Hi,
What a glorious morning in Wellington. Sydney will need to picks its game up to compete with this weather. Much like the Wallabies tomorrow night really. Heheheh.
The parent/teacher interview went well, despite Toby managing our expectations prior to the session and telling us what to expect. "I don't write well every time and have to spend time at the magic desk completing my writing". And. "Mrs Mahoney says she's tried being angry and tried being nice and it still doesn't work". However, Mrs Mahoney was full of praise for Toby in reality. The writing thing seems to be every 1 out of 3 sessions (or thereabouts) Toby doesn't knuckle down and finish his writing assignment in the manner she is expecting. Mrs Mahoney thinks sleep deprivation might account for it. We're unconvinced. I'm tending towards boredom playing a part in this. Everything else is very good.
Then I went to table tennis with Ma. But we're still a little under the weather and we didn't play well. So we left quite early. Next week I'll be back with a vengeance. Ma and Dad will be sunning themselves in Noosa for two weeks after our Sydney excursion. So Ma will be behind the 8 ball for table tennis when she returns. Look out!
Ma and Dad will collect wee Toby at lunch time today and then me and Mike from work. The flight leaves at 3.30pm. Can't wait.
Have a great weekend and enjoy it!
Love,
Angela
Friday, July 30, 2010
Piplup
This is Piplup the pokemon. I coloured it in, on the computer.
http://www.thedollpalace.com/coloring-pages/pic6903-str333815-Piplup.html
The Doll Palace has lots of cool colouring in pages. It's a girls' site, but it still has things like Pokemon that are really good. You can print out colouring in pages, or you can even do your colouring in on the computer!
I'd better go and get ready for school now. I'm really excited because today I'm going to see my cousins in Sydney!
http://www.thedollpalace.com/coloring-pages/pic6903-str333815-Piplup.html
The Doll Palace has lots of cool colouring in pages. It's a girls' site, but it still has things like Pokemon that are really good. You can print out colouring in pages, or you can even do your colouring in on the computer!
I'd better go and get ready for school now. I'm really excited because today I'm going to see my cousins in Sydney!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Good morning on Thurs, Jul 29
Hi,
It's happy birthday day. Happy birthday to my sisters! Hooray! I'll see Sharon up in Sydney. Toby is so happy to be seeing Jamie soon. And Tyler and Abby too. Yesterday he realised we were just going for the weekend and asked why it was such a short visit. I said at least it was better than nothing and he agreed completely!
Tomorrow we have a half day at work (and school) and then we all head off around 3.30pm to Sydney. Can't wait!
Karate went well. I caught the end of it and they were teaching them how to fall correctly. Very useful. Even for me! Toby told Ma he had a good tennis lesson. And Ma cooked up a comfort meal of family mince pie and mash. Yummo!
We have to pack tonight, play table tennis and see Toby's teacher for parent/teacher interviews. Should keep us very busy.
Love,
Angela
It's happy birthday day. Happy birthday to my sisters! Hooray! I'll see Sharon up in Sydney. Toby is so happy to be seeing Jamie soon. And Tyler and Abby too. Yesterday he realised we were just going for the weekend and asked why it was such a short visit. I said at least it was better than nothing and he agreed completely!
Tomorrow we have a half day at work (and school) and then we all head off around 3.30pm to Sydney. Can't wait!
Karate went well. I caught the end of it and they were teaching them how to fall correctly. Very useful. Even for me! Toby told Ma he had a good tennis lesson. And Ma cooked up a comfort meal of family mince pie and mash. Yummo!
We have to pack tonight, play table tennis and see Toby's teacher for parent/teacher interviews. Should keep us very busy.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Good morning on Wed, Jul 28
Hi,
Who's having a Happy Birthday tomorrow? Happy birthday Shona and Sharon. I hope the weather is lovely for your special day.
Mike managed his logistics expertly last night and sat down next to me at the movie with 30 seconds to spare before the movie started. Perfect timing for him. Me? I would have been a mess cutting anything that fine. But it sits well with Mike. No waste. Mike absolutely loved the movie - I know this because he cannot stop talking about it. I enjoyed it, but I think I enjoyed The Matrix more when I saw that. It certainly makes you think quite a bit.
