Hi,
Another lovely day in Wellington. We haven't had a run of good weather like this for ages. It is a little windy though but I am not complaining. The sunflower seedlings are taking a beating from the wind. I'd better thibnk carefully about where they get planted in the garden to try and get sun, but respite from the wind.
Last night we popped around for dinner at Ma and Dad's place and wee Toby decided he missed us too much. So he came back home with us to sleep at home. We finished the stairwell painting - we just need to varnish the handrail and put it back up. Cool!
This morning we dropped off Toby with Ma and got a call at 8.45am asking where Toby's shoes were. Oops. Toby has to walk around the supermarket with Ma with barefeet. Heheheheh.
We might be able to leave a little earlier than usual from work if we're lucky. The drive into town was so quiet. Most people must already be away on holiday. I think I might take annual leave on Christmas Eve next year. There is always so much to do.
So, the blog might be quiet for a while over the holidays. I hope you all have a great Christmas and a lovely New Year. Some of you I will see, but some of you are overseas and I miss you at this time of year more than usual. Getting together with family and friends is marvellous over Christmas.
Love you lots,
Angela
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Good morning on Wed, Dec 23
Hi,
Another pleasant evening spent painting the stairwell. It now has a second coat and we have returned the planks to Ian (Andrew's cousin). We only have a wee bit at the bottom (where we can reach without scaffolding) to get done.
Yesterday I caught the bus home with some packages as I had the start of a migraine. It really came to nowt although I do have a slightly woolly head this morning. We then drove to Grandy and Gramps' house to find them all well. Toby is exceeedingly happy with his holiday at Camp Richardson. He got to go to Lollipop Playland yesterday and has the Kirks Christmas windows to look at today, and Planet 51 with Grandy (a new movie). No wonder Mum said he played a game yesterday that meant he was Grandy's child, and Mum and Dad were his Aunty and Uncle. Hhhmmmmmm. Should I be concerned? :-)
Tonight we'll finish off the bottom of the stairwell (it should be very quick) and then tidy up the house in preparation for Christmas Day.
The weather is so nice here in Wellington. No wind at all last night. When we left home at 6pm there were people packing their car and trailer for a big expedition for summer holidays at the bottom of Norwich St. They were still going at 7pm when we returned. And going strong at 9.30pm when Mike took the planks back. But gone by 10pm. We're hoping it wasn't much longer than the 3.5 hour marathon we witnessed. It was like watching an army exercise. Mother marshalling the equipment gathering, a mountain of gear on the front lawn, a gaping trailer, father and children scurrying around.
As the radio people said this morning - it is Christmas Eve's eve today! Woo hoo!
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Another pleasant evening spent painting the stairwell. It now has a second coat and we have returned the planks to Ian (Andrew's cousin). We only have a wee bit at the bottom (where we can reach without scaffolding) to get done.
Yesterday I caught the bus home with some packages as I had the start of a migraine. It really came to nowt although I do have a slightly woolly head this morning. We then drove to Grandy and Gramps' house to find them all well. Toby is exceeedingly happy with his holiday at Camp Richardson. He got to go to Lollipop Playland yesterday and has the Kirks Christmas windows to look at today, and Planet 51 with Grandy (a new movie). No wonder Mum said he played a game yesterday that meant he was Grandy's child, and Mum and Dad were his Aunty and Uncle. Hhhmmmmmm. Should I be concerned? :-)
Tonight we'll finish off the bottom of the stairwell (it should be very quick) and then tidy up the house in preparation for Christmas Day.
The weather is so nice here in Wellington. No wind at all last night. When we left home at 6pm there were people packing their car and trailer for a big expedition for summer holidays at the bottom of Norwich St. They were still going at 7pm when we returned. And going strong at 9.30pm when Mike took the planks back. But gone by 10pm. We're hoping it wasn't much longer than the 3.5 hour marathon we witnessed. It was like watching an army exercise. Mother marshalling the equipment gathering, a mountain of gear on the front lawn, a gaping trailer, father and children scurrying around.
As the radio people said this morning - it is Christmas Eve's eve today! Woo hoo!
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Good morning on Tues, Dec 22
Hi,
I am very confused. As I wrote down Dec 22, it said to me "Christmas is only 3 days away" but my brain isn't saying it is that close. It seems to have snuck up on me. It's all hurtling towards Christmas morning, gathering momentum.
However, despite all that, we got the first coat of paint on the stairwell last night. We had dinner at Grandy and Gramps' house and then Toby asked to sleep the night. That was perfect for us to get the painting done. And another coat tonight might see it all finished. After work today we'll ride home, collect our car (and some clothes for Toby if he wants to stay another night), collect a head of broccoli from the garden (they have come up mighty fine and they are ready to eat!), have dinner in Ngaio and then come home and finish the painting in the stairwell. With or without Toby.
Of course, that will leave the painting in the hallway to do - Mike has decided it needs another coat, and to go a wee bit lighter. So, still not finished up on the top story. But pretty close. Mike's mother laid some lino down in the downstairs toilet while she was here (our toilet leaked and ruined our already-unsightly cork tiles) and it looks pretty good. That makes it quite habitable down there now too.
We had the sparky in last week, so we need to move the television downstairs and sort out the TV room, the green room and Toby's room. Phew! Lucky we have a holiday soon.
So, a busy week in store. Work has a few things on so that is keeping me occupied during the day.
So, have a great day!
Love,
Angela
I am very confused. As I wrote down Dec 22, it said to me "Christmas is only 3 days away" but my brain isn't saying it is that close. It seems to have snuck up on me. It's all hurtling towards Christmas morning, gathering momentum.
However, despite all that, we got the first coat of paint on the stairwell last night. We had dinner at Grandy and Gramps' house and then Toby asked to sleep the night. That was perfect for us to get the painting done. And another coat tonight might see it all finished. After work today we'll ride home, collect our car (and some clothes for Toby if he wants to stay another night), collect a head of broccoli from the garden (they have come up mighty fine and they are ready to eat!), have dinner in Ngaio and then come home and finish the painting in the stairwell. With or without Toby.
Of course, that will leave the painting in the hallway to do - Mike has decided it needs another coat, and to go a wee bit lighter. So, still not finished up on the top story. But pretty close. Mike's mother laid some lino down in the downstairs toilet while she was here (our toilet leaked and ruined our already-unsightly cork tiles) and it looks pretty good. That makes it quite habitable down there now too.
We had the sparky in last week, so we need to move the television downstairs and sort out the TV room, the green room and Toby's room. Phew! Lucky we have a holiday soon.
So, a busy week in store. Work has a few things on so that is keeping me occupied during the day.
So, have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Monday, December 21, 2009
Good morning on Mon, Dec 21
Hi,
What a lovely, relaxing weekend. It isn't often we have absolutely nothing scheduled on a weekend. We lazily got up late on Saturday (well, I did and Toby did) and made breakfast. Then the Tabors rang and suggested Lollipops Playland for the boys. Mike was all enthusiastic for DIY (painting and stuff) so he thought the idea of Toby being away for a few hours was great so he could get stuck in.
At the last moment I decided to go with the Tabors (well, Aidan only as Josh had something on) so we sat and drank tea while the boys ran off lots of energy. We hadn't chatted for a while, so my book never even got out of my bag.
After Lollipops, Mike had arrived after buying all the DIY stuff we need, so we went to a cafe on the Petone beach. It was very good but the name escapes me. It is over the top of a rowing club near the jetty. The food was pretty good and the reason for going, the churros with chocolate dipping sauce, was worth it! Yum!
We got back home and chilled for a bit until Kara arrived for dinner (spag bol from Mike) and stayed for a while. We offered to drive her home so she got merry. We watched a movie and then drove her home. It was still very windy. The wind at her place was strong.
Sunday was another lazy start. Mike drove Kara's car home and when he got back, I collected Ma for some shopping out at Harvey Norman and Queensgate. We got the last wee bits pretty much done. Not much to go now. Just groceries really. We had our first BBQ of the summer last night. Yum!
Ma entertained Sally and Andrew on Saturday night and that went well too. I think that covers the major points from the weekend. The rest of the week looks good for the weather here. Fingers crossed.
Christmas is gathering speed and approaching fast! Mike's parents are set to arrive for a fleeting Christmas here now. That is good news. Here Christmas Eve and away a few days later. But very good to see there here!
Have a great week leading up to Christmas.
Love,
Angela
What a lovely, relaxing weekend. It isn't often we have absolutely nothing scheduled on a weekend. We lazily got up late on Saturday (well, I did and Toby did) and made breakfast. Then the Tabors rang and suggested Lollipops Playland for the boys. Mike was all enthusiastic for DIY (painting and stuff) so he thought the idea of Toby being away for a few hours was great so he could get stuck in.
At the last moment I decided to go with the Tabors (well, Aidan only as Josh had something on) so we sat and drank tea while the boys ran off lots of energy. We hadn't chatted for a while, so my book never even got out of my bag.
