If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…we would be sipping orange pekoe tea and enjoying chocolate chip cookies from our local deli.
If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…you would ask me how my ankle was doing. I would say it is still painful, but I visited the physiotherapist who has given me exercises, sent me for an X-ray and told me the sprain is a category 2 or 3. I say it means my netball days are over…and we laugh and laugh.
If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…I would say how lovely it was to have Karl home from Sweden. He had an excellent trip and brought me back another Moomin mug for our collection. You say that is good news and the mug is great too.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…we would talk about the weather, and how February often has the best weather.
If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…you would ask me if I had watched anything good recently, I laugh and say I found Desperately Seeking Susan, and while a bit, dated, was still a fun film. I say have you seen Apple Cider Vinegar and you say yes – interesting story.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…I say I am pleased with the dahlias I took a chance on from the garden centre, and especially pleased to see a bee visiting. You smile.
If we were having a coffee…or even a cup of tea…I would ask you if you would like to stay for dinner? There will be pasta with a sausage, capsicum and tomato sauce inspired by Sip and Feast’s recipe. You say that sounds good. So we settle down for a feast and more conversation.
Entered in what’s been on your calendar hosted by Deb (Deb’s World), Sue (Women Living Well After 50), Donna (Retirement Reflections), and Jo (on Substack).
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.


You know, I’d really like to sit and have a natter in your kitchen. You have the most beautiful collection of mugs, and a nice sense of humour. My netball days were over by about age 12. I was tall and should have been good at shooting, but I was rubbish. Glad your ankle is healing though. Life, hey?
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You would be most welcome! I know exactly what you mean about life…..seems 2025 is going to be one of those years….
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Love the fact you are collecting Moomin mugs. Thanks for coffee.
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I think we must have about 10 of them now – should count them!
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I really covet your Moomin mugs.
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I do like them!
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What a thoughtful gift from Karl! I haven’t had orange pekoe tea for years, so the thought of having some with you, along with chocolate chip cookies is a pleasing one. Your dahlias look lovely indeed.
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I found the tea in the cupboard and it was still fresh and actually very good. I am pleased with the dahlias as it was a bit of a long shot as to whether they would bloom.
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I am glad your ankle is on the mend. The Moomin mug is adorable and the dahlias are just beautiful. Thank you for the tea and cookies.
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Thanks Lisa – the physio is really helping. I love my Moomin mug I must say. Thanks for stopping by.
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I really enjoy this series, it’s lovely and creative. I’m glad to hear your ankle is healing, but too bad about net ball. 😉
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Oh thank you! Yes…the netball thing…..such a disappointment… 🙂
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Sorry that your ankle is still painful. Those sprains can take a long time to heal. Hope you are able to take it easy. That mug is so fun. How many do you have? I really like the movie Desperately Seeking Susan.
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I expect to be laid low with the ankle for quite a while. Will see what the X-rays reveal. I need to count my Moomin mugs – probably about 10?
So glad someone else likes Desperately Seeking Susan!
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Oh, gosh! On the other hand, there are lot of good movies out right now, and here’s your chance to catch up. 😉 Have you seen Flow, an animated film about a cat, a flood, and three animal companions? No humans or human dialog.
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Flow is on my list – it sounds delightful.
Oh and I counted my Moomin mugs and we have 12!
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I’m glad you’re getting help for the ankle. I’ve been having a knee issue but with some exercises and wrapping it up it’s been much better.
That dinner sounds amazing and I love Karl’s mug!
I’ve never had orange pekoe tea but it sounds amazing.
The dahlias are gorgeous!!
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Thanks Lisa! I am also very pleased with my dahlias.
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Hope your ankle heals nicely!
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Fingers crossed! Hope the X-ray doesn’t show up something.
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The dahlias are lovely as are those biscuits, though I’d have a cup of coffee please. As Jo remarked it would be nice to sit in your kitchen and put the world to rights, goodness knows it needs it! Have you been given a support for your ankle? I find they do help with foot injuries.
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Thanks! You would be most welcome to a coffee instead of tea. I have an ankle support to wear so hoping that and physio will all help.
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Hi, Barb – Thank you for being a regular contributor to What’s Been on Your Calendar. I greatly enjoy your posts — especially the “If we were having coffee” ones! ❤ I am sorry that your ankle is still painful and am sending you warm vibes that it completely heals soon!
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Hi – I do enjoy writing those posts. The ankle seems to be on the mend – or at least I can walk a bit more easily today.
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Am really and truly crossing my fingers and toes that your ankle behaves better each day . . . and am about to look up ‘Moomin mugs’ – was about to buy some v attractive Aboriginal ones but truly am in love with yours . . .
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Thank you! Did you never read the Moomin (Mumin in Swedish) books?
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An big ‘no’ unfortunately . . . as I have just been admiring the huge variety of the mugs available, I can see other ‘homework’ is required as well! Hmm . . , my birthdate just may have something to do with that 🙂 !
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Thank you! Should have known more but am making up very enjoyably 🙂 !
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Hi Barbara, it’s always fun reading these posts, you make me smile with your words :). I haven’t seen Apple Cider Vinegar yet but have heard a lot about it. Hoping your ankle improves quickly – not good to hear your netball playing days are over though!!! Thanks for joining us for #WBOYC, it’s a great fun way to stay connected with our blogging friends around the world.
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Thank you Debbie! #WBOYC is a fun theme. I will be spending part of today looking at other bloggers.
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I would definitely smile at the Dahlia and the bee. They are very cheery pictures for me to look at on another cold day in Scotland. I am drinking Assam today.
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The bee was very active on the dahlia…
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Hi, yes the Moomin mug is great. 🙂 Hope your ankle heals quickly. It’s so frustrating to be out of action/
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Thanks! It is, as you say, very frustrating.
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Your new Moomin cup is lovely and the cookies looks so delicious! I hope you ankle feels better soon. I did see Apple cider vinegar, indeed very interesting! My mom choose some alternative trial treatment for her cancer (in Germany and Greece) and it worked very well until the Doctor in charge of the treatment unexpectedly passed away and there was no-one that could continue his practice, the she got much worse very quickly and never recovered.
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I now have 12 Moomin cups! Sorry to hear about your mum but interesting to hear about her treatment.
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I certainly enjoyed our shared cup of coffee. I’m glad things seem to be going well for you. I especially love the photo of the bee on the flower. You captured it delightfully.
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Thank you!
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