Val's Cafe

barbara12

Evening all..niamh has been and gone..we have decided to go away for a few days..tomorrow till friday..other wise I will be no use to my brother when he needs us..his girlfriend will be with him tomorrow..then it's a waiting game..they have a lift there and back
Thankyou everyone for your kind words and hugs
Aidan how awful for you..all those hours without food.gosh I feel for you and hope you can rest today or at least try to..its so draining waiting in hospitals..at the best of times..send hugs to you all ..((())) t115006 t4591
Toni I'm so glad you have found your sofas in time for Christmas and cheaper..see it had to be...and thankyou for breakfast.. love pancakes
Joan the nights really are closing in..its come to soon..you all take care (())
Kath..thankyou..my brother will have talk with Christie's..and then come to a decision.. and thankyou for the sweet and savory hash..just the job
Better go..sorry forgot to say we are going to lythem..a lot nearer than Scarborough
Love to everyone..will get on tomorrow there is internet
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bubbles

Hi to all - Dare I say, I think we are caught up a bit now................ :? :?

Hi Barbara - Niam has been to visit and wended her way home again, or should I say, to her "habitat".

Don't blame you for having a little time away and Lytham is just gorgeous. I hope you have a lovely time - piccy of the sea front please Ta xx

It will give those batteries a little recharge and you will always be a great help to your Brother t4591

Thoughts and prayers continue and the cloak will be with him and his GF today, at Christies. He will come to the right decision. t4591 t115006

I think we are slowly recovering, from yesterdays marathon hospital wait. The chairs are so uncomfortable - I had never heard of ambulatory surgical assessment :? basically a stop gap, where they do their utmost to get people home, instead of admission :roll: I won't go into the why and wherefore of the bed blocking situation of our hospitals, or I will be rambling all night. :roll: :roll:

Anyway, Dad was ok after some sleep and he was not bleeding, which is good. We are back at Blackburn on Monday, for his pre op assessment, but that "should" :? be relatively straight forward :?

Today we are at the surgery for his flu jab, then he needs bloods taking to check he is not becoming anaemic.............then he has to see his GP at some point............I will be waiting in the T room. A little pampering needed.

Thank you for the hugs and love (((())))

Look forward to seeing Lytham Good weather I think for the rest of the week m0150 m0150

Hi Toni, has the decorator finished, or am I being over eager to see things all complete
Sleek is very happy with her new ballroom - She took Mother over this evening, to have another look around. A quick run through her new dance routine :shock: :shock: Mother was quite impressed, but seemed more intrigued with the bi-fold doors.

We didn't need rocking at siesta time - out like a light.

Payback time with back etc, but needs must and we carry on.

Hi to Carol - I hope things are a little easier at home, sending lots of love and anti ouches for Mr B and your good self too. A good idea to visit the GP and ask for advice and maybe re start previous meds. t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006
I trust his cystoscopy went ok and he is not in too much discomfort. It won't be something he wants to talk about really, but, it would do him good to air his thoughts and concerns.

Hi to Joan and Sue, thank you both for your hugs and well wishes, you will see we had quite a day of it, form one hospital to another...........Love to you both and to the doggies too (((())))

Hi Kath - thank you for all the lovely savouries, they look amazing.

I see you have been catching up on housework mi duck, snap, just like us. It is quite therapeutic, until I get told off for trying to do things I shouldn't :? :? :roll:

Hop you are not too ouchy after all the primping and preening. Mr man from next door went off early to work........as Toni said, a good sign that all night parties and the like are less likely. :?

Ah, I see, the girls called over with the Bush Babies, that was kind of them. They had a good peer into the windows of next door, from under their cloak. All was quiet :? Mother did not like the chicken wire sat sitting there.

Glad you liked the autumnal pictures with the log fire t4591 t4591 shall we have another



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

Time I was pottering a little more. Sitting is never a joy, even less so tonight :roll: :roll: Tramadol here we come.

T room, whilst waiting for B and Dad, lunch, shop, then home.

Lots of love, sparkles and



Take care XXXXX Aidan

Creamed Mushrooms on Chive Buttered Toast

dachshund

A cold sunny day today everyone
. Kathleen I hope your neighbours are well behaved you don't need noisy one's (((((()))))
Barbara have a nice time in Lytham's take your thermals((((((()))))
. Aidan I hope you have a restful day to day love to Dad(((((()))) and B and you (((((()))))
. take care love to Toni Carol Mig(((((())))
. Joan xx

Kitty

Joan, thank you, they're not too bad so we mustn't grumble.

