Val's Cafe

frogmorton

I've been forgetting myself with all this upset about loosing our Aidan..not like me nor would it have been like Aidan himself. :oops:

Those poor, poor people in Australia :shock: I have been thinking about them and the desperate loss to the countryside too in such a beautiful land.

But the animals. The poor things so many have died or been badly hurt

Sending love to them all and praying for rain and lots of it. t4591 t4591 t4591

Toni xxxx

dachshund

Good Morning everyone
. Barbara good luck for your brother's scan on Monday (((((()))))
Barbara does your eye's ache I'm sorry you have that wrong (((((())))
. Toni I hope your Migraine has calmed down now((((()))). Sorry Charley has a chest infection not nice((((()))) I've never smoked I did try it pinching one of my Dad's when he was out I thought it was horrible. Sue doesn't either.
Kathleen I all is well with you and Chris ((((()))) I just read Tesco's are closing some of their shops.
. Bill have a good day I hope every day is a bit easier for you (((((()))))
. take care. love to Carol Mig the cruise sound's lovely (((((())))
. Joan xx

Kitty

Daily Poem
by Kathleen

I used to write a poem or two

when I was just a lass.

but all my silly dayreams

put me bottom of the class.

I never touched my maths book,

Geography would bore me,

and as for art,

well it definitely floored me.

But stick a book of poems

into my little mitt

and I'd be in my element

for hours I would sit.

Tennyson, was my delight,

the Lady of Shallott,

I dreamed of writing odes

and long romantic rhymes.

But only ever managed

to waste me flipping time.

:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

Sorry I didn't get in yesterday. We had problems. Hope to be back to normal tomorrow. A second poem to make up for yesterday.

Truly Magical
In memory of Aidan. t4591

Our forum is such a magical place,
with puss cats galore,
a magical door,
a lovely zoo
and zoo keepers too
what more could anyone need

The food’s full of taste,
we eat it in haste,
and our friends here are loving and kind.
We all have a laugh, a smile, a titter
and here, we all can unwind.

So forget your Arthur
and soak up the laughter
stroll through the garden, and zoo.
We’ll send massive hugs
and drive out your bugs
and start each day anew.

frogmorton

Hi Joan I am an ex smoker, but the girls never knew because I kept it from them. Gave up about 17 years ago. The first cigarette is always dreadful It's by far the best thing that neither you or Sue smoke it's bad for us. Charley is on tablets and must rest she has an inhaler too. Thanks migraine ok...ish!

Kath I very much hope all is well today or will be very soon ((())) thinking of you t4591 t115006

That poem was about a young Kathleen for certain thank you for posting it

Right some cake methinks.....



What about that! Aidan would love it!

Love to Bill and Tosca ((())) t4591 t115006 t4591 t115006 :animal_busy:

barbara12

Evening all..proper cold today t110007
I have gone and bout a fire surround and mirrow..off fb selling..they said it was heavy has its marble..so toucan imagine what oh has said :oops: but our youngest son picked it up with him..will show you a pic when finished..£50 for the lot..
Toni the fires in Australia are heartbreaking..l dant watch it... I just hope they get plenty of rain soon
Sorry I forgot to mention your earth angels..Maidens favourites..bless him is really is missed..
Thankyou for the lovely cake..you are doing a grand job
Our eldest GD is desperate for a family of there own..but like you say it will take some planning..then I would he a ggm like Carol..and thankyou..xx
Joan.i think all our messages will help Bill ...I really do..and thankyou will let you know how my brother gets on..my eyes are strange..not achy but quite blared..but we all get there in our own way..I hope you Sue and the doggies are doing ok((((())))
Mig it was our golden wedding in August..what a lovely idea taking all the family on the boat trip..I am sure you will have a lovely time...xx
Kath two brilliant poems..I first one so funny..and like you say the second Aidan would love..I hope whatever problems you have are sorted or will be soon (((()))
Love and hugs for Bill ((())) t4591
Have a good evening everyone
t4591 t115006 t4591

Turbogran

Oops just lost a nice lengthy post to you all and I am so annoying I am not going to rewrite it tonight as I need to be pottering as we do but I will Re post tomorrow

Love and sparkles to you all t4591 t4591 t111055 t111055

frogmorton

Good Morning everyone it's a chilly start...