Tennis day and karate day. I had Toby drop off duty and we had a nice morning. The ride in was fine but my cough is still playing a bit of havoc with my riding. So I took it pretty easy.
We need to pack for the weekend tonight. We don't need much as we're only away for a short time. I wonder if carry on is all we need?
Ma is coming right after her bout of flu. I wonder if we'll see her tonight?
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Who's having a Happy Birthday tomorrow? Happy birthday Shona and Sharon. I hope the weather is lovely for your special day.
Mike managed his logistics expertly last night and sat down next to me at the movie with 30 seconds to spare before the movie started. Perfect timing for him. Me? I would have been a mess cutting anything that fine. But it sits well with Mike. No waste. Mike absolutely loved the movie - I know this because he cannot stop talking about it. I enjoyed it, but I think I enjoyed The Matrix more when I saw that. It certainly makes you think quite a bit.
Tennis day and karate day. I had Toby drop off duty and we had a nice morning. The ride in was fine but my cough is still playing a bit of havoc with my riding. So I took it pretty easy.
We need to pack for the weekend tonight. We don't need much as we're only away for a short time. I wonder if carry on is all we need?
Ma is coming right after her bout of flu. I wonder if we'll see her tonight?
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Good morning on Tues, Jul 27
Hi,
What a busy evening yesterday. I collected Toby for Keas and we had a good old time with over ten children attending. Wow! The shadow puppets went quite well.
Then I dropepd Toby off home, had a quick bite to eat and then went and played squash for the second time in the 3.5 years we've lived here. But I didn't win. So I am a bit rusty and need to practise a lot more. Time for me and Mike to dust off our squash racquets and start a regular session. We both enjoy squash.
Tonight we're off to a movie. Inception. Should be good fun by the look of the shorts I saw last movie I went to. Hannah will pop over to babysit Toby at our place. Hopefully that goes well.
The weather is lovely this morning. A wonderful Wellington wnter's day. Enjoy it if you're here.
I'm getting excited about visiting Sydney (briefly) this weekend. I can't wait!
Love,
Angela
What a busy evening yesterday. I collected Toby for Keas and we had a good old time with over ten children attending. Wow! The shadow puppets went quite well.
Then I dropepd Toby off home, had a quick bite to eat and then went and played squash for the second time in the 3.5 years we've lived here. But I didn't win. So I am a bit rusty and need to practise a lot more. Time for me and Mike to dust off our squash racquets and start a regular session. We both enjoy squash.
Tonight we're off to a movie. Inception. Should be good fun by the look of the shorts I saw last movie I went to. Hannah will pop over to babysit Toby at our place. Hopefully that goes well.
The weather is lovely this morning. A wonderful Wellington wnter's day. Enjoy it if you're here.
I'm getting excited about visiting Sydney (briefly) this weekend. I can't wait!
Love,
Angela
Monday, July 26, 2010
Good morning on Mon, Jul 26
Hi,
The month of July is flying by - it'll be my sisters' birthday in a few days, and then Karen's big bash too. I took the car in today (Kea day we need the car in town) and Mike will drop off Toby. I have committed to playing squash this evening after Keas. Let's see how that goes. I haven't played in some time - once int he 3.5 years we've been in New Zealand. So I'll be out of touch for sure. Maybe Mike and I need to resurrect our squash days.
The weekend was good - Toby swam very well in his lesson. Same teacher so that's good. Nice consistency. His arm action was a lot more strong than anyone else in his lesson. Then we popped in to see Sally and Andrew for lunch. Nice to catch up and the weather was lovely for sitting on their porch!
Off home and Duncan and Emerson came for a sleepover. Toby was very happy about that. The boys were all very good. And to top it off, we watched the rugby and saw the Wallabies give the Saffas a thrashing in the rugby. The Aussie commentators were funny. Especially telling when they flicked up the All Blacks coaching team in the stands and said they had nothing to worry about from what they had seen that evening. True. The Aussies were just less woeful than the South Africans. Bring on Melbourne this weekend! Ooo. We'll be in Sydney for it.
