Toby was good this morning, although he really wanted to sleep in. He stayed up far too late last night - I think he is still on Brisbane time a bit, or he's becoming a night owl or something. I was clearing up in the kitchen around 9:30pm and as I came out of the lounge this grey blur streaked past at waist height, which gave me a huge fright. It took me a second or two to figure out that it was in fact Toby running as fast as he could, back to bed to avoid getting into trouble.
So harsh, rigid 7am wakeups for Toby from now on I reckon. If I can get myself out of bed to do it, that is. He thinks he'll be in trouble with his teacher for being sleepy, so hopefully that'll help sort him out.
We were off to school right on time in the end though. I drove in since it's Keas night and that means we need the car to make everything work. I picked up Nancy - Evan's mum - on the way through because she'd just missed the 8:32am bus, that was early as it is wont to do. All good!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Good morning on Mon, May 31
Hi,
Another month bites the dust. Whew - the year is flying by now. Our weekend was great fun despite the wintry conditions. Friday night Toby and I watched a movie (let's see... what was it? Oh yeah - Alvin and the Chipmunks, the Squeakwel) and fell into a deep, deep sleep. So deep that when Mike got home around midnight and took photos of me and Toby fast asleep, we never woke up. I think Mike was taking evidence that there was no room for him in the bed because he went down to sleep with the cat in Toby's bed. Heheheh. When I woke at 6am, Mike heard me and came to bed with us. But Toby and I had woken up at 5am, and Toby said "Daddy isn't here yet" and rolled over and went back to sleep - like me. So Toby was surprised to see his Dad in the morning.
Saturday swimming was good fun. It was cold and wet and Toby needed some convincing to head off to swimming, but once he was there he enjoyed it. It is warm in the swimming pool.
After that we went home for lunch and waited for Mike to turn up from his planning adventures with the tramping club. Mike was the agenda - or at least agenda item 2. It's all about the tramping club website and Mike is in it up to his wee eyeballs.
Saturday night Chelsea and Brennan came for a sleepover and Toby had a ball. They were up late but they were playing together very well. And they did get a reasonable sleep-in.
The kids played for most of Sunday together. The other Sampsons were running around in the horrible conditions and seemed very sensible to leave the younger Sampsons with us: nice and warm. Mike was off early to have some tramping club van driving practice. He is getting involved, isn't he? I got dinner ready (slow cooker meal to feed 11 or 12 people) and tidied up. Then I relaxed in the afternoon reading while Mike got the tramping website revitalisation project underway with a new machine to compile it and emails sent off to build up the project team around him. Yikes! My book was way more fun than that prospect. I am reading "Last Child in the Woods" about nature deficit disorder. Although I think the 400 pages are re-iterating the opening two pages over and over again, the author has made a few new assertions. The main idea is that children no longer get to experience nature and this results in many of society's recent woes. I think it certainly is an idea to entertain - we've evolved to appreciate nature. If we cut off that appreciation, it might be damaging to innate feelings. Who knows? It can't be a bad approach to fixing some messes in society...
Wally and Lesley came for a cup of tea and collected Chelsea and Brennan. We will book in Jessica for a sleepover in the next few weekends.
Dinner was great fun. The slow cooker cooked up a storm and fed the masses. Sally and Andrew brought dessert and Marion and Ma brought biscuits for tea. Dad turned up with impeccable timing - his plate had just been dished up to be put aside for him. There was fine conversation and we nearly squashed everyone in around the table (Marion and Toby ate at Toby's wee table and Marion impressed on him the idea of table manners).
That's about it. I fancy Yum Cha next weekend. It's a long weekend for us and if the weather is ok, I might get some gardening in. It's so easy to pull out weeds with all this rain we've had.
Have a great week!
Love,
Angela
Another month bites the dust. Whew - the year is flying by now. Our weekend was great fun despite the wintry conditions. Friday night Toby and I watched a movie (let's see... what was it? Oh yeah - Alvin and the Chipmunks, the Squeakwel) and fell into a deep, deep sleep. So deep that when Mike got home around midnight and took photos of me and Toby fast asleep, we never woke up. I think Mike was taking evidence that there was no room for him in the bed because he went down to sleep with the cat in Toby's bed. Heheheh. When I woke at 6am, Mike heard me and came to bed with us. But Toby and I had woken up at 5am, and Toby said "Daddy isn't here yet" and rolled over and went back to sleep - like me. So Toby was surprised to see his Dad in the morning.
Saturday swimming was good fun. It was cold and wet and Toby needed some convincing to head off to swimming, but once he was there he enjoyed it. It is warm in the swimming pool.
After that we went home for lunch and waited for Mike to turn up from his planning adventures with the tramping club. Mike was the agenda - or at least agenda item 2. It's all about the tramping club website and Mike is in it up to his wee eyeballs.
Saturday night Chelsea and Brennan came for a sleepover and Toby had a ball. They were up late but they were playing together very well. And they did get a reasonable sleep-in.
The kids played for most of Sunday together. The other Sampsons were running around in the horrible conditions and seemed very sensible to leave the younger Sampsons with us: nice and warm. Mike was off early to have some tramping club van driving practice. He is getting involved, isn't he? I got dinner ready (slow cooker meal to feed 11 or 12 people) and tidied up. Then I relaxed in the afternoon reading while Mike got the tramping website revitalisation project underway with a new machine to compile it and emails sent off to build up the project team around him. Yikes! My book was way more fun than that prospect. I am reading "Last Child in the Woods" about nature deficit disorder. Although I think the 400 pages are re-iterating the opening two pages over and over again, the author has made a few new assertions. The main idea is that children no longer get to experience nature and this results in many of society's recent woes. I think it certainly is an idea to entertain - we've evolved to appreciate nature. If we cut off that appreciation, it might be damaging to innate feelings. Who knows? It can't be a bad approach to fixing some messes in society...
Wally and Lesley came for a cup of tea and collected Chelsea and Brennan. We will book in Jessica for a sleepover in the next few weekends.
Dinner was great fun. The slow cooker cooked up a storm and fed the masses. Sally and Andrew brought dessert and Marion and Ma brought biscuits for tea. Dad turned up with impeccable timing - his plate had just been dished up to be put aside for him. There was fine conversation and we nearly squashed everyone in around the table (Marion and Toby ate at Toby's wee table and Marion impressed on him the idea of table manners).
That's about it. I fancy Yum Cha next weekend. It's a long weekend for us and if the weather is ok, I might get some gardening in. It's so easy to pull out weeds with all this rain we've had.
Have a great week!
Love,
Angela
Friday, May 28, 2010
Good morning on Fri, May 28
Hi,
I have discovered a pattern in my bike riding - or is that my lack of bike riding? If it is raining when I wake up, in those crucial 10 or 15 minutes where I lie awake and listen to stupid DJs on the dumb radio station we listen to, then it is very hard for me to get into bike gear. Something just doesn't work. This morning I had my shower and got into work gear and aimed for the 7.30am bus.
Made lunches - made Mike get up and have breakfast with me. Then wandered out to the bus - which didn't come. Not at all. Other patrons left with other options. I went back home and folded sheets with Mike.
Anyhow - I did get on a bus later. And it is very wet. I feel ok about it, sitting here warm and dry at my desk.
Table tennis was great fun. Hardly anyone turned up as we had the coldest, wettest night this season so far. So I played for ages. Good.
That's about it. Already looking forward to the weekend with Friday night movie and babysitting the Sampson children tomorrow night. Swimming as usual and the Bichan dinner at our house on Sunday evening (come along!).
Have a great weekend!
Love,
Angela
I have discovered a pattern in my bike riding - or is that my lack of bike riding? If it is raining when I wake up, in those crucial 10 or 15 minutes where I lie awake and listen to stupid DJs on the dumb radio station we listen to, then it is very hard for me to get into bike gear. Something just doesn't work. This morning I had my shower and got into work gear and aimed for the 7.30am bus.
Made lunches - made Mike get up and have breakfast with me. Then wandered out to the bus - which didn't come. Not at all. Other patrons left with other options. I went back home and folded sheets with Mike.
Anyhow - I did get on a bus later. And it is very wet. I feel ok about it, sitting here warm and dry at my desk.
Table tennis was great fun. Hardly anyone turned up as we had the coldest, wettest night this season so far. So I played for ages. Good.
That's about it. Already looking forward to the weekend with Friday night movie and babysitting the Sampson children tomorrow night. Swimming as usual and the Bichan dinner at our house on Sunday evening (come along!).
Have a great weekend!
Love,
Angela
Thursday, May 27, 2010
And good morning from me
I didn't ride.
I didn't even bus.
I drove.
It was a bit of a disaster morning really, with Toby sleeping in to 8:00am. That gave us 20 mins to get ready. It was a bit startling when Toby said, 'Oh, it's lunch order day, isn't it? That means I need to do my homework right now before we go to school'. Oops. I assumed he'd have missed this week's homework because he was away. So he's going to tell his teacher that it was his fault for not doing his homework at after-school care or telling us it needed doing last night, and that he'll get it done this evening before doing anything fun. Promise.
I was still a little bit late because the off-ramp was broken. Took me 15 min to drive the last 700m or so to work. Oh well.
I didn't even bus.
I drove.
