Val's Cafe

frogmorton

Morning all

Our tree is up Lucy helped me yesterday.

Lovely Hogwarts Christmas Tosca!!

Thank you for the Christmassy brioche bread Aidan It was YUM!

So your fingers prevented you from writing any cards? Ok this time I'll let you off. We really must get a stamper made for next year :roll:

Sleek has been over and tweaked your potions when she tucked Tosca in this morning, but said it was really that you had too much on your mind so she needed to think of something else...the purple one really should have worked.

She managed to get some water for Tosca, but the current nearly pulled her in apparently! It was fish head broth , but just normal latter today you'll be glad to know

Oh yes that picture with the Northern lights - we could make snow angels!

It will be lovely to see Dad come over again under his own steam and a haircut is definitely in order mine is due this week I think :? He had soup a roll and Christmas pud?!! Well that is great. t4591

Today we are singing in a nearby Church (Christmas tree festival in there and a café) people just listen while looking at the trees. Tonight is my brother's 50th birthday bash at the Balti house.

Kath I really was impressed with that poem it was so beautifully written. All the magic creatures would certainly rise up to help our hero get ride of an evil demon!! I spy Silver there with his wife and one of their children too

I love read cabbage with apples yes oh yes my mum's recipe is the best

That gingerbread loaf cake was lovely and very Christmassy too Thanks!

Hi Joan and Sue I hope you both did have a good laugh out yesterday such a traumatic time for you both just before Christmas too

Hope all is well with Barbara - she'll be singing later and again tomorrow at the nursing home.

Love also to Carol t4591

Toni xxx

frogmorton

Tosca has been teaching Sleek how to do these:

dachshund

Morning everyone
. Kathleen I hope everything is going has well as it can for you ((((((()))))
. Aidan have a good weekend you B and your Dad((((()))) yes Sue's mouth is slowly getting better thank you.
. Toni good another one crossed of Lucy's list (((((()))) the funeral is the 23 Dec.
take care love to Barbara Carol Mig (((((())))
. Joan xx

barbara12

Morning all//sun is shinning and I have good news for once ..the tumors my brother has have shrunk a little..in his throat and glands..they say it was not what they expected..so everyone is pleased ..it will give him a little more time..
Sorry this will be short my eyes are really blared but will do my best
Kath I remember the cockle pickers deaths like it was yesterday..those poor souls and your poem is so lovely..sorry I forgot what recipes you put on I was..I have to use the surgical tape to keep my patches on .. :roll: hope you feel ok at least they stay in your blood for a while..did you sort things with Holly
Joan and Sue hope you are both doing ok..and the little doggies..(((())))
Toni what a lovely photo of you and Lucy..you look like sisters.. so your tree is up mine is here but baubles still missing..under the rubish in the garaged no doubt..I will join you at the church for the carols.. ((()))
Aidan..I am so pleased dad is eating ok and even cooker..go dad..and I am glad you enjoy your day with B..apart form the Hypo..I hope you are ok.. t4591 I see you visited the Tyre place..so Hild is already for the really cold weather..the pannini sounds so good.I will have to visit Neros.. thankyou for the love and all the lovely pics.. ((()))
Niamh is here with grown up bacon butties she listens for the bacon sizzling and when it stops she say its here..
Right better go rest these eyes
Love to everyone
m0150 t4591 t115006 t4591

Kitty

Daily Poem

Family Tree
by Kathleen

In my garden stands a tree,
Its trunk is stout and tall.
Bright with blossoms in the Spring;
While leaves in Autumn fall.

And though it's very old now,
Such memories were made,
As children grew and laughed and cried,
Beneath its pleasant shade.

But now it is a symbol
Of yet another tree,
With branches spreading far and wide
Over land and sea.

When I look through my window
To watch new blossoms grow,
I think of generations
who lived so long ago.

In my heart there is a tree,
Its trunk is stout and tall,
The blossoms are my children
And memories I recall.

t120006 t120006 t120006 t120006

Barbara, oh how wonderful. I'm so pleased to hear the tumours in your brother's throat have shrunk. I hope this makes it easier for him to swallow. Sending hugs and blessings. (((((()))))) t115006 t115006 t115006

Joan and Sue, thank you so much for your kind thoughts. I've just started with a chest infection so have begun my rescue meds for Bronchiectasis (Doxycycline) 2 a day for 14 days.

Toni, I thought you'd enjoy my magical poem. I'm not sure but I suspect that 2 pusskins with magic wands would be in there somewhere.

Aidan, I'm so pleased that dad had a good meal at the GC.
Sadly we don't have a Neros nearby, so I shall just have to dream of the Panini. :roll: I was warned that Ramipril would make me cough. I have been coughing a little more than normal, but my chest has been very tight and I've been extremely SOB so suspect a chest infection is brewing. I've broken out the Doxy that is my rescue pack. So I have to stop my MTX for the duration - 14 days.
I did salvage my patches for the day, but had to change them earlier than I should have. I put micro-porous tape on to hold them in place.

Sending hugs to Carol and hope all are well.

Vegan: Broccoli Rabe and Antipasti Panini with Olive Salad

Directions
1.
For the Olive Salad: Combine olives, giardiniera, peperoncini, capers, garlic, and olive oil in a small bowl. Stir to combine and set aside.

