Hi,
Someone's a Happy Birthday boy for tomorrow! Gramps! :-)
It was raining through the night and drizzling this morning so I took the bus. But the good news from that lazy act is that I talked to our neighbour, Jules. She owns Merlot and Mike wants to ask them if we can take her over. Anyhow, Jules mentioned Merlot in our conversation, and ended with "Her days are numbered". So I said that Mike wants to adopt Merlot permanently and Jules was very happy. So, we almost own a cat. Uh oh.
Toby missed out on his tennis lesson yesterday. I am a bit cross because the weather looks awful for any today and I suspect probably tomorrow too. So yesterday was probably his only lesson for the holiday programme. But everyone forgot. His SKIDs carers forgot - the tennis coach forgot, and I guess Toby forgot but he doesn't really know the what the time is so I can excuse him. I don't think Toby cares either way. Today is electronic games day so Toby will be very happy about that!
Keep dry if you're in Wellington! Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
And good morning from me
Whew! I've been off balance all morning. From a chaotic departure from the house - Toby wandered off without his backpack and then I wandered off without keys to the garage where my bike was - to more running up and down stairs to get things out of my locker, to meeting clashes - I'm quite disoriented. Time for a cup of coffee.
Toby seems pretty happy at his holiday programme. He has a new girlfriend now called Xena. They spent yesterday running round playing http://playmoshi.com "live" in the playground. We bumped in to Xena this morning, she and he both got to the holiday programme at the same time. Xena looked normal, not like a Warrior Princess at all. And her mum called her Xena so that must be her real name!
My ride home yesterday was the first time my bike has moved in months. It's daylight savings now, so I've been telling myself that once daylight savings kicked in and I'd be riding home in the daylight, I had to start riding every day. And yesterday really was a perfect day to start. There was a diesel spill on one of the main roads out of town, and that meant the traffic was the worst I've ever seen it here. All of the feeder roads and the rat runs filled up and stopped too. When Angela said we were passing cars all the way home - that was riding up our hill, at 6 km/h!! No way we'd have picked up Toby on time yesterday if we'd have tried to take the bus. We'd have definitely been better off walking. So I rode in this morning and it's quite a nice day. I'll have to keep it up - and I'm leading a "medium" level daywalk in 10 days so I better get my fitness up! More running up and down the stairs at lunchtime too.
Toby is getting very excited about going to Sydney, and Karen it looks like you're making lots of plans. Woo hoo!!! It should be good. We need to get some or all of you over here once in a while, too!
Toby seems pretty happy at his holiday programme. He has a new girlfriend now called Xena. They spent yesterday running round playing http://playmoshi.com "live" in the playground. We bumped in to Xena this morning, she and he both got to the holiday programme at the same time. Xena looked normal, not like a Warrior Princess at all. And her mum called her Xena so that must be her real name!
My ride home yesterday was the first time my bike has moved in months. It's daylight savings now, so I've been telling myself that once daylight savings kicked in and I'd be riding home in the daylight, I had to start riding every day. And yesterday really was a perfect day to start. There was a diesel spill on one of the main roads out of town, and that meant the traffic was the worst I've ever seen it here. All of the feeder roads and the rat runs filled up and stopped too. When Angela said we were passing cars all the way home - that was riding up our hill, at 6 km/h!! No way we'd have picked up Toby on time yesterday if we'd have tried to take the bus. We'd have definitely been better off walking. So I rode in this morning and it's quite a nice day. I'll have to keep it up - and I'm leading a "medium" level daywalk in 10 days so I better get my fitness up! More running up and down the stairs at lunchtime too.
Toby is getting very excited about going to Sydney, and Karen it looks like you're making lots of plans. Woo hoo!!! It should be good. We need to get some or all of you over here once in a while, too!
Good morning on Tues, Sep 29
Hi,
What a great ride in this morning - the road was mainly dry despite the overnight rain. I am so pleased Mike knew about the Wellington gridlock last night as he said we should ride our bikes home. And it was bumper-to-bumper from work to the Wadestown shops. I passed many cars stationary on the road up to our house. It was great fun! The one day cyclists are vindicated! We ate dinner and the road was still crawling at 7pm!
Nothing much on tonight. We'll search for the chip we're hoping Toby can take back to Sydney. Not too sure if we'll find it. It must be somewhere safe.
Toby seems to be enjoying the holiday programme. Lucky, eh?
That's about it really. My sister, Karen, says her eyes are still a bit foggy after her laser surgery. I am sure it'll clear up soon and she'll be pleased with it all.
Love,
Angela
What a great ride in this morning - the road was mainly dry despite the overnight rain. I am so pleased Mike knew about the Wellington gridlock last night as he said we should ride our bikes home. And it was bumper-to-bumper from work to the Wadestown shops. I passed many cars stationary on the road up to our house. It was great fun! The one day cyclists are vindicated! We ate dinner and the road was still crawling at 7pm!
Nothing much on tonight. We'll search for the chip we're hoping Toby can take back to Sydney. Not too sure if we'll find it. It must be somewhere safe.
Toby seems to be enjoying the holiday programme. Lucky, eh?
That's about it really. My sister, Karen, says her eyes are still a bit foggy after her laser surgery. I am sure it'll clear up soon and she'll be pleased with it all.
Love,
Angela
Monday, September 28, 2009
Good morning on Mon, Sep 28
Hi,
What a wet, wet morning. No need to discuss the AFL Grand Final. Misery enjoys its own company.
Mike enjoyed his day tramp yesterday. Toby and I enjoyed our stay at Grandy and Gramps' house watching above-mentioned miserable game and countless documentaries.
Toby starts his school holiday programme today and probably doesn't start his school holiday tennis programme given the wet, wet day!
Toby is almost packed for his week away with Grandy at the end of this week. Heheheheh.
Wee Karen will get the protective lenses off her eyes today after having them lasered at the end of last week. Fingers crossed that all goes well.
That's about it. Busy at work once more with errant servers offshore. Stupid things!
Love,
Angela
What a wet, wet morning. No need to discuss the AFL Grand Final. Misery enjoys its own company.
Mike enjoyed his day tramp yesterday. Toby and I enjoyed our stay at Grandy and Gramps' house watching above-mentioned miserable game and countless documentaries.
Toby starts his school holiday programme today and probably doesn't start his school holiday tennis programme given the wet, wet day!
Toby is almost packed for his week away with Grandy at the end of this week. Heheheheh.
Wee Karen will get the protective lenses off her eyes today after having them lasered at the end of last week. Fingers crossed that all goes well.
That's about it. Busy at work once more with errant servers offshore. Stupid things!
Love,
Angela
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Good morning on Fri, Sept 25
Hi,
What a lovely evening last night - the first for ages with no table tennis. We collected Toby from William's house and as we walked right past Burger Wisconsin, we had that for dinner. Yummy! We haven't had that for ages and I think we were all happy.
This morning was also fun. Last day of term for Toby (he seems a bit out of sorts). We decided to drive in because Toby was getting collected straight after school by the Tabors and we were collecting Mum to go straight there for dinner. But, they are sick and have just cancelled. So, now we're wondering what do to about Toby. He thinks he is going to the Tabors.
