Blog No 158 – Chocolate Toothpaste Tart

Another UK school dinner favorite, although I’m not a huge fan. I’m sure chocolate lovers will love this recipe, as no baking is required, especially if you purchase a ready made pastry case. I assume the name chocolate toothpaste comes from the consistently of the filling representing toothpaste.

Makes 1 Tart

Ingredients

• 70g margarine
• 150g sugar
• 20g instant hot chocolate powder
• 20g cocoa powder
• 230g dried milk powder
• 1 ready made pastry case
• 150ml warm water

Method 

Cream together 70g margarine and 150g sugar until smooth. (I used caster sugar as the granules are smaller)

Add 20g hot chocolate powder and 20g cocoa powder to the margarine/sugar mixture and cream together.

Mix 230g dried milk powder and 150ml warm water together in a separate bowl until smooth.

Blend both mixes together until smooth and thick .

Pour into a ready pastry case and put in the refrigerator until set.

I apologise for the messy edges to the pastry case, I wasn’t having the best of days.  Enjoy

(Written in UK English)

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Weekly Blog No 90 – Net Cancer Day

Image credit net cancer org.

It’s my 4th Net Cancer Day since my diagnosis. 3 – 1/2 years ago. My personal goal was to live for 5 years going on statistics that I had read. 
Since my diagnosis of net cancer aka carcinoid cancer, I have seen a bigger awareness of this specific cancer. Consequently, patients, carers givers, medical professionals and organisations are proactively spreading the word and creating more awareness. I believe social media has been the biggest influence in order to drive awareness. I have personally learnt a lot from a social media groups and have been able to share my knowledge too from my own personal expereince. We have continued to be proactive in driving awareness and believe me no action is deemed too small.

Cancer Update 

As many of you know, I have cancer in the abdominal and the liver but this week I learnt from my latest Ga68 scan that there is no further metastasis spread. I have to say that’s such a relief to hear, especially as I was having problems with my spine & head. I suspected bone metastasis due to my pain problems but it was confirmed that I don’t have bone mets. I do believe 120mg of Lantreotide every 28 days has been a huge contribution to enable my Oncologist to say such words  “you are stable”. 

I have a further appointment with my Neurologist in about 10 days, to hopefully shed some light as to what is going on with my spine/head etc. Although I feel a huge relief, there is still the fact that I have other symptoms and issues that need to be addressed in order to achieve optimum health. 

I would like to personally thank all the patients and medical professionals that have made my Net Cancer journey a lot easier. Without you there would be no journey. ❤

Weekly Blog No 89 – My Reading Challenge

In the last twelve months, I’ve attempted a challenge to read as many books in a year. My goal was 24 books and to experiment with some different authors. I have about a month to go and about 3 more books left to read.
Here is my list to date:

1. East End Jubilee – Carol Rivers
2. Pam Weaver – For Better or Worse
3. The Kelly Sisters – Maureen Lee
4. A Summer Promise – Katie Flynn
5. The New Arrival – Sarah Beeston MBE
6. War Baby – Lizzie Lane
7. Without Trace – Lesley Pearce
8. The Ophran’s – Dilly Court
9. Sins of the Mother – Irene Kelly
10. Too Close to Home – Susan Lewis
11. The Buffer Girls – Margaret Dickinson
12. Me Me Me – Charlotte Crosby
13. Ragged Rose – Dilly Count
14. Lights Out Liverpool – Maureen Lee
15. Love Me Tender – Anne Bennet
16. The Swan Maid – Dilly Court
17. The Girl With No Name _ Diney Costeloe
18. A Family Scandal – Kitty Neale
19. Our Country Nurse – Sarah Beeston  MBE & Amy Beeston
20. Finding Tipperary Mary – Phyliss Whitsell
21. Polly’s Angel – Katie Flynn (Still reading)

I did read on social media the other day that a woman had read 70 books so far in 2016. Kudos to her, however 70 books is an incredible amount of reading. I have experimented with some new authors in the last 12 months, however my genre doesn’t seem to have changed. I have read a few biographies as you will see from my list above. It’s always a learning experience when reading about someone else’s life.