Sunday we got up and left for the day walk to Butterfly Creek. Very pleasant it was too. Lovely weather. Short walk. Nice picnic spot. I got to play with Josh's new iPad. Ooooo.
Ma should be recovering from her bout of flu. We have stayed away. But I think once she recovers from this, I'll be popping around most evenings to take her out for a walk. Here's warning, Ma!
Keas tonight. We're investing a young Kea called Tom. And doing shadow puppets.
That's about it. Have a marvellous week. The story Mike put up about the tramping chap was amazing, eh? Tough!
Love,
Angela
The month of July is flying by - it'll be my sisters' birthday in a few days, and then Karen's big bash too. I took the car in today (Kea day we need the car in town) and Mike will drop off Toby. I have committed to playing squash this evening after Keas. Let's see how that goes. I haven't played in some time - once int he 3.5 years we've been in New Zealand. So I'll be out of touch for sure. Maybe Mike and I need to resurrect our squash days.
The weekend was good - Toby swam very well in his lesson. Same teacher so that's good. Nice consistency. His arm action was a lot more strong than anyone else in his lesson. Then we popped in to see Sally and Andrew for lunch. Nice to catch up and the weather was lovely for sitting on their porch!
Off home and Duncan and Emerson came for a sleepover. Toby was very happy about that. The boys were all very good. And to top it off, we watched the rugby and saw the Wallabies give the Saffas a thrashing in the rugby. The Aussie commentators were funny. Especially telling when they flicked up the All Blacks coaching team in the stands and said they had nothing to worry about from what they had seen that evening. True. The Aussies were just less woeful than the South Africans. Bring on Melbourne this weekend! Ooo. We'll be in Sydney for it.
Sunday we got up and left for the day walk to Butterfly Creek. Very pleasant it was too. Lovely weather. Short walk. Nice picnic spot. I got to play with Josh's new iPad. Ooooo.
Ma should be recovering from her bout of flu. We have stayed away. But I think once she recovers from this, I'll be popping around most evenings to take her out for a walk. Here's warning, Ma!
Keas tonight. We're investing a young Kea called Tom. And doing shadow puppets.
That's about it. Have a marvellous week. The story Mike put up about the tramping chap was amazing, eh? Tough!
Love,
Angela
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Tony Gazley - WTMC Legend
A few of you might have heard me talk about Tony Gazley, who led the Wellington Tramping and Mountaineering Club trip I did last year to Mt Angelus.
Just how hard is he? Have a look at this quote from the latest tramping club newsletter:
Bad luck moments occur and being able to think clearly when trauma occurs is useful. Tony and I walked uphill on the western side of a stream for three hours late one afternoon under a hot sun, before camping in the hebes in an alpine basin. Although the previous day had been long, the travel up the stream day was not arduous and we had an early camp for the night. The next morning was refreshingly cool and we had the same stream to follow out of the hebes and over the pass, and with only two more days to walk south to Mt Cook in good weather.
On our first stream crossing of the day Tony slipped and a razor sharp rock slit his knee open to the bone, a bad luck moment. We both had a look at it and knew it had to be stitched before the knee would go anywhere. Knowing I had needle and grey sewing thread, Tony calmly sat on a rock and held the two sides of his knee together while I flushed the wound out with water and used my darning needle to put in 15 stitches, dipping the thread into my antiseptic solution and having to use a small rock to push the needle through Tony’s rather tough knee skin. Tony uttered no sound as the sewing was done without any local anaesthetic, a real man! Once stitched, a few sutures were placed over the 10cm wound, (for aesthetic purposes) and a crepe bandage wrapped around it.
Being old timers and knowing people have to make up their own minds about when to stop, and being in a safe place, we walked for five hours up and over the mountain pass and down to the next valley for lunch at Mistake Flat Hut. Total bleeding was the size of a 50cent piece and the leg was mobile until we stopped, when it swelled up.
At this point, with a new fast approaching front in the sky, (later discovered it was a cyclone hitting South Island), we knew it was time to set off the emergency beacon and call for a helicopter. Ninety minutes later the helicopter appeared from Christchurch with three paramedics. They were very happy to see the tell-tale wind indicator outside the safety of a hut, as well as two trampers in good spirits, with appropriate gear and experience for the terrain. We were also thanked for being a tidy rescue, ie calling them in daylight hours to a genuine accident and inviting them to this beautiful valley as none had been there before.
