Val's Cafe

frogmorton

ME!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nAfNGczChO_0_Oo2mZJ2OsX7PDcKUXDZ/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tXUh_i-WernsDx9hX8ZaB_l6pM9h_4Us/view?usp=sharing

frogmorton

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tYHMAJbKsylUh_FipDUPtoNvWsDk2ZR3/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WCnLWVBQpzVHdbVa55CmAMZi1WqK3bxK/view?usp=sharing

frogmorton

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGC-aGiXZ-Yjfr_xdIGLaupQaVJhlJmr/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xQxZd41dEmYKRwoG8OYcj9VkgQsA4z6K/view?usp=sharing

frogmorton

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wtb2GjkfMlfWU1ol9UoltDDVuyDVG4xR/view?usp=sharing

and
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bu3iGZ3kEVBcCfcCsJCnCKvLNFwxxMUy/view?usp=sharing

Worth waiting for I think you'll agree

Sorry there were so many but I have over 1,000!

dachshund

Hello everyone
. Kathleen I know the ache goes through your body like toothache.((((((())))) we have foxes outside our front door a neighbour feeds them.
. Barbara that's nice having all those shops so close((((((())))) love to your brother and girlfriend((((())))) and granddad ((((((())))
Aidan good luck to B and his stall (((((()))) and you and your aches and pains angina ((((((())))) and Dad(((((())))
. Toni lovely photo's thank you ((((((())))
. take care it's the jungle tonight love to Carol Mig (((((()))))
. Joan xx

Kitty

Poem for the day 1

Castle of Dreams
by Kathleen

Come to the castle in the air,
Far away from the Dragon's lair.
Where glistening snow is never cold
And Rainbows lead to pots of Gold.
Rising early to greet the dawn
We'll catch sight of the Unicorn.
He'll gallop by and leap the stream
Just like a creature from a dream.
Next we'll search for quiet shade;
And spy on the secluded glade;
Where Fairies flit so wild and free,
On dazzling wings of Filigree.
Their laughter echoes all around
As we creep away without a sound.
Who owns this castle? You ask of me;
You won't believe even if you see;
When the Wizard in a flash appears.
Will you stand before him without any fears?
Will you be scared if he asks you to stay
And make your excuses to run away?
I'll tell you now, he's a friendly old man;
Who makes dreams come true whenever he can.
So fly with me to his castle of dreams
Where nothing is quite the way it seems.


Poem for the day 2

Stranger In The Mirror
By Kathleen

Who is she; that stranger in the mirror?
I watch her while she combs her hair
and as she does, she seems to stare;
so I pretend I just don't care -
I wish she'd go away!

Who is she; that stranger in the mirror?
We both sit here and sip our tea;
I'm sure she knows that I can see
she always dresses just like me -
when will she go away?

Who is she; that stranger in the mirror?
Although it seems she's feeling fine,
her hands are shaking just like mine.
Perhaps she's taken too much wine -
why won't she go away?

Who is she; that stranger in the mirror?
I often wish that she was dead
but still she sits and nods her head;
so I'll get up and go to bed -
that made her go away!


t69044 t69044 t69044 t69044 t69044 t69044 t69044 t69044

Joan, how lovely to have foxes nearby. Do they keep you awake at night? We sometimes hear them near us, but rarely see them.

Toni, those wedding photos are stunning. I love the ones of you and Paul, you look so happy. t4591
I have to admit to being rather partial to a bacon butty or three. :oops:

Aidan, B's stall looks fantastic. I'd definitely stop and buy something.
I rang dad this morning. He now has a pill sorter and was trying to sort them all into the right place and getting in a muddle. But Anita has probably done it for him by now. He was confused by his new BP tablets. He already has Amlodipine and now some beginning with B. "I don't know why I've got them as I don't have blood pressure." No dad "But I don't have any pills for my blood test." :roll: He seems OK otherwise.

Barbara, I hope all is as OK as it can be and thar your brother gets his chemo soon. So Gdad is home, and hopefully on the mend.

Hope Carol and family are keeping warm and dry.

Tofu curry
Serves four, easily freezable.

Ingredients
1/2 broccoli head (or 1/4 broccoli, 1/4 cauliflower)
1 onion
1 red pepper
250g firm tofu
1 tin coconut milk
3 tsp tomato puree
1 stock cube in 1/2 cup of water
2 tsp tumeric and/or 2 tsp curry powder
Method
Press the Tofu for at least 15 minutes, cut into cubes and fry until brown and crisp on all sides.
Cut and fry the onion until browning in a saucepan.
Add the tumeric and curry powder to the saucepan and fry for a further 3 minutes.
Cut and add all other vegetables. (Add anything else here that you want to use)
Add the coconut milk, tomato puree and stock in water.
Add the tofu and cook until ready till each (at least until all vegetables are cooked).

