Val's Cafe

frogmorton

Morning everyone

Electrician this morning putting up the posh inside lights and some PIRs outside.

Coffee it is then Aidan with that lovely round cake. I hope Dad's bloods show somethin which can be easily sorted he's had a bad year t4591 t115006 Sleek said his obs are ok, but he 'seemz a bit two tyred mummy. Like you at the burn dans. Tosca sed baaarn dans'.

Pendle was vanished yesterday and again today much quality mist collected by her Sleekness.

I can totally understand your insomnia after such a terrifying ordeal Once you know that you (not other people, but you) could have died that's it. You can't unknow that can you

I am worried about who may yet turn up to choir The lady who approached me already said she was tone deaf :shock: Has Tosca another spell to put people off such a big commitment instead??

Mother superior is very very good at keeping secrets. Lips sealed

We also had an at home kind of day yesterday it was all too much after the barn dance for little me.

I Have been assured that Mother and Sleek did some great little flicking at siesta time. I hope you woke up to a lovely display?

Ah yes Kari can loose weight Aidan once done though this time she wants to keep it off

Good job the burger Kath left was veggie if you ate one

The strawberry muffins were totally yum ta v much and came with their own cream too t4591

Kath I adored the Miss Hunter Dunn poem! I very happy ending it had and the pace was just perfect

Sleek's just come in says it's raining Mummy :roll: t111055

Your Dad has got a point though. Normally a kidney infection doesn't need a catheter in permanently. I wonder whether his prostate is also enlarged or it's the growth thingy??? Can Aidan throw any light? But if it was a kidney problem he'd be on a special diet surely like Barbara is :? very odd indeed.

Good job Anita is on the case!

Look at you! 10 years younger so 20 between you both

Now I love humous so those burger look very interesting - I'll take two one for Kari if I may. Glad yesterday's burger was vegan as Aidan ate one

Morning Joan were we posting together yesterday? I am sorry your friend has dementia. I wish it was preventable/curable

Love to Carol and Barbara mig too...

Toni xx

dachshund

Morning everyone
. Kathleen how is your Dad I hope he feels a bit better ((((((()))))
. Aidan Angina must be frightening it would bring on panic attacks I would think((((((())))). I hope you find hints out for your Dad tomorrow(((((((()))))
. Toni I hope everything is alright for everyone (((((((())))) our friends lab has just had 9 pups no we don't want one.
. take care. love to Barbara Carol Mig ((((((()))))))
. Joan xx

barbara12

Morning all..grey and wet here..our middle GD is in Barcelona for a few days the wether is glorious..still struggling with these eys so bare with me
Aidan thankyou for all the hugs..the lovely sparkly pis.and the I had breakfast for one German Blueberry Bread..very nice indeed thankyou..
I hope all is well for dad..will be thinking of you all..(((())))
I see you had visitors ..good you can have a chat between you.. when dad nips to the loo..
I hope M has had a better night ..like you say you understand what she is going through..it must be so very scary..
My brother wasnt well yesterday so we did some shipping for them I say we it was Mr B..and I stopped with them..he does have all meds needed..
Kath thankyou my brother GF is a star bless her and she has problems with her own family so she has adopted us..says she always wanted a sister.. glad dad is being look after ..
Thankyou for the info..my brother doesn't like to bother his Mcmillan nurse but we got him to ring and ask a few questions..
and thankyou again for the lovely poems and the recipes..
Toni thankyou.. so you had a late night..make the most of it while you can.. today is a rest day..good..was the one that was tone deaf called Barbara by any chance I see your posh lights are coming..OH all ready for Christmas ..and all that room for everyone.. thankyou for explaining the flushes I hadnt a clue :?
Joan thankyou you are so kind..I have turned my background colour on my comp to black so its a bit easier..hope you are all doing ok..and you dont have our rain..((()))
Right that my eyes done with for now
love to everyone
t4591 t111055 t115006

Kitty

Daily Poem

The Sunlight on the Garden by Louis MacNeice
(1907 - 63)

The sunlight on the garden
Hardens and grows cold,
We cannot cage the minute
Within its nets of gold,
When all is told
We cannot beg for pardon.

Our freedom as free lances
Advances towards its end;
The earth compels, upon it
Sonnets and birds descend;
And soon, my friend,
We shall have no time for dances.


The sky was good for flying
Defying the church bells
And every evil iron
Siren and what it tells:
The earth compels,
We are dying, Egypt, dying


And not expecting pardon,
Hardened in heart anew,
But glad to have sat under
Thunder and rain with you,
And grateful too
For sunlight on the garden.

m0150 m0150 m0150 m0150

Barbara, yes, I hate these sunless miserable days, so depressing. What a lovely thing your brother's G/F said, a star indeed. I'm so glad he rang the Macmillan nurse, it's what thet are there for. Makes me proud to be a supporter of theirs.

Joan, thank you. His pals at Friday club were pleased to see him, so that would have bucked him up no end.

Toni, I used to love singing but my voice 'died' due to Bronchiectasis AND Sjogrens, I sound like a demented cow now. Dad had his prostate treated 10 years ago which is why he had the first catheter in. The only meds he has are Pred (for his knees, 2 high BP tablets and antibiotics for his infections. As far as I've been told anyway.

