Val's Cafe

frogmorton

Good morning everyone

Not quite so chilly today here thank goodness, but Aidan the fire is much appreciated. getting us some blankies too

you don't like stollen :shock: ok so long as you can manage the biscuits but honestly! Sleek nearly had to use the smelling salts then :shock: The lavender should counteract and broth whiffs all being well....Sleek went over to see Tommicat and Jerricat this morning to deliver the Christmas cards from here; Mother Sleek Mrs D Rosie - the lot!! (seems they are all done - sorry)as there was neither mist nor frost. She also had a peep at prospective pusskins for Carol

Are the off to see 'Ower frend' Gok today?

I also like Mothers green sparkly tree Santa is coming to the village tonight so we are all sparkly outside church. Mulled wine and mince pies will be served t4591

Poor Dad getting stuck on a rubbish TV channel :roll: bless him and no over your dead body will they try anything like those tablets again on the poor man :x You'll be far too busy today to write cards.... Boiler man coming etc...

So B is resting from creating - I don't blame him, but oh dear blue air when tinkering with a laptop. If we were nearer I'd get him to change my keyboard half the keys are worn off :?

I shall have a gingerbread waffle (or two) in front of the fire with a coffee thank you.

A quick wave to Joan t4591

Love to everyone

Toni xx

dachshund

Thank you everyone for helping me with my mouth I was supposed to go having my tongue cut today but the mother of one of my care”ers has the same thing and was told to have plenty of live yogurt so I am doing that and it is very slowly getting better that is a much better way than having my tongue cut and having stiches
I am sorry I haven’t been posting for a couple of Fridays but I couldn’t get in
One of my lovely carets took her own life Sunday night her youngest child is 4
It’s so sad
See you Friday
Sue

dachshund

Morning everyone
. Kathleen I'm sorry if the cold makes things worse for you (((((())))) love to your Dad(((((())))
Aidan I hope it's not too cold for you and your problems(((((()))). love to your Dad ((((())))
. Toni I will be thinking of Lucy on Thursday((((()))). Keep warm (((((())))
. take care love to Barbara Carol Mig (((((())))
. Joan xx

barbara12

Morning all cold and sunny again but not the frost we have had over the last few mornings
No Niamh today things are up in the air..
Aidan..thankyou for the Mincemeat and Marzipan Cinnamon Buns I do like mazipan ..and the stollen..we bought some yesterday from Aldi so will put them with yours..
Poor dad not changing channels he does sound like my OH he grumbles away at the tv and if politics are on I go out the way..
I want a revolving Christmas tree its beautiful...we still haven't been to the range..you cant get near the carpark :shock: l
glad your parcel arrived and B can have a tinker with the comp..and thankyou again for all the hugs and love((()))
Toni I am glad to hear Lucy is doing ok..she is a good worker bless her...(())is your boiler working ok I see you said they were coming back..I dont think I could be vegan ..but I take my hat off to you ..the best things our son make are cottage pie and Lasagne...will send you some over
Sue I am a great believer in live yogurt and buy the Kafir..I hope it works for you (((()))
Joan your poor carer..I am so sad to hear this .. my heart fo out to her child ((()))
Kath no wonder your poem won the award..how lovey..I suppose it takes you away form everything when writing them..((()))
Right my eyes have had it now
Love to everyone
m0150 t4591 m0150

dachshund

Hello it’s Sue
I see Barbara is a bit confused it’s me that has the problem with my mouth. And it’s me that has carers
Love Sue

Kitty

Daily Poem

Where He Fell
by Kathleen

This is where he fell,
his soft flesh torn by bullets.
The soldiers didn't know his name,
or where he came from.
Now he is no longer Christian,
Muslim, Jew, whatever.
His spirit soars above the world,
his tears fall on burning desert,
frozen wastes, urban jungles.
Their saltiness brings no relief,
as futile as the war that killed him.



Barbara, I love Kefir, it's good for the bones but it's usually a large bottle and my 'fridge door is too full to fit it on.
Sometimes I get quite agitated when I can't get things to work the way I want to.

Sue, I'm so sorry to hear about your carer. It's terrible when someone feels as though the only way is to end their life.

I have a dilemma. I gave Holly some money (£20) to get a Radio Times and 2 packs of Paracetamol and keep the change. She lost the money but still got my shopping, I wanted her to keep the change, but as she lost the £20, there was no change. I can't really give her any more this week, but I feel bad about it. :?

A house round the corner from dad had a gas explpsion in the early hours of yhis morning. The man who lives there is now in hospital. :shock:

Aidan, yes we definitely need a warming fire, thank you. Spare time is something everyone thinks retired and disabled people have plenty of. How wrong can you be. MMM those Gingerbread Waffles look mouth watering, I'll have several, ta duck.

Toni, you go to be? When? You're always too busy. Hope lucy's Endo app goes well. t4591

Vegan Cherry & Coconut Flapjacks

INGREDIENTS
400g Rolled Oats
85g Dessicated Coconut
250g Vegan Spread
150g Brown Sugar
75g Golden Syrup
250g Cherries, Pitted and Chopped
30g Virgin Coconut Oil

INSTRUCTIONS
1
Pre-heat an oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4.

2
Start by removing the seeds from your cherries and then chopping them either in half or roughly into smaller pieces, whatever your preference.

3
Over a medium-low heat in a large pan, melt together the vegan spread, brown sugar, golden syrup and coconut oil until completely melted and combined.