2.
For the Broccoli Rabe: Heat olive oil in a large straight-sided skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until softened and just barely beginning to brown, about 2 minutes. Add broccoli rabe and white wine. Increase heat to medium high and cook, stirring occasionally until broccoli rabe is all wilted, about 3 minutes. Lower heat to medium-low and continue simmering, stirring occasionally, until broccoli rabe is tender and completely olive green, about 20 minutes total (if pan becomes dry, add a few tablespoons of water to moisten). Season to taste with salt and pepper.

3.
To Assemble: Slice each loaf of bread in half and spread a few tablespoons of olive salad on each cut face. Layer broccoli rabe, red peppers, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes on bottom half of each loaf, leaving a 1/2-inch border all around the perimeter. Close sandwiches.

4.
If desired, press sandwiches on a pre-heated panini press until compressed, crisp, and hot throughout, about 5 minutes. Alternatively, wrap in plastic wrap and allow to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow olive oil to soak into bread before serving. Cut each sandwich into quarters and serve.
Ingredients
For the Olive Salad:
1/2 cup mixed pitted Italian olives (about 3/4 pound), finely chopped
1/2 cup giardiniera, finely chopped
2 jarred peperoncini, stems removed, finely chopped
1 tablespoons capers, drained and roughly chopped
1 medium garlic clove grated on microplane grater (about 1 teaspoon)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
For the Broccoli Rabe
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic, finely sliced
1 bunch broccoli rabe, thickest stems discarded, roughly chopped (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1 cup dry white wine
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
To Assemble
2 round seeded Italian-style loaves, about 8-inches across
1/3 pound roasted red peppers
1/3 pound marinated artichoke hearts, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
1/4 pound sun-dried tomatoes, sliced into thin strips

mellman01

I remember Val I kept in touch with her until the end such a terrible loss she was a good friend to many of us so please can it be kept as vans cafe' in her memory. t4591

bubbles

HI to all t4591 t4591 Grey drizzly day here - with weather warnings for Sunday / Mponday - storm aitha or some such name......... :shock: :?

over 50% of cards written, stamped and ready for posting. Feeling very smug

Hi there Toni - Sleek was over VERY early, 5 ish, to say that her tree was gow yng up Mummy and Loosy :? where doing it. Loosy :!: said Mother - Do try harder with your names darling

It is looking gorgeous - Sleek wants to climb it, to check it out......... :shock: :shock:

Hogwarts is magical at any time, but Christmas is extra special t115006 t115006

Glad you enjoyed the brioche, it was rather moreish

Fingers are better with extra Tramadol, so, while Dad was here, I did all the family ones, so that he was reassured about them being written and sorted.

A stamper is a very good idea, didn't you mention it last year, or the year before that........... :? :? :shock:

I head a rattling in the bedroom, Sleek has a small cocktail shaker to blend her "potions". The purple one is the strongest allowed for hoomans - I did suggest an Elephant strength one, which she thought was hill hairy us I think some of Mothers stream water has gone in, with extra peat extract :shock: :?

She was very quick, with the stream that was in spate, almost went in. Fortunately all Hogwart scholars are taught to swim from an early age. Mother and Sleek hated those lessons :? :roll: :roll:

Snow Angels, we sure would, watching the arctic skies dance in amazing colours, whilst lying in a heap, in deep snow

Dad made his own way round, he was here by 10, even though B had said he would go fetch him.
He had most of his croissant, with cheese and jam (his fav), cup of coffee, cup of T, glass of water
He stopped until after lunch then walked home to watch the football (well, fall asleep )

I hope the singing went well in the Church, with a Christmas tree festival and the essential cafe, with cakes I hope - divine, I trust

Happy Birthday to your Brother t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006 hope you have a wonderful time at the Balti house, can we meet you there Ta. About 8

I see you are singing again tomorrow, at the Nursing Home - how gracious - everyone will love joining in. Even though my late Mum had Alzheimer's, she would sing along to any hymn, or carol, word perfect. Bless her soul. t4591

That is a very good choice of sparkling tree there Miss Sleek - Mother is most delighted. t115006 t115006



Hi Joan and Sue - thank you (((()))) I hope you have a good week end too, you have had a terrible week with not feeling good and then the sad loss of one of Sue's carers.
Good to hear that Sue's mouth is improving steadily. It will be a very sad time for the family of the carer, this Christmas. Thoughts and prayers are with them t4591 t4591

Hi there Barbara - where did you find the sunshine - :shock: :shock: :? :? We are in mist and cloud.

That is EXCELLENT news from your Brother. Shrinking of the tumour margins is very good to hear, even if they did not expect it at the hospital. Let's keep up those candles and prayers t115006 t4591 t115006 We hope that they shrink even more - if I could do a star jump, I would do
Sorry that your eyes are so blurred ((((((()))))) I hope they ease soon.

You have your tree up too - minus some baubles, that are deep within the garage "stuff". A job for Mr B to go exploring and likely grumbling a the same time Best not bring Santa out, that moves, I remember Niamh doesn't like it at all.