Aidan, Yes Sir John did have a way with words. I love his poems as they aren't complicated at all. I do hope dad's blood tests are good, and that he eats and drinks well too. Love the purple Rose, gorgeous. Fresh Strawberry Lemon Shortcake Muffins what a delight, I might manage 2 or . Ta love. t115006 t115006

Carol, I hope all are well and that the Christmas shopping is successful. t69044 t69044

Vegetarian Power Omelette
Ingredients
Serves 2
 1½tbsp olive oil
 260g/2 medium tomatoes, diced
 160g/1 red pepper, chopped into small pieces
 1tbsp dried herbs, such as Herbes de Provence
 salt and freshly ground black pepper
 4 eggs
 15g/3 spring onions (green part only), sliced
 35g/approx. 2 handfuls of pitted
 black olives, halved
 60g feta, crumbled

Method
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in an ovenproof frying pan (one with a lid). Add t
tomatoes, pepper and dried herbs, then turn the heat right down to its lowes
season with salt and pepper. Put a lid on the frying pan and let it cook gently
minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Stir halfway through so they don’t b
much.
Break the eggs into a large bowl and whisk them lightly. Season well.
When the vegetables are cooked, add them to the eggs in the bowl, followed
spring onions.
Put the frying pan back on a medium heat and add the remaining ½ tablespoon
Pour the omelette mix into the frying pan, then immediately turn the heat do
its lowest setting. Scatter the olives on top.
Cook the omelette for about 10–15 minutes, uncovered. Every now and then
edge in gently with a palette knife, as this will give it a rounded edge.
Once it looks nearly set, sprinkle the cheese on top, then place under a hot gr
until golden and bubbling on top. The omelette should be cooked through bu
in the centre.
Slide the omelette out of the pan, then cut into wedges.
Serve hot or cold.

frogmorton

Evening everyone!

Electrician has gone and I am left with some lovely new posh lights!! Will have ago uploading a pic

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18tg6d-2_N5yOWorIsVOegbQCOD-blnoA/view?usp=sharing

Thank you for the poem Kath but explanation required on this one... :?

Can prostates grow again do you think? I'm pretty sure your sis has it all in hand though she's a good girl

My breathing affects my singing and range but still in tune. Would like less coughing as well if it was possible :roll:

Oh that power omelette looks really really healthy yum ta

Barbara shopping is exactly the sort of thing which helps as does the company of your sister t4591 ((())) for your bro and you too.

We will always bear with you I am so sorry the eyes are so bad ATM good idea to change the background colour.

Lucky middle GD I want to join her!

Joan 9 pups!! I know Tia would want one, but she has two cats!!We are all well here hope you and Sue are too.

Love to everyone

Toni xx

Turbogran

Evening all

I Have not been on for a couple of days cos forum would not let me in came up as wrong password but today it seems to have corrected itself oh the wonders of technology.🤔

Aidan no coffee shop on Friday sadly as time run out on me. We went to a costa near to the church where the funeral was being held, for a quick lunch time snack. Then just round the corner to church. It all went off very well. Mr T had been asked to do a tribute to the man who passed at the wake after. The burial was at the cemetery across the road from the church had to walk quite a way up the road to the entrance only to find I could not get up the steps to the grave with my walker. So I left mr T to go on alone as I was not going to the wake after anyway. It took me about 3and a half hrs to get some odds of shopping 🛍 and get home. The traffic and buses being held up was terrible.

Toni Yes mr t and I did have a good rearranged meal on Thursday. And the funeral went well pity the journey home was a disaster.

Thank you everyone else who answered I have only had a quick flick through the messages Yann have forgotten half of what they say. So I will not try and remember. You are rightAidan it is now 2 weeks 4 days till our trip to Ramsgate. Today is our eldest granddaughter’s birthday. And then it is grandson’s birthday in 9 days. And Graycie’s is the day we go to Ramsgate. It is all birthdays in our family at the moment and will be until February.

Well we are at last on a waiting list for a Pusskin don’t know how long we will have to wait but at last at least on a waiting will keep you updated. It will be great to have a furry friend again we may have to wait a bit, as it is a small rescue place in a house and because we a quite near a road the lady who runs it will only let us have a house cat. Ouchies seem to be dependent on the weather it has been wet today but not too cold. But we have some colder weather to come.

Hope you are all as well as you can be.

Love and sparkles to you everyone t4591 t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006 t115006

bubbles

Hi to all t4591 t4591

What a day - Not sure I will get to reply to everything - the day has just vanished.

To cut long stories short, Dad is not good, we took him for his blood in the morning, but he could not make it to the t room, he was just wiped out, so we had to take him home. Rang Drs, one of the Gp's who has seen him before, came out, within a very short time.

Started on AB's for chest infection, stopped the frusemide, plus we have stopped the drug that he takes for his alzheimers, I don't think it is helping things at the moment.

Any further concerns, then we will ring for an ambulance. Still not eating, or drinking, despite repeated encouragement - you cannot make someone.

So, big do's and little do's. Both today's appts have been cancelled, GP said no, he is not well enough. Urology are aware and they are also aware that we NEED to know the results - we don't know what we are shouting at.

Phew. B went round this evening and Dad was just going to bed.

Hi Toni - I see you have some rather AMAZING lights in your kitchen, they are gorgeous t4591 t4591 Mother approves, most highly.

I don't seem to recall seeing Pendle for at all for the past two days. Perfect for mist gathering as you rightly say. Sleek has been in her element.
We were drenched in town, when we went back in for Dads AB's - we had to wait, so had a large coffee and a chip butty in the T room.

No, you cannot unknow what you have had, or been through, you will know that feeling 100%. Things stay with you and often come back to haunt. Just something that we try and keep a lid on, as best we can.

Mother has scattered some non committal glitter, over the two villages, to prevent the world and his wife, coming to choir :shock: :shock: :shock: :? :? :?

I bet you needed a rest, a barn dance would have wiped me out too, even without a do se do your partners :shock:

Kari is doing great, I am sure she will keep to it, says me, who has gained everything I ever lost. :roll: :roll: :roll:

I am glad it was a vegan burger too :? :? I just had to eat it.

