Val's Cafe

[Deleted User]

Dear Bill,

My I send our love to help you through this sad time. You are very strong to be realising there is much good to be found, I’m sure you are right and your dad is with your Mum again and with Aiden too.

All our best wishes to you and your family

Yvonne and the mod team
xxx

dreamdaisy

Bill, there are no words that can even begin to comfort in such dire times. Two candles will be lit tonight. DD

barbara12

Toni thankyou..my heart really does go out to Bill
It is so very unfair...and so hard to think of any words....
For you Bill t4591 t115006 t4591 xxxxxxx

Turbogran

Evening all

Toni What sad sad news poor Bill two people so dear to him lost in just 16 days, life is so not fair is it. I just don’t know what else to say. My love goes out to Bill for super strength to get through this.

Bill if you look in on us here just know we are all thinking of you. And wishing you so much strength. RIP Bill snr.

I didn’t get in to post on Christmas Day because of our techie ban as Toni said, we had a good day which I was glad about as I think last time I was on I said mr t was being a bit moody, but I put it down to the fact that we had lost his brother on Boxing Day last year, in the end I said to him on Christmas Eve that while I understood that it was a difficult time for us , there was no need to snap at me all the time and it seemed to shake the moodiness out of him. And with youngest Daughter around until yesterday I seem to have lost time again. All I know is my days of the week are a bit mixed up.

Now looking forward to Monday when we are due to spend the day with youngest at her house.

Hope you all had a good Christmas despite any aches, pains, and colds aside. I know I have suffered lots of pain, but I have been very sparing with my co - over Christmas so that I could enjoy having a few drinks of the alcoholic type. So my own fault really. But well we have to enjoy ourselves sometimes don’t we.?

Kath now roly poly yep I could go with a bit of that with some nice custard. Sorry that you are both in pain a lot of people I know seem to be suffering with one thing or another at the moment. I think it’s the time of the year for it roll on Spring I say.

Time for me to have a little potter around to move the joints a little.

Love and sparkles to you all t4591 t4591 t4591 t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006 t115006 t115006 t115006 and some extra t4591 t4591 t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006 t115006 t115006 and hugs for Bill and his family.

frogmorton

Good morning everyone.

I hope Bill will be able to take some comfort from the love, prayers, candles strength being sent to him from our little cafe. t4591 t115006 t4591 t115006

Unfortunately I am without internet as a small power cut yesterday morning blew the router another is in it's way but for now I will manage via my phone.

Carol you did right to have a gentle word with Mr T and it paid off too I'm glad Christmas went well and am sure you'll enjoy your visit to your youngest daughter's

Joan I hope you are ok after this sad news like all of us Bill's Dad was part of our family almost. Taje comfort that he is with Bill's Mum now and Aidan ((()))

I am off up to coronation street this morning for Paul's Christmas pressie from me. I will take plenty of pics!

Love and strength to you all

Toni xx

frogmorton

Pancakes for breakfast!

dachshund

Morning everyone
Toni thank you for letting us know about Bill snr.
so sad for Bill ((((((())))))
. Toni enjoy your time in Coronation Street how long will you be there ((((()))))
. Barbara I hope you had a good Christmas and Mr B and your brother (((((())))
. Kathleen it is cold out it will be nice when it gets a bit warmer won't it. I hope you all had a good Christmas ((((())))and your Dad (((((()))) and Holly and family ((((())))
. Carol I hope all of you had a good Christmas children make it a fun ((((())))
. Mig I hope you and your family had a lovely time (((((())))
. take care love to DD Christine and the Moderators (((((()))))
. Joan xx

Kitty

Daily Poem

'The Lady of Shallot'.
by Kathleen

Through her mirror, life revealed
beyond the river, across the field.
Her curse was cruel, her fate was sealed,
the lady of Shallot.

Such lonely days filled all her life.
Never Mother, never wife.
The weaving loom her only strife,
the lady of Shallot.

The only time her face was seen
was as she drifted down the stream.
All thought she'd floated from a dream,
the lady of Shallot.

