Val's Cafe

frogmorton

Morning everyone!

Yvonne I'm so glad you enjoyed the cake! No you can't watch your weight if you're in a hotel!! Make the most of it



Mild outside again This morning I will put the last of the decorations away t7313 t8011 t79122 I will miss them, but it's nice to be tidier again isn't it?

Also must go in search of some nutritional yeast.... forgot it on my online delivery yesterday :oops:

Sleek is just back from checking on Kath, Bill and Tosca and putting some magic t115006 in Mr T's slippers to make his heart warm to the idea of a kitten for Carol! She has been busy.

:animal_busy:

A quick wave to Joan I heard from Bill yesterday (as did Barbara) so we know he's ok ((()))

Love to everyone

Toni xx

dachshund

Good Morning everyone
. Kathleen s it alright if I call you Kath (((()))) love to your Husband ((((()))) I read there is snow for some this week.
Toni Toni is a nice name I had a Dr here name was Antonia.
. my first name is Edith but I have always been Joan it was my mum's name and her mum's Sue's is Henrietta she likes it now she's older. Have a good day all of you (((((()))))
. Good luck to Carol getting a little puss ((((()))
. Have a good day Barbara (((((())))
. Bill and Mandy have a good day (((((())))))
. take care all love to Mig ((((()))
. Joan xx

barbara12

Morning all..nice and sunny again..
Joan thankyou..Niamh is 7 but 21 in her head..no 60..she is really old fashioned.. I hope you are alluding ok..snow on the way...suppose we have to have it sometime..((((())))
Carol I think this kitten will be moving in...fingers crossed good on you for doing the stairs to your daughters..at least you know you can do it...
Kath I get babs a lot so dont mind one bit..people also have trouble spelling it..I get Barbra... :shock:
The poem is me all over..I live in the past most of the time..its very clever indeed..
Toni thankyou for the waffles..and the cake of course...so you are delivering the mag with Kari ..what a lovely village to keep people in the loop..ans bring them together.. I want to live there..
Our lovely Aidan never forgot anything..he was amazing..there I was trying to remember everything..and I should coco..used to make me laugh...
Some sparkles for Bill and Tosca... t115006 t4591 I
Yvonne..no it no use trying to diet on holiday..or any other time of the year Aidan would say..you have a lovely time wherever you are going..
That's my eyes done..will try and get back later..
Love to everyone
t4591 t4591 t115006

Kitty

Daily Poem

Monday Morning Blues

Oh what joy,
Monday morning,
in the bathroom
stretching, yawning.
Splash the water -
boy that's hot -
can I wake up?
Can I not!

Have a cuppa,
feeling better,
there's the postman -
wot, no letter!
Only bills,
the kind I hate.
Have to leave
or I'll be late.

There's the bus,
got to run,
now I've missed it
I'm feeling glum!
Boss looks grumpy,
face is black -
oh what a bummer -

I’VE GOT THE SACK!! :shock:

:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

Babs , we have a sunny day too. So Niamh is 60 really, I was a bit like that at 7. I used to wear my Nan nan's hats with hat pins in, and love to listen to gran's stories about her days as a tweenie when she was 11. For those who don't know, a tweenie was a between maid in a large house with servants. She worked in a mansion called Tupton Hall in Derbyshire. It was demolished in 1938 after a fire.

Joan, of course it's alright for you and Sue to call me Kath, everyone else does. There's only dad and Anita call me by my full name. I love the names Edith and Henrietta, very distinguished names for two very delightful ladies.

Toni, mmm thank you for that breakfast, it looks delicious. Glad that Bill's keeping in touch to let us know he's OK.

Yvonne, a weigh in thread - oh my days. Can we lie about how much we weigh? I'm HUGE :?

Roasted butternut squash

INGREDIENTS
900g (2lb) butternut squash, de-seeded and chopped

2 red peppers, chopped

1 large Spanish onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, sliced

2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary

Freshly ground black pepper

1 tbsp vegetable oil

Juice of 1 large orange


Preparation
Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6. Put the squash, peppers, onion, garlic, rosemary and pepper in a large, non-stick roasting tin, in one layer. Drizzle over the oil and mix together with your hands until all the vegetables are coated in the oil.
Roast the vegetables for 35–40 minutes or until all are very soft and caramelised.
Stir the orange juice through the hot vegetables.
Roasted squash

Serve and enjoy

frogmorton

Afternoon everyone!

Well I made the haggis and it's YUM! Really yum Kath good recipe:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HUWBM0fSc3-wS3lX39eCz0RRZhMVXNQL/view?usp=sharing

Not sure the photo does the taste justice sorry.