Aidan, you did have a marathon session with dad's appointment, nothing was concluded, but no bleeding at the moment. I'm afraid I didn't find the cleaning up very therapeutic, it was actually torturous and we definitely needed the bush babies back rubs. You can reassure Mother the chicken wire has disappeared since her visit.
Creamed Mushrooms on Chive Buttered Toast, very tasty thank ee kindly. Followed by Brioche buns with vanilla cream.Love the pictures too.

Barbara, I don't blame you at all. Enjoy your few days away then return to your habitat (bless Niamh) and concentrate on your brother

Hello to Toni and Carol and mig.

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Vegan Apple Cake with Cinnamon Custard
Ingredients
Wet:
1 cup (244 g) non dairy milk such as almond or soy
2 tbsp applesauce or non dairy yogurt or cashew cream or more non dairy milk (applesauce or yogurt work best)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup (66.67 g) sugar
1/4 cup (56 g) neutral oil or use 3 tbsp applesauce to make oil-free
1 tsp vanilla extract
a few drops of almond extract , optional but wonderful
Dry:
1.5 to 1.75 cups (187.5 g) of flour (I use 1 cup Spelt flour and 3/4 cup unbleached all purpose). See GF option in notes
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp (0.25 tsp) baking soda
1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) salt
1 apple chopped small
1 tbsp maple syrup
1.5 tbsp coconut sugar
Custard:
1 cup (236.59 ml) + 1/4 cup non dairy milk
2 tbsp sugar or sweetener
1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) vanilla extract
2 drops almond extract
a pinch of salt
1 tbsp cornstarch or potato starch
1/8 tsp (0.13 tsp) cinnamon , 1/8 tsp turmeric for color (optional)

Instructions
Line a pan with parchment with parchment hanging on the sides. Preheat the oven to 350 deg F (176 C). In a bowl, mix in the wet ingredients for the cake, until the sugar is fully combined.
Add 1 1/2 cup flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
Fold into the wet until just about combined. Add more flour if needed 1 tbsp at a time to make just slightly thick batter.
In another bowl, drizzle maple over chopped apple and toss to coat. Add the apple to the batter and fold in.
Pour into the parchment lined pan and even it out. Sprinkle coconut sugar over the batter
Bake at 350 degrees F for 35 to 45 mins (depends on the pan, cake height etc). Cool for 10 mins, then remove from pan. Cool completely before slicing. Store on the counter for the day, refrigerated for upto 7 days, freeze (slices) for upto a month
To make cupcakes/muffins: Bake for 22 to 24 mins for regular size muffins.
Custard:
Heat 1 cup non dairy milk with the sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract and bring to a boil over medium heat. Add cinnamon or other flavoring as needed. Add a pinch of turmeric for color.
Mix the starch in 1/4 cup nondairy milk then add to the boiling milk. Bring to a good boil and take off heat. Custard will thicken as it cools. (See tips in the post if it doesnt thicken). Serve apple cake slices drizzled with custard

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frogmorton

Just to let you know I am in France - a bit of a last minute thing but here I am in our usual place!!

Paul got £50 flights so it had to be done....Kari is here too.

Will do my best to keep in touch internet is limited xxx

bubbles

Afternoon to all - quite mild, especially after the 4 coffee's I had in the T rooms :shock: :shock: I was pretty wired.................. :? :?

HI Joan and Sue - thank you for all the lovely hugs and well wishes. Dad was not too bad today, bleeding a little, but not as bad as the other day.
He has been for his flu jab and given blood to check he is not becoming anaemic. We all enjoyed a bit of relaxation in the T room after the marathon waiting at the hospital.
Love to both - t4591 t4591 as always, hugs and pats to the doggies too XX

Hi Kath - I am sure you were ouching after the clean up, good job the bush babies came over with the girls. t4591 t4591

No, nothing concluded with Dad, bleeding again today, not too bad. Quite how long an 85 year old man can be left like that, I don't know. Matron might have to get on his high horse very soon..............He feels ok in himself and enjoyed the T room today, eating well, pottering about, forgetful to say the very least.

Very glad to hear that the chicken wire has gone, I will duly inform Mother Tosca, she is over with Sleek at the moment, who is sulking at being abandoned, with nothing but a crust of dry bread :shock: :shock: (she does tend to over dramatise a LITTLE :roll: :roll: :roll: )

Glad you like the brekkie and the cakes. More than welcome mi darlin.

Ta for the lovely Apple Cake and Custard, fabulous t4591 t4591

Hi Toni, enjoy your little break, you all need a bit of time to yourselves, after the recent excitements of wedding, renovations, all things going on left right and centre.
Sleek is giving Mother ear ache, begging for sweets :shock: :shock: :roll: :roll: It is falling in deaf ears though "they are not on the other side of the Universe dearest" she said, in a firm but nice way Mummy and Daddy need a brayke :?