It was a bit of a disaster morning really, with Toby sleeping in to 8:00am. That gave us 20 mins to get ready. It was a bit startling when Toby said, 'Oh, it's lunch order day, isn't it? That means I need to do my homework right now before we go to school'. Oops. I assumed he'd have missed this week's homework because he was away. So he's going to tell his teacher that it was his fault for not doing his homework at after-school care or telling us it needed doing last night, and that he'll get it done this evening before doing anything fun. Promise.
I was still a little bit late because the off-ramp was broken. Took me 15 min to drive the last 700m or so to work. Oh well.
Good morning on Thurs, May 27
Hi,
What a gloomy looking day out there - and a high of 9 forecast. 9! Brrrr. I stubbornly rode my bike this morning to work. Our house avoids a lot of the southerly blast, so I thought I might get to work relatively dry. But when I got up to the garage, I could tell that the mist that shrouded Mount KauKau was actually rain. Cold rain. So I dragged my bike out of the garage, and hopped on. As always, I tested my brakes at the top of our hill. Hmmmm. Wet already and not a lot of stopping power. So it was a cautious ride down the hill. But, oddly, I wasn't too wet really. And only the tips of my fingers were cold and sore as they started to defrost in the lift at work.
But here I am, smug and superior in my cycling endeavours. And almost as dry as any work colleague. Heheheh.
Yesterday was karate day and we had tea at Mum and Dad's place afterwards. I took the 43 bus straight there after work. Nice dinner of family pie and mash (Toby wanted half a plate of mash he said) and then home to bed.
Tonight is table tennis night - I'm looking forward to that. But after the 4 day weekend, I am looking forward to Friday already. Phew!
Have a marvellous day. Stay dry wherever you are.
Love,
Angela
What a gloomy looking day out there - and a high of 9 forecast. 9! Brrrr. I stubbornly rode my bike this morning to work. Our house avoids a lot of the southerly blast, so I thought I might get to work relatively dry. But when I got up to the garage, I could tell that the mist that shrouded Mount KauKau was actually rain. Cold rain. So I dragged my bike out of the garage, and hopped on. As always, I tested my brakes at the top of our hill. Hmmmm. Wet already and not a lot of stopping power. So it was a cautious ride down the hill. But, oddly, I wasn't too wet really. And only the tips of my fingers were cold and sore as they started to defrost in the lift at work.
But here I am, smug and superior in my cycling endeavours. And almost as dry as any work colleague. Heheheh.
Yesterday was karate day and we had tea at Mum and Dad's place afterwards. I took the 43 bus straight there after work. Nice dinner of family pie and mash (Toby wanted half a plate of mash he said) and then home to bed.
Tonight is table tennis night - I'm looking forward to that. But after the 4 day weekend, I am looking forward to Friday already. Phew!
Have a marvellous day. Stay dry wherever you are.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Good morning on Wed, May 26
Hi,
The forecast said it was going to rain all day and that the rain will get harder with gale southerlies. Hence, I hardly contemplated riding my bike, despite optimistically getting my bike gear ready last night. I had a good morning with Toby and we walked to school and he came down to the bus stop with me. Then I sat in the brilliant sunshine, with no wind, waiting for the bus. Stupid weather forecast.
Anyhow - last night went well. I had a user group session to run once more but probably won't need to be as involved over the next month or so as the main leader is back from annual leave. Cool!
Mike and Toby collected me from there at 7.30pm. I was home nice and early and Toby went to bed really well after his day recovering at home.
He has some photos from the weekend to take to school today for news. I hope he remembers them.
That's about it. Karate day (and tennis, if it's not teeming with rain with those promised gale southerlies) - Mike will head home for karate and hopefully we'll see Ma and Dad.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
The forecast said it was going to rain all day and that the rain will get harder with gale southerlies. Hence, I hardly contemplated riding my bike, despite optimistically getting my bike gear ready last night. I had a good morning with Toby and we walked to school and he came down to the bus stop with me. Then I sat in the brilliant sunshine, with no wind, waiting for the bus. Stupid weather forecast.
Anyhow - last night went well. I had a user group session to run once more but probably won't need to be as involved over the next month or so as the main leader is back from annual leave. Cool!
Mike and Toby collected me from there at 7.30pm. I was home nice and early and Toby went to bed really well after his day recovering at home.
He has some photos from the weekend to take to school today for news. I hope he remembers them.
That's about it. Karate day (and tennis, if it's not teeming with rain with those promised gale southerlies) - Mike will head home for karate and hopefully we'll see Ma and Dad.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Brisbane long weekend
Hi,
What a lovely weekend - Brisbane really is a lovely place to visit. We caught up with Brent and Jill and met wee baby Jack. He is gorgeous. So, how did our weekend go? Let's see...
What a lovely weekend - Brisbane really is a lovely place to visit. We caught up with Brent and Jill and met wee baby Jack. He is gorgeous. So, how did our weekend go? Let's see...
(photos here: http://picasaweb.google.com/mrgilbe1/2010_05Brisbane#)
Friday morning we woke up and piled into the car at 3.30am (groan) and got to the airport with Toby talking at ninety miles an hour - he was so excited. The flight was uneventful and we landed at Brisbane airport nice and early. By the time we got our Budget rental car and took off, it was only 9.30am or so (local Queensland time). We were astonished at the warmth and had the air conditioner on in the car. The rain was threatening though.
We headed south to Warner Brothers Movie World and got there about 20 minutes after opening, The crowds were still thin and we sorted out a strategy for tackling as many rides as we could before the crowds arrived in force. The Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster was great fun - I sat in the cart with Toby in the front and Mike sat right behind us. We hurtled through the dark spaces and Toby absolutely loved it. He was hooked!
So we went out and tried to get the boys on the scary looking Superman Escapes roller coaster. Turns out Toby was about 8 cms too short and was he upset about that (but in a controlled way). Mike took him on a Batman ride while I held the bags. And then they both went on the Batwing Spaceshot. http://movieworld.myfun.com.au/Attractions/Rides/BATWING-Spaceshot.htm This is the scariest looking thing and no way was I going on it. Toby loved it. Then we visited Kids World and Toby rode the Road Runner Roller Coaster about 5 times (the last time in the front car by himself). At about this time the rain poured down and we pulled on our good New Zealand parkas. The Australians all bustled for cover and we saw hardly anyone for about 30 minutes. Toby had the place to himself and we have photos of him on rides all on his lonesome.
The stunt car show was really good fun. The highlight was the drive of the three main cars up on two wheels. Amazing. Then we finished with a Scooby Doo stage show - Toby loved that too.
We drove back to Brisbane and on to Brent and Jill's place in Caboolture. The instructions and map were lacking but we found their place eventually. It was so good to see them and meet wee Jack. He is a happy, smilely baby. We ate dinner (spaghetti bolognese) and crashed into bed.
Next day was a stay at home day and catch up with the McMillans. We went to the local beach for lunch (Bribie Island) and had fish n chips and walked along the beach for a bit. Such a nice day - blue skies, calm waters. Lovely. We had a BBQ for dinner and crashed into bed again - or rather, Toby and I crashed into bed and Mike and Brent stayed up to watch dubious Australian movies on TV.
Sunday we were off to Australia Zoo as Toby has been keen to go back for ages. He loved it when he was younger and it turns out he still does. Toby fed the elephants and the kangaroos and touched koalas. We watched the crocodile exhibition and Toby videoed it excitedly (I don't think you can watch the footage without getting motion sickness). The weather was good again, but it started to get threatening clouds by the late afternoon. Lunch was leftovers from the BBQ the night before and I think we were the envy of all the other people wandering past us camped on the grass next to the kids rides.
Mike and I drove back to Caboolture via the Glass House Mountains (great - but it was dark by 5.30pm and we couldn't see much by then) and Toby went back with wee Jack.
Monday we spent relaxing at Brent and Jill's place and then drove into the airport to head back home. What a great time we had visiting them. Now we have to plan a longer trip to see them again and see more theme parks now we know Toby is a roller coaster fiend. And I am glad I no longer have to go on every roller coaster with Mike - Toby can do that from now on and I can hold the bags! Hooray!
Mike and Toby are at home today - in the heavy rain. But at least there is no wind. Back to normal tomorrow.
Hope you all had a good weekend, wherever you were.
Love,
Angela
We headed south to Warner Brothers Movie World and got there about 20 minutes after opening, The crowds were still thin and we sorted out a strategy for tackling as many rides as we could before the crowds arrived in force. The Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster was great fun - I sat in the cart with Toby in the front and Mike sat right behind us. We hurtled through the dark spaces and Toby absolutely loved it. He was hooked!
So we went out and tried to get the boys on the scary looking Superman Escapes roller coaster. Turns out Toby was about 8 cms too short and was he upset about that (but in a controlled way). Mike took him on a Batman ride while I held the bags. And then they both went on the Batwing Spaceshot. http://movieworld.myfun.com.au/Attractions/Rides/BATWING-Spaceshot.htm This is the scariest looking thing and no way was I going on it. Toby loved it. Then we visited Kids World and Toby rode the Road Runner Roller Coaster about 5 times (the last time in the front car by himself). At about this time the rain poured down and we pulled on our good New Zealand parkas. The Australians all bustled for cover and we saw hardly anyone for about 30 minutes. Toby had the place to himself and we have photos of him on rides all on his lonesome.
