Val's Cafe

barbara12

Thankyou so much Ellen...x
Kath Aidan would be proud that you wrote a poem for him.he really would.x
Sue I am very sorry for your carer..my heart goes out to her family..x
God bless everyone t4591 t4591 t4591

dreamdaisy

Still reeling.

Thinking of you, Bill. DD ((( )))

lindalegs

What sad news, I'm so very sorry that Aidan has passed away.

Bubbles contributed so much to this forum and especially this thread and lifted many hearts on a glum day.

Hugs and love to all.
t69044

frogmorton

Thank you all for calling in to pay your respects to our wonderful Aidan AKA Bubbles.

I personally miss him desperately . I was just in Church helping dress the Christmas tree and well I know he would have understood the politics of such Church and villagey (new word) activities!!

The Rev Delphine was a comfort as she always is.

Love to everyone

Toni xxx

frogmorton

Good morning everyone.

I hope you are all well and coping after yesterday's awful news.((()))

Now I've done pancakes for anyone who can manage one?


I heard from Bill yesterday he is doing so well I think Aidan would be proud very proud. Tosca is missing him though and keeps waking Bill up meowing in his ear at night. He is taking Dad for a check up at the GPs. Aidan's funeral will be on the 20th and he will be laid to rest beside his beloved Mum and Dad.

This angel has rainbows another 'Aidan thing'.



'These are a few of my favourite things' Modified but sing the tune in your head if you can

Rainbows and pusskins and plenty of laughter
Angels good coffee and president butter
Nasty cold winters which melt into springs
These were a few of his favourite things!

Friends and his fam-ley sparkles and magic
Unicorn sightings made him ecstatic
Not too hot summers rather the springs
These were a few of his favourite things.

Mill-yon-aires cake that melts in the mouth
Mem-ries of France so warm in the South
A wonderful life he had his fill
Married as he was to his lovely Bill....

When we feel bad
and we miss him
and we're feeling sad
Simply remember his favourite things
and then we won't feel so bad.

Rainbows and pusskins and plenty of laughter
Angels good coffee and president butter
Nasty cold winters which melt into springs
These were a few of his favourite things!

Ah well I tried anyway.

Keeping busy today visiting a friend this morning, then carols round the tree outside Church later before the village Christmas meal. The last two will be a RUSH!!

Love to everyone

Toni xxx

dachshund

Morning everyone thank you Toni for telling us the sad news about Aidan. Sue did not see it yesterday as she was writing Dial a ride came as she was getting in Barbara phoned and said we could not believe it he was a kind and so helpful he will be sadly missed I will always remember his love of cakes. he's not in pain anymore thank you Aidan for your friendship rest in peace.
. Kathleen thank you for your poem ((((())))) very good.
Barbara thank you for phoning us ((((((()))))
. take care. love to DD Carol Mig and everyone on the forum ((((((())))))
. Joan sue xx

barbara12

Morning all..

Toni I also miss Aidan desperately.. he was so very kind, even though he had his many health problems,and will be remembered always..sorry cant say anymore..but yes the angel rainbow is very fitting..
Thinking if Bill ..and sending my love ((((())))
Joan that is so lovely..Aidan did love his cake..I think maybe the takings at the GC will be down now..he was very kind indeed ((((()))))
Thankyou everyone for your kind words (((((()))))
Today we have Niamh so that us a distraction in its self
Love to everyone
t4591 t115006 t4591 t115006

Kitty

Daily Poem

I wasn't sure which to choose after Toni's excellent parody of "Favourite Things" 10/10 and a gold star for that Toni. But I think Aidan might have enjoyed this one.

Moderate Visibility

When I was a child long ago,
listening to the radio
with my grandma, sipping tea,
tuning in to the BBC
for the shipping forecast every day,
taking in each word they'd say.
Dogger, Fisher, German Bight;
precipitation within sight
away from land and out to sea
with moderate visibility.
Force four South, veering South West later,
warm winds coming from the Equator.
Bailey, Malin, Hebrides;
fog clearing in the gentle breeze.
Winds freshen in Finisterre
blowing rain clouds here and there.
Dover, Wight and Portland Bill,
gale force winds are raging still.
Lundy, Fastnet, Irish Sea
have moderate visibility.
Heavy rain in Tyne and Forth
and a good force nine is moving North
to Cromarty, where waves are high,
almost reaching for the sky.
While down in Plymouth the
seas are calm the
forecast says it's turning warm,
over a thousand millibars
In clearing skies you'll see the stars.
Grandma, peering over her tea
says "moderate visibility".

