[Another old blog entry that was never published. It's all in note form so that's probably why! This was an action packed weekend with Mike and Toby home alone.]
Friday night - Toby played tennis and did well. But going up the hill at school, he ran ahead of me and didn't wait at the gum tree like we agreed! I lost him totally. He wasn't at school. Wasn't at home. Wasn't en route. Then I got a call from Fiona our neighbour, and there he was, at their dinner party, getting stuck into their hors d'oeuvres. He'd done well in going to their place when he discovered that we were separated, but not so well to get lost in the first place. I was cross and relieved at the same time.
Saturday - call to say Wainui cancelled for today. Swimming (Toby did well). Crazy Bones. Home to veg. Call from Christine - there for din. Toby a little impolite but ok. Banged together labels for her, for her Elderflower Cordial that she wants to sell at markets.
Sunday - Watched 'Ben 10 Alien Swarm', the brand-new Ben 10 live action movie. It was pretty good I thought. Aborted mission for Wainui. Off to Toby's school room end-of-year picnic, at his friend Jack's amazing house. A back garden big enough for 20 kids and their family to picnic in, and 270 degree views of Wellington harbour, and an inset trampoline that was a great hit with all the children. Afterwards, dropped Toby at Sampsons to give me 90 minutes alone time - got more done than whole rest of weekend. Sampsons inspired pizza for dinner. Relatively early night.
Monday morning - Toby came to see me at his normal waking up time (0620) and promptly fell asleep again til I woke him at 0740. Had to make more pizza cos no bread - pizza for lunch! All went well until he realised that he had no monskeys print-out - actually he did!! - so we were running late in the end. Got to my bus stop and found that in the confusion I had no wallet - so I had to go back for it! So I was very late.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Ben 10 Alien Swarm - first review
Toby and I just watched Cartoon Network's new live-action move, Ben 10: Alien Swarm. This is what Toby had to say about it.
Alien Swarm was okay, not great but not bad either. I liked Race against Time more. It was longer and better. The were using their powers more, and I liked it when they met the other plumbers too. Alien Swarm was too hard to see, because it was dark all the time.The best bit was when Ben had the new alien - nanotech or something. I liked it at the start because of how it slowly changed ben into the new alien.
The actors all looked like the cartoon characters, except for Kevin! His hair made him look like a girl!
The bad bits were that it was too short. And everyone was too happy! There were no special effects. Ben only changed into aliens four times, and Gwen hardly used her magic at all. She punched this guy at the end and she was like, Owwwww! Kevin only changed forms about twice.
I liked Ben's new car better than Kevin's old one, because it was more glittery and because it was a Mazda.
Grandpa Max was a bit too evil, especially [spoiler alert!] when he got absorbed by the hive.
I think they should make another move, another sequel. They should battle baby Vilgax - and the more they battle baby Vilgax, the more he grows!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Good morning from me
Angela and Margo are off to Nelson. I think they got away ok, I was still asleep when Angela left - but I've had a txt from her as they left Wellington Harbour so that's got to be a good sign.
Toby has decided to try his hand as an author. He's writing a book right now, he spent last night and this morning working on it. I'll see if I can't post it once it's done. I've seen some of the first cut and there's drama, action and excitement a-plenty. Watch this space!
I needed to pick up Toby yesterday as well - we headed to the local library (with a side trip to Burger Wisconsin) and met Angela, and Tom, John and Christine there. There was much eating, reading and running about on the grass outside the library. They'd just cut the grass so there was plenty of grass clippings getting thrown about and stuffed into inappropriate places.
So Toby and I have a weekend of fun and frivolity planned. Tonight is Friday Night Movie night so we will cuddle up and watch Dumb and Dumber. Then tomorrow, after swimming, we have a camping adventure with the tramping club. We're staying at Camp Wainui, about 40 min from Wellington. It's got plenty of beds and accommodation, but everyone has elected to bring tents and camp. Tramping club people must be like that.
Toby has decided to try his hand as an author. He's writing a book right now, he spent last night and this morning working on it. I'll see if I can't post it once it's done. I've seen some of the first cut and there's drama, action and excitement a-plenty. Watch this space!
I needed to pick up Toby yesterday as well - we headed to the local library (with a side trip to Burger Wisconsin) and met Angela, and Tom, John and Christine there. There was much eating, reading and running about on the grass outside the library. They'd just cut the grass so there was plenty of grass clippings getting thrown about and stuffed into inappropriate places.
So Toby and I have a weekend of fun and frivolity planned. Tonight is Friday Night Movie night so we will cuddle up and watch Dumb and Dumber. Then tomorrow, after swimming, we have a camping adventure with the tramping club. We're staying at Camp Wainui, about 40 min from Wellington. It's got plenty of beds and accommodation, but everyone has elected to bring tents and camp. Tramping club people must be like that.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Good morning on Thurs, Nov 26
Hi,
Toby and I had a great night last night with Gramps. Gramps had collected wee Toby from Skids and was ready and waiting for me. Toby was getting stuck into the kiwifruit as his after school snack. They are nice and ripe now in our fruit bowl. We headed off to karate and Toby was as boisterous as usual. Next week is grading week so Mike has to practise well with him over the weekend.
Dad, Toby and I ate fish n chips for dinner from the chippy on Mairangi Road (we have never been to that one). Their chips were good, their fish was very average.
I think Toby might be getting a little sick. Maybe an earache or a cold? Poor wee chap.
I have a haircut after work today and we need to squash in a library visit, dinner, the Karori Scout AGM and Mike has to pack for the weekend camping trip. Woo hoo!
Mike and Ma went to a play last night and Mike says it was very good. He took Ma out for tea afterwards too and they ate hot, spicy Indian food. I hope Mike will blog a bit about it so we can hear more details. I was alseep when he got home and have only vague recollections of his review.
Have a great day.
Love,
Angela
Toby and I had a great night last night with Gramps. Gramps had collected wee Toby from Skids and was ready and waiting for me. Toby was getting stuck into the kiwifruit as his after school snack. They are nice and ripe now in our fruit bowl. We headed off to karate and Toby was as boisterous as usual. Next week is grading week so Mike has to practise well with him over the weekend.
Dad, Toby and I ate fish n chips for dinner from the chippy on Mairangi Road (we have never been to that one). Their chips were good, their fish was very average.
I think Toby might be getting a little sick. Maybe an earache or a cold? Poor wee chap.
I have a haircut after work today and we need to squash in a library visit, dinner, the Karori Scout AGM and Mike has to pack for the weekend camping trip. Woo hoo!
Mike and Ma went to a play last night and Mike says it was very good. He took Ma out for tea afterwards too and they ate hot, spicy Indian food. I hope Mike will blog a bit about it so we can hear more details. I was alseep when he got home and have only vague recollections of his review.
Have a great day.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Good morning on Wed, Nov 25
Hi,
Oh - I had a lot of fun at the movies last night. The movie was called Julia and Julie and it made me laugh out loud many times. Meryl Streep was great fun as Julia Child. Vivienne dropped me home afterwards (and then dropped Mum home). The Indian food in the Food Court beforehand was yummy and the 30 minutes wandering around Whitcoulls afterwards was marvellous. They have 50% off fiction books at the moment. Our idea of heaven.
Today I hope to get to Kathmandu (the shop - not the capital of Nepal - mind you, I wouldn't mind the latter) and buy some of their sale items. Their sale starts tomorrow but summit members can start today. Yay!
Tennis and karate day and it seems like a lovely day for it. I think the plan is Dad will collect wee Toby from school after tennis and get him ready for karate. Then I'll ride home and (oops - I just remembered I have no bike gear with me) go to karate. Maybe we can have fish n chips or something. Mum is off to a play with Mike and Kara this evening. A play about Charles Darwin. I think they'll all enjoy it.