The stunt car show was really good fun. The highlight was the drive of the three main cars up on two wheels. Amazing. Then we finished with a Scooby Doo stage show - Toby loved that too.
We drove back to Brisbane and on to Brent and Jill's place in Caboolture. The instructions and map were lacking but we found their place eventually. It was so good to see them and meet wee Jack. He is a happy, smilely baby. We ate dinner (spaghetti bolognese) and crashed into bed.
Next day was a stay at home day and catch up with the McMillans. We went to the local beach for lunch (Bribie Island) and had fish n chips and walked along the beach for a bit. Such a nice day - blue skies, calm waters. Lovely. We had a BBQ for dinner and crashed into bed again - or rather, Toby and I crashed into bed and Mike and Brent stayed up to watch dubious Australian movies on TV.
Sunday we were off to Australia Zoo as Toby has been keen to go back for ages. He loved it when he was younger and it turns out he still does. Toby fed the elephants and the kangaroos and touched koalas. We watched the crocodile exhibition and Toby videoed it excitedly (I don't think you can watch the footage without getting motion sickness). The weather was good again, but it started to get threatening clouds by the late afternoon. Lunch was leftovers from the BBQ the night before and I think we were the envy of all the other people wandering past us camped on the grass next to the kids rides.
Mike and I drove back to Caboolture via the Glass House Mountains (great - but it was dark by 5.30pm and we couldn't see much by then) and Toby went back with wee Jack.
Monday we spent relaxing at Brent and Jill's place and then drove into the airport to head back home. What a great time we had visiting them. Now we have to plan a longer trip to see them again and see more theme parks now we know Toby is a roller coaster fiend. And I am glad I no longer have to go on every roller coaster with Mike - Toby can do that from now on and I can hold the bags! Hooray!
Mike and Toby are at home today - in the heavy rain. But at least there is no wind. Back to normal tomorrow.
Hope you all had a good weekend, wherever you were.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Good morning on Thurs, May 20
Hi,
It's my Friday! Hooray! We have an early morning flight to Brisbane tomorrow morning to visit Brent, Jill and their baby, Jack! We're back late on Monday night (the midnight flight, so we won't be home until Tuesday morning). We're hoping to see Movie World and Australia Zoo as well as spend lots of time with Brent and Jill.
Therefore, no blog until Tuesday morning. Don't panic, anyone.
Last night was great fun. Mike and I took the bus home and got there just in time to bundle Toby into the car and take him to karate. He is going very well in his karate. He loves it. No certificate yet for getting his yellow belt so he's not allowed to wear one until then. Lucky we didn't get one because two children had to take theirs off and that means the back of the class if you have no belt. I did notice both sets of parents went home to retrieve their respective child's white belt. How dedicated.
When we got home, Ma had cooked up a fantastic meal for us. Ron is going to come up every Wednesday from now on. Pumpkin soup and then spaghetti with meatballs and a yummy sauce. Scrumptious.
This morning I rode in and although the roads were wet, there was no rain. Toby was sound asleep at 7.30 when I went in to wake him. We might have to put the side up on his bed because his duvet is always falling off.
Mike's Dad is leaving on the ferry in the early afternoon today. There is no wind so hopefully the crossing is fine. It was great seeing him and enjoying family events with him here.
No table tennis tonight. I'm going to try and sleep as early as I can because we have to get up at 3am. Oh dear.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Love,
Angela
It's my Friday! Hooray! We have an early morning flight to Brisbane tomorrow morning to visit Brent, Jill and their baby, Jack! We're back late on Monday night (the midnight flight, so we won't be home until Tuesday morning). We're hoping to see Movie World and Australia Zoo as well as spend lots of time with Brent and Jill.
Therefore, no blog until Tuesday morning. Don't panic, anyone.
Last night was great fun. Mike and I took the bus home and got there just in time to bundle Toby into the car and take him to karate. He is going very well in his karate. He loves it. No certificate yet for getting his yellow belt so he's not allowed to wear one until then. Lucky we didn't get one because two children had to take theirs off and that means the back of the class if you have no belt. I did notice both sets of parents went home to retrieve their respective child's white belt. How dedicated.
When we got home, Ma had cooked up a fantastic meal for us. Ron is going to come up every Wednesday from now on. Pumpkin soup and then spaghetti with meatballs and a yummy sauce. Scrumptious.
This morning I rode in and although the roads were wet, there was no rain. Toby was sound asleep at 7.30 when I went in to wake him. We might have to put the side up on his bed because his duvet is always falling off.
Mike's Dad is leaving on the ferry in the early afternoon today. There is no wind so hopefully the crossing is fine. It was great seeing him and enjoying family events with him here.
No table tennis tonight. I'm going to try and sleep as early as I can because we have to get up at 3am. Oh dear.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Good morning on Wed, May 19
Hi,
I got up and sorted out lunches while Mike showered. And then he convinced me to take the bus in with him. I was so weak - I agreed. The rain wasn't that hard! But it was nice to sit with him and chat on the way in. And he bought me my ticket (he used his Snapper for the two of us). Isn't he sweet?
Our meeting with the architects went for ages (but seemed quite fruitful). At least the slow cooker proved its worth and Toby ate at normal time and we ate immediately after the meeting finished (around 8pm). Toby got up and had seconds at 8.15pm when we were eating our meal. He was starving. And he ate every drop - both times.
Tonight is tennis and karate night. Tennis may or may not be on - it is a little damp. But karate will be on. Dad has stocktake so he'll be away today at work. It's a shame for him to have to work on his weekend.
Ok. Time to get stuck in. And I need a cup of tea.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
I got up and sorted out lunches while Mike showered. And then he convinced me to take the bus in with him. I was so weak - I agreed. The rain wasn't that hard! But it was nice to sit with him and chat on the way in. And he bought me my ticket (he used his Snapper for the two of us). Isn't he sweet?
Our meeting with the architects went for ages (but seemed quite fruitful). At least the slow cooker proved its worth and Toby ate at normal time and we ate immediately after the meeting finished (around 8pm). Toby got up and had seconds at 8.15pm when we were eating our meal. He was starving. And he ate every drop - both times.
Tonight is tennis and karate night. Tennis may or may not be on - it is a little damp. But karate will be on. Dad has stocktake so he'll be away today at work. It's a shame for him to have to work on his weekend.
Ok. Time to get stuck in. And I need a cup of tea.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Good morning on Tues, May 18
Hi,
What a busy evening we had - Mike came to Keas with me and Toby. I always like Keas even more when Mike comes too and sure enough - we had a fantastic night. We got stuck into the pinatas straight away. Mike drove off to get two more balloons (two extra Keas arrived tonight that weren't there last Monday) and we asked Wally to bring flour for making paste. I was a bit disorganised as I left the Kea bag at home with all this stuff in it.
Anyhow, it was great fun. And one of the mothers said her son asks her nearly every night if it is Kea night because he loves it so much. How cool is that? I was chuffed.
When we got home I rustled up some dinner (steak!) and then Mike and his Dad and I talked about the plans from the architect. We're meeting the architects tonight after work.
This morning I took my mother's suggestion and got the slow cooker out and dinner is on. Should be good just around dinner time tonight. Yummo!
I may not go to table tennis this Thursday as we have to be at the airport by 4am on Friday morning to catch our flight. That's going to be hard!
Ok. Time to have a nice cup of tea. The ride down the hill was great fun - Mike rode with me as his Dad is taking Toby to school. But that means I have worked up a good appetite for some tea around about now.
Love,
Angela
What a busy evening we had - Mike came to Keas with me and Toby. I always like Keas even more when Mike comes too and sure enough - we had a fantastic night. We got stuck into the pinatas straight away. Mike drove off to get two more balloons (two extra Keas arrived tonight that weren't there last Monday) and we asked Wally to bring flour for making paste. I was a bit disorganised as I left the Kea bag at home with all this stuff in it.
Anyhow, it was great fun. And one of the mothers said her son asks her nearly every night if it is Kea night because he loves it so much. How cool is that? I was chuffed.
When we got home I rustled up some dinner (steak!) and then Mike and his Dad and I talked about the plans from the architect. We're meeting the architects tonight after work.
This morning I took my mother's suggestion and got the slow cooker out and dinner is on. Should be good just around dinner time tonight. Yummo!
I may not go to table tennis this Thursday as we have to be at the airport by 4am on Friday morning to catch our flight.
Ok. Time to have a nice cup of tea. The ride down the hill was great fun - Mike rode with me as his Dad is taking Toby to school. But that means I have worked up a good appetite for some tea around about now.
Love,
Angela
Monday, May 17, 2010
Good morning on Mon, May 17
Hi,
A weekend spent leisurely in Wellington - what a rarity. The weather was just for ducks though. Quite a bit of water was chucked down, I do have to say! But, no wind to speak of so the rain came down vertically. Odd, I know! And it was never cold. My mother is starting to think she is acclimatising because she recalls being cold at this time last year. There is hope yet!
So, what did we get up to? Well, it almost went as planned. Friday night we watched Back to the Future Part 2 and Toby said he liked it better than number one, but as his concentration was drifting I think it was untrue. I hardly remembered part 2 at all!
