This week’s small pleasures #421

Thistles and Kiwis

So here we are, the first few days of January already gone. The weather has been atrocious most of the time, with some heavy rain (on Friday evening it was bouncing off the rooftops opposite), grey, cool days and then….suddenly some glorious moments of sun. As a result, we have done very little outdoors, the weather not being suitable for a trip up the coast or a walk around Zealandia. Still, I have been trying to go for walks locally to keep up my steps, and on Saturday afternoon’s walk spotted several cricket games going on in the park.

Eating

After our fabulous dinner on Hogmanay, it was back to home cooking. I made a moussaka on New Year’s Day which did us two days, and we enjoyed pork fillet one night and pasta with a simple tomato sauce another. We popped over to our local café by the library a couple of times for cheese, ham and tomato toasties, and after a successful shopping trip for new jeans for Karl, enjoyed pies at Salut Pies for lunch on Friday. Karl had a classic mince and cheese and I tried the special of the day with pork belly and other good things. On Sunday, we drove up to friends who are on holiday in Masterton, stopping for lunch at Brac & Bow. I had my favourite seafood chowder (so much fish!) with toast, just the thing on a freezing cold summer day!

As we are going away (this post comes from Napier where we arrived this afternoon), there was no Wonky Box delivered this week, but I did pick up some more asparagus and courgettes, a new tin of paprika, and given the season, strawberries and blueberries.

Fungi

With all this damp weather, there has been lots of fungi sprouting in the garden. Our neighbour has what looks like a fairy ring in hers. For some reason, these make me smile.

Simple things

  • Being lazy (maybe too lazy….watching movies and series rather than reading or having a clear out – but then why not….).
  • Planning things for the year ahead, then replanning them.
  • Seeing a lovely photo of my brother surrounded by all his grandchildren.
  • Hearing from friends I haven’t heard from for a while.
  • Considering my theme of the year – direction, movement, change.
  • Planning holiday reading – and not doing much of it!

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.

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.

Unknown's avatar

Published by Thistles and Kiwis

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

35 Comments

  6. We have some light drizzle; perfect weather for recovering after hosting family visitors for six weeks. I am glad you are managing to get away.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. It’s that time of year when lazy days are good, Barbara. Your photo of the hydrangea brought back memories of my Mum. Apparently when she was alive she gave a cutting in that colour to my cousin. It grew into a beautiful bush and always reminded us of Mum. My cousin was so upset when she had to sell her house and move into an over 55 and couldn’t take her hydrangea. Have a lovely week! xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. The park photo seems so iconic of New Zealand. And sometimes down time at home is quite lovely especially pre or post trip. Enjoy your time away. Bernie

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  18. How lovely! Somehow I like it better when it’s not only sunny days, and one can relax with a good book and not feel like one should be outside. It sounds like a wonderful week to me.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a reply to Thistles and Kiwis Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.