Joan I think Edith and Henrietta are lovely names too. Antonia is a bit better I struggled to spell Antoinette as a little one!

Babra Brabara Barbera…..I get it! I can manage to spell your name really Barbara!

Aidan had a great memory one of the ways he made each of us feel special I think t4591

It would be lovely if we all lived in this village - you'd love it such nice people.

I hope we don't get snow I really don't like it I can't walk in it nor drive in it. Remember Aidan's Ninny walking and he never let us see!!

Niamh is 60!! Shock horror! Mind you she is that age when they love helping shame it doesn't last until they could be really useful!

Kath did Yvonne say a weigh-in thread :shock: nooooo!!!! We'll have to dodge that for sure :? :shock:

Did you see I cooked the haggis? it is YUM super-yum. Enough for Kari too so I'll take her some over tomorrow. Roasted butternut squash lovely thanks

Just the last of the decorations to take down here now - I need a tweenie to help me

I was enjoying the poem until the last line...oh dear me

Shall I post some cake? Everyone welcome to some

https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1574344069030-b2926f1b3d06?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=eyJhcHBfaWQiOjEyMDd9&w=1000&q=80

kettle's on!

Toni xx

mig

Evening all,I am glad the holidays are at an end I’ve had nearly 2 weeks of not knowing what day it is.i had a quiet new year in bed by 10.30 with a book and a tot of single malt.
Bill you are always in my thoughts big hugs coming your way.Happy New Year all. Mig X

frogmorton

Lovely to see you mig Happy New Year. I too am very glad to see the holidays all over and done with today is MONDAY for anyone who needs to know

Right breakfast time methinks what shall we have? I am doing croissants which always remind me of Aidan I've dodged them so far, but think it's time. After all he loved them!



I can't remember whether I told you I have worn the bracelet part of my jewellery suite Bill made for Tia's wedding in August every single day since then? Well obviously it's been in every shower I've had so now it needs a repair. Bill is happy to fix it for me isn't that lovely?

A quick wave to Joan hope it's not windy your way dogs don't like wind much do they?

Love to everyone

Toni xx

dachshund

Good Morning everyone
. Kath How are you and all your problems I hope they are going on alright (((((())))) love to your Husband and your Dad ((((((()))))
Mig I hope everything is going well for you (((((()))))
Barbara Niamh is lovely is she still helping with the house work ((((()))) love to your Brother and your Husband (((((())))))
. Toni it must be lovely to have Kari living so close to you ((((()))) love to Paul Lucy Charley Tia (((((())))
. Aidan was good he could help with all the medical thing's we had he will never be forgotten or Bubbles (((((())))
that's good that Bill will fix your bracelet (((((()))))
. take care love to Carol ((((((())))
. Joan xx

[Deleted User]

Hi Cafe visitors

I would like to wish you all a belated healthier, happy New Year. May it bring with it, less pain.

I was shocked to see that Bill's dad had passed away. Poor Bill, two big loses in a short space of time. Thinking of him and sending him lots of gentle hugs.

ChrisK t115006

Kitty

Daily Poem (tell me if you get bored of them)

Foot And Mouth
by Kathleen (sorry if it's a repeat)

No children are playing
down in the lane.
No dog owners walking
their pets in the rain.
The parks have all closed
and the footpaths are blocked;
the farms are all shut
with their gates firmly locked.
All racing is cancelled,
the countryside's still;
no cows in the pasture
on top of the hill.
The lambs have all vanished
the pigsties are bare.
The stench of burnt flesh
fills the damp morning air.

:? :? :? :? :? :? :? :? :?

Joan, you are right, we will never forget our Aidan, such a caring man. t4591

Antoinette (I just wanted to see if I could spell it ) such lovely crunchy croissants, thank you. Such a shame that your bracelet needs repairing, but how sweet of Bill to repair it for you. Yes I saw you made the haggis, not being a vegan I've had the meaty one, yummy scrummy.

mig, I'm glad you had a quiet New Year. A tot of whiskey, why not. But I prefer a cuppa.

Hope Barbara and Carol are keeping well.

m0150 m0150 m0150 m0150 m0150 m0150 m0150

Aubergine tagine with black olives and preserved lemon
An amazing dish, full of different flavours. Serves 2.