barbara12

Evening all
Aiden thankyou for the Blueberry and Cream Cheese French Toast very nice indeed and the lovely sparkle pic..so lovely
I see you did dads meds this morning..hope you weren't to cold going round there ..stop and start.. t4591
I hope B has done really well today and you had plenty of cake
I donty have a clue what they did for GD I do tect our ex dil but she works hard and I dont like asking lots of questions..but like you I an nosy..but suppose I wouldn't understand what they were talking about..I will find out soon I bet you sell well tonight xx
Toni I have to say the pics are so lovely thankyou for sharing them with us..and I love your outfit..you look gorgeous
.I can see the tear in Paul's eyes.bless..just to see his only daughter getting married must have been so emotional all round..I still cant get over how Lucy has a look pf Tia... I think you are right Niamh wants grown up buttys.. xx
Joan thankyou for all the hugs..I hope you are all keeping warm could you PM me your emial I have 3 for you and Sue so not sure which one to use ((()))
Kath I say it again your poems are so good..castle of dreams and stranger in the mirrow..really enjoyed reading them..I am glad to hear dad has his pill sorter..they are much safer..and thankyou..xx
Better go my eyes are fading fast
Love to everyone
t4591 t115006 t4591

bubbles

Hi to all t4591 t4591

We are all home now, I came back with Mandy, after staying for a couple of hours, I did start this at tea time, then ran out of ooomph, so apologies for the lack of cake. :oops: :oops:

B did quite well, everyone and anyone was in total admiration of the skill and time he takes over the jewellery - sold a few pieces, so that was good

We both had cake, then I had more cake

B not long in, so I had everywhere all nice and warm and cosy.

Toni, the pictures are just GORGEOUS We have been admiring them again and again. Tia looked ever the blushing bride and button backed gowns are just perfect, she looked radiant. Mikey did look SO proud and rightly so. t4591 t4591



Dad with a tear in his eye, the girls all together. Love the bridesmaids dresses too, with contrasting colours, they all looked fabulous.

Beautiful pictures of you and Paul, my, what lovely jewellery you had on, what a perfect match to your fabulous outfit

The photographs outside the venue are lovely too, walking through the arbour, the evening shot............ahhhhhh, sigh....................

A thousand pictures you say, wow :shock: :shock: will look forward to seeing more, thank you for sharing them.

Glad you enjoyed breakfast, with cream, of course.

Not heard from Mother, about their little soiree this afternoon, I am sure she will shriek about it later on - after a siesta - here's hoping she can knock me out. :roll: :roll:

She did knock me out, we were pretty tired out, so I did not need much rocking.

Hi Joan and Sue - how lovely to have foxes around. They seem to favour more urban areas now, than out in the sticks, more chance for finding food. People have seen them here, on the park, but we have not spotted any in 11 years.

Aches and pains on top of aches, but that seems to be the normal :roll: :roll: , bless you, thank you for the hugs and Bill sold a few pieces, which was good. Everyone admired his work ((((()))))

Enjoy watching the jungle, we used to watch it, but not any more. We like Ant and Dec though.

Hi Kath, thank you for the poems, they are excellent, I keep re reading them. Mother quite agrees, that nothing is quite what it seems t115006 t115006 t115006 t115006 all you have to do is believe t4591 t4591

The stranger in the mirror, very thoughtful indeed.

Dad is doing ok, a wee bit out of sorts with the pill organisation. I am sure Anita has helped him arrange things in order. He will be fine, once he gets into the routine of them.

It does seem odd that meds are given for one reason, but they usually help with another. BP meds being one of them. My BP is in my boots, but I still have a shed load, as they are cardio protective, as in strengthen the heart beat, increase the blood flow and keep the rhythm stable.

Tofu curry, just perfect for a chilly evening, ta mi duck.

Hope any ouchies are not too troublesome, we need some sparkles to give us a boost. (((())))



Hi Carol - hope you are both doing ok, sending hugs and t4591 , as always (((())))

We have had a quiet evening, enjoyed watching the final of the end of year tennis, from the O2 arena - then some golf. It is proper chilly tonight, starry skies and looks like it could be frosty.

Will take dad to the T rooms this morning, encourage him to have some goodies

I am at the physio's to organise some new crutches, at 1pm, I don't intend being in there long :? :roll:

Big hi to everyone else, in and about.

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

Cheesy Roasted Mushroom Melts - stand by, Kath is on the way

frogmorton

It is indeed the jungle or rather was Joan! The next 3 weeks will be good

Well done to B Aidan I'm not surprised he sold a few pieces his creations are lovely did he sell any of those necklaces without clasps?

Good idea (once you've helped with the cake sales of course ) to come back and warm the house up ready for him t4591

I won't bore you all with more wedding pictures, but thank you it was a truly lovely day. Paul only had the one tear I cried all day and the evening before and every time I look at the pics

How wonderful to have both most important men so proud of you on your special day eh? t4591

The Mother of the bride did indeed have a rather lovely suite of pretties to match her outfit!! Couldn't have done better if I had designed it myself, but I didn't need to I had my own creator! Did you spot the change of jacket? and hair UP! that's unusual for me

Hopefully you'll get the crutches easily this time after doing the red tape :roll: and Dad will be tempted to eat something. Does he carry much weight Aidan Is he eating enough I mean to be eating less at the moment? :?

Sleek was out early doors with ROSIE! They collected loads of frozen webs and mists for the nymphs - turns our Rosie is a dab hand with a net :animal_busy: Then brought lattes back for Tosca and Mrs D. Whose igloo is roasty toasty with her own heated blanket :animal_busy:

Those mushroom melts were fabulous! I will not be as greedy as usual :roll:

Barbara thank you I think we all brushed up pretty well It was a lovely day everyone was so happy.