Sleek had been over while we were out, litter quidditch to beat all other matches. It was like a pebble beach in the bedroom :shock: :shock:

Hi Joan and Sue - goodness, 9 puppies, oh I bet they are all gorgeous, but you have your hands full with your lovely doggies. I am sure she will find loving and caring homes for them t4591 t4591
Panic attacks, yes, angina does bring them on - I remember after my last heart attack they had to get me calm, it took half the medication on the ward, but they managed, eventually. :? :roll: :roll:

We take it from day to day with Dad at the moment, the only thing we can do. Hopefully he will start to pick up. Thank you for the hugs t4591 t4591 t4591

Hi Barbara - sorry your eyes are bad at the moment. The brightness of a computer screen can cause eye problems, there is a lot of blue light, that we don't realise. Most phones have a reading mode option, which takes out the blue light, to make it easier to read. Good idea to change the background.

I hope you GD has a lovely time in Barcelona, supposed to be a wonderful city.

You will have read about Dads problems, as they stand at the moment. Every day seems different.

Thank you for your kind thoughts (((()))) I hope your Brother feels a bit better today. Good that he has all the pills he needs to help alleviate the side effects. It is tough going - extra hugs and sparkles for you all t4591 t115006 (((()))) They will be very grateful for you doing the shopping and stopping with them for a while XX
He must not think he is bothering the MacMillan nurses, they are there for him, night or day.



B spoke to M, she was ok, not had any more bad do's with angina. They have been juggling her medication around. It is a case of try and see sometimes. We are always on call. B said, we could open a private ward, with all that's going on :shock: :shock: :? :?

It certainly has been wet here too. SO dark all day, with inky black skies, Hilde put her own lights on, she thought it was night time, she was having non of it.

Hi Kath - thank you for the poem, quite a deep one. I read that it was written after his wife left him, to marry another man, taking their son with her.

A demented cow, oh my days :shock: :shock: I am sure you don't sound like one for one moment. Now, I am totally tone deaf when it comes to singing, but I could play the piano / organ, all day long, not any more, I would be like Les Dawson on piano. Neuropathy and arthur put paid to playing.

Prostate symptoms can recur, ie not being able to pass urine. Possibly why Dad has a catheter indwelling. Difficult to say. He must feel more upbeat after his Friday club meeting. Bless him. You will have read about Dad here. One day at a time................

Glad you loved the sparklies and the goodies Just two, shame on me for having 4 :shock: :oops: :oops:

Loving the power omelette - we need that every day Ta luvvy.

Hi Carol - wrong password, how annoying is that - I get it from some websites, like the bank - no, I know it is the right password - then it says, date of birth, etc etc, you put it all in and it says no, we don't know who you are :shock: :shock: :shock: grrrrrrrrrr

I am glad the funeral went well and Mr T gave a tribute to the gentleman who had passed. t4591 t4591
You had a long day, all that time to get home with a few bits of shopping. Not being able to get into the cemetery either after that long walk...........

2 weeks and 3 days now, on the Christmas visit to Ramsgate You are right, all those Birthdays - no end of presents and parties for the little peeples

So you are now on the waiting list for a puskin, wonderful. A house cat will be just ideal. All of ours have been house cats and they have had a wonderful life, never wanting to venture outside of their homes. I hope a gorgeous puskin will come to live with you soon :animal_busy: :animal_busy: t4591 t4591

It has been a lot warmer the last two days, but I see frost is back on the forecast again :? :?

Right - I really must do some more pottering, catching up with washing / drying.

We will see what today brings. Leaving lots of love and sparkles to everyone t4591 t115006 Take lots of care XXXXX Aidan

Buckwheat Porridge De luxe

frogmorton

Aidan I am so sorry Dad is rough He really isn't right at all is he bless him. I hope it is 'just' a chest infection and he gets better ASAP. As far as today's apts are concerned I agree with Dr he is not up to them! Urology need to crack on and let you all know what is what ASAP too :roll:

GET WELL SOON B Snr!! t4591 t115006 t69044

Thanks to Mother for scattering the lack of commitment spell I hope it helps I wonder why they call it tone 'deaf'? Clearly you can 'hear' a note to be able to play jut not hold a note with your voice :? I've always wondered that...

Sleek has been enjoying forays up to Pendle right enough including this morning (after her last obs round). She won the Quidditch game, but be warned Tosca is after a rematch.

I am glad M is feeling a little more herself and that meds are at least being tweaked for her. As for you and the anxiety - a firm lid is in order for sure. Impossible at times though ((()))

Thank you for explaining Kath's poem of the day. Gosh how sad and that explains a lot

Thank you for our posh porridge - yum!

Carol lovely to see you It says my password is wrong sometimes too, but I have always thought that was me :oops: as a second or third attempt puts it right.

What a shame the burial ground wasn't accessible at the funeral! I am sure Mr T did a good speech in honour of the gentleman.

A pusskin!! Finally!! Sleek and Tosca are on the look out for a house cat Cats can be fine indoors totally fine if they are brought up that way. I am so exited for you

It won't be long at all before you are off to visit. What an expensive time for you all those birthdays too over Christmas and new year! :shock:

A quick hello to Joan who will be in soon no doubt. I hope all is well with you and you must try to get us a puppy pic!! Mind you pictures are easier said than done :roll:

Love to everyone

Toni xx

dachshund

Morning everyone
. Kathleen yes we have rain has well. love to your Dad ((((((()))))
I hope everything's alright with you and the cold ((((((())))
. Carol I know what it's like not being able to get where you want ((((((()))))
. Barbara that's good you have the Grange Coming there(((((())))) love to your brother ((((())))
. Aidan that's not right your Dad and you both need to know what is wrong to help him (((((()))) you and B take care (((((()))))
Toni we have the same oven has that one. Nice lights ((((((()))))
. take care love to Mig ((((((()))))
. Joan xx

Kitty

Today's Poem

I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud
BY WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.