Yes, try and pop into Nero's and grab a vegan Christmas panini - well worth the visit
Dad was a bit more reluctant with his croissant today, but he did eat most of it. I think there is a lot of " cannot be bothered" it is almost too muck effort. But, we will carry on supporting and encouraging.

You are more than welcome to the piccies and the lovely treats, we are spoiled rotten here

Bless, Niamh listening for the bacon when it stops sizzling and saying "it's here"

Yes, rest the eyes. t4591 t4591

Hi Kath - thank you for sharing your lovely poem, beautiful it is too.

Shame you don't have a Nero's nearby. I see you have started your rescue pack, let's hope you caught your chest infection in good time.
Sister was going to give me a rescue pack - not quite sure why she didn't, I must ask..............

Do you have the steroids to go along with the AB's ? They are usually part of the rescue pack.

Changing your patches a wee bit early will be fine, top up the pain relief for you, no harm in that.

I am all over the panini, like a rash - ta loads mi duck t4591 t4591

Hi Mellman lovely to see you - Val will always be remembered as a truly special person / friend / to so many of us. Val's cafe it most certainly is.

Hi Carol - we must be at less than a week by now - better be packing :shock: :shock:
I hope you have had a good week, with various activities throughout. t4591 t4591 Hope the ouchies are not too bad t4591

Big Hi to all our friends, in and about.

Time I was moving again. Potter I must. Pills to take, again :roll: :roll:
I might even write a few more cards

Will pop in later. In the meantime, lots of love and sparkles to everyone t4591 t115006 t115006 Take care XXXX Aidan

Rocky Road Chocolate Ice Cream Bomb

bubbles

Hi to all t4591 t4591

It is a bit t111055 t111055 t111055 t111055 and wild here - with warnings in place. :shock: :?
Hermione has said "gates only, no flying" - she is a whittle pot, but rightly so, in a late autumn storm, puskin safety is paramount

Sleek was chatting to Mother, about your Brothers Birthday bash at the bal tee howse I hope you all had a lovely time, with excellent food and company ooo, was there a big cake too - I do hope so, there has to be cake

Whatever was in Sleeks potion, actually worked and I managed to doze for a good while - well done Miss Slimkins :animal_busy:

Mother slept well too :animal_busy: :animal_busy:

She is just showing off now, with her magic trees :roll: :roll:



Hi Barbara - I hope you are having a nice time with Niamh keeping Gdad on his toes, bacon sizzling
I bet your Brother and GF are most encouraged by the good hews from his latest scan results. Unexpected by all, it seems, but, smaller is way way better - I am so thankful. Continued prayers and thoughts t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006



Hi Carol - hope you are both ok - I think we are all in for a storm over the next day or two. Stay safe and dry if you are out and about. t4591 (((())))
Time is ticking down, for your Christmas visit to family. Laden with presents t4591

Big hi to everyone else in and about. t4591 t4591

Quiet evening here, had supper, M popped round, so I could sort out her leads on the 48 hour heart monitor she has on - Matron is always on duty
Caught up with the ski jumping, now golf on in the background.

At home today, hair cuts - general housey things.

Time I was moving around a bit. So, I will leave lots of love and sparkles to all t4591 t115006 t115006 Take care XXXXXX Aidan

Cranberry, rosemary and almond cupcakes

frogmorton

Morning everyone



Me as a Vulcan for my bro's star trek do last night at the Balti house.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BmOew5KPzsg7zXmG-dvo68EnKecdUTb1/view?usp=sharing

I have half of my Balti ready for later or I might freeze it for another day :? It was lovely and we all had a great time. I think we'll be on the facebook page....just checked not there yet.

Sleek was very pleased to hear you slept Aidan and her tweaking worked. Oh yes the cocktail shaker it speeds things up apparently. Extra peat and stream water all that was needed. Swimming lessons at Hogwarts! the kits have all just passed their final badges in swimming Oreo turned out to be a natural the other two pushed through it...shudder!



Still have room for one or two of these cupcakes ta....

Wow Tosca! Look at that tree! I suppose there is an element of showing off there Still if you've got it?! Sleek hasn't damaged the tree at all - unlike kitten Sleek who trashed a brand new one 10 years ago :shock: she can't be 10 :? She usually writes Lucy's name correctly in her cards she must learn to pay attention Tosca is quite right!

Well done sorting out M's heart monitor I hope it gives useful information and/some reassurance.

Haircuts for you both then? Smart for Christmas

It's so lovely to hear Dad making his own way round for and eating his croissants then back again to chill in front of the footie Sleek has cut down her obs to 6x daily now.

Singing went well yesterday and today it's the nursing home. I love it there although they do tend to overfeed us it's lovely lots of them join in (like your Mum would have). One or two heckle, but a good proportion sleep though it

Ice cream bomb = straight into the booth - one each thank goodness!! Then a double hot wash extra rinse.

Mell hello!! Of course the café will always be Val's can't be anything else can it. How are you doing?

Kath a lovely poem very symbolic I expect most of us can relate to that. Of course 2 pusskins would be in yesterday's one somewhere

Sleek is upping her obs on you due to the chest infection. GET WELL SOON t69044

Now those vegan paninis look every bit as good as Nero's thank you very much indeed!

