Hi,
Welcome to the last day in March. We've had lovely settled weather and today is no different. The ride down the hill was great fun.
Toby took ages to get to sleep last night. Perhaps the impending holiday excitement? Whatever. He took ages. And turns out he doesn't want to have tennis lessons anymore. So disappointing as I like the idea of family tennis games in the future. I'm hoping that I can talk him around in the light of day. I have already said he'll be playing next term. I guess I can cancel that if needs be.
Never mind. Such is life.
On other things... we're nearly packed up for the week down south. We have 85% of our gear in a huge pile by the front door. Tonight (after tramping club) we'll fling it in the car then go to sleep for a few hours. Mike will get up at some ungodly hour (1.45am or something) and head down to the Bluebridge ferry. Phew! Wally will meet him there in his fancy new car packed to the gunwales with gear as well.
Toby and I have a leisurely flight down to Christchurch on Thursday evening. 7.30pm flight, with only daypacks (hopefully - otherwise I will have the new bike rack Mike has ordered with me). I'll head home early (3.30pm) and collect Toby and order a taxi to the airport. Maybe in time to grab tea there before the flight.
Toby will stay down in Dunedin for the second week of school holidays. I fly back on Sunday evening (Apr 11) and Mike should get back around then too.
I need a cup of tea now. Can't wait!
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Good morning on Tues, Mar 30
Hi!
The day is getting better already. The radio said it was a lovely day, but my ride out of our street into a reasonably strong northerly didn't convince me terribly much. But now I sit here at work after poking around on servers looking for trouble, the day looks like it is getting better already. Blue skies to the south (my office outlook).
The last day of Keas for the term last night and we learned about Earthquakes. Mike came for the first time in ages and prepared and demonstrated his "Earthquake Simulator". Ooooooooo. I was hoping for a long 10 minute session, but Mike's demo last all of two minutes. Dirt and kids means high excitement. Then I had to contain them all for an earthquake story. The kids are all well versed in earthquake drills, so the schools certainly teach that well.
We then had fish n chips with the Sampsons and finalised some plans for the coming week. We're away with them for over a week for the first week of the school holidays. Cool fun! Must buy a few 20 inch tubes to fix any random punctures the kids bikes might pick up.
That's about it. Tonight we're packing for the adventure. Mike will pop around to Dad's place to borrow Mum's bike for the week (I wonder if we have asked for that yet???) as we're an adult bike short. I was going to buy one and then I chickened out. My bike will last for a few years yet.
Busy! Ok. Have a great day.
Love,
Angela
The day is getting better already. The radio said it was a lovely day, but my ride out of our street into a reasonably strong northerly didn't convince me terribly much. But now I sit here at work after poking around on servers looking for trouble, the day looks like it is getting better already. Blue skies to the south (my office outlook).
The last day of Keas for the term last night and we learned about Earthquakes. Mike came for the first time in ages and prepared and demonstrated his "Earthquake Simulator". Ooooooooo. I was hoping for a long 10 minute session, but Mike's demo last all of two minutes. Dirt and kids means high excitement. Then I had to contain them all for an earthquake story. The kids are all well versed in earthquake drills, so the schools certainly teach that well.
We then had fish n chips with the Sampsons and finalised some plans for the coming week. We're away with them for over a week for the first week of the school holidays. Cool fun! Must buy a few 20 inch tubes to fix any random punctures the kids bikes might pick up.
That's about it. Tonight we're packing for the adventure. Mike will pop around to Dad's place to borrow Mum's bike for the week (I wonder if we have asked for that yet???) as we're an adult bike short. I was going to buy one and then I chickened out. My bike will last for a few years yet.
Busy! Ok. Have a great day.
Love,
Angela
Monday, March 29, 2010
Good morning on Mon, Mar 29
Hi,
A cracker of a day here in Wellington. The ride down the hill was lovely. I did notice at one stage my light facing me, so I stopped and tried to fix it. Then Sarah walked past me saying "Hello Angela". I had stopped just in front of her. And what's more - I had just said hello to Hamish and Ryan at the top of the hill. All three of them came around for afternoon tea yesterday so it was funny to see all three of them again so soon!
Friday night went well, with the tennis pool party having a fantastic night for it. Toby swam in the pool heaps, puncuated with periods in the spa pool getting warm again. Mike's Dad turned up and we all went home quite late.
Saturday morning was the usual stressful rush to the pool. Mike had left already for his day walk from Porirua to Haywards so I was enjoying the sleep in with Toby a little too much. We hurtled To Lower Hutt with plenty of time. The last half of the lesson was in the big pool for the first time and Toby had a ball! If he can just add the breathing he'll be fine! One girl in his class is very good with her breathing. One wee boy was overwhelmed by the big pool and didn't like it at all. Toby swam in the 3m deep part for ages after his lesson ended. Karen is likely to be his new instructor next term. Toby had her for a term about 3 years ago!
After swimming we went around to Sally and Andrew's place for the big party. Huge. Andrew and Aidan were finishing the wallpapering - as you do on a party morning! Heheheh. Sally got in at lunch time after her French lessons and we all tucked into lunch. Janne had taken everything under control in Sally's absence and it was great! After a while of continous eating I went to collect Dad from work and he enjoyed a few hours there. Then I dropped him home and brought in my washing. Then back for a few more hours of party fun before heading home.
Sunday was another big lunch in town (Osteria del Toro or something like that). It was marvellous and I'd like to go back with Mike one evening.
Then dropped off Ron at the airport for his flight back to Dunedin and home to get ready for Sarah, Hamish and Ryan's visit. Then a frantic bit of activity before bed.
The week has begun! Off Thursday night to Otago for a week! It's going to be great!
Have a wonderful week!
Love,
Angela
A cracker of a day here in Wellington. The ride down the hill was lovely. I did notice at one stage my light facing me, so I stopped and tried to fix it. Then Sarah walked past me saying "Hello Angela". I had stopped just in front of her. And what's more - I had just said hello to Hamish and Ryan at the top of the hill. All three of them came around for afternoon tea yesterday so it was funny to see all three of them again so soon!
Friday night went well, with the tennis pool party having a fantastic night for it. Toby swam in the pool heaps, puncuated with periods in the spa pool getting warm again. Mike's Dad turned up and we all went home quite late.
Saturday morning was the usual stressful rush to the pool. Mike had left already for his day walk from Porirua to Haywards so I was enjoying the sleep in with Toby a little too much. We hurtled To Lower Hutt with plenty of time. The last half of the lesson was in the big pool for the first time and Toby had a ball! If he can just add the breathing he'll be fine! One girl in his class is very good with her breathing. One wee boy was overwhelmed by the big pool and didn't like it at all. Toby swam in the 3m deep part for ages after his lesson ended. Karen is likely to be his new instructor next term. Toby had her for a term about 3 years ago!
After swimming we went around to Sally and Andrew's place for the big party. Huge. Andrew and Aidan were finishing the wallpapering - as you do on a party morning! Heheheh. Sally got in at lunch time after her French lessons and we all tucked into lunch. Janne had taken everything under control in Sally's absence and it was great! After a while of continous eating I went to collect Dad from work and he enjoyed a few hours there. Then I dropped him home and brought in my washing. Then back for a few more hours of party fun before heading home.
Sunday was another big lunch in town (Osteria del Toro or something like that). It was marvellous and I'd like to go back with Mike one evening.
Then dropped off Ron at the airport for his flight back to Dunedin and home to get ready for Sarah, Hamish and Ryan's visit. Then a frantic bit of activity before bed.
The week has begun! Off Thursday night to Otago for a week! It's going to be great!
Have a wonderful week!
Love,
Angela
Friday, March 26, 2010
Good morning on Fri, Mar 26
Hi,
Wow - March has flown by. Big weekend. Friday night is the tennis club final night with prizegiving and a night at the pool in Thorndon. Mike has a work function on (Fear Factor - if you know what that is - I think he might have to eat eggs!!!) and will meet us later at the pool party. And Mike's Dad turns up for the celebrations this weekend too. Mike and Sally have that in hand - I know nothing!
Then tomorrow is swimming followed by Sally (and Aidan) and the 40WLW house party. I might go and pick up Dad around 4pm and bring him back to the party (Ma has asked him to go in her place!) if he can get off work earlier than usual. Mike has a tramp day walk, so he'll be later.
Sunday might be blissfully unexciting. Here's hoping!
My work release went well last night. Mike and Toby came down to collect me so that was nice.
That's about it. I got a text from Craig and Carolin and they were safely in Sydney last night at about 6.30pm. So they're back on home turf and they seemed to have enjoyed NZ. We're trying to lure themm back for a bigger holiday next time. 1 week isn't very long!
Have a wonderful weekend wherever you are.
Love,
Angela
Wow - March has flown by. Big weekend. Friday night is the tennis club final night with prizegiving and a night at the pool in Thorndon. Mike has a work function on (Fear Factor - if you know what that is - I think he might have to eat eggs!!!) and will meet us later at the pool party. And Mike's Dad turns up for the celebrations this weekend too. Mike and Sally have that in hand - I know nothing!
Then tomorrow is swimming followed by Sally (and Aidan) and the 40WLW house party. I might go and pick up Dad around 4pm and bring him back to the party (Ma has asked him to go in her place!) if he can get off work earlier than usual. Mike has a tramp day walk, so he'll be later.
Sunday might be blissfully unexciting. Here's hoping!
My work release went well last night. Mike and Toby came down to collect me so that was nice.
That's about it. I got a text from Craig and Carolin and they were safely in Sydney last night at about 6.30pm. So they're back on home turf and they seemed to have enjoyed NZ. We're trying to lure themm back for a bigger holiday next time. 1 week isn't very long!
Have a wonderful weekend wherever you are.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Good morning on Thurs, Mar 25
Hi,
What a lovely day today. Very unsettled weather. 2.30pm yesterday looked like 7.30pm - the clouds were so dark. Today is glorious.
I had Toby drop off duty (and I dropped his library books back too). We had a good morning. Toby slept in until 7.45am and then ate 5 Weetbix! 5! Then a piece of my toast! Mine! He must have been starving.
Karate went well and Dad was good. We had a giggle at the karate again. Some of the kids are very funny when they make some of the moves. The 4 or 5 star punch move made Toby look like he was disco dancing.
Mike went to a seminar after work and then tramping club. I think it went well.
Tonight I have a release. I am hoping it will all go very well, and I'll be done by 1730. Fingers crossed. Mike will go and collect wee Toby and bring him in for tea (Mike is also vaguely required for this release so we're both supposed to be here!).