It was a very special day Paul very very proud and Mikey too so chuffed to be married to her! What more could any parent want?

So Niamh shall get grown up butties now she is after all at big school......

Good to hear GDad is safely home and doing better. You'll get an explanation in time I'm sure.

Hope your bro is doing well ok and his bloods are quietly picking up and up fingers crossed.

Kath you know don't you? I read Sleek the Castle in the Air poem and she said 'Me and Tosca hav been ther' A perfect poem for us mad lot in here thank you t115006

As for the stranger in the mirror - the one in mine is my MUM! Is yours? Try this:

Glad you like the wedding pics we were all very happy on the day as you can see it was wonderful! t4591

I've been good and left plenty of mushroom melts for you t4591

I'm sure Anita will have done your Dad's pills for him (I do Lucy's for her - it works) bless him. It is muddly and seems a bit much. but if it's keeping him well...

Thanks for the curry I did indeed freeze mine

Hope all is well with Carol and expect she has been busy sorting out a million and one pressies for all those small people who love her t4591

Hope all is well with Mig - this Christmas will be wonderful now that dreadful time is over

Love to everyone else

Toni xxx

frogmorton

Kath Have you got time to reply to this post in 'Say Hello'?

https://arthritiscareforum.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=51086

Newly diagnosed lady (already has RA) with Sjogren's struggling with her mouth. I know you are a bit of an expert.

Thanks - Toni xxx

Kitty

Done Toni, hope it helps her. Me an expert.

Kitty

Poem of the day

The Tyger
BY WILLIAM BLAKE
Tyger Tyger, burning bright,
In the forests of the night;
What immortal hand or eye,
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

In what distant deeps or skies.
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand, dare seize the fire?

And what shoulder, & what art,
Could twist the sinews of thy heart?
And when thy heart began to beat,
What dread hand? & what dread feet?

What the hammer? what the chain,
In what furnace was thy brain?
What the anvil? what dread grasp,
Dare its deadly terrors clasp!

When the stars threw down their spears
And water'd heaven with their tears:
Did he smile his work to see?
Did he who made the Lamb make thee?

Tyger Tyger burning bright,
In the forests of the night:
What immortal hand or eye,
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?



Toni, Jungle, that fits nicely with the poem of the day. and our back garden. :? Yes, the M.o.t.B. looked very glamourous and as beautiful as always. t69044
I did know Mother and Sleek had visited the castle. Their paw prints are held in high esteem and can be seen in a prominent place. As for Stranger in the mirror - you've had a good try, but not quite right. The lady can see her own image but doesn't recognize herself as she has Dementia! Well that was my idea anyway.

Aidan, WELL DONE BILL. t69044
Toni has left me some Cheesy Roasted Mushroom Melts, thank you so much for those. I've posted a copy of Emily's blog on FB. Some gorgeous grub on there but not all veggie.

Barbara, thank you for your kind comments about my poems. Todays isn't one of mine (I'm not that good) but a very famous one. I think your late brother would have known it.

Sending ((((hugs)))) to all, including Carol, mig, crinkly et al.

Moroccan-spiced tomato sauce with roast vegetables and chickpeas
Category: Main meal | Serves: 2-3

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 35-45 minutes

INGREDIENTS
4 tsp olive oil

2 tsp Ras El Hanout spice

1 red onion, cut into 8 wedges

1 red or yellow pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks

200g (7oz) prepared butternut squash (flesh only), diced

2 small courgettes, cut into chunks

1 clove garlic, finely chopped (optional)

400g (14oz) can cherry tomatoes in rich natural juice

2 tbsp homemade vegetable stock or water

150g ( 5 1/2oz) canned chickpeas in water (drained weight), rinsed and drained chopped fresh coriander to garnish

Preheat oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas mark 6. Place olive oil and Ras El Hanout spice in a small dish and stir.
Place onion, pepper, butternut squash, courgettes and garlic (if using) in a non-stick roasting tin. Add oil mixture to vegetables; toss together to mix well. Shake tin to level vegetables into a single layer.
Roast in oven for 20-15 minutes or until vegetables are brown and tender, stirring once or twice. Add canned tomatoes, stock and chickpeas to roasting tin; stir to mix. Roast in oven for a further 10-15 minutes or until mixture is hot and bubbling, stirring once.
Sprinkle over chopped coriander; server immediately on its own or with baked potatoes, cooked pasta or pitta bread.

bubbles

Afternoon to all t4591 t4591

Boy, was it frosty this morning - Mother said it was per fekt for the frozen spiders webs Toni



Rosie is indeed, an expert, "didn't we know, she can plait mist and weave webs" - well, pardoning myself all over Mother, did you get out the wrong side of your blankies this morning. :roll: :roll:

B did sell a couple of the clasp free necklaces - he has plenty more in stock :shock: sounds like we live in a shop :shock:

All was nice and cozy, I did my best to eat as much cake as possible All in a good cause, for the little Church in the village. They raised at least £500. £300 plus, just on the raffle, the rest on Tombola and food t4591 t4591

The pictures were not in the least bit boring, they were / are, gorgeous. So you cried all day, that would have set me off, then a chain reaction, we would all have been bawling :roll: :roll: :roll: :? :?