Barbara what FABULOUS news!! I am absolutely thrilled and just before Christmas. I wonder whether your bro can 'feel' the improvement too. This should definitely buy him and his GF more time together

He is clearly not on the placebo t4591

Niamh is a clever - gown up - girl sussing out when her bacon is cooked.

I hope the baubles turn up soon for your tree :?

Gosh Joan the funeral is awfully close to Christmas. Those poor Children will never be able to think of Christmas without remembering will they?

Good to see Sue's mouth is improving

Love to Carol I hope she's ok.

Toni xx

dachshund

Morning everyone
. Kathleen I'm sorry you have that (((((())))) some of Sue's carers have got it nasty I hope it soon goes.
. Barbara that's good I hope it carries on getting smaller the best to him ((((((())))) Barbara (((((()))))
Aidan your Dad's doing well (((((())))) you feel better after an haircut (((((((()))
. Toni Lucy has lovely eyes how many years is it now she has to go till she gets the all clear ((((((())))) Carla's little girl says it takes 2 days to go to heaven then mummy will be back home. nobody knows why she did it.
. take care love to Carol Mig ((((((())))))
. Joan xx

Kitty

Daily Poem

Dressed For Ceremony By Kathleen
(written to complement a painting by Emily for her A-level art exam)

I never thought this aisle would seem so long;
Or that the organ music played so loud,
I only hope that nothing will go wrong
And on this special day I'll do you proud.

I often call to mind the words you said;
"You are the sweetest girl I've ever known".
Such happy childhood memories fill my head,
With you around I never felt alone.

My love for you has blossomed through the years
And each step brings me closer now to you.
My heart beats faster as the moment nears
When everyone will hear you say "I do".

And so at last the moment now has come;
The one I've thought and dreamed of all my life,
But although for me you are the one,
Today somebody else becomes your wife.



Joan, How sad the little girl saying that. How do you explain dath to one so young.

Toni the Vulcan, Sleek came loaded down with Vicks vapor rub, extra inhalers and antibiotics "in case you yoos them all up Aunty Kaff". Bless t4591

Aidan, I'm already on long term Pred for my Vasculitis, 5mg a day, so that will help my lungs too. It was very blustery through the night, it kept Chris awake, and the rain. I'm afraid I was sick this morning. I blame the phlegm. I an't cough it up, so I end up swallowing it. YEEUK. feel well enough to wrap me tonsils around some Cranberry, rosemary and almond cupcakes. thanks ducky.

Mellman, we would never rename Val's Cafe. It's engraved on our hearts. t4591

CAULIFLOWER AND BLUE CHEESE SOUP

1 tsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 potato, peeled, diced
1 head of cauliflower, chopped
450 g chicken stock
80 g blue cheese, crumbled
Ground black pepper, to taste
Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened. Add potato and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add cauliflower and chicken stock. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender.
Purée soup until thick and creamy.
Reheat, add cheese and stir through until melted.
Season with pepper and serve.
Main Ingredients:
Cauliflower
Potatoes
Chicken or tuna (optional)
Blue cheese

bubbles

Hi to all - t4591 t4591 I am sure it was daylight not long ago and now it is dark.

Weather in abundance here t111055 t111055 t111055 t111055 and very blowy :shock: :?

Hair cuts done, shirts and troosers pressed, we are all smart and so much younger I barely recognise B :shock: Who IS that Feels so much better, without a felt hat on.

Hi Toni, "live long and prosper" to our Vulcan A Star Trek themed party, that sounds excellent. Great picture, just a hint of a Vulcan ear Less is more, as they say.

Glad you all had a wonderful time and you have Balti for supper, or for another day too

I hope you are on the FB page, look forward to seeing it

Mother said that my "potion" was a one off, so, Sleek had to tell a little porky pie To Hermione and nip into the woods, to gather some water from the racing stream - no need to go up to the moors. She was very pleased that I was knocked out and said I have to ree laks :shock: :? :roll: :animal_busy: There is a neon green vial on the bedside today :shock:

Mmm, swimming has never been a favourite puskin pastime, (apart from Turkish Van's) - there is not a natural affinity for pools of water. Well done Oreo, for passing with flying colours and to the others, for making the grade, under some duress :roll: :roll:

Mother has been digging deep into her Ottoman, for magical tree spells - She wanted to show you the Claus's tree, up in northern Lapland - as you can see, their puskin, called Miss Claus Paws, sleeping quietly.



Sleek completely denies being 10 hooman years old and it must have been an impostor who wrecked the tree all that time ago
Her cards are all written correctly, Mother checked

M will be round in a while, after her shower, for me to re do her heart monitor, with new sticky pads and leads.

I think 6 times a days will be ok for now, at Dads. He is not eating much again now - B went through every option, with all the things he has indoors, lots to choose from - didn't fancy any of them. :shock: :shock: :roll: What else can you do, but keep on encouraging.
I think another word with the GP and maybe an appointment is needed.

Glad the singing went well and today's vocals in the nursing home. They overfeed you, with cake Mince pies I am sure.

Some joining in, some heckling from the back rows and half going to sleep, that sounds about right

It was worth getting in a mess with the ice cream bomb - double hot rinse and dry

It seems that Barbara's Brother is not on the placebo - I often wondered if it was 50 / 50 - but never dared ask. We used to have placebo pills on the trolley, for some patients who were trialling new medications.