Lord Alfred chose his words so well,
each one the tolling of the bell
sounding out her slow death knell,
the lady of Shallot.

Though written down as history
her tale still weaves a mystery
as time and time she visits me,
the lady of Shallot.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1UIeh-TNUABm2zKXOLUjni_M9QIs5ld7n

Bill, I was so shocked to hear about your dad's death. You have certainly been dealt a tough hand but we are all thinking of you and including you in our prayers.

Joan, thank you for your kindness and thoughtfulness. I rang my dad this morning, he was cooking himself a small chicken portion with cauliflower, Broccoli and spinach. The nurse is seeing him tomorrow to sort out his catheter - again.

Toni, thank you for the pancakes, I spread jam on mine. I hope you get your new router quickly and enjoy Corrie. Don't spend too much time in the Rovers.

Carol, so glad you had family round, that must have been a good Christmas.

Barbara, I too am so sad for dear Bill. I shall be glad when this awful year is over and I hope 2020 brings better health and more joy for us all.

CREAMY PUMPKIN MAC 'N' CHEESE

Ingredients

SAUCE
1 (2-3 lb) sugar or pie pumpkin (or sub 2 cups (450 g) canned pumpkin puree*)
1 Tbsp avocado or coconut oil (optional )
2 cloves garlic*
2 Tbsp arrowroot starch
1-1 1/4 cup unsweetened plain almond or rice milk (start with lower end of range)
1/2 tsp sea salt
2-3 Tbsp chopped sage or thyme (I used half thyme, half sage)
4-5 Tbsp nutritional yeast
3-4 Tbsp vegan parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp red pepper flake or cayenne pepper (optional)
PASTA
10 ounces gluten-free pasta (I love Bionaturae pastas and Trader Joe’s gluten-free fusilli)
TOPPINGS optional
Vegan parmesan cheese
Fresh sage sautéed in oil over medium heat for 1 minute or until just slightly browned
Pine nuts
Instructions
If baking your pumpkin, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Otherwise, if using canned pumpkin puree, skip to step 4.
Using a sharp knife, cut the tops of your pumpkin off and then cut pumpkin in half. Use a sharp spoon or ice cream scoop to scrape out all the seeds and strings. (Save the seeds for roasting!)
Optional: Brush the flesh with a neutral, high heat oil, such as avocado. And place flesh down on the baking sheet.
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a fork easily pierces the skin. In the last 20 minutes of roasting, add the two cloves of garlic still in skin to the baking sheet to slightly brown and soften. Then remove pan from the oven and let the pumpkin cool. Also peel garlic cloves and set aside.
If serving with pasta, start boiling water and cooking pasta at this time. Once pasta is cooked, drain and set aside. Optional: I like to drizzle mine with a little olive or avocado oil and a sprinkle of sea salt and vegan parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
To make the sauce, add 2 cups (as recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size) baked pumpkin (or pumpkin puree) to a high-speed blender along with peeled roasted garlic, arrowroot starch, dairy-free milk (starting with amount at lower end of range), sea salt, sage or thyme (I used both), nutritional yeast, vegan parmesan cheese, pumpkin pie spice, and red pepper flake (optional).

Blend on high until creamy and smooth. Then taste and adjust flavor as needed. Add more salt for saltiness, nutritional yeast for cheesiness, sage or thyme for herbiness, vegan parmesan cheese for depth of flavor, pumpkin pie spice for pumpkin flavor and warmth, or red pepper flake for spice (optional).
To heat/thicken the sauce, pour into a rimmed skillet and heat over medium-low heat, whisking frequently until sauce is hot and slightly thickened - 3-5 minutes. If it gets too thick, thin with a bit more dairy-free milk.
To serve, add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. Serve as is or (optional) sprinkle with 2 Tbsp (10 g // as recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size) vegan parmesan cheese and broil on medium for 1-3 minutes, watching very carefully until barely browned.