The books, I tend to read always have a historical and cultural element, which I find very intriguing. It certainly makes you appreciate the life you have today. I feel the only way I could beat 24 books a year, is if I stop watching television. I really don’t think that is going to happen. I shall attempt another reading challenge once this one is complete.

Weekly Blog No 88 – UK Garden Centre’s

Today I was feeling a little better so I seized the opportunity to venture out to buy some gifts. Mr Zebrakat & I went to a local garden centre as they are a mecca for unusual gifts. Gone are the days of garden centres just offering trees and plants.

We started to walk around and I spotted this cute little bird house resembling a British post box.

Then we spotted a scarecrow looking very familiar to Worzel Gummidge.  Worzel Gummidge was a children’s programme in the late 70s about a scarecrow that comes to live and his girlfriend Aunt Sally.

We maneuvered our way around the garden centre in the garden ornaments and came across these cute animals.

Around the corner was the Christmas section, starting to develop with Santa and other associated Christmas theme animals.

The next section was gifts but I can’t show this section because I don’t want to spoil the surprises for the individuals. However I did buy this book  “Mary Berry” cook book for myself to try out some recipes.

Following the gift section you navigate your way through the food section, where we brought a few goodies.

The blackcurrant jam was bought for nostalgic reasons, I believe my grandma used to make blackcurrant jam in Ireland.

The last stop was the café, which has always a good experience with its various food & drink choice. Mr Zebrakat had a full English breakfast priced at £4.75, not only was it overpriced but it was luke warm and didn’t come with toast. We shan’t eat there again as it was a massive disappointment.

Do you have a great place to shop for gifts, let me know.

Weekly Blog No 87 – Letters & Cards

I’m writing this blog because someone mentioned receiving cards through the post on social media. No one sends a letter or even cards so much these days. Computers and social media have taken over the art of handwriting.

There is no denying that we all smile when we see a handwritten envelope coming through the letter box. Hence it’s not a computer generated bill or marketing literature. Letters & cards are more of a personal gesture and shows a noticeable effort from the sender.

Do we smile in the same way when we receive a happy birthday on social media, I’m not sure. We are unquestionably grateful that someone has said happy birthday but it’s usually due to a prompt reminder on social media.

When writing a letter, it’s more personal and the content can be more intimate. I’m sure the intimate contents of your letter would not be displayed all over your social media. Furthermore you somewhat take the time to choose a card, with the right wording & picture. It’s then handwritten with befitting message, sealed, stamped and mailed away.

Social media is beyond any doubt less tasking, there’s no money involved in purchases and caters by its immediate action. Social media is especially good if you live overseas, keeping your family & friends upto date with news and photos. This has been extremely helpful in my situation. I couldn’t imagine writing over 100 letters to keep people involved.

Is letter writing and card sending a dying gesture of kindness! I do send letters and I categorically send cards. Maybe we should all send more letters, rekindle the excitement of receiving mail through the letter box. Let’s bring back paper, handwriting and postage stamps. Endorse being creative and bring back smiles.

Weekly Blog No 86 – Happy 6th Birthday Lottie

Lottie’s annual message.

Wow it’s my 6th birthday. Let me tell you about my last year. I’ve been back in the UK for over 12 months now and I have adjusted very well. Can’t say I love the rain, I still prefer the snow. Who invented rain anyway and what is it’s purpose? I still don’t like my coat getting wet, I hate looking like a drenched rat and half my size. They should do dog umbrellas!!!

I attend doggy day care for socialising, whilst my human mum attends her hospital appointments. I have a few friends now at the kennels. One of them is Mitzi, she’s a chihuahua. I do a lot of chasing with her. Boy am I tired after, its like a months workout for humans.

