Val's Cafe

frogmorton

Afternoon all

Today has been far more restful than yesterday I even managed a walk this morning and saw this:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IMYpqvPX2EzAf5LvCnPPNg5TX397CPBS/view?usp=sharing

Not a great pic as I didn't have long to get my phone out and also you can't get too close....

Bit of a weird coincidence Kath with your poem for today :shock: I loved it t4591

I love that recipe another one I want to do and I already have all the ingredients so...maybe tomorrow poor Paul is on the %:" ATM so can't eat much tonight bless him on 600 cals.

I love Nanas too just like you

Joan I was worried the forum might be down while they are busy making it better for us. Sorry I think you have the fog we had horrible isn't I? Charley's chest is ok for now she gets them a lot

Barbara I am loving having my bracelet back and guess what?! It had a TOSCA hair caught in it :animal_busy: t4591 That will be our Aidan won't it? :roll:

I have been ironing on and off for HOURS :? interrupted only by postie bringing my parcel from Bill and Miss Sleek trying to get sweets out of me

You are a good weather lady thank you it's grey here too has been all day

I know you like your grains for breakfast men very often do NOT!

We deserve some cake methinks now



A pink macaron one!! All vegan of course but as light as a feather!

Love to everyone

Toni xxx

Turbogran

Evening all

Hope you Have all been ok during my few days absence I have not been feeling like doing much as I have been in lots of pain with my knee. One day it is ok the next it is really painful and hard to get around on. I think it is the cold damp weather because when it is damp and cold I am in more pain than when it is just cold but dry. Oh the joys of Arthritis.

I had trouble yesterday with Drs surgery I put in my repeat prescription on Wednesday it’s is then sent to the chemist for me to collect. Contacted the chemist yesterday morning to make sure it was ready only to be told the had not received it from the dr.

Well cutting a long story short I ring the surgery to ask why told oh we sent you a text message on Friday to ask you to come in for a medication review so it is waiting for you to do that. Yes I did have a message on Friday but saw it too late to contact them. Anyway receptionist gets Someone to call me back because I said I only had one more anti inflammatory tablet left. Well after a lot of fuss.it turns out it is not so much the medication review. but my annual blood test due to taking diuretics a blood test to check on sodium levels. I managed to get the medications agreed after I made appts for blood test and medication review.

It looks like we will now not be getting a kitten After all as our eldest daughter will probably have it as the kids do not want the kittens to go apparently, and of course if it goes to nanny they can still see it when they visit. They are keeping one themselves
anyway and the third Is going to their cousin so again they can see it regularly. Oh well never mind. We will get one on3 day I’m sure.

Toni loving the picture mind you wouldn’t want to meet that on a dark night . How wonderful to find a Tosca hair in your bracelet and yes that was Aidan for sure. Hope Charleys chest is better soon. My lips are sealed I will not whisper a word to Sleek about the you know what’s.

Kath the poem it lovely, well as you can see further up kitten is probably a no no now however mr T was intending to have it and was ready to go and collect it when the time for leaving mummy Pushkin came only thing is he didn’t tell granddaughter for certain and added to that great granddaughters Have other ideas xx that vegan curry sounds absolutely yummy

Joan with all those problems you cope very well. I couldn’t walk without my stick or walker and I most certainly couldn’t run I would be sure to fall over.


Well I close now as I need to move about a bit as my knee dose not like me sitting still for too long at the moment otherwise it grumbles very loudly.

Love and sparkles to you all

frogmorton

Morning everyone! No frost and no fog so mild again :?

Hello Carol. Yes we did miss you of course and I am sorry about your poor knee ((())) darn weather.

How infuriating about your meds! I hate this it isn't right, but at least you got some to tide you over. I hope your bloods all come back ok, I'm sure they will.

Oh I am upset about the kitten, but Sleek had already told me that Nanny lives too far away for the GGKids to see him regularly :roll: She is having a look to see where else she can find you one she says you 'need wun'.

I have seen deer up the lane before (That was the stag but there were two does first - why do they always go round in odd numbers?) where I go for my walk. Glad you could make it out Charley thought it was a DOG!!

Nope Sleek must not know about the 31st. Apparently I made the apt last year, but I think she was so traumatised she doesn't remember!! Mind you you know when we get back she'll be on her mobile to Tosca telling her all about me! The Tosca hair has to be Aidan. I am being soft and have saved it. :oops:

Love and sparkles to you too Carol t4591 t115006

Well what shall we have for breakfast?