4
Add the oats and dessicated coconut to the pan and thoroughly stir into the mixture, coating everything.

5
Next, add the cherries, being sure to distribute thoroughly into the mixture.

6
In a large, lined, deep (preferably metal) baking dish, add the mixture and then be sure to press down thoroughly until everything is nice and compact as possible. Pressing down using the bottom of a glass is great for helping with this.

7
Place into the oven and bake for 20 - 25 minutes until golden brown.

8
Take out of the oven and using a sharp knife gently score (but don't cut) the number of flapjacks you want while still in the tin.

9
Leave to cool in the tin completely.

10
Turn out of the tin, and cut into separate flapjacks using the score marks you made earlier as reference and then serve and enjoy!

bubbles

Hi to all t4591 t4591 Going chilly now -

Just a quick note, as time has eluded me again - one thing and another. Nothing dramatic, just time wasting, like waiting for the Gas man to arrive, half job done, got to come back tomorrow, with parts. :roll: :roll:
Heating works fine, just the hot water to sort.

I will have to write more later - when I have "spare time" - two words that don't normally crop up in conversation, ever since retiring :shock: :roll: :roll:

Big Hi to all - Love and sparkles in abundance t4591 t115006 t115006 XXXXX Aidan

bubbles

Mother said "You have forgotten the tree" :oops: :oops: :shock:

Pardon me all over

bubbles

Hi to all t4591 t4591 Cool ish again, clear, but not frosty, still chilly enough for a lovely fire though



Who's that legged out absorbing all the heat? ?

Hi Toni - The lovely soft highland wool blankets were just perfect, to pop over ones aching knees

I can manage the Stollen biscuits, but not big lumps of the cake Now, if it was Ferrero Roche' then I would eat it till I passed out

Sleek was most pleased to have all her cards done and dusted - waving a magic wand helped - :roll: I have asked Mother to do them for me and she said "No, peeples have to send peeples cards" - ok then, that's that sorted :shock:
She promptly waved her wand and all her cards were done too, written and posted :? :? :roll: :roll: t115006

I am assuming that they have been over to see Gok, Mother came back in a tiara and Sleek had bags of goodies

Santa will have been to the village - I am guessing you will all be in the Church grounds, to see him pass by - lovely, I bet the children enjoy seeing him and the adults too Mince pies, thank you kindly, mulled wine, errrm, no, I will pass on that ta it is an acquired taste :? :? Dad loves it.

Another of Mothers festive trees



Sleek said they are all going to Lapland to see St Knicker less :shock: :shock: - oh dear, Mother just rolled her eyes :roll: :roll: :roll:

I have been far too busy to write cards, another day gone by. Dad tends to watch DAVE on Sky. Not something we would watch. He does like football, but of course it is not on every moment of every day.
He likes Western films too and all the old Carry on Films.

The two laptops that stopped working last night, are working fine again now..............don't ask, something to do with a USB causing a de bug - the only de bug I know is with bleach and a cloth :shock:

Glad you enjoyed the gingerbread waffles

Hi Sue and Joan - were they going to do a biopsy on your tongue ? or is there one area that is nor clearing up with all the usual medicines? You are certainly choosing the better option, if it is clearing up, albeit slowly.

How terrible, that one of your carers has taken her own life, leaving a young child behind, she must have been deeply troubled, bless her soul.
Often people hide it so well, we don't know what is going on under the surface.
Extra thoughts and prayers for her and those left behind t4591 t4591

Thank you for the love and hugs, for us and for Dad - we send lots of them back to you as well (((((())))))) t4591 t4591 I don't mind the colder weather, unless it is snowing and I have to walk anywhere :shock: :shock:

Hi Barbara - I hope that the things that are up in the air, can come back down to earth, as quickly as possible, with as little fuss or bother - t4591 t4591 ((((()))))

Ah, we both had Stollen on our minds I see, if you bought some and I put the cookies out. I do like marzipan, to a point.

We always offer to change channels and Dad will say no, it's fine on this one........... :roll: :roll: politics, no, we don't watch politics - there is enough of that going on, to last a lifetime. Roll on Brexit, let's just get it over and done with. The cost of the past three years of arguing, is astronomical.

So you cannot get near to your new Range store. It will be silly busy with the run up to Christmas. Best to go when the sales are on

You are always welcome to as many hugs and love as is possible to send.

Mother can send you a revolving tree, t4591 t4591
Hope your poor eyes are a bit easier today(((())))

Hi Kath - thank you for sharing your poem. t4591 t4591

My take on the loss of the £20, is to wait until next week, then carry on as normal, best not to try and double up this week. I am sure she will understand completely. She would say it is her mistake, for loosing the money. ((((()))))

Goodness, I hope the man not far from Dads, is ok. I bet that was a terrible shock for everyone. Thank Heavens no one was killed. When you see how houses are left in ruins after a gas leak. :shock: :shock:

Yep, I am sure that some people we know, think we have all the time in the world - as you say, how wrong they can be. Not enough hours in the day and we have not had a break for years and years. We just get on with looking after those who are and have been, so dear to us. t4591 t4591

You liked the gingerbread waffles then, gerremdownyer

Thank you for saving the day with regard a sweet treat, I ran out of daytime.
Perfect, cherry and coconut flapjacks, mmmmmmmmmmm, with a big cup of T.

Hope any ouchies are not shouting too loudly t115006 t115006

Hi Carol - hope you are both ok and not too ouchy. 1 week and 3 days - I think :? :? I hope you don't have to struggle with too many bags when you go to see your family :shock:

Quiet evening here, pottering about - I could have written some cards, but I lost the will :roll: :roll:

T room this morning, Dad has not been in for a week or so. They will be pleased to see him. B can park almost at the door, so he doesn't have to walk far, ideal pour moi aussi.