Aidan, you are right, "According to Jon Stallworthy, Louis MacNeice wrote The Sunlight on the Garden as a "love-song" for his first wife, Mary Ezra, shortly after their divorce was finalised in November 1936. Mary had left MacNeice for Charles Katzman in November 1935, and she followed Katzman to America early the next year. MacNeice was initially "devastated". However, by the time the divorce was finalised, MacNeice was able to contemplate the end of his marriage with acceptance (as in the first stanza of The Sunlight on the Garden) and to remember his time with Mary with gratitude (as in the last stanza)"

"The Sunlight on the Garden was written while MacNeice was living at 4a Keats Grove, and as Jon Stallworthy notes, 4a was a 'garden flat'; "the three principal rooms of the flat faced south and, even in November, were lit by the low sun striking through the branches of two large sycamores at the back of the garden.". Stallworthy associates The Sunlight on the Garden with the garden of 4 Keats Grove and other gardens MacNeice had known, going back to the garden at Carrickfergus Rectory where MacNeice had spent his childhood."
I'm so sorry to hear dad has taken a turn for the worst. (((DAD))) t4591

Toni, The sunlight is presented as something transient; it cannot be caught. It represents a beautiful moment. The light grows cold, it dies, with a certain kind of inevitability. The speaker tries to catch the minute but he cannot. Almost paradoxically, he also feels trapped within time. He says that ‘our freedom as free lances advances towards its end’. The words ‘lances’ and ‘advances’ give the poem a military feel, as if there is a group of soldiers marching towards their inevitable death. This is strengthened by the reference to Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra in the third stanza: ‘we are dying, Egypt’. Time drags him along towards an end he cannot escape.

The speaker therefore starts commemorating the time when ‘the sky was good for flying’. Slowly, he starts accepting the end of the sunlight and instead of protesting against it he is grateful. It is only in this last stanza that the true nature of the poem clearly shows: it is a love poem. This poem was written while MacNeice recovered from a divorce and it is often seen as a reflection on that. In the first stanza he sounds bitter and laments that he cannot hold on to their relationship, but in the last stanza he seems to have accepted what happened and he expresses his gratitude for the time he has spent with his wife.

Poetry appreciation over.
WOW, those lights are really something.

Joan, We had a glimpse of sun this morning. But it's raining again now. :roll:

Carol, so good to hear from you again. How exciting, you are awaiting a new pusskin arrival. All those birthdays coming up, Will you fit Christmas in there somewhere?


Herb tabbouleh with roasted courgettes
Category: Main meal | Serves: 2 as a main dish, or 4 as a side

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS
2 courgettes cut into 1cm (1/2 inch slices)

2 tsp plus two tbsp olive oil

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

125g (4 1/2oz) bulgur wheat

2 plum or vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped

4 spring onions, chopped

100g (3 1/2oz) cucumber, deseeded and chopped

10g (1/4oz) fresh flat parsley, roughly chopped

10g (1/4oz) fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped

1 tsp finely grated lemon zest

1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice


Preheat oven to 220°C/fan 220°C/gas mark 7. Place courgettes in a bowl; add 2 teaspoons olive oil and black pepper; toss to mix. Spread courgettes out in a single layer in a small, non-stick roasting tin. Roast in oven for about 25 minutes or until courgettes are tinged brown at the edges, turning once.
Meanwhile, rinse and drain bulgur wheat. Put into a saucepan; add 600ml (1 pint) cold water. Bring to the boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes or until cooked and most of water is absorbed. Drain; place in a serving bowl.
Add tomatoes, spring onions, cucumber, herbs and black pepper to hot bulgur wheat; mix well. Add roasted courgettes; stir gently. Whisk remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the lemon zest and juice in a bowl; add to salad and toss together. Serve immediately or cool, then chill before serving.

bubbles

Hi to all - t4591 t4591 not quite as grey out today. Pendle has appeared from the mists and clouds - Sleek must have done some serious scooping

Hi Toni - thank you for the well wishes for Dad. He seemed a little bit brighter this morning, (alzheimers meds omitted now, for a week). AB's continue.
He was having something to eat and drink, plus the drinks B made and water with pills.
No word from Urologist, will give it a day or so, then GP can get to grips with obtaining the results, there are Chest X ray, CT scan and Biopsy results, all needed.

I think Mothers "lack of commitment" spell will have worked. The definition of being tone deaf, or amusia is a long and protracted explanation, with some reference to Charles Darwin's theory of protolanguage :shock: :shock: :shock: Apparently 4% of the population has amusia :? :?

The colloquial explanation is far less involved and if someone cannot hit a note, then they are given the title of being tone deaf.

Mother said, don't you understand protolanguages :shock: :? No, so don't try and explain it to me

Sleek certainly did a good job of clearing the mists from Pendle, it is nice to see her again. She can be very illusive at times.



M is out and about and doing her normal things. Keeping a lid on long term anxiety, is a pretty constant and ongoing thing, sometimes, as you say, you kind of freak out a bit. :roll: :oops: :oops:

I hope it was the right explanation of the poem that Kath kindly shared with us :shock:

Sleek and Mother are going to look into their crystal ball and see which puskins would be most suited to a lovely life with Carol and Mr T - Mother is going through the Hogwarts register - she has one in her ottoman of magical things t115006 t115006

Hi Joan and Sue - I hope it has stopped raining. It was wet here, first thing. Frost is coming back this week, fine weather, but chilly - perfect
Thank you for the hugs and kind thoughts - Dad is a little brighter today and we will take care, bless you t4591 t4591 (((())))

Hi Kath - oh a favourite poem of so many, one that I love - a host of golden daffodil - always reminds me when Dad mentioned the hosts of Heavenly Angels - he loved Angels t4591 t4591

The insight and appreciation into the poem by MacNeice is very, very, interesting. Thank you (((())))

Thank you for the hugs for Dad - he does seem a bit brighter today, so care and positive thinking is working we hope t4591 t4591

I hope any ouchies are bearable and managed with various pain relief. Sending some extra sparkles, to help things along - speaking of all things Angelic t115006 t115006



Ta for the Herb tabbouleh with roasted courgettes - love courgettes The healthy part of our afternoon treats

Hi Barbara - hope your eyes are a little easier today (((()))) I know they are troublesome and computers don't make them any easier.