Paul and MIkey looked incredibly proud

The Mother of the Bride, did have her own jewellery designer - how posh IS that t115006 t115006 not another suite, in the whole world
Hair looked just perfect and yes, the two jackets could not have been better.

We went to the T rooms, Dad managed to eat about 2 thirds of his sausage sandwich, then a piece of toast with marmalade. Bill and I had the veggie breakfast, so they bring a loaf of bread, toasted, with a lb of butter and preserves. Plus orange and coffee :shock: :shock: It is the best value by far, enough to keep you going all day, until supper time.

Dad has lost a lot of weight, over the past year or so. He is eating a wee bit better now, with plenty of encouragement and the right shopping, some ready meals and plenty of high calorie snacks, he can pick from the fridge.

A quick shop, then time for my appt at the hospital with the Physio.

It was like the Marie Celeste, coming up to 1pm. All in darkness in their department :shock: :? Three of us were waiting. Everyone came back from lunch at 1 and life was restored. On the form I filled in, it said "occupation" - so I put, in big letters, RETIRED WARD MANAGER - so, one minute past one and I was in The lovely physio said, we have a new pair of the fischer handle crutches, hang on...................she came back, we decided no, they were for very tiny legged peeples :shock: :shock: not big lumps like moi replacements are on order, will be in within a couple of days, that was it, done and dusted.

Mother did enjoy her latte, I found her empty thermal cup, under my pillow :roll: :roll: She is quite happy, absorbing the heat from the rads, next to her ottoman of many secrets. t115006 t115006 Yep, the castle in the air, yet another place that is visited quite often, unbeknown to us all :roll: :roll: There are many places and things that we are not privy to. t115006 t115006

Bless, Mrs Darcey, in her heated igloo. She has short fur, so needs to keep extra warm. Any sign of Auntie Kari's heating being sorted asap. We have a forecast of minus 4 - 5 tonight :shock: :shock:

I have saved my mushroom melts, for supper If Kath fancies them, that's fine, more than welcome...........:)

My Dad looks back at me, in the mirror :shock: :shock: :?

Hi Kath - oh, lovely poem, remember that from school days, I am sure it was junior school - a few years back
Thank you for jogging mi memories mi duck t4591 t4591

I see who is in the mirror now, with your poem, very very true and very well observed. There are some amazing poems, written about people who have, or have had family, with dementia / alzheimers.

B says thank you t4591 t4591 you are more than welcome to the mushroom melts. There are spare ones, if you fancy them later.

I will go find the blog and take a look - Duly done and saved to my favourites t115006

Thank you loads for the spiced sauce and roast veggies, with pitta bread - wonderful and warming.

Hope Dad is ok and sorting his pills. How are the ouchies? Not too ouchy I hope

Some magic sparkles and butterflies, to show the ouchies the door.



Keep warm duck, its gunnerbecowd I think we need some winter emoticons, from our dear Moderators

Hi Barbara - hope you are all ok, I bet you had a thick layer of frost this morning, as we did. The sun was just peeping over Hilde, so her screen was melting.
How is Gdad, have you heard any more? I know you are like me and need to know far end of the field Sending hims hugs (((()))), some more for your Brother too ((((())))) I hope he can have his chemo later this week. t115006 t115006

Hi Joan and Sue - sending lots of (((()))) to you both and of course to those gorgeous doggies t4591 t4591 t4591 t4591

Hi to Carol and Mig, Crinkly and all our friends, t4591 t4591

Time I was pottering, the dryer has finished, more to go in..............

I will leave lots of love and sparkles t4591 t115006 and call back later. Take care XXXXXX Aidan

Apricot Frangipane Tart - maybe a touch of cream Toni Ta xx

frogmorton

Ooooh apricot frangipani pie perfect with a large dollop of cream Aidan thank you very much

Sounds like you sort of have Dad's eating under control at the moment with some imaginative techniques. Good we don't want him wasting away do we?

£500 is excellent for a day's work the Church staff will be really pleased. Cake is always a good seller in this village for definite. Good that B has a supply of items as back up because some of us rather like the idea of those necklaces....no fiddly clasps to do up so nice and quick too

Rosie can plait webs and weave mists! Wow!! I didn't know either and I know Charley certainly didn't :shock: She can be a bit hoity toity your Tosca :animal_busy:

and a bit of a well what's the word...? well privileged? you know leaving her cup for you to wash up etc :roll: Kath said our cat's paw prints are in the castle on the hill! there you go!

Mrs Darcey's fur isn't normal its' why Kari can have her with her asthma. Hence the jumpers and igloo. The heated blanket is on a timer to keep her cosy just now. Engineer due on 20th :roll:

Glad you could pull the 'Matron card' to get treated properly at the physio dept. You can wait a few days while they get the right crutches. Did you ask about the springy ferrules?

Yes my Mum looks back at me mostly in the hairdressers as she didn't have a fringe so with a turban on - there she is!! Shame it's not our parents in their youths we see though isn't it?!

I love the magical sparkly butterfly pic thank you t115006 t4591

I LOVE the tyger poem Kath!! As does Sleek - she reckons she is a tiger a strong hunter of the most tigerousness!

She's just come in the door shrieking 'it's cold Mummy' she will use the gate to nip to see Tosca at siesta time methinks...