m0150 m0150 m0150

I hope he would have enjoyed this meal too

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

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

Toni, I'm glad you heard from Bill and hope he and dad are feeling comforted by messages from friends and family. My heart also goes out to poor Mandy as I know she relied on Aidan to reassure her about her own heart problems. There is an Aidan shaped hole in all of our lives and will be forever more. Ay mi duck, wi gunner miss ya. t78020

frogmorton

Kath you are right there is a hole in our hearts and it's Aidan shaped. I hope Bill will keep in touch with us even if only occasionally we feel like he Dad and Tosca are family. Mandy has been helping Bill sort matters out.

Sleek is still going over though she comes back in tears every time. Mother is accepting hugs from her which is unusual in itself.

I am glad you liked the ditty it came to me from nowhere at all this morning.

I agree Aidan would have liked your poem I did too - those shipping forecasts!! Just reminds me that once there really was nothing on TV!

He did enjoy an omelette as did I so I shall try to eat a little ((()))

Barbara it is so hard to find the words so very hard and tears keep coming so typing is difficult.

At the moment I am struggling to even come in here, but seeing all your posts helps a lot.

I need a Niamh to keep me cheerful bless her t4591

Joan I could see Sue hadn't seen so Barbara rang you which was good. We couldn't have you not knowing.



Take care everyone

Toni xxx t115006

tkachev

Not sure when I last visited the cafe, such is life, but had to pay my respects to Aidan. Such a lovely, kind hearted man and he will be sadly missed. Thank you Toni for taking the time and trouble to let me know. My thoughts are with all of you who were close to him xx

frogmorton

Hi Elizabeth it's LOVELY to see you here You must know you are always welcome.

Thank you for taking the time to pop in and pay your respects to our Aidan. ((()))

Good morning everyone.

Miss Sleek has been out early doors managed to get Tosca to drink a little fishy latte and popped to visit all the other cats too. Everyone of them is feeling shell-shocked just like us.

It was 'Carols round the tree' at 5pm last night where we all (as many as want to) come and sing outside Church. Then afterwards inside for mice pies and mulled wine. I had to leave the 'mice pies' because Sleek looking over my shoulder thought they would be far nicer

Then an almighty rush to get to the golf club for the village Christmas meal :shock: Made it by the skin of my teeth Good job I dodged the mince pie though after singing there was so much food!!

Then there was dancing I had a go but gave up pretty soon!!

Right some breakfast - not great offerings sorry



Breakfast cereal

Today Paul's bro and SIL Sis and BIL are coming over. So out AGAIN for more food :?

Then I very much hope we can rest tonight Paul is up in Scotland most of next week so needs the rest.

Joan I hope all is well with you and Sue. So the lady who committed suicide had cancer. I wonder whether she couldn't see another way out bless her

Love to everyone

Toni xxx

dachshund

Morning everyone some have snow today
. Kathleen how are you and your Dad doing I hope you don't have too many ouchies ((((((()))))
. Barbara I feel the same I miss him not being on the forum.((((((())))) you have a good time with Niamh (((((()))))
. Elizabeth nice to see you at this sad time ((((((()))))
. Toni thank you for your lovely poem ((((((())))) yes it would be nice to know how Bill is and his Dad is. (((((((())))) have a nice evening tonight ((((()))))
. take care. love to Carol Mig (((((())))
. Joan xx

Kitty

Daily Poem

Wuthering Heights
By Kathleen

Heathcliff-like, you haunt my dreams,
central force of all my schemes.
Each decision carefully planned,
manoeuvred by your guiding hand.
Seeds you scattered long ago
only now begin to grow;
germinating slowly first,
unfolding with an unquenched thirst.

Across the barren wasteland calling;
as the burning sleet is falling;
Kathy walks with silent tread
through the lowlands of the dead
where ancient ghosts with hollow eyes
search the endless, sullen skies
and icy fingers pierce the skin,
trying to reach the soul within.

The air is filled with Ravens' cries
and jilted lovers mournful sighs.
Their bitterness will not be shaken,
nor their torment be forsaken.
Call your Kathy from her cold
and wasted, empty moorland road.
To Wuthering Heights, bring her back home,
no more these twisted paths to roam.