Time to get stuck in.
Have a great day.
Love,
Angela
Oh - I had a lot of fun at the movies last night. The movie was called Julia and Julie and it made me laugh out loud many times. Meryl Streep was great fun as Julia Child. Vivienne dropped me home afterwards (and then dropped Mum home). The Indian food in the Food Court beforehand was yummy and the 30 minutes wandering around Whitcoulls afterwards was marvellous. They have 50% off fiction books at the moment. Our idea of heaven.
Today I hope to get to Kathmandu (the shop - not the capital of Nepal - mind you, I wouldn't mind the latter) and buy some of their sale items. Their sale starts tomorrow but summit members can start today. Yay!
Tennis and karate day and it seems like a lovely day for it. I think the plan is Dad will collect wee Toby from school after tennis and get him ready for karate. Then I'll ride home and (oops - I just remembered I have no bike gear with me) go to karate. Maybe we can have fish n chips or something. Mum is off to a play with Mike and Kara this evening. A play about Charles Darwin. I think they'll all enjoy it.
Time to get stuck in.
Have a great day.
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Good morning on Tues, Nov 24
Hi,
Keas went really well last night. We drew a big picture of a kea and a separate beak, and played "Pin the beak on the kea". Great fun. Toby also introduced the other Keas to Gogo Crazy Bones and they played "Battle". So the time flew by.
We went home and the quiche was cooked (I used the oven timer for the first time and it worked perfectly) so we ate immediately.
Too easy.
I took the bus in this morning as Ma, Vivienne and I are off to see Julie and Julia tonight. And I need to let Ma know that Mike is taking her on a date tomorrow night to see a play on Darwin at Downstage. So she needs to find her way into town instead of cooking something for me, Dad and Toby. Oh, bother! Heheheheh. Maybe we can have fish n chips again! Yummo!
I was on Toby drop-off duty this morning and we had great fun. Then Toby walked me to the bus stop and I ran for the bus as it arrived just as I got to the road. Perfect timing - for Mike! Bit too close for comfort for me.
Have a marvellous day.
Love,
Angela
Keas went really well last night. We drew a big picture of a kea and a separate beak, and played "Pin the beak on the kea". Great fun. Toby also introduced the other Keas to Gogo Crazy Bones and they played "Battle". So the time flew by.
We went home and the quiche was cooked (I used the oven timer for the first time and it worked perfectly) so we ate immediately.
Too easy.
I took the bus in this morning as Ma, Vivienne and I are off to see Julie and Julia tonight. And I need to let Ma know that Mike is taking her on a date tomorrow night to see a play on Darwin at Downstage. So she needs to find her way into town instead of cooking something for me, Dad and Toby. Oh, bother! Heheheheh. Maybe we can have fish n chips again! Yummo!
I was on Toby drop-off duty this morning and we had great fun. Then Toby walked me to the bus stop and I ran for the bus as it arrived just as I got to the road. Perfect timing - for Mike! Bit too close for comfort for me.
Have a marvellous day.
Love,
Angela
Monday, November 23, 2009
Scotland 9 Australia 8
Scene: Saturday morning, chez Gilbert.
Mike: Hey Toby, your team, Scotland, beat Australia!
Toby: Woo hoo!
Mike: Do you want to ring Tyler and tell her?
Toby: Erm, no, I don't want to ring Tyler.
Mike: Why not?
Toby: Because she'll cry and I don't want to make her upset.
Mike: Hey Toby, your team, Scotland, beat Australia!
Toby: Woo hoo!
Mike: Do you want to ring Tyler and tell her?
Toby: Erm, no, I don't want to ring Tyler.
Mike: Why not?
Toby: Because she'll cry and I don't want to make her upset.
Good morning on Mon, Nov 23
Hi,
I think that was our lazy weekend - it was meant to be DIY, but all we did was tidy! But, I am happy with the tidy!
Saturday morning Toby swam very well. The instructor even said "Good effort this week, Toby". Well done, wee boy!
We popped in to see Sally and Andrew's finished bathroom. It is a thing of beauty. Wait till you see it!
We went home and tidied and prepared for a visit from Sarah, Hamish and their son Ryan. Toby loves Ryan's company so a lot of toys came back out (after the tidy).
Then we relaxed for the rest of the day. I set the alarm for 3am and got up to watch the All Blacks play England. Although commentators say it was dour, it wasn't that bad. NZ only ever used 2nd gear and won handily. But the big news was Scotland beating Australia. Australia must be spitting chips!
Sunday was a lazy start. We popped in to see Mum briefly (dropped off stuff from Sydney) and then headed to Kara's place to catch up with her after her 7 week European vacation.
Back home to tea and bed.
Not a bad weekend!
Have a great week.
Love,
Angela
I think that was our lazy weekend - it was meant to be DIY, but all we did was tidy! But, I am happy with the tidy!
Saturday morning Toby swam very well. The instructor even said "Good effort this week, Toby". Well done, wee boy!
We popped in to see Sally and Andrew's finished bathroom. It is a thing of beauty. Wait till you see it!
We went home and tidied and prepared for a visit from Sarah, Hamish and their son Ryan. Toby loves Ryan's company so a lot of toys came back out (after the tidy).
Then we relaxed for the rest of the day. I set the alarm for 3am and got up to watch the All Blacks play England. Although commentators say it was dour, it wasn't that bad. NZ only ever used 2nd gear and won handily. But the big news was Scotland beating Australia. Australia must be spitting chips!
Sunday was a lazy start. We popped in to see Mum briefly (dropped off stuff from Sydney) and then headed to Kara's place to catch up with her after her 7 week European vacation.
Back home to tea and bed.
Not a bad weekend!
Have a great week.
Love,
Angela
Friday, November 20, 2009
Good morning on Fri (hooray), Nov 20
Hi,
It was our last sleepover night last night at Grandy and Gramps' house and Toby and I had fun! What a great week -it was almost like a holiday. Ta Ma and Pa for looking after us so well.
Mike gets back this afternoon - Toby and I can't wait to see him. I might be able to leave a little earlier than usual today due to the late work evening yesterday. So that'll be nice. Especially if the weather stays nice. Tennis club night is tonight so we might wander around for a play.
We have a DIY weekend planned, with swimming, lunch at Sally and Andrew's, shopping and a quick visit to Kara.
Toby may be getting a cold. His eyes are gunked up and his throat is a bit sore. Poor wee chap.
Better get stuck in. The ride was good fun - I saw 50 km/h on my bike speedo! Yeah!
Love,
Angela
It was our last sleepover night last night at Grandy and Gramps' house and Toby and I had fun! What a great week -it was almost like a holiday. Ta Ma and Pa for looking after us so well.
Mike gets back this afternoon - Toby and I can't wait to see him. I might be able to leave a little earlier than usual today due to the late work evening yesterday. So that'll be nice. Especially if the weather stays nice. Tennis club night is tonight so we might wander around for a play.
We have a DIY weekend planned, with swimming, lunch at Sally and Andrew's, shopping and a quick visit to Kara.
Toby may be getting a cold. His eyes are gunked up and his throat is a bit sore. Poor wee chap.
Better get stuck in. The ride was good fun - I saw 50 km/h on my bike speedo! Yeah!
Love,
Angela
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Good morning on Thurs, Nov 19
Hi,
Well, apparently there were two earthquakes this morning (under Palmerston North) but I didn't feel a thing. Toby and I had a good morning. We drove home after breakfast and Grandy and Gramps' house and sorted out lives out (I locked Toby in the garage by mistake - but he was doing it on purpose) and scootered off to school. I think Ma is collecting him today because I have a late day at work (software release).