Time to move. I will leave lots of love and sparkles to all t4591 t115006 t4591 Take care XXXXX Aidan

Lemon Morning Buns

frogmorton

Look who came to our village yesterday evening!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AFrrk_v3mQHJZveiGBjvlhcwjCRvtkmD/view?usp=sharing

He stopped and all his 'elves' had some mulled wine and mince pies with us

It's Cuddles Aidan in front of the fire! How lovely to see her We needed that fire it was really icy again overnight brrr!

Nothing like a blankie to keep you cosy and a lemon bun and a coffee ta!

Sleek said the same to me about my cards I thought I'd ask though....imagine Mother being so audacious as to 'do' hers in front of you :shock: Yes Sleek has hung up all Gok's suggestions. Mother looks so Ellie gont she told me. She's been out delivering their Christmas cards this morning just to rub it in :roll:

She's just peeped over my shoulder and said that the tree you posted is one of her favourites t115006 I wonder if they are taking the kits to Lapland when they break up :?

So Dad's heating is ok just the water to sort I hope they hurry up. Cold showers are not good :roll: What is on Dave I wonder I shall have a look. Bless Dad so long as he's happy. The ladies in the T room will be so pleased to see him t4591

Doorstep delivery is ideal pour vous aussi!

Kath the war poem is very sad it is so relevant with all that is going on in the world

Oh poor Holly! That's happened to me before now. My Mum used to say that she hoped the person who found it needed it more than her. I doubt that's true of Holly though a single mum I would slip her (if you can afford it) a little money in her Christmas card.

I bet that upset your Dad! I hope the neighbour is ok.

I am always too busy I agree far too busy.... :animal_busy: just like Sleek...

Thanks for the flapjacks lovely!

Barbara I hope things sort soon you and Niamh will all be missing each other ((()))

Please do send some of your son's cottage pie and lasagne

Now I forgot to check how is your bro doing?

Oh Joan and Sue! This is such sad news your poor carer she must have been so very very desperate to do that. I have experienced something similar when I worked in care one of the carers I trained did the same and not in a nice way. She also had a child just one and was a single parent. I very much hope the little one has a Dad or grandparents ((()))

Love to Carol....how close are we now to the visit?

Toni xxx

dachshund

Morning everyone
. Kathleen bet Holly felt terrible about loosing the money (((((((())))) I hope the man down the road's not too bad (((((((((())))) love to your Dad ((((((())))and you (((((()))))))
. Aidan I hope all is well with you (((((((()))) and your Dad ((((((()))))
. Toni Christmas is lovely for children hope all is well with you ((((((())))
. The carer who took her life had 6 children she was single the father always wanted his at Christmas different fathers her mother lived a broad it's so sad
. take care love to Barbara Carol Mig ((((((()))))
. Joan xx

Kitty

Daily Poem

Gardeners Lament
By Kathleen

We cleared out the garden today:
it really was time
as the weather was fine
and the grass was looking like hay.

The Roses were all overgrown:
while the Dandelion weeds
had spread all their seeds
among the Potatoes we’d sown.

The Slugs and Snails had a rave:
they all gobbled through
every plant they could chew.
There wasn't that much left to save.

And so we built a bonfire:
chucked everything on,
our gardens now gone.
One allotment, half acre, for hire!



Joan, I expect she was as it meant she had to pay for my little bit of shopping and wouldn't have the extra bit of cash she would normally get. :shock: I was't very happy about someone else getting the £20 note instead of Holly.

Toni, we saw a photo of the man on the local news. He was in hospital with bandages up both arms. Dad doesn't know him, he didn't even hear the explosion as the street is quite a long one, so too far away. How lovely to see our Cuddles again, I'm glad she is in front of the fire.
:animal_busy:

Aidan, you could switch to Talking Pictures (Virgin 445, Freesat 306, Freeview or Youview 81 or on the Sky digital satellite platform, channel 328.). No sport or news, but lots of lovely old films and series. https://talkingpicturestv.co.uk/
The house that blew up had no doors or winders when we saw it on telly. The next door neighbours were shocked.
Lemon Morning Buns, I'll help mesen to 3 - or 4. Ta duck.

Hope Barbara, Carol and mig are keeping warm.

Vegan Red Thai Coconut Curry
This creamy Vegan Red Thai Coconut curry is full of delicious veggies and covered with a thick, coconut sauce. It's the perfect winter warmer for these cold evenings!

INGREDIENTS
Sauce
1 White Onion finely diced
1 thumb sized Piece of Ginger minced
3 tbsp Red Curry Paste (ensure yours is vegan, or make your own)
2 x 400ml cans Coconut Milk
2 tsp Chilli Paste (sambal oelek)
4 tbsp Soy Sauce
1 tsp Rice Wine Vinegar
Vegetables
1 head Broccoli cut into florets
6-7 Small Potatoes quartered
1 large handful Green Beans
1 cup Frozen Peas
1 block (250g) Tofu cut into 1 inch cubes
1 large handful Spinach
Toppings
1/2 Red Onion
1 Red Chilli
Fresh Coriander
Sesame Seeds