As and when, if the internet avec France Telecom is a little iffy at times. Hope the weather is good for you, it will be grape harvest time over there, I imagine the vines are laden with fruits. Lovely time to go away to la belle france. Bonne vacances a tous. t4591 t4591

Hi Barbara - Trust you have arrived safely in Lytham, for your little break by the sea, the air will be restorative, lots of ozone and negative ions from the ocean Fish and chips on the prom, in a shelter though, or the seagulls will snatch everything :shock: :shock: :roll: :roll:


Hi Carol, hope you are ok and Mr B is not too sore. Sending lots of love and hugs, some sparkles too t4591 t115006 t115006

Hi to everyone else in and about. Time I was pottering a little, before siesta's.

Will call back later. Lots of love to all t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006 XXXXX Aidan

bubbles

Hi to all - A quick hello, to see how everyone is

Toni, I am sure you are having a lovely time en france. I bet the weather is somewhat hotter than here, with our chilly autumn evenings.



Sleek came over at siesta time and enjoyed a catch up on SYTTD, took her mind off mummy and daddy being on holli dayz. She did admit to Mother, that she had not been abandoned :roll: :roll: :animal_busy: :animal_busy:

I think they are off up to Pendle this morning, there is likely a little frost up on the tops, so special frozen dew is most prized t115006 t115006

Hi Barbara, how are you enjoying your little break? I hope you arrived safe and sound in gorgeous Lytham. It is a long time since I went there, we keep saying, we must go.........we are not a million miles away.

Hi Carol - hope you are all ok and the air is a little clearer at home. Mr B a tad less grumpy - I will send some more sparkles t115006 t115006

Hi Kath - lots of rest and some back rubs from the Bush Babies will have helped with the ouches, along with all the usual pain relief of course :shock: :? Hope your neighbours are nice and quiet, whoever they may be................ :? :?

We are hoping to sneak off for a little "our time" today - of course, that is subject to change at a moments notice :shock: :?

Hildegard has had her interior mats vacuumed, sooooo many seeds from the Birch trees :roll: :roll:

Right, I won't dally. The bones are pretty shouty at the moment, payback from 12 hours of hanging about at hospitals. But needs must.

Big hi to everyone, in and about. Lots of love and sparkles as always t4591 t115006 t115006 Catch up later. Take care XXXX Aidan

Pumpkin Pie Oats with Pumpkin Butter, Coconut Whipped Cream and Toasted Pecans.........phew............

frogmorton

Good morning everyone!
A gorgeous day here it's just as it always it warm sunny and peaceful!
Kari is loving it and planning to do some painting while shes here. The light is different somehow to at home ...
Paul was straight in the pool Kari and I off to Tesco ok L'eclerc!! For fresh fruit and vegetables.
Night market at Eymet tonight and sample the vegan food there
Sleek and Mother are off to Pendle I think Aidan!
They are also thinking maybe tomorrow of visiting Barbara in Lytham!! Well peeping at them :shock:
Sleek has been calmed down by Tosca and realises she is been 'ova dramm at ick'
She does after all have Charley to look after her!! Very well I might add!!!
Still I'll hear about it when we get back :roll:
I am not at all impressed with Dad's care I think a bit of assertiveness is in order.....??
Love to everyone sorry this is brief but reception is rubbish here
Love
Toni xxx

dachshund

Good Morning everyone warm and dry and then rain from Sunday.
. Kathleen I hope you have a good day one day you might meet your new neighbours ((((((())))))
Aidan I'm sorry your Dad is still loosing blood((((())))). Sue's carer boss is seeing a bout the heating being fixed she says we have a disabled bungalow it should be alright for us to live in without problems I will let you know what happens((((((()))))
. Toni enjoy your time in France with Kari Paul((((((((()))))
. take care love to Carol Mig(((((()))))
. Joan xx

Kitty

Joan it's funny you should say that. We went out to put the bin away after it had been emptied and next door came out. Not the man who actually lives there, it must have been a visitor. He completely ignored us and walked round to the car park. Charming!!

Madame Toni, so Kari paints, I'm sure we'd love to see some of her work. Stay safe but have a good time en Francais.

Aidan, I hope you have a few Bush Babies to calm the ouchies. So you're off for a break too. Thanks for the slurpy Pecan Pie.

Brazil and hazelnut rissoles
These small and tasty croquettes would go well with a cheezy dipping sauce or guacamole – perfect for a summer picnic!

