Here we are in the middle of February already. Melodifestivalen is on in Sweden (just catching up on Saturday’s heat as I type), the Fringe Festival has started, and the mornings are already getting darker as autumn is just around the corner. There is a pile of books to read beside the bed, some things that look interesting on both TV and streaming services and, of course, cookery books to browse. Just a few of the good things to cheer us up and distract us from the news.
On Saturday evening, we went to a garden party held at a friend’s house. There were sunflowers on the tables, plates of delicious food, chilled wine and beer and good conversation. Just a lovely evening.
Out and about – eating out
On Thursday evening we went out for a pre St Valentine’s Day dinner at WBC, tucked away up a flight of stairs on Victoria Street in the city centre. This is a lovely restaurant, where the food is beautifully prepared and served with a pleasing simplicity. I couldn’t help myself and started with half a dozen oysters, which I chose from their ‘raw’ board which “showcases a current selection of seafood”. Karl had smoked fish croquettes, which were delicious (yes, dear reader, I did taste a bit) and very much enjoyed. For the main dish, I chose the ‘duck leg Massaman’ which was excellent with the meat just falling off the bone and a burst of different flavours. It was served with a flat bread. Karl had the rib eye with chimichurri which got a double thumbs up, and a serving of potatoes with aioli (which I can vouch for tasted good). We had a pinot gris from Seresin with the first course and a Beronia rioja with the main.
In the basket
The Wonky Box delivered a cucumber, pak choy, a bunch of baby purple carrots, a red onion, a leek, an aubergine (eggplant), green beans, a small pumpkin and a kamokamo, a type of squash resembling a marrow. It is the first time I have cooked this vegetable, and took the advice of Asher Boote, chef and owner of Hillside and Daisy’s, and roasted it with butter and miso, which worked really well. I could not resist more corn, with it being at such a good price at the moment, a red and yellow capsicum, feta, halloumi, burrata, nectarines, tomatoes, pattypan squash and some raspberries and blueberries. Oh yes there were two lemons as well…
Out and about – Karori Karnival
On Sunday, after Karl left for his long journey to Stockholm (via Melbourne and Dubai), I wandered up to the Karori Karnival, with stalls, things for sale, a performance stage and mini fun fair for children. I had a pulled pork burger for lunch, and spotted this group in kilts complete with a Scottie dog, who were no doubt going to perform something with bagpipes at some point!
Simple things
- Finding a new dress in a second hand clothes shop in a perfect colour.
- Getting my hair cut and being very happy with the result. Changing salons can be a good idea.
- Spending time cooking new things.
- Listening to the cicadas.
- Marvelling at how much more I can see and how brighter the world is since my cataract operation.
- Looking at the agapanthus growing on the roof of a garage near the bus stop (they are regarded as weeds here).
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 entered in the weekend coffee share hosted by Natalie.
- There are celebrations over at Laurie’s with pancakes, pizza and beer.
- Anne of Something Over Tea writes about telegrams – remember them?
- The Glasgow Gallivanter visits the homes of Emmeline Pankhurst and Elizabeth Gaskell.
- Deb of Deb’s World takes stock.
- Trent of Trent’s World makes us some coffee to keep out the cold.
- Jo of Brookford Kitchen Diaries makes mincemeat oat cookies.
- Mr Tootlepedal goes round the back.
- Sue gives us a boost on a Monday – often needed!
- Travels Through My Lens tells a wonderful story about a gift bag.
- Meanwhile, Fred shares 6 things from his garden.
- The Travelsketcher shares thoughts on St Valentine’s Day.
- Mr Platypus of Now I’m 64 shares a wordless Wednesday.
- And enjoy a Cornish garden in spring over at Cornwall in Colours.
- ..…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.
Thistles and Kiwis 
Agapanthus growing on a roof!
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Yes!
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Those pots of flowers are a bargain at $8 I would be tempted. A lovely week of small pleasures.
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I was very tempted but had forgotten a bag to carry anything in…
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Feasts and fun! Who could ask for more?
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🙂
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Sounds like a lovely week. Thanks again for the shout out!
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It was now I look back!
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You are right, we definitely need stuff to distract us from the news. Glad you found a good variety! Thanks for the mention.
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One can’t bury one’s head in the sand but at times I feel I want to right now, keep trying to celebrate the good.
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I love the way those lights on the fence. What a pretty way to illuminate a gathering! Hope Karl has a good trip! Also, thanks for the mention. Good to be back!
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It all looked so pretty on Saturday. Karl has at least got to Sweden.
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Barbara, your weekly small pleasures always bring a smile. Your garden party sounds like a perfect summer evening—good food, good company, and sunflowers on the tables. I also love how you embrace seasonal produce and new ingredients like kamokamo. Wishing you more delightful discoveries, whether in secondhand shops, the kitchen, or simply enjoying the cicadas!
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Oh thank you! What a lovely thing to say – I am now smiling at my desk at work.
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The bad thing about reading posts from the other side of the world is that I am now reminded of winter coming before we have even got out of ours here. The years go so fast when you get old.
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Time does fly….
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I am counting down the days until the change of season. I love squash. Butternut is my favorite.
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Two oddly incongruent comments to make as a ‘newcomer’ to you blog: Absolutely love your vegetable box – most of the ones I have seen oft are boring! Secondly – have to read up on Melodifestivalen and wonder about your husband’s connection/interest with that. Originally coming from Estonia across the Baltic and following Eurovision and having three close friends in Skane County . . . well . . . 🙂 !
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Aha! My husband is from Kalmar, just across the Baltic Sea. I have visited Tallinn twice, and also did a trip to Haapsalu (of course!) when we were there.
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How does the song go ‘It’s a small world after all . . . ‘! Now why are you saying ‘of course’ for Haapsalu as it is not big or well-known however well-loved 🙂 ? But Tallinn – I was born there but have lived Down Under since I was 13 . . . anyways, what delightful co-incidences . . . and the explanation for his current trip . . .
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Haapsalu was a Swedish speaking area I believe? The world is indeed very small.
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Thanks for telling me – but I doubt it 🙂 !!!!!!
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Amazing what you can find in op shops, I’ve found over the years brand new items for next to nothing.
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I know!
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What a lovely week! Like you I’m also trying to focus on the good things and simple pleasures. I’m glad you found many. Thank you for your weekend coffee share.
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Thank you Natalie – the coffee share is always a fun thing to be part of.
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Great coffee post. Thank you for sharing.
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I always enjoy your “simple things”…it’s a reminder to me to look for them and appreciate them. You really should do food tours…lol. Your food stops always look so good.
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