After Lollipops, Mike had arrived after buying all the DIY stuff we need, so we went to a cafe on the Petone beach. It was very good but the name escapes me. It is over the top of a rowing club near the jetty. The food was pretty good and the reason for going, the churros with chocolate dipping sauce, was worth it! Yum!
We got back home and chilled for a bit until Kara arrived for dinner (spag bol from Mike) and stayed for a while. We offered to drive her home so she got merry. We watched a movie and then drove her home. It was still very windy. The wind at her place was strong.
Sunday was another lazy start. Mike drove Kara's car home and when he got back, I collected Ma for some shopping out at Harvey Norman and Queensgate. We got the last wee bits pretty much done. Not much to go now. Just groceries really. We had our first BBQ of the summer last night. Yum!
Ma entertained Sally and Andrew on Saturday night and that went well too. I think that covers the major points from the weekend. The rest of the week looks good for the weather here. Fingers crossed.
Christmas is gathering speed and approaching fast! Mike's parents are set to arrive for a fleeting Christmas here now. That is good news. Here Christmas Eve and away a few days later. But very good to see there here!
Have a great week leading up to Christmas.
Love,
Angela
Good morning - 4 sleeps til Christmas
Angela's just got back from her breakfast so I'll try to get the blog entry in before her this m0rning. Or maybe we'll both post at the same time - you'll get two takes on the same thing! If there's any difference, then I'm right and she's wrong.
We had a pretty good weekend with nothing pressing and urgent to do for the first time in weeks. We were planning on bike riding on Saturday but it was a bit breezy so instead, we went to Lollipops Playland with his friends Duncan & Emerson instead. Angela & Toby went off with them, I had some messages to do so I drove about buying paint and collecting cheese and so on, before I made it out to meet them. Everyone had lots of fun - Toby & his friends running about and all the parents drinking coffee and chatting. Then I we headed to the Jetty Cafe on the Petone beachfront for a late lunch and their famous Churros - yummy 'unrolled donuts' with frangelico chocolate dipping sauce. Mmmm-mm!!!
Kara came around that evening and it was great to catch up with her. I put together a Spag Bol that was pretty good if I say so myself, especially with no Tomato Paste in the cupboard which meant I had to improvise (and reduce the sauce for 40 mins). Then we had wine and cheese (Kara's Bella Italia cheese and our famous Fromager Des Clarines from Truffle) and watched ... some of a movie before we called it a day.
Sunday we all slept in - we had to go and wake Toby at 9am!! Very unusual. A nice quiet day where we were supposed to paint the stairwell but didn't. First job was to drop back Kara's car, I headed out to her place in Seatoun and then rode the No 14 bus from end to end - from Kilburnie near the airport all the way to Wilton - meaning I had a 15min walk back home. Then Angela took her mum to Harvey Norman in the afternoon, which I took to mean a quick 1hr trip into town to see her Dad, but was actually an all-afternoon marathon at Lower Hutt. So I lounged about waiting for her to come home and help me with the painting, which was absolutely fantastic - nothing done but no guilt. Oh well. Painting the stairwell is an evening job now. We'll see if we can't knock it off before Christmas.
We had a pretty good weekend with nothing pressing and urgent to do for the first time in weeks. We were planning on bike riding on Saturday but it was a bit breezy so instead, we went to Lollipops Playland with his friends Duncan & Emerson instead. Angela & Toby went off with them, I had some messages to do so I drove about buying paint and collecting cheese and so on, before I made it out to meet them. Everyone had lots of fun - Toby & his friends running about and all the parents drinking coffee and chatting. Then I we headed to the Jetty Cafe on the Petone beachfront for a late lunch and their famous Churros - yummy 'unrolled donuts' with frangelico chocolate dipping sauce. Mmmm-mm!!!
Kara came around that evening and it was great to catch up with her. I put together a Spag Bol that was pretty good if I say so myself, especially with no Tomato Paste in the cupboard which meant I had to improvise (and reduce the sauce for 40 mins). Then we had wine and cheese (Kara's Bella Italia cheese and our famous Fromager Des Clarines from Truffle) and watched ... some of a movie before we called it a day.
Sunday we all slept in - we had to go and wake Toby at 9am!! Very unusual. A nice quiet day where we were supposed to paint the stairwell but didn't. First job was to drop back Kara's car, I headed out to her place in Seatoun and then rode the No 14 bus from end to end - from Kilburnie near the airport all the way to Wilton - meaning I had a 15min walk back home. Then Angela took her mum to Harvey Norman in the afternoon, which I took to mean a quick 1hr trip into town to see her Dad, but was actually an all-afternoon marathon at Lower Hutt. So I lounged about waiting for her to come home and help me with the painting, which was absolutely fantastic - nothing done but no guilt. Oh well. Painting the stairwell is an evening job now. We'll see if we can't knock it off before Christmas.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Good morning on Fri, Dec 18
Hi,
Toby's last day of school. I'm riding home at midday to collect him at 12.30pm. We'll pick up my mother and Mike's mother and head to the airport to drop Mike's mother off. Then we might find a cafe to celebrate the end of school. I was hoping to go swimming at a beach, but the weather is very gusty. So it might not work out that way.
We talked to some more architects last night and it is possible that we might ask these people to go to the next step. We'll see if we like the houses they send us of ones they have done lately. They made us feel quietly confident about it.
The spag bol was quite a hit, the Kittos will be pleased to know. Toby asked for two lots of mince on his spaghetti. Munched his way through the first lot and asked for seconds. So, I declare his misadventure with spag bol a thing of the past. Heheheheheh.
Roll on the weekend. No swimming. So we really have nothing on. However, we have said yes to entertaining Kara on Saturday night and yes to a possible bike ride on the Hutt River trail somewhere. Cool!
Oh - I forgot to mention Toby got his school report and he made us very proud. They categorise many, many areas into three labels: needs improvement, average and excels. Now, the real terms are something fancy that means everything sounds fine. But it boils down to that in reality. Toby got either average or excels in everything! Reading and independent work are his forte. He is in Year 3 next year and we think he has Mrs Mahoney again (his first year teacher) but we got a confusing note in his backpack yesterday saying parents have been in touch and something weird is happening. Not 100% sure what. Toby's Room 12 might be Room 7. Not sure why. Not sure about teachers. Maybe some parents know more about the geography of the school and Room 12 is situated far from the other rooms of that year. That is my first thought. Hence the change to Room 7 (which, in my wee sheltered world of assumptions based solely on conjecture on my part, means it is closer to the other Year 2/3 room). So my guess is, Toby will be in Room 7 with Mrs Mahoney and it'll be close-ish to the other Year 2/3 class.
Have a marvellous weekend. See you for the short but very exciting week next week.
Love,
Angela
Toby's last day of school. I'm riding home at midday to collect him at 12.30pm. We'll pick up my mother and Mike's mother and head to the airport to drop Mike's mother off. Then we might find a cafe to celebrate the end of school. I was hoping to go swimming at a beach, but the weather is very gusty. So it might not work out that way.
We talked to some more architects last night and it is possible that we might ask these people to go to the next step. We'll see if we like the houses they send us of ones they have done lately. They made us feel quietly confident about it.
The spag bol was quite a hit, the Kittos will be pleased to know. Toby asked for two lots of mince on his spaghetti. Munched his way through the first lot and asked for seconds. So, I declare his misadventure with spag bol a thing of the past. Heheheheheh.
Roll on the weekend. No swimming. So we really have nothing on. However, we have said yes to entertaining Kara on Saturday night and yes to a possible bike ride on the Hutt River trail somewhere. Cool!
Oh - I forgot to mention Toby got his school report and he made us very proud. They categorise many, many areas into three labels: needs improvement, average and excels. Now, the real terms are something fancy that means everything sounds fine. But it boils down to that in reality. Toby got either average or excels in everything! Reading and independent work are his forte. He is in Year 3 next year and we think he has Mrs Mahoney again (his first year teacher) but we got a confusing note in his backpack yesterday saying parents have been in touch and something weird is happening. Not 100% sure what. Toby's Room 12 might be Room 7. Not sure why. Not sure about teachers. Maybe some parents know more about the geography of the school and Room 12 is situated far from the other rooms of that year. That is my first thought. Hence the change to Room 7 (which, in my wee sheltered world of assumptions based solely on conjecture on my part, means it is closer to the other Year 2/3 room). So my guess is, Toby will be in Room 7 with Mrs Mahoney and it'll be close-ish to the other Year 2/3 class.
Have a marvellous weekend. See you for the short but very exciting week next week.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Good morning on Thurs, Dec 17
Hi,
What an absolutely beautiful day here in Wellington. No wind, so hot last night we had to open the bedroom window. Just a normal summer day. How pleasant. Our ride down the hill was fantastic! Fast, warm, sunny. Shame I got a migraine halfway down but fortunately I got to work before the visual aura obscured some cars! Heheheheh. The visual disturbance is almost gone now.
