This week’s small pleasures #200

Gosh! The 200th small pleasures post! I feel I should celebrate in some way, or at least mark the occasion, but rather than go over old posts looking for highlights, I am just going to do my usual and do the normal weekly roundup. It is fun to do, and helps you appreciate all the little things that bring us joy.

Eating out

On Thursday we had dinner at Daisy’s , formerly known as Tinakori Bistro. Same owner, but a relaunch with a new menu. We shared an excellent wild pork and duck liver terrine with picalilli to start with, and then I opted for the fish with Asian greens, black garlic and peanuts and Karl had the steak frites – naturally. Nice food and great to see the place busy too.

Friday’s walk in the Botanic Gardens

I worked at home on Friday, and took a lunch time walk in the gardens – shades of lockdown! Anyway, the beautiful magnolia that stands near the duck pond is in full bloom and looking magnificent as always. The striking pink flowers brighten up any day. There are quite a few daffodils already in flower, and lots of hellebores too.

More food

There was a cheese scone at Squirrel, with a bottomless pot of tea on Saturday morning, a pile of shiny, colourful yams (oca) and a cake. To be precise, I baked a pear, almond and polenta cake, full of flavour from the orange zest, cinnamon and cardamom. Quite lovely with a cup of black coffee.

New plants and other flowers

On Sunday, we went to a local garden centre for a couple of plants to brighten up what is now the spare room/home office. I picked up some hyacinths in a bowl, a couple of interesting looking cacti and this beautiful orchid, which all go to lift and brighten up the room.

Check out what is making Notes from the Hinterland happy too.

Thanks to Mani over at A New Life Wandering for the original idea.

So that is it for this week. Wherever you are, take care and look out for those little things that bring you joy. What were your small pleasures of the week just past? 

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