Saturday morning we went out to watch Toby swimming and he did very well. Concentrated well. Then we visited Sally and Andrew for lunch and dragged Sally to bathroom places with us to get brochures and ideas. Eventually we made it home via the supermarket to get stuff for dinner.
Barry and Kath came over for dinner - it was so nice to see them. We locked the cat out as Merlot attacked Kath last time she was here. We chatted and ate and the evening passed in great style. We talked so much it was very late by the time we noticed Toby was still up!
Sunday morning I started work on tidying Toby's room. That took all day. At one stage after lunch I thought I'd take Toby up to Waikanae to see the Tabors. But as soon as I made the plan, other things took precendence. In the end, I stayed at home and finished Toby's room off. His bed drawers are full, and his Ikea tallboy is empty (and in the downstairs toilet for now - we'll clean it up and put it on Trade Me). He still has quite a bit of floor space to play in because now all his books and toys are down one wall. And he has a wee cubby under the bed. He can even sleep under there sometimes if he wants (so he's told Grandy).
Sunday afternoon Mike's Dad arrived and Mike went off for hours to try and sort out the tramping club website. Once he got back we were off to Benjamin's party. Woo hoo! We had a great time with the family - Ma came as well. Dad had stocktake duties and couldn't make it. He'll be busy this week with that too. Benjamin got lots of money - I think he's quite happy with that. Books and money. Sounds like heaven to me.
Keas tonight - more pinata making. Great fun!
We're away for a long weekend this coming weekend. We're off to Brisbane to see Brent, Jill and their wee baby, Jack. And maybe SeaWorld or something like that (if I play my cards right).
Have a wonderful week.
Love,
Angela
A weekend spent leisurely in Wellington - what a rarity. The weather was just for ducks though. Quite a bit of water was chucked down, I do have to say! But, no wind to speak of so the rain came down vertically. Odd, I know! And it was never cold. My mother is starting to think she is acclimatising because she recalls being cold at this time last year. There is hope yet!
So, what did we get up to? Well, it almost went as planned. Friday night we watched Back to the Future Part 2 and Toby said he liked it better than number one, but as his concentration was drifting I think it was untrue. I hardly remembered part 2 at all!
Saturday morning we went out to watch Toby swimming and he did very well. Concentrated well. Then we visited Sally and Andrew for lunch and dragged Sally to bathroom places with us to get brochures and ideas. Eventually we made it home via the supermarket to get stuff for dinner.
Barry and Kath came over for dinner - it was so nice to see them. We locked the cat out as Merlot attacked Kath last time she was here. We chatted and ate and the evening passed in great style. We talked so much it was very late by the time we noticed Toby was still up!
Sunday morning I started work on tidying Toby's room. That took all day. At one stage after lunch I thought I'd take Toby up to Waikanae to see the Tabors. But as soon as I made the plan, other things took precendence. In the end, I stayed at home and finished Toby's room off. His bed drawers are full, and his Ikea tallboy is empty (and in the downstairs toilet for now - we'll clean it up and put it on Trade Me). He still has quite a bit of floor space to play in because now all his books and toys are down one wall. And he has a wee cubby under the bed. He can even sleep under there sometimes if he wants (so he's told Grandy).
Sunday afternoon Mike's Dad arrived and Mike went off for hours to try and sort out the tramping club website. Once he got back we were off to Benjamin's party. Woo hoo! We had a great time with the family - Ma came as well. Dad had stocktake duties and couldn't make it. He'll be busy this week with that too. Benjamin got lots of money - I think he's quite happy with that. Books and money. Sounds like heaven to me.
Keas tonight - more pinata making. Great fun!
We're away for a long weekend this coming weekend. We're off to Brisbane to see Brent, Jill and their wee baby, Jack. And maybe SeaWorld or something like that (if I play my cards right).
Have a wonderful week.
Love,
Angela
Friday, May 14, 2010
Good morning on Fri, May 14
Hi,
Happy birthday to Benjamin for tomorrow. I hope he has a great day!
It looks like my work computer's woes are set to continue into today. Even opening browsers seems to have an age. I might have to stick to pen and paper today!
I drove the wee green car home yesterday so I took the bus in this morning for the first time in weeks. It was actually a good experience as I got to chat to Kat (friend from tramping club) all the way in. She's fine - we haven't seen her for ages as sailing absorbs a lot of her time now. I have invited her for a cup of tea.
Mike's party was lame, lame, lame (to use a direct quote from a text I got). Toby and I drove in to collect him and I dropped them both off at home and went on to table tennis with Ma. I enjoyed it like usual, apart from a time when I played a young boy who spent more time chatting to his friends than paying attention. I told him so and forfeited the match about 5 minutes from the end, too cross to continue. He got told off by the organisers for that. Oh well. I don't blame the kid - I blame his friends who should have known better.
It is Friday! Hooray. Not a lot on - swimming, dinner at our place with Barry and Kath, Sunday dinner for Benjamin's birthday and Mike will meet the website chap for tramping club on Sunday afternoon. I rather fancy watching "Back to the Future 2" with Toby tonight. Let's see how that pans out.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Love,
Angela
Happy birthday to Benjamin for tomorrow. I hope he has a great day!
It looks like my work computer's woes are set to continue into today. Even opening browsers seems to have an age. I might have to stick to pen and paper today!
I drove the wee green car home yesterday so I took the bus in this morning for the first time in weeks. It was actually a good experience as I got to chat to Kat (friend from tramping club) all the way in. She's fine - we haven't seen her for ages as sailing absorbs a lot of her time now. I have invited her for a cup of tea.
Mike's party was lame, lame, lame (to use a direct quote from a text I got). Toby and I drove in to collect him and I dropped them both off at home and went on to table tennis with Ma. I enjoyed it like usual, apart from a time when I played a young boy who spent more time chatting to his friends than paying attention. I told him so and forfeited the match about 5 minutes from the end, too cross to continue. He got told off by the organisers for that. Oh well. I don't blame the kid - I blame his friends who should have known better.
It is Friday! Hooray. Not a lot on - swimming, dinner at our place with Barry and Kath, Sunday dinner for Benjamin's birthday and Mike will meet the website chap for tramping club on Sunday afternoon. I rather fancy watching "Back to the Future 2" with Toby tonight. Let's see how that pans out.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Good morning on Thurs, May 13
Hi,
What a strange morning. The gorgeous weather has broken with a rainy, slightly gusty morning. But it is warm. At 6am, it was 18C already. Very strange. I had Toby drop-off duty and we had a very nice morning (I got lots of hugs for some reason). As I got the bike out of the garage, it started to rain. I was reasonably wet by the time I rode carefully into the garage at work.
Guess what?? Toby is a yellow belt in karate! Hooray! What a clever wee chap. And that's despite his parents teaching him the wrong reverse punch. Mike asked the sensei about the reverse punch 10 minutes before the grading started and realised he had to sort it out with Toby. And Toby did very well.
Mum and Dad came by and cooked dinner last night. They were both a little subdued so I think they are getting a cold or something. But dinner was scrumptious - tortillas filled with lamb and salad (and rice risotto on the side). They brought over SingStar, but Toby and I took it over and Mum and Dad fled the house to the safety of their own place. Heheheh. Perhaps a session this weekend?
Mike drove the MX-5 in today - for a service and WoF. It's overdue for both. I had to help him push it out of the garage this morning. It nearly started!
We got Benjamin's birthday invitations yesterday (for Sunday dinner). Mike's Dad also got one. So, we have Sunday dinner sorted!
In fact, we have swimming, and Barry and Kath coming for Saturday dinner, then Benjamin's party. So I'm looking at this weekend and enjoying the prospect of a bit of relaxing time.
Have a great day.
Love,
Angela
What a strange morning. The gorgeous weather has broken with a rainy, slightly gusty morning. But it is warm. At 6am, it was 18C already. Very strange. I had Toby drop-off duty and we had a very nice morning (I got lots of hugs for some reason). As I got the bike out of the garage, it started to rain. I was reasonably wet by the time I rode carefully into the garage at work.
Guess what?? Toby is a yellow belt in karate! Hooray! What a clever wee chap. And that's despite his parents teaching him the wrong reverse punch. Mike asked the sensei about the reverse punch 10 minutes before the grading started and realised he had to sort it out with Toby. And Toby did very well.
Mum and Dad came by and cooked dinner last night. They were both a little subdued so I think they are getting a cold or something. But dinner was scrumptious - tortillas filled with lamb and salad (and rice risotto on the side). They brought over SingStar, but Toby and I took it over and Mum and Dad fled the house to the safety of their own place. Heheheh. Perhaps a session this weekend?
Mike drove the MX-5 in today - for a service and WoF. It's overdue for both. I had to help him push it out of the garage this morning. It nearly started!
We got Benjamin's birthday invitations yesterday (for Sunday dinner). Mike's Dad also got one. So, we have Sunday dinner sorted!
In fact, we have swimming, and Barry and Kath coming for Saturday dinner, then Benjamin's party. So I'm looking at this weekend and enjoying the prospect of a bit of relaxing time.
Have a great day.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Good morning on Wed, May 12
Hi,
Well, I have to say, my session I organised last night went off ok. It was a good length and appealed to non-technical people in the audience. I wanted the presenter to suddenly rip off the hood and start coding, but he didn't.