Last night was the last karate night for the year. Toby's class was normal but held in the school playground. But the Dragon's class after that was a "traditional" end of year water fight. Toby had his super soakers and defended the access he was given to cover admirably. He was wet and cold after it all, but he had a ball. They also provided a bit of a snack and cake. Then we went to collect Hell Pizza for dinner and Toby ate heaps of that too.
Finally to bed and he went to bed very well after bouncing on the trampoline for 5 minutes. The weather was lovely last night too.
Tonight we meet the last architect in our series of chats. Let's see what that holds. Ma - feel free to collect wee Toby and take him to the library if you like. Otherwise he'll probably be bored listening to us chat away. But no worries. He did fine on Tuesday.
I have mince out for spag bol tonight. Yummo! We haven't had that for a while. Sllluuurrrrrpppp.
I have a half day tomorrow and will collect wee Toby from school at 12.30. Then we can drop Nana off at the airport and perhaps enjoy some sun. Ma - do you want to come with us?
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
What an absolutely beautiful day here in Wellington. No wind, so hot last night we had to open the bedroom window. Just a normal summer day. How pleasant. Our ride down the hill was fantastic! Fast, warm, sunny. Shame I got a migraine halfway down but fortunately I got to work before the visual aura obscured some cars! Heheheheh. The visual disturbance is almost gone now.
Last night was the last karate night for the year. Toby's class was normal but held in the school playground. But the Dragon's class after that was a "traditional" end of year water fight. Toby had his super soakers and defended the access he was given to cover admirably. He was wet and cold after it all, but he had a ball. They also provided a bit of a snack and cake. Then we went to collect Hell Pizza for dinner and Toby ate heaps of that too.
Finally to bed and he went to bed very well after bouncing on the trampoline for 5 minutes. The weather was lovely last night too.
Tonight we meet the last architect in our series of chats. Let's see what that holds. Ma - feel free to collect wee Toby and take him to the library if you like. Otherwise he'll probably be bored listening to us chat away. But no worries. He did fine on Tuesday.
I have mince out for spag bol tonight. Yummo! We haven't had that for a while. Sllluuurrrrrpppp.
I have a half day tomorrow and will collect wee Toby from school at 12.30. Then we can drop Nana off at the airport and perhaps enjoy some sun. Ma - do you want to come with us?
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Good morning on Wed, Dec 16
Hi,
Another odd evening in the Gilbert household. But I am chuffed to say I beat Mike home for our 1730 appointment. He decided to take the bus to get home on time and I rode home. Mike was nowhere to be seen when I got in and he was a good 10 minutes after me. Slow route 22. Heheheheh.
Anyhow, the appointment with the architect went on for a while and we tossed ideas back and forth. Even after she had gone, it stimulated a lot of discussion between us. However, Mike and I went for a walk to Andy's place to get the key and learn about their cats. We're feeding them over the Christmas break and Karen and Scott will stay there as well. But the walk meant we had a good chat about the house.
When we got back, Mike was drawing ideas out on paper. It was a lot of fun. Mike's mother was worried it'd keep us up all night but I was asleep in seconds.
Toby slept well last night after being ignored due to the meeting. He ate his way through the sausage casserole as it is a meal he really loves. Today is tennis day and karate day. The last karate day for the year (oh - should we cancel that payment too Mike?) is a water pistol fight. I must find his togs when I get home.
Ma and Pa, are you popping over for dinner? Mike's mother may be around but we'll find out later on I guess for sure.
Also, Queensgate is open till 10pm on Friday night. So if any of you fancy a shopping expedition (Vivienne, Sally?), Ma and I will wander out there for tea on Friday around 6pm.
That's about it. I need a nice, big bup of tea.
Have a marvellous day!
Love,
Angela
Another odd evening in the Gilbert household. But I am chuffed to say I beat Mike home for our 1730 appointment. He decided to take the bus to get home on time and I rode home. Mike was nowhere to be seen when I got in and he was a good 10 minutes after me. Slow route 22. Heheheheh.
Anyhow, the appointment with the architect went on for a while and we tossed ideas back and forth. Even after she had gone, it stimulated a lot of discussion between us. However, Mike and I went for a walk to Andy's place to get the key and learn about their cats. We're feeding them over the Christmas break and Karen and Scott will stay there as well. But the walk meant we had a good chat about the house.
When we got back, Mike was drawing ideas out on paper. It was a lot of fun. Mike's mother was worried it'd keep us up all night but I was asleep in seconds.
Toby slept well last night after being ignored due to the meeting. He ate his way through the sausage casserole as it is a meal he really loves. Today is tennis day and karate day. The last karate day for the year (oh - should we cancel that payment too Mike?) is a water pistol fight. I must find his togs when I get home.
Ma and Pa, are you popping over for dinner? Mike's mother may be around but we'll find out later on I guess for sure.
Also, Queensgate is open till 10pm on Friday night. So if any of you fancy a shopping expedition (Vivienne, Sally?), Ma and I will wander out there for tea on Friday around 6pm.
That's about it. I need a nice, big bup of tea.
Have a marvellous day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Good morning on Tues, Dec 15
Hi,
We had a weird evening really. We decided to have Nandos for dinner in Johnsonville because we needed to collect the builders planks from Ian (Andrew's cousin) to start painting the stairwell and Ian lives out that way. Then after we got them, we drove back home via four houses showcasing one of the architects we're considering. I think Toby thought it was a very odd evening. But then again, he seems to expect oddness from his parents.
Today we meet another architect at home to discuss ideas. That is after work, so we'll all be heading home to check out this person's ideas. And I think we have another one lined up on Thursday. So it'll be very exciting.
I'm meeting my mother for lunch today to get some shopping done. A few more wee things. The weather is nippier than I expected and the ride in took a wee while to get me warm. It is supposed to clear during the day so I expect Mum and I will be wandering around in nicer conditions.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
We had a weird evening really. We decided to have Nandos for dinner in Johnsonville because we needed to collect the builders planks from Ian (Andrew's cousin) to start painting the stairwell and Ian lives out that way. Then after we got them, we drove back home via four houses showcasing one of the architects we're considering. I think Toby thought it was a very odd evening. But then again, he seems to expect oddness from his parents.
Today we meet another architect at home to discuss ideas. That is after work, so we'll all be heading home to check out this person's ideas. And I think we have another one lined up on Thursday. So it'll be very exciting.
I'm meeting my mother for lunch today to get some shopping done. A few more wee things. The weather is nippier than I expected and the ride in took a wee while to get me warm. It is supposed to clear during the day so I expect Mum and I will be wandering around in nicer conditions.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Monday, December 14, 2009
Good morning on Mon, Dec 14
Hi,
I know you're all keen to hear about the birthday weekend so we may as well get stuck into the details. Friday night at the tennis went well. Toby liked being a parent teacher beside me. He is now an "Improver" rather than a beginner. However, he is very hit and miss (horrible pun!). I ended up with no children at once stage near 6.45pm, so I told the organiser I was heading home for Toby's birthday party. Good timing too as Mike just arrived with dinner and Sally and Andrew arrived then too. Vivienne and John and Benjamin arrived as the food was getting dished out so we all sat down and enjoyed the Indian takeaways. John broke into a sweat at one stage and I blame the very hot fish dish (that was supposed to be medium).
Toby got to open many presents, with the remote controlled Ferrari scoring well, and the magic trick cloth being a highlight. Not long after that, we were off to bed to have a good sleep to be super ready for the big day on Saturday.
Saturday dawned with wild weather. Windy and the light rain was being hurled at the windows. More like June weather than December weather. But not cold. Toby and I got ready to go swimming for the last day for the year. We dropped off to the supermarket to get a wee box of chocolates for Toby's swim instructor and he was chuffed to note he was the only kids in his class to give the instructor a wee present. He swam very well, once he concentrated. It's hard to swim on your birthday and listen to instructions!
As we were leaving the pool to find a change room, Mike rang to say his car battery was flat and we needed to hoon to the venue in Newtown first because he had to wait for the AA. Oh dear. And that wasn't the limit of his adventurous morning filled with woe. The beautiful cake he iced lovingly had sweated off all the icing. He had to go into damage control and retrieve the situation. And he did it admirably.
So Toby and I pulled into the Junglerama carpark at 11.30am on the dot. Not too bad when we were climbing out of the pool 35 minutes before in the Hutt Valley! Everything kicked off and went smoothly. The food arrived at 12.05pm and we ended up one child place short (we had 13 children and I had counted 12). But when we went up to the staff to ask for an extra place, they said they wouldn't charge us. Sssshhhh. The staff were very nice. Especially when I went back for an icepack when some troubled child bit two of our children very hard.
Mike's cake was very successful and every last piece was consumed before we left Junglerama. It has been re-iced that morning after the disaster and I could hardly tell. Amazing. Toby loved it. It was shaped like his toy called Monskey.
Toby had a ball - I could tell. He was hardly visible as he played and played. He stripped off to his singlet very early on. He did look dashing in his new shirt, but it got the flick. Never mind.
