Soya yoghurt - optional

Method
Mix all the ingredients together and serve.
If you want a sweeter taste try adding more dried fruit rather than any sugar. You can, of course, use other fresh fruit such as chopped strawberries or raspberries when in season.

bubbles

Afternoon to all - bright and breezy today, very pleasant. I think an Indian Summer is on the way, for a week or so. m0150 m0150

Hi Toni - of course, ASDA and Waitrose do deliver, might be worth having a shipment of butter :shock:

Dad was ok and had already forgotten about the urology Dr's comments. Bless him. He will be KO'd for the more in depth cystoscopy, best to be, I won't tell him what they do, just a camera again Dad, that's all. :? :?

The scanner really was so different to all the ones I have ever seen and certainly the one I went in and rapidly came out of. More like the big O of a CT scanner., not at all closed in. They do make one heck of a racket, new or old. 1.5 Mgton it said on the door. :shock: :shock:

We always have the choco Leibniz biscuits, dark for me and milk for Bill. We are hooked on them More chocolate than biscuit, that's fine by me t4591 t4591 Not seen the advert though, will have a look on youtube YOu can get the same biscuits, Tesco's own, for half the price, worth a try, they are just as good.

I wondered what the lumps were in my bed, conkers. :shock: :shock: I am afraid it is an old wives tale, that spi--s won't come in if you spray conker spray around and about. I have bottles of it, as you can well imagine :roll: :roll: :? :?

Glad you enjoyed your time and then my time, under the cloak, even if we did scare each other out of our slippers

We were lucky at Barbara's appt, with the door creaking - I think Barbara distracted him quickly enough.

Attila is indeed a pretty scary name. I have always been VERY polite in my replies to her :shock: :shock:
I did press the button again, while B was in the vets gathering Mothers sweets. The helpline answered immediately and said what I needed to do, they said my car and all details are on their systems, I just needed to accept all the terms and conditions in my "profile settings". Then my car will appear. This I have now done. Does my vehicle now appear, does it eck as like :roll: :roll:

So I have written to Attila again :? :? I don't want to upset her in any way :shock: :shock: should I send flowers t69044

Sleek is very caring and protective of Mother, with her wobbly legs and lugs a plenty :roll: :roll: Must have a go at some more Sssshh, say nothing.
Mother likes Gone with the Wind, with its classic lines

I would like one of those fountains, that showered diamonds, imagine.............don't tell Sleek :shock: :shock: t115006 t115006

Hi Joan and Sue - I think the GP will get a report in a week or so, from the MRI scan, probably a bit quicker with is being done at a private hospital (scan paid for by the surgery though - they get deals, at better prices than we could get).

I do give little waves from the car very regal, :? either that or I look very silly

Love to both (((()))) hope the pain is more under control for you Joan.

Hi Kath, alcoholics :shock: :shock: noooooo, let's hope not eh. Might have been pop bottles :? :? :roll: :roll: SLeek and Mother will peek inside the recycling bin and have a nosy. We don't want any excessive drinkings.

A HUGE SPID__ Move, sell the house...........book a hotel :shock: :shock: we don't want you fainting with the shock :shock: :shock:

I hope Clarence and Florence will sweep thoroughly, later on. Make sure the intruder has not gone in the bedroom - :shock: :shock:



I hope your leflunomide arrives today too. Enough of the endless to and fro with the chemists

The weather was wet as it could be last night, poured down. Now it is like early summer again.

