It’s Monday evening, dinner has been eaten (wonderful left overs from yesterday’s dinner), the dishwasher has been loaded and the prospect of a nice relaxing end to the day is on the cards. My foot is of course still encased in the moon boot, and I also now have a crutch to walk with as advised by my physiotherapist. This has made walking so much easier and given me a lot more confidence – I even managed to get on and off buses with it. Anyway, here I am with trousers tucked into the moon boot, the crutch and my shirt of hair styles.

In the basket
The Wonky Box delivered up a lot of goodness this week. There was another leek, three capsicum, a bunch of radishes, mushrooms, courgettes and carrots along with a lettuce, a bag of green beans and a small bag of Brussels sprouts (is it that time of year already?). I added some ruby red kiwi fruit and limes to the box as well. I picked up some more blueberries, a couple of passion fruit, garlic, tomatoes, a bunch of kale, some salami and Mexican oregano for a dish I made on Sunday (more on that on Wednesday as part of the BKD Cookbook Club).




Out and about 1
So to the highlight of the week, a wonderful evening of dance with Scottish Ballet and Royal New Zealand Ballet. I grew up going to see Scottish Ballet, though haven’t seen them perform for over 20 years, so see the company again and in Wellington was such a special event. It has been 50 years since Scottish Ballet visited New Zealand, and this evening of two pieces danced by RNZB and two by the visitors was a great way to celebrate their return. The evening began with Schachmatt, choreography by Cayetana Sato, danced by Scottish Ballet, which was great fun. The next piece was Prismatic, choreographed by RNZB dancer Shaun James Kelly (who hales from Perth, Scotland) and which was commissioned for the 70th anniversary gala in October 2023. I love this homage to a piece first performed by the company in its early days. This was followed after the interval by RNZB’s Limerance, choreograped by Annaliese MacDonald and Scottish Ballet’s Dextera, danced to Mozart and created by Sophie Laplane. This ended with the dancers of RNZB joining the Scottish Ballet dancers in a joyous finale. Scottish Ballet are going to Auckland to perform there as part of the city’s festival.

Out and about 2
A weekend of ‘cultural activities’ continued with a friend, her son and I heading to the cinema to see The National Theatre’s production of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. For those of us who live on the other side of the world, or just nowhere near London, these film versions of the live stage production are a wonderful way to see first class drama productions. I agree with Mr Tootlepedal who saw this a couple of weeks ago, that apart from a rather peculiar introduction, it was a fun production and well worth seeing.

Simple things
- Watching an amazing piece of drama – Adolescence on Netflix.
- Enjoying pizza from our local food truck which will be moving soon unfortunately.
- Hearing that my brother in Washington DC has moved back to his assisted living accommodation.
- Appreciating the kindness of strangers yet again.
- Going to Pilates – so good for both body and mind – and only exercises not involving my feet!
- Enjoying salads of various sorts along side our meals

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.
- Laurie introduces Politics Friday over at Notes from the Hinterland.
- Anne of Something Over Tea finds bones in the veld.
- The Glasgow Gallivanter shares some great pictures. of Manchester street art.
- Deb of Deb’s World gives a shout out on Saturday (thanks for the mention!).
- Trent goes skiing in Colorado.
- Meanwhile Maria of Green Dreams goes on her first bike ride of the year…
- While Mr Tootlepedal goes out for lunch and an interesting walk.
- Southern Patches makes a delicious looking chocolate pudding cake.
- Catch up with Sue’s latest podcast on why smart women don’t diet.
- Travels Through My Lens shares a great travel quote.
- Meanwhile, Fred shares 6 things from his French garden..and goes to the rugby.
- The Travelsketcher remembers moving to France three years ago.
- Mr Platypus of Now I’m 64 shares some cheerful chairs.
- And there are some wonderful spring flowers 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.
I am glad it is still warm enough to enjoy salads. Thank you, as always, for mentioning my blog 🙂 It is good to know that the crutch is assisting you with walking 🙂 🙂
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The crutch really helps 🙂
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Looking cheerful, in spite of the boot xx
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Doing my best! There are times though when it is a bit much.
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Despite the boot and crutch, you look very snappy. What a cute shirt! That production of The Importance of Being Earnest played at our favorite independent cinema in Waterville, but we didn’t get a chance to see it. I think Adolescence will be going to the top of our watch list. And, thanks for the mention.
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I do love that shirt – just a bit different. We are going to another National Theatre film in a couple of weeks. It is such a great idea.
Adolescence is…well…something else.
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Watched the first two episodes of Adolescence tonight. Excellent but intense! Thanks for the recommendation.
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Yes very intense – it is the first acting part for the actor playing the boy too.
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He is so good! Compelling.
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We finished the show tonight. Holy cats, what a story. I loved how it was told sideways, not straightforward the way many crime dramas are. And the acting! Wowsah! Again, thanks so much for recommending it.
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Haven’t seen The Importance of Being Earnest in years! Wonderful that you had such a great cultural weekend, moon boot and all!
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I was so pleased none of our plans had to be changed, especially the ballet which was wonderful.
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I’m glad your moon boot is not hindering you too much. You seem to be as active as ever! Thanks again for linking.
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I was quite determined not to miss the ballet and was able to swap our circle seats for stalls as we are season ticket holders.
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Sounds like you had a wonderful week and are getting around well with the moon boot. Thanks again for the shoutout!
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It was a surprisingly good week – good to get out and do things I like.
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Ruby red kiwi fruit sounds interesting. I much prefer the golden kiwi fruit when we can get them, but not seen ruby red. I am imagining that they are sweeter? As the ruby red grapefruit are? Glad you are managing with the boot and crutch. I use a walking pole occasionally and it certainly helps with the balance.
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I’ll need to take a picture of the inside of the ruby red kiwi fruit. They are sweeter than the green ones, and, of course, look very pretty when cut open. The crutch has been a great help. Such a simple things that makes things a bit easier.
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It is wonderful seeing you looking so happy! 🙂
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Thanks!
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You certainly get a great selection in your wonky box. I like the look of the series ‘Adolescence’ going to see if we can get that.
Have a good week 🙂
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The Wonky Box does deliver a good mix of things and you can top it up too. Thanks for stopping by!
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We have a special interest in Scottish Ballet at the moment because of our granddaughter so it is pleasing to see it spreading its wings across the world.
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It was such a great evening.
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Hi, Barbara – I am glad that you are getting out and about and that your crutch is helping. I love your shirt with hairstlyles. So cool!
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The crutch has really helped. I think that shirt is a lot of fun.
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Your weekend of cultural experiences sounds like such fun. I love the shirt. Thank you for sharing my post.
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It was a good week – and I do like that shirt too. So cheerful!
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How lovely to go to the ballet! #WeekendCoffeeShare
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It was!
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I’m glad you continue getting out and about and the crutch is helping you. That’s a fun shirt with hairstyles. Thank you for your weekend coffee share.
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Thanks Natalie!
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Hi, thanks for the recommendation for Adolescense on Netflix. Brilliant. I’ve suggested our family watch it. Their kids are always on the mobile phones and up in the bedrooms I am convinced my 10 yo granson (French) was on a dogy site when I walked to his room but as it was in French I had no idea. I hope my daughter takes heed and watches the series
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I would think the crutch definitely helps with balance. Great to see you…I often wonder what bloggers look like if I haven’t seen many or any pics of them. 🙂 Though. I think you have shared some of yourself 🙂 I love a good salad!
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I don’t often post pictures of myself on the blog I have to say! And the crutch is a great help.
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