Ah I had a feeling it was a lady with dementia possibly the poem, but I still see my Mum!!

So you knew our pusskins had visited the castle. There you go they are quite famous. Are Pepe's there too? Sleek mises him so much especially at this time of year when she'd be buying him Christmas presents.

Loved the Moroccan-spiced tomato sauce with roast vegetables and chickpeas yum-eeee! I think Kari will too.

Thank you for being kind to that lady. You are rather an expert to be fair on the QT!

I hope our Joan is ok today :?

Love to everyone

Toni xx

Turbogran

Evening all

Well an update on what’s going on here. Despite lots of ouchies because of the cold weather we are having at the moment . I am doing ok , I have been having plenty of me time in the afternoon in my usual coffee place. Have also continued with Weekly meals out with mr T , knitting group and meeting with friend when she is available. I will not be meeting her this week as we are due to go to the funeral of one of our elderly gentlemen from the church who passed away about 2/3 weeks ago, because of the funeral our usual Friday dinner out will have to be on Friday. Mr T has all adult presents for Christmas have been got today I ordered 3 of the little peeples Faye, Graycie And Rubie Lillie’s is almost complete. So just the 2 boys Ashley and Kian to get. To be honest both Mr T and myself have both been lazy this year and done Most of pressie shopping online. You can find bargains sometimes that are cheaper than in the shops. I am feeling much much in myself at the moment except for the ouchies of course but we will plod on. I think we all know of somebody who is worse off than ourselves.
Have some lovely pictures of the little peoples which I need to sort out and then I can post them on here. Lillie went on a church parade with her beaver group on Remembrance Sunday. Our Kian has grown so quickly I cannot believe how big he is he turned 3 months old on 7th of this month. we go to ramsgate to take the pressies down in 4 weeks and 2 days on the 12th December which is also Graycie’s 3rd birthday where those 3 years have gone I don’t know 🤷‍♀️ Think that the shed must overflowing by now think it needs a visit to claim back some years not just hours or days.

Hope everyone is ok despite all aches and pains and ouchies.
Weather the past few days has been cold at least it has not been blooming raining t111055 t111055.

Hopefully I will be on a little bit more often from now on. Cos I have missed you all and being able to rant and complain and know you all understand.

Love and sparkles t115006 t4591 t115006 t4591 as it is now time for a potter before I seize up.

bubbles

HI to all t4591 t4591

Bloomin eck it is cold out there



We had a frost by 6pm :shock: which is now a very thick frost :shock:
Hildegard is not speaking - looking like an igloo, she is not happy.

Hermione has got the jitters as we have a freezing fog warning :roll: no brooms to be used, only the gates. Sleek already knew that gates and not brooms, in icy cold weather.

Mother said that's fine, "one is not going out" :roll: I have a feeling that Sleek will be gathering the most amazing frozen webs, from the hedgerows - not sure if Rosie will go. Mrs Darcey certainly won't leave her heated house.

Mother can be more than hoity toity :roll: :roll: she thinks she is in Downton I am sure of it Oh yes, the paw prints are in the castle, where nothing is quite what it seems. t115006 Apparently Pepe's are there too, along with Cookies, Erics and many many more t115006 t115006 t115006

Dads eating is watched carefully, he does like to snack and has things at all hours - today he fancied spicy chicken wings, perfect for nibbling on.

Church do's, always involve lots of cake, it is a time honoured tradition. Mum used to bake for days, when there was an event coming up.
They did do quite well, all funds gratefully received. We don't want meeces in the vestry, not a good look, when signing the Register etc. :shock:

Clasp free self supporting necklaces, perfectly on and offable - he has quite a collection.

Two days and Auntie Kari can be nice and warm again. I hope it is not as cold there. Just checked the weather with you and it is, the same, icy cold............ :? :?

Sometimes you have to pull the I am medical too card, with appointments
I did mention the alternative ferrules, she knew of them, but they don't supply them :roll: :roll:

It is strange, looking in the mirror, we always see someone different to how others perceive us, as well as seeing our parents looking back. No, not in their flush of youth, :shock: :roll: :roll:

I adore that butterfly sparkle picture too. t4591 t4591 t4591

Hi Carol - lovely to see you - t4591 ((((())))) for those pesky ouchies, cold does make some feel worse and some feel better, we are an odd lot :roll: :roll:

Lots of downtime in your fav coffee house, sounds just the tonic and I am so glad that you are feeling much more your usual self t4591 t4591 t4591

I hope the funeral of the Gentleman from your Church, goes well and is a fitting tribute to a life well lived t115006

You are almost up to date with your Christmas presents, go team Carol and Mr T. Cannot blame you for doing most of the shopping online - it is the norm these days.

Look forward to seeing some pictures of the little peeples Lillie on the Church parade Graycie will be 3, when you go to see everyone in December, THREE - oh my goodness. Those years are definitely in the shed somewhere :shock: :shock:

We have missed you too Of course we can all have a rant and a grumble in here, everyone understands totally. t4591

Hi Barbara - hope you are all ok. Will Niamh be there after school this afternoon ? I am guessing so
Hugs to all (((((()))))) Gdad and your Brother especially. t4591 t4591

I had better move again. Pottering necessary. Help yourself to sparkles



At home today, (apart from pill duties for will be nice to have some time indoors.