They did give Dad ear plugs and headphones, he still thought it was a noisy machine :shock:

What a mess, let me get a cloth and a vacuum and a mop, no more dunking of those oaty bars now :shock: :shock:

I love some of the muesli's, that one look lovely, thanks mi duck t4591 t4591

Hi Barbara - I bet you are full up with visitors now !! Have you had to put a gazebo up in the garden, to fit everyone in :shock:
I know you will be having a great time and enjoying your guests t4591 t4591

Hi Carol - hope you are all ok and having a good week, knit and natter today, with a nice coffee in the afternoon. Is your friend back this week, for a catch up

Hi to everyone else too, in, out and around about. t4591 t4591

We enjoyed the T room, only sat at three different tables, until the end one, our fav, came free........... :roll: :roll: Lunch was very nice and I had the largest piece of brownie cake ever. I was thinking, which cake to have and the waitress we know well whispered "have the brownie, the cooks cut it wrong and the slices are double sized) So I did. Toni has photographic evidence to prove it.
It was a struggle, but I made it

Right, time to sort some more of the washing mountain. Two lots washed, one to go, queuing for the dryer now :roll: :roll:

Will catch up later, until then, leaving lots of love and sparkles to all t4591 t115006 t115006 XXXXX Aidan

Chocolate Mocatines - mmmmmmmmmmm

barbara12

Hello all..sorry about yesterday..but we wre busy with our visitors..they had been planning this for 2 months..had to get tickets for the coach instead of train cause it was to expensive..we were gobsmacked when they turned up ..and we both sobbed..well we all did..
Toni I think next bkv is in the bag..or should I not say that..but I know you will all pull the stops out..thankyou for cloak duties..
Kath I love it all those bottles and one of the neighbours were singing..now we know why I bet you cant wait to meet them..
yes they will keep and eye on my glaucoma this sisnt bad but they said there is start of a cateract that is not bad..but I will probley get AMD in that eyes has well..just wish they hadnt said that..
Joan I am fine has long as I can see my comp..I hope your pain has eased , if only a little..pleases have a moan when you feel like it..xx
Aidan you do make me laugh would it buffalo ..naughty Hilde..but at least she is talking you through it..
did they put an mask over dads head ..they did with me ..it was horrible on top of beihg comfined anyway..good on dad for being brave..bless him glad he got the other test out the way and just one to come hopefully ..I hope all will be ok for him.. t115006 t4591
I see you went to the t rooms and eventually got your table..maybe reserve it next time..
Thankyou again for all the sparkly pics..and yes we are delighted to see our GD and GF..they are out with friends today..but came this morning for a shower..they dont like dads..
better go Niamh is here..
Love to everyone
t4591 t115006 t4591

bubbles

Hi to all - quite warm tonight, summertime is on its way back for a while........... m0150 Forget that, just checked the weather and it says rain today :roll: :roll: t111055 t111055

Then we have to prepare for the coldest winter in over 30 years :shock: :shock: Something to do with the jet stream, computer and professorial workings out, bringing arctic air, for Jan and Feb - Tins of beans, we need beans and cakes.

Hi Barbara - don't you worry, you enjoy the time with your surprise guests. Planning for 2 months, how crafty of them. No wonder you were all bawling t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006

Good to hear that the glaucoma is not too bad, the same with the cataract. They used to wait and wait until they were "ripe", but I think they remove them at an earlier stage now.

Try not to worry about AMD in your other eye, we will will it away, as best we can t115006 t115006

Glad I make you chuckle, I try and keep things as lighthearted as possible, always have done I guess.

Hilde is talking to us, she knows us, but has the car appeared on my profile, not a chance. I am waiting for Attila :? to write back to me, or I will press the button in the car, again.

It will be something simple, that I am not doing right, you wait and see. :roll: Once you have the car on the App, you can send destinations to the sat nav, check tyres, fuel, lock and unlock the car, all sorts of things. I know, I just want to press more buttons :roll: :roll: :roll:

I don't think they put a mask on Dads head. He would have said so. We will keep him chivied along, just the biopsy op to do, day case or under local, not sure, things change so much. I trained with Florence don't forget :shock:

We had to get the right table, the one nearest the cake counter it is our favourite one. We should reserve it for every Wednesday lunch time

So your shower is better than Dads, How is Niamh doing at the Junior school, is she enjoying it so far t4591 t4591
Love to all and extra ((())) for Mr B's ouchies

Let's have another fountain, with a hint of Autumn



Hi Toni, hope you and yours are all ok. I bet you cannot wait for the decorator to arrive on Monday, to finish things off - then you can dress the room
Sleek is very excited and was showing Tosca her "moves" around the new flooring, lots of sashaying, in heels too :shock: - Mother watched from the sidelines and was suitably impressed t115006 t115006
I think they popped round to see Mrs Darcey for latte's and tuna canapes.