Then back home with 6 other children (well, 5 initially, but the 6th one turned up a bit later). The weather had come right and the children played inside and out. Mike's mother arrived from Dunedin and my parents came as well for another birthday bash. Toby loved his presents from my parents. He got a guitar like mine so we're going to be a mini-band. We're going to play Michael Finnegan. Over and over. Till our fingers bleed.
The kids all slept in the lounge and chilled out after dinner with a movie (Space Chimps) and Toby had chosen well as all the kids were completely absorbed in it from start to end. Then they were very good going to sleep with hardly any intervention by Mike required.
Next morning was early - 6am start as the kids all woke up. Wally arrived early because he was all alone, having just dropped Lesley and Hannah off. But by 10am, all the kids were gone and we had the house to ourselves. We had a relaxing Sunday and Mike got the wardrobe ready for the sparky arriving this week. We want a plug in there for the TV and computer.
So, now it's back to work and ready for the next two weeks before the Christmas break. Cool!
Have a great week. Hope your weekend went well.
Love,
Angela
I know you're all keen to hear about the birthday weekend so we may as well get stuck into the details. Friday night at the tennis went well. Toby liked being a parent teacher beside me. He is now an "Improver" rather than a beginner. However, he is very hit and miss (horrible pun!). I ended up with no children at once stage near 6.45pm, so I told the organiser I was heading home for Toby's birthday party. Good timing too as Mike just arrived with dinner and Sally and Andrew arrived then too. Vivienne and John and Benjamin arrived as the food was getting dished out so we all sat down and enjoyed the Indian takeaways. John broke into a sweat at one stage and I blame the very hot fish dish (that was supposed to be medium).
Toby got to open many presents, with the remote controlled Ferrari scoring well, and the magic trick cloth being a highlight. Not long after that, we were off to bed to have a good sleep to be super ready for the big day on Saturday.
Saturday dawned with wild weather. Windy and the light rain was being hurled at the windows. More like June weather than December weather. But not cold. Toby and I got ready to go swimming for the last day for the year. We dropped off to the supermarket to get a wee box of chocolates for Toby's swim instructor and he was chuffed to note he was the only kids in his class to give the instructor a wee present. He swam very well, once he concentrated. It's hard to swim on your birthday and listen to instructions!
As we were leaving the pool to find a change room, Mike rang to say his car battery was flat and we needed to hoon to the venue in Newtown first because he had to wait for the AA. Oh dear. And that wasn't the limit of his adventurous morning filled with woe. The beautiful cake he iced lovingly had sweated off all the icing. He had to go into damage control and retrieve the situation. And he did it admirably.
So Toby and I pulled into the Junglerama carpark at 11.30am on the dot. Not too bad when we were climbing out of the pool 35 minutes before in the Hutt Valley! Everything kicked off and went smoothly. The food arrived at 12.05pm and we ended up one child place short (we had 13 children and I had counted 12). But when we went up to the staff to ask for an extra place, they said they wouldn't charge us. Sssshhhh. The staff were very nice. Especially when I went back for an icepack when some troubled child bit two of our children very hard.
Mike's cake was very successful and every last piece was consumed before we left Junglerama. It has been re-iced that morning after the disaster and I could hardly tell. Amazing. Toby loved it. It was shaped like his toy called Monskey.
Toby had a ball - I could tell. He was hardly visible as he played and played. He stripped off to his singlet very early on. He did look dashing in his new shirt, but it got the flick. Never mind.
Then back home with 6 other children (well, 5 initially, but the 6th one turned up a bit later). The weather had come right and the children played inside and out. Mike's mother arrived from Dunedin and my parents came as well for another birthday bash. Toby loved his presents from my parents. He got a guitar like mine so we're going to be a mini-band. We're going to play Michael Finnegan. Over and over. Till our fingers bleed.
The kids all slept in the lounge and chilled out after dinner with a movie (Space Chimps) and Toby had chosen well as all the kids were completely absorbed in it from start to end. Then they were very good going to sleep with hardly any intervention by Mike required.
Next morning was early - 6am start as the kids all woke up. Wally arrived early because he was all alone, having just dropped Lesley and Hannah off. But by 10am, all the kids were gone and we had the house to ourselves. We had a relaxing Sunday and Mike got the wardrobe ready for the sparky arriving this week. We want a plug in there for the TV and computer.
So, now it's back to work and ready for the next two weeks before the Christmas break. Cool!
Have a great week. Hope your weekend went well.
Love,
Angela
Friday, December 11, 2009
Good morning on Fri, Dec 11
Hi,
Happy birthday to wee Toby for tomorrow (and tonight - how does he get three parties???). Yesterday was our big work Christmas party and it was very good. Mike was pleased to get to use my two free drinks voucher and bring me the free lemonades. It was getting to 5pm and Mike was saying he'd kick on for another 2 hours when Dad rang and told me Ma needed me. Turns out our neighbour had driven out of her driveway and into Mum and Dad's car. The two doors on the driver's side are pushed in a bit. The driver's door doesn't actually open anymore. But Mum was ok and Toby was ok about it all. Neither of them were in the car at the time.
Anyhow, it meant Mike came home with me. But we ate a yummy meal Mum cooked and we got stuck into the cake making in a big way. We have done the loot bags and the cake is 99% done and looks fantastic. Stay tuned for a photo of it in a day or two. Now we just need everything to go without a hitch and it'll all be over. Tonight is family event number 1, featuring the Lewises and the Gilbert/Bichans. Mike is keen on Indian takeways. I have tennis club duties, but the state of the current weather in Wellington may make that committment moot.
Then tomorrow is swimming and straight to the venue for friends event number 2. We are there from 11.30am to about 2pm with the tent booked from 12- 1pm. After this, we'll be heading home with 6 other children to stay for a sleepover. Toby has chosen the DVD they will watch (Space Chimps) and I am hoping they will all sleep in sleeping bags on the floor of the lounge.
Dinner will be family event number 3, with my parents and Mike's mother (who turns up at 1630). We need to feed the masses, so I am envisaging cheerios, sausage rolls, party pies and a fruit platter.
Phew! Fingers crossed this goes well.
Have a great weekend. Stay dry if you're in Wellington!
Love,
Angela
Happy birthday to wee Toby for tomorrow (and tonight - how does he get three parties???). Yesterday was our big work Christmas party and it was very good. Mike was pleased to get to use my two free drinks voucher and bring me the free lemonades. It was getting to 5pm and Mike was saying he'd kick on for another 2 hours when Dad rang and told me Ma needed me. Turns out our neighbour had driven out of her driveway and into Mum and Dad's car. The two doors on the driver's side are pushed in a bit. The driver's door doesn't actually open anymore. But Mum was ok and Toby was ok about it all. Neither of them were in the car at the time.
Anyhow, it meant Mike came home with me. But we ate a yummy meal Mum cooked and we got stuck into the cake making in a big way. We have done the loot bags and the cake is 99% done and looks fantastic. Stay tuned for a photo of it in a day or two. Now we just need everything to go without a hitch and it'll all be over. Tonight is family event number 1, featuring the Lewises and the Gilbert/Bichans. Mike is keen on Indian takeways. I have tennis club duties, but the state of the current weather in Wellington may make that committment moot.
Then tomorrow is swimming and straight to the venue for friends event number 2. We are there from 11.30am to about 2pm with the tent booked from 12- 1pm. After this, we'll be heading home with 6 other children to stay for a sleepover. Toby has chosen the DVD they will watch (Space Chimps) and I am hoping they will all sleep in sleeping bags on the floor of the lounge.
Dinner will be family event number 3, with my parents and Mike's mother (who turns up at 1630). We need to feed the masses, so I am envisaging cheerios, sausage rolls, party pies and a fruit platter.
Phew! Fingers crossed this goes well.
Have a great weekend. Stay dry if you're in Wellington!
Love,
Angela
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Good morning on Thurs, Dec 10
Hi,
I took the bus in this morning because it's our big work Christmas party this afternoon. The logistics of coming and going from the venue to get my bike and gear is too much compared to stepping out of the hotel and walking onto a bus. But Ma will collect Toby anyway, just in case. I hate relying on public transport to collect Toby and we have to pay money if we're late.
We are booked into a house in St Arnaud for New Years. Dec 30, 31 and Jan 1. We can probably stay a little longer too as the next people aren't in until Jan 7 or something. So now we need to book the ferry crossing (fingers crossed there). We can do a tramp into Lakehead Hut with Tyler and Karen while we're there instead of the tramp tp Paua Hut. Lakehead is lovely and it is supposed to be 3 hours there (although Toby managed to make it much longer on the way in when we did it with him - but he only took about 3.5 back, so who knows). I have no idea about this house and its condition. There is only one way to find out. It does sound like a normal house though. We shall see. I am getting a guest brochure mailed out to me so that might prove somewhat illuminating.
We baked cakes last night to make Toby's birthday cake for Saturday. Tonight is where we ice it. Gulp! I can't help thinking of the times Karen and I made Toby's and Tyler's cakes for various birthdays in Australia. They were usually long, giggly affairs where the final outcome was barely recognisable compared to the picture in the infamous Women's Weekly Kids Birthday Cakes book!