Niamh will be over after school, if I remember correctly A roasty dinner perhaps with extra veg and yorkshire puds.

How is your Brother feeling today, a little less knocked back, after the chemo. Sending lots of love and prayers, as always t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006

Is Gdad improving, I am sure he will be far more mobile and active now (((())))

Hi Carol - hope you are both ok and you have recovered from the extended walking and endless journey home on Friday. Two week and two days........I am on countdown with you and the days are flying by. t4591

Hi to everyone else, in and about............... t4591 t4591

A fairly chilled day today, with B nipping round to Dads on several occasions.

Good to have a less fraught day.

Right. Time I was pottering along. Leaving lots of love and sparkles to all t4591 t115006 t115006 Will call back later XXXXX Aidan

Chocolate Cream Horns anyone

barbara12

Evening all will keep this short if you dont mind..Niamh had her usual roast dinner
Aidan I am so sorry dad had such a bad day yesterday..I really feel for you all..I know the helpless feeling..but glad he is a little brighter today..(((())))
My brother has bounced back and they went to the pub today..for a beer and something to eat..
And I am glad M is doing ok..bless...
Toni the light are so lovely..you have very good taste..
You should be all done in time for Christmas..I hope Kari is feeling ok after the other day..((()))
Kath I adore wordsworth poetry..it takes me back ..I hope dad isn't in pain and comfortable..((())).. .and thankyou for your kind words..we also support the Macmillan nurses.. I hope you are not in to much pain ((()))
Joan I am not sure how many sessions of chemo my brother will have..he has had 2 up to now..now who has all these puppy's.. (((())))
Carol all those Birthdays..children grow up so quickly ..not long now till you see them all ((()))
Right will rest my eye sleep well everyone
t4591 t115006 t4591

bubbles

HI to all t4591 t4591

Seems to be turning cooler - clear skies, lots of starz as Mother says - all those places we have been............ :shock: Then she shouted for her supper

Hi Barbara - good to hear that Niamh enjoyed her roast dinner, she really loves her food t4591 t4591

Thank you for your kind words, it is often a feeling of not being able to "do" anything, that will make things better again. The raw side of nursing, of life in general, with all the events that we have to deal with. All you can do is your best, to ensure that a person has the right care and attention, knowing when to step in and when to keep quiet.



How lovely that your Brother has bounced back - t4591 t4591 and off to the pub for lunch - he did right, hope they enjoyed it

We love Toni's new lights, perfect for illuminating lots of cake, while we sit upon the new plush seating

I hope your eyes are not too bad, did you have to write on your phone, instead of the laptop? (((())))

Hi Toni - hope you and yours are all ok. Sleek was over to see Mother at siesta time, there were a couple of SYTTD Lancashire to catch up on t115006 t115006 not sure if Mamaaaa managed to stay awake, she was well tucked in when I woke up.
Lots of charts from all the obs that Sleekness MD is doing, so diligently.
No mists on Pendle tonight. Clear as a bell. Mind you, the Nymphs have enough in jars, to keep them busy for most of winter. :shock: :shock:

How are your lovely new lights m0150 Today must be new boiler day - ooooh, exciting. Lots of pans and things, filled ready, before water is off :? :?

Hi Carol - hope you are both ok. Two weeks and one day - I think, until your festive visit south t4591 t4591

Hi to everyone else in and about t4591 t4591

Not sure if it is GC today, we will play it by ear. See how Dad is first - if he is up to going out.

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

Oats and Honey Granola Bars

frogmorton

A granola bar with my coffee for me today thanks Aidan

It is indeed new boiler day, but I am sitting with my lovely neighbour while Paul takes her husband out for the morning to a classic car auction. It will do him good and my neighbour and I will be just fine. We'll natter and probably practise our singing. Kettle will be filled and I will nip back and check in on the heating engineer when the carers arrive.

So we'll be by the aga with a cup of tea on the go!!

The lamp in reflected in the water is lovely. Sleek is just in and no Mother only managed one lot of SYTTD Lancs before she was gently snoring t4591 It is rurning cooler Sleek agrees with you and hopes you are happy with her obs from overnight. She thinks Dad is drinking better and a bit les tyrd. I am glad he's off those meds you know I wasn't convinced he went downhill straight after them...coincidence maybe time will tell.

Pendle is clear for now she said.....nymphs are happy t115006 and they have one or two pusskins in mind for carol which will appear at the rescue place ready for her and mr T

I had the last two cream horns!! then two more appeared so I had them...and so on

Amusia I like that better people who can sing can very very often appreciate music. I hope the spell works :? Checked in with Sleek and she knew what protolanguages meant too :shock:


Barbara I am very pleased to hear your bro bounced back so well after his chemo. The pub? does that mean he is swallowing better?

Bless Niamh coming in and cheering the world up with her roast dinners and no doubt tales from school

The lights were the electrician's idea!! He also put in a socket for the new fire due soon....watch this space I had forgotten :oops: I also forgot the 'blind' man yesterday but I got home from visiting Kari just in time to catch him. I need to be able to shut off outside at night with those huge doors.

Kath we all love a bit of Wordsworth thank you very much

Thanks you also for the explanation I did think it started off a bit sad, but was pleased it was happy enough in the end bless him.

The Herb tabbouleh was super-yummy and felt healthy too. Kari and I shared it t4591

The oven is good isn't it Joan?! It's the right height for getting food out easily no bending or too much lifting

Love to everyone

Toni xx

Kitty

Daily Poem (another shocker I'm afraid)

Just One More Runaway
by Kathleen

She wakes up in the morning
to another dismal day
and turns towards the window
where the early light shines grey.