I might ask Mum if she can go and collect him. She'll have to be there at 3pm though as Toby thinks he has no Skids on and will probably follow Duncan and Emerson.
I am sure it will all work out.
It's the weekend - almost! Nothing much on. Mike has a day walk on Sunday. I want to find some strawberry plants and put them in. Not much else. No swimming.
Saturday night is Grand Final night - go the Saints!
So, have a great weekend.
Love,
Angela
What a lovely evening last night - the first for ages with no table tennis. We collected Toby from William's house and as we walked right past Burger Wisconsin, we had that for dinner. Yummy! We haven't had that for ages and I think we were all happy.
This morning was also fun. Last day of term for Toby (he seems a bit out of sorts). We decided to drive in because Toby was getting collected straight after school by the Tabors and we were collecting Mum to go straight there for dinner. But, they are sick and have just cancelled. So, now we're wondering what do to about Toby. He thinks he is going to the Tabors.
I might ask Mum if she can go and collect him. She'll have to be there at 3pm though as Toby thinks he has no Skids on and will probably follow Duncan and Emerson.
I am sure it will all work out.
It's the weekend - almost! Nothing much on. Mike has a day walk on Sunday. I want to find some strawberry plants and put them in. Not much else. No swimming.
Saturday night is Grand Final night - go the Saints!
So, have a great weekend.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Good morning on Thurs, Sep 24
Hi there,
Amazing - it is supposed to be cold today but the ride in was absolutely ok. A high of 9C the radio said. Don't believe them - it feels warmer than that already. Ah - google says it is 8C now and a high of 14. What does anyone know? They all make it up over here. Apparently we might get some dust today from Sydney. Heheheheh.
My cup of tea is going down a treat. It is a really good one!
Karate went well last night. Gramps took me and Toby over while Mum made dinner. Toby got his second red tab on his belt and is quite pleased with himself. They learned how to punch with the "startle" reflex last night. It certainly made me and Gramps laugh a lot watching them all.
Dinner was great - pork schnitzel strips. Toby ate and ate. He did think it was chicken though.
Toby has a play date after school today and after school tomorrow. Tomorrow is the last day of term.
Mike had tramping club night last night. He says it went well. He may be leading another trip fairly soon. And there is a trip planning night coming up. I think Mike needs to book out Paua Hut for a few weekends over summer for family trips.
Ok - have a great day.Love,
Angela
Amazing - it is supposed to be cold today but the ride in was absolutely ok. A high of 9C the radio said. Don't believe them - it feels warmer than that already. Ah - google says it is 8C now and a high of 14. What does anyone know? They all make it up over here. Apparently we might get some dust today from Sydney. Heheheheh.
My cup of tea is going down a treat. It is a really good one!
Karate went well last night. Gramps took me and Toby over while Mum made dinner. Toby got his second red tab on his belt and is quite pleased with himself. They learned how to punch with the "startle" reflex last night. It certainly made me and Gramps laugh a lot watching them all.
Dinner was great - pork schnitzel strips. Toby ate and ate. He did think it was chicken though.
Toby has a play date after school today and after school tomorrow. Tomorrow is the last day of term.
Mike had tramping club night last night. He says it went well. He may be leading another trip fairly soon. And there is a trip planning night coming up. I think Mike needs to book out Paua Hut for a few weekends over summer for family trips.
Ok - have a great day.Love,
Angela
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Good morning on Wed, Sept 23
Hi,
Well, Mike and I took the bus home together last night to collect wee Toby and after Mike got a word in (I had to tell him all about the problems I encountered that day at work), he suggested we go out to a pub dinner with Toby. And what's more, he rang up the Sampson's and asked them if they all wanted to come with us and do the quiz at the same time. Phew!
After some confusion in the Sampson household regarding the "night at the cub", they all decided to come as well. So we ate a lovely meal at The Quiet Lady and the four adults plus Hannah got stuck into the quiz night as well.
The kids were very good considering they could only eat and not run around anywhere and had to be quiet so we could hear the questions. So, we were very proud of them.
Lesley was very concerned when one of our Joker rounds was TV and Cinema and we scored badly. Yikes! Who chose that one? Heheheheheh. But we made up with it with 10/10 for our other Joker round. Ooooossssshhh! That got us an immediate $10 voucher - and gave us 20 points for that round.
And when they called out third place - it wasn't us. Turns out we were tied for first place! And we won the tie breaker. So - we won! Hooray! We are the champions. We got a $75 voucher and got up and paid for a lot of our meal out. Bonus!
So I am quite chuffed sitting here. But when I see my problem is still not resolved, I have to quietly recall the winning feeling to get me through. :-)
Tonight is karate night so an early ride home for me. I think my parents will collect wee Toby and have him ready.
So, have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Well, Mike and I took the bus home together last night to collect wee Toby and after Mike got a word in (I had to tell him all about the problems I encountered that day at work), he suggested we go out to a pub dinner with Toby. And what's more, he rang up the Sampson's and asked them if they all wanted to come with us and do the quiz at the same time. Phew!
After some confusion in the Sampson household regarding the "night at the cub", they all decided to come as well. So we ate a lovely meal at The Quiet Lady and the four adults plus Hannah got stuck into the quiz night as well.
The kids were very good considering they could only eat and not run around anywhere and had to be quiet so we could hear the questions. So, we were very proud of them.
Lesley was very concerned when one of our Joker rounds was TV and Cinema and we scored badly. Yikes! Who chose that one? Heheheheheh. But we made up with it with 10/10 for our other Joker round. Ooooossssshhh! That got us an immediate $10 voucher - and gave us 20 points for that round.
And when they called out third place - it wasn't us. Turns out we were tied for first place! And we won the tie breaker. So - we won! Hooray! We are the champions. We got a $75 voucher and got up and paid for a lot of our meal out. Bonus!
So I am quite chuffed sitting here. But when I see my problem is still not resolved, I have to quietly recall the winning feeling to get me through. :-)
Tonight is karate night so an early ride home for me. I think my parents will collect wee Toby and have him ready.
So, have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Good afternoon on Tues, Sep 22
Hi,
I dropped wee Toby off at school this morning - we had a good morning. We have a new routine when I drop him off - we leave at 8.15, and he walks all the way to the bus stop with me and then walks back just in time for school. I catch the earlier bus (8.28) and he wanders back up the hill to school. The bus stop is at the bottom of the school, so we walk to school, then down through the school, past his classroom, down to the road at the bottom. Great!
However, work is rubbish. Busy with problem after problem. I even had problems before the HelpDesk knew they were general problems. Phew!
Keas was great fun. We learned a bit about compasses and the kids played a game where they had to run to the wall that was to the north, east, south or west when Wally called out a direction. Chelsea was really good at it. The boys were - trying hard. Their method seemed to be to run like mad until group consensus settled on a wall. I yelled out to Toby to follow Chelsea and after that he got them all right as he stuck like glue to Chelsea and the other boys ran around like lost wee sheep. Very entertaining - and they all learned stuff.