Choir practise for me last night. Barbara sneaked in for the choccy biccies. Plenty of plans for the new year although our vicar retires in April sadly. She won't leave the village though as she lives here

Carol you poor thing so infuriating when you loose a post - was it your fault? It's usually mine when it happens to me :oops:

Joan my poor neighbour is still very poorly in hospital with her chest thanks for asking. I hope her husband will let me help out with visiting soon he's going to drive himself into the ground himself. He's mid 70s and fit, but a person can only cope with so much.

Barbara I am struggling to read/hear about Australia it's dreadful so heartbreaking for everyone concerned. I hope they know we all care.

We do miss Aidan so much. Still it really is early days yet it's been just 2 months since he went. Poor poor Bill I feel so much for him I think he's amazing keeping on going like he is and doing what Aidan would have wanted. They knew each other so well - that's love t4591 t4591 t4591

Our girls will have children i'm sure, but it will take effort on their part. Imagine how lucky they'd be with two mums!

Kath how did I miss 'Truly magical'! It's alovely tribute to out Matron. Made me think we'd better check in on out animals later...coming?

Love to everyone

Toni x

Breakfast toast

and coffee (soya available if desired)

dachshund

Hello everyone
It’s Friday again
I hope everyone is as good as they can expect to be
We are off fo our meal again
We have another 3 weeks to use Dial a Ride we don’t know yet what we will be doing we trusted them it took a while for me to trust them I don’t know if I can trust anyone else. when you book transport and it doesn’t turn up (and that happened a lot of times) and being in a wheelchair it takes a while to trust anyone else
So sorry to go on.
Is anyone a fan of call the midwife I love it
See you next Friday
Love Sue

Kitty

Daily Poem (sorry if you've seen it before)

By The Waterside.
by Kathleen

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

m0150 m0150 m0150 m0150 m0150

Morning Sue, sorry to hear your dial a ride is coming to an end. I understand exactly what you mean about trust. We don't usually use wheelchairs (no room for them at our house) But when I book patient transport to take me for hospital appointments, it's usually an ambulance with a wheelchair. They usually turn up but sometimes they are late and that makes me late for my appointment. :? It's scary needing to depend on others when you know they could/would let you down. You're NOT going on, you are simply expressing your very valid anxieties. Love to you both. XX

Toni, I would love to teeter down to view our animals, at least we know they are safe. Some of our local Knit and Natter groups are knitting little pouches and sending them to Oz for baby Roos, Koalas and possums who have been injured in the fire. It's heart breaking. I know our Matron would be uber concerned about them, bless him. Thanks for breakfast. Plain instant coffe is fine but I ought to have an Aidan special.

Carol, sorry you lost your post. I expect your knit and natter group are also sending little knitted wraps for the poor animals in Australia. I think the whole nation is helping out in some way. t4591

Barbara, the problems are ongoing and keep popping up every so often. Chris is not coping and it scares me as to what will happen to us. :shock: It's sunny ATM but will probably deteriorate later. :roll: Hugs for your brother.

Sending hugs to mig, Elizabeth, Bill, and all or mods and friends on VA. t4591 t4591 t4591 t4591 t4591 t4591 t4591 t4591

VEGAN BOOZY HOLIDAY PROFITEROLES
Combining two popular sweet treats, these whipped cream-filled masterpieces will take center stage at your holiday gatherings.


SERVES: 6

What you need:
For the doughnut profiteroles:
½ cup almond milk
5 tablespoons vegan butter
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
⅛ teaspoon salt
½ cup powdered sugar
6⅓ cups vegetable oil, for frying

For the filling:
1⅓ cups coconut cream
1½ ounces Baileys Almande
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
2 tablespoon powdered sugar

For the sauce:
1¼ cups almond milk
3 tablespoon agave nectar
3½ ounces vegan dark chocolate, finely chopped