I have developed an obsession for neighbours cat (Timmy) next door. Timmy likes to cross over my garden to get to his. He leaps over the fence and makes me jump out of  my skin. I do see a cat at the local car wash but that cat doesn’t bother me, we just do a stare off. Timmy on the other hand insists on teasing me through the patio doors walking over my territory. Dam cat.

I love my groomer Sophie, she does a great job and makes me smell beautiful, however my dad has a habit of going too far with my haircuts. My human mum likes me looking adorably cute and my human dad gets carried away on the hair on my face being too short and trying to make me look like a Jack Russell.

It’s quiet funny hearing my human mum say after a haircut ” what have you done to my dog, poor Lottie”. However to me it means more fuss and I’m not going to say no, to more snuggles and cuddles.

As you know, UK drive thru’s are not much fun, like they were in Canada. Therefore my human dad does take me to the local bakery on Saturday and the women adore me. Therefore I go into my cuteness mode and walk out with a sausage every time. I do get heaps of cuddle & fuss.

I’m still all over my human mum, she’s my snuggle blanket, however my human dad is the Santa of treats. They do eat some exciting stuff, my nose is constantly being tormented by my human mums cooking. I do love chicken though and if I had springs on my paws, I would snatch the chicken away. Why does chicken taste so good.

That’s all for this year, maybe I will get some chicken as its my birthday.

Weekly Blog No 85 – Cancer Update

 

I seem to have disappeared off radar but I’m very much here dealing with the challenges of health.

I’ve had tests, scans and even seen Specialists. It’s an ongoing cycle, which you learn to adapt too. No one prepares you for a full-time role in the delights of medical facilities. If I had known this was my life plan, I would have done a bit more travelling. I only had one continent to do and it was Australia. Never say never.

During this period of disappearance. I’ve had bed rest and when I am awake I enjoy the pleasure of reading. I’ve read a few books but one in particular got my undivided attention. Mr Zebrakat couldn’t even speak to me when I was reading this book.  Usually i am great at multi tasking, reading, listening to the television or radio and conversing with him. On this occasion bless him, he got nothing. The book was called “Finding Tipperary Mary” by Phyllis Whitsell. You all know I have a passion for Irish stories especially true stories. Thank you Auntie P.

I’ve had some friends over entertaining me. What enjoyment they are, you know who you are. I have to say they are the best medicine, I’m always giggling at something or some memory we had. I am always grateful to the people who put themselves out for me. I know I’m not always the instigator of communication nowadays. As it can be quiet challenging maintaining contact with everyone. I tend to be reactive than proactive. Therefore I do appreciate the people who acknowledge my illness and make the effort to keep up contact. To all those people who put themselves out for me. Thank you.

I know I’m on Facebook but sometimes I am just to tired to respond. I will always respond when I have a spike of energy. Please don’t think I don’t care because I do.

My biggest achievement this month is being able to visit 4 shops. I know that may sound nothing to some people but that is huge for me and without symptoms. The latest tablet increase has made a difference. The only problem is when I experience more freedom I get my back issues.  I recently had an MRI on my spine and even though I’ve had 4 ops, my spine is a complete mess. I am waiting for a Neurologist Appt, there appears to be a waiting list and I may not be seen until Oct. My GP Referral was made in July. I’m back to London for Oncology Ga68 scan at the beginning Oct.

I will continue to do what I can when I can. Whoop whoop to managing another blog.

Weekly Blog No 84 – Rio 2016 Olympics

It’s hard to believe it’s been 4 years since the London’s Olympics held in the UK. London was a magnificent host and the country proved to be a huge success. This year the hosting nation is Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and has already provided an amazing opening ceremony.