Quiet evening here, a siesta was welcome, to rest the joints. No tennis until next week, they all deserve a week off.

Plenty washing to do today, B has been housekeeping, I want to de-dustyfy and fuss, do some pressing of shirts, there is a veritable mountain :roll: :roll:

Big wave to everyone else, Carol, Kerrin, Christine, Mig, DD, SW, Mell, Elizabeth, Crinkly and all t4591 t4591

Dad has his podiatry check, on his toe, B will take him to our local hospital for that, takes no time at all.

Leaving lots of love and sparkles t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006 Take care XXXXX Aidan

Lemon Blueberry Bread - pass the butter please Toni, ta xx

frogmorton

Aidan the fountain is gorgeous I want one!!! You can have the diamond spraying one and Sleek will join you!!

Right here is some rather lovely president tendre for you the lemon blueberry bread is yum Ta!

You will get connected with Hilde for sure soon and goodness me the power that wields :shock: All those commands at your fingertips :shock: :shock: Oh definitely send Attila flowers :shock: asap t69044 t69044 t69044 quite a few too :?

Yes the girls did pop to see MRs D and Tommy was there for 'tea' (canapes) no catteine for him. Sleek is thebest dancer in the feline world (so she says) and Mother was impressed. They are watching 'Stricly-cat-dancing' on somebody's IPAD or tablet :?

This morning Sleek was out early adding to the stocks of mist Tosca wanted a lie-in so she went alone. Plenty caught in her net loop-the-looping and swishing about on her broomstick. Mother said she will go tomorrow Sleek isn't holding her breath :roll: She does look after her well and is happy to watch her 'old fylmz'

Tia's pusskins can ESCAPE!! They are in for trouble at Hogwarts they really are with Tommy and those two :shock: If you put their flap on 'in but not out' to catch cats who aren't in yet.....they can put a claw underneath the flap and pull it towards them then duck out underneath :shock: :shock: :shock:

So now you must get them in and do in and NOT out! That stops their japes for now.....

I think the conker theory is because it coincides with the end of the s****r mating season really.

Nope don't tell Dad it's a need to know and he needs not to know :? Hope all goes well at podiatry today for him ((()))

Oh yes choco leibtniz (sp) are super-yum! I have seen the Tesco version....so they are as good? I might just give them a try then t4591 soooo much chocolate...sigh

As for the chocolate cake yesterday :shock: :shock: :shock: the slice was HUGE but valiantly, you ploughed your way through it. What a hero!

Barbara just what you needed this visit just a perfect distraction Dad's shower is not as good as yours I see

Not so sure we will win BKV this time, but fingers crossed and paws we just might We'll do our best anyway m0150

Glad to be of service for cloak duties and let's hope the AMD remains in the one eye :x

Kath I just hope your neighbours are having settling parties???? I am a little worried for you :?

I hope you haven't missed too much lef???? :shock: that's not good....There is a shortage of 500mg leviterecetum for Lucy's epilepsy too so she had to have 100mg ones (HUGE!).

To your house is being swept :shock: Heaven's to Betsy I am sure they'll do a good job for you ((()))

Yes I did have a look on the site for Lucy - very useful I thought. she's got her follow up endocrinology apt next month now.

The muesli looks lovely I used to have that every day you know. I might go back on it :?

Joan we are only waiting for the rads to go on and for the decorator to paint the ceilings and stain the skirting now. Both will be hear on Monday so I hope they don't trip over each other :roll: Any news yet on your boiler part?