Karate was funny last night. Toby was in one of those moods - along with most of the children. Next week is the last one for the year and they have a traditional water fight. So, towel and water pistols are required for next week. Dad is digging out the water pistols at his house today. Heheheheh.
What else? I am sure there is something else, but I can't recall it right now. Toby is booked into his new swimming class next year (Penguins, and at the same time of 10.30). When I told him about Tyler's acting lessons next year he decided he wanted to do it too. Although he wants to do it with Tyler in Sydney. Oh dear. So I might be investigating that drama class for children here in Upper Hutt yet.
I'm going to call it quits now. The plan of typing my flow of consciousness in the hope that niggling forgotten item will surface is only resulting in a blethering blog about waffle. Bit like a conversation with me in person, really.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
I took the bus in this morning because it's our big work Christmas party this afternoon. The logistics of coming and going from the venue to get my bike and gear is too much compared to stepping out of the hotel and walking onto a bus. But Ma will collect Toby anyway, just in case. I hate relying on public transport to collect Toby and we have to pay money if we're late.
We are booked into a house in St Arnaud for New Years. Dec 30, 31 and Jan 1. We can probably stay a little longer too as the next people aren't in until Jan 7 or something. So now we need to book the ferry crossing (fingers crossed there). We can do a tramp into Lakehead Hut with Tyler and Karen while we're there instead of the tramp tp Paua Hut. Lakehead is lovely and it is supposed to be 3 hours there (although Toby managed to make it much longer on the way in when we did it with him - but he only took about 3.5 back, so who knows). I have no idea about this house and its condition. There is only one way to find out. It does sound like a normal house though. We shall see. I am getting a guest brochure mailed out to me so that might prove somewhat illuminating.
We baked cakes last night to make Toby's birthday cake for Saturday. Tonight is where we ice it. Gulp! I can't help thinking of the times Karen and I made Toby's and Tyler's cakes for various birthdays in Australia. They were usually long, giggly affairs where the final outcome was barely recognisable compared to the picture in the infamous Women's Weekly Kids Birthday Cakes book!
Karate was funny last night. Toby was in one of those moods - along with most of the children. Next week is the last one for the year and they have a traditional water fight. So, towel and water pistols are required for next week. Dad is digging out the water pistols at his house today. Heheheheh.
What else? I am sure there is something else, but I can't recall it right now. Toby is booked into his new swimming class next year (Penguins, and at the same time of 10.30). When I told him about Tyler's acting lessons next year he decided he wanted to do it too. Although he wants to do it with Tyler in Sydney. Oh dear. So I might be investigating that drama class for children here in Upper Hutt yet.
I'm going to call it quits now. The plan of typing my flow of consciousness in the hope that niggling forgotten item will surface is only resulting in a blethering blog about waffle. Bit like a conversation with me in person, really.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Where the Wild Things Are - by Mike
Take no notice of Angela - Toby and I thought the movie was absolutely superb. Probably the best movie adaptation of a book ever. It's very rare to have such high expectations going into a movie - and then have all of them met and then some.
The whole feeling of the movie was exactly like the book only more so.
"But for me, the Wild Things aren't filled with human frailities. They just want to have fun and Max wants to have authority."
But the movie had to do something different to the book, otherwise there'd be no real point in making it. And if they just did their wild thing rumpus and then Max went home, it would only have been an hour long. Anyway, if you read between the lines of the book, what went on in the movie is probably what went on in the book (they just didn't show it).
But I'm not going to say what they did do, because that would be giving things away.
The whole feeling of the movie was exactly like the book only more so.
"But for me, the Wild Things aren't filled with human frailities. They just want to have fun and Max wants to have authority."
But the movie had to do something different to the book, otherwise there'd be no real point in making it. And if they just did their wild thing rumpus and then Max went home, it would only have been an hour long. Anyway, if you read between the lines of the book, what went on in the movie is probably what went on in the book (they just didn't show it).
But I'm not going to say what they did do, because that would be giving things away.
Good morning on Wed, Dec 9
Hi,
Decemeber is also flying past just like the other months of the year and Toby's birthday is creeping up on us. Not to mention Christmas soon after that. It all can't come soon enough for Toby - he is very excited.
Last night we went out to see Where the Wild Things Are. Toby and Mike loved it. Toby was enthralled with this movie and made insightful comments about it. But, for me, it missed the spot. The movie was very good and the director captured things well. I especially liked the ending where Max and his mother never talk. Other directors would have put "I love you" in and ruined it. But Sendak's book would have done it all without words, and so did Spike. It was superb. But for me, the Wild Things aren't filled with human frailities. They just want to have fun and Max wants to have authority. But Max realises there is more to life than having fun and bossing people around and wants to go home. These Wild Things have complex personalities. Too complex.
Anyhow - it was a fantastic night and a good adaption of a book to a movie. Toby crashed into bed and was asleep in an instant.
It is tennis and karate night - second last of each for the year. Toby's Christmas and birthday presents are in the green room downstairs so my parents can collect them and hide them in the car boot to wrap them up. Ma came into town yesterday at lunch time and we went shopping. There were so many packages I had to leave them at work as I couldn't get them home on the bike.
Tomorrow is another work Christmas party - the biggie. It is an afternoon thing, but I might ask Ma if she can collect wee Toby from school just in case I get delayed. I'll be on the bus and it'll be close to 6pm. So I'd rather have Ma step in and safely collect Toby is she can.
Phew. We have to bake the cake tonight for Toby's party. And ice it tomorrow night. Oh dear. It should be entertaining for me and Mike.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Decemeber is also flying past just like the other months of the year and Toby's birthday is creeping up on us. Not to mention Christmas soon after that. It all can't come soon enough for Toby - he is very excited.
Last night we went out to see Where the Wild Things Are. Toby and Mike loved it. Toby was enthralled with this movie and made insightful comments about it. But, for me, it missed the spot. The movie was very good and the director captured things well. I especially liked the ending where Max and his mother never talk. Other directors would have put "I love you" in and ruined it. But Sendak's book would have done it all without words, and so did Spike. It was superb. But for me, the Wild Things aren't filled with human frailities. They just want to have fun and Max wants to have authority. But Max realises there is more to life than having fun and bossing people around and wants to go home. These Wild Things have complex personalities. Too complex.
Anyhow - it was a fantastic night and a good adaption of a book to a movie. Toby crashed into bed and was asleep in an instant.
It is tennis and karate night - second last of each for the year. Toby's Christmas and birthday presents are in the green room downstairs so my parents can collect them and hide them in the car boot to wrap them up. Ma came into town yesterday at lunch time and we went shopping. There were so many packages I had to leave them at work as I couldn't get them home on the bike.
Tomorrow is another work Christmas party - the biggie. It is an afternoon thing, but I might ask Ma if she can collect wee Toby from school just in case I get delayed. I'll be on the bus and it'll be close to 6pm. So I'd rather have Ma step in and safely collect Toby is she can.
Phew. We have to bake the cake tonight for Toby's party. And ice it tomorrow night. Oh dear. It should be entertaining for me and Mike.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Good morning on Tues, Dec 8
Hi,
What a lovely morning. Keas went well last night and it was the last one for the year. We meet again in February. It was such a lovely night the keas all ran around outside like mad things. But the Kea leaders were invested during the evening when we managed to gather them all together in one spot. I now have my own scarf and woggle (as does Mike).
Tonight I'll ride home like the wind (after meeting Ma around lunch time) and collect Toby and drive back into town for Where the Wild Things Are. I can't wait!
That's about it for now. Busy at work and have another Christmas party this Thursday afternoon. Phew!
Love,
Angela
What a lovely morning. Keas went well last night and it was the last one for the year. We meet again in February. It was such a lovely night the keas all ran around outside like mad things. But the Kea leaders were invested during the evening when we managed to gather them all together in one spot. I now have my own scarf and woggle (as does Mike).
Tonight I'll ride home like the wind (after meeting Ma around lunch time) and collect Toby and drive back into town for Where the Wild Things Are. I can't wait!
That's about it for now. Busy at work and have another Christmas party this Thursday afternoon. Phew!
Love,
Angela
Monday, December 7, 2009
Good morning on Mon, Dec 7
Hi,
We had a wonderful weekend full of excitement and romance. Ahhhhh. Isn't it lovely? First up was our IT Christmas party. The food at work was superb with a Mexican theme and yummy salsa to eat with corn chips. We also did our Christmas present game and we got plenty of loot for Toby to fill up his stocking. The pub was... very pubby. But we had a wee quiz round and it was good to catch up with people and their Christmas plans.
Wee Toby stayed with Grandy and Gramps on Friday night but he might have been missing our company a little more than usual. However, bright and early Saturday morning we popped around to collect him and head out to the swimming pool. It was assessment day. And, Toby swam like a machine and the instructor never even asked for a second opinion from another assessor. Toby is now a penguin and will be swimming lengths of the pool next term/year. We were so proud of him.