Karate was ok - Toby was very vocal and got "ssshhhh'd" by parents and sensei at one stage. The move he taught them was very tricky. So concentration was difficult for our son.
The ride in was good fun because the roads have dried out after yesterday's deluge. I'll ride home after the release and drive back to Grandy and Gramps' place for the last sleepover this week. Mike arrives back in Wellington after midday tomorrow. Good - I have missed him!
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Well, apparently there were two earthquakes this morning (under Palmerston North) but I didn't feel a thing. Toby and I had a good morning. We drove home after breakfast and Grandy and Gramps' house and sorted out lives out (I locked Toby in the garage by mistake - but he was doing it on purpose) and scootered off to school. I think Ma is collecting him today because I have a late day at work (software release).
Karate was ok - Toby was very vocal and got "ssshhhh'd" by parents and sensei at one stage. The move he taught them was very tricky. So concentration was difficult for our son.
The ride in was good fun because the roads have dried out after yesterday's deluge. I'll ride home after the release and drive back to Grandy and Gramps' place for the last sleepover this week. Mike arrives back in Wellington after midday tomorrow. Good - I have missed him!
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Hello from Sydney
A quick post from a kiosk at Gartner. The browser is behaving funny - I can't use the cursor keys or the backspace key. Argh! So I just have to type through any typos and ignore them.
It's a shame for you Gramps. I've seen Toby like this before - if he gets grumpy as he wokes up., there's no consoling him. TYou would have had your work cut out for you!
It's been a very very good conference, this. I'm getting brim-filled with ideas and plans and things to do. I'm makng session by session notes, and also making a big list of things I have to do whten I get back.
I had a great time ove rthe weekend with Karen and Scott. I (and we) need to keep seeing Tyler and Abby especially, every few months. They can't be allowed to forget us! They were both very happy to see me, Tyler especially who spent the first day or so attacheed to my leg. It was really sweekt.
Zack and Gianna's birthday party was really fun. It was good to catch up with all Scott's family in one place. they had a bouncy castle and scooby doo and shaggy were there! Shaggy looked a lot like shaggy (but he didn't sound much like shaggy). Scooby Doo earned her money, being in a big velour suit with a big head, for hours and hours, in high-thirty-degree heat. You could hear her panting from time to time. And she needed to be led around because she couldn't see much , plus the added challenge of courious children who found gaps in her suit, and others who tried to take her head off!! Whew.
OK, must off to next session. I've got some more stuff on my computer but we're very connection challenged here. In-room internet is $13 per hour!! Next time I'll make sure I have a reasonable-priced data plan so I can use my laptop & phone to talk out.
It's a shame for you Gramps. I've seen Toby like this before - if he gets grumpy as he wokes up., there's no consoling him. TYou would have had your work cut out for you!
It's been a very very good conference, this. I'm getting brim-filled with ideas and plans and things to do. I'm makng session by session notes, and also making a big list of things I have to do whten I get back.
I had a great time ove rthe weekend with Karen and Scott. I (and we) need to keep seeing Tyler and Abby especially, every few months. They can't be allowed to forget us! They were both very happy to see me, Tyler especially who spent the first day or so attacheed to my leg. It was really sweekt.
Zack and Gianna's birthday party was really fun. It was good to catch up with all Scott's family in one place. they had a bouncy castle and scooby doo and shaggy were there! Shaggy looked a lot like shaggy (but he didn't sound much like shaggy). Scooby Doo earned her money, being in a big velour suit with a big head, for hours and hours, in high-thirty-degree heat. You could hear her panting from time to time. And she needed to be led around because she couldn't see much , plus the added challenge of courious children who found gaps in her suit, and others who tried to take her head off!! Whew.
OK, must off to next session. I've got some more stuff on my computer but we're very connection challenged here. In-room internet is $13 per hour!! Next time I'll make sure I have a reasonable-priced data plan so I can use my laptop & phone to talk out.
Good morning on Wed, Nov 18
Hi,
Where did this weather come from? Wet, wet, wet! But our life with constantly evolving Gilbert plans meant I had to take the car in this morning anyway to get new tyres. So I have been nowhere near my bike this morning. It'd need a snorkel today anyway!
Dad is taking Toby to school. However, Toby woke up with his nose out of joint because I wasn't there. Not sure why. I did cuddle him before I got up but I didn't want to wake him because he chatted for ages when we turned the light out so I wanted him to keep sleeping. I rang when I got to work and tried to console Toby, who was crying that he missed me. Oh dear. Poor Dad.
I'll collect the car and drive to karate (check on Merlot first hopefully). We're having fish 'n' chips for tea. Yum! So I'll take Toby home from karate to Ngaio and Dad will pick up the dinner. Cool!
Time to get stuck into work.
Love,
Angela
Where did this weather come from? Wet, wet, wet! But our life with constantly evolving Gilbert plans meant I had to take the car in this morning anyway to get new tyres. So I have been nowhere near my bike this morning. It'd need a snorkel today anyway!
Dad is taking Toby to school. However, Toby woke up with his nose out of joint because I wasn't there. Not sure why. I did cuddle him before I got up but I didn't want to wake him because he chatted for ages when we turned the light out so I wanted him to keep sleeping. I rang when I got to work and tried to console Toby, who was crying that he missed me. Oh dear. Poor Dad.
I'll collect the car and drive to karate (check on Merlot first hopefully). We're having fish 'n' chips for tea. Yum! So I'll take Toby home from karate to Ngaio and Dad will pick up the dinner. Cool!
Time to get stuck into work.
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Good morning on Tues, Nov 17
Hi,
What a fabulous morning - Dad will be astonished at having a beautiful day on his "weekend". Toby and I rushed off to our house after breakfast and finished his homework (we needed glue and colouring in pens - Ma and Dad didn't have them) and scootered off to school. I rode in after dropping off Toby and had a nice ride.
Ma - do you want to meet me at Borders in town at 11.55am today? I am meeting Sally for a coffee. Vivienne - you can pop in too if you like. I think Dad is collecting wee Toby from Skids today (don't forget his scooter, Dad) so I can work till 1800 to make up for 0900 starts and long lunch breaks.
Keas went well. We planted sunflower seeds and we're going to nurture them and watch them grow over summer. We also lost a soccer ball, but Hannah and Wally found it after Keas so the Tabors will get their ball back. Good on you, Hannah, for not giving up!
Toby and I rushed to Grandy and Gramps' house after Keas and ate yummy macaroni cheese (it was soooooo good) and then went to bed.
Have a marvellous day.
Love,
Angela
What a fabulous morning - Dad will be astonished at having a beautiful day on his "weekend". Toby and I rushed off to our house after breakfast and finished his homework (we needed glue and colouring in pens - Ma and Dad didn't have them) and scootered off to school. I rode in after dropping off Toby and had a nice ride.
Ma - do you want to meet me at Borders in town at 11.55am today? I am meeting Sally for a coffee. Vivienne - you can pop in too if you like. I think Dad is collecting wee Toby from Skids today (don't forget his scooter, Dad) so I can work till 1800 to make up for 0900 starts and long lunch breaks.
Keas went well. We planted sunflower seeds and we're going to nurture them and watch them grow over summer. We also lost a soccer ball, but Hannah and Wally found it after Keas so the Tabors will get their ball back. Good on you, Hannah, for not giving up!
Toby and I rushed to Grandy and Gramps' house after Keas and ate yummy macaroni cheese (it was soooooo good) and then went to bed.
Have a marvellous day.
Love,
Angela
Monday, November 16, 2009
Good morning on Mon, Nov 16
Hi,
Well, Mike has enjoyed two days in Sydney with the Kittos and his conference starts today so he'll be in town now. I am sure he'll have a good time at the conference too.