Love to everyone

Toni xx

dachshund

Morning everyone I hope you have a good day.
. Kathleen not many things come in glass bottles now do they(((((()))))
. Barbara you had a busy time. Is Niamh enjoying her time back at school((((((())))))
Aidan chocolate brownie nice that filled you up for a while.(((((())))
love to Dad I hope all the test's go well some sound scary but you do it and it's not too bad(((((())))
. Toni you will be pleased when Monday comes((((((()))))
. take care all love to Carol Mig ((((((())))))
. Joan xx

Kitty

Joan, that's what we thought. The amount of bottles we heard, it could be the small beer bottles rather than the larger wine bottles. W don't drink, so we don't really know. But most - if not all pop bottles are plastic. We used to have a pop man who delivered it in glass bottles, but he collected the empties and took them away.

Toni, I had the last one on Tuesday, but my new supply FINALLY arrived yesterday, so I'm fine now. The doctor only had it for 2 weeks. :roll: Poor Lucy, can she swallow them? Or does she hace to dissolve them in water? 100mg, they are like horse tablets. :shock:
I'm glad you found The Ros website useful. I hope the cloak is primed for Lucy's endo appointment.

Aidan, beans cakes and spuds - don't forget spuds. Lemon Blueberry Bread , I'm all ovva that ducky, ta.

Barbara, I'm not sure I want to meet the neighbours now. We went to fetch our bin in and there's s huge chunk if what looked like chicken wire all over their front path and spilling onto the main pathway. :?

Carol, I've packed Florence off home. She looks a bit peaky, I hope she hasn't caught a cold being out all night cleaning naughty spids away. t2507 Better give her a bowl of Lentil Soup.

1-POT EVERYDAY LENTIL SOUP

Servings:
4

SOUP
2 Tbsp water (or sub oil of choice // such as avocado or coconut)
2 cloves garlic minced (or sub 2 Tbsp garlic-infused oil*)
2 small shallots (optional // or 1/2 white onion as recipe is written // diced)
4 large carrots (thinly sliced)
4 stalks celery (thinly sliced)
1/4 tsp each sea salt and black pepper (divided // plus more to taste)
3 cups yellow or red baby potatoes (roughly chopped into bite-size pieces*)
4 cups vegetable broth (plus more as needed)
2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (I used a bit of both)
1 cup uncooked green or brown lentils (thoroughly rinsed and drained)
2 cups chopped sturdy greens (such as kale or collard greens)
FOR SERVING optional
Fresh parsley
Brown Rice, White Rice, or Cauliflower Rice
Garlic & Herb Flatbread
Spelt Dinner Rolls

Instructions
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add water (or oil), garlic, shallots/onion (optional), carrots, and celery. Season with a bit of salt and pepper and stir.
Sauté for 4-5 minutes or until slightly tender and golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic (turn heat down if it's cooking too quickly.)
Add potatoes and season with a bit more salt and pepper. Stir and cook for 2 minutes more.
Add vegetable broth and rosemary or thyme and increase heat to medium high. Bring to a rolling simmer. Then add lentils and stir. Once simmering again, reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until lentils and potatoes are tender.
Add your greens, stir, and cover. Cook for 3-4 minutes more to wilt. Then taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more salt and pepper for overall flavor, vegetable broth if it's become too thick, or herbs for earthy flavor.
Enjoy as is or serve with rice, cauliflower rice, or a side of flatbread or rolls (links above). I love garnishing mine with a little fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness (optional).
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 5 days or in the freezer up to 1 month. Reheat on the stovetop and add more vegetable broth to rehydrate as needed.

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bubbles

Afternoon to all - t111055 t111055 t111055 and super misty here. Cool enough to get the drying done, windows open, shirts all done, troosers pressed Proper Chinese Laundry

Of course you can have one of the Autumn fountains Toni

Sleek would love the sparkling diamond one, hands down, sorry, paws down. t115006 t115006

Je vous remercie - nice soft president butter, parfait

Attila could well be a man, as was Attila the Hun.................... :shock: best not send flowers, just in case. Some nice artisan smoked sausages from the Black Forest
Attila wrote back and said that all the details, car, VIN number, terms and conditions et al, were all fine, just no car showing up.