I forgot Aidan always cooked mushrooms for Kath! I'll just do us some eggs to go with...


Today I must pick up OUR prescriptions - thanks for the reminder Carol!

Woo-ooo! to Joan I hope the fog has gone. Tomorrow is the Dr I will remember ((()))

Love

Toni xx

dachshund

Good morning everyone
. Kath thank you for that osteoporosis link I have the other one. I have a problem standing my hips hurt and the pain goes in my feet so then I use a wheel chair and move along with my feet while I carry things bout I don't like keeping still.
. I hope you and Chris are has well as you can be you have been through a lot with the Cancer has well ((((((())))) your Dad (((((())))
. Barbara good luck tomorrow for your Brothers blood test (((((()))
. does Mr B have his results tomorrow as well ((((((()))) Barbara (((((()))))
. Carol have you got to have a knee replacement it stopped my pain
sorry about the kitten there will be one (((((()))))
. Toni that's a good photo does traffic go along that road. Love to everyone (((((())))) that was nice having Tosca fur Aidan saw that ((((()))
. Bill thinking of you (((((()))))
. take care. love to Mig (((((()))))
. Joan xx

Turbogran

Good afternoon all

Well not a good day today I have got up this morning and I have terrific pain in my knee when I walk. So I rang 111 and they have booked me an appointment with our local minor injuries unit for 3pm this afternoon. I am just hoping it is nothing too serious.

Joan no a knee replace has never been suggested. As it has never been as bad as it is today.

Toni I am a bit sad about the kitten as Mr t had warmed to the idea but unfortunately he had not told her we would have it. However we are still on the waiting list at a rescue centre still so hopefully they might co e up with a Pusskin soon. But to be honest I don’t know why GD asked us in the first place and not her mum if she thought the kids might not want to let them go. Just makes me feel a bit peeved that she didn’t think about asking her mum in the first place. Oh family’s what do you do with them. So sleek thinks we need wun dose she. And no she mustn’t know about the 31st of she will be telling Tosca before she goes that mummy is unkind taking me to that place. I too would would have saved the Tosca hair I’m a bit like that too.

Lots of love and sparkles to you all
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Kitty

Daily Poem
Untitled about Cancer Problems. Toni, mig and Babs will understand. * Tax is Dotaxotere a chemotherapy drug.
** FEC a combination of 5FU, Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide.


I was rushed to hospital
sick as can be.
The thermometer read
almost 39c!
Immunity ZERO!!!
We couldn't have that,
so on to IVs
at the drop of a hat.
It was TAX* that drove
all my white cells away
so I'm having no more
I don't want to play!!
I chewed my black nails
with a feeling of dread,
"You'll go back on FEC**"
the oncologist said.
So I dumped my black varnish,
it's now in the bin.
I'll continue with FEC
take it all on the chin.

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

Joan, oh dear, I'm so sorry to hear of your suffering. You do so well, as does Sue, I hate Osteoporosis. I hate all our diseases.

Toni, it was frosty to start with, but it's spitting with rain now. Oh, me mushies. Ta mi duck. I made the mistake of saying that to a member of the BLF forum on HU. His name was Donald. :oops:
Fried eggs too, you are so good at this Antoinette. t4591

Carol, what a shame about the kitten, but if you have Miss Sleek on your case all should be well.

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ASIAN TOFU BROCCOLI STIR-FRY
★★★★★

DESCRIPTION
To all veggie lovers, here’s a quick and easy stir-fry with crisp tofu and broccoli tossed in a sweet and savory sauce with garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds.


INGREDIENTS
FOR THE STIR-FRY:
1 1/2 cup (185g) uncooked rice
14 oz (400g) super firm tofu
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 large broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
FOR SAUCE:
6 Tablespoons (90 ml) soy sauce
2 Tablespoon natural peanut butter
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 Tablespoon agave or maple syrup*
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 teaspoon hot chinese sauce
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Black pepper
FOR SERVING:
Green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds
Caution: the scale button does not work for values in parenthesis.