Hi Joan and Sue - hope you are both ok, keeping nice and dry and warm, while it rains and howls outside t111055 t111055 It is so much better now that my hair is almost none existent again Happy boy.

Oh bless, the poor wee girl saying that about her late Mummy. Sending them all lots of prayers and thoughts t4591 t115006 t4591
Love to both ((((())))) t4591 t4591

Hi Kath - thank for the lovely poem - t4591 t4591 t4591 t4591

You clever thing you

Of course, you will be on steroids for Vasculitis - silly me :roll: :roll: I guess they could always up the dose if necessary. Let's hope the AB's do the trick.
It's been chuckinitdarn and blowineverythingovver, hail clatterin at winderz :shock: :shock:

Very difficult if you have trouble coughing up the phlegm, it can and does make you Glad it has settled now, ((((())))) Sleek will be in and out all day and night, checking up on obs and listening to chests. She is well on the way to a medical qualification now. Ssssshhhh, it's a surprise, for Christmas t4591

Calui and blue cheese soup, oh my, you are on the top of my tree today let me get some crsuty tiger bread and lashings of butter. Ta loads duck.

Hi Barbara - I can imagine you are having the same or similar weather, to us, wet and wild t111055 t111055 :shock: :roll: :roll:

Hope you are all ok - Mother has sent you a Magic tree - she is shrieking about it as we speak :shock: :roll: :roll:



Has Niamh gone home now, leaving you to put your feet up, or are you busy with the tree ? Did Mr B find the baubles :? :?

Hi Carol and Mig and Mell, hope you and all our friends are as ok as can be. t4591 t4591

Time I was pottering a bit, dryer has finished so some laundry to sort.

Will pop back later. In the meantime, lots of love and sparkles to all t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006 XXXXX Aidan

Red Velvet and White Chocolate Cake

barbara12

Thankyou everyone for your kind words for my brother.. t4591 t4591 t4591 t4591
I have been logged out ..so might forget all you said but I did read all your post...
Aidan thankyou for the icecream bomb..wow and the muffins ..I followed Toni into the tent..wish I hadn't ... :shock:
I am so please to hear dad is making his own way round to yours..and had something to eat..then football and a;ll snug and warm bless him
I have had one of the 24 hour monitors it use to scare the life out of me.. glad you sorted Ms...you have wrote your cards//I had better get going ...I did half of them..then gave up.. :roll:
Thankyou for all the lovely sparkly pis..I havent got my tree up yet ..our middle GD was going to do it till we could find the baubles..
Toni you make a lovely vulcan ..and a Happy Belated Birthday to your brother..did you say 50..heee wish I was again
glad you enjoyed your curry and some left for later..
Joan I am pleased to hear Sues mouth is a little better..they can be really sore..the poor children of your carer..bless there cotton socks has my late mum would say..(((()))
Kath two more lovely poems..I would love to see the pic that Emily painted..a very talented family...did you sort things out with Holly..
Mel we will never forget Val she stated the cafe so it will always be names Vals..I hope you are keeping well..x
we had our first Christmas market yesterday in our little town..and what a turnout ..years ago it was a bustling market town till they got rid of it..Niamh said it was the best Christmas market ever... what a sausage roll from Greggs can do..and a cupcake...
Thinking about everyone that missing..xxxx
and love to all
t4591 t115006 t4591
Just spotted you there Aidan..a lovely Christmas scene and more cake thankyou..I am sorry to hear dad hasn't eaten much ..hopefully it just an off day...((())) t4591

bubbles

Hi to all t4591 t4591

We had the biggest downpour about an hour ago - like being in a washing machine :shock: :shock: t111055 t111055



Apart from that and the wind whipping round, it's fine :? :? :roll:

Hi Barbara - You are more than welcome to the thoughts and prayers, the encouraging news from your Brother, is wonderful to hear. t4591 t4591

Another visitor to the face plant booth, glad you enjoyed the choccy ice cream bomb - I see you took the muffins in there too

Dad is a bit up and down, one day eating a bit better, then today, not wanting to eat more than the smallest snacks :? :? we just take it one day at a time and make sure he has plenty of tasty things in the fridge, to graze on. Very difficult. The less he eats, the less energy he has, a bit of a vicious circle. But, we will carry on.

M didn't come round, so she must have managed to sort her leads out. I have had them on before, like wearing a briefcase round your waist. :shock: :shock: Now, they are such a tiny box, things have moved on.

We still have a fair few cards to write - they are sat looking at me - :? :? I must, must, write them, in the next two days. I did just over half, then gave up, the same as you did :roll:

Mr B had best be searching out the baubles for the tree, or you will have to go and buy some more

I love these, need this set - the Snowman / lady, Bell Choir - not available in the UK it seems :roll: :roll: Just found one on Ebay, £170, plus £46 postage from the USA - I think NOT



Niamh enjoyed the Christmas market then, with a couple of treats from Greggs -( I must try their veggie sausage rolls, have heard a lot about them).
Hope the weather was ok, a wet market, can be quite daunting :shock: :shock:
Skipton has started its weekly Christmas markets, it is just the normal stalls, wrapped in tinsel

Toni - I hope the singing at the nursing home went well, with most residents managing to stay awake, sing along and not heckle t4591 t4591

Does your Church have a Christingle Service, I seem to remember enjoying them, or was it the sweets, stuck to the oranges, with a candle on top

Hi Carol - it must be the final few days countdown now - I am sure you have everything organised and wrapped, ready for off t4591 t4591 Hope you had a good week end and that any ouchies are minimal. t115006 t115006

Hi Kath - I hope your chest is not too bad, less coughing, we don't want you again. Sending lots of (((((()))))) t4591

Quiet evening, pottering about, catching up on ski jumping and the end of the golf from Mauritius (which looks gorgeous)

Possibly the T rooms this morning, see how Dad is first. Play things by ear and eye :?