I didn't ride in today as it was raining when I woke up. But now it is lovely looking out there. ma says it is windy though.
Oh well. Back to my work issues. Heheheheh.
Love,
Angela
I dropped wee Toby off at school this morning - we had a good morning. We have a new routine when I drop him off - we leave at 8.15, and he walks all the way to the bus stop with me and then walks back just in time for school. I catch the earlier bus (8.28) and he wanders back up the hill to school. The bus stop is at the bottom of the school, so we walk to school, then down through the school, past his classroom, down to the road at the bottom. Great!
However, work is rubbish. Busy with problem after problem. I even had problems before the HelpDesk knew they were general problems. Phew!
Keas was great fun. We learned a bit about compasses and the kids played a game where they had to run to the wall that was to the north, east, south or west when Wally called out a direction. Chelsea was really good at it. The boys were - trying hard. Their method seemed to be to run like mad until group consensus settled on a wall. I yelled out to Toby to follow Chelsea and after that he got them all right as he stuck like glue to Chelsea and the other boys ran around like lost wee sheep. Very entertaining - and they all learned stuff.
I didn't ride in today as it was raining when I woke up. But now it is lovely looking out there. ma says it is windy though.
Oh well. Back to my work issues. Heheheheh.
Love,
Angela
Monday, September 21, 2009
Good morning on Mon, Sep 21
Hi,
What a great weekend. Friday night was great fun. We collected wee Toby from school, packed an overnight bag for him and picked up pizza and delivered him to Benjamin at the Lewis house. We then went out for dinner to The Quiet Lady - a pub in Karori. Very pleasant it was too. Apart from the white van in the car park that creased our door. Grrrrr.
We went back to the Lewises place for tea and Toby was already fast asleep.
Saturday morning was an early start. Mike was leading his first tramp for the tramping club - a day trip to Smiths Shelter from Kaitoke. He left early for the train station to drive some punters to Kaitoke. They had two cars heading up there. Mike had jellybeans for bribes. :-) Isn't he clever?
So, that left me at home with a logistic conundrum. I only had the wee Mazda, and it needed a Warrant of Fitness to legally drive around. So off I went - first in the queue when it opened at 8. Fortunately for my plans, it passed with flying colours. The alternative would have been the conundrum.
Then I drove up to Mum's place and rustled her out of bed and we had breakfast. Then Vivienne and John kindly dropped Toby off there so I went over to the Wadestown library and collected Mum and Dad's car so we could all drive around.
We decided against swimming today as it was very close to Toby's sick day on Thursday where he had an earache. He is also a wee bit snotty. So, instead we went to the Otari plant sale where I got a Chatham Island lily for Vivienne (they were flying out the door - they must be very popular - but they are 3 for $9 at The Warehouse if Vivienne wants to bulk plant them!) and a ground cover plant for me.
Then off to the movies from there to see Up. We also ate Khymer Satay beforehand - yummy! Up was a great movie - we all really enjoyed it. We saw it in 3D and my mother's yelps of surprise and pleasure at what she was were worth it completely. She was enraptured even more than Toby I think.
Back to Mum's place after that to relax once more. Turns out Mike was home already and he popped over and we had dinner there. We waited for ages for Dad, but in the end we saw him just as we left. We picked up the abandoned but entirely legal, Mazda from the library on the way home and had a good evening watching the rugby.
Sunday was great fun - we cleaned up as we were expecting guests for morning tea and then some for afternoon tea. But none of them eventuated. It's the best outcome for me - clean house, social invitations issued and no one to eat the beautiful cheese and fresh bread except the Gilberts. After lunch Toby and I picked up Mum and went shopping. Mum had no fun at all but we got a lot done. I got some vege seedlings and Toby got his toy.
After we dropped Mum off, we got home just as Vivienne and John arrived with Benjamin looking very fine after a piano recital. They collected their lily and I planted out the veges. I still need to get some strawberries - The Warehouse had none. Maybe this weekend. We now have some lettuces, broccoli and snow peas. I'll plant some carrots next weekend.
Mike and Toby cooked up a storm with leftover for tonight. Easy peasy. We need a quick meal after Keas tonight.
So, all done and dusted for another week. I do have a bit of Monday-itis as I had a one day week at work last week, in effect. So the prospect of 5 days at work is daunting.
I hope you all have a marvellous week.
Love,
Angela
What a great weekend. Friday night was great fun. We collected wee Toby from school, packed an overnight bag for him and picked up pizza and delivered him to Benjamin at the Lewis house. We then went out for dinner to The Quiet Lady - a pub in Karori. Very pleasant it was too. Apart from the white van in the car park that creased our door. Grrrrr.
We went back to the Lewises place for tea and Toby was already fast asleep.
Saturday morning was an early start. Mike was leading his first tramp for the tramping club - a day trip to Smiths Shelter from Kaitoke. He left early for the train station to drive some punters to Kaitoke. They had two cars heading up there. Mike had jellybeans for bribes. :-) Isn't he clever?
So, that left me at home with a logistic conundrum. I only had the wee Mazda, and it needed a Warrant of Fitness to legally drive around. So off I went - first in the queue when it opened at 8. Fortunately for my plans, it passed with flying colours. The alternative would have been the conundrum.
Then I drove up to Mum's place and rustled her out of bed and we had breakfast. Then Vivienne and John kindly dropped Toby off there so I went over to the Wadestown library and collected Mum and Dad's car so we could all drive around.
We decided against swimming today as it was very close to Toby's sick day on Thursday where he had an earache. He is also a wee bit snotty. So, instead we went to the Otari plant sale where I got a Chatham Island lily for Vivienne (they were flying out the door - they must be very popular - but they are 3 for $9 at The Warehouse if Vivienne wants to bulk plant them!) and a ground cover plant for me.
Then off to the movies from there to see Up. We also ate Khymer Satay beforehand - yummy! Up was a great movie - we all really enjoyed it. We saw it in 3D and my mother's yelps of surprise and pleasure at what she was were worth it completely. She was enraptured even more than Toby I think.
Back to Mum's place after that to relax once more. Turns out Mike was home already and he popped over and we had dinner there. We waited for ages for Dad, but in the end we saw him just as we left. We picked up the abandoned but entirely legal, Mazda from the library on the way home and had a good evening watching the rugby.
Sunday was great fun - we cleaned up as we were expecting guests for morning tea and then some for afternoon tea. But none of them eventuated. It's the best outcome for me - clean house, social invitations issued and no one to eat the beautiful cheese and fresh bread except the Gilberts. After lunch Toby and I picked up Mum and went shopping. Mum had no fun at all but we got a lot done. I got some vege seedlings and Toby got his toy.
After we dropped Mum off, we got home just as Vivienne and John arrived with Benjamin looking very fine after a piano recital. They collected their lily and I planted out the veges. I still need to get some strawberries - The Warehouse had none. Maybe this weekend. We now have some lettuces, broccoli and snow peas. I'll plant some carrots next weekend.