INSTRUCTIONS
Cook the rice according to the package instructions.
For the sauce: mix all the ingredients until smooth.
For the tofu: set tofu on top of plate and pat-dry with paper towel. Place a cast iron pan or something else that is heavy on top and let sit for 30 minutes.
Cut tofu into bite-sized pieces. Place in a bowl with the sauce, and toss to coat. Let sit for 30 minutes.
Heat olive oil in a medium cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Once really hot, add tofu with half of the sauce (trying to keep the other half of the sauce for later). Once nicely seared on the bottom, flip over. Continue to cook until seared on the other side. Remove the tofu from the pan, and keep warm.
Return the pan to the heat and add broccoli florets with the remaining sauce. Cover and cook for about 4-5 minutes or until crisp-tender.
Arrange the broccoli and tofu over the cooked rice, and cover with more sauce.
Sprinkle with green onions and sesame.

frogmorton

Oh yes Kath that poem is totally familiar :roll: Actually what got Lucy was MTX, and the two red ones..... What a living nightmare. the one which injured her liver that was the only one they stopped. Well the dexamethasone of course once she got AVN :roll:

Glad you enjoyed your mushies I thought it was time you had some added the eggs sunny side up too

Oh dear Donald 'me duck' :oops: :oops: :oops:

I'll have me some stir-fry too please....yum

Oh Carol :shock: I do hope nothing is seriously wrong the cloak was wishing about now I know why :? Whatever it si let it be fixable ((())) t115006 t115006

Sleek definitely thinks you need a kitten!! She says a cat needs YOU! Shame your hopes got raised and yes it was mentioned to you the wrong way round :roll: Families! Yes at least life is never boring! I am sure the rescue will find a furry person for you to love soon. Sleek is going to look at the rescue and see what she thinks.

I have selloptaped the Tosca hair so it won't float away Glad I'm not the only idiot!!!

Joan I think Aidan sent me the Tosca hair too Not many vehicles go down that lane so the deer are safe enough. I will try to go early tomorrow if I can and have my phone camera READY this time

Hope Barbara is ok :?

Some cake?



Love to everyone

Toni xxx

mig

Hello All, Had rheumy app monday and what I thought was the RA starting up turns out to be a touch of osteo in left elbow and left thumb joint, also had haematology app tuesday scan and bloods were great still in remission back in three months and hubby has been discharged from hip clinic so really a good week, thank you all for your pocket duties and Aiden who Im sure was watching over me. Mig.

barbara12

Evening all it's gone very foggy in the last couple of hours..
Mig I am so very please you are still in remission..I really am..I hope the osteo is slow moving,then you can get on with your life..I wear the wrist and thumb supports..they di help if it gets painful ((()))
Kath yes the poem is all to familiar.. did you right it when having treatment... :?:
Now I will have a go at the broccoli stir fry..thankyou ((()))
Joan thankyou..Mr B had his results and say the only thing wrong is his Vit D levels are low..but I dont believe him..and I am barred from going to the doctors with him...I know you like to keep busy..and I am sure this is what keeps you going...((()))
Carol I am sorry you are suffering..one if my knees gets painful..but dont want to go down that route yet.
I hope they can offer some help for you, and I am glad you got your prescription sorted...but no kitten hopefully you will find one soon...((()))
Toni thankyou for the breakfast..eggs are good vit D.
It's so lovely were you live..we have a couple of lanes but wouldnt go alone..deer are really hard to spot..you did well to get the photo..
Yes make sure you dont lose Toscas hair..Aidan really does have his way of showing us he is around..
Wow the cake is to good to eat...well nearly..I had 2 slices... :shock:
My neighbours house has gone on sale now..gosh I will miss her and the children..but just hope they find happiness...
Right better move
Love to everyone..and more special hugs for Bill ((())) t115006
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Turbogran

Evening all,
Just a little update on the hospital appt today thanks for the cloak this afternoon I felt you all there with me .i shall need it all over again tomorrow as as a result of hospital visit I have a appointment with my doctor’s tomorrow to discuss physio to start with. I have drs report from today to give to my doctor. So I will update you more tomorrow. Hospital dr has said it is not a serious problem like bone infection or blood g clots she has put in down to a major flare of the OA. The pain seems to have died down a it during the day as I have slowly pottered about. Took a cab to to and from the hospital and back. If I keep my leg on the move when I am sitting down it doesn’t seem so bad when I walk. As it time for a little potter.