From there we went straight to the NZTE Kids Christmas party organised admirably by Carol from work. Toby had a ball and I saw one of the funniest things I'll see all year. Mike dressed up as Santa to hand out the present. Some of the wee kids may have been fooled but we knew Toby would see right through it. So we has prepped him to play it cool. Sure enough, Toby let out a big exclamation of "Look! Here's Santa". Right on cue, like the good actor we asked him to be.
But, the funny event was about to unfold. Or, should I say, undo? As Mike was halfway through the present giving, he leant out to hand a present to a child, and his Santa pants fell right down. I missed it, but caught the action afterwards as Santa "Ho ho ho'ed" his way through trying to pull up his pants without falling into a giggling mass on the floor. I laughed so much.
Turns out Mike has missed the drawstring on the trousers when he got dressed. Lucky he stuffed that cushion up his jersey and it also didn't fall out. A Santa giving birth in front of the children may have scarred them permanently.
After the party, we went back to Queensgate for the Santa photo we get every year. Toby looks very handsome in it. I did a little more Christmas shopping before heading home to get Toby ready for his sleepover at Christine and John's place. Dropping him off there was a little fraught as he decided he didn't want to stay there. But Christine understood completely and diverted him easily. We drove into town and checked in to the Intercontinental and got ready for dinner. We walked down to Siem Riep and had a lovely meal before going to watch the Time Traveller's Wife in the Gold Lounge. Mike loved the movie adaptation of the book and I thought it was quite good too.
Back to the hotel and asleep by midnight. But this was my third midnight sleep in a row and I was pretty tired when we woke up on Sunday morning.
We met Christine, Tom and Toby at the Thorndon Fair and wandered around there for a while before heading home where I fell into a coma for a few hours. But once I woke up I felt ok and we cooked up some yummy Indian food for dinner and Mike went and got Ma. They opened a 1999 bottle of red wine and said it was pretty good! It was the Villa Maria $41 bottle. So it was probably the pick of the bunch of 1999 bottles we have left.
So, it was a grand weekend. Tenth anniversary celebrated. Toby passed swimming (it only took 18 months or so). Thorndon Fair visited.
Wee Tyler had her party yesterday so I hope that went well. I am sure I'll hear about that later on. Now, our week ahead is to prepare for Toby's party. Should be ok. Presents and cake remain to sort out.
Love,
Angela
We had a wonderful weekend full of excitement and romance. Ahhhhh. Isn't it lovely? First up was our IT Christmas party. The food at work was superb with a Mexican theme and yummy salsa to eat with corn chips. We also did our Christmas present game and we got plenty of loot for Toby to fill up his stocking. The pub was... very pubby. But we had a wee quiz round and it was good to catch up with people and their Christmas plans.
Wee Toby stayed with Grandy and Gramps on Friday night but he might have been missing our company a little more than usual. However, bright and early Saturday morning we popped around to collect him and head out to the swimming pool. It was assessment day. And, Toby swam like a machine and the instructor never even asked for a second opinion from another assessor. Toby is now a penguin and will be swimming lengths of the pool next term/year. We were so proud of him.
From there we went straight to the NZTE Kids Christmas party organised admirably by Carol from work. Toby had a ball and I saw one of the funniest things I'll see all year. Mike dressed up as Santa to hand out the present. Some of the wee kids may have been fooled but we knew Toby would see right through it. So we has prepped him to play it cool. Sure enough, Toby let out a big exclamation of "Look! Here's Santa". Right on cue, like the good actor we asked him to be.
But, the funny event was about to unfold. Or, should I say, undo? As Mike was halfway through the present giving, he leant out to hand a present to a child, and his Santa pants fell right down. I missed it, but caught the action afterwards as Santa "Ho ho ho'ed" his way through trying to pull up his pants without falling into a giggling mass on the floor. I laughed so much.
Turns out Mike has missed the drawstring on the trousers when he got dressed. Lucky he stuffed that cushion up his jersey and it also didn't fall out. A Santa giving birth in front of the children may have scarred them permanently.
After the party, we went back to Queensgate for the Santa photo we get every year. Toby looks very handsome in it. I did a little more Christmas shopping before heading home to get Toby ready for his sleepover at Christine and John's place. Dropping him off there was a little fraught as he decided he didn't want to stay there. But Christine understood completely and diverted him easily. We drove into town and checked in to the Intercontinental and got ready for dinner. We walked down to Siem Riep and had a lovely meal before going to watch the Time Traveller's Wife in the Gold Lounge. Mike loved the movie adaptation of the book and I thought it was quite good too.
Back to the hotel and asleep by midnight. But this was my third midnight sleep in a row and I was pretty tired when we woke up on Sunday morning.
We met Christine, Tom and Toby at the Thorndon Fair and wandered around there for a while before heading home where I fell into a coma for a few hours. But once I woke up I felt ok and we cooked up some yummy Indian food for dinner and Mike went and got Ma. They opened a 1999 bottle of red wine and said it was pretty good! It was the Villa Maria $41 bottle. So it was probably the pick of the bunch of 1999 bottles we have left.
So, it was a grand weekend. Tenth anniversary celebrated. Toby passed swimming (it only took 18 months or so). Thorndon Fair visited.
Wee Tyler had her party yesterday so I hope that went well. I am sure I'll hear about that later on. Now, our week ahead is to prepare for Toby's party. Should be ok. Presents and cake remain to sort out.
Love,
Angela
Friday, December 4, 2009
Good morning on Fri, Dec 4
Hi,
It's wee Tyler's birthday today. She was born pretty close to midnight, so she's definitely 6 by now. :-) What a wee tot she was. Hard work for her Mummy (and quite scary for Daddy too I bet!).
We had a great evening last night. I was fed a home-made burger as soon as I stepped in the door. Mike had a half day and took Toby to the orthodontist and then to get a haircut. Toby got an x-ray of his mouth and it appears he has all his adult teeth in his head. Even wisdom teeth already. We have to take him back when he's twelve to check on crowding issues.
Today I had Toby drop-off duty and Toby went dressed head to toe in green. He is in the Tui House at school and it is House Day. He has fruit (watermelon and rock melon) to share for lunch with the hordes in an ice cream container.
Mum will collect wee Toby from school today. His overnight bag is inside the front door (Ma - can you grab the clean pair of jeans on the couch and put them in too for his Santa photo shoot tomorrow after swimming?). It is very exciting. Toby has a sleepover tonight and tomorrow night at Grandy and Gramps' place because we have our IT Christmas party tonight and our wedding anniversary celebrations tomorrow night. Ooooooooooooo.
Tomorrow we also have the NZTE Kids Christmas Party to attend at Lollipops. Toby is keen on that. Aaaahhhh. Mike has to dress up as Santa because we have found no takers for the job. I'd best take the camera along, eh? If anyone wants to volunteer now, let me know.
Have a great weekend. happy birthday Tyler.
Love,
Angela
It's wee Tyler's birthday today. She was born pretty close to midnight, so she's definitely 6 by now. :-) What a wee tot she was. Hard work for her Mummy (and quite scary for Daddy too I bet!).
We had a great evening last night. I was fed a home-made burger as soon as I stepped in the door. Mike had a half day and took Toby to the orthodontist and then to get a haircut. Toby got an x-ray of his mouth and it appears he has all his adult teeth in his head. Even wisdom teeth already. We have to take him back when he's twelve to check on crowding issues.
Today I had Toby drop-off duty and Toby went dressed head to toe in green. He is in the Tui House at school and it is House Day. He has fruit (watermelon and rock melon) to share for lunch with the hordes in an ice cream container.
Mum will collect wee Toby from school today. His overnight bag is inside the front door (Ma - can you grab the clean pair of jeans on the couch and put them in too for his Santa photo shoot tomorrow after swimming?). It is very exciting. Toby has a sleepover tonight and tomorrow night at Grandy and Gramps' place because we have our IT Christmas party tonight and our wedding anniversary celebrations tomorrow night. Ooooooooooooo.
Tomorrow we also have the NZTE Kids Christmas Party to attend at Lollipops. Toby is keen on that. Aaaahhhh. Mike has to dress up as Santa because we have found no takers for the job. I'd best take the camera along, eh? If anyone wants to volunteer now, let me know.
Have a great weekend. happy birthday Tyler.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Good morning on Thurs, Dec 3
Hi,
Can anyone explain to me how a short week (I had Monday off) can feel like 5 days by the time Thursday rolls around? I am sure it is Friday today.
Anyhow, Toby passed his grading last night with a good, solid performance. He made a few mistakes but must have hidden it well from the examiner (he did have to grade 10 children after all, whereas Toby's parents only watched one child!!). He concentrated well, and tried his best. But if he wants to make the yellow belt grading in March next year, he'll have to practise a lot more. We are very proud of him.
Well, at least we are past that hurdle. Now, if only he does as well at swimming this Saturday. Wee Tyler (and it is her birthday tomorrow - Happy Birthday for tomorrow, Tyler!) passed her assessment this term. So I am hoping that bodes well for Toby. Toby has been in this class for years! The next class actually teaches them to swim (I can see the next class while Toby has his lesson) so I am hoping we can move into that soon. Fingers crossed.