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

Mushroom Crostini with Herb Cashew Cheese - ooooo posh

frogmorton

Morning everyone Lucy's birthday today Means I have to go shopping with her - help!!!! She can wear anyone out!! Many cuppa stops required I think Thanks for the mushroom treats only had enough to give me stamina as mushrooms are our Kath's favourite!

Aidan great torrential rain pic!

I still have marks where I had a 72 hour heart monitor about 18 years ago :roll: I sincerely hope they have improved!!

Love the colourful light up bells Yes we do have a Christingle of course and the people at the nursing home had a great time lots joined in. I enjoyed it too and yes! the mince pies!!. Although I am glad we only have one service left apart from the carol service Christmas eve and carols round the tree..... :roll:

Yes Vulcan eras and eyebrows Live long and prosper!

Sleek has been delivering Christmas cards again this morning this time for Mother whose spelling is laways spot on!. She wondered whether the neon green potion helped it was to help you 'relaks'

The Claus cat is apparently related to Sleek in some distant way of cats.... please do thank Tosca for the pic it looks sooooooo cosy Of course Sleek is not 10 years no way nor did she ever wreck a brand new tree :shock:



I hope Dad is up for the tea rooms every meal eaten is a positive. t4591 I'm sure there si something you can take to increase your appetite :?



Do try the greggs vegan sausage rolls they are really yum!

Aw Barbara I am glad Niamh loved the Christmas market bless her. I love children who enjoy everything like her t4591

Vulcan party was fun hehehe! I saved my curry and froze it will have it tonight I think

Sorry about the booth I was just about to go back and press the deep clean cycle when you beat me inside! :oops:

We are all really thrilled about your bro t115006

Kath the poor 'not bride' good poem though with that twist!

Aidan has left a mushroom treat!

Yes sorry about all Sleek's medical paraphernalia she tries bless her t4591 She will be keeping a close eye...

The soup was yummy ta very muchly.

Oh Joan bless the little girl. 2 days to get the 2 back Bless her little heart. I suppose it must have all got too much for her I think 5 years after remission isn't it for the all-clear for Lucy? We must brave asking Dr Tim

Love to everyone Carol, Mig and Crinkly

Toni xx

dachshund

Morning everyone
. Kathleen I hope you have a good day today thank you for the poems (((((()))))
. Aidan I bet you feel better now your hair is cut it can get thick ((((())))). Love to your Dad I know he's not your Dad (((((()))))
. Barbara (((((())))) Niamh is lovely(((())) love to your Brother (((((())))
. Toni Happy Birthday to Lucy (((((())))) I will always remember what happened when she went in to Primark's (((((())))
. take care. love to Carol Mig (((((())))
. Joan xx

Kitty

Daily Poem

Move Eastward, Happy Earth
by Alfred Lord Tennyson

Move eastward, happy earth, and leave
Yon orange sunset waning slow:
From fringes of the faded eve,
O, happy planet, eastward go:
Till over thy dark shoulder glow
Thy silver sister world, and rise
To glass herself in dewey eyes
That watch me from the glen below.

Ah, bear me with thee, lightly borne,
Dip forward under starry light,
And move me to my marriage-morn,
And round again to happy night.

m0150 m0150 m0150 m0150

Joan, many thanks for your good wishes. I'm very tired and hope I don't end up in hospital on IVs. Take care.

Toni, don't worry about Sleek's paraphernalia, I have cupboards for her to store it in. Thank you for saving me some mushies - although I'm not very hungry today. So if I leave some, they're yours. t4591
I have been told my chances are better now, 5 years after. I was also told a 50% risk of recurrence. :shock:

Aidan, my word I'm glad I'm not out in that downpour. It used to do that when we decided to take the kids for a picnic. Chris always used to keep a duster in his pocket and wiped his face with it. I'm not really coughing much, but feel exhausted and have no energy. t2507

Barbara, Emily's painting was lovely and she had brilliant grades for A level, except for Psychology. The teacher was ill for the last term and the replacement didn't know anything about the subject. Al the students failed. :?

To all the admin, thank you for the new icons. Very seasonal.


