This week’s small pleasures #357

The weekend news here in New Zealand was dominated by the results of the general election, resulting in a change in government, and the All Blacks winning their game with Ireland in the rugby world cup. Well, at least everyone was pleased with the sporting victory. Anyway, it was a week of mixed weather, mixed fortunes but of course, some small pleasures.

Eating in, eating out

In our Wonky Box delivery this week? Kumara (sweet potato), a couple of little turnips, asparagus, broccolini, a bag of baby spinach (not pictured), yams (oca) and joy of joys…a small cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Yes! We don’t buy tomatoes during the winter due to the cost, so seeing these in the box brought a smile to my face. I made a kumara and potato gratin for dinner on Sunday, along with the aspargus and broccolini and a good steak for a real treat.

I finally got to Fred’s Sandwiches on Cuba Street and was not disappointed. They have made a bit of a name for themselves as making some of the best sandwiches in town and I can see why. I opted for the tuna melt, with red onion and a few slices of pickle. Gorgeous!

We went to another of our local pubs one evening, The Shepherds’ Arms, and I confess to opting for fish and chips again, while Karl had the ‘pie of the day’. There are several local pubs close to where we live, so when we can’t be bothered to cook and feel like going out at the last minutes, we have a good choice.

RNZB Platinum anniversary

On Friday, a friend and I attended Platinum, a gala performance by the Royal New Zealand Ballet to celebrate their 70th anniversary. It was a wonderful evening with a mix of traditional sparkle (for balletomanes, think Don Quixote pas de deux and the delicate pas de deux from Bournonville’s The Flower Festival in Genzano) and a wonderful closing piece specially choreographed by dancer and choreographer Sean James Kelly, Prismatic, an homage to a work choreographed by founder of the company Poul Gnatt, and dancer and choreographer Russell Kerr, Prismatic Variations. In the foyer there were some costumes on display from the forthcoming Hansel and Gretel and the 1996 production of Swan Lake which you can see below.

Simple things

• Finding more furniture for the living room – we are slowly getting there with our new space.
• Seeing some spring sunshine on a few days at least!
• Finding a surprise nasturtium in a pot in the back yard (see featured image).
• Spending Sunday afternoon reading – bliss!
• Getting bread and croissants delivered from Shelley Bay Baker.
• Spotting this ladybird on a bedroom window

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.

• .Mr Tootlepedal of Tootlepedal’s Blog is singing and smiling and has the first frost.
• Trent started the week at Cape Cod and of course makes us a good cup of coffee.
• Anne at Something Over Tea celebrtes green.
• Laurie over at Notes from the Hinterland writes of tea, books eagles and dear friends – what a wonderful combination.
• Women Living Well After 50 encourages us to accept our bodies at any age.
• .…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 thistlesandkiwis@gmail.com or lofgren@thistlesandkiwis.com