Ingredients
½ tsp yeast extract (optional)
1 tsp tomato purée
2 tbsp hot water to bind
1 cup (3½ oz / 100g) ground brazil nuts
1 cup (3½ oz / 100g) ground hazelnuts
1 1/8 cups (3½ oz / 100g) wholemeal breadcrumbs
1 tbsp mixed herbs
ground nuts to coat
Method
Dissolve the yeast extract and tomato purée in the hot water.
Mix with the dry ingredients and form into small ball shapes.
Roll in ground nuts to coat.
Fry until golden brown.
Add tomato sauce to taste.

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bubbles

Hi to all, on a very warm and sunny day. Started off with thick fog :shock:

Hi Toni, I guessed the weather would be glorious en france, glad everyone is enjoying and of course you had to go to L'eclerc for essentials. I would have thrown myself in the pool, good idea Paul

Enjoy Eymet, had many a pleasant wander around there, in the past, with a coffee or two, of course. Watch the people walk by

There was so much mist, Sleek had to drop Mother back at home, so she could fill the side car.

Much less drama, Sleek is now quite happy that Mummy and Daddy are away in another land. Admitting that Charley was indeed, being very diligent in her cares.

All of dads bloods are fine, so we keep on doing as normal and go to the pre op assessment on monday.

Hi Joan and Sue, I am glad Sue's carer is putting your case forward, regarding the heating, it is a joke, that the boiler keeps breaking down and winter is not that far away.....................Thank you for the hugs, Dad was ok this morning, no pain or discomfort
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Kath, that is SO rude of whoever it was, to ignore you when he came out of next door. Some folks have no manners - very rude.

Ouchies and Tramadol and Bush Babies are working well, thank you mi duck - hope you and Chris are not in too much discomfort t4591 t4591

The rissoles look amazing, I am getting the frying pan out, right now. XX

Hi to Barbara and Carol and Mig and all our friends. Time is running away with me now.

We had a nice time in Skipton, parked just a few yards from Nero's, met up with staff that we have not seen in ages, so that was very nice t4591 t4591 Short walk back, nipped into Boyes, did one aisle. Didn't need much. That was about it, headed home, in fabulous sunshine.

Right, almost time for a cuppa and a biscuit. I will make some cakes later, for midnight snacks and breakfast too.

Lots of love and sparkles to all t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006 XXXX Aidan

barbara12

Hello all so sorry I have not been on..the internet is not good..just to say thankyou to everyone..and I see that Toni us in France how lovely..you enjoy
Aidan I have been thinking of you all and hope things go well on monday for dad..yes we needed this break..my brother us going in to Christie's on the 10th fir a trial..not sure what it is yet
Joan the weather us warm thank goodness.. but I do have my vest
Kath we are enjoying this break..3 days us by far enough..
Will write more when I get home saturday..
Love to everyone
t4591 t115006

bubbles

Hi to all - it is quite warm, in fact almost in my own summertime again :? :roll: :roll:

Hi Barbara - glad you are having a good time, with your vest, just in case of sneaky sea breezes You might not need them, with good weather forecast until Sunday

I wonder if there is a new trial, that your Brother is going to go on, at Christies. Just like Mig did at the hospital in Nottingham. They are always trying new ways and new drugs, to tackle cancer. Will be thinking of him and lighting candles, as always. t4591 t4591

Thank you for your thoughts to, for Dads pre op on Monday. I am sure it will be ok, should only take up to two hours and it is at a social time of day, late morning. That will make a change.

3 days being more than enough, for your mini break, you are like us, home birds. In fact, the last time I had a holiday was the mid 1990's :shock:

Hi Toni, hope you had a good time in eymet, savouring the veggie/vegan dishes. It is a lovely little bastide town :Looking at the weather, it is pretty hot there m0150 m0150

Sleek was over to spend some time with Mother, sweet munching and going over some new spells - :? :? no idea what they are, best not to ask :roll: :roll:

They are going to Lytham, to check out where Barbara and Mr B are staying, then pop to the boating lake and have a winkle latte

Hi Carol - hope you are feeling a little better and things are not as tense. How is Mr T after his investigations the other day. t4591 t4591

Hi to all our cafe dwellers and forum friends

Time I was pottering a little.

Podiatry for Dad this morning, check on his sore toe, then the GC, bit of shopping and back home again. BIL and SIL are over on Saturday afternoon, so we will need cakes a plenty.

Leaving lots of love and sparkles to all t4591 t115006 t115006 XXXXX Aidan

Potato and Basil Frittata ]

frogmorton

Good morning friends

Well I have woken up to glorious sunshine again and I see it's nice in the UK too!