Quinoa Veggie Wrap Recipe {Vegan}

Ingredients

4 tortilla wraps
1 cup quinoa, uncooked
1/2 cup hummus
3 oz fresh spinach
2 oz sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 oz shredded carrots

Instructions

To cook the quinoa, add it to two cups of water or broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Fluff it with a fork and set it aside to cool. Alternatively, you can prepare the quinoa in a rice cooker.
Divide the hummus among the four tortilla wraps and spread the hummus over each wrap, keeping it away from the edges. Divide the quinoa among the wraps and spread it out over the hummus. Add the fresh spinach, shredded carrots and sun-dried tomatoes.
Fold two ends in, and then tightly roll the wrap like a burrito. Slice the wrap in half on an angle. Serve and enjoy!

barbara12

Evening all..
Aidan I guess my brother isn't on the placebo thank god..I hope dad will pick up soon and eat a little more..no rain here unless I slept through it
Niamh us soon pleased..she really is..and we have found the baubles in the garage...
Kath I am going to try and make the CAULIFLOWER AND BLUE CHEESE SOUP..it sound so nice and we do like soups ..I love the move eastward arth poem..I do wish people would look after our lovely planet..I hope the ABs work for you...xxx
Toni Happy Birthday to Lucy..I hope she is having a lovely day. t78020 shopping with young ones us always hard..bet you are worn out but happy..
Joan thankyou..my brother is a lot happier...hope you are all doing ok ((()))
Better go love to everyone
t7313 t8011

frogmorton

Joan we went into Primark again today!!!! Typical Lucy has worn me out :roll: t8011

I LOVE this pusskin wreath! Thanks Admins!!

Kath great choice of poem for today thank you for the extra mushies I am always happy to help out with leftovers.

Sleek was trying to tell me she has her own store at yours!! Very useful she is keeping a close eye sorry she keeps trying to get you to cough up samples :shock: Get well soon t2507

Those wraps were lovely! Nice and moist they were.

Barbara we are all so very thrilled about your brother. It's such a Christmas miracle

Niamh will love the tree being up when she comes bless her they love Christmas don't they kids t79122

We must have had rain overnight, but it's been dry today - had a great vegan burger at Fridays

Now I've had a message to say our Aidan is poorly at the moment so we aren't to worry if we don't see him for a day or so.

Get well soon Aidan with love from all your café friends t115006 t4591 t69044 t4591 t115006

Love to everyone

Toni xxx

Turbogran

Evening all
Oh my goodness have been so busy the last few weeks that Christmas has crept up on me rather quicker than I would have liked. Visit to family is On Thursday so three days time, have not yet wrapped the little peoples presents yet. So am going to be busy over the next 2 days for sure. :? :?

Mr t has Also asked me to make a cake for the church on Sunday morning as one of our members and his wife are moving to Scotland and we are having. Farewell to him after the service with cake and drinks obviously not the alcohol type. As this will be his last Sunday with us.

Big laugh is I don’t get back from Our visiting trip Until. Saturday afternoon. So I have gone for an easy option a nice Victoria sponge cake (which I will make before I go away and freeze them) with jam in the centre and a butter cream icing Which I will do Saturday evening. And Mr T can take it with him on Sunday morning as he goes earlier than me because he has to open up and get things ready.

Me thinks my chill out times may be cut short or not happen at all for a few days.
We have only had 9 days of December and I am already fed up with Christmas songs in shops and every where you go even indoors like at this moment Mr T has a music channel on on telly, am writing this to the sound of Bing Crosby singing White Christmas ha ha I prefer not .

It’s a good job I am feeling a lot better in myself now Isn’t it. Although I have not been at all enthusiastic about Christmas at all until yesterday which is not like me at all. But ok now.

I cannot believe our Little Graycie- mai is 3 on Thursday. We are hoping to get down to Ramsgate in time to drop luggage into Our hotel then head to Margate for a family meal for her birthday around 4pm after Lillie has been picked up from School. So it’s a mega busy day Thursday.

Well I hope you’re all as well as you can be I’m not too bad with the ouchies at the moment a bit more than usual but the weather don’t help.

Love and sparkles to you all hope I can get to post more often soon I am beginning to have forum withdrawal symptoms

Ok let’s have some Christmas spirit Carol
t7313 t8011 t78020 t79122

frogmorton

Well done Carol for getting yourself in the Christmas spirit. It's a VERY good job you are feeling better!!!

I can tell you the minute you get down there you will feel Chistmassy (apart from the real meaning of Christmas of course) there is nothing like being with children at this time of year t8011

Happy Birthday to Graycie -mae in case you don't get in before Thursday which is unlikely I should think :shock:

Good idea to make and freeze the cake a lot of the ladies do the same here

Right so no Aidan todo breakfast....

better get me in the kitchen then

pancakes it is looks like I've got my Vulcan ears on again!

A quick wave to Joan t4591

Love to everyone else am off to have my hair cut today but will pop in later

Toni xxx

barbara12

Morning all..thought I had better get on early..I am meeting my niece later...its a very windy wet day..
Carol it us a good job you are feeling better..nice if you do make a cake..but yes freeze it then you can concentrate on everything's else..I am always astonished how quickly children grow up.. it will be lovely to see there faces..all excited for Christmas.. hope you have a lovely time..sure you will ((()))
Hope Joan Sue and the diggies are ok (((())))

Toni I am sorry to Aidan is poorly..hope he gets better very soon. ..so you did Primark again.
.did you buy loads.. your poor legs but I am sure you had a few coffees.
Aidan I hope you get better very soon... t4591 t115006 xx
Hi to Kath for later...xx