Mike has a half day at work today (he has the afternoon off) and will collect Toby for the orthodontist and then a haircut. I must try and find a Santa photo place for Toby this weekend or next.
Ma and Dad were both sick last night so they didn't come around. I'd be surprised if Dad went into work. I hope they get better soon.
That's about it.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Can anyone explain to me how a short week (I had Monday off) can feel like 5 days by the time Thursday rolls around? I am sure it is Friday today.
Anyhow, Toby passed his grading last night with a good, solid performance. He made a few mistakes but must have hidden it well from the examiner (he did have to grade 10 children after all, whereas Toby's parents only watched one child!!). He concentrated well, and tried his best. But if he wants to make the yellow belt grading in March next year, he'll have to practise a lot more. We are very proud of him.
Well, at least we are past that hurdle. Now, if only he does as well at swimming this Saturday. Wee Tyler (and it is her birthday tomorrow - Happy Birthday for tomorrow, Tyler!) passed her assessment this term. So I am hoping that bodes well for Toby. Toby has been in this class for years! The next class actually teaches them to swim (I can see the next class while Toby has his lesson) so I am hoping we can move into that soon. Fingers crossed.
Mike has a half day at work today (he has the afternoon off) and will collect Toby for the orthodontist and then a haircut. I must try and find a Santa photo place for Toby this weekend or next.
Ma and Dad were both sick last night so they didn't come around. I'd be surprised if Dad went into work. I hope they get better soon.
That's about it.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Good morning on Wed, Dec 2
Hi,
I seem to be living is a state of perpetual confusion at the moment. There is so much going on around me and I am sure we're going to miss something. Yikes. I apologise in advance if I have missed something. So long as it's not Toby's birthday or our tenth wedding anniversary, I should be able to recover the situation.
Speaking of which, we'll have a family party for Toby on Friday night (for Sally and Andrew and maybe Vivienne and John) and another one on the Saturday night after his party on Saturday afternoon. He's going to expect three parties every year now. Oh dear, what have I done? Heheheheh.
And all going well, Mike and I will be out celebrating 10 years of marriage this Saturday night. Woo hoo! I'd best sort out something, don't you think?
So, no time for chit chat. I have things to do. Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
I seem to be living is a state of perpetual confusion at the moment. There is so much going on around me and I am sure we're going to miss something. Yikes. I apologise in advance if I have missed something. So long as it's not Toby's birthday or our tenth wedding anniversary, I should be able to recover the situation.
Speaking of which, we'll have a family party for Toby on Friday night (for Sally and Andrew and maybe Vivienne and John) and another one on the Saturday night after his party on Saturday afternoon. He's going to expect three parties every year now. Oh dear, what have I done? Heheheheh.
And all going well, Mike and I will be out celebrating 10 years of marriage this Saturday night. Woo hoo! I'd best sort out something, don't you think?
So, no time for chit chat. I have things to do. Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Good afternoon on Tues, Dec 1
Hi,
It's the first day of summer - and wet, wet, wet here.
My mother and I had a wonderful weekend sampling the delights that Golden Bay has to offer. It all started on Thursday evening where I had booked in a haircut meaning that Mike had to start Gilbert Logistics a day earlier than anticipated. I think of Gilbert Logistics as an organisation involved in making mountains out of molehills. If Gilbert Logistics can make an easy task difficult, they will find it. Send us all your easy, straight-forwards jobs and we guarantee to put a spanner in the works. You have a plan that only has 3 permutations? That's not nearly enough. Send us your details and we'll supply you with 5 free permutations at no extra cost. In fact, we are so good at it, we can almost guarantee a permutation or two, WITHOUT knowing your plans at all.
Mike actually had a tight leash on the Gilbert Logistics machine and kept the plan on a well-executed course. We met up at the library and ate Burger Wisconsin in the brilliant sunshine with the O'Reillys. I had already packed for the weekend so there was no rush in that regard. Lucky for us, because I had spanner item number one waiting. I had decided to attend the First Karori Scout Annual General Meeting for the evening. It was supposed to last one hour, but took two! Mike had Toby under control and I went off to represent the Keas at the AGM. When I got home Mike and I read until past midnight. What were we thinking?
Friday morning I was up earlier than usual because Mum was driving to collect me at 6.40am in time for the ferry check-in at 7am. I drove down to the dock and we got on nice and quick. We got seats in front of the TV and we were pleasantly surprised to see they have updated their movie list for the summer crowds. We watched two newish movies - 17 Again and Race to Witch Mountain. It filled in the time. Mike told us off for not getting out to enjoy the scenery and I guess I am guilty of taking it for granted through the sounds.
We drove off the ferry at about 11.30am and headed up Queen Charlotte Drive to Havelock. Mum kept Oooohhing and Aaahhhing with every curve when she got a glimpse of the views down the sounds. We drove non-stop to Nelson where we wandered around the main street for 30 minutes giving our legs a good stretch. Then we picked up a few items at the supermarket and headed over Takaka Hill to Golden Bay. The hill went up and up for ages and a steep plunge down into the valley on the other side. I wasn't going to be heading back and forth over that hill as I had entertained notions of doing. We found our accommodation
at the Pohara Top Ten Holiday Camp very easily and our wee cabin was 3m from the sandy beach. Perfect. Mum stretched out on the bed and fell into a coma. I read one of several books I had along for the weekend and watched the wind whipping up the waves outside.
We wandered out to the Penguin Cafe for dinner - I ordered steamed mussels and Mum ordered Thai fish cakes. There was a little confusion over the food and I got my mussels as a main after Mum finished her entree fish cakes. I blame Ma talking to the waitress about Scotland. The wee lass had spent two years in
the Shetland Islands and actually thought Mum was English. Heheheheheh. I guess her mellowed accent bears little resemblance to the accent they use in the Shetlands.
After dinner we booked into Sans Souci for the next night. Sally had recommended it from her holiday here about 18 months earlier. Ma tried to get into the Sunday night bookings as they were serving veal on that night, but they were full. So, Saturday evening it was, and their slow-cooked steak. We went back to the cabin and it was my turn to fall into a coma. The rain started but I never heard a thing. Slept like a log until morning. Pleasant.
Saturday morning was a lazy start to the day. The rain and wind didn't do much for us, and we were waiting for the weather to improve after lunch as the forecasters had predicted. Guess what? They were right. We went out into Takaka to explore the shops and found them all shutting. They aren't open very late at the weekends. We managed to get into a few of them and Mum loved some of the art work on display. After that we drove back past Pohara out to the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park. The coastal road was very, very pretty.
Back to our wee cabin and we got ready for Sans Souci and wandered around there just before 7pm. The other guests started arriving then too. We then had the slow-cooked steak and it was one of the best meals I have ever had, and certainly the best in a long time. The steak was on a bed of risotto with salad all around (including marigold petals - nice colour). Yummy bacon, yummy mushrooms, yummy nuts, yummy apple. It all tasted so good. Thank you for that one, Sally! Not one speck was left on my plate. Mum left a bit on hers so I got to nibble more as we waited for dessert. Mum ordered Chocolate and Almond torte with vanilla ice cream and raspberry coulis. It was superb. I was happy Mum couldn't eat all that. During the meal, the weather got better and better. The wind died away and blue skies shone brightly through the polonia tree in the courtyard. The French doors were open all evening and the dining was a great experience.
Anyhow, another source of excitement at Sans Souci was the composting toilets. Sally had made sure I knew about them. So despite not needing a wee in the slightest, I told Mum I was off to investigate them. I went into the shared toilets, found an empty louvered door and lifted the wooden lid. What a treat. No smell at all. A big bucket of peaty sawdust to cover whatever you have done and wash up outside in the nice shared bathroom. Very pleasant. I went back to the dining table and told Mum she had to experience it for herself. With misgivings, I watched my confused mother try and find a toilet. But when she got back, she declared the toilets great and would use one over a normal toilet. She didn't just say there was no smell, she said she liked the smell!
When I was up with Mum while she sorted out the bill, I spotted the names of some other diners. Kittos! Imagine! Well, Mum didn't imagine. Off she went, hunting them down and chatted to them for ages. So, ask her for the life history of this New Zealand branch of the Kitto clan.
After dinner we walked up and down the beach at dusk, waiting for any penguins to come ashore. No sign of any. But Ma and I had fun sitting on driftwood logs watching the beautiful sea lap up against the shore with moonlight glistening on the wee waves. Back home for another deep sleep.
Sunday dawned - well, a lot earlier than I saw it. But, by the time I pulled back the curtains for a look, I could tell it was a cracker day. I got dressed into shorts and a t-shirt and wandered down to the Penguin Cafe for the rugby. Go the All Blacks! Ate bacon and eggs and shouted encouragement at the team. Marvellous. Ma turned up about 20 mins from the end and ordered whitebait fritter sandwiches. She had a taste and I got to finish them. Yummo! They were absolutely beautiful.
