Val's Cafe

dorcas

It's been a very long time since I was on the Forum....but when I heard the very sad news about Aidan, I just had to pay my respects.
What a very wonderful human being! Kind, thoughtful, funny, supportive and a one-of-a-kind good guy. What a huge loss!!

My thoughts are with Bill and with those who knew and loved him. He will be so very much missed. Strength and love. 💖 Iris xx

Turbogran

Evening all
Sorry I have not been in since I heard the sad news about Aidan I simply cannot think about the forum without thinking of our dear Aidan.

I seems all wrong somehow but we must continue enjoying our little cafe Aidan would want us to.

Thank you Dorcas for your Kind words yes we will All sadly miss our Aidan/matron/Bubbles, he was a big part of the forum a kind helpful thoughtful man.

Toni yes it is hard to come into the forum at the moment and like you I loved Aidan, but as you say it will get easier and both he and Val would want us to carry on. I for one will never forget the day this happened because it was my Graycie’s 3rd birthday. Last Thursday was such happy/sad day for me.

Kath thank you for your poems for Aidan

Well I need to stop right here before I end up in tears
And in Aidans words I need to potter.

Love and Sparkles to you all t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006

frogmorton

How WONDERFUL to see Dorcas posting in here bless you I am sure he can see you have posted and appreciates it. Everything you said about our dear Aidan is true and I hope you are keeping well yourself?

Carol I am so pleased you and Dorcas have posted before me because normally when I come on in the morning Aidan is there in front of me which makes my stomach drop

You're quite right we must persevere in his and Val's name (I get what you mean about dates Aidan's heart attack was on Lucy's birthday I won't be able to forget ) and we will.

I hope the trip to Margate went well for you? and expect to see some photos soon of all the GGchildren t4591

Right now to practise my new skills breakfast something healthy:



A quick wave to our Joan ((())) Keep coming in I know it's hard at the moment, but we should all grieve together. t115006 t115006


love

Toni xx

dachshund

Morning everyone
. Toni yes I cannot believe Aidan has gone he's looking after everyone up there. (((((()))))
. Aidan is the 3'rd person I know to have left us sconce April) I'm sure the old street will be out on Friday for Aidan he will be smiling.
Barbara your husband will be pleased you made the appointment for him in time ((((((()))))
. Carol yes I missed Aidan's posts he was so helpful ((((((()))))
. Kathleen I hope everything is not too bad for you and your husband (((((())))
. take care love to Bill((())) thinking of you at this sad time.
. Joan xx

frogmorton

Gosh Joan you've had a very upsetting year

I also hope that Bill Dad and Tosca are coping ok without Aidan

Right a naughty treat for us maybe?



Still don't fancy it much nor adding any cream t115006 t4591

See you all later

Toni xxx

mig

Im gutted to learn of our dear Bubbles passing he was so supportive of me when I was ill and I believe he came from my home city where he trained and worked at our hospitals,this forum will be a sadder place without him,my sympathies to his husband and family. Thank you Frog for letting me know.

Kitty

Daily Poem

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
(Spinning the thread of time)

How often did some Middle English woman tread this way?
These concrete pavements then, were fields.
These houses, hedgerows.
No electric street lamps lit her path
which wound through marshy land towards All Saints
whose bells can still be heard.
But in the distance: no M1 would she see,
no bridge across the Trent,
no railway, or power station spewing steam
which rises Heavenward as did her prayers.
Yet still I sense her emotions
as she gazed at Willows, watched the weir
and listened as Martins gathered for migration.
Linked by a silver thread of time,
yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Who knows what will be here for those who follow
when its their turn to spin the thread?



Losing my mind Pet Shop Boys and Liza Minelli
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4hOH4YMPoE

The sun comes up - I think about you
The coffee cup - I think about you
I want you so, it's like I'm losing my mind
The morning ends - I think about you
I talk to friends and think about you
And do they know it's like I'm losing my mind?
All afternoon doing every little chore
The thought of you stays bright
Sometimes I stand in the middle of the floor
Not going left - not going right
I dim the lights and think about you
Spend sleepless nights to think about you
You said you loved me, or were you just being kind?
Or am I losing
My mind?