Ok. Time to get stuck in.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
What a lovely day today. Very unsettled weather. 2.30pm yesterday looked like 7.30pm - the clouds were so dark. Today is glorious.
I had Toby drop off duty (and I dropped his library books back too). We had a good morning. Toby slept in until 7.45am and then ate 5 Weetbix! 5! Then a piece of my toast! Mine! He must have been starving.
Karate went well and Dad was good. We had a giggle at the karate again. Some of the kids are very funny when they make some of the moves. The 4 or 5 star punch move made Toby look like he was disco dancing.
Mike went to a seminar after work and then tramping club. I think it went well.
Tonight I have a release. I am hoping it will all go very well, and I'll be done by 1730. Fingers crossed. Mike will go and collect wee Toby and bring him in for tea (Mike is also vaguely required for this release so we're both supposed to be here!).
Ok. Time to get stuck in.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Good morning on Wed, Mar 24
Hi,
What a blustery old day here in Wellington - with a bit of airbourne rain too I think. However, the wind was whipping that up so far I don't think I felt any of it on the way in. Mum will be pleased to know it causes more grief landing in these conditions than taking off! Honest!
I already not looking forward to riding home if it stays like this. Yucky.
Had a release last night, and rode home after that. But it was entirely pleasant until later on when the wind got up. Mind you, it certainly didn't keep me awake.
I'll meet Dad to take wee Toby to karate today. Mike has a work seminar on and then tramping club. Mike has a day walk on this Saturday but hopes to get to Sally's big bash later on. Dad might even come after work on Saturday too, if I can convince him.
Not much else on - big day tomorrow with another release. Busy, eh?
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
What a blustery old day here in Wellington - with a bit of airbourne rain too I think. However, the wind was whipping that up so far I don't think I felt any of it on the way in. Mum will be pleased to know it causes more grief landing in these conditions than taking off! Honest!
I already not looking forward to riding home if it stays like this. Yucky.
Had a release last night, and rode home after that. But it was entirely pleasant until later on when the wind got up. Mind you, it certainly didn't keep me awake.
I'll meet Dad to take wee Toby to karate today. Mike has a work seminar on and then tramping club. Mike has a day walk on this Saturday but hopes to get to Sally's big bash later on. Dad might even come after work on Saturday too, if I can convince him.
Not much else on - big day tomorrow with another release. Busy, eh?
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Good morning on Tues, Mar 23
Hi,
Happy birthday to Sally for yesterday! Hooray! I know she had a fabulous day as I got a text from Andrew early saying they were off for a fancy lunch and they had the day off. Toby was cross that I hadn't reminded him on the day though. I got a dirty look when I told him it was Aunty Sally's birthday yesterday when he woke up this morning. He wants to go shopping for her now.
Keas went well. It was our first wet weather evening for ages - and dark enough that I had to find the lights! We learned about St Patrick (a week late, but never mind) and made dancing leprechauns. I was quite happy it was a quiet evening as I had a migraine 30 minutes before I left work. Phew!
Busy after work tonight. Got a release tonight in one system, and another one on Thursday evening. I'll be quite ready for my week holiday starting at Easter!
Toby completed his homework well. He finished the rest of it this morning. He's learning long e sounds and words. Agree. Money. Speed. Degree. Season. Those sorts of words. I think he quite likes it. There was a word find game, where you circle the word in the grid. He wants me to make him one up for himself. I will do that.
Ok. Time for tea. Everything will be much better after tea.
Love,
Angela
Happy birthday to Sally for yesterday! Hooray! I know she had a fabulous day as I got a text from Andrew early saying they were off for a fancy lunch and they had the day off. Toby was cross that I hadn't reminded him on the day though. I got a dirty look when I told him it was Aunty Sally's birthday yesterday when he woke up this morning. He wants to go shopping for her now.
Keas went well. It was our first wet weather evening for ages - and dark enough that I had to find the lights! We learned about St Patrick (a week late, but never mind) and made dancing leprechauns. I was quite happy it was a quiet evening as I had a migraine 30 minutes before I left work. Phew!
Busy after work tonight. Got a release tonight in one system, and another one on Thursday evening. I'll be quite ready for my week holiday starting at Easter!
Toby completed his homework well. He finished the rest of it this morning. He's learning long e sounds and words. Agree. Money. Speed. Degree. Season. Those sorts of words. I think he quite likes it. There was a word find game, where you circle the word in the grid. He wants me to make him one up for himself. I will do that.
Ok. Time for tea. Everything will be much better after tea.
Love,
Angela
Monday, March 22, 2010
Good morning on Mon, Mar 22
Hi,
I know you're waiting for a big entry because I've had a long weekend, but I'm not sure I can sort it all out for this morning.
Craig and Carolin arrived on the midnight flight from Sydney on Thursday and I collected them with hardly a yawn. We drove back home and I fell into part two of my sleep without a bother.
Up early and getting Toby ready for school. There was a bit of stress, but we all walked Toby to school, then finished flinging stuff in the car and we took off. We stopped at the French bakery in Greytown (as you do) and I didn't make anyone sick going over the hill this time. We got to the Stonehenge Aotearoa at 10.50am - perfect timing. It was just us on the tour, and a lovely warm day. Craig and Carolin loved it and I loved it just as much as the first time (about 3 years ago).
From there we went to Mt Bruce and we had lunch. Then we spent a while at the Kiwi house and got a good look at the two kiwi in there. Then we walked around the park for a bit. Back in the car and the next stop was Napier (oh - with petrol at Pahiatua).
The Napier Top Ten Holiday Park was full to bursting and only had campsites available. About three big events were on in town. We pitched our tents and wandered to the ladies toilets to use the electricity to pump up the airbed for Carolin to sleep on. Trouble is, there is a slow puncture in it. By the morning, when Craig got up at 6am, Carolin ended up on the ground. So we were all up early. Mike and Toby had arrived at 10pm after their big drive and Toby was carried asleep from the car to the tent. We all slept well.
We struck the tents and wandered into town for the art deco walk. We just missed it by minutes but watched the video and bought the self guided tour book. We had brunch and wandered down to the beachfront. Craig and Carolin checked out the cathedral and the rest of us lazed under a tree at the beach.
Then it was early afternoon and we drove to Taupo. Registered at the Top Ten Holiday Resort and pitched the tent. Craig and Carolin had a very nice cabin unit (with ensuite and kitchen and LCD TV) and we were pitched just outside. Toby and I went swimming and jumping and then we had a BBQ tea. Very nice. Mamma Mia was on TV so we watched the last half of that and went to bed early!
The next morning was stunning. We packed up and left to see Huka Falls. It was a spectacular as ever and it has been quite a few years since I was there last. The jet boat looked very enticing as it came up the river from below the falls.
From there we went to Craters of the Moon and spent an hour walking around steaming vents, bubbling mud and big craters. All very exciting. Well, sometimes for Toby. Excitement interspersed with boredom I think.
From there we had lunch at Turangi and drove home. More boredom for Toby - that drive is so passe for him now. Heheheheh.
We called in at Mum and Dad's place on the way home and met Dad just arriving home from work. We had a lovely dinner (ta Ma) and Craig and Carolin caught up (however briefly) with Mum and Dad. Then home to sleep.
Up bright and early for the ferry. They should be leaving now (8am) as I type. The weather is poor so I hope the crossing is ok for them. Oh dear.
Have a great week, everyone.
Love,
Angela
I know you're waiting for a big entry because I've had a long weekend, but I'm not sure I can sort it all out for this morning.
Craig and Carolin arrived on the midnight flight from Sydney on Thursday and I collected them with hardly a yawn. We drove back home and I fell into part two of my sleep without a bother.
Up early and getting Toby ready for school. There was a bit of stress, but we all walked Toby to school, then finished flinging stuff in the car and we took off. We stopped at the French bakery in Greytown (as you do) and I didn't make anyone sick going over the hill this time. We got to the Stonehenge Aotearoa at 10.50am - perfect timing. It was just us on the tour, and a lovely warm day. Craig and Carolin loved it and I loved it just as much as the first time (about 3 years ago).
From there we went to Mt Bruce and we had lunch. Then we spent a while at the Kiwi house and got a good look at the two kiwi in there. Then we walked around the park for a bit. Back in the car and the next stop was Napier (oh - with petrol at Pahiatua).
The Napier Top Ten Holiday Park was full to bursting and only had campsites available. About three big events were on in town. We pitched our tents and wandered to the ladies toilets to use the electricity to pump up the airbed for Carolin to sleep on. Trouble is, there is a slow puncture in it. By the morning, when Craig got up at 6am, Carolin ended up on the ground. So we were all up early. Mike and Toby had arrived at 10pm after their big drive and Toby was carried asleep from the car to the tent. We all slept well.
We struck the tents and wandered into town for the art deco walk. We just missed it by minutes but watched the video and bought the self guided tour book. We had brunch and wandered down to the beachfront. Craig and Carolin checked out the cathedral and the rest of us lazed under a tree at the beach.
Then it was early afternoon and we drove to Taupo. Registered at the Top Ten Holiday Resort and pitched the tent. Craig and Carolin had a very nice cabin unit (with ensuite and kitchen and LCD TV) and we were pitched just outside. Toby and I went swimming and jumping and then we had a BBQ tea. Very nice. Mamma Mia was on TV so we watched the last half of that and went to bed early!
The next morning was stunning. We packed up and left to see Huka Falls. It was a spectacular as ever and it has been quite a few years since I was there last. The jet boat looked very enticing as it came up the river from below the falls.
From there we went to Craters of the Moon and spent an hour walking around steaming vents, bubbling mud and big craters. All very exciting. Well, sometimes for Toby. Excitement interspersed with boredom I think.
From there we had lunch at Turangi and drove home. More boredom for Toby - that drive is so passe for him now. Heheheheh.
We called in at Mum and Dad's place on the way home and met Dad just arriving home from work. We had a lovely dinner (ta Ma) and Craig and Carolin caught up (however briefly) with Mum and Dad. Then home to sleep.
Up bright and early for the ferry. They should be leaving now (8am) as I type. The weather is poor so I hope the crossing is ok for them. Oh dear.