Enjoy hot and garnish with pine nuts or sautéed sage if desired. Cool leftovers and store in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days.

frogmorton

Just a quick post to let you know we're back we had a lovely time lots of photos which I can upload until I have the new router

Saw it all Roy's rolls, the Rovers the kabin etc. Paul loved it reckoned it was the best Christmas pressie has had apart from the personalised number plate I got him last year!

Loved the poem Kath and the mac n cheese ta v much. Hood on your Dad cooking but I hope this catheter behaves! Grrr!

Joan sadly we were only on the street for the morning but it was fun!

Love to everyone especially poor Bill ((())) and precious Tosca xxxxx

barbara12

Evening all..
Sending more love and hugs to Bill.. t4591 (((()))) I am thinking about you and Tosca xx
Toni I hope you get your new router very soon..and enjoy corrie.. so its Paul treat..his he a fan.. I hope that cold us on it's way out...xx
Joan we are all fine thankyou..Mr B has to make an appointment tomorrow for his results..mine are on the 13th..I hope Syes moth is healing with the yogurt..love to all of you (((((())))
Kath the poem is so clever..but so sad...bless her..thankyou for the pumpkin Mc and cheese very interesting.. I hope the nurse come to sort dad catheter out..they can get so uncomfortable xxx
Carol you enjoy your time with your daughter...and dont worry about posting ...xxx
Right better rest these eyes..I'm not to bad when I close the bad one.. :shock: hope it stays that way...
Love to everyone
t4591 t115006 t8011

mig

Bill my candles are lit for Aidan and your dad and I’m sending you some hugs ((((())))

frogmorton

Morning everyone

Some breakfast



Sorry just breads today but we do have best president butter and a selection of preserves....

Good to see you mig sorry there has been further sad news

Barbara Paul loves coronation street! He's a huge fan also Emmerdale but not sure I'd want to visit that set in winter!!!
.
My cold is improving thanks for asking less sneeze now so far doesn't seem to have gone to my chest.

How about Niamh? Is she ok?

Hi Joan and Sue hope all is well with you both and am also interested like Barbara whether Sue's mouth is still under control with the yoghurt?

Prayers and love to Bill and gentle strokes to Tosca pusskin ((())) t4591 t115006 t4591 t115006

Love to everyone

Toni

Ps I need my router!!!

dachshund

Good Morning everyone
. Kathleen I hope your Dad that's good your Dad his having his catheter it right ((((((()))))
. I hope you have not got too much pain with the cold weather ((((((()))))
. Barbara sorry about your eyes (((((())))) yes Sue's mouth is getting better slowly thank you ((((()))). I hope Mr B gets good results (((((())))))
Toni I hope your cold is on the way out (((((()))) could you buy a souvenir from there.(((((((()))))
Bill you are coping so well we are here for you anytime ((((((()))))
take care. love to Carol Mig DD ((((((())))) and the moderator's (((((()))))
. Joan xx

Kitty

Daily Poem

Emily
by Kathleen

Emily visited us that day,
a dreamy hot afternoon.
We sat among pots of Geranium
while the Honeybees hummed their tune.

Marigolds danced in the gentle breeze
which carried the Roses perfume
as we sipped Orange Squash and remembered the past,
one beautiful day in June.

Her brown eyes glowed with motherhood
as her unborn child quietly grew
and we talked of names and labour pains -
too quickly those short hours flew.

Now through the winter frosts
her son at last in her arms,
she longs for the coming of spring
to show him natures charms.

t69044 t69044 t69044 t69044 t69044

Joan, I'm pleased to hear that Sue's mouth is getting better.

Toni, you can't beat a lovely thick slice of bread, butter and jam. I had 3, thank you. I'm glad your cold is getting beter and that you enjoyed your trip to Coronation Street. It's our favourite soap. We used to watch Eastenders but not any more and we never watched Emmerdale. Can you remember Crossroads?