Anyone else thing this song is very apt right now? We'll get there one day. t4591

Toni, lovely cake, thank you for all you are doing to help us recover. I know what you mean, Aidan's missing posts are heart breaking. He WAS the cafe. I wish he could read all the lovely comments from us and our friends.

Joan, thank you for your kind concern. I hope you and Sue are coming to terms over the loss of Sue's carer.

Carol, we all know how you feel, we all need to pull our socks up and get on with cafe life. It's what Aidan would want.

dorcas, thank you for popping in. We always like to see old friends - even on such sad occasions as this.

Barbara, who will we turn to for advice. It's my Zoledronate infusion tomorrow and Chris and I get our flu jabs on Thurs (at last)


mig, yes Aidan was a local lad and lived nearby and worked in both the hospitals we use now. I hope you are feeling stronger after your ordeal.

Thai roasted butternut squash and coconut soup
This delicious and warming soup will brighten up any day. Using coconut yogurt as the star ingredient this soup is also soya and gluten free.

Thai coconut soup Ingredients
1 medium sized butternut squash
3 carrots
1 leek
2 small garlic cloves
Small knob of ginger – grated finely
1 tsp dried lemon grass
2 tsp ground coriander
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp cayenne pepper
Handful of fresh coriander
Chilli flakes
8 1/2 cups (2l) vegetable stock (roughly)
2 2/3 cups (350g) The Coconut Collaborative yogurt
¼ - ½ lime - juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
To serve
Fresh coriander
Cumin seeds
Rice of choice – allow ½ cup per person

Method
Pre heat your oven to around 190°c. Slice your butternut squash in half (length ways), de-seed and then place flat onto a baking sheet; insides down. Put into the oven and roast for around 35-40 minutes.
Put your rice on as rice takes a little longer to cook; follow packet instructions for correct water to rice ratio.
Chop up your leeks and carrots. Sauté in some water with the garlic and ginger until a little softer. Add the ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, lemon grass and chilli. Continue to fry, adding a little more water if it starts to dry up.
Once this is fragrant and the carrots and leeks soft, add in your vegetable stock. Bring to the boil then allow to simmer for around 10 minutes; season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once your squash is done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few moments. Scoop out the insides. They should be very soft so will easily come away from the skin.
Put into the pot with the stock and mix. Bring back to the boil and then add a squeeze of lime and the fresh coriander, season to taste.
Using a hand held blender, blitz your soup until thick and creamy. Add the coconut yoghurt and stir well.
To serve, ladle a good serving of the soup into a bowl, adding rice if desired. Top with some fresh coriander and any other seasonings. You could also add another dollop of coconut yoghurt on at the end to make it extra creamy!

barbara12

Evening all...sorry its late had my hair cut and went to the doctors with Mr B...he wasnt best pleased I can tell you..anyhow more bloods for him on Monday..and bloods for me Friday
Iris how lovely to hear from you..and it is so nice of you to post for Aidan...I hope we will hear from you again very soon..and how are these bionic wrist doing..xxxx
Joan it so sad hearing of people passing and such different ages..I think Aidan is definatly reading all we post xxx
Carol Your ggds Birthday was bittersweet bless.. it is hard posting.. but we will carry on..xx
Kath I do love that song and yes it's very fitting..it is heartbreaking not seeing Aidan post..but like you say we will get there..I hope your infusion ho ok and really helps..and glad to hear you are getting your flu jabs
Toni you are doing so well supplying us with food..Aidan would be ..will be proud...he has left an empty hole in our lives and the cafe..
Dont worry I just needed to ask about liver function..but will wait for my blood results..
Nothing seems the same does it..but we are strong together.. xxxx
Mig it's so kind of you to post..and I hope you are doing ok xxxx
Love to everyone
t4591 t115006 t4591

frogmorton

Good morning everyone!

