This week’s small pleasures #413

Thistles and Kiwis

E kore te maire tū wao, 
E raru i ngā raruraru o te wā.
The maire which stands in the forest,
Is not daunted by the present problems.

I thought this whakataukī or proverb was a good way to start this post. A maire is a tree – you can read about it here.

Anyway, Karl came back from Shanghai on Tuesday, and I went to Auckland on Monday, and came back on Wednesday. Both trips were for work, so it was nice to get home for both of us. This little fella was sitting on the bed waiting for me when I got home. Now to find a name for him…..Mr Jing is top of the list.

In the basket

The Wonky Box delivered cucumber, asparagus, more shallots, kumara, a couple of courgettes, a head of brocolli, a bag of baby spinach and….avocados. I topped this up with more asparagus, some broad beans, a tin of smoked mussels (possibly for our Christmas Eve feast), and some of the new blackcurrant with kāmahi honey cold smoked salmon from Aoraki to try and to see if I will add it to the Christmas table. I also picked up some blood oranges, green beans, tomatoes, cute little baby carrots, strawberries and some Hungarian salami. I also could not resist these gorgeous bunches of radishes and baby turnips.

Out and about

As part of Verb Wellington, the city’s readers and writers festival, I went to hear Megan Dunn talking about her new book, The Mermaid Chronicles, a memoir covering her obsession with mermaids. The conversation with Professor Harry Ricketts was interesting and funny, and naturally she read an extract from her book. We were all delighted to see she brought one of her mermaid tails with her of course! Sidenote: when I bought the ticket, you could also order a copy of the book. What an excellent idea, and it made sure I read the work before the event.

Simple things

  • Watching the first of the new series of Shetland and a new New Zealand crime drama A Remarkable Place to Die.
  • Enjoying spring – it was a lovely sunny day today – the featured image at the top of the post was taken at lunch time.
  • Going for a curry for lunch with Karl on Sunday after the book event.
  • Being at home after being away.
  • Remembering it is only two weeks until we go on holiday.
  • Sipping chardonnay and eating cheese on the flight back from Auckland on a koru hour flight.

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. Also shared in the weekend coffee share hosted by Natalie.

  • Anne of Something Over Tea shares pictures of spekboom.
  • While Laurie of Notes from the Hinterland reflects.
  • Meanwhile Natalie takes us around Oslo.
  • Maria shares some glorious pictures of autumn in her part of Sweden.
  • Deb of Deb’s World shares her last postcard from her wonderful holiday.
  • Stop and have a coffee with Trent of Trent’s World and admire his picture of the Pleiades.
  • Sue tastes some wine.
  • Mr Tootlepedal is rising above it….
  • I feel inspired by Jo’s post on losing weight over at And Anyways...
  • Jude of Cornwall in Colours shares her Saturday Sketches.
  • And of course Carol Ann shares her weekly delights.
  • .…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.

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Published by Thistles and Kiwis

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

40 Comments

  1. I love getting home after a period of time away – and what a fine surprise awaiting you! Thank you for mentioning my blog and for providing an uplifting post on this very grey day!

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  7. I love a good detective drama, especially a Scottish one, and I can’t think of a better one to watch than Shetland. Filming for Shetland series 9 reportedly commenced in March 2024, so I can’t wait to watch it. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  10. I was very taken by the idea of Verb Wellington. It begs the question is there a Noun Wellington too?

    I like a gnomic proverb. “A tree has its roots in the ground but reaches for the sky” and so on.

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  11. So nice to have some great dramas back on TV. We enjoy Shetland and also Wolf Hall which has just begun the final series. A Remarkable Place to Die sounds like something I would also like, but unfortunately not available here. I shall have to settle for the Brokenwood Mysteries which is amusing, not least the Kiwi pronunciation which I adore!

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  12. Pingback: quiet time – Touring My Backyard

  13. Shetland is always good viewing isn’t it? Do you read the books as well? I’m slowly getting used to being at home after almost 8 weeks away. Thanks for the mention, you are very supportive and it’s much appreciated.

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  17. I had such a good time in Auckland, even for work it would be fun. Mind you, I had the BEST time in China. Fantastic holiay destination…so ditto on that I guess…#WeekendcoffeeShare

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  18. Your produce looks beautiful! We’re starting winter here so I readily admit to being a bit jealous 💜
    I hope you find the perfect name for your bear💜

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  19. It doesn’t how much I’ve enjoyed a trip away, getting home is always great. I’ve been impatiently waiting for Shetland and very much enjoying it. I always think the small things are the big highlights in life.

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  20. Mr. Jing is such a sweet surprise. The wonky box looks great again although I’m with you about too many avocados. Thank you for the mention and your weekend coffee share.

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    1. Yes he was a lovely surprise and he is very sweet. There are some vegetables that you can’t have too manu of eg carrots, onions because you can always use them but avos…..

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