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Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Something to Celebrate

We spent the day in Palmerston North,  with a long list of things to do.  First up was a visit to Spotlight to purchase a cushion inner.  While I was there a lady wearing  a rather stylish 50s dress stopped me to comment that she loved my dress!  (It was a newish blue denim dress with embroidered flowers on the bodice and skirt).  Such a surprise, and not something which happens much, I must admit.   Of course, I had to return the compliment, as she really looked stunning herself.  A random compliment certainly makes your day and lifts the spirit.

We continued on our way, list in hand.  One of the stops was to the Op Shop to drop off some donations.  It was very busy at the back of the store, with several drivers doing the same thing.

We had an appointment with Robin’s surgeon to see how his knee replacement operation was coming along.  Very well, as it turned out – the surgeon was pleased with his handiwork, and Robin’s recovery.  The aches and pains will slowly go, and are all part of the healing process.  He was cleared to drive, and also to attend the local pool for low impact water exercise.

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Aorangi Orthopedic Centre

Prior to this appointment we had a celebration lunch at Speights Restaurant, presuming that there would be good news to celebrate.   Speights is a New Zealand beer brand and there are several of these restaurants dotted around the country.  The décor is suitably rural inspired with a nice homely feel.   A range of Speights beer barrels were artistically arranged on the wall.

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Our chosen meals were very tasty.  Robin had a lamb shank, with the meat so tender it was falling off the bone.  I decided on fish of the day, bubble and squeak and roasted tomatoes, very nice indeed.  Bubble and squeak is a British dish made from cooked potatoes and cabbage, mixed together and fried. It has been called  one of the "great peasant dishes of the world".  Here in New Zealand other left over vegetables are usually added, roast pumpkin or kumara, (sweet potato) and other greens too.  It is a great way to use up extra veggies after a Sunday roast dinner, and is not often found on restaurant menus.

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Robin outside by the mural

With our lunch over, and the appointment with the surgeon, we completed the chores on our list, and it was time to wend our way home.  We were very happy indeed with the surgeon’s report, and with our celebration lunch.  And Robin is pleased he is driving again. 

10 comments:

Gretchen Weaver said...

Great report for Robin, so nice he can drive again! Your lunch sounds delicious, happy stitching!

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I've heard of bubble and squeak as it is mentioned in books at times and wondered what it tasted like - I guess I need to actually make it and give it a shot. Glad Robin's knee is healing and will be back to normal. Several of my family members have had knee replacements and all have healed well and wonder why they waited as long as they did to get it done.

Tired Teacher 2 said...

Happy to hear that Robin’s recovery and rehabilitation has been successful. Bubble and Squeak sounds tasty. I hope to try it sometime.

loulee said...

Great news and a yummy sounding lunch.

Jackie said...

Wonderful news about the healing.

I might have actually made a type of bubble and squeak for supper tonight by accident. Just needed to use up the roast veggies from Sunday's meal.

God bless.

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

Love those cosy hand knit socks you made Jenny and the cute stitched corgi. Slow stitching is my favourite.
Meanwhile, wonderful news for Robin and a great meal out. My mom made Bubble and Squeak Mondays with the leftovers from Sundays big main meal. More the New Zealand way with all the veggies included. I do the same thing nowadays.

The Cozy Quilter said...

Sounds like Robin is doing very well after his surgery! Great News! My dad used to love Bubble and Squeak!

CathieJ said...

Such good news for Robin. That is certainly worth celebrating.

Melisa- pinkernpunkinquilting said...

I am so glad to hear that Robin's recovery is going well. What a lovely outing you both had and oh yes sweet compliments do make one's day. Thank you so much for telling what Bubble and Squeak was ; it sounds very delicious. Have a beautiful day, Jenny.

FlourishingPalms said...

I'm glad to hear of Robin's good medical report, and your happy outing for a delicious lunch. Now what I REALLY want to see is that cute denim dress you wore, and the embroidery on it. Maybe it's something us stitchers might like to duplicate?