So I emailed the nice man at the dealership. The techno wizard is off today, but he will get onto it asap, when he is back

Oh the power, indeed B is still getting used to all the differences with the driving, etc.......so I mess about with the interface

Mother said that Tommy was there yesterday - she enjoyed the company and the canapes, of course, no cattiene for Tommy, he is active enough :? :?
Sleek can definitely bust some moves on the dance floor. Strictly Cat Dancing is held alongside the hooman one..........who new that?

As said, the mists is still plentiful, cannot see above a few hundred yards here. Pendle has vanished completely. Sleek had no trouble gathering more than enough supplies and even found some dew, from spide-- webs, which is highly prized t115006 t115006

More sunshine tomorrow, so Mother might well go out for a spin in the side car. :animal_busy: :animal_busy:

Doris Day films later on at siesta time Mother likes Doris

Quite the houdini's, Tia's puskins, creeping out of the cat flap like that. Maybe Mother should give them one of her "looks" :? :?

Spid--s, B said there was a big one, snuggled in one of the fleeces at the bottom of his bed - OM Goodness, I would have freaked. He put it outside - oh wonderful, now it will come back in again and sit on MY bed..................shudder :? :? :? :?
It is the nearing the end of the mating season, I keep telling them, there are no lady spid--- here, so move along, nothing to see.........
Best ask Kath to send Clarence and Florence over...................

No, not saying anything to Dad, it's just to have a look see again, that's all...................least said, soon as mended.

His toe is sore again, so has a new dressing on. Carry on with weekly appointments..........

Definitely try the Tesco choccy whatsits, they are really good, B says they are better than the branded ones - I don't mind, as long as there is chocolate

It was a valiant effort to get through that chocolate brownie yesterday, had to be done though

No one seems to notice my hair cut. I asked Mother why I wasn't 20 years younger again. She said, there is a limit, to all magic, try a different wrinkle cream :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :? :? :roll: :roll:

We will all be under the cloak for Lucy's appointment next month t4591 t4591

Hi Joan and Sue - I must admit, I could not have eaten any more chocolate brownie, it was a rather large slice. Naughty I know.

I am sure Dad will be ok with the tests, thank you for the hugs

(((()))) - we will keep him going and guide him through.

Hi Kath - I guess it could be little beer bottles, that your neighbours are tipping into the bins.............. :? :? we don't drink either, I am silly enough on my pills and cups of T and coffee :roll:
We used to get 2p back on the pop bottles, from the delivery man - gosh, now I feel really old :? :roll: Now there is chicken wire all over their path and onto the main pathway.................have they got hens :shock: :shock: :? :?

I hope Florence is well enough to do a sweep later, mind you, Clarence can chase off the largest of arachnids :shock: :? :?

Tinned spuds, of course, must have spuds............... I am doing ok with the winter stock so far :shock: :shock:



Ta for the Lentil soup, just perfect for an Autumn evening Love the autumn tress, I think we need some new emoticon's, for the time of year pretty please, dear moderators t4591

Hi Barbara - how are you all, enjoying your visitors - I know you won't want them to go back. It has been a lovely surprise for you both. So pleased. t4591 t4591

Hoping that Carol is ok, with a busy week of here and there - have you got sunshine down in the south? it's sopping wet here :roll: :roll: t111055 t111055

Right, time to potter a bit more. Last lot of drying in. Will pop back later on. Till then, lots of love and sparkles to all t4591 t115006 XXXX Aidan