Sleek and Tosca will have been to see where Barbara is staying and enjoy a winkle latte glad I'm not getting a whiff of that!!

I hope you continue to enjoy yourselves Barbara.

Dad's podiatry for Aidan and B thenthe GC to recover:)

Tests on Monday preop type for Dad? At least at a civilised hour!!

I will also be there the cloak is very skilled you k ow

I hope Carol is ok and that Mr T is ok not moody. It doesn't do you any good. Other people's moods can drag us down

Kath I can't find your post but hope 6and Chris are doing ok. Missing the food but had some good veggie and vegan food last night

Joan I hope all is well with you and Sue t4591

Love to everyone mig and Crinkly

Toni xxx

dachshund

Hello Everyone
It’s Friday again and Joan is walking the dogs. I can’t remember who the person on here was who thought that Joan was walking no she is on her scooter she wouldn’t be able to walk it.
Well I had better go Joan is back and we are going to the pub with a friend.
Have a good weekend.
Love Sue.

Kitty

Morning Sue, that might have been me. My memory is awful, who am I anyway? Hope you, Joan and the doggies have a lovely weekend. m0150

Toni, I hope all are well and enjoying France. Of course you are, silly me.

Barbara, Happy to hear that you and Mr B had a good rest.

Aidan, just wanted to say a big thank you for the Potato and Basil Frittata. Can't stop long, Tesco you know. :roll:

Hi to Carol and mig.


Cannellini hummus with dukkah

Dukkah is a mix of ground spices, nuts and seeds. You can use it as a condiment for many different dishes. In this recipe it makes hummus, an old-time vegan favourite, go high-end. It’s a perfect dish for dinner party nibbles as it is quick and easy to make but looks a bit fancy! The hummus is wonderfully smooth because of the cannellini beans.

Ingredients

For the dukkah
1 tbsp hazelnuts
½ tsp sesame seeds
2 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
For the hummus
1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp light tahini
1 garlic clove
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp sea salt
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Method
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Put all of the dukkah ingredients on a baking tray, and toast for 10 minutes until everything is browned. Leave to cool, then remove the skins of the hazelnuts. Then roughly grind the nuts and seeds in a pestle and mortar.
Blend all of the hummus ingredients until smooth using a hand blender or food processor.
Pour the hummus into a bowl, top with the dukkah and a little extra virgin olive oil.

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bubbles

Afternoon to all - gosh, it is summertime, all over again m0150 m0150 m0150 Very warm, in quite a lather to be honest.

I see you woke to the same glorious sunshine Toni - albeit a bit hotter than it is here.

Mother and Sleek enjoyed their time at Lytham, spying on Barbara and Mr B They hired a pedalo on the boating lake and had their winkle latte's on the lake. At least it kept the whiff away..........

Dad has hit toe looked at, it is healed now, but the lady put another dressing on, for another week, just to keep it protected. He has a shower boot to wear when he wants to splash about.

GC was super busy, we managed to get a table, as far away from the cakes as you could get :shock: :shock: Felt like the far end of the Universe
Cauliflower pots for B and I and Dad had his fav hand battered fish finger butty, (there is nearly a whole fish I swear). Then Dad and I had ice cream. Mine was cookie dough and cream

Finally got home about 2 ish. B trimmed the hawthorn hedges, just needed a tidy up. I started the washing and drying - hence the melting state I am in. :roll: :roll:

The Pre Op appt on Monday is 11 15, so that is fine, we can stuff our faces in Costa while we are at the Hospital (that we know SO well)

Thank you for being under the cloak, it is indeed a very special magic cloak t115006 t115006

Glad you enjoyed your evening dinner yesterday, vegan too, a rare thing in France. If it moves, EAT IT is the norm :shock: :shock:

Hi Joan and Sue, hope you have had a lovely time at lunch and the food was good, as well as the company t4591 t4591

Glad you liked the frittata Kath, I had an inkling that you might

hope Tesco was on time with your order and everything is put away now Have you seen the 8 legged beast again :? :?

ta for the hummus and the dukkah - not heard of that, but I will certainly give it a try, could eat hummus all day long.

Hope the ouchies are minimal and you are both doing ok. No more signs of the person who blanked you yesterday ? t115006

Hi Barbara - hope you are still having a lovely time in Lytham, the weather has been gorgeous for you. Always tad cooler on the coast, but that is no bad thing when it is so warm. m0150 m0150

Sleek and Mother think you should have fish and chips today, they like where you are staying t4591 t4591

Hi Carol - hope all is as well as can be and the air is less fraught.

