We seem to finally be getting some decent summer weather – of course, the schools are back and public holidays are over until Easter. Isn’t that always the way? Anyway, it is nice to see sunshine and blue skies, and I was able to make the most of a good day on Waitangi Day (see here). On the way to work this morning, I spotted this rather attractive mushroom on a patch of grass near the house. It brought an early smile on a Monday.
In the basket
In the Wonky Box this week – well, there was sweetcorn, a head of broccoli, a small leek, a cucumber, tomatoes, two aubergines (eggplant), and a head of lettuce and bunch of basil (not pictured). I didn’t really need to add much, but got some blueberries, raspberries, peacherines, nectarines and radishes to add into the mix.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
I dug out my egg coddler on Thursday, and enjoyed two coddled eggs topped with my favourite ‘pimped pepper’ from Spicecraft and a couple of slices of fiche from Shelley Bay Baker. I enjoyed an excellent prosciutto and mozzarella sandwich from their Karori shop too. In between the osteopath and Pilates on Wednesday I treated myself to a warm cheese scone at Pravda (Jo and I have both learned how these are made), and then made ordinary scones on Saturday for an afternoon treat, served with plum jam. With it being summer, there are lots of salads appearing on the table, from courgettes/zucchine and lemon one, to a fresh mix of sweetcorn, tomato and cucumber, to a big bowl of greens, to my favourite, potato with lots of dill.
Out and about
We went to the cinema again on Sunday, this time to see the 2023 film Widow Clicquot, about Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot, who revolutionised the production of champagne. It was another rather slow film, full of flash-backs and some historical inaccuracies (eg the pink champagne she created first appeared at a later date). The film was lovely to look at though.
Anyway, 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.
Simple things
- Reading this article on how to boil an egg – what do you think?
- Finding a jar of homemade jam made by a neighbour left on the doorstep.
- Hearing that my brother is making some improvements with his health.
- Being able to see distances again – the world is suddenly bright!
- Having Karl home after his trip to Melbourne.
- Spotting these plums hanging over the wall from somebody’s garden.
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.
- It was wonderful to see Laurie return to blogging.
- Anne of Something Over Tea shares some gorgeous zebra faces.
- The Glasgow Gallivanter celebrates January in Glasgow – well, not the storm….
- Deb of Deb’s World is inspired by red.
- Trent of Trent’s World takes to the snow.
- Jo of Brookford Kitchen Diaries makes chocolate chip cookies.
- Mr Tootlepedal is rising above it.
- Sue gives us a boost this Monday.
- Travels Through My Lens moves to the 18th and 19th arrondissements.
- Meanwhile, Fred sees signs of northern hemisphere spring.
- The Travelsketcher ends the cruise.
- Mr Platypus of Now I’m 64 is positive about rats – with all the best will in the world, not something I can do!
- Natalie goes on a winter walk along the harbourfront.
- And enjoy Saturday Sketches over at Cornwall in Colours.
- ..…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.