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

Thistles and Kiwis

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…we would say how nice it is to meet up again. We would naturally talk about the weather that seems to be one day of sunshine and one day of wind and rain. Ah well, you say, it is the transition between winter and spring.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…we would talk about the sad loss of a former colleague and the passing of Karl’s aunt in Sweden of cancer. I would tell you of a sad thing I saw the other day, a duck sitting on the pavement near the bus stop, mourning for her partner who appeared to have been killed by a car. I spoke to her, and she quacked back before fluttering off. You say there was nothing you could do and I say I know.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…I would say I cheered myself up with a bunch of daffodils and you say how perfect.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…we would talk about the past month, about burgers we ate, about Wellington on a Plate, about Beervana and the film festival. I say I also went to the ballet. We agree that there was a lot on in August.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…you would ask if I how I had implemented he word courage this month. I say well….dealing with some ‘life admin’ issues and going for the first part of my shingles vaccination and you smile.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…I would say that my cactus plants really enjoy their new window spot in lots of sunshine and seem to be flowering a lot. You smile and say how pretty.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…we would talk about books we had read, how are gardens are doing and what we have been eating and cooking.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…I would ask you to stay to dinner and you say of course. So we settle down to some tortellini topped with roasted aubergine (eggplant), red capsicum and mushrooms. We open a bottle of wine and settle down for an evening of more conversation.

Shared over at What’s Been On Your Calendar? hosted by Deb, Sue, Donna and Jo.

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.co

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Published by Thistles and Kiwis

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

41 Comments

  1. The daffodils are cheering; I love your teapot! My Christmas cactus is blooming!! Your pasta dish sounds delicious too. We are also experiencing the rapid exchange of cold and heat as spring tries to nose its way in 🙂

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  2. It is sad to have lost a former colleague, and also for Karl to lose his aunt. Best wishes to the families. I was very touched by your story of the duck, poor thing…glad you bought the daffodils, they look lovely.

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  4. A mixed bag of a month, as so many are, with its share of sadness. Your photos are wonderful and inviting and I’m sure it would be lovely to share a cuppa with you.

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  5. This is a very moving post, Barbara, thank you for sharing. I was particularly affected by the story of the duck, a poignant reminder that animals have feelings too. And that cactus is lovely.

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  9. First, yes, please to dinner. Oh, that looks good.

    Second, this post brought tears to my eyes. So sorry about all the deaths, including the duck’s.

    Third, how I wish we lived close enough to get together for coffee and tea. We both like to talk about the same things.

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  10. That cactus is really putting on a show! I find that flowers of all kind really do brighten up a space; particularly when I’m anxious for spring to really arrive. Your ravioli looks delicious!

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  14. That tortellini looks amazing. I’m so glad I got to do some Wellington on a Plate events this year – I might make it an annual event.

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  17. I am so sorry to hear about the losses you’ve experienced this past month. The daffodils and the cactus is very beautiful. I hope September will bring you lots of sunshine and happiness.

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  18. Hi Barbara I’m sorry for your loss but what I love about your post is that you have countered sadness with happiness. I commented on Jennifer Jone’s blog post that Daffodils are the ‘Happy’ flower for me. Fingers crossed you don’t have any reaction to the shingles vaccine. I did for both of mine and my only advice is to rest if you can after your vaccination. I hope September is brighter for you and thank you for having a cup of tea with us at #WBOYC? x.

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    1. Thanks Sue – daffodils really are a happy flower. I have my second shingles vaccine booked, so fingers crossed that goes OK. The sun shone today to mark the start of the new month and season at least, so let’s hope it is a good omen.

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  19. What a lovely round up Barbara, the happy with the sad in some cases. The tea sets are cute, the daffodils are sunny and your food always looks great! Sad about the duck and your friends/relatives. It’s always a yes from me to a cup of tea – thanks for joining us for #WBOYC this month.

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