Mike came in with Toby and picked me and Andy up and we got home at a reasonable time. Mike headed off to his meeting and Toby and I sorted out our lives, read a bit more of Robin Hood (Toby really likes it - and it is a very old English version of it, with old fashioned words) and both went to bed.
Before bed, Toby did tell me that he got to watch a movie at school yesterday. Astonishment on my behalf was followed by more questioning. Was it at Skids? No. Was it Mrs Mahoney? No. Turns out all the teachers were meeting, and just the principal and deputy principal were in charge of the kids. I am very curious now. Let us know if anyone has any idea about the meeting.
This morning was Toby drop-off duty for me. Mike is doing the karate sessions now. And tonight is a grading for a yellow belt. A big event. I am quite nervous and pleased I won't be there to watch. Mike has to get there a wee bit early and ask about the Reverse Punch to make sure we have been training Toby right. Also, he needs to practise Yoi, Koyitse (attention stance) and Seisan (forward leaning stance). While he knows them, he is getting confused between these three at the moment.
We had a good morning. Mike was riding for the first time in ages (and I had a good giggle at his story of his ride in this morning) and when I rode in it was lovely. I did have a migraine start, but my vision was only obscured at the start of my ride. It was quite good by the time I was mixing it up with pedestrians and traffic! Honest!
I hope the day is not very exciting. A pounding headache wouldn't be conducive to keen coding today. Heheheh.
Our online shop is due to arrive between 6pm and 8pm tonight (so Ma and Dad, expect some groceries to arrive at some stage). Hooray. We'll have food in the house.
That's about it. Have a great day! Good luck, wee Toby!
Love,
Angela
Well, I have to say, my session I organised last night went off ok. It was a good length and appealed to non-technical people in the audience. I wanted the presenter to suddenly rip off the hood and start coding, but he didn't.
Mike came in with Toby and picked me and Andy up and we got home at a reasonable time. Mike headed off to his meeting and Toby and I sorted out our lives, read a bit more of Robin Hood (Toby really likes it - and it is a very old English version of it, with old fashioned words) and both went to bed.
Before bed, Toby did tell me that he got to watch a movie at school yesterday. Astonishment on my behalf was followed by more questioning. Was it at Skids? No. Was it Mrs Mahoney? No. Turns out all the teachers were meeting, and just the principal and deputy principal were in charge of the kids. I am very curious now. Let us know if anyone has any idea about the meeting.
This morning was Toby drop-off duty for me. Mike is doing the karate sessions now. And tonight is a grading for a yellow belt. A big event. I am quite nervous and pleased I won't be there to watch. Mike has to get there a wee bit early and ask about the Reverse Punch to make sure we have been training Toby right. Also, he needs to practise Yoi, Koyitse (attention stance) and Seisan (forward leaning stance). While he knows them, he is getting confused between these three at the moment.
We had a good morning. Mike was riding for the first time in ages (and I had a good giggle at his story of his ride in this morning) and when I rode in it was lovely. I did have a migraine start, but my vision was only obscured at the start of my ride. It was quite good by the time I was mixing it up with pedestrians and traffic! Honest!
I hope the day is not very exciting. A pounding headache wouldn't be conducive to keen coding today. Heheheh.
Our online shop is due to arrive between 6pm and 8pm tonight (so Ma and Dad, expect some groceries to arrive at some stage). Hooray. We'll have food in the house.
That's about it. Have a great day! Good luck, wee Toby!
Love,
Angela
Fun commuting
I'm back on my bike again, and it feels really good. The Wellington weather is most unusual at the moment, it's staying fine and still right into Autumn which is normally the worst season for wind and rain. (I'm not 100% happy about this - it's going to be a dreadful ski season at this rate. There's a dark lining to every fluffy cloud.)
The ride in this morning was quite bizarre. The cars were all courteous and well behaved - which was just as well, because the pedestrians and other cyclists were very erratic. I saw lots and lots of bikes and people wandering across the road in front of cars, stepping out from the curb in spite of trucks and vans bearing down on them, and generally being in worlds of their own.
But mostly they left me alone, or kindof noticed me at the last minute and got out of my way.
Except for one.
It was beautiful.
A woman wandered across Boulcott Street in a world of her own, right in front of me, without even a glance to see if there was anything coming. Now, in situations like this, I don't yell angry words. Instead, I try to give the impression of total impending disaster, just narrowly averted by my quick wits and lightining fast reflexes. (Due to my slow wits and terrible reflexes, these have to be planned well in advance.)
So I was able to get nice and close to her, and then jam on my brakes, get a nice fishtail going with my back wheel - and let out a loud scream of abject terror and fear, six inches away from her left ear. Oh, it was a joy to behold. She looked up, her eyes grew wide, and she bolted for the footpath screaming.
Job done. I'm in a great mood now, this morning. Time for a coffee.
The ride in this morning was quite bizarre. The cars were all courteous and well behaved - which was just as well, because the pedestrians and other cyclists were very erratic. I saw lots and lots of bikes and people wandering across the road in front of cars, stepping out from the curb in spite of trucks and vans bearing down on them, and generally being in worlds of their own.
But mostly they left me alone, or kindof noticed me at the last minute and got out of my way.
Except for one.
It was beautiful.
A woman wandered across Boulcott Street in a world of her own, right in front of me, without even a glance to see if there was anything coming. Now, in situations like this, I don't yell angry words. Instead, I try to give the impression of total impending disaster, just narrowly averted by my quick wits and lightining fast reflexes. (Due to my slow wits and terrible reflexes, these have to be planned well in advance.)
So I was able to get nice and close to her, and then jam on my brakes, get a nice fishtail going with my back wheel - and let out a loud scream of abject terror and fear, six inches away from her left ear. Oh, it was a joy to behold. She looked up, her eyes grew wide, and she bolted for the footpath screaming.
Job done. I'm in a great mood now, this morning. Time for a coffee.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Good morning on Tues, May 11
Hi,
Ok - another nice day. Not too sure if we're using up our quota of nice days a bit too early in the wintry season. That wispy autumnal mist I was hinting at has arrived - but it is more like squatting in great blankets over the town's hills so far. But it promises to burn off and provide clear blue skies. That's my wish, anyway.
Keas went well last night. We only had three Keas and 4 leaders/helpers. I like those ratios. We started the pinata activity. Funniest bit was when Matthew's balloon popped early on and sprayed us all in paste and gluey paper.
I have to work late tonight with the Dynamics User Group so Mike had the early shift. He'll go and collect Toby and cook dinner and finish his Maths homework (Toby did the long "u" sounds homework this morning - and did it very well) before picking me up and dropping us both home. Mike has a tramping club committee meeting where he has to explain about the impending demise of the club website. Ooooo. The provider hosting the website is closing its doors.
Merlot slept all night at the foot of Toby's bed. I think she likes the lower bed as well. Toby was happy about it. He doesn't like her at the head of the bed near his pillow. I can understand that!
Toby has a karate grading on Wednesday and there is a move he has to do that we're a little unsure about. Oh dear. We're practising and hopefully tonight Mike will get a lot of practise in (after the maths homework).
I'm looking forward to the story Toby will write about Club Penguin. Cool.
Have a marvellous day!
Love,
Angela
Ok - another nice day. Not too sure if we're using up our quota of nice days a bit too early in the wintry season. That wispy autumnal mist I was hinting at has arrived - but it is more like squatting in great blankets over the town's hills so far. But it promises to burn off and provide clear blue skies. That's my wish, anyway.
Keas went well last night. We only had three Keas and 4 leaders/helpers. I like those ratios. We started the pinata activity. Funniest bit was when Matthew's balloon popped early on and sprayed us all in paste and gluey paper.
I have to work late tonight with the Dynamics User Group so Mike had the early shift. He'll go and collect Toby and cook dinner and finish his Maths homework (Toby did the long "u" sounds homework this morning - and did it very well) before picking me up and dropping us both home. Mike has a tramping club committee meeting where he has to explain about the impending demise of the club website. Ooooo. The provider hosting the website is closing its doors.
Merlot slept all night at the foot of Toby's bed. I think she likes the lower bed as well. Toby was happy about it. He doesn't like her at the head of the bed near his pillow. I can understand that!
Toby has a karate grading on Wednesday and there is a move he has to do that we're a little unsure about. Oh dear. We're practising and hopefully tonight Mike will get a lot of practise in (after the maths homework).
I'm looking forward to the story Toby will write about Club Penguin. Cool.
Have a marvellous day!
Love,
Angela
Club Penguin by Tracey West
This is Toby's book cover, that he needed to do for a competition.But he wants to write the story as well! So watch this space.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Good morning on Mon, May 10
Hi,
You won't believe how absolutely gorgeous this morning is here in Wellington. Blue skies, no wind, the hint of frost in the air. I love autumnal mornings - if there was a wisp of mist about in the valleys, it'd be perfection.
The weekend was such good fun. Friday night saw me getting food ready for the tramp, but after that, Toby and I watched Back to the Future and we both loved it. It has been a while since I have seen it. I had to tell stories all weekend about time travel after that.
Saturday we were all up and getting ready for the tramp. We even got McDonalds for brekkie on the way. How lucky are we?
There were 14 of us all up. John, Christine and wee Tom came and wee Tom impressed everyone with his walking abilities. He never let up and walked like a trooper born to it. Constanze, Christain and wee Gustav came along too - it was good to catch up with them. Donna came along with her neice Jess (10) and nephew Oscar (almost 8) and Oscar proved great company for Toby. Wendy brought along her son, Matthew (4) and he walked very well too.