Mike and Toby cooked up a storm with leftover for tonight. Easy peasy. We need a quick meal after Keas tonight.
So, all done and dusted for another week. I do have a bit of Monday-itis as I had a one day week at work last week, in effect. So the prospect of 5 days at work is daunting.
I hope you all have a marvellous week.
Love,
Angela
Friday, September 11, 2009
Good morning on Friday, Sep 11
Hi,
Mike got away fine last night and the last message I got from him was on the ferry contemplating plan B options due to the foreboding weather. Good! :-)
Table tennis was fun last night. Mum played ok but her sore tummy made her less mobile. I think she is on the mend. I won the women's doubles final. Turns out we had 4 women entered. So one match was all it took. Diane and me against Mum and Frances. 3-2 we won. So it was close. Unlike the mixed doubles which was me and Matthew against John (the singles champion) and Diane. That wasn't close.
Weekend is approaching and there is swimming, lunch afterwards with Sally and Andrew, vegetable garden shopping (maybe I need to prep the vege patch a bit) and tea on Sunday night at the Sally and Andrew open-all-hours restaurant. It is supposed to rain today and tomorrow and be sunny on Sunday. Cool!
Have a great weekend.
Love,
Angela
Mike got away fine last night and the last message I got from him was on the ferry contemplating plan B options due to the foreboding weather. Good! :-)
Table tennis was fun last night. Mum played ok but her sore tummy made her less mobile. I think she is on the mend. I won the women's doubles final. Turns out we had 4 women entered. So one match was all it took. Diane and me against Mum and Frances. 3-2 we won. So it was close. Unlike the mixed doubles which was me and Matthew against John (the singles champion) and Diane. That wasn't close.
Weekend is approaching and there is swimming, lunch afterwards with Sally and Andrew, vegetable garden shopping (maybe I need to prep the vege patch a bit) and tea on Sunday night at the Sally and Andrew open-all-hours restaurant. It is supposed to rain today and tomorrow and be sunny on Sunday. Cool!
Have a great weekend.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Our complicated week to come
People are confused about what we're doing over the next few days - and no wonder!
So here it it, nice and easy.
Mike's off to Angelus for Friday, Saturday, Sunday:
Friday – Shuttle to start of Mt Robert track at 7:30 am (about 15 minute drive). Up zig zag track to Robert Ridge and along to Angelus Hut. If good conditions then on another hour or so towards Sunset Saddle and camp.
Saturday – Climb Mt Angelus for a great view. Back to saddle and down Hopeless Creek to Travers Valley. Camp on a nice grassy flat near the river.
Sunday – Wander down the Travers Valley and around the lake to St Arnaud. Drive to Picton for 6:05 pm ferry. Back to Wgton about 9:20 pm.
Like Angela said, we did this same trip at Easter, in summer, over 4 days - and it was hard work. Now I'm doing it through snow over 3 days. In heavy rain and 70 km/h northerlies.
Toby and Angela are home for the weekend. Nothing in particular planned I think - just the usual swimming on Saturday morning. It's swimming assessment day this week!
Then, Mike and Angela are off to TechEd in Auckland on Monday morning (5:30am on Monday morning!!). Toby and Nana stay at home and entertain each other.
We're back Wednesday at 7pm, and Mike immediately has to go to Tramping Club to return his alpine equipment.
Thursday morning, we'll drive Nana in for her 7am flight back home.
And then on Saturday, Mike's leading a day trip to Kaitoke. Angela and Toby will meet up afterwards and we'll camp out there! Should be nice. We've got a brunch with our ex-ANZ team on the Sunday morning too - hopefully we won't be too disreputable if we've come straight from Kaitoke.
Whew! The good news is, we've got nothing whatsoever planned for the weekend following. The weekend following is the end of school term! Toby will be very excited. He'll be doing the holiday programme at his after-school care, with some tennis thrown in, and then going to visit Tyler in Sydney for the second week.
Mike and Angela will be sleeping.
So here it it, nice and easy.
Mike's off to Angelus for Friday, Saturday, Sunday:
Friday – Shuttle to start of Mt Robert track at 7:30 am (about 15 minute drive). Up zig zag track to Robert Ridge and along to Angelus Hut. If good conditions then on another hour or so towards Sunset Saddle and camp.
Saturday – Climb Mt Angelus for a great view. Back to saddle and down Hopeless Creek to Travers Valley. Camp on a nice grassy flat near the river.
Sunday – Wander down the Travers Valley and around the lake to St Arnaud. Drive to Picton for 6:05 pm ferry. Back to Wgton about 9:20 pm.
Like Angela said, we did this same trip at Easter, in summer, over 4 days - and it was hard work. Now I'm doing it through snow over 3 days. In heavy rain and 70 km/h northerlies.
Toby and Angela are home for the weekend. Nothing in particular planned I think - just the usual swimming on Saturday morning. It's swimming assessment day this week!
Then, Mike and Angela are off to TechEd in Auckland on Monday morning (5:30am on Monday morning!!). Toby and Nana stay at home and entertain each other.
We're back Wednesday at 7pm, and Mike immediately has to go to Tramping Club to return his alpine equipment.
Thursday morning, we'll drive Nana in for her 7am flight back home.
And then on Saturday, Mike's leading a day trip to Kaitoke. Angela and Toby will meet up afterwards and we'll camp out there! Should be nice. We've got a brunch with our ex-ANZ team on the Sunday morning too - hopefully we won't be too disreputable if we've come straight from Kaitoke.
Whew! The good news is, we've got nothing whatsoever planned for the weekend following. The weekend following is the end of school term! Toby will be very excited. He'll be doing the holiday programme at his after-school care, with some tennis thrown in, and then going to visit Tyler in Sydney for the second week.
Mike and Angela will be sleeping.
Good morning on Thurs, Sep 10
Hi,
Well, young Mike is packed and ready to go and explore the tops around Nelson Lakes in the top of the South Island. We have been there once before, many years ago, for an Easter tramp with the tramping club. It was arduous then, without crampons and snow. So, I imagine Mike is going to return a little sore from all his exertions. Or not. The weather forecasts indicate scant opportunity for climbing the peaks without getting blown off and landing scattered all over the Chatham Islands. So, it may be that they keep lower down and enjoy the heavy rain instead.
Karate went well last night and Toby says his tennis was good. I have rebooked him in for next term for the tennis. And there is a holiday slot for one of the days he is at Skids so I might book him into that too - for a bit of variety.
Mike is off to the train station straight from work this evening on the Bluebridge ferry. Or the Interislander. Not sure which exactly. I have finals at table tennis again tonight. Well, I have table tennis - whether the finals have anything to do with me is another matter entirely. I won a mixed doubles game so I think I will have at least one more to play.
Toby is happy to get the opportunity to sleep in bed with me. When Daddy is away, it is allowed.
I think Mike will miss Toby until this time next week! Mike gets back late Sunday (after 9) and we're away to Auckland early (5am) on Monday morning.
So, an interesting week ahead of us all. Have fun, Mike!