Caramel Apple Cupcakes

barbara12

Evening all had a lovely lunch out with our visitors..they go back to London tomorrow so there will be more tears
Toni thankyou I keep positive has we all have to do..so the rads next then the decorating..I cant wait to see it finished..Im sure you cant.. you are right its been a brilliant distraction ..I will be under the cloak for Lucy next moth..x
Kath oh know the neighbours have started already ..or it might just be thing left in the yard..you never know these days...fingers crossed they dont cause you any problems
And thankyou for the lentil stew very filling..
Joan we have been busy and that is good..I am like you dont like having nothing to do..hope are all ok..((()))
Aidan bluberry bread thats a new one ..and guess what we have presidents butter..
I do love how the app will connect with your sat nav..ooh bet you cant wait..I think this is the best part getting to know what Hild will do..has you can see our visitors go home tomorrow..so we will get up early to make them breakfast has dad will be working..then mum is dropping them at the coach staion in Manchester..
I hope dads toe will be ok ..what a shame its sore again...like I keep saying it good he has you both nearby ..but also make sure you have us time.(())..and thankyou for the lovely fountain all ready for autumn
Right will leave you all for now
sleep well
t4591 t115006 t4591

bubbles

Hi to all - it finally stopped raining about 6 - nice and clear now Moon is shining, owls are hooting, all seems well in the woods apart from spid--s of course. :? :?

Hi Barbara - I am sure there will be more tears, after a lovely time together with your GD and her GF. You have to be up early doors then, to make breakfast before they take the coach back to London.

It has been a wonderful distraction for you both t4591 t4591 Big hankies, as you wave them off t115006 t115006

So you have President butter, is it the block, or the spreadable one? Both one and same really. I think the blueberry bread went down well.

I will be in my element once the app and the car are speaking to each other, you can do all sorts of things, (add on costs, as I have discovered :roll: :roll: )
Attila or the techno wizard at the Merc dealership, will get something to work as it should.
We love Hilde already, so comfy and B said she drives like a dream.

Dads toe will improve again, strange how it was ok last week and now it has gone a step backwards. We have his pre op booked for the 23rd of Sep, prior to the more in depth cystoscopy. That is at Blackburn hospital - we know that place far too well :roll: :? :?

We are pencilling in a couple of little trips for next week, just the two of us................nothing set in stone, if we can, we will.

You are welcome, I am loving the fountains. Mother and Sleek chose this one, SO many rainbow droplets :shock: :shock: t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006



I meant to ask how the curry night was that your lovely neighbour cooked - I bet it was good

Now, I seem to have heard singing, it must have been choir practice Toni. The Sisters are still in Vegas, giving it large

The girls watched Pillow Talk, lots of shrieking going on :shock: Mother managed to stay awake too

Hi Carol - your week will have flown by - Friday already :shock: :shock: I saw some of the hours vanishing into the shed again :roll: :roll:

Hi to everyone else in and about t4591 t4591

GC this morning, not been this week, they will be missing us, bless em. I can feel a Beth special coming on and a cake, of course

Time to potter. Leaving lots of love and sparkles to all t4591 t115006 t115006 Take care XXXXX Aidan

Soft Cheesy Pretzels (low salt)

frogmorton

Morning everyone m0150

The sun is out and after I feed and release Tia's cats I will be off up to Cheshire oaks with Paul

Aidan Sleek loved 'Pillow Talk' She is learning so much from Tosca. Hope it wasn't too hot Sleek put the heating on as Tosca was chilli. Yes they chose that fountain although try as she might and with a soaking wet face Sleek could not catch a rainbow droplet. Only one has ever been caught and that was by her revered mentor. :animal_busy:

Stricly cat dancing yes I didn't know it was on telly now either!! Amazing. Don't tell anyone but Sleek has been having lessons. I saw Tommy's Mum yesterday and she knows he is due at Hogwarts soon alongside Tia's cats Oreo and Jessie. No escapees yesterday!!

Sleek took Mother this morning to Pendle although she was wrapped up like Nanook of the North again and slept the whole time!

How cheeky is Mother?!! Try a different wrinkle cream indeed!! She who has a tiny phial of 'youth drops' for when necessary :shock: She is nothing if not brutally honest t4591 We all think you look at least 10 years if not 20 younger!

I am glad you two have 'pencilled in' one or two ideas just for yourselves. VERY wise.