Have a great week, everyone.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Good morning on Thurs, Mar 18
Hi,
What a lovely, if chilly, morning. The bus trip both ways yesterday left me determined to ride my bike, even into the teeth of a howling gale with hailstones. Well, at the moment that's how I feel. Stupid buses. I wore my rugby jersey this morning because it was cold. And my big toe was cold by the time I got to work. A lot better than numb from the knees down in the middle of winter. But still early to be getting so cold.
Mike took Toby to karate (well, Dad took him and Mike met them there) and it went well. I was hoping to get there for most of it, but the buses hated me last night. So I went straight home and the boys were already back and Ma was getting dinner server. Toby's favourite because they think he needs pampering after weeks of neglect on their part. Sickness does that to you.
Ma is still not right - but getting there slowly.
Today is Friday for me as I have a day off tomorrow. Craig and Carolin from Australia arrive tonight at midnight (groan) and we're away tomorrow morning at 8.30am to visit Stonehenge Aotearoa and then Mt Bruce on the way to Napier. Vivienne will come along too, for tomorrow only. Great! Mike and Toby will leave after work/school and head up as well.
Have to finish packing tonight for the weekend as we're away early tomorrow morning. Woo hoo! The weather is supposed to be lovely while we're away. Wairarapa tomorrow is lovely as is Napier the next day and Taupo the day fater that. Wellington is looking dodgy for Monday - but that is normal.
Better get stuck in.
Love,
Angela
What a lovely, if chilly, morning. The bus trip both ways yesterday left me determined to ride my bike, even into the teeth of a howling gale with hailstones. Well, at the moment that's how I feel. Stupid buses. I wore my rugby jersey this morning because it was cold. And my big toe was cold by the time I got to work. A lot better than numb from the knees down in the middle of winter. But still early to be getting so cold.
Mike took Toby to karate (well, Dad took him and Mike met them there) and it went well. I was hoping to get there for most of it, but the buses hated me last night. So I went straight home and the boys were already back and Ma was getting dinner server. Toby's favourite because they think he needs pampering after weeks of neglect on their part. Sickness does that to you.
Ma is still not right - but getting there slowly.
Today is Friday for me as I have a day off tomorrow. Craig and Carolin from Australia arrive tonight at midnight (groan) and we're away tomorrow morning at 8.30am to visit Stonehenge Aotearoa and then Mt Bruce on the way to Napier. Vivienne will come along too, for tomorrow only. Great! Mike and Toby will leave after work/school and head up as well.
Have to finish packing tonight for the weekend as we're away early tomorrow morning. Woo hoo! The weather is supposed to be lovely while we're away. Wairarapa tomorrow is lovely as is Napier the next day and Taupo the day fater that. Wellington is looking dodgy for Monday - but that is normal.
Better get stuck in.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Atiwhakatu Hut, March 13-14
We had a great time at Atiwhakatu Hut last weekend.
There'll be more stuff (and photos!) here soon. But in the meantime, this blog entry is just a place holder. Come back soon!!
Good morning on Wed, Mar 17
Top of the morning, to ye.
To be sure, it is a wet morning here in Wellington. Never mind. I wimped out and took the bus - and missed it. So I was grumpy waiting for the bus, texting Mike all my frustrations. But, guess what? Someone I knew got on the bus in a few stops and we had a good chat into work. So it all turned out fine.
I am on Toby drop-off duties on Wednesday because Mike is doing karate duty. I think Mum and Dad will come over to collect Toby after tennis (if it's on) and maybe cook tea if I'm lucky (in which case, they should know there is absolutely nothing out for cooking - we're slack).
We have organised a tour at Stonehenge Aotearoa for Friday at 11am for me and my friends over from Australia (Craig and Carolin finally coming to visit after all these years!). Vivienne will pop over for it and Mt Bruce too. Great! Ma is still too sick for a whole day outing. Given our trip to the mirror shop on Sunday was too taxing for her - she may be right. But if anyone else wants to come along - please do!
That's about it for now. We're having St Patrick's Day celebrations here at work today. I might get some lolly snakes if I play my cards right.
Love,
Angela
To be sure, it is a wet morning here in Wellington. Never mind. I wimped out and took the bus - and missed it. So I was grumpy waiting for the bus, texting Mike all my frustrations. But, guess what? Someone I knew got on the bus in a few stops and we had a good chat into work. So it all turned out fine.
I am on Toby drop-off duties on Wednesday because Mike is doing karate duty. I think Mum and Dad will come over to collect Toby after tennis (if it's on) and maybe cook tea if I'm lucky (in which case, they should know there is absolutely nothing out for cooking - we're slack).
We have organised a tour at Stonehenge Aotearoa for Friday at 11am for me and my friends over from Australia (Craig and Carolin finally coming to visit after all these years!). Vivienne will pop over for it and Mt Bruce too. Great! Ma is still too sick for a whole day outing. Given our trip to the mirror shop on Sunday was too taxing for her - she may be right. But if anyone else wants to come along - please do!
That's about it for now. We're having St Patrick's Day celebrations here at work today. I might get some lolly snakes if I play my cards right.
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Good morning on Tues, Mar 16
Hi,
What a lovely evening last night - so warm. Very good news as Keas was involved in a major water fight. I was kind of hoping to get involved as do some shooting of my own. But it turns out that I was only required to fill 100 water balloons in non-stop filling action for about 50 minutes. Phew! Ok - Rob did about 10 of them. But that still left me 90 to fill. And of course the kids loved it.
It didn't matter that they got wet because it was so warm. Toby had a ball. Rob (a new parent helper) moppoed the kitchen floor. The Scout Hall won't know what's hit it. Aidan cleaning the Ladies bathroom and Rob mopping the kitchen floor. He even pulled the fridge out. Oooooo. I would have been too scared at what I might find. Especially after the mice episode over the weekend.
Tuesdays are our free day. Nothing on. Nothing to rush home for. Toby does his homework. We have tea. Easy. I noticed Mrs Mahoney writing in red ink in Toby's homework book about his messy writing last week. Oh dear. Better effort today please Toby. The poor boy has inherited genes from me that make tidy homework next to impossible. He'll have to try hard tonight.
I hope your day is marvellous.
Love,
Angela
What a lovely evening last night - so warm. Very good news as Keas was involved in a major water fight. I was kind of hoping to get involved as do some shooting of my own. But it turns out that I was only required to fill 100 water balloons in non-stop filling action for about 50 minutes. Phew! Ok - Rob did about 10 of them. But that still left me 90 to fill. And of course the kids loved it.
It didn't matter that they got wet because it was so warm. Toby had a ball. Rob (a new parent helper) moppoed the kitchen floor. The Scout Hall won't know what's hit it. Aidan cleaning the Ladies bathroom and Rob mopping the kitchen floor. He even pulled the fridge out. Oooooo. I would have been too scared at what I might find. Especially after the mice episode over the weekend.
Tuesdays are our free day. Nothing on. Nothing to rush home for. Toby does his homework. We have tea. Easy. I noticed Mrs Mahoney writing in red ink in Toby's homework book about his messy writing last week. Oh dear. Better effort today please Toby. The poor boy has inherited genes from me that make tidy homework next to impossible. He'll have to try hard tonight.
I hope your day is marvellous.
Love,
Angela
Monday, March 15, 2010
Toby was very, very good this morning
I was in the shower when Toby got up - he came trotting up the stairs and said, "I've made my bed for you." OK, I said back, now can you get dressed. And astonishingly enough, there he was fully dressed when I got out of the shower.
All morning he was very helpful, and insisted on doing everything himself, including making his lunch. What a great morning!
All morning he was very helpful, and insisted on doing everything himself, including making his lunch. What a great morning!
Good morning on Mon, Mar 15
Hi,
What a lovely morning this morning - and after quite an eventful weekend. It started at about 4.15pm on Friday when the big storm hit Wellington with speed and ferocity. Quite spectacular to watch from our office. Needless to say, Mike and I chickened out and took the bus home. There was a bus skewered on a bollard on the corner of Willis and Lambton Quay, so nothing was getting past down Lambton Quay. So Mike said we should go to Farmers as the buses will get re-directed through the back streets. Sure enough, after 15 minutes, a 14 pulled up, mostly empty and we climbed in. We were soaked by the time we got to Toby and soaked even more walking home with him.
Into the car and off to buy chippies for the Gilbert/Lewis Friday night takeaway. Just as Mike got into the car with the dinner, Andrew rang and as the storm had broken the trains to the Hutt, he was at a loose end. Not anymore. We sped down the hill to collect him, and Sally came too! So it was a chippie fest at the Lewis household.
Nice to John again after his journey to Canada for his mother's illness and funeral. He got birthday presents (as did I) and we'd forgotten completely. Oops. Sorry John. We'll rectify that! I have some good reading ahead of me.
Toby got some Benjamin hand-me-downs as we scootered out of the Lewises. Somehow Toby and I had missed the exit of Mike, Sally and Andrew and for a while we thought they had forgotten about us entirely. Everything had been cleared out except our shoes - hanbag was gone, jackets were gone. Very funny. But they were all sitting in the car for us both. I dropped Mike and Toby off at home and drove Sally and Andrew out to their house. Good opportunity to sing loudly for me. But only on the way back! I wouldn't subject Sally and Andrew to too much of that!
Next morning Mike packed for his tramp and Toby and I left for my haircut. Then off to swimming where Toby swam very well. Next week we're away for swimming and it is rebooking day. So I have sorted that already with the swim office.
We went back home to relax before shopping for the Kea sleepover and heading to the Scout Hall. We arrived and carted things into the hall. Everyone started arriving and I cooked up sausages for everyone. We ended up with 11 children and 3 adults and it all went very well. Aidan is officially a New Zealander now as she wrestled with the Zip, and won. Zip hot water systems are an institution in New Zealand community halls. It is a part of my childhood to hear the Zip whistling as it boils. Aidan can now fill a Zip, wait patiently for it to boil, knows the whistling will turn itself off, and can empty the contents into a vessel for use elsewhere. To see her stricken face at the doorway when the Zip started whistling as she worried how to turn it off was unforgettable.
The kids all loved the toasted marshmallows after tea and the laptop episode of Man versus Wild where he went to Hawaii was well received. Then to bed and I sank into a coma as I worried whether I'd be able to get to sleep with all the rustling.
When I woke Toby was off his sleeping mat and on the wooden floor. So I cuddled him up to me on my mattress and fell back to doze for a bit. Morning came and Aidan helped me cooked a ton of bacon and eggs. Ryan's family had supplied the eggs from their chooks. Yummy! Aidan suggested I use bread as an egg mould and that worked a treat as we had no spatula to turn the eggs.