Ingredients
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tbsp olive oil
2 large onions, finely sliced
2 garlic cloves
Sea salt
10 mini aubergine, halved, OR 2 large aubergine, cut into cubes
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground turmeric
Pinch saffron
1/2 cup (125ml) white wine
2 cups (500ml) water
1 tsp stock powder
2 small preserved lemons, flesh removed, finely chopped
5/8 cup (120g) black olives, such as kalamata or couchillo, cut in half
4 whole sprigs of thyme
Method
Toast the cumin and coriander seeds in a large pan until they are fragrant and darkening. Put them into a pestle and mortar, grind, then remove and put on a plate
Heat the oil in a pan and add the onions. Fry on a medium to high heat then put on the lid to sweat the onions. Grind the garlic and a sprinkle of sea salt in the pestle and mortar
The onions should be browning. Give them a stir, and add a little water if they are sticking. Add the garlic and fry for 5 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed
Add the aubergine, spices and wine. Allow the wine to reduce by half before adding the water, stock, lemon, olives and thyme. Simmer for 30 minutes, adding splashes of water if needed
Serve with basmati rice, white or brown as you prefer.

frogmorton

Joan yes Bill is kind to fix the bracelet I love it and don't want to be without it. Nope we'll never forget our Aidan/Bubbles/Matron. He is really missed

Thank you Chris K I am sure Bill will appreciate your words. It's so desperately unfair for one man to loose so much in such a short time

Cake anyone?



One almost worthy of our Aidan's baking skills!

Kath that was a terrible time the foot and mouth epidemic so sad Poem summed it up very well.

You should try the vegan haggis gosh it's fabulous!!

Aubergine tagine....might have to try that too Thank you

Love

Toni xx

[Deleted User]

Hi everyone

Just wanted to wish you all a belated Happy New Year, wishing you the very best in health, happiness and of course wealth.

John (Moderator)

barbara12

Evening all..our eldest son is 48 today...😯gosh time flys...
Toni I quite like Antoinette.. I am making the most of Niamh before she becomes a teenager..I hope she disent change..but sure she will
Thankyou for breakfast..I know that Aidan would love us to carry on his traditions..bless him he dud make us feel special...
How clever making the vegan haggis..I will have to look back for Kath recipe..she does put some good ones on..I just spotted your amazing cakes..wow you are nearly has good as Aidan...xx
Mig its lovely to see you..I am glad it's all over..and I still dont know what day it is xx
Chris..thankyou for popping in..I hope you had a nice break and have a good 2020xx
John thankyou and the same to you..I have given up on the wealth part..xx
Kath the poem about getting sacked is so funny.. and I do remember the horrible foot and mouth.thankyou fir the recipes..the aubergine tagine sound nice..I hope all is well with your dad..and we dont mention weigh on here :shock:
Joan thankyou again...I hope you are all doing ok..and you are right Aidan helped us with medications..he was so kind
Did I say my brother had is Chemo on Friday..but his leg us swollen and he had to spend 4 hours in a&e..had it scanned but not sure what the results are..
Better move
Love to everyone
And special hugs for Bill ((((())))
t4591 t115006 xxxx

Me too Babara...John

barbara12

Oh nooo again a big smiley... :roll: sorry...

frogmorton

Morning everyone

Thanks for the big smiley Brabaraba Happy Birthday to your son

Yes we must and will keep up our Aidan traditions I agree. I think he would be proud of my cake-making skills too :oops: I copied the haggis recipe if you like I can PM it to you? It was fab I made a load more yesterday and froze it.

Sadly all kids change and become 'orrible for a bit, but then they change back don't they? t4591 Niamh is likely to be sweeter for longer to her Nanny (or are you a Grandma???).

I was going at ask about your bro - I am glad he had his chemo on Friday. Do let us know what happened with his leg - hope it wasn't a DVT :shock: ((()))

Happy New Year to Mod-John too and thank you very much t07008

I also wanted an update on Kath's Dad...how is he doing?? Just thought we haven't heard for a while.

Now breakfast....what shall we have? Fried egg and hash browns



A quick hello to our Joan I hope all is well with you, Sue and the doggies!