For the sugar string:
1 cup sugar

What you do:
For the doughnut profiteroles, in a small saucepan over low heat, add milk and butter, and whisk until butter is melted. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and powdered sugar. Add milk mixture and stir.
Lightly flour hands and work surface. Roll 2 tablespoons of dough to form a ball. Repeat with remaining dough.
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and preheat a deep-fryer to 340 degrees. Fry 4 balls at a time for 4 minutes, or until golden brown. Lift out of oil with a slotted spoon, shaking off excess oil, transfer onto lined tray, and set aside to cool.
For the whipped cream, in a mixing bowl, add all ingredients and whisk until thick and creamy. Set aside until ready to serve.
For the chocolate sauce, in a saucepan over low heat, add milk and agave nectar. In a medium bowl, add chopped chocolate. Pour warmed milk over chocolate, and stir until completely melted.
Cut profiteroles in half lengthways. Pipe generous amounts of cream onto bottom halves and sandwich with top halves.
Before serving, in a heavy-based pan, melt sugar until golden. Stack profiteroles on a serving plate and drizzle with chocolate sauce. Finally, using a spoon, spin melted sugar around stack.

frogmorton

Hi Kath thank you for the profiteroles....:)

We'll take them with us to check on the animals. Our Aidan would be very upset about the wildlife in Australia as well as just the sheer awfulness of it all Not sure my knitting skills would be much help for all the koalas and Roos, but think it's lovely idea

Aidan loved his fancy coffees, but I can soon knock you up some instant! I get upset when I see a neros at the moment

I have read that poem before, but it stands reading again I really like it

I am sorry Chris is struggling (((()))) for both of you. You'll get there you always do t69044

Sue when you're dependent on other people you are vulnerable I totally understand. I would be worried they would forget me so trust is very important .

We always watch Call the Midwife and are very happy it's back o telly take care now.


Take away for later....

I heard from Bill he's received my bracelet to repair and someone wants to buy Dad's bungalow! I know it seems super-quick, but it will be one less thing for Bill to worry about.

Love to everyone

Toni xxx

barbara12

Hello all..a nice sunny day today ..cold so wrapped up warm...
Sue it's such a shame your ring and ride us ending..I know how much you depend on them..I really hope you can find a firm you can rely on..hope you and joan enjoyed your lunch...((((()))
Carol its si frustrating losing a post ..I have list many..but dont worry if you dont feel like posting it all again...xx
Kath I understand what you are saying..its a dread of mine if we both are both poorly and cant manage..and I would like a stranger coming in...
I like the poem...and thankyou for the boozy profiteroles..and I have extra cream..and thankyou fir the hugs for my brother you are very kind...(((()))) fir you and Chris
Toni I am pleased that Bill has sold dads bungalow..like you say one thing if his mind..

Thankyou for breakfast and the takeaway.. think we are having chippy tea tonight....
Yes it would be nice to have 2 mums..I just hope it happens for them...
Right better go Niamh has arrived
Love to all and hugs for Bill (((()))) t4591 t115006

Turbogran

Evening all

Ok well I will try not to loose my post tonight.

Toni Yes it was my own fault I hit the wrong button by mistake and yes the air was slightly blue with a few rude expletives aimed at the IPad. To make me feel a little better.
It was tad chilly here too this morning I just wish it would go one way or the other. It is playing havoc with my pain levels. The Australian fire problems are really sad I hate hearing about them
I was thinking the other day how much we are neglecting our sanctuary animals think I must have a little potter later and check them out. Make sure they are all ok.

Hi Sue I am Also a fan of call the midwife have watched it right from the very first series. Sorry to hear about your dial a ride stopping hope you can find someone else you can trust. It dose take sometime if you are in a wheelchair to trust somebody.

Kath I think the little pouches for the little Roos sound adorable we have not even heard they need them in our knit and natter group.
Sorry Chris is not coping I also worry about that happening with Mr t And me. Lots of hugs to you both.

Barbara It was my own fault loosing the post I hit the wrong button and I was so angry at myself although I did blame the iPad to make me feel better :lol

Had a picture on facebook an couple of days ago put on by Gd of Graycie she had told her to get undresses for bed and put her nappy on (she uses pull ups at night ), when she next turned round she was standing there in her t shirt with her nappy over her knickers and tights she is a funny little monkey that one. I have got a photo if you want to see the it . I cannot believe that in a months time our Youngest GD will be 18 of coure that will mean a stay in Ramsgate to attend her party. Mind There are 4 birthdays in ten days coming up mine is 30th of January GGD Faye is 4 on The1st February. Lillie is 8 on the 5th of February and then GD is 18 on the 8th of February.

