If we are having coffee…or even a cup of tea

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…we would be sitting far apart. We would laugh and say social distancing, who knew that phrase this time last year. We also decided not to talk about ‘it’ any more today, and talk about other things, because as museums close, festivals get cancelled and borders shut, we have to think of the good things in life to keep ourselves going.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…you would ask me how I was doing. I would say fine, though still feeling a bit flat, and am now concerned about my other brother. You would say of course this is normal..but know you are surrounded by friends and you live in a beautiful place.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…still on beautiful places, we turned to the Botanic Gardens, now free of cruise ship tourists. We would finally discuss the sculptures that have been in place since the start of summer, and agree they were fun and hope that they stay. I say I really like the one called South Pacific System, and if I had a large garden and lots of money, I might buy it. You laugh.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…we would, of course, talk about food. I would say I just want to bake and make comfort food, and you would agree. I tell you my baking plans, and you smile, and say save some for me. We look at some recipes (keeping a good distance of course), and plan all sorts of good things, and wonder how much will actually be made, but agree it is fun to plan.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…we would talk about local businesses and how they will fair in the current unstable situation. We agree it is important to do our bit, and we discuss initiatives like Shelly Bay Baker’s home delivery plans. Their fougasse and focaccia are lovely, and the country sour dough makes lovely breakfast toast.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…you would, of course, accept an invitation to dinner, as it may be that next week such social encounters will not be so easy.

Remember…wash your hands, sneeze into your elbow, keep social distancing…and most important…be kind.

You can find Thistles and Kiwis on Facebook, and also on Instagram@thistleandkiwis.  As for Twitter….am totally inactive these days.  If you want to get in touch, email me on thistlesandkiwis@gmail.com