Love and sparkles to you all
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frogmorton

Morning everyone

mig that is fantastic news!! I am so pleased and of COURSE you are still in remission as it should be Good news for hubby too. Shame about the OA, but at least i's not the RA kicking off t4591 t115006 I have a feeling Aidan was with us all today and under the cloak when we shot off to

Carol's apt. Sounds like you might just have to consider that knee replacement that Joan mentioned our friend.....unless he physio can do enough for a while t115006 t115006

We were absolutely with you and will be today for the Dr is needed just think of us and the cloak will gather us all up...at once :shock: and we'll be there ((()))

Hi Barbara your husband is naughty!! I wonder what he is hiding. Maybe a 'man's problem' or something like piles that he's embarrassed about???? How can you find out?

Oh I won't loose Tosca's hair it's safely selloptaped to something black so it's visible. Thanks Aidan!

I will keep going out at the same ish time and try harder to get a dee photo. I am calling that spot 'Deer crossing' now Good luck with bro's bloods today

Joan we'll be with you at the Dr's hope he says yes to the barium swallow ((()))

Some breakfast....

egg muffins!

Kari is coming over today with her DIL for a cuppa and natter

love to everyone

Toni xxx

dachshund

Good morning everyone
. Kathleen how is your husband I feel sorry you can't get out ((((((()))) your Dad ((((())))
. Mig I'm pleased you are in remission sorry about the Osto pain ((((((())))
. Carol there will be a kitten for you have you asked at the vets (((((())))
. Barbara if Mr B was short of vitamins would the Doctor have given him a prescription ((((((()))))) your brother ((((()))))
. Toni have a lovely time with Kari (((((())))). Love to everyone (((((())))
. Bill Ave a good day whatever your doing (((((())))
. take care
. Joan xx

Kitty

Daily Poem Get yer tam o' shanter on, and pipe the haggis in. It's Burn's night tomorrow

To a Mouse
BY ROBERT BURNS
On Turning her up in her Nest, with the Plough, November 1785.

Wee, sleeket, cowran, tim’rous beastie,
O, what a panic’s in thy breastie!
Thou need na start awa sae hasty,
Wi’ bickerin brattle!
I wad be laith to rin an’ chase thee
Wi’ murd’ring pattle!

I’m truly sorry Man’s dominion
Has broken Nature’s social union,
An’ justifies that ill opinion,
Which makes thee startle,
At me, thy poor, earth-born companion,
An’ fellow-mortal!

I doubt na, whyles, but thou may thieve;
What then? poor beastie, thou maun live!
A daimen-icker in a thrave
’S a sma’ request:
I’ll get a blessin wi’ the lave,
An’ never miss ’t!

Thy wee-bit housie, too, in ruin!
It’s silly wa’s the win’s are strewin!
An’ naething, now, to big a new ane,
O’ foggage green!
An’ bleak December’s winds ensuin,
Baith snell an’ keen!

Thou saw the fields laid bare an’ waste,
An’ weary Winter comin fast,
An’ cozie here, beneath the blast,
Thou thought to dwell,
Till crash! the cruel coulter past
Out thro’ thy cell.

That wee-bit heap o’ leaves an’ stibble
Has cost thee monie a weary nibble!
Now thou’s turn’d out, for a’ thy trouble,
But house or hald,
To thole the Winter’s sleety dribble,
An’ cranreuch cauld!

But Mousie, thou art no thy-lane,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men
Gang aft agley,
An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain,
For promis’d joy!

Still, thou art blest, compar’d wi’ me!
The present only toucheth thee:
But Och! I backward cast my e’e,
On prospects drear!
An’ forward tho’ I canna see,
I guess an’ fear!


Sharon, I personally think it's a lovely idea, but I'm only a small part of the cafe. I see Toni as Queen Bee now, but we are still struggling with Aidan being missing from the group. Bless all the mods for thinking of us. t4591

Joan, it's damp and dreary today and not going out isn't a problem on days like this. But thank you for thinking of me. My dad will be planning his visit to the Friday club which is just around the corner from him. They've been asked to wear something Scottish as tomorrow is Burns night, after Robbie Burns the Scottish poet.

Toni, of course you must call that spot "Deer Crossing". Could you make out what type of deer it was? It looked quite small so t might have been a Sika or a Muntjac. Sika are spotted, Muntjac are plain. Then there are Chinese Water Deer, which have fangs. :shock:
Isn't the suggestion Sharon made thoughtful. We are surrounded by kind and loving people. Matron would be beaming and sharig out cake.

