It has been a rather grey and damp King’s Birthday holiday today, and you can really feel a shift to winter. We are still in a temporary apartment, over a week since we were evacuated. While we can see the slip is being cleared, the promise of that being done by Saturday, has not materialised. Who knows if water and gas will be restored tomorrow now, we can live in hope, though I am convinced we will be in this flat until we fly off.
Anyway, Saturday was a gorgeous sunny day, and it was lovely to walk to Pilates, all be it a different route, passing The Beehive (Parliament building) and Old Government House (the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere and the law school of Victoria University of Wellington). Even better, I saw and heard a Kākā flying past the Anglican cathedral, St Paul’s. It was so wonderful to see this bird in the city and how they have extended their territory since we moved here.
Not really being able to cook much, or even feel much like cooking, we grabbed some fish and chips one evening. Good fish and chunky chips, there was even a slice of lemon and tub of tartare sauce. I had a very good banh mi for lunch at work on Friday from NamD, and on Saturday we headed over to nearby pub Chapman Taylor Cafe and Inn for lunch (seafood chowder for me, chicken curry for Karl).
Simple Things
- Spotting these butterflies, feasting in the sun.
- Enjoying good food and wine at friends’ on Saturday evening.
- The kindness of so many people over this past week. Many many thanks to all my blogging friends for all your wishes which have certainly helped to keep us going.
- Resting and restoring over the long weekend – actually spent all Monday afternoon reading!
- Going out for a wonderful dinner on Sunday (reporting on that on Wednesday).
- Chatting to my niece who was visiting my brother in Vancouver.
What were your small pleasures this week? Apologies for not linking up to others this week but I am typing this on my iPad and it is just a bit tricky! But I do want to acknowledge all you wonderful bloggers out there.
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 thistlesandkiwis@gmail.com or lofgren@thistlesandkiwis.com
Thistles and Kiwis 
Still holding thumbs for your return to your home before you leave. Glad to know you are being ‘looked after’ by friends. Good food and pleasant company can be restorative. Winter chills are beginning to bite here too.
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The food looks delicious! Hope you get the green light to get back home soon.
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Thank you!
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Take care! 🙂
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Those butterflies are indeed beautiful! Great that you were able to enjoy so many small pleasures during such a stressful time. It sounds as though progress is being made, albeit slowly. Hugs across the globe from Maine.
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Would you believe my step-son in Copenhagen was taken into hospital at the weekend? He is OK and getting out in the next day or so but honestly….I really need to stop and look at butterflies! Thanks for the hugs Laurie!
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Glad you are still managing to be reasonably positive even if things have slowed down a bit. Still keeping 🤞🏻for you.
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Hi, Barbara – I love your positive outlook and your focus on the simple things that bring you joy. Wishing you a return to your home VERY soon. ❤
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Thank you – it has been a stressful time.
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Totally understandable. Your positive attitude has been inspirational!
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My small pleasures have been getting in fresh supplies of honey and cheese . . . and of course reading your blog and finding that you are coping amazingly well with stressful circumstances.
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Oh that does sound good…and thank for including my blog! We are slowly getting there….
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Your fortitude is inspiring! Hoping for the reconnection of your water and gas. And of course, more butterflies and good food for you.
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Hi Barbara,
Sorry to hear that the slide has kept you away from home for so long. I was hoping for better news by now but it sounds like a pretty big slide took place and everyone wants it corrected quickly but also safely for everyone.
Hang in there and keep that keen focus on the blessings all around you. You still live in a beautiful place.
Blessings.
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Those butterflies are beautiful! It does sound like a delicious week. Your ability to make such a stressful time a bit less so by enjoying the simple things is remarkable.
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Hi there, so sorry to hear about the landslide! How scary! I hope you can move back soon? Was this because of heavy rain?
It looks like you’re trying to enjoy what you can after all. The butterflies are stunning!
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It must be so very trying not knowing when things will get done. You are of such strong mind & heart to not let this situation take the wind out of your sails.
Am glad that you were still able to enjoy the long weekend, and the many little pleasures of the week.
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What a wonderful list of simple pleasures amidst the continued unknown territory you’re walking in. I hope things continue to improve and you’ll be cooking in your own kitchen again very soon!
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Thanks!
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Your opening picture is beautiful. The food looks tasty. Great post, thanks for sharing.
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I hope you can return home soon!
Those butterflies are gorgeous! They look like monarchs–yes? Do you know what kind of plant they’re on? The leaves look like milkweed, but the flowers don’t.
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Yes they are monarchs. Not sure about the plant…buddlea?
We are now on holiday but have heard that new gas pipes are going in.
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