Out onto the frozen moor
where deep snow lies and north winds roar,
Heathcliff passes through the veil
with eyes so black and skin so pale;
as kathy waits beneath the Elm,
to welcome to her lonely realm
the one whose love she once rejected,
who now her heart shall keep protected.

When the day is quiet and still
look out towards the heathered hill
just as the Sun is going down
and shadows swathe it like a gown.
Two lovers walking hand in hand
across the shimmering, whitened land.
Where they are going, no-one can know -
they leave no footprints in the snow.



Cheese Souffle
Ingredients
Serves 8
 4 eggs
 250ml of lactose free milk
 20g plain gluten free flour/corn flour
 20g of margarine
 170g of cheddar cheese (lactose free if you are very
 olive oil to coat the ramekins
 pepper to taste*
Cheese soufflé -low lactose, gluten and
wheat free

Method
Gas mark 6,200°C, 180° fan
Oil the eight ramekins well and pre-heat the oven.
Separate the yolk from the white of the egg – ensure no egg yolk is in the white or it will not whip to the
correct consistency.
Melt the margarine slowly in a pan and add the flour – this will thicken. Cook for a few seconds and slow
incorporate the milk until it makes a smooth sauce. Simmer to cook the flour. Do not be afraid to sieve th
sauce if it contains lumps. Cool slightly and add the egg yolk and pepper melt in the cheese.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Add a 1/3 of the egg white to the
sauce to slacken it. Then fold in the rest of the egg white into the sauce carefully so all the whites are
incorporated.
Once they are incorporated STOP MIXING – you need to have as much air as possible in the mix and over
mixing may mean your soufflés will not rise.
Add the mix to the ramekins and cook for approximately 12 minutes – remove from the oven and serve
immediately.

Joan, I think it will take us forever to come to terms with Aidan's loss, he meant so much to us. My dad is supposed to be having his catheter removed tomorrow. He's beginning to return to his old self.

Toni, you're doing a grand job petal. Aidan is a hard act to follow. t4591 Did you ever get to read Sleek the story?

Elizabeth, how lovely to see you. We miss you too. t4591

barbara12

Evening all..Niamh gas not long gone home..she spotted a present...what's that she said..its from your cousin and ready to go to father Christmas..its says Niamh she says...no point in sending it, then father Christmas has to bring it back..I could open it now..
Toni sorry I didn't mention your ditty.. it's so nice and yes it's in my head now...Angel's. rainbows and unicorns...were just a few of his favourite things..bless you enjoy the Carol's and hope you get to the meal in time...and enjoy Paul's family..but rest tomorrow...please...xx
Elizabeth its lovely of you to pop in and pay your respects to Aidan..don't stay away to long..xx
Joan ...Aidan is missed but I sence he is watching the forum....and eating cake somewhere..
I hope you Sue and the doggies are all ok..xx

Kath I love the poems ..and sure Audan would like the omelette...he dud enjoy his food...I hope your munchies are not to bad..xx
..
Will leave you all for now
Love to everyone
t4591 t8011 t115006

frogmorton

Oh Barbara Niamh is just to clever for her own good isn't she?!!

Sleek laughed for the first time since Monday. She's been checking in on Bill, Dad and of course Mother.

Bill is doing so well Dad is being checked over by the Dr and I think Bill is realising that he may need to accept some help with Dad this very busy and very sad week. Bless them both.

Thank you Barbara the ditty came to me in a flash probably will never happen again.

This morning I was up early as usual 6am ish and immaculising ready for the family to arrive when there was a ring at the door...

Neighbours spotted something in our garden :?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EGNq_A3nVDwzjdBJeZ4547O6GFj8zUq1/view?usp=sharing

yes several

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EAXDUeC1C9Gr57O4U4m96Q8OoiBBCQHF/view?usp=sharing

Bless them but blimey they had done a fair bit of damage! Ate all the long grass round the edges though where Bessie bot doesn't reach

I also have a fair bit of manure for Wilhelmina Wisteria :shock:

Kath I LOVED that poem so very atmospheric! Totally Wuthering Heights! Well done.

Thanks for the soufflés very yum.

I can't post cakes yet and actually find even popping in here upsetting at the moment Am I the only one?

Joan I am sure Bill will keep us up to date about Dad, himself and Tosca. I heard from him today I think he is amazing - we know how upset we all are so can only imagine how hard his life must be just now.