Carol, a major flare of OA. How awful for you. I hope you find some relief. I have Fenbid Gel, an Ibuprofen gel to rub where the pain is, but I can't reach the painful bit. You might find some tips here - http://painconcern.org.uk/

Babs, yes it was written while having treatment. I joined an online chemotherapy forum on the breast cancer care website. The ladies on there used to love my poems no matter how rubbish they were.

mig, oh dear. If I had to choose between RA or OA I don't think I'd want either. Like you, I have both. sending gentle (((hugs)))

Vegan Sausage Rolls

Ingredients

For the sausage rolls
1 package vegan puff pastry (500 g)
4 vegan sausages
flour for dusting
3 tbsp aquafaba or soy milk
1 tsp cracked black pepper or 2 tbsp sesame seeds to garnish
For the dip:
3 tbsp vegan mayo
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp soy milk
1/4 tsp dried dill
Salt to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400F.
Cut the vegan sausages about 1 1/2 inches long (I cut each sausage into 5 pieces, yielding 40 pieces from 8 sausages) Set aside.
On a well-floured surface, roll out the puff pastry until about 1/8 inch thick (basically until you have 40 1.5 x 3 inch pieces)
Wrap the cut sausages in the puff pastry and set on a lined baking sheet.
Brush with aquafaba or soy milk and sprinkle with your garnish of choice.
Bake for 12-18 minutes or until golden. Depending on how hot your oven is, it might need to bake for longer so check at 12 minutes and bake until you have a light golden sheen.
Let cool on a wire rack.

To make the dip:
Combine all ingredients until uniform and desired thickness. Feel free to add more soy milk or more mayo to make it thinner or thicker.
Serve with the sauce and dip away .

frogmorton

Kath I think the deer are more likely Muntjac, but I will try to get closer. Avoiding any with fangs :shock: Deer Crossing it is

I hope your Dad is getting ready for his weekly tryst

I think it's a lovey idea to have some sort of permanent tribute to our Aidan.... we must think :?

'Val's café incorporating Matron's Morsels'

or 'Aidan's Just- Desserts'

or 'Aidan's Angel-cakes???' What do we all think?

I think we as a café are doing better Sharon, but Aidan/Bubbles/Matron was our main-man and we do all miss him desperately Thank you I think something would be really lovely, personally.

Thank you for the vegan sausage rolls I have pinched a few to take to choir with me. I hope that's ok they seem to be the 'never-ending' kind.

Today's poem (an excellent tribute to Mr Burns indeed!) the poor wee Mousie! Imagine what damage man does now :roll:

Hi Joan How did you get on at the Drs? Well I hope. It was lovely as it always is to be able to just see my sister ANY day I want to t4591 t4591

Some cake folks?



Oh I do think Aidan would be proud of me!

Love to everyone

Toni xxx

barbara12

Hello all..I had lunch with my niece and her niece who is 4..she is a little dream
Carol I am so glad you dont have any infection,many years ago I had one in my ankle...they are horrible..I do hope the physio can help..knees are so complex..at least the awful pain has eased for you (((()))
Kath a lovely poem by Robert Burns...I had forgotten all about it..we are not Scottish ..but might buy some haggis..I am supposed be making the vegan one of yours ...when I get round to it...
And vegan sausage rolls thankyou I have tried the Gregg's ones they are delicious ...((()))
Joan it very grey and misty here..not long before Spring...I hope...is that boiler behaving...(((())))
Toni we are suppose to have deer in the fields at the back..I haven't seen them has I cant get over there...you are very lucky..maybe it will get used to you and stay calm... the cake is fantastic Aidan would be very proud..its so so surreal him not being here... it really is..I meant to ask is your house all finished now....now Mr B..he can hardly walk at times..and he holds his back..I have an appointment with my doctor in a couple if weeks I am going to see what she knows...(((()))
My brother has just text..bloods are ok..so chemo goes ahead tomorrow.. but I smaller does because he is so tired..must say he has done really well with it...
Thankyou mod Sharon...I think if we keep Vals name like you say, and somehow incorporate our lovely Aidan..he would be so proud bless him
Right better go
Love to everyone including Bill
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Turbogran

Evening all


Thank you for being at the doctors with me this morning I thought hard about you all and the cloak whisked you all up and brought you all to me. The pain is much improved today from yesterday’s really intense pain. And I have been out today all be it taking things very slowly and carefully. And even asking the bus driver for the ramp getting off the bus. normally I can manage without but to be on the safe side I am going to start asking for the ramp.