Mig The cruise up the river to celebrate your belated 50th anniversary sounds fantastic. It is our 50th anniversary this year and we have timed our holiday around it and doing a 3 week Mediterranean cruise and our anniversary falls on the last night before we arrive back In Southampton.

Tihini I will potter off down to see our lovely animals to check them out

Lots of love and Sparkles to you all

t4591 t4591 t115006 t115006 And love to Bill as well. Glad he has managed to sell Dads bungalow.

frogmorton

Good morning everyone. I had a bit of bad news my ex FIL has gone, that's Lucy and Charley's Gdad. I am still close to that side of the family myself, but the girls have always adored him.

Barbara must have a take away on a Friday to celebrate the end of the week A modern tradition in our house.

Does Niamh enjoy them or is it still her M&S roasts for her? t4591

Fingers crossed the sale of Bill's Dad's bungalow goes through nice and quick for him. He has enough on his plate. ((())) t115006 t115006 t115006

Carol you make sure you tell them it's your 50th anniversary then you might get a little treat on your cruise. Oh it will be lovely it really will so restful and you two deserve it. Remember? No-one thought you'd even last now look at you!!

The last of the Gchildren's 18th what a shock :shock: so off to Margate again for you soon. February. I'll try to remember.

Lucy used to be like Graycie! I'd love to see the pic of her I have one of Lucy with a pair of Charley's school shorts (silly shiny lycra ones?) on top of her baby gro which I had melted a perfect iron shape into!!

Don't you just love them?

Please do go and check on our animals Kath and I went yesterday, but they shouldn't be forgotten. You can get your knit and natter group on the case can't you?

I think it's even easier to loose posts on tablets of any kind isn't it? :roll: Well we got this one thank you

Hi Joan I hope you had a lovely day out yesterday? Sue is really worried about Dial a ride finishing do the drivers have any idea of a good reliable accessible taxi firm?

Right better get us some breakfast:

I'm going pancakes maple syrup and the fruit is one of our 5-a-day!

Love to everyone

Toni xx

dachshund

Good Morning everyone
. Carol it must be lovely having so many Grand children they would keep you laughing (((((())))
Barbara I'm sorry your eyes are causing you problem's ((((((()))))
. how is your husband ((((((()))))
Kath I'm sorry your husband is having problem's (((((())))) you have so many problem's has well it must be hard for you both ((((((()))))
. Toni sorry about Lucy's and Charley's Granddad ((((((()))))
and your neighbour (((((()))) you did well to stop smoking (((((())))
. to me it's like burning money.
. Bill you are doing so well good luck in selling the bungalow ((((((()))))
. Have a good weekend everyone. love to Mig ((((((()))))
. Joan xx

Kitty

Daily Poem (spooky)

The Seer
by Kathleen

Something sits behind her eyes
and tells her things she shouldn't know;
and as she dreams throughout the hours
she hears the voices - soft and low
whispering in magic words
that tell of joy - or tell of woe.
In the silence of her room
she watches as the shadows show
hidden secrets, buried deep
in distant times, times long ago.
Then from some far off future day
she feels their pain begin to grow
as someone lives - and someone dies
she sees which way the wind will blow.
Then as the clouded image forms:
sometimes fast, sometimes slow,
filled with people not yet born:
she watches while the visions flow.

:shock:

Toni, how sad for Lucy and Charley. I hope their Gdad went peacefully.
WOW, those raspberry pancakes look wonderful thank you.

Carol, I'm glad your post was successful this time.