Off to explore Pupu Springs (or Waikoropupu I think) and I have to say, this was a highlight for me. What a spectacular sight. The water colour was amazing and I hope I never forget it. Apparently, these springs are the largest freshwater springs in Australasia and the clearest freshwater springs in the world! What a claim to fame there! Mum and I walked around the boardwalk reading the informative signs and enjoying the surroundings. The sunny day no doubt gave the springs an even better visual impact. But I can't wait to take Mike there so he can see it.
Back to the cabin to relax in the sun and read. What a pleasant afternoon.
Monday morning was back to rain. Heavy rain. So we packed up and left for the drive back to the ferry. We went right through to close to Blenheim to the Wairau River winery where Mum found two white wines to her liking. She bought two bottles and we ate a muffin and drove the rest of the way into Picton. We
were early so we poked our noses into Picton town centre and then joined the queue for the ferry. There was a 90 minute delay getting away for some reason and we also had to pick up a lifeboat on the way (they had abandoned it during drills earlier that day). Mum went out to see the scenery and I also popped out from time to time (the same movies were on!). The misty weather gave it a haunting feel.
Back into Wellington in time for the going-to-bed routine. I caught up with the news from Mike and Toby from the weekend. Toby swam well and assessment is this Saturday coming. Yikes! Mike says he swam like a machine. Good on him! Sally got back ok from the work meeting in Manila but I have yet to hear in detail about that! Dad was a bit sick yesterday and went home to pine/wait for Ma. Poor Dad.
So, back into the routine already. But a short week for me! Hooray!
Love,
Angela
It's the first day of summer - and wet, wet, wet here.
My mother and I had a wonderful weekend sampling the delights that Golden Bay has to offer. It all started on Thursday evening where I had booked in a haircut meaning that Mike had to start Gilbert Logistics a day earlier than anticipated. I think of Gilbert Logistics as an organisation involved in making mountains out of molehills. If Gilbert Logistics can make an easy task difficult, they will find it. Send us all your easy, straight-forwards jobs and we guarantee to put a spanner in the works. You have a plan that only has 3 permutations? That's not nearly enough. Send us your details and we'll supply you with 5 free permutations at no extra cost. In fact, we are so good at it, we can almost guarantee a permutation or two, WITHOUT knowing your plans at all.
Mike actually had a tight leash on the Gilbert Logistics machine and kept the plan on a well-executed course. We met up at the library and ate Burger Wisconsin in the brilliant sunshine with the O'Reillys. I had already packed for the weekend so there was no rush in that regard. Lucky for us, because I had spanner item number one waiting. I had decided to attend the First Karori Scout Annual General Meeting for the evening. It was supposed to last one hour, but took two! Mike had Toby under control and I went off to represent the Keas at the AGM. When I got home Mike and I read until past midnight. What were we thinking?
Friday morning I was up earlier than usual because Mum was driving to collect me at 6.40am in time for the ferry check-in at 7am. I drove down to the dock and we got on nice and quick. We got seats in front of the TV and we were pleasantly surprised to see they have updated their movie list for the summer crowds. We watched two newish movies - 17 Again and Race to Witch Mountain. It filled in the time. Mike told us off for not getting out to enjoy the scenery and I guess I am guilty of taking it for granted through the sounds.
We drove off the ferry at about 11.30am and headed up Queen Charlotte Drive to Havelock. Mum kept Oooohhing and Aaahhhing with every curve when she got a glimpse of the views down the sounds. We drove non-stop to Nelson where we wandered around the main street for 30 minutes giving our legs a good stretch. Then we picked up a few items at the supermarket and headed over Takaka Hill to Golden Bay. The hill went up and up for ages and a steep plunge down into the valley on the other side. I wasn't going to be heading back and forth over that hill as I had entertained notions of doing. We found our accommodation
at the Pohara Top Ten Holiday Camp very easily and our wee cabin was 3m from the sandy beach. Perfect. Mum stretched out on the bed and fell into a coma. I read one of several books I had along for the weekend and watched the wind whipping up the waves outside.
We wandered out to the Penguin Cafe for dinner - I ordered steamed mussels and Mum ordered Thai fish cakes. There was a little confusion over the food and I got my mussels as a main after Mum finished her entree fish cakes. I blame Ma talking to the waitress about Scotland. The wee lass had spent two years in
the Shetland Islands and actually thought Mum was English. Heheheheheh. I guess her mellowed accent bears little resemblance to the accent they use in the Shetlands.
After dinner we booked into Sans Souci for the next night. Sally had recommended it from her holiday here about 18 months earlier. Ma tried to get into the Sunday night bookings as they were serving veal on that night, but they were full. So, Saturday evening it was, and their slow-cooked steak. We went back to the cabin and it was my turn to fall into a coma. The rain started but I never heard a thing. Slept like a log until morning. Pleasant.
Saturday morning was a lazy start to the day. The rain and wind didn't do much for us, and we were waiting for the weather to improve after lunch as the forecasters had predicted. Guess what? They were right. We went out into Takaka to explore the shops and found them all shutting. They aren't open very late at the weekends. We managed to get into a few of them and Mum loved some of the art work on display. After that we drove back past Pohara out to the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park. The coastal road was very, very pretty.
Back to our wee cabin and we got ready for Sans Souci and wandered around there just before 7pm. The other guests started arriving then too. We then had the slow-cooked steak and it was one of the best meals I have ever had, and certainly the best in a long time. The steak was on a bed of risotto with salad all around (including marigold petals - nice colour). Yummy bacon, yummy mushrooms, yummy nuts, yummy apple. It all tasted so good. Thank you for that one, Sally! Not one speck was left on my plate. Mum left a bit on hers so I got to nibble more as we waited for dessert. Mum ordered Chocolate and Almond torte with vanilla ice cream and raspberry coulis. It was superb. I was happy Mum couldn't eat all that. During the meal, the weather got better and better. The wind died away and blue skies shone brightly through the polonia tree in the courtyard. The French doors were open all evening and the dining was a great experience.
Anyhow, another source of excitement at Sans Souci was the composting toilets. Sally had made sure I knew about them. So despite not needing a wee in the slightest, I told Mum I was off to investigate them. I went into the shared toilets, found an empty louvered door and lifted the wooden lid. What a treat. No smell at all. A big bucket of peaty sawdust to cover whatever you have done and wash up outside in the nice shared bathroom. Very pleasant. I went back to the dining table and told Mum she had to experience it for herself. With misgivings, I watched my confused mother try and find a toilet. But when she got back, she declared the toilets great and would use one over a normal toilet. She didn't just say there was no smell, she said she liked the smell!
When I was up with Mum while she sorted out the bill, I spotted the names of some other diners. Kittos! Imagine! Well, Mum didn't imagine. Off she went, hunting them down and chatted to them for ages. So, ask her for the life history of this New Zealand branch of the Kitto clan.
After dinner we walked up and down the beach at dusk, waiting for any penguins to come ashore. No sign of any. But Ma and I had fun sitting on driftwood logs watching the beautiful sea lap up against the shore with moonlight glistening on the wee waves. Back home for another deep sleep.
Sunday dawned - well, a lot earlier than I saw it. But, by the time I pulled back the curtains for a look, I could tell it was a cracker day. I got dressed into shorts and a t-shirt and wandered down to the Penguin Cafe for the rugby. Go the All Blacks! Ate bacon and eggs and shouted encouragement at the team. Marvellous. Ma turned up about 20 mins from the end and ordered whitebait fritter sandwiches. She had a taste and I got to finish them. Yummo! They were absolutely beautiful.
Off to explore Pupu Springs (or Waikoropupu I think) and I have to say, this was a highlight for me. What a spectacular sight. The water colour was amazing and I hope I never forget it. Apparently, these springs are the largest freshwater springs in Australasia and the clearest freshwater springs in the world! What a claim to fame there! Mum and I walked around the boardwalk reading the informative signs and enjoying the surroundings. The sunny day no doubt gave the springs an even better visual impact. But I can't wait to take Mike there so he can see it.
Back to the cabin to relax in the sun and read. What a pleasant afternoon.
Monday morning was back to rain. Heavy rain. So we packed up and left for the drive back to the ferry. We went right through to close to Blenheim to the Wairau River winery where Mum found two white wines to her liking. She bought two bottles and we ate a muffin and drove the rest of the way into Picton. We
were early so we poked our noses into Picton town centre and then joined the queue for the ferry. There was a 90 minute delay getting away for some reason and we also had to pick up a lifeboat on the way (they had abandoned it during drills earlier that day). Mum went out to see the scenery and I also popped out from time to time (the same movies were on!). The misty weather gave it a haunting feel.
Back into Wellington in time for the going-to-bed routine. I caught up with the news from Mike and Toby from the weekend. Toby swam well and assessment is this Saturday coming. Yikes! Mike says he swam like a machine. Good on him! Sally got back ok from the work meeting in Manila but I have yet to hear in detail about that! Dad was a bit sick yesterday and went home to pine/wait for Ma. Poor Dad.
So, back into the routine already. But a short week for me! Hooray!
Love,
Angela
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