Toby and I have had fun staying with Grandy and Gramps. So much so, that I think we'll sleep there this week too. Let's see how that works out.
Friday night was work quiz night for me and we had fun. Our team came in 4th place (equal) so we didn't do too badly.
Saturday morning was swimming lessons and we have resorted to bribing Toby to concentrate. Seems to be working quite well. He gets a toy (Gogo Crazy Bones) if he does well. Then we went shopping briefly and had lunch at Queensgate. Back home to relax.
Dad and I were keen to watch the soccer - All Whites playing for a spot in the World Cup. I had a message to run for Sally and Andrew first though, but it did mean the roads were very clear for the trip out to Lower Hutt. The All Whites made it through! Hooray!
Sunday Toby and I went out to the Santa Parade in town. The place was heaving. Dad even rang from work to say never mind bringing the car in. So we took the bus. And the whole of Lambton Quay and Willis St were lined three deep with kids and adults. So Toby pushed in to the front and found himself standing right next to Zoe from his class. He had a great time with her watching the parade. The Ghostbusters were his favourites.
We went back to Grandy and Gramps house to stay the night (and have yummy dinner).
We woke up this morning and got ready and had breakfast. Then we drove home to make sure Merlot was ok and pick up some stuff. I got Toby to brush his teeth and spit into our hedge. As he did this, he reflected upon our antics thus far that morning and said "Today is a funny day, isn't it?". Then we drove to school and waited for ages in the car before finally going to school.
It is Kea day so I drove in in order to collect wee Toby in time for Keas. Phew!
Hope you all have a great weekend.
Love,
Angela
Well, Mike has enjoyed two days in Sydney with the Kittos and his conference starts today so he'll be in town now. I am sure he'll have a good time at the conference too.
Toby and I have had fun staying with Grandy and Gramps. So much so, that I think we'll sleep there this week too. Let's see how that works out.
Friday night was work quiz night for me and we had fun. Our team came in 4th place (equal) so we didn't do too badly.
Saturday morning was swimming lessons and we have resorted to bribing Toby to concentrate. Seems to be working quite well. He gets a toy (Gogo Crazy Bones) if he does well. Then we went shopping briefly and had lunch at Queensgate. Back home to relax.
Dad and I were keen to watch the soccer - All Whites playing for a spot in the World Cup. I had a message to run for Sally and Andrew first though, but it did mean the roads were very clear for the trip out to Lower Hutt. The All Whites made it through! Hooray!
Sunday Toby and I went out to the Santa Parade in town. The place was heaving. Dad even rang from work to say never mind bringing the car in. So we took the bus. And the whole of Lambton Quay and Willis St were lined three deep with kids and adults. So Toby pushed in to the front and found himself standing right next to Zoe from his class. He had a great time with her watching the parade. The Ghostbusters were his favourites.
We went back to Grandy and Gramps house to stay the night (and have yummy dinner).
We woke up this morning and got ready and had breakfast. Then we drove home to make sure Merlot was ok and pick up some stuff. I got Toby to brush his teeth and spit into our hedge. As he did this, he reflected upon our antics thus far that morning and said "Today is a funny day, isn't it?". Then we drove to school and waited for ages in the car before finally going to school.
It is Kea day so I drove in in order to collect wee Toby in time for Keas. Phew!
Hope you all have a great weekend.
Love,
Angela
Friday, November 13, 2009
Good morning on Fri, Nov 13
Hi,
Is today spooky for some, perhaps? :-) We had a great Thursday evening starting with the Wadestown library where we ate Burger Wisconsin outside whilst chatting to Christine and Tom before grabbing a few more books. Then we were off to visit Kat (she lives on Mairangi above us) from the tramping club. They have a huge rope swing with a lovely view and Toby had a great time. We had a cup of tea and went home to bed.
Mike packed up for his week in Sydney visting Karen and Scott (and the kids) and then attending the Gartner conference. It should be a good week for him.
Tonight is a work quiz night and I am dressing up (against my will) as Sporty Spice from the Spice Girls. Mainly because I wore the same outfit to the last quiz and I can't think of anything else to do. She has tattoos (I have been reliably informed by younger work collegues) so I have asked Toby's permission for a water tattoo from his collection. I will be sporting (pun!) a tattoo of Freddo Frog playing tennis.
Ma will collect wee Toby from Skids and our overnight bag from home. Her watch is attached to the bag handle so it doesn't get left behind. Toby can eat the leftover chicken schnitzel strips in the fridge for a snack. And if Ma fills the cat bowls, she can leave the cat inside. Or fill the bowls outside of the cat is not in. Instructions sorted! We should be back home some time tomorrow anyway.
Toby and I will have a sleepover at Grandy and Gramps' place tonight and maybe even tomorrow night too. There is swimming tomorrow and a Santa Parade in town on Sunday.
I must track down a Santa photo for Toby.
Have a great weekend. Bye Mike!
Love,
Angela
Is today spooky for some, perhaps? :-) We had a great Thursday evening starting with the Wadestown library where we ate Burger Wisconsin outside whilst chatting to Christine and Tom before grabbing a few more books. Then we were off to visit Kat (she lives on Mairangi above us) from the tramping club. They have a huge rope swing with a lovely view and Toby had a great time. We had a cup of tea and went home to bed.
Mike packed up for his week in Sydney visting Karen and Scott (and the kids) and then attending the Gartner conference. It should be a good week for him.
Tonight is a work quiz night and I am dressing up (against my will) as Sporty Spice from the Spice Girls. Mainly because I wore the same outfit to the last quiz and I can't think of anything else to do. She has tattoos (I have been reliably informed by younger work collegues) so I have asked Toby's permission for a water tattoo from his collection. I will be sporting (pun!) a tattoo of Freddo Frog playing tennis.
Ma will collect wee Toby from Skids and our overnight bag from home. Her watch is attached to the bag handle so it doesn't get left behind. Toby can eat the leftover chicken schnitzel strips in the fridge for a snack. And if Ma fills the cat bowls, she can leave the cat inside. Or fill the bowls outside of the cat is not in. Instructions sorted! We should be back home some time tomorrow anyway.
Toby and I will have a sleepover at Grandy and Gramps' place tonight and maybe even tomorrow night too. There is swimming tomorrow and a Santa Parade in town on Sunday.
I must track down a Santa photo for Toby.
Have a great weekend. Bye Mike!
Love,
Angela
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Good morning on Thurs, Nov 12
Hi,
What a great morning. I was on Toby drop-off duty as Mike had to take the wee green car in for a service. We had fun playing with gogo's and then one was missing so we had a frantic pace for the last 10 minutes until Toby found it (and was very proud of his finding skills). We scootered to school and I rode in from there and despite the 8.30am ride, it was very easy. My 7am traffic is usually non-existent and I find the 8.30am traffic horrendous. But it was very pleasant this morning.
Last night the karate went well. I need to practise with Toby regularly as he has a grading coming up in two weeks. Ma cooked a scrumptious dinner (chicken schnitzel strips) and left her watch on our window sill (just in case you're wondering, Ma).
Tomorrow Mike heads to Sydney and Toby and I have a sleepover at Grandy and Gramps' house. I have a work quiz so I'll be home late. Good fun!
Ok. Time to get stuck in. Sorry for any spelling mistakes. My blog seems to have lost its spellchecker in the last three days.
Love,
Angela
What a great morning. I was on Toby drop-off duty as Mike had to take the wee green car in for a service. We had fun playing with gogo's and then one was missing so we had a frantic pace for the last 10 minutes until Toby found it (and was very proud of his finding skills). We scootered to school and I rode in from there and despite the 8.30am ride, it was very easy. My 7am traffic is usually non-existent and I find the 8.30am traffic horrendous. But it was very pleasant this morning.