Courtesy of my boss, Andy is this link: http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/09/09/apple_announces_ipod_nano_with_camera_fm_tuner_pedometer.html
Love,
Angela
Well, young Mike is packed and ready to go and explore the tops around Nelson Lakes in the top of the South Island. We have been there once before, many years ago, for an Easter tramp with the tramping club. It was arduous then, without crampons and snow. So, I imagine Mike is going to return a little sore from all his exertions. Or not. The weather forecasts indicate scant opportunity for climbing the peaks without getting blown off and landing scattered all over the Chatham Islands. So, it may be that they keep lower down and enjoy the heavy rain instead.
Karate went well last night and Toby says his tennis was good. I have rebooked him in for next term for the tennis. And there is a holiday slot for one of the days he is at Skids so I might book him into that too - for a bit of variety.
Mike is off to the train station straight from work this evening on the Bluebridge ferry. Or the Interislander. Not sure which exactly. I have finals at table tennis again tonight. Well, I have table tennis - whether the finals have anything to do with me is another matter entirely. I won a mixed doubles game so I think I will have at least one more to play.
Toby is happy to get the opportunity to sleep in bed with me. When Daddy is away, it is allowed.
I think Mike will miss Toby until this time next week! Mike gets back late Sunday (after 9) and we're away to Auckland early (5am) on Monday morning.
So, an interesting week ahead of us all. Have fun, Mike!
Courtesy of my boss, Andy is this link: http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/09/09/apple_announces_ipod_nano_with_camera_fm_tuner_pedometer.html
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Good morning on a lovely Wed, Sep 9
Hi,
Ok - who wants a review on District 9 by me? Mike and I went last night after Mike asked his mother to babysit Toby. I must admit, I was feeling quite sick during the movie and I was unsure if it was because I was watching the movie or because I really did feel sick. Watching someone chew their fingernails off can probably cause a little nausea.
But, despite my upset stomach, I did enjoy the movie in a weird sort of way. If you imagine Peter Jackson's Braindead movie and give it a gritty documentary style with a sci-fi setting, you'd have a good idea of what District 9 is like. I did have to close my eyes a bit, to fight back the waves of nausea. Watching someone puke black vomit over the guests at a party would not have been good. So I can only tell you what the sound effects were like in that scene!
Mike loved it I think!
Tonight is busy for us. Karate for Toby (after his tennis) and Mike has tramping club commitments and then he needs to pack for his long weekend away to Angelus climbing two peaks. The weather forecast is bad for the region for the weekend. Heavy rain and galeforce winds about the tops. And I think climbing two large peaks means "about the tops". I have been getting Mike to practise saying "I am not crossing that swollen river" and "I think it looks too windy about the tops to climb today". I want to see him back on Sunday. :-)
News on the Melbourne apartment front. We have an offer and we have signed to accept it. Now it depends on finance at their end. And settlement will be early December if it all goes well. Hence the increase in wondering about buying a crib somewhere in the lower North Island to get away from Wellington often. Our house here is not conducive to romping in the back yard so we need a crib where Toby can play outside all weekend. And I can plant fruit trees. But no chicken counting until the eggs hatch, eh? But I can still look...
Ok. Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Ok - who wants a review on District 9 by me? Mike and I went last night after Mike asked his mother to babysit Toby. I must admit, I was feeling quite sick during the movie and I was unsure if it was because I was watching the movie or because I really did feel sick. Watching someone chew their fingernails off can probably cause a little nausea.
But, despite my upset stomach, I did enjoy the movie in a weird sort of way. If you imagine Peter Jackson's Braindead movie and give it a gritty documentary style with a sci-fi setting, you'd have a good idea of what District 9 is like. I did have to close my eyes a bit, to fight back the waves of nausea. Watching someone puke black vomit over the guests at a party would not have been good. So I can only tell you what the sound effects were like in that scene!
Mike loved it I think!
Tonight is busy for us. Karate for Toby (after his tennis) and Mike has tramping club commitments and then he needs to pack for his long weekend away to Angelus climbing two peaks. The weather forecast is bad for the region for the weekend. Heavy rain and galeforce winds about the tops. And I think climbing two large peaks means "about the tops". I have been getting Mike to practise saying "I am not crossing that swollen river" and "I think it looks too windy about the tops to climb today". I want to see him back on Sunday. :-)
News on the Melbourne apartment front. We have an offer and we have signed to accept it. Now it depends on finance at their end. And settlement will be early December if it all goes well. Hence the increase in wondering about buying a crib somewhere in the lower North Island to get away from Wellington often. Our house here is not conducive to romping in the back yard so we need a crib where Toby can play outside all weekend. And I can plant fruit trees. But no chicken counting until the eggs hatch, eh? But I can still look...
Ok. Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Good morning on Tues, Sep 8
Hi,
Another successful Kea night was had last night. We talked about the Keas (birds), drew some pictures of them and ran around lots.
Mike's mother cooked up tea for us so it was very easy once we got home. It has to be easy on Mondays otherwise tea runs into Toby's bedtime.
Toby has a loose front top tooth. Very exciting for him. And oddly emotional for me. Not too sure why. I'm guessing it's because his smile will be changing a bit and it won't be the same. Mothers! What are they like??!!
Home to cook up dinner tonight. Tuesdays are our day off from doing anything. So Mike will continue getting the laptop sorted and hopefully next week his Mum can take it home to Dunedin with her fully functional!
Have a great day.
Love,
Angela
Another successful Kea night was had last night. We talked about the Keas (birds), drew some pictures of them and ran around lots.
Mike's mother cooked up tea for us so it was very easy once we got home. It has to be easy on Mondays otherwise tea runs into Toby's bedtime.
Toby has a loose front top tooth. Very exciting for him. And oddly emotional for me. Not too sure why. I'm guessing it's because his smile will be changing a bit and it won't be the same. Mothers! What are they like??!!
Home to cook up dinner tonight. Tuesdays are our day off from doing anything. So Mike will continue getting the laptop sorted and hopefully next week his Mum can take it home to Dunedin with her fully functional!
Have a great day.
Love,
Angela
Monday, September 7, 2009
Good morning on Mon, Sept7
Hi!
What a wonderful weekend. I heard that wee Abby had a great birthday party (all two of them - how did she swing that?) and that her mother survived the ordeal! Lucky for us, eh?
Our weather in Wellington was the best ever! I spent all day on Saturday in a t-shirt and Toby wore shorts. Bring it on! Shame my mother was sick and never saw any of it. Get better soon, Ma!
Friday night Toby and I went out to the soccer to watch the Phoenix play Adelaide. We had such fun. Toby read his new books for great parts of the second half (he bought them at the fund raiser at his school - Captain Underpants) so I got to watch quite a lot of the game.
When we got home, Mike was still trying out the wines at Fiona and Brendan's house. So we popped around and it meant Toby had a very late night.
Next morning we were up for swimming and after that Toby and I went to the tennis club open day. There were 140 children there! What a day! Very well organised too.
