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

Thistles and Kiwis

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea… we would talk about the year past and the year ahead. We do, however, avoid talking about politics (the election here in New Zealand) or world events (apart from the women’s football (or soccer if you use that word) world cup and rugby world cup).

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…we would talk about how we are still missing our gorgeous wee cat Charlie, who died at the end of February. You say he was very special and I say yes he was.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…we would talk about our trip to Europe in June, about how good the weather was, about or time in Copenhagen, Kalmar and London, about how nice it was to see people and catch up with friends and family, such as a cousin I had not seen in many a year and another cousin and her husband I had never met but had corresponded with for several years. You say that was a good trip.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea you would say you also had a long weekend in Melbourne and one in Martinborough too. I say yes, they were both good trips too, going to the Alexander McQueen exhibition in Melbourne and enjoying good weather and food in Martinborough.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…I would tell you that I had set a goal of going to see 12 films in the cinema this year, but have only managed 10 (including the one I have yet to see on Sunday). You say that was pretty good considering all the other things that happened this year like the slip and moving house, and I said yes, true.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…we would talk about what else we saw, from the Royal New Zealand Ballet in their 70th year, performances at the New Zealand School of Dance, to a flamenco evening, the World of Wearable Art, Joe Lycett the comedian, GoGo Penguin on the jazz festival and finally an evening with Ottolenghi (postponed from 2020). We would also talk about books we had read, book readings we had been too and agree that summer reads should be light and frothy. And of course…Karl gave his inaugural professorial lecture. You say congratulations!

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…we would talk about all the wonderful food we had eaten this year. We agree it is hard to pick favourites but the simple salmon, potatoes and asparagus I had at Blomlöfs in Kalmar was lovely, as well as the long Greek lunch at Noble Rot Wine Bar and … well, so many other things….but we do agree it was so sad to say goodbye to Field & Green and Shepherd’s restaurants in town.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…you would ask if we are happy in the new home and I say yes. The slip, though cleared at the old place, is still a mess with no strengthening having taken place, and the fences have stil not been fixed. Our new place is close to work and town, and although small, is comfortable, and the kitchen is great. You say oh good!

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…I would ask you if you would like to stay to dinner. I say that I am making lamb meatballs (from Ottolenghi’s Simple), and spiced roast cauliflower and garlic with tahini yoghurt dressing (from Peter Gordon’s Savour) having received a large one in the Wonky Box delivery this morning. You say oh yes please, so we settle down for an evening of conversation about the hopes for 2024.

Also entered in the end of year party hosted by Donna at Retirement Reflections, Deb at Deb’s World, Sue at Women Living Well Over 50 and Jo at And Anyways...

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

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Published by Thistles and Kiwis

Loves summer, sunshine and cats. Beginner gardener, likes eating, cooking and reading about food

33 Comments

  3. A wonderful catch up and look back at the year indeed! I’m so glad you’re settling into the new house well and had such a delicious year. Your travels sound wonderful too and isn’t that always such a nice bonus when the weather cooperates?!

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  8. Hello Barbara, what a lovely year (apart from your loss of Charlie) you have had. I think we would need more than one coffee or tea to chat about all you’ve done, especially your European trip. Best wishes to you and your husband for 2024 and thank you for supporting and being part of #WBOYC? each month. Happy New Year! xx

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  9. Hi, Barbara – Meatballs and spiced roast cauliflower with tahini yoghurt dressing sound lovely – as does the converation. Thank you for being a regular at WBOYC (and WOYBS and WOYP). You are greatly appreciated.

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  11. it sounds like you had an interesting and fulfilling year mostly! mine has been a bit … rough healthwise but i’m getting there slowly. Happy NY to you.

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  12. This is a great way to look back on the year – it places the negatives in perspective and highlights the positives 🙂 Turn the rest of the cauliflower into soup with other ingredients to disguise its flavour 🙂 🙂

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    1. I had thought of a curried cauliflower soup but it is summer and not soup weather….I might just cook it and freeze it, then forget about it, and have to throw it out in 6 months 🙂

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  14. If we were having a cup of tea I’d say I enjoyed sharing this year (virtually) with you, and also yes please to dinner. I’d also say thank you for supporting our link this year and how much I was looking forward to reading about your 2024 as it happens.

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  15. A wonderful review of the year! I love the photos too. It certainly looks like you visited this side of the world at the right time… It seems to have been quite a wet & windy year for us here in the UK, but June was mostly a good month!

    Wishing you all the best for 2024!

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  16. Pingback: This week’s small pleasures #368 – Thistles and Kiwis

  19. Hi Barbara, what a fab post, full of travels, food, memories and photos. The weather on your European trip looks perfect, we were in UK about the same time and had lovely warm sunny days. I love Copenhagen! Thanks for joining us for #WBOYC and all the best for 2024.

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