Last night the karate went well. I need to practise with Toby regularly as he has a grading coming up in two weeks. Ma cooked a scrumptious dinner (chicken schnitzel strips) and left her watch on our window sill (just in case you're wondering, Ma).
Tomorrow Mike heads to Sydney and Toby and I have a sleepover at Grandy and Gramps' house. I have a work quiz so I'll be home late. Good fun!
Ok. Time to get stuck in. Sorry for any spelling mistakes. My blog seems to have lost its spellchecker in the last three days.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Gogo's crazy bones
Toby's latest 'big thing' is Gogo's Crazy Bones - little plastic figures that you collect, trade and play games with. He loves them. But he's very careful with them, so he's torn between taking them to school (and losing them) and leaving them at home (and not playing with them with his friends).So he's hit on the perfect solution. Every morning he draws a quick sketch picture of a Gogo Crazy Bones and takes that to school.
Today he gave me this one to take to work. "Do you have 'News' at work? You can show this picture at 'News'.
I guess this blog is the closest thing I have to 'News' at work! So here is Toby's picture of one of his Gogo Crazy Bones.
Good morning on Wed, Nov 11
Hi,
The no computer, no TV Tuesday evenings are going very well. I wish I could extend it to another evening as well. Maybe Thursday too?
Anyhow, we had a good evening together. I cooked up hamburgers as I thought that was Mike's intention with the huge amount of mince nicely defrosted in the fridge. They were yummy. However, Mike meant to use the ready-made hamburger patties in the freezer. Never mind. Mine were yummier!
Toby and Mike had a great time building a fort in the lounge. Fortunately the cushions have all gone back to the correct and proper position. They read one of Toby's library books in the fort and Mike particularly loved the book. Goodbye Mog it was called. It is my turn to read it tonight.
Tennis and karate day today. The weather is supposed to deteriorate to cold southerlies but I had a great ride in. The roads were bone dry and I shot down the hill. It was great fun. As I look out the window though, it does look a little yucky to the south. Perhaps the forecast was accurate.
I spoke briefly to wee Karen last night as she had a fright with Abby's hair. A braid from the Fiji holiday in Abby's hair broke off in a whole piece and gave Karen a huge fright. So they will visit a hair specialist to make sure there is nothing wrong. Abby was absolutely fine according to Karen but I think Karen was rather anxious. So I mentioned my anxiety about Toby's new adult front top tooth. It looks a bit mottled to me. It's been hiding behind the baby tooth for quite a few weeks. Nothing like anxious Mums to wind each other up. I am sure both scenarios will turn out fine.
So, have a marvellous day, wherever you are. I am about to get stuck in once more this morning to my work load. Bit busy.
Love,
Angela
The no computer, no TV Tuesday evenings are going very well. I wish I could extend it to another evening as well. Maybe Thursday too?
Anyhow, we had a good evening together. I cooked up hamburgers as I thought that was Mike's intention with the huge amount of mince nicely defrosted in the fridge. They were yummy. However, Mike meant to use the ready-made hamburger patties in the freezer. Never mind. Mine were yummier!
Toby and Mike had a great time building a fort in the lounge. Fortunately the cushions have all gone back to the correct and proper position. They read one of Toby's library books in the fort and Mike particularly loved the book. Goodbye Mog it was called. It is my turn to read it tonight.
Tennis and karate day today. The weather is supposed to deteriorate to cold southerlies but I had a great ride in. The roads were bone dry and I shot down the hill. It was great fun. As I look out the window though, it does look a little yucky to the south. Perhaps the forecast was accurate.
I spoke briefly to wee Karen last night as she had a fright with Abby's hair. A braid from the Fiji holiday in Abby's hair broke off in a whole piece and gave Karen a huge fright. So they will visit a hair specialist to make sure there is nothing wrong. Abby was absolutely fine according to Karen but I think Karen was rather anxious. So I mentioned my anxiety about Toby's new adult front top tooth. It looks a bit mottled to me. It's been hiding behind the baby tooth for quite a few weeks. Nothing like anxious Mums to wind each other up. I am sure both scenarios will turn out fine.
So, have a marvellous day, wherever you are. I am about to get stuck in once more this morning to my work load. Bit busy.
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Good morning on Tues, Nov 10
Hi,
We had great fun celebrating Vivienne's birthday last night at the Flying Burrito Brothers. We need more birthdays so we can have the excuse to go out together more often!
Keas also went well. Mike exerted his authority on the keas schedule and we had roll call and activities and heard stories. Our area leader came in unannounced and I was so happy that it coincided with a quiet activity moment (all the Keas were drawing pictures of the flags of the countries where they were born). Usually frenetic activity is the norm. I am looking forward to next week as we are planting sunflower seeds in wee pots (ta Vivienne for the pots). I must get some potting mix.
I want to try and start Christmas shopping in earnest this week as I don't enjoy doing it at the last moment. Good luck with that idea!
Ok. Time to get stuck in once more.
Love,
Angela
We had great fun celebrating Vivienne's birthday last night at the Flying Burrito Brothers. We need more birthdays so we can have the excuse to go out together more often!
Keas also went well. Mike exerted his authority on the keas schedule and we had roll call and activities and heard stories. Our area leader came in unannounced and I was so happy that it coincided with a quiet activity moment (all the Keas were drawing pictures of the flags of the countries where they were born). Usually frenetic activity is the norm. I am looking forward to next week as we are planting sunflower seeds in wee pots (ta Vivienne for the pots). I must get some potting mix.
I want to try and start Christmas shopping in earnest this week as I don't enjoy doing it at the last moment. Good luck with that idea!
Ok. Time to get stuck in once more.
Love,
Angela
Monday, November 9, 2009
Paua Hut Family tramp
Paua Hut Family trip (Nov 7/8)
The group: Constanza, Christian, Gustave, Deborah, Daniel, Charlotte, Alice, Mike, Angela, Toby, Brennan.
What a wonderful weekend trip to Paua Hut. The weather was superb and we had enthusiastic children that loved the whole experience, helped by having each other as company and fireworks and chocolate snacks. More about that later.
We all met up at the Catchpool carpark on a beautiful Saturday morning at 10.30am. Constanza and Christian had organised this family tramp and had their 2 year old son, Gustave, along for the fun. He was a great wee boy and ran on his wee legs for a good portion on the walk and hopped into his mother's backpack when he needed a break. Deborah was there on her own and Gustave took a shine to her over the course of the weekend - his wee hugs and antics making Deborah laugh often.
Daniel came with his two girls, Charlotte (6) and Alice (4) and the mountain buggy with their stuff in it. The mountain buggy manufacturers would have been proud to see the sterling service this model did in carrying all the gear (a huge Macpac backpack and a huge drysack) for Daniel's family.
Mike and I turned up with one less child than expected (she was sick), but our son Toby (6) had his friend Brennan (8) along as company and they both had a ball. Toby and Brennan carried quite a bit of their stuff in day packs and reduced the load on me and Mike. That left plenty of room for a box of fireworks. Choice!
We left the carpark at 11am (it does take a while to organise children) and started into the forest. The weather was lovely and warm and the shade below the trees was welcome. We made good time to Midway Bridge where we stopped for lunch number 1. The children played trolls under the bridge while we ate lunch. Other walkers seemed hardly fazed by it at all. Lucky for us, eh?
By the time we burst out into the river valley Gustave was asleep on his mother's back so Constanza continued to the hut while we waited for the others. They had taken a short side trip to the old hut 10 minutes from the river (I don't remember the name of it) so we waited for a wee while. The walk down the river valley took almost as long as the track from the carpark. Not too sure how that happened - children, water, mud, stones, drift wood. They are all of great interest to the kids. I caught my son trying to strip off for a swim at one point. I was last at Paua Hut at the start of autumn and I am sure I could see quite a bit of recent scouring from the winter waters as we walked down the river. There was a slip below Paua Hut on the clay cliff bank that wasn't there last time.