Did you have lunch out and a nice chat with your friend, over a coffee? t4591 t4591

Big HI to everyone else, in and about, hope you are all enjoying the fine weather - I won't mention the thunderstorms on Sunday and rain for a week :? :? - mind you, we need some, the rivers are drying up again.

Time to potter. I am almost set chair shaped. Love and sparkles to all t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006 XXXXX Aidan

Just let me serve the chocolate cake

Turbogran

Evening all

Well what glorious weather we are having. At the moment and it seems we have it again tomorrow. Lunch with Mr t as usual today followed by coffee and knitting with friend, who was having a bit of a moan about the busses being held up, and having to get of half way and get on the next one as they turned the bus round and sent it back the other way. Apparently it was very late because of road works.

Aidan So Dad hit his toe hope it gets better again soon and I am sure the cloak will sweep us all up and bring us along to be with you B and dad. And of course you can have A coffee too always a good idea. Mr T’s appointment when well he said it felt only a slight discomfort. He has now to get some medication from dr as he has opted to try medication first if that doesn’t work then he will consider surgery. Which of course he prefers not to have.

Hi Toni out there in Français on your holidays enjoy your time away. We all need it from time to time . I am holding up ok Toni and Mr T has not been too bad since his cystoscopy, in fact he admitted to a member of the church at the prayer meeting on Tuesday that his stress levels had been up in my earshot. So I said on the way home that I had guessed that was why he was so grumpy. but please next time say so when you are asked instead of saying nothing is wrong. Thing is it makes you wonder if it is you that has done something wrong.

My new knitting project started on the 3rd of this month is well underway, I have only got the border and sleeves to do. Then it is ready for our Rubie. Mind you this is just plain and has no pattern well I say that but the wool itself had self patterning sections in it so it is in fact making its own pattern. Well I must go for a little potter and do a few little jobs before my last cuppa for the evening.

Love and Sparkles to all t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006

bubbles

Hi to all - I am sure the heating is on full :? :? Talk about "mellow moments" :shock: :shock: :roll: :roll:

Hi Carol - the weather has been wall to wall sunshine, with some early morning mists. Very warm tonight.

I am glad to hear that Mr T only had slight discomfort with his cystoscopy. We knew he was worrying about the examination and the results etc. As you say, it is best to tell your nearest and dearest how you are feeling, otherwise you are kind of in the dark and feel like you have caused the upset.

I hope the medication works and surgery is not needed t4591 t4591

Thank you for being under the cloak on Monday - coffee will feature in the proceedings of the day. The COSTA at the hospital is much better than it was, quite swish really.

Your friend was tad upset at the buses all going this way and that way - road works, say no more :roll: :roll:

The knitting sounds a lot less troublesome, for Rubie - you are nearly finished I can hear those needles click clack from here

Hi Toni - hope you are all having a lovely time sous le soleil m0150

Any grape picking going on, the crops must be lovely and ripe. t4591 All the fruits will be plentiful

Mother is most pleased that you are in France and being bilingual, she will only speak in French at the moment :roll: :roll: Sleek has been doing the same - nattering away Even Mrs Darcey was chatting on skype, in French, with a slight Scottish accent
I forget that they did at least seven language courses at Hogwarts
Mother is pulling rank though, having lived in France for several years :roll: :roll:

Hi Barbara - enjoy your last day away - I think you timed it perfectly with the weather m0150 m0150 I am sure I can see you on the beach



Look forward to hearing all about you seaside get away

Quiet evening here, catching up on the golf from Wentworth

B is busy with his creations I am pottering.................

Flu jabs this morning, then a secret nip into the T rooms, just us two. B's Bro and SIL are coming after lunch - we have cake, SIL loves her cake, almost as much as I do

Monday the 23rd is officially the autumn equinox, but we can still have autumn sparkles, prior to the event



Lots of love and sparkles to all our friends, in and about t4591 t115006 Take care XXXXX Aidan

Baked BLueberry, Mascarpone French Toast

frogmorton

French toast for breakfast Aidan!! Ta v muchly.

As for nipping fir a coffee just you two it's essential! Trust me it is ((()))

B and sil visiting is good too every little helps.

Kari and I are going to take a left out of Toscas book and only speak French too! Mrs D can seek but as you say a slight Scottish accent!!

Today we are off to market to get more fruit and veg

Carol self awareness is what Mr T needs. Then you wont think you've done something wrong!

Well done with the knitting project much better than Kians jacket :roll:

Kath we are very happy here thank you and the bones like it too as well as our lungs

Thanks for the humous dish yum!