Love

Toni xx

dachshund

Good Morning everyone
. Kathleen I hope you and Chris have a good day to day((((((()))))) and your Dad (((((())))
. John thank you for your kind wishes (((((())))) the same to you.
. Barbara I hope your Brother's leg is alright. Happy Birthday to him ((((()))))
. Niamh is a lovely little girl she always seems happy ((((((()))))
Chris k thank you for a lovely forum we've made friends and we don't know what they look like and we don't care we like them for who they are and their kindness thank you everyone (((((()))))
. Toni I hope all of you have a good day ((((()))). How is your neighbour doing ((((()))
. take care I didn't mean anything was wrong with anyone
it's just when you go out people don't speak even when you speak to them.
. Joan xx

barbara12

Afternoon all..its cold and raining...
Toni thankyou for the breakfast.. I do love this cafe..and no washing up... yes if you wouldnt mind coming me the recipient.. I'm not vegan but most seem so tasty.. might give it to our son, and let him make it.. he cooks a lot of vegan...do vegans eat cheese by the way.. :?:
I am grandma..I am sure Niamh will go through the teenage thing..but like you say they come out the other side..xx
Joan thankyou... I totally agree with you..we dont always know what each other looks like but we love one another.. I have a lovely photo if you Sue and the doggies..Aidans photo is on facebook and Toni's if you haven't seen them
Not sure how my brothers leg is..I have text but nothing and messaged.. OH will go round to check up on them...
Niamh is coming after school..there boiler is broke and mum us waiting for the council to come out
Better go..love to everyone t4591 t115006 t4591
Still sending special hugs for Bill and Tosca (((()))) t115006

frogmorton

Cold and raining here too Barbara might dodge my walk today I think....might brave it though as it's doing me good. Resting heart rate is coming down and my back really does hurt more if I don't... :?

Hope your OH can find out what's going on with your bro's legs and it's nothing serious.((()))

I am intending to be a grandma when the time comes I think...there's a blessing in disguise if you get Niamh again t4591 Mind you I hope the boiler gets fixed.

Vegans don't eat cheese or milk or eggs. I am dodging them too to see whether my lungs improve I am hoping for less gunk (sorry gross) :oops: BUT I love cream as you know and president butter. I am going to make a chickpea omelette see if it's any good.

Joan I have to agree this café is full of lovely people happy to have a chat and pass the time of day. Mind you I say hello to anyone out there whether they like it or not!

I didn't misunderstand I know what you mean I rather think, since everyone is lovely we all look lovely too t4591

Right some cake?



butterflies - earth angels on it for our Matron

Love to everyone

Toni xxx

Kitty

Daily Poem

Broken
by Kathleen

I take tablets
every day,
do they work?
I couldn't say.
I've bits that hurt
and bits that don't,
bits that move
and bits that won't!
Sore bits.
spreading in a patch.
Itchy bits,
that I MUST scratch.

Muscles, joints, bones and skin,
on the outside and within.
Lips and tongue,
teeth and jaw,
eyes and nostrils,
all are sore.
Maybe pills are just a token.
They can't mend me
I'm too broken!

t2507 t2507 t2507 t2507 t2507

Babs, I'm a grandma too. My mum was nanna, I had a Nannan and a Gran. Holly is the similar age as my grand children. They are aged between 18 and 32. Rain here is pounding down. Don't apologise for the big smilies, they are brilliant.

Joan, one of the reasons we miss going down to the shop, is that everyone we met said hello, whether we knew them or not.

Toni, thank you for the breakfast and yes, you should be proud of your cake making skills. Dad's still got his catheter in, but he's managing to get out to his club to see his mates every Friday.

Vegan Roast chocho with shallots
Category: Snack/side dish | Serves: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS
4 whole chayote (also known as christophene or chocho)

1 tablespoon olive oil

150g shallots

1/2 teaspoon chilli powder

1 teaspoon garlic puree

Black pepper to taste

method
Preheat the oven to gas mark 6 / 200 C / 400 F. Halve chochos lengthwise, removing seeds. There is no need to peel the skin.
Cut into thick wedges and peel shallots. Cover evenly with chilli powder, garlic, black pepper and olive oil.
Place wedges on a non-stick baking tray and roast for 20 minutes, flip wedges and roast a further 10-15 minutes, until golden brown and tender.

frogmorton

Good morning everyone rough night for me the migraine aura was back. Woke at 2.18...until at 3:50 there it was...awake till 5am.....tired Toni!

Hope everyone else is as well as possible.

Kath thanks for the poem it's all about US lot! Add in a couple for a migraine to the mix :roll:

How many GKids have you got? Paul wants to be a Grampy :shock: I'd never have heard of that before I met him it's rather Warwickshire then I'd be Granny.

Your Dad is doing well still getting out to the pub! A catheter (if he puts a night bag on!) means he doesn't have to keep nipping to the loo Thanks for the update.

Thanks also for the vegan roast chocoshall very interesting...