This morning’s visit to own Dr gave me the same result of the hospital dr a bed flare up of the osteoarthritis. So I now have a form to take to the same hospital as yesterday to have an x ray on it I am going to go tomorrow if I can get there ok. So can I have cloak duties tomorrow morning as well or am I being greedy 3 days in a row. Then off to have my usual Friday lunch out with Mr T and then meet my friend for coffee. She is a funny one that one her moods are so changeable. She was moaning about the coffee in our usual place and wanted to go to costa which is further away from where I will be with Mr T normally o would say yes but I shocked her today by saying no I would prefer our usual place as things are with my knee as it is at the moment. Don’t think she liked it. So fully expecting a call from her tomorrow cancelling.
I think our lovey mods have hit on a great idea and Aidan would be really proud.

I love Toni’s one of Val’s cafe including Aidan’s angel-cakes as he so loved his angels and cakes.

Barbara thankfully no infection or any other nasties. So that can only be good news. And let’s hope the physio works.

Toni the cake is so yummy looking. I’m hoping the physio works. So that the other 2 options are not necessary. Mind you I have had a steroid injection before in my Hand because I had trigger finger and have had no problems since and that was about 8 years ago.. breakfast was yummy too. Thanks.



Joan yes trouble is the vets and rescue centres in London have such strict requirements before they will let you have them.

Well need to potter as I have been sitting here for a while and I have been told to exercise my knee as much as I can even while sitting I keep moving my leg to help.

Sending love and Sparkles to you all. t115006 t115006 t4591 t4591

frogmorton

Good Morning....still foggy :? Barbara when is this going to improve? Weather lady?? Hmm????

Carol I hope you do have a good day and your friend does join you for a coffee in your usual café - next week maybe costa. She can be a tricky one :roll:

You are doing right keeping on going - yes a bit more carefully using the ramp on the bus as you say - I very much hope the physio helps and maybe an injection. It sounds as though you are one who they work for like my ex MIL. Surgery is last resort, but if needs be we'll all be here.

Of course the cloak will be ready for you today no problem it's not being greedy at all ((())) t69044 t115006 t115006 Sleek is putting some sparkles under your pillow.

I'm sure we can come up with something for Aidan. Kath ight be the person to think of the best she's our poet after all

Anyway you take it steady.

Hi Barbara that is excellent news that your bro's bloods are ok for todays chemo. He does seem to be doing well on this trial. Fingers crossed it keeps on like this. Bless him it's more than tiring it's exhausting ((())) t115006 t4591

How lovely your niece and her niece! generations continuing! When is Niamh over tis weekend on the subject of little ones?

Kari makes a pretty mean sausage roll - I am going to try Kath's vegan ones and oh yes I LOVE the Greggs ones and their vegan 'steak bake' too

Mr B has had bloods done? Maybe his hip or back is going and he's too proud to admit it??? :roll: I think you have the right to at least ask your Dr if it's anything serious don't you? Such a worry for you though ((()))

Choir was good last night wasn't it? More wine though and cake for one of the lady's birthday....hic!!

The Sisters Imacculata and the crew have been noticeably absent of late. I think they must be missing Aidan too.

Joan what do you think about Sharon's idea for our Aidan? :? Hope all went well for you at the Dr yesterday ((()) t115006 t115006

Breakfast time!



pancakes I thought?

Kitty

Thought I'd put in an early appearance on this really mucky morning. I'll try and get in again later to post some grub and a poem. I'm on my iPad and don't have much available on it so just sending (((((())))) and to say I love you all. See ya later.

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dachshund

Hello everyone it’s Friday again
I’m so sorry I’m running a I late but I hope everyone is happy
Joan will have good news tomorrow
Love sue

Kitty

Daily Poem I thought we'd have another by Robbie Burns.

O my Luve is like a red, red rose
That’s newly sprung in June;
O my Luve is like the melody
That’s sweetly played in tune.

So fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in luve am I;
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a’ the seas gang dry.

Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun;
I will love thee still, my dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run.

And fare thee weel, my only luve!
And fare thee weel awhile!
And I will come again, my luve,
Though it were ten thousand mile.

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Morning Sue, I hope you can catch up during the day. It's so gloomy here and I read that there will be snow in the Derbyshire hills this weekend. Good job we live in the flat areas and not near Buxton. I suppose if there is snow, that will mean Snake Pass will be closed to traffic. hcold cfly tcold Love to Joan too.

