So here we are, the first few days of January already gone. The weather has been atrocious most of the time, with some heavy rain (on Friday evening it was bouncing off the rooftops opposite), grey, cool days and then….suddenly some glorious moments of sun. As a result, we have done very little outdoors, the weather not being suitable for a trip up the coast or a walk around Zealandia. Still, I have been trying to go for walks locally to keep up my steps, and on Saturday afternoon’s walk spotted several cricket games going on in the park.
Eating
After our fabulous dinner on Hogmanay, it was back to home cooking. I made a moussaka on New Year’s Day which did us two days, and we enjoyed pork fillet one night and pasta with a simple tomato sauce another. We popped over to our local café by the library a couple of times for cheese, ham and tomato toasties, and after a successful shopping trip for new jeans for Karl, enjoyed pies at Salut Pies for lunch on Friday. Karl had a classic mince and cheese and I tried the special of the day with pork belly and other good things. On Sunday, we drove up to friends who are on holiday in Masterton, stopping for lunch at Brac & Bow. I had my favourite seafood chowder (so much fish!) with toast, just the thing on a freezing cold summer day!
As we are going away (this post comes from Napier where we arrived this afternoon), there was no Wonky Box delivered this week, but I did pick up some more asparagus and courgettes, a new tin of paprika, and given the season, strawberries and blueberries.
Fungi
With all this damp weather, there has been lots of fungi sprouting in the garden. Our neighbour has what looks like a fairy ring in hers. For some reason, these make me smile.
Simple things
- Being lazy (maybe too lazy….watching movies and series rather than reading or having a clear out – but then why not….).
- Planning things for the year ahead, then replanning them.
- Seeing a lovely photo of my brother surrounded by all his grandchildren.
- Hearing from friends I haven’t heard from for a while.
- Considering my theme of the year – direction, movement, change.
- Planning holiday reading – and not doing much of it!
What were your small pleasures this week? Here are some other blog posts from a few fellow bloggers looking at the good things in life.
- Anne of Something Over Tea celebrates new year.
- The Glasgow Gallivanter shares a Geometric January.
- Natalie rings in the new year.
- There is knitting and coffee over at Southern Patches.
- Deb of Deb’s World looks back at 2024.
- Trent of Trent’s World shares a weekly smile
- Jo over at And Anyways also summarises 2024.
- Mr Tootlepedal sees a dusting of snow.
- Sue is blooming!
- There is more of Paris over at Travels Through My Lens.
- Fred shares his six on Saturday.
- Maria of Green Dreams shares a weekend coffee share.
- The Travelsketcher talks about oils and iPads.
- As usual, there is always an excellent cup of coffee over at Trent’s.
- Another word of the year over at Retirement Reflections.
- ..…and all the other lovely bloggers out there. Sorry if I have missed anyone…..
Thistles and Kiwis is a Wellington, New Zealand based blog written by Barbara, who likes cats, summer, good food and pretends to garden.
You can find Thistles and Kiwis on Facebook, and also on Instagram @thistlesandkiwis.