Aidan rushed the kids off to their first hockey game (I hope it went well and I hope to see photos) and we tidied up and left as well. The pans all scrubbed up well, even the bacon ones!
When Toby and I got home we decided to eat the leftover Chocolate Thins. Not a good idea as when I went over to get one, after Toby had started on them, I noticed mice nibbles on the end one in the packet. So Aidan did hear mice during the night! Hopefully the mice were clean eaters and Toby will suffer no ill effects.
We had lunch and went to collect Mum to go shopping. The mirror shop was shut so we went to Woolworths to get groceries. Then Mum started feeling sick again (migraine perhaps) and so we dropped her home and went to our house instead of staying for tea. It's a shame for her.
Mike got home soon enough after his successful tramp and we had tea and Mike rang his parents about the architect plans and we all went to bed. Phew. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I was asleep.
Have a wonderful week.
Love,
Angela
What a lovely morning this morning - and after quite an eventful weekend. It started at about 4.15pm on Friday when the big storm hit Wellington with speed and ferocity. Quite spectacular to watch from our office. Needless to say, Mike and I chickened out and took the bus home. There was a bus skewered on a bollard on the corner of Willis and Lambton Quay, so nothing was getting past down Lambton Quay. So Mike said we should go to Farmers as the buses will get re-directed through the back streets. Sure enough, after 15 minutes, a 14 pulled up, mostly empty and we climbed in. We were soaked by the time we got to Toby and soaked even more walking home with him.
Into the car and off to buy chippies for the Gilbert/Lewis Friday night takeaway. Just as Mike got into the car with the dinner, Andrew rang and as the storm had broken the trains to the Hutt, he was at a loose end. Not anymore. We sped down the hill to collect him, and Sally came too! So it was a chippie fest at the Lewis household.
Nice to John again after his journey to Canada for his mother's illness and funeral. He got birthday presents (as did I) and we'd forgotten completely. Oops. Sorry John. We'll rectify that! I have some good reading ahead of me.
Toby got some Benjamin hand-me-downs as we scootered out of the Lewises. Somehow Toby and I had missed the exit of Mike, Sally and Andrew and for a while we thought they had forgotten about us entirely. Everything had been cleared out except our shoes - hanbag was gone, jackets were gone. Very funny. But they were all sitting in the car for us both. I dropped Mike and Toby off at home and drove Sally and Andrew out to their house. Good opportunity to sing loudly for me. But only on the way back! I wouldn't subject Sally and Andrew to too much of that!
Next morning Mike packed for his tramp and Toby and I left for my haircut. Then off to swimming where Toby swam very well. Next week we're away for swimming and it is rebooking day. So I have sorted that already with the swim office.
We went back home to relax before shopping for the Kea sleepover and heading to the Scout Hall. We arrived and carted things into the hall. Everyone started arriving and I cooked up sausages for everyone. We ended up with 11 children and 3 adults and it all went very well. Aidan is officially a New Zealander now as she wrestled with the Zip, and won. Zip hot water systems are an institution in New Zealand community halls. It is a part of my childhood to hear the Zip whistling as it boils. Aidan can now fill a Zip, wait patiently for it to boil, knows the whistling will turn itself off, and can empty the contents into a vessel for use elsewhere. To see her stricken face at the doorway when the Zip started whistling as she worried how to turn it off was unforgettable.
The kids all loved the toasted marshmallows after tea and the laptop episode of Man versus Wild where he went to Hawaii was well received. Then to bed and I sank into a coma as I worried whether I'd be able to get to sleep with all the rustling.
When I woke Toby was off his sleeping mat and on the wooden floor. So I cuddled him up to me on my mattress and fell back to doze for a bit. Morning came and Aidan helped me cooked a ton of bacon and eggs. Ryan's family had supplied the eggs from their chooks. Yummy! Aidan suggested I use bread as an egg mould and that worked a treat as we had no spatula to turn the eggs.
Aidan rushed the kids off to their first hockey game (I hope it went well and I hope to see photos) and we tidied up and left as well. The pans all scrubbed up well, even the bacon ones!
When Toby and I got home we decided to eat the leftover Chocolate Thins. Not a good idea as when I went over to get one, after Toby had started on them, I noticed mice nibbles on the end one in the packet. So Aidan did hear mice during the night! Hopefully the mice were clean eaters and Toby will suffer no ill effects.
We had lunch and went to collect Mum to go shopping. The mirror shop was shut so we went to Woolworths to get groceries. Then Mum started feeling sick again (migraine perhaps) and so we dropped her home and went to our house instead of staying for tea. It's a shame for her.
Mike got home soon enough after his successful tramp and we had tea and Mike rang his parents about the architect plans and we all went to bed. Phew. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I was asleep.
Have a wonderful week.
Love,
Angela
Friday, March 12, 2010
Good morning on Fri, Mar 12
Hi,
Must have rained hard during the night as the roads were a bit wet coming in and my bike was in the top garage and my hi-vis jacket was wet when I pulled it on. Yuck. Heheheh.
Last night was our first Dynamics User Group session with the new organisers in charge (me nominally but probably in for the long haul now). We were up the front blabbing on about it all. I had convinced many colleagues to come along, as had Visha. The talk was aimed at developers, and it really was! I found it very interesting. My work colleagues had some of it sail over their heads. But it was very kind of them to support me (us).
Friday - hooray. Mike has to pack for his tramp tomorrow. Wish we were going too. But we have National Kea Sleepover night tomorrow night and we're all sleeping in the Scout Hall. Fun! Swimming tomorrow with Toby. Sunday is free at this stage (after about 9am when all the Keas get picked up after the sleepover, of course!).
Have a marvellous weekend. The weather is supposed to be quite nice here after the cool change yesterday. Bring it on!
Love,
Angela
Must have rained hard during the night as the roads were a bit wet coming in and my bike was in the top garage and my hi-vis jacket was wet when I pulled it on. Yuck. Heheheh.
Last night was our first Dynamics User Group session with the new organisers in charge (me nominally but probably in for the long haul now). We were up the front blabbing on about it all. I had convinced many colleagues to come along, as had Visha. The talk was aimed at developers, and it really was! I found it very interesting. My work colleagues had some of it sail over their heads. But it was very kind of them to support me (us).
Friday - hooray. Mike has to pack for his tramp tomorrow. Wish we were going too. But we have National Kea Sleepover night tomorrow night and we're all sleeping in the Scout Hall. Fun! Swimming tomorrow with Toby. Sunday is free at this stage (after about 9am when all the Keas get picked up after the sleepover, of course!).
Have a marvellous weekend. The weather is supposed to be quite nice here after the cool change yesterday. Bring it on!
Love,
Angela
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Good morning on Thurs, Mar 11
Hi,
Poor Mike had to give up his ticket to watch Richard Dawkins talk last night at the Michael Fowler Centre. The time frames were too tight and he had to be at tramping club to promote his tramp this weekend. So Kara came in his place.
We all enjoyed it - especially my mother. She had lugged two of Richard Dawkins books around with her all day and when they announced he would sign books at the end, she leapt out of her seat and ran down the stairs. Are we sure she's sick? ;-)
Richard Dawkins talked about how evolution is pretty incredible but really the only option as an explanation for our existence. Natural selection is his weapon of choice.
After the talk and the book signing (Mum has two books signed and now Richard Dawkins knows she comes from Glasgow and has been out of Scotland for a long time), we went for tea. Mike popped in briefly and then went to collect Toby from the Sampsons.
Tonight is User Group night for Dynamics - anyone want to come? http://dynamicsug.wordpress.com/ I'm starting to help run this group and tonight is our first one on our own. Ooooooooo.
That's it. Mike will pack for his tramp tonight so we can have Indian takeaways with the Lewises on Friday night. Cool!
Love,
Angela
Poor Mike had to give up his ticket to watch Richard Dawkins talk last night at the Michael Fowler Centre. The time frames were too tight and he had to be at tramping club to promote his tramp this weekend. So Kara came in his place.
We all enjoyed it - especially my mother. She had lugged two of Richard Dawkins books around with her all day and when they announced he would sign books at the end, she leapt out of her seat and ran down the stairs. Are we sure she's sick? ;-)
Richard Dawkins talked about how evolution is pretty incredible but really the only option as an explanation for our existence. Natural selection is his weapon of choice.
After the talk and the book signing (Mum has two books signed and now Richard Dawkins knows she comes from Glasgow and has been out of Scotland for a long time), we went for tea. Mike popped in briefly and then went to collect Toby from the Sampsons.
Tonight is User Group night for Dynamics - anyone want to come? http://dynamicsug.wordpress.com/ I'm starting to help run this group and tonight is our first one on our own. Ooooooooo.
That's it. Mike will pack for his tramp tonight so we can have Indian takeaways with the Lewises on Friday night. Cool!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Good morning on Wed, Mar 10
Hi,
Congratulations to my niece Michelle. Her boyfriend Tim proposed to her in Fiji and she accepted. Woo hoo! I can't believe it. Michelle wrote up a diary of the Fiji fun and sent through lots of photos. It made me cry.
Busy times indeed. I had Toby drop off duty and a good ride down the hill in brilliant conditions. We went out to tea at Kara's house last night and we ate all her fish pie. Even Toby tried hard to eat it. Good on him. We also sorted out some of Kara's computer woes.
Today is Dawkins night - Richard Dawkins talking at Michael Fowler Centre from 6.30 - 7.30pm tonight. Mike may give away his ticket as he has to take Toby to karate and get to tramping club to sort out this weekend's tramp. Shame! Kara has first dibs.
Ma will come in on the bus (with her Dawkins book she is hoping to get signed) and we'll meet up somewhere. We might grab something for tea afterwards and wait for Mike to take him home too.
That's it really. Busy at work.
Love,
Angela
Congratulations to my niece Michelle. Her boyfriend Tim proposed to her in Fiji and she accepted. Woo hoo! I can't believe it. Michelle wrote up a diary of the Fiji fun and sent through lots of photos. It made me cry.
Busy times indeed. I had Toby drop off duty and a good ride down the hill in brilliant conditions. We went out to tea at Kara's house last night and we ate all her fish pie. Even Toby tried hard to eat it. Good on him. We also sorted out some of Kara's computer woes.
Today is Dawkins night - Richard Dawkins talking at Michael Fowler Centre from 6.30 - 7.30pm tonight. Mike may give away his ticket as he has to take Toby to karate and get to tramping club to sort out this weekend's tramp. Shame! Kara has first dibs.