We caught up with another trip to Paua Hut - Melissa was leading a medium trip of keen trampers. They pitched their fly not too far from the hut.
Once we were at Paua Hut, Christian declared the water full of wriggly things and promptly boiled up a few kettle loads. Can't be too careful with children's tummies. The kids explored around and played in the hut and on the rope swing while we started dinner. Christian cooked up a storm and we ate paste with tomato and vege sauce. Everyone had a healthy appetite. Mike prepared trifle for dessert and that went down a treat too.
We then waited for the darkness to kick in so we could set off some fireworks. Melissa's group had fireworks as well. They had also started a great campfire so we used that as our base and the kids got stuck in with sparklers. This kept them going for ages until it was truly dark. Then we let off scores of fireworks. Poor wee Gustave took a while to settle in the hut during the fireworks display so his parents missed most of the fun. I hoped there were no hunters stalking anything within cooee of our location. They would not be happy with us.
The kids were late into bed and after the excitement and novelty of it all died down, they all slept very well. The adults stayed up trying to re-design the trip list form to accommodate the extra information family trips require and discussing favourite German and English words. The things you do when there is no television, eh? Turns out that Constanza likes saying the word "photographer" and I like saying the word "Schluessel". We fell into bed and I was comatose almost immediately. Apparently Gustave woke during the night and his parents were concerned he may have woken us up. Not me! Didn't hear a thing all night.
In the morning we discovered something else was most definitely up and about during the night - it wasn't just Gustave and Christian. Melissa's pack had a huge hole gnawed into it from a cheeky rat. The muesli proved too enticing for the rats. Her pack was in the lean-to because they were all sleeping under the fly. So, be careful leaving your gear there overnight - perhaps keep your food with you! Melissa will be popping in to get her pack fixed after her next tramp!
My breakfast was leftover yummy pasta (there were a few other takers too). Mike seemed happy polishing off the last of the trifle for his breakfast. No wonder he had energy to burn on the way home. We were all packed up and ready to leave by 10am. There was a light misty rain at times but within 20 minutes from the hut the sun was out and we had a lovely walk back to the car park. The children walked much faster back to the car than they did getting to the hut. We had lunch again at Midway Bridge and there was more troll action happening under the bridge. We popped out into the car park bathed in sunshine and happy with the weekend. What a lot of fun. Toby and Brennan were very happy with their adventure. That is what counts on a
family tramping trip.
The group: Constanza, Christian, Gustave, Deborah, Daniel, Charlotte, Alice, Mike, Angela, Toby, Brennan.
What a wonderful weekend trip to Paua Hut. The weather was superb and we had enthusiastic children that loved the whole experience, helped by having each other as company and fireworks and chocolate snacks. More about that later.
We all met up at the Catchpool carpark on a beautiful Saturday morning at 10.30am. Constanza and Christian had organised this family tramp and had their 2 year old son, Gustave, along for the fun. He was a great wee boy and ran on his wee legs for a good portion on the walk and hopped into his mother's backpack when he needed a break. Deborah was there on her own and Gustave took a shine to her over the course of the weekend - his wee hugs and antics making Deborah laugh often.
Daniel came with his two girls, Charlotte (6) and Alice (4) and the mountain buggy with their stuff in it. The mountain buggy manufacturers would have been proud to see the sterling service this model did in carrying all the gear (a huge Macpac backpack and a huge drysack) for Daniel's family.
Mike and I turned up with one less child than expected (she was sick), but our son Toby (6) had his friend Brennan (8) along as company and they both had a ball. Toby and Brennan carried quite a bit of their stuff in day packs and reduced the load on me and Mike. That left plenty of room for a box of fireworks. Choice!
We left the carpark at 11am (it does take a while to organise children) and started into the forest. The weather was lovely and warm and the shade below the trees was welcome. We made good time to Midway Bridge where we stopped for lunch number 1. The children played trolls under the bridge while we ate lunch. Other walkers seemed hardly fazed by it at all. Lucky for us, eh?
By the time we burst out into the river valley Gustave was asleep on his mother's back so Constanza continued to the hut while we waited for the others. They had taken a short side trip to the old hut 10 minutes from the river (I don't remember the name of it) so we waited for a wee while. The walk down the river valley took almost as long as the track from the carpark. Not too sure how that happened - children, water, mud, stones, drift wood. They are all of great interest to the kids. I caught my son trying to strip off for a swim at one point. I was last at Paua Hut at the start of autumn and I am sure I could see quite a bit of recent scouring from the winter waters as we walked down the river. There was a slip below Paua Hut on the clay cliff bank that wasn't there last time.
We caught up with another trip to Paua Hut - Melissa was leading a medium trip of keen trampers. They pitched their fly not too far from the hut.
Once we were at Paua Hut, Christian declared the water full of wriggly things and promptly boiled up a few kettle loads. Can't be too careful with children's tummies. The kids explored around and played in the hut and on the rope swing while we started dinner. Christian cooked up a storm and we ate paste with tomato and vege sauce. Everyone had a healthy appetite. Mike prepared trifle for dessert and that went down a treat too.
We then waited for the darkness to kick in so we could set off some fireworks. Melissa's group had fireworks as well. They had also started a great campfire so we used that as our base and the kids got stuck in with sparklers. This kept them going for ages until it was truly dark. Then we let off scores of fireworks. Poor wee Gustave took a while to settle in the hut during the fireworks display so his parents missed most of the fun. I hoped there were no hunters stalking anything within cooee of our location. They would not be happy with us.
The kids were late into bed and after the excitement and novelty of it all died down, they all slept very well. The adults stayed up trying to re-design the trip list form to accommodate the extra information family trips require and discussing favourite German and English words. The things you do when there is no television, eh? Turns out that Constanza likes saying the word "photographer" and I like saying the word "Schluessel". We fell into bed and I was comatose almost immediately. Apparently Gustave woke during the night and his parents were concerned he may have woken us up. Not me! Didn't hear a thing all night.
In the morning we discovered something else was most definitely up and about during the night - it wasn't just Gustave and Christian. Melissa's pack had a huge hole gnawed into it from a cheeky rat. The muesli proved too enticing for the rats. Her pack was in the lean-to because they were all sleeping under the fly. So, be careful leaving your gear there overnight - perhaps keep your food with you! Melissa will be popping in to get her pack fixed after her next tramp!
My breakfast was leftover yummy pasta (there were a few other takers too). Mike seemed happy polishing off the last of the trifle for his breakfast. No wonder he had energy to burn on the way home. We were all packed up and ready to leave by 10am. There was a light misty rain at times but within 20 minutes from the hut the sun was out and we had a lovely walk back to the car park. The children walked much faster back to the car than they did getting to the hut. We had lunch again at Midway Bridge and there was more troll action happening under the bridge. We popped out into the car park bathed in sunshine and happy with the weekend. What a lot of fun. Toby and Brennan were very happy with their adventure. That is what counts on a
family tramping trip.
Good morning on Mon, Nov 9
Hi there,
Happy birthday to Vivienne! But, shhhhhhh. Don't let her know we know. ;-)
I was sick on Friday so had the day at home - my mother came over to make sure I was ok. Isn't that nice? We had a good time together and I perked up by about 2pm so I was good for the weekend tramp.
Toby and I had all our plans go awry though for our sleepover at Sally and Andrew's place. We were supposed to take the little green car there. So I grabbed the Mazda car keys and locked the house and we wandered up to the garage. Then I noticed we had no Mazda garage keys on the key chain (there were many keys on it - but nothing useful). So I thought I'd pop back into the house to get the other set of keys. Then I noticed how truly useful this set of car keys really was - no house key either. I looked at Toby. Toby looked at me. Toby said we could take the silver car. No silver car garage key (or car key). Then he said we could walk to Sally's. True. But, no!