The paramedics complimented my needlepoint and left good alone until we got to the hospital when the shocked house surgeon face recovered a more graceful composure when he removed the stitches and saw the bone. The consultant seemed happy with my Himalayan style stitching, complimenting me on my neatness and evenness before giving me a sterile needle and thread as a gift for next time.
Just how hard is he? Have a look at this quote from the latest tramping club newsletter:
Bad luck moments occur and being able to think clearly when trauma occurs is useful. Tony and I walked uphill on the western side of a stream for three hours late one afternoon under a hot sun, before camping in the hebes in an alpine basin. Although the previous day had been long, the travel up the stream day was not arduous and we had an early camp for the night. The next morning was refreshingly cool and we had the same stream to follow out of the hebes and over the pass, and with only two more days to walk south to Mt Cook in good weather.
On our first stream crossing of the day Tony slipped and a razor sharp rock slit his knee open to the bone, a bad luck moment. We both had a look at it and knew it had to be stitched before the knee would go anywhere. Knowing I had needle and grey sewing thread, Tony calmly sat on a rock and held the two sides of his knee together while I flushed the wound out with water and used my darning needle to put in 15 stitches, dipping the thread into my antiseptic solution and having to use a small rock to push the needle through Tony’s rather tough knee skin. Tony uttered no sound as the sewing was done without any local anaesthetic, a real man! Once stitched, a few sutures were placed over the 10cm wound, (for aesthetic purposes) and a crepe bandage wrapped around it.
Being old timers and knowing people have to make up their own minds about when to stop, and being in a safe place, we walked for five hours up and over the mountain pass and down to the next valley for lunch at Mistake Flat Hut. Total bleeding was the size of a 50cent piece and the leg was mobile until we stopped, when it swelled up.
At this point, with a new fast approaching front in the sky, (later discovered it was a cyclone hitting South Island), we knew it was time to set off the emergency beacon and call for a helicopter. Ninety minutes later the helicopter appeared from Christchurch with three paramedics. They were very happy to see the tell-tale wind indicator outside the safety of a hut, as well as two trampers in good spirits, with appropriate gear and experience for the terrain. We were also thanked for being a tidy rescue, ie calling them in daylight hours to a genuine accident and inviting them to this beautiful valley as none had been there before.
The paramedics complimented my needlepoint and left good alone until we got to the hospital when the shocked house surgeon face recovered a more graceful composure when he removed the stitches and saw the bone. The consultant seemed happy with my Himalayan style stitching, complimenting me on my neatness and evenness before giving me a sterile needle and thread as a gift for next time.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Interesting morning
Toby and I got off to school and work pretty well. It's Toby's field trip to Carter Observatory today, and he's pretty excited about it. I told him that his Mum will want to know every little thing about it.
While I was heading to the bus, a wee girl asked me all about it, and if Toby was going. I have no idea who she was, but she certainly knew Toby and knew I was his Dad!
It was a slightly exciting bus trip in this morning. First, there was a nose to tail right in front of the bus stop, which gave all us bus commuters who now vaguely know each other because we hang about at that bus stop every morning, something to chatter about. All very minor though. A kid in an old people-mover didn't notice that traffic was stationary and sailed into the back of the car in front. He slightly bent their tow bar and put some scuff marks on their bumper, as he shattered his bumper, pushed in his grille, smashed his headlights and buckled his bonnet. It was a shame for him.
And, there was a tree down on Wadestown Road, in the valley before you head up to the shops. We had to wait a bit for a man with a stop-go sign. It was on National Radio this morning, as part of their New Zealand traffic report. I like being in a country where you can have a traffic report for the whole country, and it still only takes 1 minute, and they include things like a tree down, around the corner from where you live.
While I was heading to the bus, a wee girl asked me all about it, and if Toby was going. I have no idea who she was, but she certainly knew Toby and knew I was his Dad!