Leaving lots of love and sparkles to all t4591 t115006 Take care - keep warm XXXX Aidan

Cauliflower Hash Browns

frogmorton

Brrrrr!!!

That's exactly what it looks like here Aidan!!

Sleek has already been out - Tommy was the only per san prepared to join her. Many webs collected he only broke a couple he was trying very very hard according to Sleek. They nipped in to see Mother with some frozen lavender c/o a certain Tom-Thumb. hen Sleek nipped him back through his gate quickly before Hermione closed it. The kits are only allowed their gates under the supervision of a grown up cat.

She will be over to watch some TV with Mother later on. Imagine that?! Pepe's paw prints Cookie's and Eric's too all in the Castle I hope Mrs D and Kari have been warm enough overnight :? The manufacturer had better fix it on the day :x

Poor Hilde and Dudley very cold cars - Paul's are alright in the garages :roll: Roasty toasty I bet :roll: and Mother's side car is in the warm too.

Dad is definitely doing better spicey Chicken wings will do nicey as a snack bless him. Sleek has started including him in her 'rounds' along with Kath and anyone else who needs her ministrations....

Did you watch 'The Tribe next door'? The tribe Scarlet Moffat's family were next door to had NEVER seen their own reflections! That was an eye opener right enough.

Cake here too and plenty of it - it costs so much just to BE a Church people don't realise. They have to pay the Diocese and then there's the usual overheads :roll:

Have to ask Barbara where you can get the ferrules they sound good. No bad idea letting them know you are 'in the trade' so to speak no-one will muck you about for sure then
Oooh! Whose sparkles?!

Cauliflower hash browns! YES please!!

Today we may get our new specs I hope

Carol! Lovely to see you.

Gosh a funeral I am sorry you little congregation is getting smaller

You are doing very well after that nasty down time to be keeping up all your usual activities ((())) t4591

Well done Mr T getting all the adults pressies and leaving you the fun stuff! I do not blame you at all for doing a fair bit online we all do these days! You don't have long of it's Ramsgate on 12th December. Aidan will start his count down!!

Please do sort us some piccies of the GGchildren. Kian is 3 months?! :shock: when did that happen?

Love to Joan I hope all is well

Toni xxx

dachshund

Have a good day everyone
. Kathleen I hope you are warm (((((())))) love to your Dad((((())))
Aidan frost and fog today you take care(((((()))) love to Dad (((((()))))
. Carol lovely time Christmas for children ((((())))
. Barbara thank you(((((()))). How is your brother ((((())))) nd granddad (((((())))
. Toni have a good day how are your aches and pains (((((()))))
. take care. love to Mig ((((())))
. Joan xx

Kitty

Poem of the day 1
For Sleek

The Hunter by Kathleen

Through the undergrowth she steals,
In grassy jungle creeps,
Belly down, eyes like slits
Pretending she's asleep.

Wary, watching all the time
Ears twitch at sounds unknown.
Searching skies where clouds flit by
And many birds have flown.

With haunches up and muscles tense
Her gaze fixed on her prey;
She pounces on the Butterfly
Which quickly flies away.

So yawning nonchalantly,
She lies down to have a rest.
As hunters come and hunters go,
Dear Sleek knows she's the best.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=14PI0r345Z8hSbsR9HJRC6dwn8YYVxQgc

Poem of the day 2

Some One - by Walter de la Mare

Some one came knocking
At my wee, small door;
Someone came knocking;
I'm sure-sure-sure;
I listened, I opened,
I looked to left and right,
But nought there was a stirring
In the still dark night;
Only the busy beetle
Tap-tapping in the wall,
Only from the forest
The screech-owl's call,
Only the cricket whistling
While the dewdrops fall,
So I know not who came knocking,
At all, at all, at all.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=12Zq8Pou22iGg3ALuP8zJSh8D0LT-_5p5

Joan, yes thank you I'm wrapped up warm. I hope you and Sue are too. I can't believe it's not winter yet. tcold

Toni, I hope the lady I tried to help found some of my info useful. :?

Aidan, what a gorgeous winter scene. Definitely frog and fost today. Yes, there is a huge part of the castle garfen that has ALL our pusskin paw prints there. Even my Smutty, Topsy, Sooty and my mum's grey cat whose name I forget.
Cauliflower Hash Browns, Don't mind if I do. ta duck.

Carol, thank you for the update on your family. I bet Lillie looked so smart, marching along with her Beaver troop. And Kian is 3 months, blimey is he starting to crawl yet? A family to be proud of.

I hope Barbara is keeping warm and well rested. Holly kindly did our usual little shop bless her. She was frozen when she came back and so was Vay sitting in her pushchair.