Barbara, I hope you enjoyed your chip supper.
t115006 t115006 t115006 t115006 t115006 t115006

Fried Rice Falafel recipe
Ingredients (for 2 people):
170 grams Basmati rice (I used wholegrain)
1 big carrot (250 grams)
3 teaspoons curry spices
1/2 cucumber
200 grams broccoli
1 teaspoon harissa
1/2 garlic clove
100 gram unsweetened soy yogurt
1 package of falafel (check if it’s vegan)

Prepare the rice as stated on the package. Cut the broccoli in florets and slice the carrot. Warm some olive oil in a frying pan and fry the vegetables together with the harissa and curry spices for one minut. Add 4 tablespoons of water and fry for another 6-7 minutes. Finely chop the garlic and grate the cucumber, mix with the soy yogurt. Warm some olive oil in a frying pan and fry the falafel balls for 2-3 minutes on each side. Add the rice to the vegetables and fry for another 2 minutes.
Divide the rice over two plates and serve with the falafel and tzatziki.

barbara12

Evening all..its poring down here.
After a dark day
Carol I would love to see the photos..especially the one with the pull up over her leggings..childrens antics always make me laugh..how lively a cruise for your 50th anniversary..had mine in Lythem I need to get a new passport..just wish we lived nearer Southampton
Toni I am so sorry to hear about Lucy and Charley gd..end of another era for them ..hope you have a safe journey there and back..(((()))raspberry pancakes..yes please...
Kath the poem is very interesting..I did read it twice
We did enjoy our chippy tea..we share one lot between us..but Niamh had her roast dinner..I buy frozen broccoli and Yorkshire puds.. buy a cooked chicken leg and make gravy.. oh and aunt Bessie mash she think its wonderful...((()))
Joan thankyou again..hope you are all ok..Mr B has his results next week and mine are monday..((((()))))
Well I have the fire surround and mirrow in that I got off Facebook selling..oh says it's never coming out..its that heavy...
Love to Bill and I to hope dads bungalow goes through without an itch..(((()))
t4591 t111055 t115006

frogmorton

Morning everyone I hope everyone is as well as possible.

Barbara I thought Niamh was still all roasts! Lucy was until only a few years back So was Tia. Something they expect from their Grandies I think

I bet your fire surround is lovely your OH is a cheeky boy!!

Lucy and Charley are doing ok poor ex MIL is not so much so. 55 years I think for them and he was her one and only which is rather lovely. He did have COPD, but it was an aortic embolism which got him so it was sudden.

I shall be over with Lucy later on.

Kath I know a seer and something tells me I know more that one...? Lovely poem very atmospheric.

The girls' GDad went quickly and he didn't suffer better than what we had all expected. Hard on them particularly Lucy who was all him.

Love the falafel and rice. I have been after a fried rice recipe since I miss egg fried rice. This will do nicely ta v muchly

Hi Joan - smoking these days is soooo expensive its £10 for a packet! £10!!!! Glad I managed to give up. Thank you Charley and Lucy will cope ok they are strong girls Tia is very worried about her step-sisters, but she knows they'll be ok. They were lucky to have him so long he had very very bad COPD.

I heard from my neighbour's husband yesterday all seems to be going ok albeit really very slowly.

Let's get us some breakfast:



Fried eggs on toast!

Toni xx

dachshund

Good Morning everyone
. Kath I hope thing's are going alright for both of you ((((((()))))
. we had rain this morning it's stopped at the moment. I hope your Dad is doing alright ((((((())))))
. Barbara good luck for both result's (((((((())))))) love to your brother ((((((())))) does Niamh like school ((((())))
. Toni has your migraine one now ((((((())))) sue loves liquorice toffee's.
. I miss seeing Aidan's posts all he's doing and eating I bet they miss him at the Garden Centre as well.
. Bill I hope everything is going well for you. you need something good to happen now ((((((()))))
. take care love to Mig Carol ((((((()))))))
. Joan xx

Kitty

Daily Poem Don't read before bedtime

Spirit
by Kathleen

Spirit of the night
hidden from the light;
shrouded by the gloom,
keeping out of sight.
Shadow on the wall
creeping down the hall;
moves from room to room -
isn't there at all.


Joan, It rained all night here, and was still raining when we got up. But the sun is out now thank goodness.

