You wouldn’t think from the featured image at the top of the post and that below, taken at lunch time today, that this evening we are sitting looking out cold and rain. Saturday was sunny, Sunday was a dreich day (a good Scots word that really describes a grey, drizzly, damp weather), Monday was both – who knows what tomorrow will bring?
And a public service announcement – do check your spam folder for notifications of fellow bloggers new posts – I found a few there on Sunday morning.
In the basket
On Wednesday I picked up a bag of pears and some tomatoes from our local greengrocer, and some pasta, anchovies and ajvar from our local deli. I love ajvar, so was glad to find this jar there too. The Wonky Box this week delivered a cauliflower (thinking of soup for Wednesday’s dinner), courgettes, a bunch of carrots, another leek (though at least it is soup season now), some small onions, mushrooms and a bunch of choy sum. I also picked up a bunch of cavolo nero, some kale, golden kiwi fruit, limes and blueberries, and got a lovely bunch of green chilis from a colleague’s garden.
Eating
There was sushi for lunch on Wednesday, a lamb ragu from Sip and Feast for Sunday’s dinner and left overs tonight, and some pork filet with the mushrooms on Saturday. I made a batch of granola on Sunday (great with apple and pear compote and Greek yoghurt), and roasted the rest of the pumpkin and kumara to form the basis of work day lunches, sprinkled with feta and topped with greens.
Netball
April seems to be the month for new experiences. On Saturday I went to a netball match for the first time in my life. We didn’t ‘do’ netball at school, but my mum did and was in her school team. Australian, UK and South African readers will all know the sport at least, and I believe it is the biggest women’s sport here in New Zealand. Anyway, the local team, Central Pulse made it two wins from two in the 2024 ANZ Premiership, winning 56-44 against Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic at the TSB Arena. Verdict: great fun, a very exciting game, and I am now following the team and what happens this season.
Simple things
- Reading two good news articles about birds – this one in The Guardian (though we did know this already to be honest) and this one today about New Zealand’s smallest native bird, the titipounamu, which is venturing to new parts of Wellington.
- Enjoying drinks, chat, laughter and fish & chips with friends on Friday.
- Finding ways of getting a few more steps in now I am taking the bus to work.
- Sorting out more things in the kitchen now we have a new cupboard for glasses.
- Hearing that a friend completed the London marathon – well done Vanessa!
- Spotting these ducks on a walk near our house. There were three more nearby too.
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.
- Green Dreams puts a fence around her garden,
- Boondock Ramblings comfort reads and let’s us know her new book is coming out.
- Anne of Something Over Tea shares flowers in vases.
- Mr Tootlepedal shares many lovely pictures from tulips to a stunning pheasant over at Tootlepedal’s Blog.
- Jude over at Cornwall in Colours shares some lovely bluebells.
- Deb of Deb’s World goes on a sculpture walk.
- Sue over at Women Living Well After 50 has a new podcast – using our age as a superpower. Must listen to that!
- Natalie goes on three different outings.
- .…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. If you want to get in touch, email me on lofgren@thistlesandkiwis.com