Pancakes for breakfast:



My Mum had raised ALTs ones was that liver Barbara?? She had to cut out fats from her diet a bit I think and add in Bananas (Am I making this up? It just rings a bell :? ).

Well done getting your husband to the DRs and I hope YOU find out what's going on with him soon.

It's very hard without Aidan although it hasn't even been a week has it? We are stronger together that's true and it helps hearing form each other.

Kath I love the poem about the paths we tread that others before us did...how true and how lovely.

Gosh yes those song lyrics are relevant aren't they? If we feel this bad I can only imagine how Bill must be feeling

I hope Aidan can read the lovely posts he's getting. Maybe he can.

Thank you also for keeping up the poems and healthy food it can't be easy well I know it's not.

Good luck with the infusion today ((()))

That soup looks lovely thank you

Thank you mig for popping in. I had to let you know or it would have been such a shock I'm sure Aidan will still be keeping an eye and you just make sure you keep WELL now!

A wave to Joan have they had the funeral of Sue's carer yet? and how is her sore mouth doing? ((()))

Love to everyone

Toni xx

PS Bill messaged late yesterday he is still coping - just. Bless his heart t115006 t115006 t115006

dachshund

Morning everyone
. Toni I hope all is alright with you and your family. it's strange without Aidan I'm sure he's looking down thinking I would do that different (((((())))
. Barbara I hope you and Mr B's tests go well(((((()))) don't worry.
Kathleen I hope your infusion goes well with not too much pain ((((((()))))
. Mig I hope things are still going alright with you ((((((())))
. love to Bill and everyone (((((())))
. take care love to Carol and everyone else (((((()))))
. Joan xx

barbara12

Afternoon all..
Joan I totally agree..Aidan will be reading our post..and saying yes ...but I would do that different though..bless his cotton socks
And thankyou we are fine..I hope you Sue and your little family are ok...((((()))))
Toni a lovely breakfast thankyou..though we might have to go without..Aidan will be proud xx
I had OHs bloods wrong it not on this Monday coming but after Christmas. :? (((())))now fat..I cant eat it so there is very little..and bananas are banned..and I love them...potassium.. :roll: t115006
I hope Kaths infusion goes well for her...Adan click is cleaned and ready...((((())))
Going to take my brothers card today and see if they need anything..
Love to everyone
t115006 t115006 t115006 t4591

frogmorton

Good afternoon.

Erm no Kath I hope she's ok after that infusion today :? I wonder whether her lovely Martin does it for her...???

Joan I bet Aidan is saying 'eat some cake it will make you all feel better'

So here is some:



Chocolate fudge cake with a glass of milk each.

Barbara January for your OH's bloods? wow that's a while at least they are looking after you though.

You must let us know how your bro is doing I hope still going on ok. Is he due chemo this week?

Miss Sleek has been over to check on Tosca twice already today and she checks on Bill and tries to help him sleep a little too. I saw Kari today and Mrs D was also very upset about it all. Meowing and complaining that I ought to be able to get Tosca's Daddy2 back for Tosca. Oh I wish I could...

Anyway I want you all to know that I am going to go to Aidan's funeral on Friday service first then burial beside his Mum and Dad. I hope I will do a good job of representing the café and all his friends here. If there are any messages for Bill or anything you want me to say to Aidan let me know. You can send a PM if you prefer. t115006 t4591 t115006 t4591

Right onwards Toni! Tonight is Christmas shed night I am going over early to help Pom's husband 'set up' as she is away with her daughter SIL and G'sons skiing :shock: I know that's why her husband is here!!