Saturday evening we headed around for a lovely dinner at Sally and Andrew's place and caught up with Vivienne and John too. My mother was too sick to attend and she was disappointed to miss out on the social occasion. Venison stew - I loved it! We did manage to leave our fridge groceries behind (bacon, milk and ice cream) but I solved that the next morning by buying more!
Sunday was just as gorgeous as Saturday's weather. I woke early and headed out to see Dad for Father's Day with the intention of driving him to work. However, it turns out that he has a late start on Sundays so I made him a coffee and gave him his card and present and went back home to help Toby cook up a breakfast for Mike.
I do have to try and change his present today though - he is busy at work on Tuesday Sept 15th with stocktake. So I'll plead my case and see if I can get the following night instead (tickets to an Aussie comedy show - I hope my parents like it!).
Mike got the newspaper to read and pancakes with banana, strawberries and crispy bacon on top. Toby sprinkled icing sugar on top to round it all off. I burned the pancakes and the smoke detectors around the house went off. I plonked the first one on the plate and Toby shouted through to his Dad - "Dad, your pancakes are burnt!". Then Toby sniffed the plate and shouted through to his Dad - "Dad, your pancakes smell awful!". But the maple syrup disguises all and Mike loved it - so he said. Toby carried the tray into Mike singing "Happy Fathers Day to you".
The rest of Sunday was spent tidying the house and stuff like that. We have almost finished decluttering the green room and put the overflow into crates and stored them in the MX-5 garage. We can lux great swathes of carpet/floor now and we just need one more weekend to get it all shipshape.
Mike's mother is working on the mess in our garden up front. Weeds have taken over and are growing luxuriously.
Mike is away this weekend so I think we'll buy some veges and plant out the vege patch. Toby wants some strawberries this year.
So, have a great week! I need a cup of tea - again!
Love,
Angela
What a wonderful weekend. I heard that wee Abby had a great birthday party (all two of them - how did she swing that?) and that her mother survived the ordeal! Lucky for us, eh?
Our weather in Wellington was the best ever! I spent all day on Saturday in a t-shirt and Toby wore shorts. Bring it on! Shame my mother was sick and never saw any of it. Get better soon, Ma!
Friday night Toby and I went out to the soccer to watch the Phoenix play Adelaide. We had such fun. Toby read his new books for great parts of the second half (he bought them at the fund raiser at his school - Captain Underpants) so I got to watch quite a lot of the game.
When we got home, Mike was still trying out the wines at Fiona and Brendan's house. So we popped around and it meant Toby had a very late night.
Next morning we were up for swimming and after that Toby and I went to the tennis club open day. There were 140 children there! What a day! Very well organised too.
Saturday evening we headed around for a lovely dinner at Sally and Andrew's place and caught up with Vivienne and John too. My mother was too sick to attend and she was disappointed to miss out on the social occasion. Venison stew - I loved it! We did manage to leave our fridge groceries behind (bacon, milk and ice cream) but I solved that the next morning by buying more!
Sunday was just as gorgeous as Saturday's weather. I woke early and headed out to see Dad for Father's Day with the intention of driving him to work. However, it turns out that he has a late start on Sundays so I made him a coffee and gave him his card and present and went back home to help Toby cook up a breakfast for Mike.
I do have to try and change his present today though - he is busy at work on Tuesday Sept 15th with stocktake. So I'll plead my case and see if I can get the following night instead (tickets to an Aussie comedy show - I hope my parents like it!).
Mike got the newspaper to read and pancakes with banana, strawberries and crispy bacon on top. Toby sprinkled icing sugar on top to round it all off. I burned the pancakes and the smoke detectors around the house went off. I plonked the first one on the plate and Toby shouted through to his Dad - "Dad, your pancakes are burnt!". Then Toby sniffed the plate and shouted through to his Dad - "Dad, your pancakes smell awful!". But the maple syrup disguises all and Mike loved it - so he said. Toby carried the tray into Mike singing "Happy Fathers Day to you".
The rest of Sunday was spent tidying the house and stuff like that. We have almost finished decluttering the green room and put the overflow into crates and stored them in the MX-5 garage. We can lux great swathes of carpet/floor now and we just need one more weekend to get it all shipshape.
Mike's mother is working on the mess in our garden up front. Weeds have taken over and are growing luxuriously.
Mike is away this weekend so I think we'll buy some veges and plant out the vege patch. Toby wants some strawberries this year.
So, have a great week! I need a cup of tea - again!
Love,
Angela
Friday, September 4, 2009
Good morning on Friday, Sep 4
Hi there,
I came third in the womans singles (over 40) championships last night. Mum came second! She made the final (I guess you could say). We both lost to the reigning champion.
Yes - you may have read between the lines and already determined there were only three contenders.
:-)
Tonight is soccer night. I'm off to collect wee Toby from Skids and heading off to Wagamama for dinner then off to the soccer to watch Phoenix play Adelaide. Woo hoo! A late night for the wee chap but we can sleep in.
So, there you have it. Swimming tomorrow and more DIY for the weekend. Not much else on. Maybe tea at Sally's house if we can get sorted. But that isn't confirmed yet - Sally merely floated the idea out there!
Ok. Have a wonderful weekend!
Love,
Angela
I came third in the womans singles (over 40) championships last night. Mum came second! She made the final (I guess you could say). We both lost to the reigning champion.
Yes - you may have read between the lines and already determined there were only three contenders.
:-)
Tonight is soccer night. I'm off to collect wee Toby from Skids and heading off to Wagamama for dinner then off to the soccer to watch Phoenix play Adelaide. Woo hoo! A late night for the wee chap but we can sleep in.
So, there you have it. Swimming tomorrow and more DIY for the weekend. Not much else on. Maybe tea at Sally's house if we can get sorted. But that isn't confirmed yet - Sally merely floated the idea out there!
Ok. Have a wonderful weekend!
Love,
Angela
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Good morning on Thurs, Sep 3
Hi,
What a lovely morning for the first bike ride in for a wee while. Perfect conditions - even the lights were red at the Terrace intersection so I could cross safely without stopping. Amazing! Mike rode down with me. Mike's mother will drop wee Toby off at school.
There is supposed to be a southerly change come through today at some stage. But at the moment it is mighty fine.
Karate went well last night. My parents collected Toby and Mike's mother and I met them at the hall. So Toby had quite a spectator stand watching him perform his moves. And he did them very well.
Toby got an early night and I went to tramping club to pick up Mike. He has some punters for his day tramp already. I think Toby and I might go along to Kaitoke and pitch the tent and wait for Mike to return from his tramp. We can stay overnight there for the sheer fun of it all.
That's about it. I have table tennis tonight where I think it is the woman's championships. I don't expect to be in many rounds! :-)
Love,
Angela
What a lovely morning for the first bike ride in for a wee while. Perfect conditions - even the lights were red at the Terrace intersection so I could cross safely without stopping. Amazing! Mike rode down with me. Mike's mother will drop wee Toby off at school.
There is supposed to be a southerly change come through today at some stage. But at the moment it is mighty fine.