Toni, I've given the plan my approval but as you are our Queen Bee now, I'm happy to go along with whatever you would like. I love the idea of Matron's Morsels. as morsels can mean either food (as in cakes) or a morsel of news/information etc.

Carol, I'm glad to hear your pain is not quite as bad as yesterday. Wise move, asking for the ramp. As for your friend, if she won't consider your needs then she's very selfish so good on you for telling her whats what. If she doesn't like it, she can jolly well lump it. :x

Babs, I'm glad your brother will have his chemo, I hope it goes well and doesn't make him too squiffy. Hugs for((((you, Niamh and your brother's girlfriend.))))

Can I start off Matron's Morsels please?

https://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/living-with-arthritis/resource-centre/factsheets/
Useful tips to download

Vegan Vanilla and Berry Layer Cake

INGREDIENTS
Cake Batter
6 cups (800g) Plain All Purpose Flour
3 tsp Baking Powder
2 cups (440g) Caster Sugar
4 tsp Vanilla Extract
6 tbsp Maple Syrup
3.5 cups (800ml) Almond milk
1 cup (235ml) Sunflower Oil
Frosting and Filling
1 cup (200g) Vegan Butter
1.5 cups (220g) Powdered Sugar (icing sugar)
1 cup Fresh Raspberries
Vegan Vanilla and Berry Layer Cake

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease and line four 9 inch round cake tins.
In an electric mixer, mix together the caster sugar and sunflower oil until well combined. Add the maple syrup, vanilla extract and almond and mix well.
Sift together the flour and baking powder, then add to the wet ingredients in 3 additions, mixing well between additions. Once all the flour is added, mix the batter until completely smooth.
Separate evenly between the four cake tins and bake for 40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the cake tins for 20 minutes, then remove them and let them cool completely on a cooling rack.
To make the filling and frosting, beat the vegan butter on a high speed in an electric mixer for a couple of minutes. Then add the powdered sugar in three separate additions, mixing gently to avoid a sugar cloud. Once the sugar is all combined, beat on a high speed for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
Separate 1/3 of the frosting into a separate bowl for the outside, then add the fresh raspberries to the remaining 2/3, stirring them and squashing slightly with a fork so they release some juice.
Layer the cakes with the raspberry filled frosting, then use the remaining 1/3 to cover the top and sides. Top the cake with some more fresh fruit if desired.
If you choose to add flowers to the top of the cake for decoration, ensure they are food safe flowers.
RECIPE NOTES
Store the cake in the fridge for up to 3 days. Best eaten fresh, so find lots of friends to share it with!

frogmorton

Joan has good news! Thanks Sue that's brightened the day

I have some more ideas: 'Aidan's-Afters' or -Aidan's just-desserts'? What do you think?

A lot to consider he did love his Angels (angel cake) but Morsels is savoury and sweet.... :? and information as Kath has posted. Blimey maybe we can have a few areas???? AND a recipe area too??? Ooh this is getting exiting!!

By the way I don't think I'm Queen Bee :oops: I sort of see us as a family...a large extended one so all Aunties etc....

Kath another Robbie Burns very apt...vegan haggis in freezer ready for tomorrow. Such a sweet poem I would love it if someone had written one like that for me t4591

I hope you don't get any snow I'm really not keen at all. We all start Ninny walking as Aidan would say

WHAT a cake :shock: I shall have a large slice please I've made us a pot of tea to go with...
But I think Tosca and Sleek have added a little something for us :shock:

Charley and Lucy have been to the funeral directors to see tehri Grandad this afternoon so a takeaway curry is definitely in order. The funeral isn't until the 4th :roll:

Hope everyone is well

Love

Toni xxx

barbara12

Hello all..really mild here..just wish the sun would shine
Kath thankyou for all the hugs.
You are very kind..I do like the Robbie Burns poem..I forgot to get haggis and was really fancying it..never mind..
I could smell the berry cake...
Not much gets past my nose.... (((()))
Sue dont you worry about posting if you are busy.
I hope Joan is ok..and we have good news...(((()))
Carol yes you be carful not to aggravate that knee..I dont have a new knee but have 2 newish hips..and they are fine...just the rest of me... I hope the physio helps..I dont blame you for sticking to your cafe..maybe alternate them...((()))
Toni you have help to keep the cafe on par..thankyou for that..and all the breakfasts you do...and cake of course..Niamh will be here later..she is at a party till 7.
It was lovely to see my niece.. and her little niece...she was so good..must introduce her to Niamh...she hadn't met her yet....I keep thinking how we can corporate Vals name and Aidans ..with cake involved.. I am sure we will come up with something...(((()))
Love to everyone including Bill...
t4591 t115006 t4591
.

frogmorton

Good morning everyone! No fog FINALLY!!!