Ma will come in on the bus (with her Dawkins book she is hoping to get signed) and we'll meet up somewhere. We might grab something for tea afterwards and wait for Mike to take him home too.
That's it really. Busy at work.
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Good morning on Tues, Mar 9
Hi,
What a beautiful morning here in Wellington. However, March is most definitely here as there is a nip in the air and my nose dribbles as I ride down the hill. Guess what? I passed another cyclist going down this hill this morning. Always a first time for everything. I could be cheeky and say I passed two cyclists, but one of them was pushing his bike as he chatted to someone. So, that would be misleading.
Keas was great fun last night. A young Kea made his Kea promise and motto and got his woggle and scarf. Woo hoo! Proud mother was there taking photos. And we had three other children turn up too. Wow! 6 Keas running around. Amazing. We might actually be getting some numbers. We'll see.
Toby and I went home via the supermarket to get some tea and then rushed in to collect Mike from the tramping club meeting (trip planning for winter). When we got home I brought in the washing (oh bother - I forgot to hang out the wash this morning that I put in last night - never mind!) and it should be nice and dry after airing. The days are getting shorter so it was quite dark by the time I grabbed them in. I am almost up-to-date after the excesses of the weekend.
Tonight we're off to Kara's place for tea. Yum! Can't stay late though and Toby needs to do his homework there.
That's about it. Enjoy the sunshine if it's peeking out wherever you are!
Love,
Angela
What a beautiful morning here in Wellington. However, March is most definitely here as there is a nip in the air and my nose dribbles as I ride down the hill. Guess what? I passed another cyclist going down this hill this morning. Always a first time for everything. I could be cheeky and say I passed two cyclists, but one of them was pushing his bike as he chatted to someone. So, that would be misleading.
Keas was great fun last night. A young Kea made his Kea promise and motto and got his woggle and scarf. Woo hoo! Proud mother was there taking photos. And we had three other children turn up too. Wow! 6 Keas running around. Amazing. We might actually be getting some numbers. We'll see.
Toby and I went home via the supermarket to get some tea and then rushed in to collect Mike from the tramping club meeting (trip planning for winter). When we got home I brought in the washing (oh bother - I forgot to hang out the wash this morning that I put in last night - never mind!) and it should be nice and dry after airing. The days are getting shorter so it was quite dark by the time I grabbed them in. I am almost up-to-date after the excesses of the weekend.
Tonight we're off to Kara's place for tea. Yum! Can't stay late though and Toby needs to do his homework there.
That's about it. Enjoy the sunshine if it's peeking out wherever you are!
Love,
Angela
Monday, March 8, 2010
Good morning (afternoon) on Mon, Mar 8
Hi,
We have had a wonderful long weekend exploring the lower half of the North Island with our friends, Kathleen and Duncan. Our friends are over from Melbourne (where I used to work with Kathleen) for two weeks. They spent the first week in Otago exploring Wanaka, Queenstown and Dunedin, before turning up at our place earlier in the week.
It all started for me and Toby on Thursday morning. We had the Corolla packed and left one bag (our clothes) with Mike to bring up later in the wee green car. Mike had an extra day of work to get through before joining us in Napier at the Kennedy Top Ten Motor Camp. Toby, Kathleen, Duncan and I sped up State Highway 2 nice and early. My enthusiastic driving over the Rimutaka Hill made Toby and Kathleen slightly ill and we had to stop for refreshments in Greytown. Lucky they have that beautiful French bakery there, isn't it? What a hardship. After about 30 minutes, Kathleen felt well enough to continue and we didn't stop until we got to the i (information centre) in Napier where we dumped out Kathleen and Duncan to get to their 1.45pm Art Deco walking tour.
Meanwhile Toby and I went to the Top Ten Motor Camp and pitched the tent. Stupid dry Napier dirt! It was hard pegging the pegs in without a mallet into rock-hard ground. The land around Wellington doesn't have that problem. Toby helped me for about 1 minute before the lure of the jumping pillow pulled him out of my grasp. I'd told him they had a swimming pool as well when we came in and that he had to wait for me and he'd have to swim in his jocks (Mike has all the clothes remember). As I neared completing the tent pitching exercise I could hear Toby shouting "Mum!". So I shouted back "Come here", not being in a position to leave at that point. Anyhow, he never turned up.
So I finished the last peg that meant the tent wouldn't blow away and laid down my sandal (the only way to push pegs into the ground) and wandered off to find Toby. I found him in the swimming pool, in his jocks (and socks!). He was told off in no uncertain terms, and hauled out of the pool quick-smart. I couldn't believe he had gone into the pool without me there. I made him walk to the tentsite where I told him off and told him I expect him never to go swimming without our knowledge again. I got everything ready and then followed him back to the pool where he played for a little longer in the cold water. He spent a lot of time drying off as he had no towel (in the bag with the clothes) and it was cold water in the pool.
We went to collect Kathleen and Duncan from their tour and ate dinner in town - steaks at the Lone Star. Then we went back and Toby and I went to bed (we had the bedding with us) and we waited for Mike to arrive.
Mike left work right on time at 5pm and hurtled to Napier. Traffic was good, it was free-flowing from Petone onwards and he even had a clear run over the Rimutakas - clear road on the way up and as part of a phalanx of Golf GTi's on the way down. He did the whole trip non-stop. Well, apart from one pit-stop that was going to involve a pie munched down as he put petrol in the car. It turned into something slightly more leisurely, since he had to refuel in Dannevirke which has all the best restaurants - including Subway which I never let him eat because even the smell makes me slightly ill. Bleugh. Each to their own. So he had a leisurely foot-long meatball sandwich sitting out on a kerbside table watching the Dannevirke night-life go by.
The second stop for Mike was at 9:45 when he turned up at the campground. He rang as he drove in the gate and I talked him in - I knew he was close when headlights loomed through the tent. He parked right by the tent, took the two steps through the entrance and straight to bed. We all slept well.
Next morning we cooked up breakfast in Kathleen and Duncan's room and Toby got a television fix (no Cartoon Network though). He also got a swim in and a bounce on the jumping pillow. Then we struck the tent and packed up. Kathleen, Toby and I went to the Amazing Maze in Maize out near Hastings. We got given a walkie talkie in case we got hopelessly lost in the maize. The maze was fantastic and we had a ball. After wandering around and not getting too lost we made it out. I felt just like I was in that episode of Ben 10 where they run around a corn field. I loved it. Toby got freaked by spooky pictures of two old people (in reception) that had a hologram that turned their faces into ghosts when you changed angles. The maize field got him spooked a few times. We were the only punters there. Made it even better I reckon! They have an evening Haunted maze for 16 years and over and Toby was keen. But if daylight scares him because of spooky pictures, then he's a long way from being able to do the spooky maze. The owner, Les, says she has 25 actors out there on those evenings with blood splatterings and all sorts!
Mike and Duncan went to explore wineries in the other car, and had a great time by all accounts - even though Mike was driving (so couldn't taste much) and Duncan was flying home (so couldn't buy much). Between the two of them they got through it with flying colours. They went to Mission and Church Road - the funny thing with these wineries being that they are basically in the middle of a Napier suburb. When they were built in the late 19th century they were in the countryside - but Napier has grown to meet them. Mission in particular is absolutely beautiful, since it was a priory and seminary right up until 1990. Its grounds and buildings are gorgeous and worth seeing in their own right.
Anyhow, we all met up again for lunch in Napier by the waterfront, before Duncan headed off to Napier airport - he was heading to Auckland early to catch up with a friend there - and the rest of us drove to Turangi (via Taupo) for the evening. We bought a walkie talkie for car to car comms as we thought it'd be good for our Easter road trip too. It was fun. Toby especially liked it. Duncan was deposited at Napier airport and we were off to Taupo. It was a lot faster than I anticipated getting there. 1.5 hours. Add another 30 minutes to get to Turangi and it was a good drive. We found our backpackers at Turangi easily enough, in spite of its bizarre name - or names! - The A Plus Lodge, aka Samurai Hostel, aka Iwikehe Backpackers, aka Tongariro Hostel. It was pretty basic. We had a huge room and they built a room for Kathleen upon arrival. That might be a slight exaggeration. They had made a big room into two small rooms and Kathleen got one of them. The light switch was in the other room, so they had removed the bulb and added a bedside lamp! And no facia on the door so there was a big gap all around the door frame that you could see straight in through. Kathleen got the man to add strips of wood. Even then her room didn't lock - if you pushed it it just opened. Very weird. But comfortable enough - especially at the price, which for our room was the same as our tent site the night before!
Next morning we got up to get some breakfast and provisions and Mike and Toby dropped me at Kathleen off at the Tongariro Crossing Mangapopo road end. The weather was nice everywhere in the whole country - except the top of Mt Tongariro. We made good time and walked up into cloud and wind. I pulled on my thermal leggings, jersey and parka and we ate lunch before heading up higher. Kathleen added woolly hat and gloves to her ensemble and we walked up into the cloud. Her glasses got covered in rain and she took them off. Her visibility didn't change much as the clouds were pretty thick. I told her about the wonderful views she couldn't see. As we walked down the scree I fell, leaning back against the wind on one step down and having the gust suddenly stop plunged me to my bottom! My left hand copped a deep graze from volcanic shards (I'm making this dramatic as possible and I didn't notice the blood on my pinky until I got down the scree) as I stopped my fall. I saw the first lake loom out of the mist and pointed it out to Kathleen. We popped behind a rock to tip out the rocks from my boots and cover my cut with a plaster. Kathleen bobbed up and said it was clearing and there were loads of people there. I bobbed up and saw the lake clearly and about 20 or 30 people having their lunch on the shore of the lake. They had been hiding in the mist and invisible to us. I laced my boots back up and we took off. The wind had whipped up the volcanic dust and ash and it adhered to the sunscreen on my face. Along with the hat hair, the strap holding my sun hat to my head and my stripey thermals poking out from my shorts, I think I looked a fine sight. I had ash in my ears and up my nose. Each bite of food ground away years of enamel on my teeth! Blowing my nose was like plastic surgery.
The rest of the walk was mostly out of the cloud and we had a good view of the lakes as we walked the interminable downhill slog to the other road end. It was a wonderful surprise to see Mike and Toby walking up to meet us from their end. Kathleen was walking ahead and I heard her say "Hello" and there was Mike and Toby. Mike had a backpack full of yummy sustaining food and cold drinks for us. Thank you Mike. I was feeling pretty good unlike last year where I got blisters an hour into the walk and spent the next 6 hours hobbling and favouring my blistered foot. The ungainly walk made my body ache way more than this year. I'm on for next summer too - with Toby this time. Any takers? Oh - and I'm only going in lovely conditions so I get to enjoy the wonderful scenery. No more clouds for me.
