This week’s small pleasures #369

So the first week of the new year has gone past, and with us both being on holiday, the days have all melded into one, punctuated by food, bits of shopping, meeting friends. It is lovely of course, but I do wonder how I will manage back at work without an afternoon nap! The tree came down on Saturday, and the decorations packed away, leaving a gap in our living room (and highlighting we need a table lamp) and marking the end of the Christmas season. So let us move on to this week’s small pleasures.

A walk on the beach

On Tuesday we drove up the coast to Paraparaumu, and went for a walk along the beach to Raumati Beach and back again. It was wonderful to smell the sea – there is nothing better to lift the spirits and blow away the cobwebs. The island you can see is Kapiti Island, a nature reserve.

Lunches

On Thursday, after a few errands, we stopped off at Ekim Burger on Cuba Street for lunch. It is an outdoor place as you can see, and with the weather being good, meant we didn’t have to hide under any of the covered areas. We both ordered the classic Ekim burger, Esther, a beef patty with cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, the special Ekim sauce and mustard. No chips (or fries if you must) were needed!

Friday was a rather humid day, weather that does not agree with me. I had a library book to drop off and then went for a wander, stopping for lunch at Fred’s. I had the pastrami, with cheese, pickles and a special sauce which honestly was one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. It is always busy, but if you can’t get a seat, you can get a sandwich to take away.

With Sunday being a glorious sunny day, we drove over the hills and had lunch at Brac & Bow, the restaurant inside the Royal Hotel in Featherstone. I love their seafood chowder, but the day called for a salad with halloumi and lamb which was very good. Karl had the chicken burger, and yes, I did have a glass of local rose wine as it was a Sunday lunch treat. Below you can also see the bar in the restaurant.

Eating in

I should have cancelled the Wonky Box for this week as we are going on a short trip, but forgot so had to think how to use up all the veggies. At least I could give the cauliflower to a friend, and the potatoes and courgettes will keep until we get back. I cooked the green beans and sweetcorn on Friday, with leftovers in a salad on Sunday, and made a sauce with the watercress lemon and sour cream to have with fish on Saturday which, I must say, was excellent.

Simple things

• Catching up with friends visiting here from Europe.
• Enjoying some sunny days.
• Being on holiday – still.
• Having time to reset.
• Making a few plans for the year ahead.
• Smelling the sea and spotting sea shells

So those were my highlights of the week. As I mentioned, we are off on a trip from tomorrow (Tuesday) so might not see you here until next Monday.

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.

• Green Dreams welcomes the year with thought of kindness and moving to a new home.
• Meanwhile Boondock Ramblings looks back at 2023.
• Mr Tootlepedal goes on a walk and visits his wife in hospital over at Tootlepedal’s Blog 
• Something Over Tea introduces us to more native birds.
• Deb’s World shares what is on her plate.
• Lisa over at Southern Patches shares her Friday favourites including a French butter press.
• Donna shares her favourite holiday recipe over at Retirement Reflections.
• Jo of And Anyways… celebrates a month of food. Don’t read if hungry!
• Natalie rings in the new year.
• Women Loving Well After 50 also shares what is on her plate.
• We know there is always good coffee over at Trent’s.
• .…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 lofgren@thistlesandkiwis.com