Karate went well last night. My parents collected Toby and Mike's mother and I met them at the hall. So Toby had quite a spectator stand watching him perform his moves. And he did them very well.
Toby got an early night and I went to tramping club to pick up Mike. He has some punters for his day tramp already. I think Toby and I might go along to Kaitoke and pitch the tent and wait for Mike to return from his tramp. We can stay overnight there for the sheer fun of it all.
That's about it. I have table tennis tonight where I think it is the woman's championships. I don't expect to be in many rounds! :-)
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Good morning (just) on Wednesday, Sept 2
Hi,
What an amazing holiday we had down at Mt Hutt. The outcome is that Mike and I are
considering why we bother with Whakapapa at all compared to the pleasure of skiing at
Mt Hutt.
But before that - happy birthday to Jamie (yesterday) and Cameron (today) and wee Abby for Saturday.
Let's see. This is how it unfolded. Thursday evening we shot home from work and waited for Wally to drive us to the airport. Mike's mother had cooked up the leftovers from Wednesday's stew and we were very pleased to eat dinner before we left. Wally got us to the airport in the nick of time - some might say perfect timing. Mike would likely agree with that.
The flight down was easy. It was Jessica's first flight in her living memory. Coming over to Australia when she was 3 months old for our wedding doesn't count. :-) She enjoyed it. Toby's eyes lit up when he saw the lolly basket at the end of the flight and he asked the hostie how many he could have. She (foolishly - obviously doesn't have kids) said as many as you like. Toby stuck two hands in and grabbed heaps of lollies. Yikes. He did say thank you though!
We picked up the rental car and headed off to Pudding Hill Lodge. The Lodge is on SH72 just after a single lane bridge after the Mt Hutt turnoff near Methven. Our accommodation was superb although the two showers were clogged up and spraying water everywhere but on your body. The floor got a good clean each time. We had 2 rooms and they both had bathrooms. They both had a queen sized bed and a single with a balcony. The living area had a kitchen and table and a couch. The views were great - we could see Mt Hutt skifield easily. Very reasonable for $120 a night. We will stay there again.
We fell into bed but it was a late night. The weather was rubbish and the prospect of skiing was not likely. So we intended to sleep in so the kids could rest up. They were, however, up at 7am. I think that was about 8 hours sleep for them. Lucky the mountain was closed. So we had a relaxing day exploring the Lodge (they have a hot tub that was out of action, table tennis, tennis, pool and a TV room), visiting Methven for lunch and skimming stones at Rakaia Gorge. The table tennis was very funny. The table is home-made from planks of wood that have started to separate. The bats had hardly any rubber left on them. So it was a random game we had - the ball was prone to bounce anywhere. Hardly good preparation for the championship this Thursday night here in Ngaio!
Around 5pm Christine, John and Tom arrived and immediately started cooking dinner. It was great! They took complete control and we were powerless in their wake. We had a great evening meal of tacos and the kids watched a movie on the laptop while we chatted.
Next morning (Saturday) dawned and Christine burst into our room saying Mt Hutt was open. Hooray! John cooked up breakfast (scrambled eggs - yummo) and we hit the ski road. Oh yeah. Now I remember that drive up from the last time about 14 years ago. What a road! Potholes, corrugations, huge rocks, wind, steep - and busy to boot. Mike drove admirably. We got up and parked right outside the ticket office.
We eventually got the kids rental gear and lessons and found a spot for John to sit and admire the views in the cafe. Then it was time to ski! Toby was tentative down the cat track on his first run but he did well. Mike inadvertently paid for a whole day lesson (incl lunch) for Jessica. So she was a superb wee skier by the end of the day. She has snowploughs sorted. I was very proud of her. Toby had a lesson after lunch and by the time we all skied together at the end of the day, he was racing down the cat track. It made a huge difference in him.
I spent the afternoon skiing with Christine for the most part and I enjoyed myself. Christine and I were doing the easy blue run until Mike turned up. Then he said Christine could ski down the cat track from the main 6 seater lift. So we went up there and Mike and I skied down the steep blue runs and Christine met up with us halfway down and we went down together. We did that a few times. Mike worked on my technique and I started to get the rhythm of it all.
We drove back to Pudding Hill Lodge at the end of the day and found that John had already cooked up the spag bol dinner and all we had to do was sit down and get stuck in. Can I ski with a non-skier every time? How nice was that?
The next morning the mountain was shut again due to high winds. Apparently the Australians call it "Mt Shut". But spring has come early to NZ this year and with it the spring winds. So, shut it was. We decided to drive with Christine, John and Tom in convoy to their accommodation at Hanmer Springs and relax in the hot pools. What a pleasant day. We popped in for morning tea at Jo Seagers cafe in oxford where Mike choked on his food because it wasn't Alison Holst's food. But he said Alison wouldn't mind too much so he gobbled it down. You know him! Food is food.
Mike and I have never been anywhere near Hanmer and now that will have to change. The area was absolutely lovely. Soaring snowy peaks, thermal pools, great rivers. You can do a loop through to the West Coast back up to Nelson. I sense a 4 day weekend loop drive coming up in summer! We relaxed for a few hours in the thermal pools. Toby was torn between the cooler 29 degree pool with treated water where he could put his head under, and the 37 degree pool where he was very warm but couldn't put his head under. He made me run between the two pools on several occasions. Eventually we hauled the kids out and ate an early dinner at the army motels where Christine and John were staying. We said our goodbyes after John fed us once more and drove back to Pudding Hill Lodge.
We drove back through wind and rain and wondered about our chances of skiing the next day. However, Monday morning arrived and the mountain was open! We were on! We drove up and had to put chains on because of the 10 centimetres of new snow. We got the kids morning lessons and there were just the two of them in the class together. Mike and I had two hours of skiing together and I had the best skiing day I have ever had. The powder was beautiful, the sky was blue, the wind was only occasionally fierce and anyway, what else is that useless scarf for if not keeping out those gusty conditions? I finally skied the proper ski tracks I have always
dreamed about. Perfect carved turns in the powder. I have photographic evidence. I was in heaven.
We collected the kids and had lunch and due to the late night the night before, we had to bribe and cajole Toby into skiing again in the afternoon. But we got a few runs out of him and the last two of the day were great fun! We were some of the last off the mountain again. Woo hoo!
The next day was dodgy weather with a delayed start at the ski field. So we decided to drive to Christchurch, visit the Cookie Time factory and see a movie. We now know Hornby shopping centre better than I ever want to and we saw Coraline. It was... odd!
Before we left Pudding Hill Lodge Mike chatted to the manager for quite a while. Mike has now got a lot of imparted knowledge about the area and we have already got ideas for next season. Maybe early August down to Mt Hutt once more. Then the odd weekend up at Ruapehu to round out the season. Sounds good to me.
Then off to the airport for an easy trip back. No more lollies for Toby but Jessica enjoyed the flight once more. She is now a level 3A skier and is very good. Wally picked us up and we were back home by 8pm. What an awesome 5 days. We can't wait to do it again next year. Everything was so easy. The ski field is run very well. The accommodation was excellent and so convenient. The company was great. We just need to get Toby more sleep each night and we'll be sorted!