INSTRUCTIONS
First, wash and quarter the potatoes and boil for 10 minutes, drain and set aside.
While the potatoes are boiling, start making the sauce. Add a little oil to the bottom of a large stockpot. Cook the finely diced onion and the minced ginger over a medium/high heat for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add the curry paste and cook for another minute.
Next, add the coconut milk and give everything a good stir. Add the soy sauce, chilli paste and bring to a simmer.
In another frying pan, heat a little oil and fry the tofu until it's golden on all sides.
Add the cooked potatoes, and the other vegetables (except the spinach) into the curry sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. At the end, stir in the rice wine vinegar and the spinach, until the spinach wilts.
Serve the curry with rice, and top with the tofu, some sliced red chilli, sliced red onion, some fresh coriander and a sprinkling of sesame seeds.

bubbles

Hi to all t4591 t4591 The days are getting shorter and time is going faster - it's official :shock: :roll: :roll: :roll:

Well look at Santa, coming along to your mulled wine and mince pie soiree t4591 t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006

It prompted Mother to magic another tree scene - t115006



I am glad Santa and the Elves enjoyed their mince pies and wine

Of course it is Cuddles, don't, :shock: Mother has already rolled her eyes at me :roll: :roll: lovely to see her, stretched out to maximise the heat :animal_busy: :animal_busy:

It didn't freeze, but it went pretty chilly so the blankies were very welcome indeed.

Mother looked ello gont in her Christmas "do" outfit. Glad Gok approved and made some little amendments to both of their outfits - Sleek was in awe and all dreamy t4591

Tosca had an inkling that Sleek would like the tree from yesterday - super sparkly and bright
Yes, the Lapland trip is just before Christmas Eve, how magical would THAT be. They are guaranteed deep snow and are booked in for afternoon T with Mr and Mrs Claus, deep within the snow covered forests - JEALOUS no, not a bit :? :?

B has gone round to Dads now, to make sure he is around when the Gas man arrives with said spare part..........B just rang............all done and dusted now, hot water, hoorah.

Dad enjoyed his trip to the T room, everyone made a big fuss of him t4591 t4591
He is not in the mood for eating much again, :? :? so we are tempting with little nibbles, that we know he will munch on. Nibbles are better than out facing him with a big dinner, or even a small dinner for that matter. Difficult.

Mothers food arrived, by courier, on time - so she is most happy.

Washer and dryer are busy away, nothing new there then Aidan. :roll: :roll:

Hi Joan and Sue - Thank you for the hugs and kind words (((((()))))

SO sad about one of Sue's carers, with her Mother living abroad - oh bless, I send the family lots of love and thoughts t4591 t4591 for all the children, God Bless them t4591

A young lady took her own life near town, the other week, she was found in the woods, near the bridge. 23 years old. There are so many flowers and candles at the nearest spot to where she was found. t4591

Hi Kath - thank you for your poem. Are you lamenting your garden mi duck :? :?

I can totally understand you not being happy about someone else finding the £20. All will be right by next week luv.

So lucky that the man was not blown to pieces. Burns to both arms are bad enough - no doors and winders, oh my :shock: :shock:
Glad it didn't disturb Dad, but I bet the neighbours nearly jumped out of their slippers. :shock: :shock: :shock:

Cuddles is very happy, how could I forget her, Mother was livid :? :? :roll: :roll:

We will show Dad that channel, he loves old films and different series, with no adverts, wonderful. Ta loads.

Thai Red Curry - wonderful, ta luv, gunner gerrit now, wi sum naan bread t4591 t4591

((((())))) for any darned ouchies, that lurk amongst us all :roll: :roll: :? :?

Hi Barbara - I am hoping that up in the air is back down to earth t4591 t4591 have had two candles lit, for extra oomph. t115006 t115006

How is your Brother feeling? I bet he is anxious about his blood tests this week - naturally so. Let's pray they are ok and he can have his third chemo dose. Did they say how many he would have in total?

Hope Niamh is there asap, to see you and enjoy tucking into a roasty dinner t4591 t4591

Hi Carol - leaving lots of (((()))) in case those ouchies are being a proverbial pain. Hope you are both ok and having a steady week, with time out in your favourite coffee emporium

A magic cup of coffee, from Mother and Sleek I have no idea, so I didn't ask how :shock: :?



Hi to Mig and Crinkly and all our VA friends t4591 t4591

Time I was pottering again. Now, where did I put those cakes? I did do several, so we could use the booth if necessary

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

Honeycomb ice-cream cake with shortbread stars

bubbles

Hi to all - t4591 t4591

All is quiet nothing wrong with a peaceful evening. I trust everyone is as ok as possible, keeping safe and warm t4591

Siesta was a waste of time, no matter what Mother did, I could not doze for love nor money :roll: :roll: :roll: Anyway, that aside...........

Dad has nice hot water and they fitted an inline filter to the central heating, for £145 - much needed said the gas man. Everything working nicely and service done at the same time.

Mother has interrupted - she has gone to town on her magical tree for this evening - follow the star t115006 t115006 Bless



B and I are going to Skipton today, for a wee bit of "our time". Check in on Dad before and after. I can feel a visit to Nero's coming on, as well as B&M to surround myself with all things glittery and sparkling t115006 t115006 I might need another Unicorn

We will pop into KwikFit, get the tyre pressures checked, (even though Hildegard knows and tells you what they are at). Best to be safe.

Ooo, I have typed out a Christmas Card list - yay, a start at least.

I won't dally. I will potter along. Everyone take lots of care. Love and Sparkles to all t4591 t115006 XXXX Aidan

Cranberry Pecan and Orange Muffins

frogmorton

Good morning everyone t4591

Wow Tosca!! What about that for a tree!! Isn't she clever Aidan? Mind you we all know that. Do you need Sleek to make some more tinctures for siesta time? I love the blue one she did to celebrate Santa's visit. We she might roll her eyes! Cuddles indeed

How do the cats achieve it?! The kits will love afternoon tea with Mr and Mrs Claus on Christmas eve :shock:

Gok has done them both proud they will be the belles of the bash! Today they are going to see Rosie to look through her wardrobe. Mrs Darcey is already sorted.