She almost tastes the mist
that creeps into the room
as she stares up at the ceiling
through the sad, depressing gloom.

She notices the cobwebs
that hang around the light;
she knows the bulb's not working -
it blew a fuse last night.

Reluctantly she rises
to lean out across the sill.
As she rubs her sleep-filled eyes
the air hangs cold and still;

and on the lawn below
the frost lays thick and white,
as though a fall of snow
had settled in the night.

She stumbles to the bathroom
not noticing the grime.
She'd like to have a nice long soak -
if only there was time.

She washes in cold water
as the heater's broken too
and the cistern's cracked and leaky
when she tries to flush the loo.

She looks beneath the towel rail
at the fluff that gathers there
and a beetle scurries through
all the dust and bits of hair.

Her jeans could do with washing
and her sweater has a hole
where she caught it on a nail
in the cellar, fetching coal.

But she'll wear them anyway;
she doesn't really care
as no-one else will see her.
They'll never know she's there.

She knows she's all alone now,
the others have all gone
leaving her with shadows
that stop her moving on.

She wears the scruffy parka,
the one her boyfriend left
when he walked away, deserting her:
pregnant and bereft.

She hears the baby crying;
the one she never had.
She hears her all the time now
and knows she's going mad.

She thinks about her mother
and wonders how she feels
in her house out in suburbia.
Is it true, time really heals?

She sits beside the river
and watches as it flows
heading off towards the sea
and then - God only knows.

They found her three days later
they didn't know her name
but it doesn't really matter
as nobody's to blame.

She woke up in the morning
to another dismal day
as she looks towards towards the window -
just one more runaway.

t111055 t111055 t111055

All this miserable weather, no wonder I'm putting sad poems on here!!!

Toni, yes, everyone loves Daffodils. It sounds like a lovely morning, singing with your neighbour while Paul drools over classic cars.


Aidan, what a beautiful picture of Pendle minus her mists and gloom. Sleek did a good job.
I nicked the explanation of the poem from Wikipedia and another online source. So believe it - or not, I've moved on. I love Angels too, especially the Heavenly ones. They have so much Goodness and righteous power.
I hope dad is still feeling a bit brighter.

Chocolate Cream Horns anyone

ME, ME, ME. Ta duck

Barbara, I'm so glad your brother and G/F went for a drink and a meal today. Niamh loves her roasts doesnt she, Bless.

Fat Elvis Vegan Pudding Pops (banana alert Aidan)

Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 to 6 pudding pops
Ingredients
1½ cups dairy-free chocolate pudding
1 large ripe banana, broken into large chunks
Scant ⅓ cup natural peanut butter

Instructions
Put the pudding, banana, and peanut butter in your blender of food processor and blend until smooth.
Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze until solid, about 4 hours.

bubbles

Hi to all - t4591 t4591

Might only be a quick hi, time is fleeting, as is normal. :roll: :roll:

Dads results from his bladder biopsies are fine, no malignant cells. We had to chase that result up, big do's and little do's. Anyway, unnecessary worrying, for over three weeks, while results sat in a corner :shock: :roll: :roll: :roll: :x :? :?

Dad was not great, but better than the other day, he wanted to go out, so we went to the GC and he had scrambled eggs on toast, which was good.

He made it most of the way round Sainsb then had to sit down while B and I sorted the shopping.

Took him home, we "fussed" while he fell asleep in his chair, B did the bed and bathroom and I did the kitchen where I could reach and see.
Cup of T dad - oh yes, thank you....................everything done - see you later

Wishy washy is manically away in our kitchen............manic makes me sound as if I am bouncing around like Tigger - but you know what I mean. :shock: :shock:

Hope your heating is up and running today Toni - dont blame you for being with your neighbour, by the aga, having cakes and singing too. Paul will love the classic car visit with your neighbours hubby

Sleek said that there is a new boy lar gowyng inn 2 keep uz worm :shock:

Mother was happy to see us when we arrived home, so much so she threw up as puskins do :roll: :roll: Is it something we said dear :shock: :shock: :?

So, it has been clean it, bleach is, wash it, dry it, wash some more............and so on -- and breathe..............................

Hi Kath - oh, the poem, so sad, bless, I was nearly bawling. t4591 t4591 t4591 t4591 t4591 t4591 t4591

You enjoy those cream horns, Toni had some, well, 4, they just kept multiplying - Sleek must have cast a spell

Angels are wonderful - Dads fav hymn was angel voices ever singing. God Bless him t4591 t4591

Now then, I nearly ate one of those choccy's, then got a whiff of banana's :roll: :roll: They look so tempting - but don't worry, there are even more cream horns appearing...........

I am going to post this, then I can potter along in the kitchen, with my back screeching its head off :roll: :roll: :roll:

I will pop in later and write more. Lots of love to everyone, Barbara and Carol, Mig and all. t4591 t115006 t115006 Skies as black as soot here, t111055 t111055 t111055

Love's y'all XXXXX Aidan

barbara12

Evening all..sorry I'm late again..family probs..
Aidan I had 2 cream horns thankyou..lost half the cream though..yes on my phone..take me ages to type but can enlarge has I go..
I am so very pleased dads results were ok..((((())))) yes like you say you have to know when to step back..you both do such a good job of looking after him..he is very lucky in that respect..bless him..oh and I had a granola bar very nice..see things come back to me has I type..
And the picture is so calming just what I needed..
Toni my brother doesn't eat much and has fizzy water to get it down, but he loves to take his gd out..so that makes him happy..
Hope your new boiler is now in and you are all nice and warm...good idea to go to your neighbours..hope Paul had a good day looking at the cars..
Joan i hope all is well with you all..you are very kind..I dont think you have been on today..(((())))
Kath your poem really got to me...its so special..I dont know how you think of it all..and thankyou I think my brothers gd is keeping him going..
Right I'm off to sleep
Love to everyone
t4591 t115006 t4591

bubbles

Hi to all - once again t4591 t4591 washer and dryer doing their things, so I can take a little time to pen a note.