It was a slightly exciting bus trip in this morning. First, there was a nose to tail right in front of the bus stop, which gave all us bus commuters who now vaguely know each other because we hang about at that bus stop every morning, something to chatter about. All very minor though. A kid in an old people-mover didn't notice that traffic was stationary and sailed into the back of the car in front. He slightly bent their tow bar and put some scuff marks on their bumper, as he shattered his bumper, pushed in his grille, smashed his headlights and buckled his bonnet. It was a shame for him.
And, there was a tree down on Wadestown Road, in the valley before you head up to the shops. We had to wait a bit for a man with a stop-go sign. It was on National Radio this morning, as part of their New Zealand traffic report. I like being in a country where you can have a traffic report for the whole country, and it still only takes 1 minute, and they include things like a tree down, around the corner from where you live.
Good morning on Fri, Jul 23
Hi,
After working a bit late last night and waking up groggy, I decided to take the bus in this morning. It didn't look too bad out there. Damp roads and misty clouds, but no wind. It would have been a good ride in, I reckon. And the bus ride in leaves me dopey at work for ages. Give me an invigorating ride down the hill to start the day anytime!
Last night Ma and I decided to flag table tennis. She is still pretty sick and I am still blocked up. My cough might be getting better though. Next week we'll be in fine form.
Friday night tonight. Hooray. I wonder what movie we'll watch at home?
Swimming lessons start for the term tomorrow. Toby will miss next weekend while we're in Sydney celebrating my wee sister's big birthday! Woo hoo! I have asked if Duncan and Emerson can come for a sleepover on Saturday night and we'll take them on the day walk on Sunday Mike has organised for the tramping club. Good fun.
Have a marvellous weekend. Stay snug and warm.
Love,
Angela
After working a bit late last night and waking up groggy, I decided to take the bus in this morning. It didn't look too bad out there. Damp roads and misty clouds, but no wind. It would have been a good ride in, I reckon. And the bus ride in leaves me dopey at work for ages. Give me an invigorating ride down the hill to start the day anytime!
Last night Ma and I decided to flag table tennis. She is still pretty sick and I am still blocked up. My cough might be getting better though. Next week we'll be in fine form.
Friday night tonight. Hooray. I wonder what movie we'll watch at home?
Swimming lessons start for the term tomorrow. Toby will miss next weekend while we're in Sydney celebrating my wee sister's big birthday! Woo hoo! I have asked if Duncan and Emerson can come for a sleepover on Saturday night and we'll take them on the day walk on Sunday Mike has organised for the tramping club. Good fun.
Have a marvellous weekend. Stay snug and warm.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Good morning on Thurs, Jul 22
Hi,
Another drizzly morning - but no wind. So not a lot of complaint from me. I'm not sure how the boys managed it last night but we ended up eating McDonalds for dinner. I feel slightly ill just recalling it. Anyhow, I was working late so I asked Mike and Toby to come and collect me after karate. They "convinced" me to take Toby to Maccas after dropping Mike off for a pre-tramping club meeting. So, we dropped Mike off and drove to the McDonalds at the Basin.
While Toby and I were getting stuck into our "food" (Toby won a sundae by putting 20c into a bubbling container and having his coin land on a tiny pad inside - who knew), Mike walked in. There was no one at his meeting and he had left his phone in the car and couldn't confirm the time or venue. So he ordered Maccas and that was when I was wondering if this was some elaborate ploy to eat Maccas...
Anyhow, turns out Mike was 10 mins early for the meeting. Heheheh. That has never happened to him before so he left thinking he was completely wrong. I enjoyed the joke.
Karate went well. Toby was taught a speed block/punch contest. Sounded like fun.
I am working late tonight and debating whether Ma and I will be well enough to play table tennis. Ma has been diagnosed with the flu. Not Swine - at least, we don't think so.
Have a good day!
Love,
Angela
Another drizzly morning - but no wind. So not a lot of complaint from me. I'm not sure how the boys managed it last night but we ended up eating McDonalds for dinner. I feel slightly ill just recalling it. Anyhow, I was working late so I asked Mike and Toby to come and collect me after karate. They "convinced" me to take Toby to Maccas after dropping Mike off for a pre-tramping club meeting. So, we dropped Mike off and drove to the McDonalds at the Basin.