You do need another unicorn! I have a pair of unicorn Christmas earrings Kari gave me t115006 Enjoy a bit of 'you' time together you and B Dad is way better now and have a lovely Nero's we are of to the QE me and Lucy so see you later. Good he now has hot water and the filter is a good idea every little helps.

I hope today he is eating better - can you bring him his favourite Neros treat back with you maybe?

Or some of that wonderful Chocolate ice cream cake?! wow :shock:

Typed out a Christmas list a start...

The orange muffins were lovely I had them with some mulled wine tea!

Kath today's poem made me laugh! Very good indeed!

Cuddles is a clever cat and always gets in front of the fire bless her!

the poor man I hope he isn't in too much pain after the explosion. Probably a good thing he isn't one of your Dad's friends.

My! That vegan red Thai curry was a maze ing! as the cats would say thank you very much

Oh Joan it sounds very much as though your Sue's carer had a very hard life 6 children who might all be split up now to their different Dads

((()))

Love to Barbara and hope all is well with the family and your bro too.

Also to Carol who is no doubt rushed off her feet ATM

and anyone else who knows me

Toni xxx

dachshund

Morning everyone they say we could have snow next week
. Kathleen no not nice some body else finding the money. Good job your Dad did not hear the explosion (((((()))) your Dad (((())))
. Aidan I hope it's not too cold up there for you (((((()))) How is your Dad ((((()))))
. Toni how is Tia and the animals I expect there will be more there after Christmas. Love to all ((((()))) the 16 year old son found the carer they are living with their Dad.
. take care love to Barbara Carol Mig (((((())))
. Joan xx

barbara12

Afternoon all it was morning when I stated this.. :shock:
Aidan thankyou for all the goodies especially the icecream cake..you are very clever..
I hope dads heating is all fixed and he can have a warm shower bless him.. t4591
I see you are off to Skipton for some time on your own..I am really pleased and hope you have a nice time.. t4591 you deserve it
Laptops all mended and washing done..I need to get motivated.. its not like me ..but OH is a great help..I am so sorry to hear about the young lady..the stress in the world at the moment is awful ..my heart goes out to her family..
I need to just sit in front of that lovely fire till new year..
Sue I knew it was you with the sore mouth..I mixed up the names.. I hope the yogurt work for you ..I really do..and I am so very sorry to hear about your carer..bless hear family t4591
Kath the poem about the soldiers is so sad ..but so well written..and the other made me laugh ..oh bless that is a dilemma..please dont leave yourselves short I am sure Holly will understand..what ever you decide.. t4591
Toni how lovely is your village..no wonder Santa wanted to vist
things still up in the air but we usually get there.. t4591
I hope all is ok with your family ...
Dose the village put lights up for Christmas..I want to see more pics..
today is cleaning day our middle GD said she will help..

Love to everyone
t4591 t115006 t4591

Kitty

Daily Poem (another sad one)

Morecambe Bay February 2004

Nobody knows when tidal waves
will come or leave, they say.
So keep away from the beach at night,
down on Cockleshell Bay.

When strangers came and saw the shells
and saw the seaweed sway,
they sent their gangs to dig the sands
down on Cockleshell Bay.

Strong winds roared, and heavy rain
had fallen all that day,
‘til evening came and darkness fell
down on Cockleshell Bay.

Who knows what thoughts ran through their minds
as the sea shone silver and grey,
and flooded across the sandy plain
down on Cockleshell Bay.

Their anguished cries rose to the sky
as they tried to run away.
But the floodtide covered them all too soon
down on Cockleshell Bay.

The nineteen swollen bodies
bring fear to those who stay
to lift them up from out of the tide,
down on Cockleshell Bay.

t115006 t115006 t115006 t115006

We had a power cut this morning and we had to go round the house re-setting all the clocks. They are on the set top box, and all the radios and telephones. Even the boiler clock had to be done. Grrr.

vegan pad thai with tofu and bean sprouts on grey plate
easy vegan pad thai (in 30 minutes!)

DESCRIPTION
This Vegan Pad Thai recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. It’s also Gluten Free, Oil Free, and comes together in less than 30 minutes!

INGREDIENTS
For the Noodles:

8 oz Pad Thai Rice Noodles
1 piece of Kombu* (optional)
For the Vegan “Egg” Scramble:

15 oz block Extra Firm Tofu, drained
½ tsp Turmeric
½ tsp Salt OR Kala Namak, also known as Black Salt
For the Veggies + Sauce:

⅔ cup Vegetable Broth
3 tbsp Coconut Sugar
2 tbsp Tamari
1–3 tbsp Sriracha (reduce for mild heat)
1 tbsp Cornstarch + 3 tbsp Water or Vegetable Broth
4 Cloves Garlic, minced
1 Red Pepper, sliced
4 Green Onions, White and Green parts separated
1 Carrot, grated
1 cup Bean Sprouts
Juice of ½ Lime, plus extra wedges for serving
Fresh Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
⅓ cup Dry Roasted Peanuts, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
First, wash and prep your veggies. Mince the Garlic, slice the Red Pepper, and grate the Carrot. Slice the Green Onions, but keep the white and green parts separate.
Use your hands to crumble the block of Tofu into a small bowl. Add in the Turmeric and stir well. Set Aside.
Next, prepare the noodles. Bring a medium pot filled with water and the piece of Kombu (if you are using it) to a boil, then cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
While the noodles are cooking, add a splash of water or oil to a large saucepan. Add the crumbled Tofu to the pan and cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Sprinkle in the Salt or Black Salt at the end, then remove from the pan and set aside.
Using the same pan, add an additional splash of water or oil to the pan along with the Garlic and white portions of the green onion. Sauté over medium heat until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Next, add in the Red Pepper and Carrot. Sauté again until tender, about 3-5 minutes
Now we will make the Pad Thai sauce – in the same pan! Add the Vegetable Broth, Coconut Sugar, Tamari, and Sriracha to the pan and mix well. Bring this mixture to a simmer.
In a small bowl, mix the Cornstarch and 3 tbsp of Water or Vegetable Broth together until no clumps remain. Then, pour this “slurry” into the saucepan and mix into the sauce. Let the Veggies and Sauce simmer for a few minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken noticeably.
Once the sauce has thickened, add in the Bean Sprouts, green portions of the Green Onions, crumbled Tofu, and cooked Noodles. Mix well until everything is heated and coated in sauce.
Finally, stir in the juice of ½ of a Lime. Divide the Pad Thai evenly onto 3 plates, and top with Cilanto, chopped Peanuts, and extra Lime Wedges on the side.

bubbles

Hi to all t4591 t4591 Managed to stay dry until we were on the way home - now it is thick mist and heavy rain :? t111055 t111055 Pendle has vanished completely............

I won't have time to write to everyone, as we are not long in from our little trip to Skipton. No market, so it was nice and quiet. Parked only a stone throw from Nero's

Had a big hypo, always after going to Nero's :roll: :roll: - better now, after hoovering up lots of chocolate :?

Tosca has been creating another tree, for the afternoon - one for Sleek, as it is all pink and gorgeous



More sleeping potion needed for sure Toni.

Hope all was well at the QE with Lucy t4591 t4591 t4591 t4591 Been thinking of you all.

Dad is ok, he is watching last of the summer wine, on repeats, he is well away

Hi Joan and Sue - thank you for the hugs, it has been cold, very windy in Skipton, lazy wind too, blowing straight through ones troosers :shock: :shock:

Hope Sue's mouth is getting better still (((((())))))

Hi Barbara - I will write more later, when I have spare time - who said that, spare time, something that hides in the shed, with all the spare weeks and months.
Sorry things are still a bit up in the air - they will sort, lots of prayers and thoughts to you all.

Hope your Bro has got on ok with his blood tests t4591 t4591

Hi Kath - ooooh, Morecambe Bay, a very dangerous place - your poem is most apt.
Many people have become stranded in quicksand and the racing tide. Only a few people can guide you across the bay.............

Talking of bays, I hope the ouchies are being kept in one t4591 t4591

The Asian Tofu Broccoli looks amazing, ta mi duck......................

Hi to everyone else - sorry this is short. It is time to rest and ease the bones a while.

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

Buche de Noel

bubbles

Hi to all t4591 t4591

It is very t111055 t111055 and very windy here. Mild though, for the time being. I am sure I noticed sleet / snow, on the horizon :shock:

Hi Toni - I tried the blue tincture at siesta time - not a hope -wide awake and fidgeting for 2 hours :roll: :roll: must be Nero's coffee. Fortunately the hypo didn't last long.

No idea, Mother has "connections" apparently, so she can call up favours ie, afternoon tea in the arctic, with the Claus family t115006 t115006

She said "this is where we are going Daddy"



Jealous, no, not a bit :? :?

They had a nice visit with Rosie and Mrs Darcey popped in for a cup of Mothers broth Gok has made all the necessary alterations to their outfits

You have Unicorn earrings t115006 t115006 I need some of them I did try and squirrel some into the basket on the way round B&M, it was tinsel town for sure

I am hoping everything went well for Lucy at the QE - we were under the cloak and I tried not to be too nosy :? :? :oops: :oops: I am sure the Dr will have given good news t4591 t4591

Dad has been eating a little more, he had cooked his sausage and mash the other night, which is good to know We will encourage him to eat something tasty at the GC today.

Glad you liked the chocolate cake - I had to go into the booth, then into the shower, oh the mess :shock: :shock:

Mulled wine tea - different, :? :? non alcoholic, as in cup of T.

We have lots of mist around, so Sleek might gather a little today, on her way up to the moors - Mother wants some water from the moorland stream, to go into her cauldron :shock:

It is so sad about your carer Sue, her Son finding her, how terrible. Sending you both and all the carers family, some extra ((((())))) and prayers t4591 t4591

Hi there Barbara - You are more than welcome to all the goodies, I am getting quite good with my baking and creating, thank you kindly

I will happily join you in front of the fire, until the new year - when it is all over. We would need big beds too and endless treats

I put a few decs up in the lounge



There is so much going on in the world, you are right. So much peer pressure too. t4591

It was nice just to have a wee bit of a break and give Hildegard a run out.

If anyone is popping into Nero's, their vegan Christmas Dinner Panini is just AMAZING - Parsnip fritters, red cabbage, kale and a sweet relish - t4591 t4591 t4591 and the mince pies are vegan too

We went into KwikFit and they did her tyre pressures. ( She lets you know what the pressures are - the man in the garage told me how, but I glazed over )

She needed some extra air in all her shoes - soon done and she wafted us home, feeling more sure footed.