Vegan chick pea curry
Ingredients
1 tbsp vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
1 onion diced
2 cloves garlic finely chopped
1 tsp finely chopped fresh ginger
4 whole dried cloves
2 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp cayenne pepper or to taste
Pinch of salt
1 14oz (400g) can chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans) drained
1 14 oz (400g) can chopped tomatoes (or whole peeled, plum or crushed tomatoes)
1/2 cup (100ml) vegetable stock/broth
handful chopped fresh coriander/cilantro
Instructions
In a large saute or frying pan, heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat, then add the onions and cook for 5 minutes until soft but not browned.
Stir in the garlic, ginger, cloves, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne, then cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
Stir in the drained chickpeas, canned tomatoes and the vegetable stock/broth. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve sprinkled with chopped fresh coriander/cilantro. I like it with steamed kale and rice or naan bread.
RECIPE TIPS
Don't have all the spices? Just add 3 tsp Garam Masala instead.
Don't rush the onions. Make sure that they're nice and soft before moving on to the next step. They'll add far more flavour if you're patient and cook them for at least 5 minutes.
This curry freezes well for up to 3 months.
Keep this chickpea curry in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Which canned tomatoes to use? Any will work: plum, whole peeled, crushed, chopped, diced, stewed. Just be sure it's the smaller 400g/150z size can.
Make it vegan? this curry recipe is naturally vegan and vegetarian.
Prefer a mild curry recipe? Just leave out the cayenne.
Want it spicy? Add more cayenne!
Get extra green goodness by serving it with wilted spinach or kale or stir it in at the end so the greens are in the curry.

bubbles

Hi to all - t4591 t4591 On a very chilly day :shock:

Sleek was well wrapped up in her new heated coat - (they had them on the shopping channel the other evening, amazing jackets, three heat settings :shock: :shock: ). Tommy had one on too. He did do well, bless him, a couple of threads were broken, nothing that the Nymphs cannot fix. t115006 t115006

That's right Toni, only under supervision, can junior wizards go through a "gate". Mother woke, to find her then, defrosted lavender t4591 t4591 she was purring

All the paw prints on the ever growing wall on the castle, lovely to know - t115006 t115006

They had better fix Auntie Kari's heating tomorrow. It was very chilly last night :? :? Mrs D will have been tucked up, Aunt Kari too :shock:

Hilde was talking to Dudley, about the temperatures. They both come from much colder climates, they were just being a bit dramatic :roll: :roll: There was a wee bit of garage envy though.

Good that Sleek is doing her rounds and has included visits to Dad, to run at different times to B's visits. He will be off again any minute, for the next pills and check up.

No, not seen the tribe next door - imagine, having never seen your own reflection :shock: :shock: I would just out of my skin at the sight of me :roll: :roll:

It does cost a small fortune to be a Church, with all the fees that are paid. Imagine what a Cathedral costs, thousands per week :shock: :shock:

I am sure Barbara sent me a link, to the flexi feet for crutches - I will get some and try them. I might had to ask Barbara again :roll: :roll:
I cannot remember and Bill thinks it was Saturday, then Sunday :shock:
I did get the day right though

Sometimes it helps to let people know that you have a medical background other times, I say nothing.

So you liked the sparkles, I thought you might t115006 t115006

Did you get your new specs 8) 8)

yes, I am on countdown, 4 weeks and 1 day, for the Christmas visit, for Carol and Mr T

Hi Joan and Sue - fortunately the fog did not materialise. Glad we didn't have to go out in the car today, especially first thing. She was like a block of ice and the decking looked very sparkly :shock:

Thank you for the hugs (((()))) - I hope your heating is doing what it should be and keeping you all nice and warm t4591 t4591

Hi Kath - thank you for the poems t4591 t4591 with Sleek being the topic of the one you skilfully wrote

The pictures too -lovely owls, they pass by here, on silent wings, we see them sometimes, but hear hooting and shrieking a lot. More so in winter - is it winter ? No, not until mid December :shock: :? :? Personally I think we are in already there.

So you liked the winter scene - do we need another, of course we do.

I have a feeling that it won't be too long until we have some snow......... :? :?



Glad you liked the Cauli hash browns. Hope any ouchies are minimal.

Holly has been doing a bit of shopping for you, bless her. I bet she was cold, Vay too, in her pushchair

Ta for the chickpea curry, another warming recipe to enjoy t4591 t4591

Hi Barbara - you might not get on until later, if your laptop is in hiding and Niamh is there, keeping you all on your toes

Hope you are all as ok as can be. Love and hugs (((()))) continue

Hi Carol - 4 weeks 1 day now, I have started the clock t4591 t4591 until you visit all the little peeples and bigger peeples

I am almost dozing - so it is high time I move, before I land on the keyboard :shock: :roll: :roll:

Will call back later. Lots of love and sparkles to everyone in and about. t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006 Take care XXX Aidan

Deep Dish Chocolate Brownie Pie

barbara12

Evening all..sorry this will be short ..I have a new router and have fitted it..but some probs.. but I will sort it
GD is walking more each day..and my brother still has to wait for his chemo..
I see B did ok on Sunday I am really pleased..and Aiden I bought the flexifeet..all one word if you google it
Kath I love the poems..especially yours..
Joan you are welcome..and I cant wait for the range to open..I hope you are all keeping warm
Toni..are all the pics done by a professional.. I love how natural they are..yes grown up butties for Niamh..with more bacon..
Carol you have done well with the presents..we are only buying the children now..something I love doing...glad you are getting there ..x
Sorry will be back tomorrow when my router gets going
Love to everyone
t4591 t115006 t4591

bubbles

HI to all - t4591

Not at cold tonight, no frosts. That's the weather sorted :shock:

Hi Barbara - so you have a new router and it is your duty to sort it out - I seem to remember Mr B does not like all things wifi and computer.