I hope we can post some photos of the fun very soon. And Mike may have more to add.
Have a great week - short though it is for me at any rate!
Love,
Angela
What an amazing holiday we had down at Mt Hutt. The outcome is that Mike and I are
considering why we bother with Whakapapa at all compared to the pleasure of skiing at
Mt Hutt.
But before that - happy birthday to Jamie (yesterday) and Cameron (today) and wee Abby for Saturday.
Let's see. This is how it unfolded. Thursday evening we shot home from work and waited for Wally to drive us to the airport. Mike's mother had cooked up the leftovers from Wednesday's stew and we were very pleased to eat dinner before we left. Wally got us to the airport in the nick of time - some might say perfect timing. Mike would likely agree with that.
The flight down was easy. It was Jessica's first flight in her living memory. Coming over to Australia when she was 3 months old for our wedding doesn't count. :-) She enjoyed it. Toby's eyes lit up when he saw the lolly basket at the end of the flight and he asked the hostie how many he could have. She (foolishly - obviously doesn't have kids) said as many as you like. Toby stuck two hands in and grabbed heaps of lollies. Yikes. He did say thank you though!
We picked up the rental car and headed off to Pudding Hill Lodge. The Lodge is on SH72 just after a single lane bridge after the Mt Hutt turnoff near Methven. Our accommodation was superb although the two showers were clogged up and spraying water everywhere but on your body. The floor got a good clean each time. We had 2 rooms and they both had bathrooms. They both had a queen sized bed and a single with a balcony. The living area had a kitchen and table and a couch. The views were great - we could see Mt Hutt skifield easily. Very reasonable for $120 a night. We will stay there again.
We fell into bed but it was a late night. The weather was rubbish and the prospect of skiing was not likely. So we intended to sleep in so the kids could rest up. They were, however, up at 7am. I think that was about 8 hours sleep for them. Lucky the mountain was closed. So we had a relaxing day exploring the Lodge (they have a hot tub that was out of action, table tennis, tennis, pool and a TV room), visiting Methven for lunch and skimming stones at Rakaia Gorge. The table tennis was very funny. The table is home-made from planks of wood that have started to separate. The bats had hardly any rubber left on them. So it was a random game we had - the ball was prone to bounce anywhere. Hardly good preparation for the championship this Thursday night here in Ngaio!
Around 5pm Christine, John and Tom arrived and immediately started cooking dinner. It was great! They took complete control and we were powerless in their wake. We had a great evening meal of tacos and the kids watched a movie on the laptop while we chatted.
Next morning (Saturday) dawned and Christine burst into our room saying Mt Hutt was open. Hooray! John cooked up breakfast (scrambled eggs - yummo) and we hit the ski road. Oh yeah. Now I remember that drive up from the last time about 14 years ago. What a road! Potholes, corrugations, huge rocks, wind, steep - and busy to boot. Mike drove admirably. We got up and parked right outside the ticket office.
We eventually got the kids rental gear and lessons and found a spot for John to sit and admire the views in the cafe. Then it was time to ski! Toby was tentative down the cat track on his first run but he did well. Mike inadvertently paid for a whole day lesson (incl lunch) for Jessica. So she was a superb wee skier by the end of the day. She has snowploughs sorted. I was very proud of her. Toby had a lesson after lunch and by the time we all skied together at the end of the day, he was racing down the cat track. It made a huge difference in him.
I spent the afternoon skiing with Christine for the most part and I enjoyed myself. Christine and I were doing the easy blue run until Mike turned up. Then he said Christine could ski down the cat track from the main 6 seater lift. So we went up there and Mike and I skied down the steep blue runs and Christine met up with us halfway down and we went down together. We did that a few times. Mike worked on my technique and I started to get the rhythm of it all.
We drove back to Pudding Hill Lodge at the end of the day and found that John had already cooked up the spag bol dinner and all we had to do was sit down and get stuck in. Can I ski with a non-skier every time? How nice was that?
The next morning the mountain was shut again due to high winds. Apparently the Australians call it "Mt Shut". But spring has come early to NZ this year and with it the spring winds. So, shut it was. We decided to drive with Christine, John and Tom in convoy to their accommodation at Hanmer Springs and relax in the hot pools. What a pleasant day. We popped in for morning tea at Jo Seagers cafe in oxford where Mike choked on his food because it wasn't Alison Holst's food. But he said Alison wouldn't mind too much so he gobbled it down. You know him! Food is food.
Mike and I have never been anywhere near Hanmer and now that will have to change. The area was absolutely lovely. Soaring snowy peaks, thermal pools, great rivers. You can do a loop through to the West Coast back up to Nelson. I sense a 4 day weekend loop drive coming up in summer! We relaxed for a few hours in the thermal pools. Toby was torn between the cooler 29 degree pool with treated water where he could put his head under, and the 37 degree pool where he was very warm but couldn't put his head under. He made me run between the two pools on several occasions. Eventually we hauled the kids out and ate an early dinner at the army motels where Christine and John were staying. We said our goodbyes after John fed us once more and drove back to Pudding Hill Lodge.
We drove back through wind and rain and wondered about our chances of skiing the next day. However, Monday morning arrived and the mountain was open! We were on! We drove up and had to put chains on because of the 10 centimetres of new snow. We got the kids morning lessons and there were just the two of them in the class together. Mike and I had two hours of skiing together and I had the best skiing day I have ever had. The powder was beautiful, the sky was blue, the wind was only occasionally fierce and anyway, what else is that useless scarf for if not keeping out those gusty conditions? I finally skied the proper ski tracks I have always
dreamed about. Perfect carved turns in the powder. I have photographic evidence. I was in heaven.
We collected the kids and had lunch and due to the late night the night before, we had to bribe and cajole Toby into skiing again in the afternoon. But we got a few runs out of him and the last two of the day were great fun! We were some of the last off the mountain again. Woo hoo!
The next day was dodgy weather with a delayed start at the ski field. So we decided to drive to Christchurch, visit the Cookie Time factory and see a movie. We now know Hornby shopping centre better than I ever want to and we saw Coraline. It was... odd!
Before we left Pudding Hill Lodge Mike chatted to the manager for quite a while. Mike has now got a lot of imparted knowledge about the area and we have already got ideas for next season. Maybe early August down to Mt Hutt once more. Then the odd weekend up at Ruapehu to round out the season. Sounds good to me.
Then off to the airport for an easy trip back. No more lollies for Toby but Jessica enjoyed the flight once more. She is now a level 3A skier and is very good. Wally picked us up and we were back home by 8pm. What an awesome 5 days. We can't wait to do it again next year. Everything was so easy. The ski field is run very well. The accommodation was excellent and so convenient. The company was great. We just need to get Toby more sleep each night and we'll be sorted!
I hope we can post some photos of the fun very soon. And Mike may have more to add.
Have a great week - short though it is for me at any rate!
Love,
Angela
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