I hope things can settle down at your end. Not nice when life is up in the air. Sending lots more ((((())))) t115006 t115006 t4591

I hope your Brother is doing ok, did he have his bloods checked this week? ((()))

Did you get all the cleaning done, with the help of your GD ? I bet you are spick and span now

Hi Kath - Thank you for the poem, sad, but very true.............have been to Morecambe on many an occasion and there are signs all over, do not walk across the sands, without a guide :shock: :shock: very dangerous.

I hope all your clocks are back to the right time, after the power cut. Even a little blip, can knock things off :roll: :roll:

Hopefully the ouchies are as minimal as can be. (((((()))))) The possums are always on standby, especially at this time of year with all the sweeties

Did your Ramipril arrive ok?

Hi Carol - I bet you are busy away, getting ready for off, knitting, nattering, coffee time, lunches, sorting, pottering and wondering where all the time has gone :shock: :shock: :shock: I have lost count now, on the days left, before you go away.............brain fade........... :roll: :roll:

Hi to everyone else, in and about. t4591 t4591

Quiet evening here, some pottering, golf on from Mauritius - looks lovely there, palm trees swaying, coral reef lagoons............... m0150 m0150

GC this morning, hopefully Dad will have something to eat. Then shopping for the week end.

I must write some cards, more came, with letters too, so must respond, days are flying by.............. :? :?

Time to move about. Leaving lots of love and sparkles to all t4591 t115006 t115006 Take care XXXX Aidan

Vanocka - Traditional Czech Christmas Sweet Bread

frogmorton

Morning friends

Lucy and me in Brum with Bully behind (the bullring Bull) dressed in German clothes in honour of the German market!! sorry it's sideways

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ArzE1JEsWCqXYXR0ZSHv432UINeO-Tlh/view?usp=sharing

All went well and Lucy has been discharged from endocrinology! Yippee another ticked off

The Czech bread was YUM ta

Now you know Nero's coffee always does that Aidan! at least you're ok now. Sleek says the blew wun was an ex pery mant. :shock: The cake resulted in a booth visit and shower for me too why not?!

What a lovely cottage they are staying at in Lapland! Lucky kits being treated by the cats. Mind I think Sleek will regress into a kitten too out there!! She's just come inside wet mackintosh sou'wester and galoshes :roll: Moorland water duly dropped off for Mother:)

Everyone 'older' is having fishy broth?! No wonder Kari and Charley were both airing their houses yesterday :oops:

Yes unicorn earrings! B&M is full of all things sparkly and unicorn atm isn't it? sigh…..Did you get some when you decorated the room yesterday it's lovely!

Glad Dad is eating a little better at least must do your best at the GC today ((( t4591 ))) Yes the mulled wine tea is strictly tea-total!!! Might have to take Krai to Neros for a vegan Christmas panini!

Best to keep cars feet fully inflated in the winter go Hildegard!

That tree is fabulous Sleek has printed it off on her 3D printer :?

Lovely buche de noel you baked there!

Ah Kath. A lovey tribute to those who lost their lives in Morecombe. Well done

We have many power cuts here too annoying when you have to reset it ALL :roll:

Thanks for the pad thai totally yummy!

Barbara you did well at choir, but why do you only arrive in time for tea and biccies?!!

Middle GD is an angel to help cleaning bless her. I need to get motivated now too.

I am sure you're right all will sort itself out in the end ((()))

Hi Sue and Joan of course. I hope you are both ok and the carers are too t4591

Love to Carol

Toni xx

dachshund

Hello everyone
I need a good laugh what a week it’s been.
I hope everyone is as well as can be expected try to stay dry this weekend
Love Sue

Kitty

Daily Poem

A Fantasy
By Kathleen

He looked toward the castle wall
where Ivy swathed the turrets tall
and Honeysuckle filled the hall.
He listened for her footstep fall
but only heard the Nightjar call.

In vain he waited through the night,
oh how he longed to catch one sight
of she who was his heart's delight.
He lingered 'til the morning light
through the giant Oaks shone bright.

He gazed upon the distant hill
where flowed the fairy haunted rill
but heard no laughter, bright and trill.
No voice came through the forest still:
no face above her window sill.

He took his sword, he took his bow
and crept towards the golden glow
that streamed between the Aspens low
and ran to where the stream did flow.
His heart was laden, full of woe.

He climbed the hill up to her keep.
Oh how his heart was fit to leap
as through her casement he did peep
and saw his angel fast asleep.
So fair of face, it made him weep.

He tapped first gently at the pane
to waken her, but all in vain.
So louder now he tapped again
and gazed upon where she had lain
beneath the silken counterpane.

His heart was filled with sudden dread.
She did not stir within her bed,
no turning of her golden head.
But then he saw the stain of red
and knew at once that she was dead.

His anger blazed, his blood ran hot.
He hastened to the fairy grot
and when he reached that sacred spot,
his tortured mind devised a plot.
This day would never be forgot.

He held his horn up to the light;
he saw it gleam so gold, so bright;
he blew it loud, with all his might.
Then, every fairy, every sprite
rushed down the glen - from left - from right.

Soon every tree and every flower
within that small enchanted bower
was filled with folk of magic power.
His plans were told within the hour
and all eyes fixed upon the tower.

The wicked demon, there within
with an evil, spiteful grin
and still with blood upon his chin,
arose to watch the day begin
and plan another night of sin.

Outside the magic creatures creep
towards the dark and musty keep
and through the casement quietly peep
to where the hordes all lie asleep
and dream of death, in slumber deep.

He beckoned them towards her bed
and all who saw her shook their head
then sadly followed were he led,
all moved as one, with silent tread
not thinking of what lay ahead.

