The (not so old) Crocks Cafe

LameWolf

Spring must be around the corner - I'm in spring cleaning mode. Mr LW and I had all the stuff out of the china cabinet yesterday, and cleaned and dusted it all, put a couple of bits in the charity box, and it's all shiny and clean now.:D Not bad going, considering there's a whole load of his grandma's very delicate glasses in there, plus a fair amount of my pewter dragon collection, among other things!

There's Cherry Clafoutis with cream, if anyone cares for some.

Horace

Spring has sprung I think - I have gone into cleaning mode. My ex boyfriend invited himself round last week and he commented on the state of the place, well when you have been depressed and had lots of eye surgery you don't feel like shifting stuff and just leave it:rolleyes: So now the large number of jute bags that acted as my filing cabinet have been dumped in the spare room, rubbish has been bagged (still more to do). My bedroom is having a spring clean and a lot of clothes have been bagged up for the charity shop with more to be done. I have tested the two furniture polish samples that I received from Tesco Home Panels and I admit that I prefer one to the other and it couldnt have come at a more opportune time as I had run out of furniture polish.

Yesterday, I was in dinner mode and cooked up some shin beef with guiness, onion, carrot, pearl barley and a tin of chopped tomatoes (started it at midday and dished up at 5pm). Leftovers - enough for 3 dinners have been put in the freezer.

I have no idea why I have gone all domesticated - am I trying to impress the ex who I must say still floats my boat

allydowd

Cherry Clafoutis?!? Sounds like a shrub. He he he. What is it?

Horace

Cherry Clafoutis - is basically like toad in the hole only made with cherries and not sausages:D

LameWolf

Horace wrote: »

Cherry Clafoutis - is basically like toad in the hole only made with cherries and not sausages:D

I make a pretty good Toad-in-the-Hole, with veggie sausages, too.:D:D:D

bluedog

Hello everyone. I haven't been in for a looooonnnnggg time for varying reasons. Suffice to say it's been quite a stressful start to the year and there's still a lot going on that has to be sorted - with priorities attached :rolleyes: . I keep going into flare ups as a result and I get as far as peeping in the window, occasionally getting a hand to the door knob, but reality of life keeps yanking me back. I've missed my brandied hot chocolates and warmth of the cafe!!!!

I feel like I've had a bit of a triumph today though which is good. Over the last couple of years, I've had an ongoing saga with my housing association about a tree growing out of my chimney. Basically, they said it was up to me IF I wanted it removed as it didn't come under their wear or repair criterias and I would have to pay. My concern was who'd be responsible for any damage it may cause so after visiting the CAB, wrote to the Housing Association last autumn on their advice. Well, cutting it short, the guys have just left after removing it, fitting a bird protector and a vent to the blocked up fireplace ..... and said the job will cost about £400 in all!! No where near the £60 I'd been told to expect to get the tree removed!! (They cleaned out the fireplace too so I now have a whole pile of soot to tackle the slugs with, lol!!)

If there's any of the cherry clafoutis left I'd love to try it as it sounds delicious and get a hot chocolate with whipped cream and a dash of brandy to celebrate.

Horace - I'm seeing the first signs of spring around here too with early spring flowers poking their heads up. We even saw lambs in the fields over the weekend. Spring cleaning is still only a thought at the moment though as I'm expecting more workmen in shortly and will deal with it after then.

LameWolf

Bluedog it's good to see you back. Hopefully life will settle down a bit, and let you get over your flares. Pull up a chair and make yourself comfortable and I'll get the hot chocolate on the go. Brandy decanter is on the table, help yourself.

M.E.

Well, it is very hot here in India.... 34 degrees.
I spent the afternoon in the shade and swimming in a nearby hotel pool. I am happy in the heat and as I cannot do much but laze around it suits me. I have been doing some cross-stitch as well. Normally at home I do not have time... I WILL MAKE TIME..

So I am offering Indian massage plus plentiful tropical sunshine and as it is virtual sunshine there is no need to slather yourself with suncream.
If you prefere brandy and hot chocolate... your wish is my command.
Keep well in body and spirit

LameWolf

M.E. wrote: »

So I am offering Indian massage plus plentiful tropical sunshine and as it is virtual sunshine there is no need to slather yourself with suncream.

That sounds great; normally I have to slap on Factor 30 just to hang the washing outside.

Horace

Hi Bluedog et al.

Spring has sprung - I drove past St Michaels Church in Stoke Prior earlier on and the verge outside was covered with wild snowdrops:cool: Well, I have been to the spa for some treats including lunch: basil n tomato soup with homemade roll, slice of lemon cake which wasnt as good as Wolfie's:rolleyes: and I was good and either drank water or smoothies (well, I had one smoothie and drank tons of water).

Rose oil massage on offer if anyone needs it.

I am supposed to be having a clear out and making the bed but I am here instead:rolleyes: S'pose I had better get a wriggle on.

Great news about the chimney Bluedog and that the soot will kill the slugs.