Here we are in the middle of February already. Melodifestivalen is on in Sweden (just catching up on Saturday’s heat as I type), the Fringe Festival has started, and the mornings are already getting darker as autumn is just around the corner. There is a pile of books to read beside the bed, some things that look interesting on both TV and streaming services and, of course, cookery books to browse. Just a few of the good things to cheer us up and distract us from the news.
On Saturday evening, we went to a garden party held at a friend’s house. There were sunflowers on the tables, plates of delicious food, chilled wine and beer and good conversation. Just a lovely evening.
Out and about – eating out
On Thursday evening we went out for a pre St Valentine’s Day dinner at WBC, tucked away up a flight of stairs on Victoria Street in the city centre. This is a lovely restaurant, where the food is beautifully prepared and served with a pleasing simplicity. I couldn’t help myself and started with half a dozen oysters, which I chose from their ‘raw’ board which “showcases a current selection of seafood”. Karl had smoked fish croquettes, which were delicious (yes, dear reader, I did taste a bit) and very much enjoyed. For the main dish, I chose the ‘duck leg Massaman’ which was excellent with the meat just falling off the bone and a burst of different flavours. It was served with a flat bread. Karl had the rib eye with chimichurri which got a double thumbs up, and a serving of potatoes with aioli (which I can vouch for tasted good). We had a pinot gris from Seresin with the first course and a Beronia rioja with the main.
In the basket
The Wonky Box delivered a cucumber, pak choy, a bunch of baby purple carrots, a red onion, a leek, an aubergine (eggplant), green beans, a small pumpkin and a kamokamo, a type of squash resembling a marrow. It is the first time I have cooked this vegetable, and took the advice of Asher Boote, chef and owner of Hillside and Daisy’s, and roasted it with butter and miso, which worked really well. I could not resist more corn, with it being at such a good price at the moment, a red and yellow capsicum, feta, halloumi, burrata, nectarines, tomatoes, pattypan squash and some raspberries and blueberries. Oh yes there were two lemons as well…
Out and about – Karori Karnival
On Sunday, after Karl left for his long journey to Stockholm (via Melbourne and Dubai), I wandered up to the Karori Karnival, with stalls, things for sale, a performance stage and mini fun fair for children. I had a pulled pork burger for lunch, and spotted this group in kilts complete with a Scottie dog, who were no doubt going to perform something with bagpipes at some point!
Simple things
- Finding a new dress in a second hand clothes shop in a perfect colour.
- Getting my hair cut and being very happy with the result. Changing salons can be a good idea.
- Spending time cooking new things.
- Listening to the cicadas.
- Marvelling at how much more I can see and how brighter the world is since my cataract operation.
- Looking at the agapanthus growing on the roof of a garage near the bus stop (they are regarded as weeds here).
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.
- There are celebrations over at Laurie’s with pancakes, pizza and beer.
- Anne of Something Over Tea writes about telegrams – remember them?
- The Glasgow Gallivanter visits the homes of Emmeline Pankhurst and Elizabeth Gaskell.
- Deb of Deb’s World takes stock.
- Trent of Trent’s World makes us some coffee to keep out the cold.
- Jo of Brookford Kitchen Diaries makes mincemeat oat cookies.
- Mr Tootlepedal goes round the back.
- Sue gives us a boost on a Monday – often needed!
- Travels Through My Lens tells a wonderful story about a gift bag.
- Meanwhile, Fred shares 6 things from his garden.
- The Travelsketcher shares thoughts on St Valentine’s Day.
- Mr Platypus of Now I’m 64 shares a wordless Wednesday.
- And enjoy a Cornish garden in spring 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.