Toni, £10 a pack - when we were able to get out to the shop we would see all the one parent mum's go to the Co-op cash machine to fetch their benefit, then pop in the Co-op for 20 ****, £10 worth of scratch cards and a mobile top up. Their kids would go to school with a packet of crisps for breakfast. :shock: I don't know if Holly smokes, I've never seen her smoking. This is why we don't mind giving her a bit extra each week to help with things like gas/electric top ups, as she has a slot meter. She's such a good girl to us.
Smashing breakfast, 2 eggs, sunny side up. Ta mi duck. XXXX

Barbara, Niamh eats good food bless her. No wonder she's a regular at your house, I would be too.

Vegan Ravioli pockets

Ingredients
Pasta Dough
1 cup Flour gluten free, if needed
1 cup Semolina Flour
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 cup Water
2 tsp Olive Oil
Vegetable Filling
200 g Potatoes cooked
2/3 cup Peas thawed
1 tsp Oil for frying
1 small Onion chopped
2 cloves Garlic chopped
1 cup Baby Spinach fresh or frozen
2-3 tbsp Plant-based Cream Cheese or cashew ricotta
3 tbsp Pine Nuts toasted, optional
2 tbsp Nutritional Yeast optional
Salt & Pepper to taste

For Roasting
2 tbsp Vegan Butter or Oil
Salt & Pepper to taste
For Garnish
Herbs
Pine Nuts
Mushrooms

Instructions
Pasta Dough
Mix the flour, semolina, and salt in a bowl. Heap to a pile and press a well into the center. Pour in water and olive oil and knead to a smooth dough with your hands.
Shape the dough into a ball or disc, wrap in cling foil and refrigerate for 1/2 hour.

Vegetable Filling
Peel and cut potatoes into cubes. Cook them in salted water until fork tender, about 20 minutes, depending on their size. Then drain, put back on the stove uncovered, so the excess liquid can evaporate.
Add thawed peas (and toasted pine nuts, if using). Mash everything using a potato masher, fork or an immersion blender.
Heat the oil in a pan and sauté the onion for 1-2 minutes. Add the garlic and spinach and sauté 1-2 minutes longer until spinach is wilted. Let cool slightly and squeeze well to remove excess liquid. (Optionally, use frozen spinach. Just thaw, squeeze and combine with roasted onions & garlic).
Chop the spinach mixture coarsely and add to the mashed potatoes. Mix everything together, season with nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper to taste.
Ravioli Pockets
Roll out the prepared pasta dough thinly into a long rectangle on a lightly floured surface using a rolling pin (or use a pasta machine, if you have one).
Spread the filling over the rolled out pasta dough, leaving a (0.7-inch) border around the edges. Brush the border with a little water and roll it up into a long wrap. The seam-side should be down.
Divide the wrap into 6-8 equal pieces and press the dough down carefully (I used the handle of a wooden spoon to do that). Then cut the pieces using a pizza cutter (or sharp knife), making sure to seal the sides. (At this point you can either continue with this recipe or freeze them for another day.)
Bring salted water or vegetable broth to a boil in a large pot. Let the ravioli pockets slide in and simmer (don’t cook!) for approx. 15 minutes until done. Then remove with a slotted spoon and drain.
Now you can serve them just cooked in vegetable soup or with a sauce or pesto or roast them crispy in a pan.
Crispy Roasted Ravioli
Heat the vegan butter or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cooked and drained Ravioli Pockets and pan-fry for about 5 minutes from all sides until golden brown and crispy.
Garnish with fresh herbs and pine nuts. Serve with garlic mushrooms, oven roasted tomatoes or other veggies.
Notes
Instead of dairy-free cream cheese or cashew ricotta, you can also use tofu feta, parmesan or any other grated dairy-free cheese.