While Toby and I were getting stuck into our "food" (Toby won a sundae by putting 20c into a bubbling container and having his coin land on a tiny pad inside - who knew), Mike walked in. There was no one at his meeting and he had left his phone in the car and couldn't confirm the time or venue. So he ordered Maccas and that was when I was wondering if this was some elaborate ploy to eat Maccas...
Anyhow, turns out Mike was 10 mins early for the meeting. Heheheh. That has never happened to him before so he left thinking he was completely wrong. I enjoyed the joke.
Karate went well. Toby was taught a speed block/punch contest. Sounded like fun.
I am working late tonight and debating whether Ma and I will be well enough to play table tennis. Ma has been diagnosed with the flu. Not Swine - at least, we don't think so.
Have a good day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Good morning on Wed, Jul 21
Hi,
The weather has turned drizzly. Must be Dad's day off, eh? Heheheh. The ride down the hill was slow - I am such a wimp when my brakes don't work crisply. I was on Toby drop off duty as Mike has karate duty this afternoon. I suspect tennis might be an optimistic wish today.
What else have I got on my plate? Building Toby's pom pom for the pom pom demonstration on Monday evening at Keas. It's a bit tangly. I must have lost the knack.
I need a cup of tea. Been too busy so far this morning to get one. My cold is still spluttering along. It might be getting better. Ma is off to the doctors - finally. Hopefully she hasn't left it too long to get it sorted quickly. Karen did say we weren't allowed to bring germs over for her birthday!
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
The weather has turned drizzly. Must be Dad's day off, eh? Heheheh. The ride down the hill was slow - I am such a wimp when my brakes don't work crisply. I was on Toby drop off duty as Mike has karate duty this afternoon. I suspect tennis might be an optimistic wish today.
What else have I got on my plate? Building Toby's pom pom for the pom pom demonstration on Monday evening at Keas. It's a bit tangly. I must have lost the knack.
I need a cup of tea. Been too busy so far this morning to get one. My cold is still spluttering along. It might be getting better. Ma is off to the doctors - finally. Hopefully she hasn't left it too long to get it sorted quickly. Karen did say we weren't allowed to bring germs over for her birthday!
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Good morning on Tues, Jul 20
Hi,
The roads were dry riding in this morning so I had a good ride down the hill. My cold/cough meant I took it very easy so I didn't get out of breath and start coughing and spluttering. Ma is quite sick with a bronchial cough and Dad will take her to the doctors today. I hope she gets better soon.
First night back at Keas was good fun. Pom pom making absorbed them for quite some time. I'm going to help Toby finish his this week and show them the end process next week. Next week, an investiture and shadow puppets. Oooooo.
I can't wait for my cup of tea. Best go and sort that out.
Love,
Angela
The roads were dry riding in this morning so I had a good ride down the hill. My cold/cough meant I took it very easy so I didn't get out of breath and start coughing and spluttering. Ma is quite sick with a bronchial cough and Dad will take her to the doctors today. I hope she gets better soon.
First night back at Keas was good fun. Pom pom making absorbed them for quite some time. I'm going to help Toby finish his this week and show them the end process next week. Next week, an investiture and shadow puppets. Oooooo.
I can't wait for my cup of tea. Best go and sort that out.
Love,
Angela
Monday, July 19, 2010
Toby's lunch
Angela went in early today, so she could leave early. So early that she couldn't make any sandwiches. Now, I think that's a good thing - I think that Toby and I should make our own lunches. And surprisingly, Toby was really on board. When I said that he had to help me make his lunch, he went one further and did the whole thing himself. He even didn't want me there to provide any help at all.
I hope he really enjoys his potato chip and Hersheys Chocolate Sauce sandwiches.
I hope he really enjoys his potato chip and Hersheys Chocolate Sauce sandwiches.
Good morning on Mon, Jul 19
Hi,
Back in the swing of things already. Emails piling up and trying to stop thinking about the wonderful holiday we just had. A bigger blog about the trip will be forthcoming. But for now, just a general update.