We drove straight to the Tokaanu hot pools and got two private pools and we relaxed in the hot, hot water. Great treatment for muscles after a long walk. back to Turangi for a posh dinner at Four Fish restaurant before sinking into a blissful sleep.
Kathleen was bussing to Auckland at 1:25pm on Sunday, so Sunday morning consisted of finding things to do that didn't take us too far from Turangi (which we'd pretty well sucked the marrow of by now). We thought a tour of the power station would be good but they only run them with prior arrangement. So we decided on a whim to drive Kathleen around the central plateau. We stopped in at many things we always whiz past, looking at the old Pa site on Lake Rotoaire (smothered in black swans, making Kathleen homesick for Western Australia where the state symbol is a black swan), the train viaduct near Ohakune and then hurtling to get back to Turangi on time. Got there with oodles of time, and Kathleen's bus was 30 minutes late anyway!
Once we'd seen Kathleen off, it was time to head home. This was an unusual trip because as we went, we shed people and luggage - now there was just me and Toby in the Corolla, and Mike in convoy in the MX-5. So off we went, radioing back and forth on the walkie-talkies. Before we knew it we were pulling into Wellington. We both filled up in Taihape, so Mike got us to both fill up again in Wellington to see how the two cars compared. It was amazingly close - the Corolla used 15.38 litres and the MX-5 used 15.84 litres! Less than one pint difference in 2 and a bit hours driving. I wasn't expecting the two cars to be that close. It's about 230km from Taihape to Wellington, giving a mileage of about 6.7 L/100km - so that means that the two cars together used about the same petrol as the Magna by itself would have used on the same road. So we didn't need to feel *too* guilty about taking two cars between three people!
We got home by 6pm and started the dinner and the unpacking and the airing and the washing and the preparation for Monday morning. Vivienne had looked after Merlot well, and Merlot has almost forgiven us our absence. Maybe.
Kathleen and Duncan are reunited in Auckland now, and fly back home today. Toby really enjoyed their company over the weekend. It was great to see them again.
We got back to find that my mother has been sick, sick, sick. She's full of infection and on antibiotics. I must go around with fresh fruit and veges to boost her immune system. I'm hoping the drugs kick in soon and she's back to fighting fit soon. I miss her. Hopefully I can go see her soon.
Monday is Kea night and a big night planned tonight. Woo hoo! Mike has a double booking so he'll ride to Keas on my bike and drop me and Toby off and head to the winter trip planning night for tramping club.
We have had a wonderful long weekend exploring the lower half of the North Island with our friends, Kathleen and Duncan. Our friends are over from Melbourne (where I used to work with Kathleen) for two weeks. They spent the first week in Otago exploring Wanaka, Queenstown and Dunedin, before turning up at our place earlier in the week.
It all started for me and Toby on Thursday morning. We had the Corolla packed and left one bag (our clothes) with Mike to bring up later in the wee green car. Mike had an extra day of work to get through before joining us in Napier at the Kennedy Top Ten Motor Camp. Toby, Kathleen, Duncan and I sped up State Highway 2 nice and early. My enthusiastic driving over the Rimutaka Hill made Toby and Kathleen slightly ill and we had to stop for refreshments in Greytown. Lucky they have that beautiful French bakery there, isn't it? What a hardship. After about 30 minutes, Kathleen felt well enough to continue and we didn't stop until we got to the i (information centre) in Napier where we dumped out Kathleen and Duncan to get to their 1.45pm Art Deco walking tour.
Meanwhile Toby and I went to the Top Ten Motor Camp and pitched the tent. Stupid dry Napier dirt! It was hard pegging the pegs in without a mallet into rock-hard ground. The land around Wellington doesn't have that problem. Toby helped me for about 1 minute before the lure of the jumping pillow pulled him out of my grasp. I'd told him they had a swimming pool as well when we came in and that he had to wait for me and he'd have to swim in his jocks (Mike has all the clothes remember). As I neared completing the tent pitching exercise I could hear Toby shouting "Mum!". So I shouted back "Come here", not being in a position to leave at that point. Anyhow, he never turned up.
So I finished the last peg that meant the tent wouldn't blow away and laid down my sandal (the only way to push pegs into the ground) and wandered off to find Toby. I found him in the swimming pool, in his jocks (and socks!). He was told off in no uncertain terms, and hauled out of the pool quick-smart. I couldn't believe he had gone into the pool without me there. I made him walk to the tentsite where I told him off and told him I expect him never to go swimming without our knowledge again. I got everything ready and then followed him back to the pool where he played for a little longer in the cold water. He spent a lot of time drying off as he had no towel (in the bag with the clothes) and it was cold water in the pool.
We went to collect Kathleen and Duncan from their tour and ate dinner in town - steaks at the Lone Star. Then we went back and Toby and I went to bed (we had the bedding with us) and we waited for Mike to arrive.
Mike left work right on time at 5pm and hurtled to Napier. Traffic was good, it was free-flowing from Petone onwards and he even had a clear run over the Rimutakas - clear road on the way up and as part of a phalanx of Golf GTi's on the way down. He did the whole trip non-stop. Well, apart from one pit-stop that was going to involve a pie munched down as he put petrol in the car. It turned into something slightly more leisurely, since he had to refuel in Dannevirke which has all the best restaurants - including Subway which I never let him eat because even the smell makes me slightly ill. Bleugh. Each to their own. So he had a leisurely foot-long meatball sandwich sitting out on a kerbside table watching the Dannevirke night-life go by.
The second stop for Mike was at 9:45 when he turned up at the campground. He rang as he drove in the gate and I talked him in - I knew he was close when headlights loomed through the tent. He parked right by the tent, took the two steps through the entrance and straight to bed. We all slept well.
Next morning we cooked up breakfast in Kathleen and Duncan's room and Toby got a television fix (no Cartoon Network though). He also got a swim in and a bounce on the jumping pillow. Then we struck the tent and packed up. Kathleen, Toby and I went to the Amazing Maze in Maize out near Hastings. We got given a walkie talkie in case we got hopelessly lost in the maize. The maze was fantastic and we had a ball. After wandering around and not getting too lost we made it out. I felt just like I was in that episode of Ben 10 where they run around a corn field. I loved it. Toby got freaked by spooky pictures of two old people (in reception) that had a hologram that turned their faces into ghosts when you changed angles. The maize field got him spooked a few times. We were the only punters there. Made it even better I reckon! They have an evening Haunted maze for 16 years and over and Toby was keen. But if daylight scares him because of spooky pictures, then he's a long way from being able to do the spooky maze. The owner, Les, says she has 25 actors out there on those evenings with blood splatterings and all sorts!
Mike and Duncan went to explore wineries in the other car, and had a great time by all accounts - even though Mike was driving (so couldn't taste much) and Duncan was flying home (so couldn't buy much). Between the two of them they got through it with flying colours. They went to Mission and Church Road - the funny thing with these wineries being that they are basically in the middle of a Napier suburb. When they were built in the late 19th century they were in the countryside - but Napier has grown to meet them. Mission in particular is absolutely beautiful, since it was a priory and seminary right up until 1990. Its grounds and buildings are gorgeous and worth seeing in their own right.
Anyhow, we all met up again for lunch in Napier by the waterfront, before Duncan headed off to Napier airport - he was heading to Auckland early to catch up with a friend there - and the rest of us drove to Turangi (via Taupo) for the evening. We bought a walkie talkie for car to car comms as we thought it'd be good for our Easter road trip too. It was fun. Toby especially liked it. Duncan was deposited at Napier airport and we were off to Taupo. It was a lot faster than I anticipated getting there. 1.5 hours. Add another 30 minutes to get to Turangi and it was a good drive. We found our backpackers at Turangi easily enough, in spite of its bizarre name - or names! - The A Plus Lodge, aka Samurai Hostel, aka Iwikehe Backpackers, aka Tongariro Hostel. It was pretty basic. We had a huge room and they built a room for Kathleen upon arrival. That might be a slight exaggeration. They had made a big room into two small rooms and Kathleen got one of them. The light switch was in the other room, so they had removed the bulb and added a bedside lamp! And no facia on the door so there was a big gap all around the door frame that you could see straight in through. Kathleen got the man to add strips of wood. Even then her room didn't lock - if you pushed it it just opened. Very weird. But comfortable enough - especially at the price, which for our room was the same as our tent site the night before!
Next morning we got up to get some breakfast and provisions and Mike and Toby dropped me at Kathleen off at the Tongariro Crossing Mangapopo road end. The weather was nice everywhere in the whole country - except the top of Mt Tongariro. We made good time and walked up into cloud and wind. I pulled on my thermal leggings, jersey and parka and we ate lunch before heading up higher. Kathleen added woolly hat and gloves to her ensemble and we walked up into the cloud. Her glasses got covered in rain and she took them off. Her visibility didn't change much as the clouds were pretty thick. I told her about the wonderful views she couldn't see. As we walked down the scree I fell, leaning back against the wind on one step down and having the gust suddenly stop plunged me to my bottom! My left hand copped a deep graze from volcanic shards (I'm making this dramatic as possible and I didn't notice the blood on my pinky until I got down the scree) as I stopped my fall. I saw the first lake loom out of the mist and pointed it out to Kathleen. We popped behind a rock to tip out the rocks from my boots and cover my cut with a plaster. Kathleen bobbed up and said it was clearing and there were loads of people there. I bobbed up and saw the lake clearly and about 20 or 30 people having their lunch on the shore of the lake. They had been hiding in the mist and invisible to us. I laced my boots back up and we took off. The wind had whipped up the volcanic dust and ash and it adhered to the sunscreen on my face. Along with the hat hair, the strap holding my sun hat to my head and my stripey thermals poking out from my shorts, I think I looked a fine sight. I had ash in my ears and up my nose. Each bite of food ground away years of enamel on my teeth! Blowing my nose was like plastic surgery.