So we wandered around the house looking for an open window. We found one and I boosted Toby up to this tiny, high window and he squirmed and wriggled and contorted his wee body through the gap and down the other side to the window ledge. What a hero! he opened the door and we grabbed as many keys as we might need!
Back to the car. Opened the garage. Jumped in, put the roof down (it was a lovely day). Started the car. Or not! Nothing. Just click-click-click.
Back into the house. Contact Sally to say our plans have all gone wrong (Toby's assessment of it all), contact Mike. Mike comes home and we push start the car with me and Toby in it and we're off to Sally and Andrew's. Just a little later.
So, we had a good time there (we both slept in the same single bed - it was not very comfy for me). Mike arrived with Brennan and Maccas for brekkie and we were off. Chelsea was still sick and couldn't come. We walked into Paua Hut taking 4 hours instead of the usual 2. But we did have a mountain buggy full of stuff with us, two wee girls (6 and 4) and a wee lad of about 2. Toby and Brennan loved the walk. The trip was superb! Dinner was great. I got to practise lots of German - I talk really well to 2 year olds.
We set off fireworks after dinner and the kids had a ball. Toby was up very late (as were all the kids) but he slept well and was the last child to wake up. We had breakfast and tidied up and we left to wander back. It didn't take as long to get back to the car and we came out to glorious sunshine after a little rain at the hut (well, you could hardly notice).
We collected the green car from Sally and Andrew's place (thank you for keeping it safe for us) and Mike drove it home enjoying the nice weather. Brennan came to play for a bit longer with Toby at our place and then he went home. We ate spag bol and crashed into bed. What a great weekend.
Kea night tonight. I need to find wee pot plant holders (5 of them) for the Keas to plant out sunflower seeds in their own wee pot (it's an activity this term and we got the sunflower seeds in the mail from my mother!). I think they are learning about "growing" - a key Kea concept. But tonight we'll do a rubbish collage while I sort out the wee pots for next week.
Mike is away this weekend coming to Sydney. And he's away most of the next week. So I'll be busy dropping off and collecting wee Toby. Work will hardly see me. :-)
Have a marvellous week.
Love,
Angela
Happy birthday to Vivienne! But, shhhhhhh. Don't let her know we know. ;-)
I was sick on Friday so had the day at home - my mother came over to make sure I was ok. Isn't that nice? We had a good time together and I perked up by about 2pm so I was good for the weekend tramp.
Toby and I had all our plans go awry though for our sleepover at Sally and Andrew's place. We were supposed to take the little green car there. So I grabbed the Mazda car keys and locked the house and we wandered up to the garage. Then I noticed we had no Mazda garage keys on the key chain (there were many keys on it - but nothing useful). So I thought I'd pop back into the house to get the other set of keys. Then I noticed how truly useful this set of car keys really was - no house key either. I looked at Toby. Toby looked at me. Toby said we could take the silver car. No silver car garage key (or car key). Then he said we could walk to Sally's. True. But, no!
So we wandered around the house looking for an open window. We found one and I boosted Toby up to this tiny, high window and he squirmed and wriggled and contorted his wee body through the gap and down the other side to the window ledge. What a hero! he opened the door and we grabbed as many keys as we might need!
Back to the car. Opened the garage. Jumped in, put the roof down (it was a lovely day). Started the car. Or not! Nothing. Just click-click-click.
Back into the house. Contact Sally to say our plans have all gone wrong (Toby's assessment of it all), contact Mike. Mike comes home and we push start the car with me and Toby in it and we're off to Sally and Andrew's. Just a little later.
So, we had a good time there (we both slept in the same single bed - it was not very comfy for me). Mike arrived with Brennan and Maccas for brekkie and we were off. Chelsea was still sick and couldn't come. We walked into Paua Hut taking 4 hours instead of the usual 2. But we did have a mountain buggy full of stuff with us, two wee girls (6 and 4) and a wee lad of about 2. Toby and Brennan loved the walk. The trip was superb! Dinner was great. I got to practise lots of German - I talk really well to 2 year olds.
We set off fireworks after dinner and the kids had a ball. Toby was up very late (as were all the kids) but he slept well and was the last child to wake up. We had breakfast and tidied up and we left to wander back. It didn't take as long to get back to the car and we came out to glorious sunshine after a little rain at the hut (well, you could hardly notice).
We collected the green car from Sally and Andrew's place (thank you for keeping it safe for us) and Mike drove it home enjoying the nice weather. Brennan came to play for a bit longer with Toby at our place and then he went home. We ate spag bol and crashed into bed. What a great weekend.
Kea night tonight. I need to find wee pot plant holders (5 of them) for the Keas to plant out sunflower seeds in their own wee pot (it's an activity this term and we got the sunflower seeds in the mail from my mother!). I think they are learning about "growing" - a key Kea concept. But tonight we'll do a rubbish collage while I sort out the wee pots for next week.
Mike is away this weekend coming to Sydney. And he's away most of the next week. So I'll be busy dropping off and collecting wee Toby. Work will hardly see me. :-)
Have a marvellous week.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Good morning on Thurs, Nov 5
Hi,
Guy Fawkes Day here in New Zealand and Mike bought some fireworks last night on the way home. With sparklers (I like sparklers).
Karate went well last night - there is another grading in three weeks so Toby is knuckling down. Mum cooked a beautiful dinner (a new dish - chicken with rice baked in the oven) and it was yum! Dad got cream on his apple crumble (the groceries were delivered as we were leaving for karate so dessert was on the menu once again!). It all came together.
The weather is very odd. We seem to have permanent cloud. I don't think it rained - I just think we were enveloped in low cloud. It is supposed to be 18 and sunny later today. Fingers crossed. I enjoyed the ride down the hill but the roads were a little damp from the cloud touching the road. Honest! Heheheheh.
I bought some more tramping socks for Toby on Tuesday but I bought according to age and when I got them back at work for a good look, I realised he has bigger feet than the packet suggests. So I need to exchange them.
I have also got a fancy (very fancy) new cellphone. http://www.vodafone.co.nz/shop/mobileDetails.jsp?skuId=sku5450013&voucherCode=&menuKey=&selectionKey=mobile This is my new phone. I have only just started using it this morning so I am still finding my way. I think I have set it to silent for work. I hate cellphones ringing in the office when people have left them behind. Mike bought it for me. He's angling for a work phone.
So, very exciting times. Off to the Wadestown library after a quick dinner tonight. Spag bol. Toby seems to have gone off it since he returned from Sydney. What did they do to it there? Heheheheheheh.
Love,
Angela
Guy Fawkes Day here in New Zealand and Mike bought some fireworks last night on the way home. With sparklers (I like sparklers).
Karate went well last night - there is another grading in three weeks so Toby is knuckling down. Mum cooked a beautiful dinner (a new dish - chicken with rice baked in the oven) and it was yum! Dad got cream on his apple crumble (the groceries were delivered as we were leaving for karate so dessert was on the menu once again!). It all came together.
The weather is very odd. We seem to have permanent cloud. I don't think it rained - I just think we were enveloped in low cloud. It is supposed to be 18 and sunny later today. Fingers crossed. I enjoyed the ride down the hill but the roads were a little damp from the cloud touching the road. Honest! Heheheheh.
I bought some more tramping socks for Toby on Tuesday but I bought according to age and when I got them back at work for a good look, I realised he has bigger feet than the packet suggests. So I need to exchange them.