Almost healthy cheesy pretzels wow they were YUM!! hat will get me up to Cheshire where the posh peeps live

Plenty of president butter for you anytime The pat's fine just harder work!

Thank you for the apple cupcakes divine they were I say were..... :oops:

How odd Dad's toe deteriorating like that :? Probably his circulation isn't great....???



Barbara you made it to choir before biccie break!! Well done you!! That cake was yum and a choccy digestive too

Don't be too upset when the girls go back - you'll see them again ((())) for you

Yes I will be most relieved when the room is ours again for good I have some decorating ideas …….

Thank you for saying you'll be hear for Lucy's outpatients.

Kath Lucy's 1g tablets look like they need to go up the wrong end :shock: OUCH!! yes she can manage she's good with pills. Glad you have the Lef now and are fine - PHEW!!!

I do hope you haven't acquired drinkers to be honest. ...Maybe it's jars too they clink and chink :? :shock:

Lucy sees Dr Tim and Endo next moth and the cloak is quite keen to go. I think he likes Dr Tim - well who could not like Dr Tim

That lentil soup looks so YUM and autumnal thank you very much t4591

Joan and Sue (Suesday already!) I hope all is well and you have a good shop today. I will be very pleased to have it all painted out and the rads on:)

Love to everyone

Toni xx

dachshund

Kathleen I don't think you can still get milk in glass bottles.
. Have a good weekend(((((()))))
Barbara that was nice you having visitors. Have a good weekend (((())))
Aidan sorry about your Dad's sore toe. (((((())))) I hope the tests go well. Ave a good weekend all of you((((())))
. Toni enjoy your journey out have a good weekend all of you((((()))))
. take care love to Carol Mig ((((())))
. Joan xx

Kitty

Joan and Sue, It depends where you buy your milk from. We used to shop with 'Milk and More' who sold milk in glass bottles and they'd take the empties back to the dairy for reuse. We also have a local shop who sell milk in bottles. They leave crates outside for customers to put their empty milk botles in and they are also taken back to the dairy for sterilizing and reuse. We should never dump glass bottles in the general waste bin. There is always some way of recycling them. It's just that a lot of people choose not to.

Toni, good old Doris, she always took care of animals. The cats are probably aware of that and so they love her too. It was so sad when she fell asleep in death.
Yes, that's what I meant really. I once had to use those! Nasty
I can't blame the cloak, I think it would like us to take something nice for Dr Tim to eat.

Aidan, the cheesy pretzels are very nice, and low salt too. I do hope dad's toe behaves itself from now on.

Barbara, if they'd just left it in their yard, I wouldn't have minded. But as it had spread onto the main path, anyone could have tripped over it in the dark. :shock: Very thoughtless. I'm glad you enjoyed your lnch with the visitors. I hope they have a safe journey back to London.

Our unwanted guest crawled out from under the settee last night, had a look round, then dashed for the TV unit and as far as I know, she's still under there. I say she, as she was HUGE and most female spids are enormous compared to males. :?

t69044 t69044 t69044 t69044 t69044 t69044 t69044

Orange-Figgy Steamed Pudding

Ingredients
1/2 pound dried Black Mission figs, stems discarded 1/4 cup Cognac or Armagnac Zest of 1 orange in 1-inch strips 3/4 cup water 1/4 cup molasses 1/2 cup low-fat (1%) milk 1/4 cup nonfat sour cream 1/4 cup applesauce 2 tablespoons canola oil 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter 3/4 cup dark brown sugar 1 large egg 2 large egg whites 1 cup minced mixed dried fruit Vegetable oil cooking spray 6 candied orange slices (6 ounces) 2 tablespoons low-sugar apricot preserves Boiling water

How to Make It
Step 1
In a large glass bowl, combine the figs, Cognac, zest and water. Cover with plastic; microwave on high for 2 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes. Reserve 4 figs. In a food processor, puree the contents of the bowl with the molasses.