Mt Hutt had a big dump of snow the night we arrived and it lasted well until we left. We had brilliant conditions. No wind, blue skies. Lovely. I had my first ski lesson in over ten years and found some new form towards the end of the week. Great. Mt Hutt has a new electronic system in place and you can see how many vertical metres you ski. I did 15,540m over my 7 days. Pretty chuffed about that. Next season I'm aiming for 20k. Heheheh.
Toby had a ski week that in his mind went for an eternity. But we think it was good for him (as parents do). He has progressed from 3a at the start to 3b at the end. He still resorts to a fantastic wedge on steep slopes. Why not, I say? Toby is the wedge prince.
We had fun skiing with Christine, John and wee Tom too. The accommodation was good. The pool the Sampson kids swam in back in the last school holidays had surface ice all over it. Toby found it fascinating.
Anyhow, I'd better leave it at that for now. I hope your week is great fun.
Love,
Angela
Back in the swing of things already. Emails piling up and trying to stop thinking about the wonderful holiday we just had. A bigger blog about the trip will be forthcoming. But for now, just a general update.
Mt Hutt had a big dump of snow the night we arrived and it lasted well until we left. We had brilliant conditions. No wind, blue skies. Lovely. I had my first ski lesson in over ten years and found some new form towards the end of the week. Great. Mt Hutt has a new electronic system in place and you can see how many vertical metres you ski. I did 15,540m over my 7 days. Pretty chuffed about that. Next season I'm aiming for 20k. Heheheh.
Toby had a ski week that in his mind went for an eternity. But we think it was good for him (as parents do). He has progressed from 3a at the start to 3b at the end. He still resorts to a fantastic wedge on steep slopes. Why not, I say? Toby is the wedge prince.
We had fun skiing with Christine, John and wee Tom too. The accommodation was good. The pool the Sampson kids swam in back in the last school holidays had surface ice all over it. Toby found it fascinating.
Anyhow, I'd better leave it at that for now. I hope your week is great fun.
Love,
Angela
Friday, July 9, 2010
Good morning on Fri, Jul 9
What rotten weather. Good, eh? It must be bucketing down snow. We're off tonight to Christchurch for a week skiing. Fingers crossed it snows every night and is sunny every day.
Nothing from me for a week or more. Bear up well under the strain, everyone.
Dad is driving over the Rimutaka Hill to collect Ma and Toby this morning. I hope he fares well on the drive because that hill is sometimes horrible in bad weather and can be closed. We don't want to miss the sirplane tonight. Oh dear. Poor Dad.
We'll head to Ngaio collect wee Toby after work.
Nothing from me for a week or more. Bear up well under the strain, everyone.
Dad is driving over the Rimutaka Hill to collect Ma and Toby this morning. I hope he fares well on the drive because that hill is sometimes horrible in bad weather and can be closed. We don't want to miss the sirplane tonight. Oh dear. Poor Dad.
We'll head to Ngaio collect wee Toby after work.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Good morning on Thurs, Jul 8
Hi,
Another wintry morning in Wellington with continuing galeforce southerlies. We don't feel the southerly in our house at all really. It's always amazing to pop up to street level and feel the full force of a cold southern blast. This is bringing lots of snow to Mt Hutt. We head off there tomorrow night.
Yesterday I woke with a headache, got a migraine in the morning at work, and then got another headache in the afternoon. So I went home and ate and packed a little more. Kara popped in for dessert and a cup of tea. Then I watched some TV and fell asleep in seconds.
We woke at 5.15am to go into town to watch the semi final between Germany and Spain. We were keen for Germany to win (Mike drew them in the office sweepstake) but Spain were all over them with pace and control. Nothing for them. The breakfast was good value. $5 for lots of bacon, two poached eggs, toast, hash brown, baked beans and tomato. And bottomless coffee.
Home after work to finish the packing and make sure the house is in order. We need someone to come and feed the fish from time to time too. Perhaps my mother will volunteer for that. We'll ask the neighbour if she can feed the cat. Poor Merlot is going to be cold!
Ok. Time to get stuck in.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Another wintry morning in Wellington with continuing galeforce southerlies. We don't feel the southerly in our house at all really. It's always amazing to pop up to street level and feel the full force of a cold southern blast. This is bringing lots of snow to Mt Hutt. We head off there tomorrow night.