I loaded up Toby's backpack more than it has been in the past. He carried an emergency kit (an incecream container) with a glowstick, drink, chocolate and beef jerky and an emergency blanket - and it should have his whistle but I can't find it). His jacket, a fleece and a jersey. Plus his water (about 2 litres) and his snacking food. He also carried (very oddly) Mike's contact lenses. Apparently, I heard it told later, at one of the stops, he asked if anyone wanted the contact lenses! At least he was sharing! Heheheheh.
We got to Paua Hut around 2pm and it quickly got dark. Firewood was gathered and dinner put on. The dinner turned out well - spaghetti bolognese. And the apricot truffle dessert went down a treat too.
Soon it was pitch black so Toby and I went to bed around 7.15pm and we were both asleep very quickly. By the time Mike arrived about 90 minutes later, he wasn't keen on setting up his bivvy bag and sleeping outside, so he asked if there was room in our wee 2-man tent for him too. Sure. In he got and soon we were all asleep again. But it got too hot. Mike had to open some tent flaps. Then it rained and he had to close them again. Toby slept in his liner and undies! It was hot!
Still, Toby got over 12 hours sleep. And I got close to that. Mike gave us breakfast in bed (it was Mother's Day) and then we packed up and were away by 10am. The walk back seemed to go faster than the walk in. We were visiting Sally at 2pm and enjoying a nice cup of tea.
We headed home and dismantled Toby's bunk bed (taking photos for Trade Me) and then built his new one. Then I was off to dinner with Ma and Dad - we went to Nicolini's in Courtney Place (italian place) and Ma fell in love with the food there. It was a very nice dinner. We caught a bus home (me on the 14 and Mum and Dad on the 43) and we were all home in no time.
Toby and Mike got home from dinner with the Bichans after an epic drive home where they rescued an old lady from her broken down car in Tawa and drove her home to Karori. Mike might tell us more.
Toby slept well in his new bed - we just need to sort out the clothes into the new drawers and tidy up the toys.
Keas tonight - cool!
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
You won't believe how absolutely gorgeous this morning is here in Wellington. Blue skies, no wind, the hint of frost in the air. I love autumnal mornings - if there was a wisp of mist about in the valleys, it'd be perfection.
The weekend was such good fun. Friday night saw me getting food ready for the tramp, but after that, Toby and I watched Back to the Future and we both loved it. It has been a while since I have seen it. I had to tell stories all weekend about time travel after that.
Saturday we were all up and getting ready for the tramp. We even got McDonalds for brekkie on the way. How lucky are we?
There were 14 of us all up. John, Christine and wee Tom came and wee Tom impressed everyone with his walking abilities. He never let up and walked like a trooper born to it. Constanze, Christain and wee Gustav came along too - it was good to catch up with them. Donna came along with her neice Jess (10) and nephew Oscar (almost 8) and Oscar proved great company for Toby. Wendy brought along her son, Matthew (4) and he walked very well too.
I loaded up Toby's backpack more than it has been in the past. He carried an emergency kit (an incecream container) with a glowstick, drink, chocolate and beef jerky and an emergency blanket - and it should have his whistle but I can't find it). His jacket, a fleece and a jersey. Plus his water (about 2 litres) and his snacking food. He also carried (very oddly) Mike's contact lenses. Apparently, I heard it told later, at one of the stops, he asked if anyone wanted the contact lenses! At least he was sharing! Heheheheh.
We got to Paua Hut around 2pm and it quickly got dark. Firewood was gathered and dinner put on. The dinner turned out well - spaghetti bolognese. And the apricot truffle dessert went down a treat too.
Soon it was pitch black so Toby and I went to bed around 7.15pm and we were both asleep very quickly. By the time Mike arrived about 90 minutes later, he wasn't keen on setting up his bivvy bag and sleeping outside, so he asked if there was room in our wee 2-man tent for him too. Sure. In he got and soon we were all asleep again. But it got too hot. Mike had to open some tent flaps. Then it rained and he had to close them again. Toby slept in his liner and undies! It was hot!
Still, Toby got over 12 hours sleep. And I got close to that. Mike gave us breakfast in bed (it was Mother's Day) and then we packed up and were away by 10am. The walk back seemed to go faster than the walk in. We were visiting Sally at 2pm and enjoying a nice cup of tea.
We headed home and dismantled Toby's bunk bed (taking photos for Trade Me) and then built his new one. Then I was off to dinner with Ma and Dad - we went to Nicolini's in Courtney Place (italian place) and Ma fell in love with the food there. It was a very nice dinner. We caught a bus home (me on the 14 and Mum and Dad on the 43) and we were all home in no time.
Toby and Mike got home from dinner with the Bichans after an epic drive home where they rescued an old lady from her broken down car in Tawa and drove her home to Karori. Mike might tell us more.
Toby slept well in his new bed - we just need to sort out the clothes into the new drawers and tidy up the toys.
Keas tonight - cool!
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Friday, May 7, 2010
Paua Hut family tramp, May 2010
Family tramps work nearly the same as the usual tramping that we all know and love. Early starts, gruelling days through all weathers, getting far into the backcountry - well, we don't do any of that. Four hours is a long day, persistent drizzle is enough to make us seriously consider staying at home, and our preference is for gentle, flat tracks with a nice hut at the end of the day.
Paua Hut is a perennial favourite because it ticks all the boxes. Close to Wellington, a track in that you can push a baby buggy along, and a great hut that you know you'll have all to yourself.
Saturday dawned and we were all at the road end bright and early at, well, 10:30am. I'd been promising for months that I'd picked this weekend especially because it would be still, fine and sunny even though we'd be well into Autumn, and so far my predictions weren't too far wrong. Apart from the thickening cloud, that is. Still, I was quietly confident we'd get away with a fine weekend.
There were 14 of us all up, with 3-year-old kids and 10-year-old kids and all ages in between. We had John, Christine and wee Tom, who impressed everyone with his walking abilities. He never let up even though he was only 4, and walked like a trooper born to it. Constanze, Christian and wee Gustav came along too - they are regulars on these trips and it was good to catch up with them again. Donna came along with her neice Jess (10) and nephew Oscar (almost 8) and Oscar proved great company for Toby. Wendy brought along her son, Matthew (4) and he walked very well too.
The accessibility of this track meant that Wendy's family (Paul and younger child in a buggy) came too for a day walk, returning to their car about halfway along the track. Ally and Simon came for the day as well.
Christian moved a lot of gear to the hut in the buggy (and Gustav at times too) and Paul and Simon also came with buggies and wee kids in tow. The Paua Hut track is more or less buggy friendly, as long as you're prepared to do a little bit of carrying in the rough spots. We've done this trip in the past where a buggy had been used purely to tote the vast amount of gear that families sometimes seem to need when out tramping.
Most of the kids had backpacks of some sort, with more or less stuff in them depending on their age. We loaded up Toby's backpack more than it has been in the past. He carried an emergency kit (an icecream container) with a glowstick, drink, chocolate and beef jerky and an emergency blanket. He also had a jacket, a fleece and a jersey for when the snows came. Plus his water (about 2 litres) and his snacking food. And unintentionally, some of my contact lenses in the backpack's top pocket. I have no idea how they got in there. I heard it told later that he was offering them around at one of the rest stops! At least he was sharing nicely!
We reached the Midway bridge by about 11:40am, which was close enough to midday for an early lunch. We all got our various lunches out. Donna's neice and nephew had helped make mini pizzas that looked really, really yummy. Ally and Simon caught up with us, too. They're buggy walkers of old and turned up for the day, with buggy and children in tow.
We all played around the bridge while we ate. There were many trolls and billy-goats to be seen - not just here, but all the way up. Any bridge you went across, you had to watch for a small troll that would leap out at you and threaten to eat you. There was nearly always a bigger, tastier billy goat coming just behind you, so generally you could get away with it.
Before long the Orongorongo river beckoned. Jessie got very excited and in her haste to get there, took a nasty spill. She had cuts and scrapes that needed quite a few of Aunty Donna's band-aids. She was extremely brave!
The river was was incredibly low - the lowest I've ever seen it. We splashed through and headed to the hut.
We have laid down a law with Toby that says if he especially wants something (a book to read or a toy to play with) then he is responsible for carrying it in and out. Needless to say, if a toy is brought along, it is very small. But that doesn't stop him making wonderful finds on the way, and collecting things to carry. Trouble is, walking down a river, there are many great-looking pebbles, and stones, and BOULDERS, shot through with quartz or other beautiful colours. Toby's pack was really quite heavy by the time we got to the hut!
Paua Hut was great to see when we got there around 2pm. Three hours in, not a bad pace for small legs. The hut was very clean and tidy when we got there, and the swing outside was very popular as always. The children took turns seeing who could get fastest, highest, and closest to the one big tree that was within range of the swing.
Firewood was gathered and dinner put on. The dinner turned out well - spaghetti bolognese. I haven't found a child yet that doesn't like spaghetti bolognese. And the apricot truffle dessert went down a treat too.