barbara12

Evening all .
Joan you are kind thankyou..I was thinking the same about our Aidan the GC and Costas and the tea rooms will miss him..bless he dud enjoy his self with Bill and dad..
Kath a very ghostly poem..I love it..and thankyou fir the ravioli recipe..
I am glad I dont smoke..only tried it once and that was enough..our eldest gd died.. what I would give for her to stop..
It's really good of you to help Holly out..its do hard these day with the price of fuel..you are very welcome to join Niamh with our makeshift roast dinner
Toni poor Lucy..((()))..I am glad to hear gd went quickly..but it's more if a shock for them left behind..I know it will sound miserable..but my biggest worry is leaving our GChildren behind..our eldest one text at least 6 times a day..and facetime.. has you know we more or less brought her and her sister up..
Thankyou for breakfast..saves me just having a tea and biscuit..
Niamh is at her other nannas today..she said GM..the best thing about a sleepover here is the food and no school the day after..
Love to Bill..I left him alone to get on with things but he know we are all thinking about him.. t4591 t115006
t4591 t115006

frogmorton

Morning everyone

I spent a good part of yesterday with Ex MIL and SIL Lucy came over with me. Helped a little I think cancelled his paper.....they are starting to think about his funeral etc. Charley went over in the afternoon then came here to talk. They all need to talk bless them such a shock.

Barbara I have also thought about Aidan and Bill's haunts, the GC the tearoom etc. He will be greatly missed. The sister at the Drs she will be gutted he was just that kind of person who touched your life and made you feel special. Bill is similar too Aidan chose well.

Your GD's were practically your children they will be devastated when your time comes, but it should be a LONG way off so plenty more time for them to carry on growing up and getting stronger. ((()))

Kath I fetched **** for ex MIL are you ready?! £12!! yes £12 because she has decent ones B&H. They were my Mums.

You can't be serious they surely can't afford scratch cards on benefits?! No wonder you want to help Holly if she is not so irresponsible. Everyone needs a little hand up the ladder don't they?

I liked the poem! Very creepy. Your imagination :shock:

Thanks for the vegan ravioli. It looks yum and another one I will definitely try

Joan how right are you it's time something good happened to Bill. I think he's counting small blessings like Dad's bungalow selling so quickly. My Migraine is on it's way out again thank goodness I hate them!!

We had rain almost all day yesterday sometimes really heavily. Dogs don't like rain much do they My pusskin runs out and then runs back in.

Now what shall we have for breakfast?

some fruit nice and healthy!

Love to everyone

Toni xx

dachshund

Good morning everyone
. Kath yes it's good I think to reward Holly she helps you and you need help. We always get our neighbour something he likes we think how can we ask him again if we don't he said he would do anything for us but we are grateful ((((((()))))
Barbara Good luck for your husbands results (((((()))) and yours later in the week (((((()))) love to your brother and Niamh (((((())))
. Toni how is Charley's chest (((((())) that's good your migraine has gone ((((()))) love to Charley and Lucy at this sad time for them ((((())))
. Aidan I expect you are doing the cleaning and pottering up there (((((()))
. Bill have a good day has best as you can ((((())))
. take care love to Carol Mig (((((())))
. Joan xx

barbara12

Morning think we are in for the storm ..forgot the bane but its gone very dark :shock:
Toni thankyou for the health breakfast.. much better than a fry up for me..but not Mr B
It's good that Lucy and Charley have one another to talk to..it was so sudden..I am sure zmil was pleased to see you all
Yes I hope it's a while off before I go..and like you say they are getting stronger..

Aiden was such a kind person..many will miss him,but what a priveliged to have know him..and Bill..((()))
Joan thankyou..I am glad you have a nice neighbour..bet they are so pleased to have you and Sue next door..its lovely yo help one another out ((()))
Better move doctors soon
Love to everyone
t4591 t111055 t115006

Kitty

Daily Poem

Finale
by Kathleen

Withered, gnarled, time etched,
storm bowed, arms outstretched.
Parched; yet still tastes truth.
This once strong sapling stripped of youth
with head held high
meets death with dignity.

t120006 t120006 t120006

Barbara. storm Brendan is heading pur way. Batten down the hatches. I know Toni gives us lovely healthy breakfasts, but I would enjoy a fry up now and then. Hope all goes well at the doctors.

Joan, I'm in total agreement with you. Holly popped over unexpectedly this morning, with a box of 100 paracetamol and said she will pick up our Radio Times up tomorrow. She was still in her nightie with a jumper on top. We gave her some more 'pennie' as she calls them, gave us both a lovely hug and went. She's such a joy to know.