Barbara, My version of Lady of Shallott is nowhere as good as the original by Alfred Lord Tennyson. It is wonderful. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45359/the-lady-of-shalott-1832
especially this verse "She left the web, she left the loom
She made three paces thro' the room
She saw the water-flower bloom,
She saw the helmet and the plume,
She look'd down to Camelot.
Out flew the web and floated wide;
The mirror crack'd from side to side;
'The curse is come upon me,' cried
The Lady of Shalott."
very dramatic and you might recognise the line "the mirror cracked" as the title of one of Agatha Christie books.

Carol, mig, Bill, and all our VA friends, I hope you are feeling reasonably well.


Janet Henderson’s Vegetarian Haggis
Ingredients
75 g mushrooms finely chopped
75 g brown lentils soaked for 2-3 hours
50 g pinhead oatmeal soaked for 1 hour
50 g red kidney beans soaked, cooked & chopped
25 g butter vegan spread for vegans
150 g grated carrot
2 cloves of garlic peeled & chopped
150 g onions peeled & finely chopped
1 tbsp Scottish rapeseed oil
1 tbsp tamari/soy sauce
1 tsp garam masala
Freshly milled sea salt & black pepper

Instructions

Sauté garlic with onion in a little oil until the vegetable is soft, adding the garam masala, soy/tamari and season.
Add the brown lentils and carrot and simmer on a low heat until the lentils are soft, stirring to prevent the mixture sticking. If the mixture starts to dry out too much, add a small amount of vegetable stock or water.
Add mushrooms and allow to soften. Add kidney beans with vegan spread and stir. Heat through.
Add rinsed drained oatmeal to the mixture and combine. The oatmeal should retain its texture to give body to the haggis.
Blend well into the mix and cook through for about 10-15 minutes.
Serve with clapshot - mashed potato and neeps (turnips).

barbara12

Afternoon all nearly evening..I think Aidan told me that began at 6..heee Aidan you are missed... have been thinking of Bill all day..no words really just so you know we are thinking about you...and sending many hugs and love t4591 t115006 t4591 xxxxxxx
Kath was the poem about your Emily..its lovely..
The Tennison one is good but so is yours..it really is..I love corrie and Emmerdale..I do remember crossroads..use to love that in the afternoon..
Joan thankyou..and I am glad to hear that Sue's mouth is improving.. love to all of you ((((()))))
Mig it's kind of you to pop in I am sure it will help Bill knowing we are all thinking about him..and how are you doing now..have you finished with your treatnent...((()))
Toni I love good crusty bread and butter..thankyou..I make it in my machine these days....
Did Paul ever get to the old corrie street..it was sad to see it demolished after all those years..
Glad the cold has not gone on your chest...Niamhs has but she has had a poorly chest since she was born..it might be asthma..we are hoping not..
Right I'm off
Love to everyone
t4591 t115006 t8011

mig

Thought you knew Barbara my treatment finished in july Im in total remission after my last scan and blood tests it showed no sign of any active disease I will have to go back every few months for check ups.
Wishing you all a very happy new year t07008 .
My love to Bill you are constantly in my thoughts.X Mig

frogmorton

Joan you could buy a mug or coaster, chocolate or a tea towel.we had a photo taken outside the Rovers!

Mig long may your remission last - forever with Lucy! She only has to go gif bloods every 6 months now
.

Kath I loved 'Emily' what a sweet poem and of course I remember that line about the mirror!

The haggis is just in time for tomorrow we are going to Steve and Pom's just for a drink early. Probably all be asleep well before 12!

Barbara poor Niamh. I hope its not asthma. She might get stronger as she grows up ((()))

I am doing ok and feeling lucky. My lovely neighbour not so. I caught it from them but she was admitted last night so fingers crossed for her t4591

Still thinking very much of you Bill if you look in. We are all thinking of you, missing Aidan very much. ((())) love to you and Tosca hello to Mandy when you next see her t115006 t4591 t115006 t4591

Toni xxx

frogmorton

Forgot some replies.....Kath no j never saw crossroads but some of my friends watched it when I was little.

