You wouldn’t think from the featured image at the top of the post and that below, taken at lunch time today, that this evening we are sitting looking out cold and rain. Saturday was sunny, Sunday was a dreich day (a good Scots word that really describes a grey, drizzly, damp weather), Monday was both – who knows what tomorrow will bring?
And a public service announcement – do check your spam folder for notifications of fellow bloggers new posts – I found a few there on Sunday morning.
In the basket
On Wednesday I picked up a bag of pears and some tomatoes from our local greengrocer, and some pasta, anchovies and ajvar from our local deli. I love ajvar, so was glad to find this jar there too. The Wonky Box this week delivered a cauliflower (thinking of soup for Wednesday’s dinner), courgettes, a bunch of carrots, another leek (though at least it is soup season now), some small onions, mushrooms and a bunch of choy sum. I also picked up a bunch of cavolo nero, some kale, golden kiwi fruit, limes and blueberries, and got a lovely bunch of green chilis from a colleague’s garden.
Eating
There was sushi for lunch on Wednesday, a lamb ragu from Sip and Feast for Sunday’s dinner and left overs tonight, and some pork filet with the mushrooms on Saturday. I made a batch of granola on Sunday (great with apple and pear compote and Greek yoghurt), and roasted the rest of the pumpkin and kumara to form the basis of work day lunches, sprinkled with feta and topped with greens.
Netball
April seems to be the month for new experiences. On Saturday I went to a netball match for the first time in my life. We didn’t ‘do’ netball at school, but my mum did and was in her school team. Australian, UK and South African readers will all know the sport at least, and I believe it is the biggest women’s sport here in New Zealand. Anyway, the local team, Central Pulse made it two wins from two in the 2024 ANZ Premiership, winning 56-44 against Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic at the TSB Arena. Verdict: great fun, a very exciting game, and I am now following the team and what happens this season.
Simple things
- Reading two good news articles about birds – this one in The Guardian (though we did know this already to be honest) and this one today about New Zealand’s smallest native bird, the titipounamu, which is venturing to new parts of Wellington.
- Enjoying drinks, chat, laughter and fish & chips with friends on Friday.
- Finding ways of getting a few more steps in now I am taking the bus to work.
- Sorting out more things in the kitchen now we have a new cupboard for glasses.
- Hearing that a friend completed the London marathon – well done Vanessa!
- Spotting these ducks on a walk near our house. There were three more nearby too.
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 puts a fence around her garden,
- Boondock Ramblings comfort reads and let’s us know her new book is coming out.
- Anne of Something Over Tea shares flowers in vases.
- Mr Tootlepedal shares many lovely pictures from tulips to a stunning pheasant over at Tootlepedal’s Blog.
- Jude over at Cornwall in Colours shares some lovely bluebells.
- Deb of Deb’s World goes on a sculpture walk.
- Sue over at Women Living Well After 50 has a new podcast – using our age as a superpower. Must listen to that!
- Natalie goes on three different outings.
- .…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
Thistles and Kiwis 
Our weather has been mostly gray, rainy, and cold so far this spring and it’s getting downright depressing. I am so ready for some sunny, warm days! We did have beautiful weather for our hike on Friday so that was nice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sunshine always lifts the spirits.
LikeLike
My daughter used to play netball at school and is keen for her daughter to do so too. My favourite sport to participate in was always tennis. Glad you now have space for your glasses. You seem to be settling in well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are slowly getting there!
LikeLike
Love those ‘basket’ shots! And the ducks!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLike
Fun and a feast!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I used to coach the girls for netball in my early teaching days. It is a brilliant game, as long as the players don’t refuse to pass to anyone except their special friends.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a lot of fun to watch.
LikeLike
Our weather has been chilly but sunny. A great reminder about what might land in the spam folder. April definitely sounds like new experiences for you. I think Net Ball is maybe similar to Basketball here. The nets did look a little different in your picture. The ducks are just precious. Have a wonderful week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Netball has quite different rules from basketball and was a game devised to be played by women believe it or not. You can’t dribble the ball and have to pass it to another player within a strict time limit. It was a much faster game than I remember!
LikeLike
I took your advice and looked in the spam folder..there was a few v dry legit comments there. Thank you!
Live sport events can be a lot of fun from time to time.
Your food photos always look tempting. Especially the sushi one made my mouth water this week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree – from time to time a live sport event can be fun.
Hope you are having a good week so far!
LikeLike
Hi Barbara, aren’t the duck cute? Netball is big here in Aus too and we’re usually rivals with the NZ team for top honours. It’s a fun fast paced game to watch isn’t it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really enjoyed the netball! And yes love the ducks…
LikeLiked by 1 person
The weather looks perfect in those first few photos and your produce hardly makes it look like it is fall. The sushi looks great and a timely reminder that I haven’t made granola in eons. Bernie
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you saw the weather today…..but it was good last week!
LikeLike
Oh and my Auzzie friend has been to NZ to compete in net ball. She absolutely loves the sport and has played it her whole life and she is still going strong at 68. Bernie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh good for her!
LikeLike
I seem to have lost a comment that disappeared off my IPad, but having another go…. my family love dr Who and would love an adventure game like that, and I loved netball, and it is big here in Australia…
Good luck for your friend doing the London marathon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The game was good fun and I was surprised how much I enjoyed the netball, which is of course a big game here too. And my friend completed the marathon!
LikeLike
We’ve had wonderful weather here this week and I am enjoying the outdoors as much as possible. That first picture is quite beautiful and peaceful. I love to see what other people eat and buy food wise!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are having really mixed weather here at the momeht – well, it is autumn! Thank you for stopping by.
LikeLike
Love the ducks! We are dodging thunder and lightening here in East Texas. I am sharing this post as one of my features, thank you for sharing with us at WTJR!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Melynda!
LikeLike