Toni, it's sad when you think of the little things (like cancelling papers) for a loved one who is no longer with us.
Well you wouldn't think they would be able to afford what are essentially luxuries. Especially when their children are being fed crisps instead of a proper meal. Talking of which, thank you for the crunchy, fruity, yummy breakfast. Very nourishing.
My mum used to get migraines. They would make her feel very sick and also she went blind while going through it.

Barbara, my middle daufhter smokes too, I wish she would stop too. My eldest son used to smoke, but he got a collapsed lung and spent time in hospital. He's never smoked since. Jonathan tried it but as his first wife had Asthma and his current wife has Bronchiectasis - like me, he gave up. Emily and Marie have NEVER smoked.

Creamy Vegan Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
25 mins

Creamy Vegan Mushroom Pasta Recipe - this dairy free sauce is creamy and smooth and the perfect complement to lots of pasta and earthy mushrooms. Ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Ingredients
8 oz pasta of choice (such as Gemelli) (use gluten free pasta, if desired)
5 oz Shiitake mushrooms (stems removed, sliced)
1/2 onion (diced)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1/2 cup low sodium vegetable broth (divided) (or water)
1/4 cup tahini
1/4 cup unsweetened original almond or cashew milk (plus more as needed) (water can be used instead of the milk if necessary)
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp Himalayan pink salt (or to taste)
1 tsp pure maple syrup (optional)
handful of fresh chopped parsley
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (toasted, if desired*)

Instructions
Read through all the directions before starting to ensure everything gets done at the same time.

Start the water for the pasta and bring to a boil.

While the water for the pasta is coming to a boil, sauté the mushrooms over medium heat in a dry non-stick skillet until cooked down - about 10 minutes. If you don't have a non-stick skillet, you may need 1 tsp of oil so they don't' stick. Set aside.

The pasta water should be boiling now. If so, cook your pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside when done.

While the pasta is cooking, sauté the onions in 1/4 cup vegetable broth in a large skillet until translucent - about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté another 1 minute.

Add the other 1/4 cup vegetable broth and simmer until absorbed - about 5 minutes.

In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, non dairy milk, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, salt and maple syrup if using, until smooth. The sauce will taste pretty strong right out of the gates, but once tossed with the pasta and mushrooms, it will mellow.

Pour the tahini sauce into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Whisk to warm through just for a minute and take off the heat.

Add the pasta and the mushrooms to the sauce immediately and stir to combine. Add additional non dairy milk or water 1 tablespoon at a time to thin, if necessary.

Throw in the chopped fresh parsley and walnuts, stir, and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes
~If you follow the instructions, the pasta and sauce should be done right around the same time. The pasta may be done a bit sooner, which is fine, but you don't want the sauce sitting around waiting for the pasta as it will start to thicken up too much. You want to be adding the noodles to the sauce just as it's finishing.

*To toast the walnuts, sauté them in a dry skillet over medium heat for just about 2 minutes, shaking the pan (or stirring) frequently to prevent burning.

frogmorton

Evening everyone

Oh No Kath was it a tree suffering the poem :?

A fry up you say? I'll do you one in the morning won't be veggie though probably....

Holly doesn't sound like one of those irresponsible girls you've seen. imagine that crisps for the kids **** for the Mums! I think Holly is a good 'un doing bits for you like she does. She doesn't have to so that makes her genuine methinks.

I loose my eyesight that is the main problem these days....the actual headache and nausea comes after several days of those 'migraine auras'

Thanks for the pasta I am definitely making that!

Its so windy and scary here ATM Barbara I do not like it. The storm is here and I still have to pick Lucy up from her Nan's. I think I am helping her Nan a god bit, but wish it hadn't happened really. Printed off a lovely wedding photo of hers.

Hope all has gone well at he Drs. Is this your or OH's results? ((())) t4591

Yes I do feel lucky to have known Aidan. Just printed a list of French Markets for this year when we go over and Monflanquin is on the list where Aidan and Bill lived Sigh....

Joan of COURSE!! Heaven will be totally 'immaculised' by our Aidan t4591

Charley is much better now the antibiotics have worked. She and Lucy do support each other quite well.

Cake anyone?


carrot cake I thought

Love

Toni xxx