Hi to Joan and Sue hope you are both well.

Love to everyone else xxx

dachshund

Good Morning everyone I hope you all have a good day
. Aidan our last warm day. I hope Dad is well((((()))))and you and B(((()))))
. Kathleen we are of to the Doctors for the flu injection at 9 00
. I hope all is well with you and Chris(((((((()))))))
. Carol what colour wool are you knitting with now(((())))
. Toni have a good day((((())))
. take care love to Barbara Mig((((())))
. Joan xx

Kitty

I hope everyone is feeling well and making the most of the good weather.

Joan, I hope your flu jab goes well, with no nasty side effects.

Toni, I'm glad the weather in France is agreeing with you.

Aidan, that sounds like my kind of day, relaxing and watching golf. I'm watching back to back Midsomer Murders. I've seen 'em already, but you can't have too much Midsomer. I like to listen out for the fox. Another lovely picture and many thanks for the Baked BLueberry, Mascarpone French Toast.

Carol, coffee and knitting sounds good. Nothing better than a restful weekend.

Vegan Aubergine tagine with black olives and preserved lemon
An amazing dish, full of different flavours. Serves 2.

Ingredients
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tbsp olive oil
2 large onions, finely sliced
2 garlic cloves
Sea salt
10 mini aubergine, halved, OR 2 large aubergine, cut into cubes
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground turmeric
Pinch saffron
1/2 cup (125ml) white wine
2 cups (500ml) water
1 tsp stock powder
2 small preserved lemons, flesh removed, finely chopped
5/8 cup (120g) black olives, such as kalamata or couchillo, cut in half
4 whole sprigs of thyme

Method
Toast the cumin and coriander seeds in a large pan until they are fragrant and darkening. Put them into a pestle and mortar, grind, then remove and put on a plate
Heat the oil in a pan and add the onions. Fry on a medium to high heat then put on the lid to sweat the onions. Grind the garlic and a sprinkle of sea salt in the pestle and mortar
The onions should be browning. Give them a stir, and add a little water if they are sticking. Add the garlic and fry for 5 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed
Add the aubergine, spices and wine. Allow the wine to reduce by half before adding the water, stock, lemon, olives and thyme. Simmer for 30 minutes, adding splashes of water if needed
Serve with basmati rice, white or brown as you prefer.

barbara12

Evening all..we have had a lovely rest and to be honest I could have stayed another day..very unlike me these day..but OH wanted to come home... the room was lovely 2 bedrooms..and lovely and cool on the ground floor..and I have got used to having my breakfast and dinner cooked for me
Aidan I will be there Monday for dad..and hope all is well..thankyou for the chocolate cake and the french toast..very nice
I see you have been to skipton and the GC ..
Lythem is lovely and quaint..I am sure I saw miss Sleek and mother queuing for an icecream on the pier..just saw them have a sneaky look round..
I have to speak to my brother yet they have gone to Llnadudno today instead of October..so he can starts the trial on the 10th..he said he would ring me to tell me all about it.I just hope it helps in some way..thankyou again for all the hugs and the lovely Autumn pic..
Toni so glad your sister is with you in France..how lovely it sounds..so idyllic..you carry on enjoying yourselves..dont get burned tho..and thankyou..
Kath hopefully your neighbours will be nicer than there visitor.. :roll: thankyou for the Vegan Aubergine tagine with black olives and preserved lemon..sounds interesting and might get me eating Olives and thankyou again
Carol I hope Mr T will be ok ..so you have another cardi on the go for Rubie ..they must be growing so quickly..
Joan and Sue I am glad to hear that the carers boss is getting something dont about your heating..hopefully before it gets to cold..thankyou for your kind words
Right I am off to bed early..sleep well everyone
t4591 t115006 t4591

bubbles

Hi to all - a nice warm day, but the breeze is wonderful is stopping me from melting thank goodness. m0150 m0150

French toast, of course Toni, what else could we have when one of our friends is en france

We had our flu jabs, then a secret visit to the T rooms, just the two of us.
The surgery was packed with people having jabs :shock: we were in and out in 5 minutes, two of our Drs plus two nurses were doing them. I caught sight of my diabetic / COPD nurse and I gave her a big hug not seen her in ages.

We had the most ENORMOUS veggie breakfasts at the T room. You get everything included, plus the kitchen sink, fresh orange, 1/2 a pint :shock: more coffee's, three slices of toast each, hash browns, eggs, pot of beans, mushrooms, tomatoes.............marmalade............no way could I have eaten a cake. :shock: :shock: Will last us until supper time without a doubt.