Hi Barbara Aha you have Niamh with you That will mean you will be on your phone Niamh fresh from a party eh? Might be all high and exited. Good luck Daddy getting her to sleep. I bet she would love to meet your niece's niece and would want to mother her t4591

So you think we need to incorporate cake and Aidan in some way? I think so too he really loved his cake.... I wonder how it will work? I think Sharon must have an idea how :? WE need Joan's opinion now though and mig.

Joan you have to read back a bit and see what you think about doing something with our café to commemorate Aidan. Sharon the webmanager posted the day before yesterday and we've all bee talking about it since. We need to know what you think?

Sue said you had news for us too??

Now what shall we have for breakfast today.....hmmmmm….



Eggs and bacon veggie for veggies available on request!

Indeed tonight is Burns night haggis all round later on

I wonder whether Carol had that X-ray yesterday...?

Love to everyone

Toni xxx

dachshund

Good morning everyone
. Val and Aidan's favourite food Val and Aidan's treats
Barbara you are Mr B's next of kin so I think they should tell you.
that's good about news about your brother (((((())))). I hope you are getting on all right (((((((()))))
. Kathleen that's nice your Dad has that to look forward to on a Friday (((((()))). Its good you have Holly to help you ((((((())))
. Carol I'm sorry your pain has got so bad (((((()))). you will find a kitten (((((()))))
Toni I will think of Charley and Lucy on the 4'th (((((()))). It's nice you have. Kari there to see when you both want to (((((())))
. the Doctor said I won't have anymore app for there I said it's only a problem swallowing big tabs he said I have chronic arthritis. Thank you for thinking about me
Thank you Sharon for the good idea about Val and Aidan (((((()))
. Bill what do you think about the idea ((((((()))))
. take care have a good weekend. love to Mig ((((((())))
. joan xx

Kitty

Daily Poem
one of my own, loosely based on the book "Mrs Dalloway written by Virginia Woolf.
This poem appeared in the 2018 edition of "The Linnet's Wing" in remembrance of the end of WW1, Virginia Woolf's book was set shortly after this period.

Mrs Dalloway

clarissa, Clarissa,
your beauty and grace
is apparent to all
who look into your face.
When you buy flowers
or when you buy gloves,
do you ever think back
through your life and your loves?

You’re famed for the dinners
and parties you hold.
Your life is so simple
even though you were told
that the old Manor House
must be left to the cousin
of the young boy whose death
left a sorrowful chasm.

Do you ever think
of the Glorious Dead?
Or mourn for their loss
as you lay in your bed?
Did you know of Septimus,
hear how he died impaled
on the railings in front of a crowd?

The backfired car
took his poor broken mind
straight back to the Somme
where all horrors combined
where his friends had laboured
to no purpose but death
where the world had wavered.

When you had influenza
did you think you might die?
Or do you ever feel
that your life was a lie?
Clarissa, Clarissa
your charm and your grace
is just a facade,
oh, it's such a disgrace.

**************************

Joan, Your ideas are both good, Val and Aidan's Treats I particularly like. Memories of both for all who remember them. I hear you have good news, we love good news.

Toni, oh goody goody, a yummy fry up, thanks mi duck. And you do requests for veggies. How abut a mushie omelette one day, pretty please? I hope Gdad's funeral all goes to plan

Barbara, you forgot Haggis!! What are you like? Still, you do have Niamh there so I think you can be forgiven.

Carol, I hope your knee isn't playing you up too much, Sending (((()))).


Mixed dry karela curry
Category: Main meal | Serves: 5

Prep time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 - 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS
175g/6oz karelas (bitter gourds)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 medium onion, chopped

1 tablespoon amchur powder or 1 cooking apple, peeled and chopped

1 tablespoon coriander stalks and leaves, chopped

1/2 green pepper, sliced

50g/2oz cabbage, sliced

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons green chillies, crushed