I am sure you will have it up and running in no time at all if not wallop it and that will solve the problem

Good to hear that Gdad is walking more each day I assume he can usually manage quite well at home, looking after himself. I recall you said he was very active. Extra (((()))) will never go amiss.

Still no chemo for your Brother, he will be very disappointed. More blood tests later this week? Maybe by Friday he will be ok and the chemo can go ahead. t4591 t4591

Bill was pleased with how the fair went It is a hobby that he enjoys and is very good at. He finds it relaxing. I would throw it out the window in frustration :roll: :roll:

I will have a look at the flexifeet - they sell them in the mobility shop in town, so will be nosing in there as soon as...............:)

We will all come shopping at the Range. There coffee is not toooooo bad and they do have cake t4591 whilst taking a break from buying everything that sparkles

Talking of sparkles. Mother and Sleek chose tonight's picture, they took a snapshot of earth, on their way back from Pluto :shock: :?



I didn't ask about Pluto - it is not for peeples to know :? t115006

Go Niamh, bigger bacon butties, with more bacon, you tell Gdad how it is

A quiet evening here. Some pottering, just taking things steadily. Feeling happier now I have had a hair cut

GC this morning. Some shopping and that will be enough for Dad

Time I was moving again. Leaving lots of love and sparkles to everyone t4591 t115006 t115006 Take care XXXX Aidan

Ricotta and Strawberry Toasties

frogmorton

Ricotta strawberry toasties lovely Aidan ta very muchly added cream of course on mine…..

Where is Aidan? Oh there you are I thought it was your younger brother with your hair cut

Sleek was rattling on about Pluto too...she likes it there although had initially thought it had dogs on it (Disney's Pluto :roll: ). She also thought the Dordogne had dogs as well to be fair :roll:

She left Mother behind and Mrs D again this morning it was far too cold and damp, but Rosie came along and they brought the older ladies a hot drink each back. Apologies if you find Mother's thermal cup abandoned empty again :oops:

Those heated jackets they got off the shopping channel wow! So snug Tommy looked adorable in his! He loves leaving small gifts for Tosca luckily nothing rodent...yet!

Auntie Kari and Mrs D know how to keep warm right enough, but today they had BETTER be able to put the heating on!!!

GC and a little shopping is more than enough for Dad I know you'll be feeding him up t4591 Sleek is happy enough with him ATM and will report any issues to Matron as soon as.

One of my pairs of specs still isn't in! So we will try again tomorrow. Kari is busy today with heating engineer - we HOPE!!

Chocolate cake with added cream...lovely ta!

I love the tranquil winter bench scene. One day you know we will rush less and sit and look more :roll:

Barbara router problems eh? Oh dear I hate that but even more hate Paul hating it!! You have my sympathy.

I have 3 sets of pics - professional (which I have mostly ignored as they are very posed and really only of Tia and Mikey no group photo - none of Aunties and Uncles with the B and G - still that's what the kids want these days isn't it? with selfies etc!!!) and two given by friends on memory sticks which are much more informal.

The photographer took some informal, but sort of got 'the wrong' people? If you know what I mean?

Best of luck with the techie issues ((()))

Aw Kath the little kitten!! That was our Sleek as a baby too :animal_busy: She is chuffed to bits to be in one of your poems. Somes her activities up nicely feigning nonchalance when she (rarely of course!) fails to catch her prey!

Loved the owl too and the poem by Walter DLM

The lady has thanked you very much for your advice.

I am going to make the chickpea curry for definite thank you

Joan I am doing very well at the moment thank you how are you doing? Are you warm enough? Charley's heating is fixed now Kari's should be today - it's been a long time :roll:

Love to everyone

Toni xx

dachshund

Morning everyone
. the weatherman said it's cold enough for snow.
. Kathleen Holly is kind I'm pleased she does it for you (((((()))))
Aidan how is your Angina((((())) is your Dad still having bleeding ((((((()))))
Barbara sorry your brother is not having chemo yet((((((())))) love to granddad (((((())))
Toni is everything finished in your house now(((((())))
take care love to Carol Mig ((((((()))))
. Joan xx

barbara12

Afternoon all router is running.TT sent us a high speed one if we stayed with then for another year..we have had no problems with them really so a new router with good reviews in my comp mag will do nicely..its quite expensive to buy
Aidan thankyou for all the goodies Ricotta and Strawberry Toasties a new one on me and I nearly missed the chocolate brownies.. and I love the sparkles in the jar
You must wear an hat now your hair is cut ..keep thoes ears warm..I know B love to make his jewellery and you can tell..its so lovely
Now GD he lives with our dil and her partner and our middle Grand daughter..it his house so he is fine...
Niamh has GD weighed up with the bacon butties..and he loves it..
I am glad to dad is eating if only a little like you say fluids are more important..(())
Toni so many pics to choose rom ..bet you are all still going through them I do hope that Karis boiler is fixed today fingers crossed(())
Joan my brother will get to know tomorrow if chem can go ahead..it his visit to the hospital.. thankyou you are so kind love to all of you..(((()))
better go I now have to change the net setting on the TV and phones.. :roll:
Love to everyone
t4591 t115006 t4591