Will pop back later..
Love to everyone
t8011 t4591 t78020

dachshund

Morning everyone
. Kathleen I'm sorry you don't feel well I hope you don't end up in hospital you take care (((((())))
. Barbara that's good your brother is doing well ((((()))) how are you (((((())))))
. Carol have a good time I know you will (((((())))
Toni Lucy enjoyed herself yesterday ((((()))) Toni has your migraine gone ((((()))))) I hope so.
. Aidan I hope you feel better soon we miss you (((((()))) love to your Dad and B (((((()))))
I phoned the Doctor and said I need help my legs won't stop aching he sent a prescription to the Chemist for me Tramadol melts they melt in your mouth I have a problem swallowing tablets.
. take care love to Mig (((((()))))
. Joan xx. Have a nice time Barbara (((((()))) t8011

frogmorton

Afternoon everyone I hope all is well.

Popped in before getting my haircut to leave some cake.

Not in Aidan's league, but will have to do while he's ill else we'll all fade away....



Joan my head is ok at the moment thank you. Let us know how you get on with the tramadol melts I really hope they help ((()))

Thinking of you Aidan hoping you are on the mend and we see you in a day or so

Love to everyone

Toni xxx

Kitty

Daily Poem

By The Waterside.
By Kathleen

By the weir, I sit and dream;
As billowed cloud meets rising steam,
Over Ratcliffe's cooling towers
And as I while away the hours;
Cars and lorries in a hurry,
Behind me on the M1 scurry.
Drowned only by the waters roar
As foamy patches spray and pour
Like Lemmings in a leap of death
Then in their final dying breath,
Disperse and sink without a sound,
Into the Trent as it curves around
Where chalets built for weekend break
Sit quietly in the sun and bake
And Sawley All Saints pierces sky;
Where Little Tern and Seagull cry.

t78020 t78020 t78020 t78020

Toni, well done for supplying cake while Aidan is poorly, thanks duckie. t8011

Aidan, Get well soon, we need our matron back. t4591

Joan, thank you, the abs appear to be doing their stuff.

Barbara, sending huge to your family and hope your brother continues to get good news.

Holly went shopping for is in this filthy weather. It's her gran's funeral on Thursday.

VEGAN ASIAN MEATBALL BOWLS
INGREDIENTS
300 g / 0.65 lb sweet potato (1 medium)
1 large garlic clove, sliced
1 small shallot, finely diced
1 tsp ground coriander
1 lemongrass stalk, tender part finely chopped
2 tsp grated (fresh) ginger or ground ginger
10 g / 0.35 oz coriander / cilantro stalks*
¾ tsp salt, adjust to taste
generous grind of black pepper
200 g / 0.45 lb firm cotton (not silken) tofu
1-2 tsp hot chilli flakes or fresh chopped chillies, adjust to taste
25 g / heaped ½ cup panko or other coarse breadcrumbs (GF for gluten-free meatballs)
OPTIONAL ADD-INS

2 cups brown rice, cooked
a wedge of cabbage, shredded finely
½ cucumber, sliced thinly
2 carrots, shaved into ribbons
baby bok choi, pan-fried
2 spring onions, sliced finely
favourite pickles
fresh coriander leaves, to garnish
hot sauce, I like sambal oelek
soy sauce or tamari (GF)

METHOD
Heat up the oven to 200° C / 390° F (180° C / 355° F fan) and line a baking tray with a piece of baking paper.
Peel the potato and slice it into 1.5 cm / 0.5″ slices. Place on a baking tray and bake for about 30 minutes (until cooked through), flipping the pieces halfway through the baking time. Do not brush the slices with oil, dry potato is good for the overall texture of the meatballs. Let the sweet potato cool down completely after baking.
Place the baked potato in a food processor with all the ingredients apart from the chilli (you may want to add it gradually), tofu and breadcrumbs. Process until everything is well chopped. Use a spatula to bring any stray, large pieces back into the fold. Taste and adjust the amount of chilli (and salt) to your liking.
Add broken up (drained but not pressed) tofu. Process until well incorporated, but take care not to over process. The mixture should be pliable, but not overly wet.
Place the tofu and sweet potato mixture in a large mixing bowl and fold in panko breadcrumbs (or GF flour) with a spatula.
Place the mixture in the fridge for a few hours to make forming the meatballs easier. If you are in a rush, you can also just place the mixture in the freezer for about 30-45 minutes.
Take the mixture out of the fridge and roll it into meatballs. I used kitchen scales to ensure they are even – each meatball was 20 g / 0.7 oz (or about 1 level tablespoon) of the mixture.
Heat up a medium, non-stick pan on a medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil (I use rice bran oil) and allow it to heat up before adding the meatballs in.
Swivel the oil around the pan. Add the meatballs to the hot oil – they should sizzle once they hit the pan. Pan-fry them gently until they are browned all over. Handle them with care as they are a bit fragile while hot.
If you would rather bake the meatballs, heat up the oven to 200° C / 390° F (180° C / 355° F fan) and brush a baking sheet with a bit of oil. Place the meatballs on the oiled tray and bake them for about 20 minutes, flipping them to the other side (and brushing the underside with oil again) halfway through.
Serve on a bed of rice, fresh salad and pickles drizzled with hot sauce and soy sauce.