A quick hello to our Joan

and some breakfast:



muesli and fruit

Love

Toni xx

dachshund

Good Morning everyone
. Kathleen yes it's nice to go out and see friend's it's still cold but no snow his way. Your right Arthritis goes through your body it's like tooth ache ((((())))and your Dad (((((())))
Barbara I hope your brother's leg is OK (((((()))) how are your eyes feeling (((()))) love to Niamh ((((()))))
. Toni we had a Grampy he was our Dad's father mum's Dad was Grand Dad my Dad's family lived in Wales. I hope your Migraine does not stay too long ((((((()))))) I've to Lucy Charley Tia and Paul ((((((()))))
. Aidan we miss you and your great knowledge of thing's big and small ((((((())))
. Bill thinking of you I hope you are getting on alright ((((()))))
. take care. love to Carol Mig ((((((())))
. Joan xx
.

frogmorton

Afternoon everyone!

Joan you had a Grampy the name makes them sound adorable and cuddly to me. I never had either sadly. My Mum's Dad long deceased and my Dad's Dad in Hungary I never met him because of the iron curtain as was.

The migraine isn't too bad so far hoping that was it for another month or so fingers crossed.

No Kath yet? :? I hope all is well.

I think we'll hear from Carol today or tomorrow we usually do about Wednesday. Her life is just so manic! Mine is ok in winter

Barbara will also happen along eyes permitting. I wonder whether Niamh stayed the night if her boiler didn't get fixed. :?

Right then cake time! cheesecake

Love to everyone

(((((Bill and Tosca)))))

Toni xxx

barbara12

Afternoon all..cold but dry at least
Toni..poor you being awake...do the migrauns always come on after the aura...I hope it disent come on full blown..I dont have them but a friend of mine does..she is on new meds for them not sure what they are called..maybe you have them..(((())) t115006 and some if Aidans sparkles for you...
I know that dairy effects Niamhs chest...it make more gunge has you say...walking is so good for the muscle groups ..its good that your resting blood pressure has come down..just goes to show..
Paul is getting ready to be Grampy...bless..hope it's not long for both of you
thankyou for the lovely breakfast more up my street than a cooked one..
Kath..I love being a grandma.. its like my mum was..I had hangman fir a couple of years... the poem is sad..but true..pain meds dont work after a while..it always best to change now and then..if you can that is...thankyou for the vegan roast..wont attempt to sell it ((()))
Joan thankyou again..my brother has another leg scan on Monday..so fingers crossed..my eyes are well one is..a bit hazy..cant really see a lot with it..has long as I keep the other one..
What lovely words you put on for Aidan ...it brought a tear to my eyes..(((())))
Right better go
Love to everyone ..keep warm
Bill I am still thinking about you..and hope you are able to look after your back..(((())) t115006
Just spotted you there Toni..I used to always post at the same time has Aidan...and I am in time for cake thankyou...
Niamh did sleep over but the poor things has to be up for 7 to get her to school..she was no trouble

mig

Feeling excited at the end of march last year it was our golden wedding anniversary but as you all know we had to cancel celebrations so this march 29th will be our belated DO,we have booked a sunday lunch river cruise for 20 family and friends,it lasts for 3 hours there's commentary as you travel along the Trent in Nottingham,Aiden would have loved it as he was a Nottingham lad.
Love to Bill. Mig

frogmorton

Good morning everyone!

mig lovely to see you What an amazing day you are going to have on your anniversary. There will not be a dry eye in the house (on the river cruise) a DOUBLE celebration! Aidan might just be watching you all you're right he knew Notts well having worked at the QMC for many years

Hi Barbara I am glad Niamh got a night with her Grandma and Daddy! Not forgetting Grandad of course :shock: BUT 7 am leaving the house that is early for a little-one. What a good girl she is.

I had 4 more auras yesterday and one at 5am this morning. The actual headache doesn't happen until the last aura. Odd I know it's like the migraine doesn't quite manage to get started! Problem is not being able to see for about 40 mins each time. I wonder whether your friend is trying triptans? They are really good for migraines. Thanks for Aidan's sparkles t4591

I'm sleeping better too as well as the lower resting heart rate....wonder how much is connected to the dairy. We shall see. Glad keeping off it helps Niamh. Does she drink soya milk then?

Paul will have to wait a bit longer if Tia has her way to be a Grampy! Obviously Charley has to plan any small additions so we'll have plenty of warning there.

So they are rescanning your bro's leg then? Sounds not too worrying maybe? :? Though I bet you do. ((())) t115006

A quick wave to Joan I know she's next in after me t4591

Some breakfast:

Fried eggs on toast

Love to everyone

Toni xx

PS a bit worried about Charley she has a very bad chest infection, but she's still smoking....I will let you all know.