And Barbara Paul never got to see the old coronation street set. He'd have loved to ge said so on Monday.

Fingers crossed my router comes today I am struggling without

Apart from the real meaning of Christmas....the birth of Jesus of course. I see it as a family time you know for Children.

New year though has always felt like a time for couples. This is making me feel extra sad for Aidan's Bill I shall probably be asleep long before midnight but will be thinking about him very much. 2019 ended so dreadfully sadly for him and 2020 will have a really rough start.

Sending love to him and Tosca strength to get through the night and prayers for a kinder new year.

Right Toni now stop being sad let's see what food you can locate...

Muffins. Let's be naughty!



Love to everyone

Toni xxx

dachshund

Good Morning everyone
. Toni that's good your cold is getting better (((((((((())))))
. I hope your neighbour is not too bad (((((()))))
. Did you see how many dogs were given to the Rspca last Christmas day. Happy new year to Paul Lucy Tia and husband and Charley and you (((((())))
. Kathleen how is your Dad and husband and Emily and Holly Happy new year ((((((())))
. Barbara I hope all is all right with you Happy new year to you and Mr B Niamh and family and your Brother and family ((((()))))
Bill we are thinking of you I hope next year will be good for you and any one else in your family (((((())))
. take care Happy new year to DD Mig Carol Christine Elizabeth and family's ((((()))))
. Joan xx

Kitty

Daily Poem

The Orchard
by Kathleen

Truffles abound now the old sow is dead
and the orchard no longer bears fruit.
While shadows lengthen
and sea breezes strengthen
to make the old branches creak.

The once busy hives sit empty and bare
as the bees all left long ago,
and the milk churns stand
in a row on the sand
where the old Collie dog used to sleep.

But once in a while when the sun goes down
and the mist swirls in from the sea,
the lowing of cattle
and churns ghostly rattle
must surely make your heart leap.

Down on the shore, all the way to the farm
where shadows reach out from the past
and milkmaids blush
while farm boys rush
down to the fields to reap;

and beneath the light of a brilliant moon
that shines on the lonely ruin,
a Barn Owl glides
and the field mouse hides
away from his hungry beak.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1bftnfK00LMETQgCL0L80IO1IGAaBntDz

Luv muffins with best butter, ta Toni. t4591

Hoping everyone has a peaceful and fairly healthy new year. Hugs to Bill, Barbara, Mr B, Barbara's brother, Carol and all her children, GC and GGC and Mr T. And of course all the Mods.

t07008

Vegan sherry trifle

Ingredients

VEGAN SPONGE
200g of self-raising flour
160g of caster sugar
60g of ground almonds
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
250ml of soya milk
100ml of oil, (such as groundnut or sunflower)
1 tsp vanilla extract
SAFFRON CUSTARD
1.5l almond milk
180g of caster sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 pinch of vanilla seeds, scraped from the pod
1 pinch of saffron, (about 10 threads)
80g of cornflour
BERRY COMPOTE
260g of raspberries
100ml of water
1 pinch of vanilla powder
lemon juice, to taste
60g of caster sugar
COCONUT WHIPPED CREAM
800ml of coconut milk, (full fat) or 4 160ml cans of coconut cream, chilled in the fridge overnight
50g of icing sugar
1 pinch of vanilla, (seeds scraped from the pod)
TO ASSEMBLE
125ml of Pedro Ximénez sherry
50g of flaked almonds, toasted
10 raspberries