B and SIL rang, they are in heavy traffic, but en route.

I like speaking french, sometimes I think in French quite often, which is most odd, like why am I doing that...................strange :? :?

Hope you have a lovely time at the market, I am sure there will be fruits and veggies a plenty, the best time of year for fruit, everywhere will be laden with it.

Being self aware is very important, I think we all forget at times, then realise the mistake, often it is not intentional, we just get stuck in a loop.

Looking at your weather it is super warm m0150 m0150 Time to jump in the pool

Mother has been a bit slow today, legs a little wobbly. Still shrieking a plenty. Sleek came over and kept her company while we were out. t4591 t4591

It is now 11pm, B and SIL and Dad stayed until nearly siesta time :shock: :shock: :? :? I started washing pots and fussing - they know we have evening naps. Nice to see them, they went back round to Dads to watch the football with him.

Siesta was welcome. Got up and pottered in the kitchen, came face to face with a mahoosive spid--, about a foot from my nose, near the extractor hood - I did shriek, there is no denying :shock: :shock:
Where did THAT get in, it needed to knock, it was so darned big :? :? Shudder.

That gave me the colly wobbles for a while.

Hi Joan and Sue - not sure about Dad, he is pale and still passing a smaller amount of blood - they said his bloods are ok............we will now wait for the pre op at Blackburn on Monday - I have an inventory printed out, of events leading up to Monday. Matron being organised with all medical things.

I see you had your flu jabs as well, good timing. I think they are getting them done as early as possible, to keep the risks down, over winter, when hospital bed crisis, normally hits its peak.

Thank you for the hugs. Yes, the warm weather is coming to an end, it is SO hot indoors tonight. I am wilting. Hope you are both ok and enjoyed your lunch out on Friday, with your friend. t4591

Hi Kath - can you get Florence and Clarence over ASAP, we need a big sweep through, coming face to face with the spid-- was a wee bit alarming :? :? and I was a total ninny. :roll: :roll: Ta mi duck.

The golf is really good, final day today, it is so close, there are so may who are at the top of the leader board.
I used to like Midsummer Murders, always surprised me that there was anyone left in the village Doesn't matter if you have seen them before, I like John Nettles, loved Bergerac.

You are welcome to the yummy breakfast and the Autumn scenes. Let me go find another one



Hope you are both ok and not too ouchy (((()))) t115006 t115006
No signs of neighbours ? ? Can you play trick or treat, dress up in a sheet :shock:

Thank you for the Tagine, it looks amazing. Love aubergines t4591

Hi Barbara - welcome back, so glad you had a lovely time in Lytham Sounds just right, two bedrooms no less, nice and cool, with meals cooked for you - there is always something special about that, part of the going away bit. You even wanted to stop another day, but Mr B was ready for home. I think you timed it right, with the weather forecast for this week t111055 t111055 t111055
Always welcome to the goodies and treats. We have spoiled ourselves, with two private treat out, Skipton and then Saturday at the T room, after our flu jabs.

Thank you for being there on Monday, I have everything organised, ready to fire at the pre op team. I have my concerns about Dad at the moment - :? :? just a nursey "something isn't right" intuition.

Sleek and Mother did come and check up on you. I am sure it will have been them, on the pier, waiting for lactose free ice cream, or winkles or some other tasty treat. :animal_busy: :animal_busy: t115006 t115006

Good that your Brother and his GF have gone away for a little while, mull things over and then start the new trial on the 10th October. I wonder what it is they are going to use. Things advance quickly these days. He is in our thoughts and prayers, as are you all t4591 t4591

Hope you had a good rest, back in your own bed

Hi Carol, how are you both ? Enjoying the warm weather. It has been really quite hot here, Frid and Sat. I am on hourly spid-- checks at the moment - behind doors and in corners - sad, I know, but needs must...... :? :? ..... :roll: :roll:

Hi to everyone else in and about. Mig, Christine, Crinkly, Mell, DD, SW, Toady, Elizabeth and all.

At home today, things to catch up on, much steaming of shirts needed, ready to be smart for the coming week.

Time I was pottering. Leaving lots of love and sparkles to all t4591 t115006 XXXXX Aidan

Greens (Swiss Chard) and Gruyere Toasties - pickles optional at breakfast time

dachshund

We had thunder and lightning last night I hope you missed it.
. Kathleen is it quieter there now(((((()))))
. Barbara that's good you had a rest. How is your Brother((((((()))))
. Aidan sorry about your Dad still having the blood he don't need to loose any(((((()))) that's good you enjoyed your meal((((((()))
. take care love to Toni Carol Mig(((((()))))
. Joan xx