Then swiftly, with a battle cry
towards the turret up on high,
the magic people run and fly.
They reach the room where they espy
the king of demons by and by.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1uKzvXw_I17PEvtjCxhZsNL2eZ0jQ-ir1

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ufIAZ-Lu7wbfzuN0ptYKD_nsStt8-CZM

Toni, I'm very happy to hear Lucy has achieved another goal. What a charming photo, you look like twins. t4591

Aidan, sausage and mash for dad, my that is an improvement. Long may it last. Pity we can't get to Neros, I rather fancy some of their vegan panini. Haven't had red cabbage for years (Chris doesn't like it) but we both love parsnips and I'm partial to kale too.
I got so hot in bed last night my patches fell off! I found rhem asleep by my side. Yes, my Ramipril arrived, and so the coughing starts. :roll: I didn't get the picture for Vanocka and thought the Yule Log was too nice to cut, but thank you anyway.

Hugs to Joan, Sue, Barbara and Carol.
t4591 t4591 t4591 t4591 t4591 t4591

Vegan Gingerbread Loaf Cake

Ingredients
2 tablespoons flaxseed meal (ground flaxseeds)
1 1/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
1 medium ripe avocado OR 1 ½ small avocados, peeled and pitted (*½ cup when mashed)
½ cup plus 1 tablespoon raw sugar, divided
½ cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (I use almond)
¼ cup unsulphured molasses
2 tablespoons melted unrefined coconut oil, plus extra for greasing the pan
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325ºF. Grease an 8-inch loaf pan with coconut oil and set aside.
In a small bowl or cup, stir the flaxseed meal with ¼ cup water. Refrigerate while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
In a food processor or blender, combine the avocado, ½ cup sugar, milk, molasses, coconut oil, vanilla, and the flaxseed mixture (don’t forget!). Puree until smooth. Scrape the avocado mixture into the flour mixture and fold just until combined. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of sugar. Bake until a tester inserted into the center comes out dry, about 45 minutes (start checking after 35 minutes). Cool completely before slicing.

bubbles

Hi to all t4591 t4591

It has rained and poured and blown a gale and rained some more. The rivers are up to the top of their banks already :shock: :shock:

Sleek had no trouble gathering stream water for Mother, it was a ****

SO happy that Lucy has been discharged from Endocinology Toni - t4591 t4591 t4591 t4591 t4591

Love the picture of your both, at the Bull Ring, with bully all dressed up

I know, Nero's invariably sends me hypo, I must have more carbs when I go again, two panini's will be just fine then a cake

I have seen a vial of something flourescent purple, on my bedside table - :shock: :shock: I think Sleek has gone for the big knock out drops :? :? :roll: :roll: :animal_busy:

I want to go to Lapland, with the puskins - I am green with envy - I know it is a sin, but, I need to see the northern lights and walk in a snow covered forest, well, fall over in the snow.................one day eh, one day................. t4591



Oh the broth, it was a fish head broth this time - don't, I am trying to forget it already

Dad did very well at the GC today, he had the same as me, the Curried Parsnip Soup, which was gorgeous, with crusty granary rolls. Then he had Christmas pudding ice cream Go Dad.

Auntie Kari (hi there t4591 ) would love the vegan panini

It was a lovely buche de noel, I excelled myself Glad you enjoyed it

Hi Sue and Joan, are you going to meet up with your friend at the pub, then you can all have a natter and a laugh together. Let's hope you have a calmer week end and take care, there is a storm coming - I forget it's name (((((()))))) t4591 t4591

Hi Kath - thank you for your lovely poem, it would make a good film, of goblins and creatures of the woods, full of magic t115006 t115006 The poor fair maiden..............

You would like the panini, is there a nero's near to you, Holly might pick one up for you as a take out..........
Parsnips are wonderful, roasted with honey, or mashed with tatties, luv em

Hope any ouchies are keeping as far away as possible ((((()))))

Dad is eating better, his fridge is full of goodies, anything that could take his fancy, to graze on

Your patches fell off, while in bed, you really did have your own summertime :shock: :shock: I hope they are suitably in place once more. Does the ramipril make you cough, some pills for blood pressure, do cause a tickly cough, they did that to my Mum......... :roll: :roll:

Cut away at the Yule Log, I can always make another, any excuse for more chocolate cake

Ta muchly for the gingerbread cake - will be spreading some butter on my small - ish, piece.

Hi to Barbara and to Carol and all our friends - I am fresh out of time again. I almost started the Christmas cards :roll: :roll: I am getting closer to doing them.............................honest :? :? :?

Will be back later and write some more Lots of love and sparkles to all t4591 t115006 XXXXX Aidan

bubbles

Hi to all t4591 t4591 it has stopped raining for a while - give time for the rivers to go down a bit.

Mother wanted to share a little bit of Christmas, Hogwarts style



A very quiet evening here, pottering and watching some ski jumping, then Golf. Sleeks potion didn't work at all :? :roll: :roll: It must be one of those weeks.

I hope everyone is as ok as can be. The fingers are not as nimble this evening and not being able to feel them, is causing some pretty scary typo's :shock: :roll: :roll:

I was, (honest), going to write some cards, but no, not tonight. Even Mother rolled her eyes :roll: :roll:

Dad will be round for croissant and coffee this morning - we are due hair cuts, at some point over the week end. I feel like I am wearing a big hat :shock:

Big hi to all - lots of love to all, sparkles a plenty t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006 Take care XXXXXX Aidan

Braided Cranberry Brioche Christmas Wreath