I have also got a fancy (very fancy) new cellphone. http://www.vodafone.co.nz/shop/mobileDetails.jsp?skuId=sku5450013&voucherCode=&menuKey=&selectionKey=mobile This is my new phone. I have only just started using it this morning so I am still finding my way. I think I have set it to silent for work. I hate cellphones ringing in the office when people have left them behind. Mike bought it for me. He's angling for a work phone.
So, very exciting times. Off to the Wadestown library after a quick dinner tonight. Spag bol. Toby seems to have gone off it since he returned from Sydney. What did they do to it there? Heheheheheheh.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Good morning on Wed, Nov 4
Hi,
We had a great Melbourne Cup day. My excitement rustled up a work sweep (got zip) and I went to the TAB to place three bets for me, Mike and Toby (got zip). Could only watch the Cup with no sound (better than the radio feed I found - maybe). But it was great fun.
Rode home after it to collect wee Toby so we were running later than usual all evening. Cooked dinner and went to ride Toby's bike and scooter at school. We played there for ages then home to bed. Action-packed. No TV (but a few minutes on Club Penguin as Toby met Zoe online and chatted on the phone to her). Tuesdays are now no TV (or computers) night.
That's it really. Busy at work. Same as usual. Toby has tennis and karate today. I think Ma and Pa will pop over to collect him and cook up tea for us all. Yum!
Love,
Angela
We had a great Melbourne Cup day. My excitement rustled up a work sweep (got zip) and I went to the TAB to place three bets for me, Mike and Toby (got zip). Could only watch the Cup with no sound (better than the radio feed I found - maybe). But it was great fun.
Rode home after it to collect wee Toby so we were running later than usual all evening. Cooked dinner and went to ride Toby's bike and scooter at school. We played there for ages then home to bed. Action-packed. No TV (but a few minutes on Club Penguin as Toby met Zoe online and chatted on the phone to her). Tuesdays are now no TV (or computers) night.
That's it really. Busy at work. Same as usual. Toby has tennis and karate today. I think Ma and Pa will pop over to collect him and cook up tea for us all. Yum!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Good morning on Tues, Nov 3
Hi,
They tell me it is going to be beautiful here this afternoon but this morning we're in a cloud of fine, fine drizzle. I took the bus in because I took the car home for Keas yesterday while Mike attended the tramping club summer planning session. He is in to lead 4 or 5 trips over the summer. Woo hoo!
Karen said it will be 37C in the part of Sydney she lives in. Wow! Amazing weather. I think I'd melt. I wore a t-shirt all yesterday evening at Keas in a beautiful 14 or 15C evening. 37 would kill me I am sure. Keas was great fun. We read all about the kea bird and Toby told them about the Kea attacking my backpack and showed everyone the hole the kea pecked in my backpack. I must bring it in to get it fixed. Maybe next week after Paua Hut tramping this weekend.
Ok. Time to get stuck in. I'm off to the TAB to place my bets for the Melbourne Cup in a few hours. Toby, Mike and I have picked horses 4, 6 and 10. And I think I have generated enough enthusiasm for a sweep here at work. Alright!
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
They tell me it is going to be beautiful here this afternoon but this morning we're in a cloud of fine, fine drizzle. I took the bus in because I took the car home for Keas yesterday while Mike attended the tramping club summer planning session. He is in to lead 4 or 5 trips over the summer. Woo hoo!
Karen said it will be 37C in the part of Sydney she lives in. Wow! Amazing weather. I think I'd melt. I wore a t-shirt all yesterday evening at Keas in a beautiful 14 or 15C evening. 37 would kill me I am sure. Keas was great fun. We read all about the kea bird and Toby told them about the Kea attacking my backpack and showed everyone the hole the kea pecked in my backpack. I must bring it in to get it fixed. Maybe next week after Paua Hut tramping this weekend.
Ok. Time to get stuck in. I'm off to the TAB to place my bets for the Melbourne Cup in a few hours. Toby, Mike and I have picked horses 4, 6 and 10. And I think I have generated enough enthusiasm for a sweep here at work. Alright!
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Monday, November 2, 2009
Good morning on Mon, Nov 2
Hi,
Nov 2nd eh? Must be Jupiter's birthday (our old dog - and I still miss him) today and Melbourne Cup tomorrow. Woo hoo! Better sort out a bet for me, Mike and Toby.
The weekend was great fun and quite busy. We went swimming on Saturday morning and Toby swam very, very well and listened very well. Good on him. After that we went to Sally and Andrew's house to fix their computer (C drive full and emails not coming down due to lack of space) and ride bikes (Toby - well, he rode for about 3 m and decided he wouldn't do it anymore) and have lunch. It was very pleasant.
Then a rush home after Mike made vegetarian lasagne (his best dish!) at Sally and Andrew's place to save time. We dropped Toby off at William's party and dropped the lasagne off at our party then rushed home to pack Toby's overnight bag and sort out a Halloween costume for him. He got a sheet with eyeholes and when Mike dropped off his bag and costume (and William's present), Toby was overjoyed to have his own costume. Better keep that for next year.
We went to our party after that - Christine's great Halloween party. Yummy food, good company. I enjoyed it. Then Mike and I went home and watched The Pianist for a sobering late evening. We had no idea what it was about so to find a good movie about horrible events in Poland was a bit shocking. So when the movie finished at midnight we watched Time Team to stop us thinking about it all. Didn't work. Mike and I both had dreams affected by the movie. I was hunted all night and Mike seemed to be constantly shifting in his dream.
Sunday we went and got wee Toby and Chelsea turned up at our place. We got ready for Kea Day and wandered out to Aotea Lagoon. We had a good day. Toby was so tired after staying up "all night". Our activity was just the right one - not too busy. We had some that loved it. And we sat in the sunshine all day doing almost nothing while the kids ran around like mad things. It was great!
A relaxing evening was had by us as Toby was exhausted. So, all good.
Phew! The ride in was lovely this morning - a strong tail wind. Off to Keas tonight.
:-)
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Nov 2nd eh? Must be Jupiter's birthday (our old dog - and I still miss him) today and Melbourne Cup tomorrow. Woo hoo! Better sort out a bet for me, Mike and Toby.
The weekend was great fun and quite busy. We went swimming on Saturday morning and Toby swam very, very well and listened very well. Good on him. After that we went to Sally and Andrew's house to fix their computer (C drive full and emails not coming down due to lack of space) and ride bikes (Toby - well, he rode for about 3 m and decided he wouldn't do it anymore) and have lunch. It was very pleasant.
Then a rush home after Mike made vegetarian lasagne (his best dish!) at Sally and Andrew's place to save time. We dropped Toby off at William's party and dropped the lasagne off at our party then rushed home to pack Toby's overnight bag and sort out a Halloween costume for him. He got a sheet with eyeholes and when Mike dropped off his bag and costume (and William's present), Toby was overjoyed to have his own costume. Better keep that for next year.
We went to our party after that - Christine's great Halloween party. Yummy food, good company. I enjoyed it. Then Mike and I went home and watched The Pianist for a sobering late evening. We had no idea what it was about so to find a good movie about horrible events in Poland was a bit shocking. So when the movie finished at midnight we watched Time Team to stop us thinking about it all. Didn't work. Mike and I both had dreams affected by the movie. I was hunted all night and Mike seemed to be constantly shifting in his dream.
Sunday we went and got wee Toby and Chelsea turned up at our place. We got ready for Kea Day and wandered out to Aotea Lagoon. We had a good day. Toby was so tired after staying up "all night". Our activity was just the right one - not too busy. We had some that loved it. And we sat in the sunshine all day doing almost nothing while the kids ran around like mad things. It was great!
A relaxing evening was had by us as Toby was exhausted. So, all good.
Phew! The ride in was lovely this morning - a strong tail wind. Off to Keas tonight.
:-)
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
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