Take care friends

Love

Toni xx

dreamdaisy

Hello, just wanted to say that I am still upset by Bubble's sudden passing and thinking very much of Bill. Aidan was the cafe, ably aided and abetted by all the other regulars but you think 'Cafe' and you think Bubbles: well, I do. DD

t4591

barbara12

Toni I am so sorry I cant come to Aidans funeral..if Mr B had been ok he would have gladly picked you up from Manchester and drove us there...
Anyhow you give Bill my love,he knows I am thinking about him..just wish I could do more..bless him
I bet mother us looking for Aidan but sure miss sleek will help all she can... my brother has more injection because if his blood cells ,so no chemo last week..fingers crossed for this week xxxx
DD it's good of you to pop in..the cafe did say bubbles after we lost our Val..he iis missed so very much..xx
Kath I hope you are doing ok..very tired I should imagine t4591 t115006
Will leave you all for now
t4591 t115006 t4591

Turbogran

Evening all

Toni sorry I didn’t get In last night so you had to be the first again this morning my day just seemed to disappear in a flash.
Hope Lucy had a good birthday.
The Ramsgate trip was enjoyable we manage to see all the family with the exception of grandsons GF and his eldest 2 Faye and Ashley as we didn’t meet him till the evening and then other 2 GGC were at home in bed. But he brought Kian to see us.
and yes we certainly will keep our cafe going.
I certainly have quite a few dates around this time of year that mean a lot to me. Next Thursday Boxing Day will be 1 year since Mr Ts brother passed away. And on February the 12th since my aunt went. And also on 26th February 3 years ago we lost our dog Snowie and I will Remember every one of those days. Wow that was a naughty treat it was yummy, ooh pancakes love those too.

Joan we all miss Aidan indeed but you can be sure he is up there taking care of us. I noticed today that Bill had posted on Aidan’s Facebook page today to let his friends on there know of his passing.

Mig we certainly will miss our Bubbles.

Kath your poems are just great keep them coming.

Barbara yes ggd birthday was tinged with 2 lots of bad news the first being the news about Aidan and then also a message from one of my cousins to say my auntie has cancer and this time it is of the aggressive type and they have given her 3-6 months. So Thursday was a happy day and a sad day all in one day.

I know we are all having a sad time in here but if you are in agreement I with try to cheer us up with some new pcs of our GGC.

I must now have a little potter around (Where have I heard those words before)

I leave love and Sparkles to you all t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006

Turbogran

Toni I see that you going to Aidans funeral tomorrow please give Bill my love. and I am sure you will do a good job at representing us all here in the Cafe. Thank you . t4591 t4591

frogmorton

dreamdaisy wrote:

Hello, just wanted to say that I am still upset by Bubble's sudden passing and thinking very much of Bill. Aidan was the cafe, ably aided and abetted by all the other regulars but you think 'Cafe' and you think Bubbles: well, I do. DD

t4591

Hear Hear DD t4591

frogmorton

Good morning everyone

Carol 100% with our blessing - pictures of the GGC will really help brighten our days.

Thank you for trying to get in so I am not first in after Aidan should have been here. So kind of you to try to make it a bit easier t4591

Sounds like some hard times ahead for you looming I am so very sorry to hear about your Auntie bless her I hope she isn't in pain.

Yes you must keep on pottering and think of Aidan when you say it and don't get chair shaped either!

I was waiting for Bill to post on Aidan's FBook page brave man ((()))

Barbara I know you would have been at the funeral if you could, but your health must come first you know Aidan would have said that. Bless Mr B for being prepared to have taken us - we can go and visit Aidan's resting place one day when he's well enough if you want to.

Bro's bloods needed a boost I hope they are high enough now to go ahead with the chemo given how well it's working. Fingers crossed here from me.

Let's hope we see Kath today ((()))

A quick wave to Joan I hope all is well with you and Sue and the doggies. Have you been watching the supervet?