Step 2
In a measuring cup, mix the milk, sour cream, applesauce, oil and vanilla. In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger and salt. In the large glass bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the whole egg and egg whites, 1 at a time, beating well between additions. Beat in the pureed fruit. In 2 alternating batches, beat in the dry and wet ingredients at low speed just until combined. Stir in the minced dried fruit.

Step 3
Spray a 6- to 8-cup steamed pudding mold or soufflé dish with vegetable oil cooking spray. Arrange the candied orange slices in an overlapping pattern in the bottom of the mold. Halve the reserved figs lengthwise and tuck them in between the orange slices. Dollop the apricot preserves over the fruit. Pour the batter into the mold; tap the mold gently.

Step 4
Cover the mold with a piece of oiled parchment paper, followed by a piece of foil and then secure the lid. If using a soufflé dish, tie the parchment and foil in place with kitchen string.


Step 5
Set the pudding on a rack in a large pot. Pour enough boiling water into the pot to reach two-thirds of the way up the side of the pudding. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 hours; add more boiling water if the water evaporates.

Step 6
Carefully remove the pudding from the pot and let cool slightly. Uncover the pudding and invert it onto a plate. Replace any figs or orange slices that are stuck to the mold. Slice the pudding and serve warm.

Figs ae good for bones, eating them fresh as a snack is good, but not everyone likes them. So this pudding is tasty and can be served with some of Toni's thick cream.

bubbles

Hi to all - just a quick hello and see how everyone is, then I can write more later on.

GC was very nice, we enjoyed the time there (apart from being bombarded by wasps - staff were being stung several times ) I did shriek at one point when one headed straight for my nose :shock: :shock: :roll: :roll:

Toni will have had a nice time at Cheshire Oaks, up were the WAGS and footballers live, in that area :roll: :roll:

Sleek is dancing under the glitter ball, mists all gathered, Mother fast asleep..............bless her.

Lucy is taking horse sized pills :shock: :shock: good job she is ok with pill taking. They look like suppositories I gather

Joan and Sue will have been shopping and had some lunch and coffee while out and about.

Kath is keeping an eye on a HUGE spid-- that seems to be wandering about in the living room :shock: :shock: :shock: :? :? :?
Figgy steamed pud, ta mi darlin, it looks gorge

Hi to Barbara - hope there were not too many tears. They will be back to see you as soon as they can, t4591 t4591

Hi to Carol and Mig and all our friends.

Need to potter and then make sure the next three hospital appts are in googles calendar - that is next week, the week after and the week after that......................CT scan, pre op assessments, day case op for bladder biopsies - The roundabout seems to be spinning madly :? :roll:

Onward and upward eh. Will catch up again later Love to all XXXX Aidan t4591 t115006 t115006

frogmorton

Kath the foggy pudding looks fabulous so well presented and good for our bones! Thank you

We used milk and more at our old house we got glass bottles but even they sometimes left plastic :roll:

I agree glass is far better than plastic any day and milk bottles were the ultimate in recycling

I hope your s****r (lady) stays out of sight or Flo and Clar can persuade her to move house......???

Aidan there have been loads of midges and wasps here too - it's so sunny today and the aircon is away :?

Glad the GC was good as ever.

Sleek did extra dancing due to being so chuffed with almost the mists they collected. She and Tosca watched some more Doris Day this afternoon we all love Doris Day t4591

Tia and Mikey ate en route home and we are picking them up from the airport at 12 noon tomorrow. A long journey ahead for them.

I expect Barbara has been very teary today bless her but they'll be back soon work allowing.

We ended up looking at furniture again for the new room.....found a nice table but still want Arighi Bianchi for the sofas....

Lucy has a good ability to take meds comes from taking up to 11 at a time when she was I'll.

The roundabout is spinning for you for definite. The cloak is ready and willing to support ((()))

Joan we will have a good weekend thanks I hope you two do too and have some of this sunshine m0150

Love to Barbara Carol mig and Crinkly

Xxx