The rest of the walk was mostly out of the cloud and we had a good view of the lakes as we walked the interminable downhill slog to the other road end. It was a wonderful surprise to see Mike and Toby walking up to meet us from their end. Kathleen was walking ahead and I heard her say "Hello" and there was Mike and Toby. Mike had a backpack full of yummy sustaining food and cold drinks for us. Thank you Mike. I was feeling pretty good unlike last year where I got blisters an hour into the walk and spent the next 6 hours hobbling and favouring my blistered foot. The ungainly walk made my body ache way more than this year. I'm on for next summer too - with Toby this time. Any takers? Oh - and I'm only going in lovely conditions so I get to enjoy the wonderful scenery. No more clouds for me.
We drove straight to the Tokaanu hot pools and got two private pools and we relaxed in the hot, hot water. Great treatment for muscles after a long walk. back to Turangi for a posh dinner at Four Fish restaurant before sinking into a blissful sleep.
Kathleen was bussing to Auckland at 1:25pm on Sunday, so Sunday morning consisted of finding things to do that didn't take us too far from Turangi (which we'd pretty well sucked the marrow of by now). We thought a tour of the power station would be good but they only run them with prior arrangement. So we decided on a whim to drive Kathleen around the central plateau. We stopped in at many things we always whiz past, looking at the old Pa site on Lake Rotoaire (smothered in black swans, making Kathleen homesick for Western Australia where the state symbol is a black swan), the train viaduct near Ohakune and then hurtling to get back to Turangi on time. Got there with oodles of time, and Kathleen's bus was 30 minutes late anyway!
Once we'd seen Kathleen off, it was time to head home. This was an unusual trip because as we went, we shed people and luggage - now there was just me and Toby in the Corolla, and Mike in convoy in the MX-5. So off we went, radioing back and forth on the walkie-talkies. Before we knew it we were pulling into Wellington. We both filled up in Taihape, so Mike got us to both fill up again in Wellington to see how the two cars compared. It was amazingly close - the Corolla used 15.38 litres and the MX-5 used 15.84 litres! Less than one pint difference in 2 and a bit hours driving. I wasn't expecting the two cars to be that close. It's about 230km from Taihape to Wellington, giving a mileage of about 6.7 L/100km - so that means that the two cars together used about the same petrol as the Magna by itself would have used on the same road. So we didn't need to feel *too* guilty about taking two cars between three people!
We got home by 6pm and started the dinner and the unpacking and the airing and the washing and the preparation for Monday morning. Vivienne had looked after Merlot well, and Merlot has almost forgiven us our absence. Maybe.
Kathleen and Duncan are reunited in Auckland now, and fly back home today. Toby really enjoyed their company over the weekend. It was great to see them again.
We got back to find that my mother has been sick, sick, sick. She's full of infection and on antibiotics. I must go around with fresh fruit and veges to boost her immune system. I'm hoping the drugs kick in soon and she's back to fighting fit soon. I miss her. Hopefully I can go see her soon.
Monday is Kea night and a big night planned tonight. Woo hoo! Mike has a double booking so he'll ride to Keas on my bike and drop me and Toby off and head to the winter trip planning night for tramping club.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Happy birthday to mum, happy birthday to mum
Happy birthday dear Mum, happy birthday to Mum!
We have a long weekend this weekend - and it's already started for Angela and Toby, as well as Kathleen and Duncan, our friends from Melbourne. I've been getting reports back as they drive up to Napier via the Wairarapa. Seems Angela was over-enthusiastic going over Rumataka Hill, and all her passengers got sick!
I've driven the wee green car in and I'm going to hurtle straight to Napier tonight. No stops except gas and BP Gourmet Pies and coffee. ("Gourmet" is a loose term when you buy a pie from a petrol station).
Toby was really restless last night - he was up and down and didn't seem sleepy. I think he's excited about his trip!
We have a long weekend this weekend - and it's already started for Angela and Toby, as well as Kathleen and Duncan, our friends from Melbourne. I've been getting reports back as they drive up to Napier via the Wairarapa. Seems Angela was over-enthusiastic going over Rumataka Hill, and all her passengers got sick!
I've driven the wee green car in and I'm going to hurtle straight to Napier tonight. No stops except gas and BP Gourmet Pies and coffee. ("Gourmet" is a loose term when you buy a pie from a petrol station).
Toby was really restless last night - he was up and down and didn't seem sleepy. I think he's excited about his trip!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Today is Monday - tomorrow is Friday
... a two-day week for me this week, what with a very good course the last two days and time off for the long weekend coming up. But that means lots and lots of things to do. So much seems to be telescoped into this week!
One of our tasks is to talk to Helen the architect. I think we're in a good place but with some tweaking and some scope creep (ie - we want to do a lot of work downstairs at the same time!). Mum & Dad, and I, will ring her separately today.
Traffic is getting quite manic in the mornings - I was weaving and dodging all the way in. Lots of stationary cars to get past, and quite a few half-asleep pedestrians to avoid.
Oh, well, speaking of half asleep - time for a cup of coffee.
One of our tasks is to talk to Helen the architect. I think we're in a good place but with some tweaking and some scope creep (ie - we want to do a lot of work downstairs at the same time!). Mum & Dad, and I, will ring her separately today.
Traffic is getting quite manic in the mornings - I was weaving and dodging all the way in. Lots of stationary cars to get past, and quite a few half-asleep pedestrians to avoid.
Oh, well, speaking of half asleep - time for a cup of coffee.
Good morning on Wed, Mar 3
Hi,
What a lovely morning - although it is quite gusty. I had a very pleasant ride in. I think my new tyres make my bike hum along. I can ride much faster down the hill now. I reached 49km/h on a different bit of the downhill stretch this morning.
Last night was great fun. Duncan made steak and yummy salsa on top and rocket salad. Mike came home early from networking after his course. The network protocol was incompatible (geek joke from Duncan).
Last working day of the week for me (and Toby). We're off tomorrow morning to Napier and then Turangi (for the Tongariro Crossing on Saturday). Should be a great weekend. Mike will join us on Thursday evening.
Karate today so I'll be off early to see wee Toby. I think Ma and Pa will pop over to help out (Mum has a roast chicken dinner planned). Mike will stay working and then head to tramping club. He has a tramp coming up in a few weekends.
That's it really. Not much else to report. Monday's entry should be bigger than Ben Hur though. Heheheh.
Have a great rest of the week.
Love,
Angela
What a lovely morning - although it is quite gusty. I had a very pleasant ride in. I think my new tyres make my bike hum along. I can ride much faster down the hill now. I reached 49km/h on a different bit of the downhill stretch this morning.
Last night was great fun. Duncan made steak and yummy salsa on top and rocket salad. Mike came home early from networking after his course. The network protocol was incompatible (geek joke from Duncan).
Last working day of the week for me (and Toby). We're off tomorrow morning to Napier and then Turangi (for the Tongariro Crossing on Saturday). Should be a great weekend. Mike will join us on Thursday evening.
Karate today so I'll be off early to see wee Toby. I think Ma and Pa will pop over to help out (Mum has a roast chicken dinner planned). Mike will stay working and then head to tramping club. He has a tramp coming up in a few weekends.
That's it really. Not much else to report. Monday's entry should be bigger than Ben Hur though. Heheheh.
Have a great rest of the week.
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Good morning on Tues, Mar 2
Hi,
I was on Toby drop-off duty again today. Toby was very good and we were nice and early out of the house. Toby scootered to school and I rode down the hill in good, dry conditions. A superb ride!
Last night was our first Kea excursion and it was very successful. We went to the local (to the Scout hall) swimming pool. The young Keas all splashed about for about 90 minutes, interrupted only by a fuel stop (I had made everyone cheese rolls, and they had an apple juice and biscuit as extra energy). Toby had an absolute ball. I think this was the first time where he has been swimming with kids his age that aren't as confident in the water as him. He was doing somersaults into the water in the deep end and the other kids thought he was the bees knees. He looked pretty chuffed with himself.
We went home and got Toby ready for bed. Before that Toby bailed up Duncan as Duncan admitted to some partial Pokemon knowledge. Toby read him the whole of Jessica's Pokemon handbook (well, perhaps not quite all the 150 Pokemons in there) but Duncan certainly got a lot of Pokemon. At least nine when I asked how many he had! Toby thinks Duncan is pretty special now. Kathleen was as mystified as me about the whole thing.
Mike has packed for the weekend already! I know! You've all fallen off your chairs, haven't you? I'm astonished. So, it's all systems go for the long weekend (Toby and I have Thurs and Fri off to tootle around with Duncan and Kathleen seeing Napier and Tongariro in the 4 days). Mike will come up on Thursday evening so he gets one more day at work.
That's about it. Duncan is preparing dinner tonight. Yum! What great guests, eh? And I think Ma and Pa are keen to pop over tomorrow night for karate and to meet Kathleen and Duncan, so I might get two dinners cooked for me in a row. Yes! Choice!
Oh - and we will get some photos from the weekend up on the internet soon. Promise!
Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Angela
I was on Toby drop-off duty again today. Toby was very good and we were nice and early out of the house. Toby scootered to school and I rode down the hill in good, dry conditions. A superb ride!
Last night was our first Kea excursion and it was very successful. We went to the local (to the Scout hall) swimming pool. The young Keas all splashed about for about 90 minutes, interrupted only by a fuel stop (I had made everyone cheese rolls, and they had an apple juice and biscuit as extra energy). Toby had an absolute ball. I think this was the first time where he has been swimming with kids his age that aren't as confident in the water as him. He was doing somersaults into the water in the deep end and the other kids thought he was the bees knees. He looked pretty chuffed with himself.
We went home and got Toby ready for bed. Before that Toby bailed up Duncan as Duncan admitted to some partial Pokemon knowledge. Toby read him the whole of Jessica's Pokemon handbook (well, perhaps not quite all the 150 Pokemons in there) but Duncan certainly got a lot of Pokemon. At least nine when I asked how many he had! Toby thinks Duncan is pretty special now. Kathleen was as mystified as me about the whole thing.
Mike has packed for the weekend already! I know! You've all fallen off your chairs, haven't you? I'm astonished. So, it's all systems go for the long weekend (Toby and I have Thurs and Fri off to tootle around with Duncan and Kathleen seeing Napier and Tongariro in the 4 days). Mike will come up on Thursday evening so he gets one more day at work.
That's about it. Duncan is preparing dinner tonight. Yum! What great guests, eh? And I think Ma and Pa are keen to pop over tomorrow night for karate and to meet Kathleen and Duncan, so I might get two dinners cooked for me in a row. Yes! Choice!
Oh - and we will get some photos from the weekend up on the internet soon. Promise!
Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Angela
Monday, March 1, 2010
Good morning on Mon, Mar 1
Hi,
Well, it was an action-packed wekeend that will take ages to write down - so forgive any holes anyone might notice.
Friday night I rushed home on the bike with Mike. It was my first ride up the hill with the new cleats and I was very pleased. We got home to change and I had to pack Toby's overnight bag as he was staying with William. As we got in, the phone rang and it was Skids asking where we were as Toby was upset he hadn't seen us yet. How good is his built-in clock? I hurriedly packed a bag and tennis stuff and rushed off to collect Toby.
Mike arrived just as I got to Skids and we handed Toby over to Pete (William's Dad) and I stayed to watched a lesson and then everyone left (Toby to his sleepover and me to home, and Mike to meet up with a friend just back from 6 months in India).
I was tossing up whether to visit Benjamin and Vivienne but they were unavailable (and turns out had gone to watch the man dancing with his shiny orange digger) so I ate 6 chocolate biscuits for dinner in front of the winter olympics. Choice!
Up to bed after a while and I watched a Twilight movie that Mike arrived in the middle of and proceeded to watch and critique. He was quite scathing. I think the books are way better - and even then, the books are a little teenage angst-ridden. But I am still reading them.
After that we chatted until 2am about various things. Mike says that I chatted until 2am and he merely grunted affirmation from time to time. Whatever. Heheheheh. It meant I was tired the next day!
Saturday morning we were up and about early. I was off to have a facial with Ma (birthday present) and Mike took Toby to swimming. The facial was lots of fun. The woman came to inspect my skin prior to the treatment and asked me very seriously what I used on my face. I leaned forward to her just as seriously and said "Soap". I don't think she has ever been so astonished. But we enjoyed ourselves. Then we went off to Petone to Briscoes as Ma needed a step stool and then we had lunch at the Jetty Cafe. Very pleasant weather - we were out on the deck looking out over the harbour. Beautiful.
We went home via Woolworths and I dropped Ma home and went to pack for the camping in Waikanae. The boys had a great time without me and Mike built all our bookcases for our room. Perfect. Now if only I could get some time to tidy things away into their new place. Won't happen this week. Very busy.
We threw things in the car and headed off to visit the Tabors. Toby had a ball and has really missed Duncan and Emerson. He said as much when we left there Sunday! Anyhow, the Tabors had a new puppy (a golden lab called Lulu) and a cool new fort. Toby ran around for ages with the boys. We ended up sleeping in the Tabor tent with a mesh roof. After the excesses of the night before I was exhausted. The Tabors have been equally tuckered out with thesis submissions (good on you, Aidan!) and puppy minding. So we all crashed out. Drifting to sleep with an eye on Orion was great fun though.
Up early and surprised by the news of a tsunami warning from a huge earthquake in Chile. Everyone was trying to ring us to let us know. We have in-built Gilbert and Richardson early warning systems. If only the Pacific had realised the potential for mothers to warn their children about impending doom, they may have averted many diasters in the past. But we were safe where we were (confusion surrounded the news that Waikanae residents were evacuated - turns out there is a Waikanae near Hawkes Bay).
We went to Paraparaumu Beach and met John, Christine and wee Tom there. Aidan and the boys also came. So we had a fantastic day and fabulous company. The sea was calm and the cloud eventually burned off and we had a superb day. We listened to the spiel at the start from Bruce the guide and then we tackled the trig via Wilkinson Track. The birds were in fine form and the walking was very pleasant. About 25 minutes from the top, wee Tom turned back with his parents. I think he'll make it next time we go for sure! He did well. The rest of us continued and we were faced with a view of... cloud when we arrived at the top.
We were lucky though. The cloud blew away and we had a great view. We ate our lunch and started back down. Mike convinced us to take the steeper but quicker trig track back. It might have been a bit too steep for the boys. Emerson was tired by the end. One event in particular stands out on the way down. There was a huge creeper hanging over the path and Toby, Duncan and Emerson had turns swining on it. They moved on and Mike handed me the camera saying he'd have a go. Shame I never got the camera going as he took a huge swing... and the creeper dropped by a metre under Mike's weight and his bottom came in contact rather suddenly with the ground. It made me and Aidan giggle quite a bit.
Toby has an awesome scrape under his arm from a fall over a log in the bush. I think we'll get you a photo of it so you can appreciate it. He got a fright and yelled when it happened, but he was up and walking again while we were moving into comforting mode. He didn't need any of that!
Back to the day shelter and we found Tom fast asleep and protected from the nosey wekas by his mother. Christine would have grabbed any weka that touched him in seconds! Ta for the watermelon too! Yum!
The boat arrived and we were on the 3pm trip back to the mainland. We all said goodbye and we rushed to Wellington. We had friends arriving from Melbourne at 5.30pm so Mike stayed at home sorting out our gear while I went to collect Duncan and Kathleen. They had flown in from Dunedin and I think they are pleased to be facing a few days in one place.
We ate tea and we all went to bed fairly early. Heheheheh. Today looks grand for weather so I hope they get out and about.
Mike is away on a course today and tomorrow. That means I am on Toby drop-off duty. He was good today - especially after I threatened Club Penguin access rights being revoked if he didn't hurry.
Keas tonight and we have an excursion to the pool. I have prepared sandwiches for the kids so I hope that goes down well.
Have a great week.
Love,
Angela
Well, it was an action-packed wekeend that will take ages to write down - so forgive any holes anyone might notice.
Friday night I rushed home on the bike with Mike. It was my first ride up the hill with the new cleats and I was very pleased. We got home to change and I had to pack Toby's overnight bag as he was staying with William. As we got in, the phone rang and it was Skids asking where we were as Toby was upset he hadn't seen us yet. How good is his built-in clock? I hurriedly packed a bag and tennis stuff and rushed off to collect Toby.
Mike arrived just as I got to Skids and we handed Toby over to Pete (William's Dad) and I stayed to watched a lesson and then everyone left (Toby to his sleepover and me to home, and Mike to meet up with a friend just back from 6 months in India).
I was tossing up whether to visit Benjamin and Vivienne but they were unavailable (and turns out had gone to watch the man dancing with his shiny orange digger) so I ate 6 chocolate biscuits for dinner in front of the winter olympics. Choice!
Up to bed after a while and I watched a Twilight movie that Mike arrived in the middle of and proceeded to watch and critique. He was quite scathing. I think the books are way better - and even then, the books are a little teenage angst-ridden. But I am still reading them.
After that we chatted until 2am about various things. Mike says that I chatted until 2am and he merely grunted affirmation from time to time. Whatever. Heheheheh. It meant I was tired the next day!
Saturday morning we were up and about early. I was off to have a facial with Ma (birthday present) and Mike took Toby to swimming. The facial was lots of fun. The woman came to inspect my skin prior to the treatment and asked me very seriously what I used on my face. I leaned forward to her just as seriously and said "Soap". I don't think she has ever been so astonished. But we enjoyed ourselves. Then we went off to Petone to Briscoes as Ma needed a step stool and then we had lunch at the Jetty Cafe. Very pleasant weather - we were out on the deck looking out over the harbour. Beautiful.
We went home via Woolworths and I dropped Ma home and went to pack for the camping in Waikanae. The boys had a great time without me and Mike built all our bookcases for our room. Perfect. Now if only I could get some time to tidy things away into their new place. Won't happen this week. Very busy.
We threw things in the car and headed off to visit the Tabors. Toby had a ball and has really missed Duncan and Emerson. He said as much when we left there Sunday! Anyhow, the Tabors had a new puppy (a golden lab called Lulu) and a cool new fort. Toby ran around for ages with the boys. We ended up sleeping in the Tabor tent with a mesh roof. After the excesses of the night before I was exhausted. The Tabors have been equally tuckered out with thesis submissions (good on you, Aidan!) and puppy minding. So we all crashed out. Drifting to sleep with an eye on Orion was great fun though.
Up early and surprised by the news of a tsunami warning from a huge earthquake in Chile. Everyone was trying to ring us to let us know. We have in-built Gilbert and Richardson early warning systems. If only the Pacific had realised the potential for mothers to warn their children about impending doom, they may have averted many diasters in the past. But we were safe where we were (confusion surrounded the news that Waikanae residents were evacuated - turns out there is a Waikanae near Hawkes Bay).
We went to Paraparaumu Beach and met John, Christine and wee Tom there. Aidan and the boys also came. So we had a fantastic day and fabulous company. The sea was calm and the cloud eventually burned off and we had a superb day. We listened to the spiel at the start from Bruce the guide and then we tackled the trig via Wilkinson Track. The birds were in fine form and the walking was very pleasant. About 25 minutes from the top, wee Tom turned back with his parents. I think he'll make it next time we go for sure! He did well. The rest of us continued and we were faced with a view of... cloud when we arrived at the top.
We were lucky though. The cloud blew away and we had a great view. We ate our lunch and started back down. Mike convinced us to take the steeper but quicker trig track back. It might have been a bit too steep for the boys. Emerson was tired by the end. One event in particular stands out on the way down. There was a huge creeper hanging over the path and Toby, Duncan and Emerson had turns swining on it. They moved on and Mike handed me the camera saying he'd have a go. Shame I never got the camera going as he took a huge swing... and the creeper dropped by a metre under Mike's weight and his bottom came in contact rather suddenly with the ground. It made me and Aidan giggle quite a bit.
Toby has an awesome scrape under his arm from a fall over a log in the bush. I think we'll get you a photo of it so you can appreciate it. He got a fright and yelled when it happened, but he was up and walking again while we were moving into comforting mode. He didn't need any of that!
Back to the day shelter and we found Tom fast asleep and protected from the nosey wekas by his mother. Christine would have grabbed any weka that touched him in seconds! Ta for the watermelon too! Yum!
The boat arrived and we were on the 3pm trip back to the mainland. We all said goodbye and we rushed to Wellington. We had friends arriving from Melbourne at 5.30pm so Mike stayed at home sorting out our gear while I went to collect Duncan and Kathleen. They had flown in from Dunedin and I think they are pleased to be facing a few days in one place.
We ate tea and we all went to bed fairly early. Heheheheh. Today looks grand for weather so I hope they get out and about.
Mike is away on a course today and tomorrow. That means I am on Toby drop-off duty. He was good today - especially after I threatened Club Penguin access rights being revoked if he didn't hurry.
Keas tonight and we have an excursion to the pool. I have prepared sandwiches for the kids so I hope that goes down well.
Have a great week.
Love,
Angela
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