Great Britain is hopeful for a few medal winners this year. Here’s a few of the names to watch out for and their Olympic metal history

Athletics 

• Mo Farrah – 2  Gold Medals
• Jessica Ennis – Hill – 1 Gold Medal
• Greg Rutherford –  1 Gold Medal
• Katarina Johnson-Thompson

Boxing 

• Nicola Adams – 1 Gold Medal

Cycling

• Lizzie Armitstead – 1 Silver Medal
• Chris Froome – 1 Bronze Medal
• Jason Kenny – 3 Gold & 1 Silver Medals
• Laura Trott – 2 Gold Medals
• Sir Bradley Wiggins – 4 Gold, 1 Silver & 2 Bronze Medals

Equestrian

• Charlotte Dujardin – 2 Gold Medals

Golf

• Danny Willett

Gymnastics

• Max Whitlock – 2 Bronze Medals
• Louis Smith – 1 Silver & 2 Bronze Medals

Rowing

• Helen Glover and Heather Stanning – 1 Gold Medal

Swimming

• Adam Peaty

Tennis

• Andy Murray – 1 Gold & 1 Silver

Triathlon 

• Alistair and Jonny Brownlee – A 1 Gold Medal & J 1 Bronze Medal

Good luck to all the sportsmen and sportwomen in Rio, 2016.

Weekly Blog No 83 – Movies

Today as I’m starting to feel a little better than my NORMAL, so we decided to go the cinema to see Jason Bourne. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to leave the house due to symptoms. I managed to get through the whole movie without any serious symptoms. I am very tired but it is butt dart day tomorrow.

The cinema experience is very different in Canada, far more leg room, comfy chairs and amazing food choice. Unlike the UK, less leg room, semi comfy chairs, unlimited food choice and seriously overpriced. However Canada doesn’t do sweet popcorn it’s either salted or butter, which has never appealed to me or Mr Zebrakat. Armed with sweet popcorn, pick & mix and cold drinks, we were ready to go and watch some action.

Matt Damon aka Jason Bourne has never failed in his action packed movies. Another great story and I’m sure he’s going to be back again at some point with another sequel.

 

Weekly Blog No 82 – Favourite Colour.

Most people have a favorite colour, whether it be blue, green, red or even pink, only to name a few. I’m not sure all of us would wear our favourite colour but we are likely to buy a product in our favourite colour. I love colour, yet there is colours I just wouldn’t wear because I feel they wouldn’t suit my skin tone. I won’t always buy a product in my favorite colour  either as I do prefer the colour to suit the product. I don’t think a yellow iPhone would necessary look great or a black bar of soap. 

 I chose baby pink for my wedding theme colour but I wouldn’t wear the same pink or own a purse in the same  colour. My mother has a passion for emerald green (it’s an Irish thing) therefore she is both likely to wear and purchase an item of the same colour. Mr Zebrakat likes blue, yet I’ve only see him purchase a couple of items of that colour, like an expensive pen or other stationary items. I have yet to see a blue Audi. 

I’m so weird in respect of colour as I don’t think I have a favourite colour as such as I like various colours. My colour choice will be dependent on my purchase. I will give you a few examples below of what I like:-

•  Silver cars
• White bed sheets
• Red or orange purse
• Red stationary items 
• Pink/red lipstick/nail varnish
• Silver saucepans
• Brown belts
• Pink flowers
• White/cream everyday kitchenware
• Photo albums in warm colours, reds, oranges, yellows etc
• Green/red mobile phone covers

That is only a few examples colour choice verses product, it does seem I’m not a lover of your blues & purple. Yet I know I like to include blues and purples in the garden. 

The meaning of colours. 

Red – energy, passion and action

Orange – adventure and social communication

Yellow – the mind and the intellect

Green – balance, harmony and growth

Blue – trust and responsibility

Indigo – intuition, perception and the higher mind

Purple/violet  – imagination and spirituality

Turquoise – open communication and clarity of thought

Pink – unconditional love and intention

I guess that explains alot about my colour choices for certain items. I know some of my friends have favourite colours and I can relate the above meaning of colours to their individual personalities. 

 
Written in UK English.