Method

1
Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4. Line a 23cm (9-inch) round cake tin with baking parchment
2
Place all the dry ingredients for the vegan sponge in a large bowl and mix together with a small balloon whisk. Measure out the wet ingredients into a jug and again mix together with the whisk. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and mix until well combined, then pour into the lined cake tin. Bake for 30 minutes until well risen and the sponge springs back to the touch
3
Remove from the oven and leave to cool for a few minutes in the tin, then turn out on to a wire rack and leave to cool completely
4
To make the custard, put all the ingredients, except the cornflour, in a pan and heat gently, stirring frequently, until warm
5
Mix the cornflour with enough cold water to make a smooth paste. Add to the almond milk mixture and cook for a few minutes, stirring until thickened. Remove the pan from the heat. You can strain the custard through a sieve to remove any lumps. Leave to cool
6
To make the raspberry compote, put half the berries with the remaining ingredients in a saucepan and bring up to a simmer. Cook gently for 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the berries have totally broken down and the liquid is glossy
7
Take the pan off the heat, leave the compote to cool a little then blend with a stick blender. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds, then mix with the remaining berries
8
To assemble, cut the sponge into slices 2.5cm thick and use to line the base of a glass trifle dish, 20cm in diameter with a flat base, evenly. Pour the sherry evenly over the sponge, then spoon over an even layer of raspberry compote
9
Leave in the refrigerator for 20 minutes or so to settle before carefully spooning over the custard. Cover and leave the custard to set in the refrigerator for a few hours
10
When the custard is almost set, make the coconut whipped cream. Open the can of coconut milk and scoop off the thick cream from the top (usually around 200g) into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Do the same if using creamed coconut, although there will be less liquid
11
Sift the icing sugar into the bowl and add the vanilla, if using. Whisk on a fairly high speed until the mixture comes together, being careful not to overwhip
12
Pipe the freshly whipped coconut cream on top of the trifle. Alternatively, add in small spoonfuls and spread out evenly across the top, then heat the spoon in hot water and use it to smooth the surface of the cream. Finally, scatter with the toasted almonds and decorate with the raspberries if you like

frogmorton

Joan Tia will be looking after those dogs (well some of them) and her job is rehoming so she'll make sure the new homes are BETTER!

Kath I loved the poem thank you t4591 As for the trifle it looks fabulous Kari and I will share with anyone who wants some (Aidan would have loved it).

Right this is us on Coronation street n Sunday for Paul's Christmas present.

Zoom in on the Dr who one see just how ill I was look at my eyes :shock: Not a good look eh :?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GtUL2PaoYh6wHFd3CyrAAtIC9_sJhDfB/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GsoVYsuiRLAV1hPC2OKih6k70Vas781I/view?usp=sharing Paul getting in Steve Macdonald's taxi

Outside Roy's Rolls

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GrHFvIJE7xIjgeGbn5sMCqEWMica5v2F/view?usp=sharing

frogmorton

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GpN0HhrO3zDcQscxcrWUlixBvL4RoMPO/view?usp=sharing

The Kabin

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GdGjbUJuY2tDkmL9PHq7IBqbJtNNvSJ7/view?usp=sharing

The kebab shop.

Hope these made you smile.

Toni xxx

barbara12

Evening all..
Toni you enjoy your time at Poms..I would never have missed hearing the bells chime..but think tonight I will be in bed..but sure the fireworks will wake us..
Your poor neighbour I do hope she is being look after..and she will be home soon ,((())) so glad to hear you are feeling a little better.. t4591
Like you Bill is on my mind and our lovely Aidan ..miss him so much ..sending many hugs for Bill and Tosca..((((()))))
Mig I wasnt sure if you had finished treatment.. I am so very pleased for you I really am.. t4591
Joan the poor animals at this time of the year.. it's awful.. and thankyou I hope 2020 is a good one for all of you..((())) t4591

Kath another nice poem..so beautiful to read..and trifle is one of my favourite thankyou t4591
I hope everyone has a good 2020..
My love goes out to Bill t4591 t115006
Just spotted you there Kath..thankyou for more lovely poems I will go and read them.. t4591

frogmorton

I know Aidan would have been the first to do this so

Raising a glass to lost café/forum friends; our beloved Aidan of course so recently taken. Valval the café founder and Tez - theresak.




Love to everyone

Toni xxx

[Deleted User]

Joining you Toni,

A toast to our absent family all of them, and wishing everyone the New Year they would wish for themselves

Much love on behalf of all the mods

Yvonne xxx

t07008