Toni - I do hope the new boiler is in, working and absolutely marvellous t4591 t4591 all shiny and new and technologically self sufficient with all this Artificial Intelligence that things have now :? :? :roll:

I bet Paul and your neighbour had a great time at the classic car show - I am guessing that Paul will be peaky green, with a touch of envy per chance.

Did you enjoy your time with his wife, sat by the Aga, drinking coffee, nattering and wee bit of singing. Sleek said that mummy was next door, vowkalizing :shock: :?

We are taking a break with Dads new meds, at least until his antibiotics are finished. I am not convinced the higher dose was doing any favours at all - let's get rid of the chest infection first. We know there are no malignant cells with his bladder results, which is very good. The delay in us finding out, we will have to let that ride, we have enough on, day to day.

Pendle has a cloud hat on, so Sleek can have a field day this morning, gathering. Cloud is much more chunky, when it comes to the weaving :? :?

Glad you liked the calming lamp over the water - I think we all needed it - and, maybe another one, to rest the soul

I just adore this, an Angel looking down onto Earth - t4591 t4591



Ooo, the Nymphs are on the case for a gorgeous puskin, for Carol and Mr T - they are so clever, looking into their miniature crystal balls and waving the mists away, to see far far ahead t4591 They never tell what they see, not even to wizards. t115006

How many cream horns was it :shock: :shock: no wonder you were a touch billious :roll: :roll:

I much prefer amusia, to being tone deaf, far more refined

The electrician had a great idea, with those lovely lights, then a socket for the fire, who knew about that Looking forward to seeing it.
Of course, you need to close the outside away in the evening. We must have our privacy.

Hi Kath, I have had another read of your poem

Who is the runaway? It is a very well written poem, even thought it is so sad. t4591 t4591

Pendle is a wonderful hill, so famous, or infamous, all related to the Pendle Witch Trials in 1612. Well worth a read.

Angels are simply, Divine t4591 Bill and I saw one, at the hospital, when my late Mum was in Intensive Care. Very rare, for two people, to see the same thing t115006 t115006

Dad was a little brighter, he did well to manage the GC and almost made it round our small Sainsb.

Hi Barbara - don't you worry about being late - I am the worlds worst :? :? Sorry to hear of family problems, I hope they soon sort t4591 ((((())))) t4591

Did you find the cream, that fell out of the choccy cream horn :shock: :shock: best have another, just so you don't miss out

It was good news about dads bladder biopsies - to be honest, he was none plussed about hearing the news. I think he has forgotten all about the operation etc. :? :? We did our best to boost him up with the news though.
We did everything we could, in the time we had, while he napped, it was like, ready, steady, GO................

Hope the picture from tonight, is equally as calming t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006

Is your Brother having supplement drinks on top of the food that he can eat with is fizzy drinks. I am sure you said he was. Bless him, they both sound so happy together, t4591 t4591
I am certain his GF is keeping the mood positive and super supportive, without being overbearing. A star m0150 m0150

Hope you managed to sleep well :animal_busy: :animal_busy:

Hi Carol - hope you are both ok and half way through the week already :shock: :shock: Two weeks and counting dow (((())))

Pottering about this evening. Happy away with my wishy washy duties

Time I was moving again. So, I will leave lots of love and sparkles to all t4591 t115006 t115006 Take care XXXX Aidan

Brioche French Toast with Lemon Cream and Strawberry Compote

frogmorton

Morning everyone

New boiler in yesterday I am expecting it to kick in in one minute time at 6.30am we'll see if it works Wireless controller, but we still set times on it.

I did enjoy the day with my neighbour Aidan we had a good old natter putting the world to rights and a visitor appeared a 'lady' who my neighbour had taught!!! I was taught how to make cheese on toast using the Aga too :shock: there's a thing!! Very tasty it was I was impressed

Finally we got down to singing and the door opens in comes her husband - the whole day had gone no singing :shock: :oops: What a day the 'men' had had too. I had to hear all about it - twice

Sleek kept an eye on things here and says she also keeps the neighbour's garden mice free for them.

I am so very very pleased to hear there are no malignant cells in that biopsy. It is really naughty letting you wait so long to find out :x but at least you know now and no harm done thank God. Sleek says she is happier with him and the AB's 'ar werking Mummy.' She was pleased about the scrambled eggs he ate.

She was up at Pendle this morning so the nymphs' mist stocks are as high as can be. She is wanting something else to look for now. She's seen the pusskin that the nymphs have in mind Tosca agrees to so we now have to wait until Carol is contacted to receive him or her t4591

Tonight we shall see if the lady with amusia turn up for choir practise :? Oh Tosca I hope the spell worked...

The heating is ON!! mmmmm

The angel animation is rather lovely I have to agree


I can see why wishy washy is working with Mother being queasy too like me with those cream horns. I adore cream horns as you can probably imagine :oops:

Thank you for the Brioche French Toast I have behaved myself don't want to feel again so only had the two slices

Kath the runaway was heart-breaking poor girl dying alone like that. I'm sure her Mum would have had her back no problem Yes the dark weather makes us feel a bit down doesn't it? We should see some brighter days over the weekend now as it's getting colder....

Choccy vegan treats were super yummy ta very much I had one or two....Kari only a taste (diet :roll: ) but pronounced them wonderful!

Barbara I am glad your bro is enjoying taking his GF (fiancé?) out and can eat a bit with fizz to push it down

I very much hope family probs are resolved and you are al ok ((()))

We had a lovely day at my neighbour's a good natter. I think the boiler man thought our village is wonderful 'looking after' each other like we do. Her husband had a fabulous time out with Paul as did Paul himself they chattered all day too and found a car very similar to my neighbour's own classic car.

