Is it really only just over 6 weeks until Christmas? Just so hard to believe. Anyway, this morning we heard some good news regarding the re-organisation proposals, a book from Bookety Book Books arrived in the post, and there are some delicious leftovers for dinner.
I was not in a good mood when I got home from work on Tuesday, so I went for a walk, and was instantly cheered up by this mother ducks and her ducklings. What better way to lift my mood! Note the sign too…..
In the basket
We didn’t get a Wonky Box delivery this week, as the veggie drawers were still reasonably full. Instead we picked up asparagus, the first of this season’s fresh peas, tomatoes, carrots, tomatoes, a bag of baby spinach, a tin of beans, some of this gorgeous salmon spread, pork mince, and lamb sausages and beef mince from our local butcher. When I was out for lunch on Wednesday I also picked up some dill pickles and another bunch of peonies to enjoy and brighten up our days.
Sweet treats
Karl finished up his time as Head of School, and to celebrate his last day, a morning tea was held. Someone managed to get a Prinsesstårta made for him – the classic Swedish celebratory cake, a light sponge with cream and jam covered with green marzipan and topped with a rose. You will be pleased to know that a slice was brought home for me. On Saturday we had a little Anzac biscuit from our local deli with a cup of tea as a treat.
Going out, staying in
We headed out to Damascus on Thursday evening for dinner, a great little place on Tory Street. We had the hummus, served with pitta, moutable jazar, a smoked carrot, tahini, pickled zatar and currants, both of which were wonderful. We also ordered some fried potatoes with garlic and thyme and the lamb skewers. The food is always so fresh and flavourful there, service excellent and a decent wine list. The place was full and buzzing which was great to see.
On Sunday a friend and I went to see the two women play Monument by Emily Sheehan at Circa Theatre. A new female prime minister has been appointed and about to give her first major appearance. Her hair and make-up need to be faultless…but what emerges in the conversations shows the strengths and weaknesses of both women. It was funny, interesting and entertaining.
At home, we have been watching the new series of Shetland (through the VPN), tense thriller All Her Fault, police drama Grace and Danish crime drama The Asset. Yes, lots of crime and detectives!
Simple things
- Spending time on Wednesday on my own, switching off from everything.
- Fitting in some reading, here, there and everywhere.
- Enjoying Pilates.
- Laughing with the work book club
- Realising it is only 6 weeks until I start my summer holiday.
- Spotting more bees and nasturtiums in the garden.
There was more sad news this week from Lisa of Southern Patches who lost her husband recently. Our thoughts are with her.
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.
- Travels Through My Lens shares Oregon’s autumn colours.
- The Eternal Traveller has been to Copenhagen (where I lived for 8.5 years before moving to New Zealand).
- Meanwhile Mr Tootlepedal goes up but not over the hill.
- The Travel Sketcher sketches, eats well and makes a very delicious looking cake.
- And the Glasgow Gallivanter goes…well…gallivanting in Glasgow!
- Anne of Something Over Tea spots lots of plants popping up in cracks.
- Deb lists 65 must do adventures.
- Explore Dalarna with Maria of Green Dreams.
- Ju-Lyn shares some November shadows.
- Still Reslessjo shares a great picture of a shadow
- And….Jo of And Anyways carries on with her great trip around the UK.
- ..…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.
Thistles and Kiwis 
Walking off your ‘not good’ mood is an excellent idea, helped by the ducks 🙂 The Prinsesstårta looks delicious and so pretty; I am pleased you could have a slice too. I enjoy your photographs of nasturtiums – cheering flowers that they are!
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The ducks really lifted my mood! The cake was very good and agree that nasturtiums are very cheering!
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That Prinsesstårta looks wonderful. I love the momma and her ducklings.
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The cake is a very light sponge filled with cream and jam…very good!
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yes a walk always helps! Funny how Angie in germany commented somewhere that she didn’t know bookclubs still existed 🙂
sherry https://sherryspickings.blogspot.com/
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Oh I am in two book clubs! A walk always helps I agree.
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It’s a good life, isn’t it? Those peonies are fabulous and you’ve perked up again. Thanks so much for the link. I’m running around like a mad thing, trying to catch up. Have a great week! xx
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Yes there are so many good things to appreciate…work is so stressful right now that sitting and looking at a bee and a nasturtium is necessary!
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Are you far from retirement? xx
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I’ve reached retirement age but still working – but honestly I have had enough.
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No need then, especially if it’s stressful. That shortens your life while making it feel longer! xx
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It certainly looks like a delicious week! I love watching the ducks with their ducklings in spring/summer. They grow so fast.
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There was some good food and I’m with you on ducklings!
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Baby animals will always help one’s mood; good call on the walk. The play sounds quite interesting, and your meals look delicious. Thanks for sharing my post!
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They do indeed! The play was better than I expected. Thanks for stopping by!
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Glad you got some good news about reorganisation. I k ow how that sort of thing can hang over you.
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For six months at least but by then who knows!
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That is only modified good news. When I read your text, I was hoping for better.
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We have 6 months to gather data and put forward a case. And I might just retire.
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It is good to have an escape clause. 🙂
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Re your reply to Tom, retirement is great! I had six horrible months before I retired and as soon as I made the decision a weight fell off my shoulders.
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I’m thinking this will happen too….I will think about it over the summer holidays.
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Restructures are the gift that keeps giving. Hope it goes the way that suits you. Damascus is on my list for next time in Welly…
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They really are…. Damascus is a really small place so you do have to book. The food is excellent.
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A brisk walk, a mellow play and an interesting book are sure feel good remedies. Lovely.
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Yes – they all lifted the spirits!
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Those ducks and the sign made me smile Barbara! Lovely post and thanks for the mention.
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Thank you Debbie!
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The duck sighting would’ve lifted my mood too! The cakes look delicious and beautifully made.
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The ducks really worked on changing my mood. It was so nice to see the Swedish cake here in NZ.
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I’m appreciating those feathered friends wandering about!
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Yes – so nice to have them so close to home.
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I love watching mama duck and her ducklings in spring/ summer. I also love the colours of your peonies, the Swedish celebratory cake and nasturtiums. I hope you have a beautiful weekend and a much less stressful week at work next week. Thank you for your weekend coffee share.
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The peonies were lovely. There were a lot of good things in the week as well as the stress.
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Those little ducks are very cute.
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They are!
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So nice to see summer scenes from the other side of the world while winter blows in here in the NHemisphere. And what a lovely looking cake, almost too pretty to eta, but I am sure it was delish. Thanks for the uplifting highlights.
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We have very mixed weather during spring, but today (Sunday) has started sunny at least. The cake was very good.
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Oh my, that Swedish celebration cake is so pretty! I second the comments made by others here – retirement is fabulous and better done sooner rather than later. 🙂
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It was so nice that someone went to the trouble to find someone to make the cake for Karl. We are off to Europe for 3 months next year – think that will be the spur to retirement!
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Excellent start! That will be wonderful 😊
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