Soon it was pitch black. Some of us were in tents - so Donna, Oscar and Jessie, as well as Toby and Angela headed off to their tents and sleeping bags, after an extra late night, around 7.30pm. The rest of us chatted for a bit, and at about 9pm I headed out as well. I was planning on sleeping in a bivvy bag but the weather was looking dubious so I snuck into our tent instead. The three of us can still fit in our wee 2-man tent, but every year Toby gets bigger and the amount of space gets smaller. There was enough room, just, but the tent quickly got hot and sauna-like. I had to open some tent flaps. Then it teemed and poured, and I had to quickly close them again. (I'd only promised dry days, which was lucky.) But I was glad to not be sleeping outside...
Next morning dawned, and it was Mothers' Day. I'd carried in some bacon for Angela, and I snuck into the hut and fried it up. So Angela got breakfast in bed. But I think Toby might well have eaten a lot of her bacon.
It was still misty from the night before but this quickly burned off. There's not much nicer in this world than sitting drinking coffee, looking out over the Orongorongo river outside Paua Hut. We tidied up the hut and got ready to go. But, Christine found that she had lost her glasses! Strange but true! Someone eventually found them - in the woodpile by the stove. Whew. We're yet to understand how they got there though.
We were off by 10am, and the walk back seemed to go faster than the walk in. Toby and Oscar were chatting away for a lot of the trip back, about the sort of things that 7 and 8 year olds chat about. Bakugan, Pokemon, Yu-gi-oh, Gogos Crazy Bones and Digimon. It's like a foreign language. We were at the car-park at 1pm sharp, just as Wendy and Matthew's ride turned up. Perfect timing!
All in all the weekend was another great family outing. It was great to see Donna their with her niece and nephew - I'm positive she got huge brownie points from her sister by giving her and her partner a weekend away. So there you go - if you have a brother or sister with children, take them away tramping for a couple of days. You'll be their favourite Aunty or Uncle, and your family will think you're awesome. Win!
If you are interested in family tramps or daywalks - email me (Mike) at WtmcFamilies at gmail dot com, or txt or ring me, 021 103 4119.
Good morning on Fri, May 7
Hi,
Another good ride in this morning, but the weather is not quite as gorgeous as it has been. I nearly got wiped out by a lunatic running a red light. Gave me a fright. He wasn't even close to his red light changing because mine was green and I took off and then he decided to drive through the intersection. Must have been asleep. He was off to the motorway to see what damage he could do at 100 km/h.
I had a busy afternoon at work yesterday and was quite exhausted when I got home. I rang Ma and we pretty much decided to cancel table tennis. I think it was a good idea as I was very tired and slept well. Next week, we'll be back with a vengence.
Tonight we have to do the final packing for the tramp tomorrow. I need to prepare the food (the main and dessert) and then Toby and I can watch a movie. I'm looking forward to the tramp - it's to Paua Hut and a great, easy walk for Toby. I have ordered breakfast in the tent (too many people coming to stay in the hut) for Sunday morning for Mothers Day.
When we get home, we'll sort out Toby's bed and then I'll be off to take Ma into dinenr in town. Mike and Toby will finish the bed off and sort it all out. So, Ma, Dad and I will have a night out. Should be nice but we do have to book, just in case.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Love,
Angela
Another good ride in this morning, but the weather is not quite as gorgeous as it has been. I nearly got wiped out by a lunatic running a red light. Gave me a fright. He wasn't even close to his red light changing because mine was green and I took off and then he decided to drive through the intersection. Must have been asleep. He was off to the motorway to see what damage he could do at 100 km/h.
I had a busy afternoon at work yesterday and was quite exhausted when I got home. I rang Ma and we pretty much decided to cancel table tennis. I think it was a good idea as I was very tired and slept well. Next week, we'll be back with a vengence.
Tonight we have to do the final packing for the tramp tomorrow. I need to prepare the food (the main and dessert) and then Toby and I can watch a movie. I'm looking forward to the tramp - it's to Paua Hut and a great, easy walk for Toby. I have ordered breakfast in the tent (too many people coming to stay in the hut) for Sunday morning for Mothers Day.
When we get home, we'll sort out Toby's bed and then I'll be off to take Ma into dinenr in town. Mike and Toby will finish the bed off and sort it all out. So, Ma, Dad and I will have a night out. Should be nice but we do have to book, just in case.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Love,
Angela
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Good morning on Thurs, May 6
Hi,
Another gorgeous morning in Wellington. What a great bike ride down the hill. It's much better avoiding the traffic generated by the school drop-offs. Some woman in a green jeep turned right in front of me yesterday morning, into her posh street overlooking the harbour. What part of my garish day-glo jacket, blinking front light and flapping green ribbon did she not see?
Anyhow, today was a great ride in. No one cut me off and the traffic lights were friendly.
Mike and Toby are still wandering around the house dazed. I rang twice this morning and I am unsure whether Mike had progressed at all in getting ready inbetween calls. I wonder what time he'll get in? I guess he'll get ready in a rush at the end and be on time. One of the reasons I called was to tell Mike I had some security tape to cordon off the crumbling cliff face this weekend at Paua Hut. There is a cliff being eroded away by the river far below, and having lots of kids aroound it makes us nervous. Mike priced a roll of security tape at $60 but thought it was still worth investing. As I rode into the driveway at work this morning, I saw a chap painting the pillars outside work. He had "wet paint" tape wrapped around to stop mad pedestrians from walking into the pillars. So I went over and said I had a strange request for him. I explained about the cliff and asked if I could have some of his tape. I'd be willing to pay for it (I had no idea at that stage it cost $60 a roll!). He asked how much I needed and I looked at what he had put out and said "twice as much as this". So he took me to his van and gave me some recycled tape from a previous job. How nice of him! I was chuffed and rang Mike to let him know.
Mike worked late yesterday getting lots of things done (bills paid, emails sent) before tramping club. He told me I had missed one of the best talks in ages. Some chap talking about his 17 month walk around the lesser known Inca Trail paths. No photos - just anecdotes about various things he encountered. Sounded great.
I didn't get task 2 done at all on Toby's bed changing project plan. But I did get 80% packed for the tramp for me and Toby. That has a time frame to work to, so I thought it better use of my time.
Ma and Dad came over and Dad took Toby to karate. Just before they left, Ma started cooking tea and she ran out of gas. We use the 9kg gas cyliners for our gas hob and it runs out about twice a year or so. Ok, here's the funny thing. It only ever runs out when Mum is cooking. Given she cooks usually once a week at our place, it does seem odd for it to run out only when she is here. She is wondering if we actually cook at all now. So, two weeks back she was starting to cook when the gas ran out. So Mike quickly grabbed the bottle we use on our BBQ and attached that and she was up and cooking with gas (groan) quickly. But of course, it wasn't full. So despite us using the gas the last two weeks, when does it decide to run out? Last night when Mum was cooking!
It makes me laugh.
Maybe you had to be there. And by that I mean be there the last three times (or maybe even four) when the gas has run out when Ma was cooking.
I'm sniggering even now.
Anyhow, it is table tennis night tonight. And I published this before I finished off. How silly of me. I'm looking forward to it.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Another gorgeous morning in Wellington. What a great bike ride down the hill. It's much better avoiding the traffic generated by the school drop-offs. Some woman in a green jeep turned right in front of me yesterday morning, into her posh street overlooking the harbour. What part of my garish day-glo jacket, blinking front light and flapping green ribbon did she not see?
Anyhow, today was a great ride in. No one cut me off and the traffic lights were friendly.
Mike and Toby are still wandering around the house dazed. I rang twice this morning and I am unsure whether Mike had progressed at all in getting ready inbetween calls. I wonder what time he'll get in? I guess he'll get ready in a rush at the end and be on time. One of the reasons I called was to tell Mike I had some security tape to cordon off the crumbling cliff face this weekend at Paua Hut. There is a cliff being eroded away by the river far below, and having lots of kids aroound it makes us nervous. Mike priced a roll of security tape at $60 but thought it was still worth investing. As I rode into the driveway at work this morning, I saw a chap painting the pillars outside work. He had "wet paint" tape wrapped around to stop mad pedestrians from walking into the pillars. So I went over and said I had a strange request for him. I explained about the cliff and asked if I could have some of his tape. I'd be willing to pay for it (I had no idea at that stage it cost $60 a roll!). He asked how much I needed and I looked at what he had put out and said "twice as much as this". So he took me to his van and gave me some recycled tape from a previous job. How nice of him! I was chuffed and rang Mike to let him know.
Mike worked late yesterday getting lots of things done (bills paid, emails sent) before tramping club. He told me I had missed one of the best talks in ages. Some chap talking about his 17 month walk around the lesser known Inca Trail paths. No photos - just anecdotes about various things he encountered. Sounded great.
I didn't get task 2 done at all on Toby's bed changing project plan. But I did get 80% packed for the tramp for me and Toby. That has a time frame to work to, so I thought it better use of my time.
Ma and Dad came over and Dad took Toby to karate. Just before they left, Ma started cooking tea and she ran out of gas. We use the 9kg gas cyliners for our gas hob and it runs out about twice a year or so. Ok, here's the funny thing. It only ever runs out when Mum is cooking. Given she cooks usually once a week at our place, it does seem odd for it to run out only when she is here. She is wondering if we actually cook at all now. So, two weeks back she was starting to cook when the gas ran out. So Mike quickly grabbed the bottle we use on our BBQ and attached that and she was up and cooking with gas (groan) quickly. But of course, it wasn't full. So despite us using the gas the last two weeks, when does it decide to run out? Last night when Mum was cooking!