Some fresh fruit for our breakfast:



Love

Toni xx

dachshund

Hello Everyone
I know it’s not Friday Joan has to have the camera down her throat tomorrow so we as swapping the days around and going to town today
We will be thinking of everyone tomorrow
LOTS of love
Sue

dachshund

dachshund wrote:

Hello Everyone
I know it’s not Friday Joan has to have the camera down her throat tomorrow so we are swapping the days around and going to town today
We will be thinking of everyone tomorrow
LOTS of love
Sue

mig

What time are the services tomorrow Frog so I can light a candle in his memory.Mig

barbara12

Morning all..the sun us shining..
Carol yes you must the the pics on I love to see there little faces...so glad you enjoyed your visit..
I am so sorry to hear about your aunt I am afraid my brother us going through the same..I hope your aunts pain is under control and she is comfortable...xxxx
Sue I will be thinking if Joan tomorrow..she just gets on with things bless her..hope you both have a nice day out with lunch...xxxxx
Toni..Mr B disent drive into Manchester..not for a long time.. but he would have give it a go.
A lovely fruit breakfast this morning thankyou..all of Aidan sayings keep going through my head..especially I should coco...we will bist his resting place..still cant believe I am saying this... I hope all goes to plan tomorrow.. for your travels..I told Bill o am thinking if him..but please give him an hug....not more I can say... ((((()))) and some for you..(((((())))))
My brother will be at hospital now but not heard from him yet..fingers crossed
I am getting worried about Kath..hooe all is ok (((((()))))
Better move
Love to everyone
t4591 t115006 t4591

Kitty

Daily Poem (Sorry it's another sad one)

Did You Know We'd Had Snow?
by Kathleen

Did you know we'd had snow?
And your curtains were still closed
when I looked out at eight o' clock.
Their dull, beige lining reflected the sun
as it shone upon the white, glistening path
which leads to your back door.

Did you know we'd had snow?
And the early Primroses peeped from their leaves
when I looked out at nine o' clock.
Their petals closed against the cold, still air
which made my breath form a mist
as I carefully crossed the frozen lawn.

Did you know we'd had snow?
And the Dunnocks scrabbled beneath the Hydrangea
where I'd tossed crumbs at ten o' clock.
Their brown, ruffled feathers kept them warm
as they picked their way between Snowdrops,
that hid beneath the snow laden Oak.

Did you know we'd had snow?
And the Co-op was empty that frozen morning
when I went to buy Hovis at eleven o' clock.
The misted windows showed the remains
of Christmas tinsel, and the closing times
obscured by an advert for Lotto.

Did you know we'd had snow?
And I watched clouds gather outside my window
as I ate my cheese sandwich at twelve o' clock.
They hung overhead and blocked the sun's rays,
as the Primroses shrank into their leaves again
and the Dunnocks fled to find shelter elsewhere.

Did you know we'd had snow?
And I saw the ambulance outside your door
as I watched fresh snow falling at one o' clock.
You lay on a stretcher, in blankets and foil,
your face hidden among the swathes
as with worried eyes, they took you away.

Did you know we'd had snow?
And we stand by your grave with its mound of soil
while Father Thomas says prayers at two o' clock.
We call ourselves neighbours, though we hardly speak
as we go about our lives, not interfering.
What more can we say? How could we know?

Did you know we'd had snow?



Martin doesn't do my infusions Toni. The Osteoporosis nurse does them at th hospital. Yesterday went well, but was home too late to pop in. This morning we had to wait for the nurse to arrive with our flu jabs. She arrived at 11:30. WE'VE BEEN DE-FLUED.

Barbara, very dull and miserable here I can barely see the keyboard. I hope your brother has good news for you when he gets in touch.

Sue, thinking about Joan, I'd hate to have that procedure, she's such a brave lass - bless her.

Toni, I shall be at Aidan's funeral in my mind. Please give Bill my sympathy and love. Thank you for the fresh fruit.