Boiler is working well - I have heating!! It's wireless so a bit tech for me - you'd like it!!

Love to Joan I hope all is well. Our new boiler is in and working well t4591

Hello to Carol and mig too

Toni xxx

dachshund

Hello everyone
I know it’s not Friday but I thought I would have a go at sending you all a photo of our friends puppies Labs born last Monday I have never done it before so I hope you get it
Love Sue

dachshund

Morning everyone
. Aidan that's good our Dad's test's were fine (((((()))). I hope the rest can be sorted out. How are you (((((())))
. Barbara sorry about your eyes(((((()))))
. Kathleen I hope you have a good day ((((((()))))
. Toni you have your boiler good ((((((())))) sue is trying to put photo's of the pups on. she had to go up the hospital yesterday she has thrush on her tongue and she has to have a biopsy next Tue
. take care love to Carol Mig ((((((()))))
. Joan xx

dachshund

Photo of puppies
From Sue

dachshund

I am trying again to get a photo of the puppies on here
Sue

Kitty

Daily Poem

The Aroma Of Life
By Kathleen

Her cotton, floral skirt
and fresh white blouse
smelled of Lenor.
With eyes closed
she imagined wild flowers, summer meadows.
Outside, her head spun
from fumes of petrol.
She stepped carefully
to avoid what thoughtless dog walkers
had carelessly left,
her nose wrinkled as the flies buzzed.
The florist -
an oasis in a desert of disgusting odours.
She bent eagerly over a large tub of Sweet William -
her favourite flower.
Why can't the whole world smell like this?
She sought out the bakery
where soft bread rolls
tempted her from their cooling trays.
She bought a dozen,
carried them close to her,
breathing in their yeastiness.
She stopped at the coffee shop,
ordered a dark, rich Expresso.
Not for her the Skinny Latte or Cappuchino
beloved of the fashionable
whose long, pinched noses
never allowed entry
to the sensuality
of a full flavoured coffee bean.
Her journey, like her life;
devoted to beauty;
to glorious aromas;
to pleasure.

t69044 t69044 t69044

Sue, I bet those little puppies are so cute.
Joan, thank you, I hope you have a good day too.

Toni, I wrote that poem to reflect the fact that people are so dispensable. As soon as one has gone, another fills their space. It's sad this throw away society includes LIFE as so unimportant that not many people bother about it. I've changed my name to Eeyore by the way.

Aidan, Good decision about dad's meds. I hope the chest infection soon clears, he might start eating better then. The girl isn't anyone particular, but as explained to Toni, she is quickly replaced by another poor soul heading the same way.

Barbara, so good to hear your brother's G?F makes him happy. Thay's true love. t4591
I get my ideas from all different places. Some poems just leap into my head completely finished and I have to rush to write them down before I forget it. Here's one.
Lion

With your great golden head and tangled mane,
your eyes reflect my fear.
What thread binds me to you?
What cage keeps you from me?
Break loose into the wild savannah of my love
and make me your lioness forever.

To confuse you further, it's a love poem - not a real lion at all.

Carol, have you started any new knitting lately?

THAI GINGER AND GARLIC NOODLE BOWL
A flavor packed stir fry loaded with blanched snow peas, fresh carrots, cabbage and mushrooms swimming in a umami filled sauce. Vegan + Gluten Free

Ingredients
8 oz Rice Noodles or Bean Thread Noodles 227g,
11 oz Snow peas trimmed 311g
1 ½ Tbs Sesame Oil
2 tsp fresh Ginger microplaned
1 Tbs fresh Garlic microplaned or minced
1 1/2 C Carrots Julianne about two large carrots 150g
5 C Green Cabbage about 1/2 a medium head, cut into bite sized pieces, 400g
5 oz Shiitake Mushrooms stemmed and sliced into quarters 142g
For the Sauce
1/2 C Vegetable Broth 110g
1 Tbs Sesame Oil
2 Tbs Tamari
1 Tbs Coconut Sugar or brown sugar
½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes
½ tsp Sea Salt
For Garnish
Scallions chopped
Sesame Seeds
Thai Basil
Drizzle of Tamari and/or Sesame Oil

Instructions
For the Noodles
Place noodles in a large bowl and cover with cold water. These can soak while you prepare the veggies and sauce.
For the Veggies
Fill a stock pot ½ full of water and bring to a boil. While the water is heating, prepare the snow peas by trimming each end. To blanch the snow peas, carefully place them in the boiling water, turn the heat to low and blanch for for exactly two minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Place back into the stock pot they were blanched in (with heat off).
For the Sauce
In a small bowl whisk the broth, sesame oil, tamari, sugar, pepper flakes and salt. Set aside.
To Cook
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil on medium high heat. Once shimmering, toss in the grated ginger and garlic. Sizzle for about 30 seconds, then toss in the mushrooms, cabbage and carrots. Using two wooden spoons, stir fry until tender crisp, about 5-6 minutes. When ready, toss the stir-fried veggies into the pot with the snow peas (heat off).
Check on the rice noodles. They should be tender, but not soft. Drain thoroughly. Set the noodles near the stove. In the same skillet or wok the veggies were stir fried in, pour in the sauce. Bring to a simmer. Once simmering, gently toss in the noodles. Use a pair of tongs to twist and turn the noodles around in the sauce so that each noodle is covered. Turn the heat down continue turning, cooking for about 2 minutes. Test the noodles for taste and tenderness. If they seem tough, give them another minute to cook while turning the noodles. Remove from heat and stir in the veggies using the residual heat of the noodles to rewarm the veggies.
Garnish with sesame seeds, thai basil, scallions and a drizzle of sesame oil and/or tamari.

barbara12

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Sb9PSoFqkcK8f5kM6
Just sharing this for Sue and Joan..arnt they adorable.adorable..be back later xxx