It makes me laugh.
Maybe you had to be there. And by that I mean be there the last three times (or maybe even four) when the gas has run out when Ma was cooking.
I'm sniggering even now.
Anyhow, it is table tennis night tonight. And I published this before I finished off. How silly of me. I'm looking forward to it.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Good morning on Wed, May 5
Hi,
Another glorious morning here in Wellington! When are you all moving here?? :-) I had Toby drop-off duty so got a bit of a sleep-in while Mike had the early shower. I'm surprised Mike leapt out of bed so promptly given his excesses the night before with his boss and peers at the pub. Sounds like they were all letting off some steam and letting their hair down. When Mike got home he was talkative and hungry! Heheheh. I was already virtually comatose. Mike seems to have the answers to all the worlds woes when he's had a few drinks. Maybe I should write down his ideas? Sell them to Mr Key? Or Mr Brown - I think he needs them more at the moment.
Toby and I had a good evening, although we were wondering where Mike was at various times. I started (and finished) task 1 on the project management tasklist. I cleared out any old clothes from Toby's current chest of drawers. I now have a huge bag of clothes and we might pass them onto Christine for wee Tom to pick through. Some size 5 but a lot size 6. And the odd size 4 in for good measure.
Tonight is karate night (after tennis at school) and Mike will ride home to go to karate. My parents are likely to come and collect Toby from school and prep him for karate. Ma is keen on cooking tea - yum! I hung out the wash, so there is very little in that regard to get washed now.
After tea I will tackle task 2. What was task 2 again? Clear out some furniture to take photos of the current bunk? That might be tricky with the fish tank there on Toby's tallboy. I might be able to manage some of it. Mike will be off to tramping club to collect some stuff for the weekend. Let's hope the weather stays good.
Ok. Time to get stuck in.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Another glorious morning here in Wellington! When are you all moving here?? :-) I had Toby drop-off duty so got a bit of a sleep-in while Mike had the early shower. I'm surprised Mike leapt out of bed so promptly given his excesses the night before with his boss and peers at the pub. Sounds like they were all letting off some steam and letting their hair down. When Mike got home he was talkative and hungry! Heheheh. I was already virtually comatose. Mike seems to have the answers to all the worlds woes when he's had a few drinks. Maybe I should write down his ideas? Sell them to Mr Key? Or Mr Brown - I think he needs them more at the moment.
Toby and I had a good evening, although we were wondering where Mike was at various times. I started (and finished) task 1 on the project management tasklist. I cleared out any old clothes from Toby's current chest of drawers. I now have a huge bag of clothes and we might pass them onto Christine for wee Tom to pick through. Some size 5 but a lot size 6. And the odd size 4 in for good measure.
Tonight is karate night (after tennis at school) and Mike will ride home to go to karate. My parents are likely to come and collect Toby from school and prep him for karate. Ma is keen on cooking tea - yum! I hung out the wash, so there is very little in that regard to get washed now.
After tea I will tackle task 2. What was task 2 again? Clear out some furniture to take photos of the current bunk? That might be tricky with the fish tank there on Toby's tallboy. I might be able to manage some of it. Mike will be off to tramping club to collect some stuff for the weekend. Let's hope the weather stays good.
Ok. Time to get stuck in.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Good morning on Tues, May 4
Hi,
What a glorious morning - I loved my ride in. I thought I might get properly cold for the first time this autumn, but didn't. The sky is blue and the wind a cool, gentle southerly (hence the slightly lower temperatures than usual).
Last night Keas went really well - we made apricot truffles for Mother's Day. We had lots of helpers so it went really well.
What else? Still no inroads into building the new bed for Toby. We're thinking about project managing it, with Toby being the project manager. Actually, he is also the key stakeholder, so there might be some real incentive there for him. Tasks: clear out his chest of drawers; move it out of the room; take photos of current bunk in-situ; dismantle current bunk and move it out; build new bed; move clothes back in;re-arrange furniture; sell old bunk on Trade Me.
That's about it for now. Can't think of much else going on. Hope it stays nice for the ride home!
Have a marvellous day! I'm off to get a nice cup of tea!
Love,
Angela
What a glorious morning - I loved my ride in. I thought I might get properly cold for the first time this autumn, but didn't. The sky is blue and the wind a cool, gentle southerly (hence the slightly lower temperatures than usual).
Last night Keas went really well - we made apricot truffles for Mother's Day. We had lots of helpers so it went really well.
What else? Still no inroads into building the new bed for Toby. We're thinking about project managing it, with Toby being the project manager. Actually, he is also the key stakeholder, so there might be some real incentive there for him. Tasks: clear out his chest of drawers; move it out of the room; take photos of current bunk in-situ; dismantle current bunk and move it out; build new bed; move clothes back in;re-arrange furniture; sell old bunk on Trade Me.
That's about it for now. Can't think of much else going on. Hope it stays nice for the ride home!
Have a marvellous day! I'm off to get a nice cup of tea!
Love,
Angela
Monday, May 3, 2010
Good morning on Mon, May 3
Hi,
The merry month of May. Quite a merry ride in this morning, so it's looking mighty good on the weather front. The wind is strong and seems cool but the roads were dry and I hooned down the hill. More of the same please, for the rest of the week!
I've seen some photos of Michelle and Tim's engagement party already and it looked like a wonderful evening. I wish we could have made it over. I hope I get to see more photos. Good luck to the young couple.
Our weekend was very relaxing - after Mike's tramp to the Ruahines was cancelled due to a bad weather forecast. Toby and I had Friday night together while Mike said goodbye to a work colleague (his last day). Saturday we were up for swimming and collected Ma on the way. Toby swam well, but did get to sit on the side of the pool at one stage (not listening due to his head being under the water).
Then off to drop Ma off home while we Gilberts all got a haircut at the same time. Great use of time.
We then picked up a few items in town and headed home. Mike got Funny Business on DVD a wee while back and settled me down on the bed to watch it. I think I lasted 10 minutes before sleep engulfed me. It was a nice snooze. We then collected Ma again and went to visit the Lewises for dinner. We ate Indian takeaways from Johnsonville and it was very enjoyable. Good to catch up with Vivienne, John, Benjamin and Ramble!
Sunday was lazy - I pottered around trying to tidy and Mike tried to understand the problems of the world from the depths of his bed. Toby couldn'd make up his mind what to do and watched television, read and played computer games. Eventually Mike got out of bed and we had lunch. Then I suggested we think about a new bed for Toby - there was one half price out in the Hutt. Mike got fired up about that, and Toby and I went over to visit the neighbours while Mike went off to look at the bed.
Toby and I had a lovely time visiting across the way. Amy and Simon have just had a wee baby (Matthew - 3 months) and Toby played with Oliver (almost 2) and other neighbours kids arrived too. Meanwhile, Mike arrived with the new bed. We now have to find time to clear out Toby's room, take photos of his existing bunk bed, dismantle the old bed, build the new one and put everything back in. We'll probably sell his bunk on Trade Me.
Back at work and ready for the week ahead!
Have a wonderful week.
Love,
Angela
The merry month of May. Quite a merry ride in this morning, so it's looking mighty good on the weather front. The wind is strong and seems cool but the roads were dry and I hooned down the hill. More of the same please, for the rest of the week!
I've seen some photos of Michelle and Tim's engagement party already and it looked like a wonderful evening. I wish we could have made it over. I hope I get to see more photos. Good luck to the young couple.
Our weekend was very relaxing - after Mike's tramp to the Ruahines was cancelled due to a bad weather forecast. Toby and I had Friday night together while Mike said goodbye to a work colleague (his last day). Saturday we were up for swimming and collected Ma on the way. Toby swam well, but did get to sit on the side of the pool at one stage (not listening due to his head being under the water).
Then off to drop Ma off home while we Gilberts all got a haircut at the same time. Great use of time.
We then picked up a few items in town and headed home. Mike got Funny Business on DVD a wee while back and settled me down on the bed to watch it. I think I lasted 10 minutes before sleep engulfed me. It was a nice snooze. We then collected Ma again and went to visit the Lewises for dinner. We ate Indian takeaways from Johnsonville and it was very enjoyable. Good to catch up with Vivienne, John, Benjamin and Ramble!
Sunday was lazy - I pottered around trying to tidy and Mike tried to understand the problems of the world from the depths of his bed. Toby couldn'd make up his mind what to do and watched television, read and played computer games. Eventually Mike got out of bed and we had lunch. Then I suggested we think about a new bed for Toby - there was one half price out in the Hutt. Mike got fired up about that, and Toby and I went over to visit the neighbours while Mike went off to look at the bed.
Toby and I had a lovely time visiting across the way. Amy and Simon have just had a wee baby (Matthew - 3 months) and Toby played with Oliver (almost 2) and other neighbours kids arrived too. Meanwhile, Mike arrived with the new bed. We now have to find time to clear out Toby's room, take photos of his existing bunk bed, dismantle the old bed, build the new one and put everything back in. We'll probably sell his bunk on Trade Me.
Back at work and ready for the week ahead!
Have a wonderful week.
Love,
Angela
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