Lve to everyone

Toni xxx

frogmorton

frogmorton

Ignore the Christmas biscuit it was just an experiment!

Any way good morning everyone I hope everyone is as ok as possible.

No cows in the garden this morning. Farmer had a hole in their fence and so did we :roll:

Some breakfast



I though boiled egg and a builder's

Keeping an eye on Pom's husband this week she is on holiday with her daughter SIL and Grandsons.

Paul is in Scotland :roll:

For Aidan t115006 t4591 t115006 t4591 t115006

Love to you all

Toni xx

[Deleted User]

I was very shocked to read of Aidan AKA Bubbles passing when I came on here this morning. He was always cheerful despite his conditions. He will be sadly missed, his posts never failed to cheer me especially when in pain. My thoughts go out to Bill his husband and to you all of the Cafe Clan.
Gentle hugs
ChrisK

dachshund

Morning everyone
. I'm like you I keep thinking a bout lovely kind Aidan he is missed very much ((((((()))))
. Toni I hope it's not too long before Paul comes home ((((((()))))
. Kathleen I hope you feel better now (((((()))))
Barbara I hope all is well with you and your family ((((((()))))))
Bill thinking of you (((((())))
. take care love to Carol Mig (((((()))))
. Joan xx

frogmorton

Hi Joan no Paul until Wednesday sadly, but the girls will look after me.

I can't stop thinking about Aidan and my stomach just drops it's just too awful isn't it?

Chris K thank you for taking the time to post to us it means a lot and hope it will to his beloved Bill in time ((()))

Toni xxx

barbara12

Morning all had an early start this morning at the doctors.. and Aidan would be proud she has agreed to see hubby tomorrow..he is fuming.. :shock: never mind
Joan Aidan was the hub of the cafe..so we will keep it going for him..heaven has a new Angel...goodness know what he is up to...xxx
Chris it's so kind of you to post..Aidan was a one off ..xxxx
Toni the cows are so cheeky..but the manure is a bonus..I am glad to hear Bill will get some help..he will not know which way to turn..I really do feel for him..and mother...
Thankyou for the biscuit had it after my boiled egg..xxx
Hi to Kath and anyone else that pops in...
t115006 t4591 t115006

frogmorton

Barbara Aidan will be with his Mum and Dad, B's Mum, Cookie and Pepe Longstockings!!!

Bless him t4591 t115006 t4591 t115006

Well done for getting your husband an appointment - hah! This time you can get things sorted :roll:

xxx t8011

Kitty

Daily Poem (for Aidan)

The Cafe
By Kathleen

The door to the cafe is open,
but when you look inside,
the faces you see are unhappy.
Most of them tear stained
for all of those inside have cried.

The pusskins are upset and dejected
as their daddy is no longer there
His chair stands empty
the cakes are neglected
the coffee pot empty and dry.

So as we remember
our Matron, our Bubbles,
who left us alone and bereft,
we say thanks for his memory
thanks for his cheerfulness
and thanks for his gentleness.



Toni, no you aren't the only one. I hesitated at first but when I saw you, Barbara and Joan, I knew I had to make the effort - we all must.
Cows in your garden, oh he would have loved that.

Barbara, oh Niamh is a little treasure, thank goodness she is around to cheer us up.

Joan, at least the sun is out today which is nice as our windows were cleaned this morning.

Thanks to all the visitors who have joined us to remember our Aidan.

I'm going to bake a really over the top cake.

barbara12

Toni Aidan will be with his family..bless then all..yes Hubby will be seen tomorrow bloods for me Friday...I know Aidan will be there..xxxx
Kath your poem is so very true...and so clever of you..will will all stick together and be strong..for one another..and that is a really over the top cake...Adan would love it...xxxx
Yes thank goodness for Niamh....
I need some advice off Aidan...

frogmorton

OH dear Barbara is it medical advice? Maybe one of us can try to help?

Yes Kath Aidan would have loved the cows so Bill had to see them instead!

In time it will get easier for us all to come in here I know it will we must persevere for each other and in his memory as well of course as Val whose idea it was.

Your poem brought another tear to my eyes, but that's only because we all loved him so much t115006 t4591

I love the cake Kath as would Aidan though I am only having a small slice I don't have the heart to face plant ATM



Thanks to some behind the scenes help from Mod Bryn I can also do them too now - about time Toni!!!