Carol, so glad you enjpyed your vit and cuddles with Kian and the rest of the clan. t4591

Vegan Burritos
INGREDIENTS
For the Black Beans and Corn:

1/2 Medium Onion (Chopped)
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
1/4 tsp Dried Chili Flakes
1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
1 15oz (425g) Can Black Beans (Drained)
1 15oz (425g) Can Sweet Corn (Drained)
1/4 cup (60ml) Water
Salt and Pepper (To Taste)
For the Sundried Tomato Basmati Rice:

3 cups Cooked Basmati Rice*
12 Sundried Tomatoes (Chopped)
1 Tbsp Lime Juice (Freshly Squeezed)
Salt and Pepper (To Taste)
For the Pico De Gallo Salsa:

1 Full Batch Pico De Gallo (as per linked recipe)
For the Vegan Sour Cream:

1 Full Batch Vegan Sour Cream (as per linked recipe)
For the Guacamole:

2 Avocados
1 Tbsp Lime Juice (Freshly Squeezed)
Salt and Pepper (To Taste)
For Assembling/Serving:

8 Large Soft Flour Tortillas (or use gluten-free if preferred)
3 cups Shredded Lettuce
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare your black beans and corn mix. Add the chopped onion and olive oil to a frying pan along with the cayenne pepper, dried chili flakes and cumin and sauté until the onions are softened.
Add in the black beans and sweet corn along with the water and stir fry until most of the water has cooked off. Add salt and pepper to taste. Leave to cool while you prepare the other ingredients.
Prepare your sundried tomato basmati rice. Add the cooked rice to a bowl and then add in the chopped sundried tomatoes and lime juice and toss until well mixed in. Add sea salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
Prepare the salsa and sour cream. Prepare the pico de gallo salsa and vegan sour cream as per linked recipes and set aside.
Prepare the guacamole. Add peeled and chopped avocados to a bowl and mash with a fork. Add in the lime juice and salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare your tortillas. Warm your tortillas in the oven (follow package directions) for around 10 minutes wrapped in foil.
Assemble. Lie a tortilla down flat on a plate. Add some sundried tomato basmati rice to the center of the tortilla, followed by some black bean and corn mix, followed by some shredded lettuce. Then add some pico de gallo then some vegan sour cream and top with guacamole. Fold in the sides and then roll it up and wrap in foil. Continue with the next tortilla.
Serve. Cut the burritos in half and serve.

dreamdaisy

Afternoon all, we have a drear and dismal day here today which perfectly matches my mood.

Toni, I wish you well for tomorrow and all that it will bring. You and Bill will be in my thoughts and I hope there will be joy and laughter amongst the tears.

Joan, I haven't had the camera treatment but Mr DD has. It's not fun but the staff have always been caring and considerate with him and I am sure they will be with you.

Best wishes to all, I'm off to light an eight-hour tea light for our lovely Bubbles. DD

frogmorton

Afternoon everyone. My blinds have arrived and been fitted all very painless they fit just over the glass inside the frame some are up some down so I hope you can see:



DD thank you for saying you'll be thinking of us I hope there are some smiles too - there ought to be Aidan was a fun man!

a candle for Bubbles perfect thank you

Kath I loved the poem it was very sad, but very relevant at this time of year we should watch out for our neighbours

So you had to go to the hospital yesterday no wonder you were tired it was along day :shock:

Glad it's done and you are both de-flued now

Thank you for the burritos I really liked them I have saved one for Kari for her dinner.

I will pass your message on to Bill.

Barbara we shall visit Aidan's resting place we can say hello to his Mum and Dad too we heard so much about them ((())) I also hear his words a lot in my head. I will give B a hug if he'll let me. I wish it was Aidan I was hugging though.

Mr B is very brave to drive into Manchester I know I can't do it ATM

Fingers crossed your bro is given the go ahead for his chemo. t4591

Don't forget choir practise tonight we are singing Sunday evening and need the practise! I wonder whether 'the sisters' will be there :?

The service is at 1pm mig A candle would be lovely ((()))

Sue poor Joan! I hope it goes really well. I need one of those too but am far to scared :oops:

Right it's cake time:



Love to everyone

Toni xx