Yesterday I woke with a headache, got a migraine in the morning at work, and then got another headache in the afternoon. So I went home and ate and packed a little more. Kara popped in for dessert and a cup of tea. Then I watched some TV and fell asleep in seconds.
We woke at 5.15am to go into town to watch the semi final between Germany and Spain. We were keen for Germany to win (Mike drew them in the office sweepstake) but Spain were all over them with pace and control. Nothing for them. The breakfast was good value. $5 for lots of bacon, two poached eggs, toast, hash brown, baked beans and tomato. And bottomless coffee.
Home after work to finish the packing and make sure the house is in order. We need someone to come and feed the fish from time to time too. Perhaps my mother will volunteer for that. We'll ask the neighbour if she can feed the cat. Poor Merlot is going to be cold!
Ok. Time to get stuck in.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Good morning on Wed, Jul 7
Hi,
The weather is foul. Strong southerlies that will get to galeforce in exposed places. Like most of the hills around Wellington I imagine. The rain is definitely horizontal.
Last night was a lot of fun. We went to The Quiet Lady in Karori and had a nice meal and came third in the pub quiz. Not too shabby. We were only two points adrift coming second.
When we got home, we were in bed surfing a site that sends me to sleep when our friends in Canberra called us on the Skype phone. They giggled helplessly for a good minute or so when they realised we were in bed. Our Skype phone has a webcam on our computer in the bedroom. Well, it was 10.30 at night! Turns out our friend Carolin is being seconded for six months to the United Arab Emirates with her work. She modelled her clothes (army boots and everything) and seems to be very excited about the whole thing. Criag, on the other hand, says he'll get to watch the footy in peace, but I think he'll miss her a lot.
Tonight we're out again. Tramping club trip planning for Mike and then the usual club night. I'm going to pop along for it tonight.
Then some packing before bed and more of the same tomorrow night. I might miss table tennis to make sure I have everything sorted for heading off on Friday. The house has to be tidy because the cleaner will arrive while we're away. And I need to sort out Toby's clothes and gear bearing in mind he has a week's worth of clothes away with him and Ma.
I don't think I heard from them yesterday. I wonder what they got up to. Hopefully I can get a chance to chat to them today.
Have a good day!
Love,
Angela
The weather is foul. Strong southerlies that will get to galeforce in exposed places. Like most of the hills around Wellington I imagine. The rain is definitely horizontal.
Last night was a lot of fun. We went to The Quiet Lady in Karori and had a nice meal and came third in the pub quiz. Not too shabby. We were only two points adrift coming second.
When we got home, we were in bed surfing a site that sends me to sleep when our friends in Canberra called us on the Skype phone. They giggled helplessly for a good minute or so when they realised we were in bed. Our Skype phone has a webcam on our computer in the bedroom. Well, it was 10.30 at night! Turns out our friend Carolin is being seconded for six months to the United Arab Emirates with her work. She modelled her clothes (army boots and everything) and seems to be very excited about the whole thing. Criag, on the other hand, says he'll get to watch the footy in peace, but I think he'll miss her a lot.
Tonight we're out again. Tramping club trip planning for Mike and then the usual club night. I'm going to pop along for it tonight.
Then some packing before bed and more of the same tomorrow night. I might miss table tennis to make sure I have everything sorted for heading off on Friday. The house has to be tidy because the cleaner will arrive while we're away. And I need to sort out Toby's clothes and gear bearing in mind he has a week's worth of clothes away with him and Ma.
I don't think I heard from them yesterday. I wonder what they got up to. Hopefully I can get a chance to chat to them today.
Have a good day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Good morning on Tues, Jul 6
Hi,
Our lovely weather has come to an end now. This morning looked a bit horrid out there. But it was fine from the warmth of the car. Yes, we're going out again tonight. But last night we went to the Penthouse cinema (for the first time since we lived close to it many years ago) with Kara to watch a turgid French movie about people with as much passion for life as sloths. 96 minutes to make you realise how sparkly your own life is. Perhaps that's where its worth lies? Certainly wasn't in the polished dialogue.
The highlight of the night was finding an Ethiopian restaurant right next door to the Penthouse. They time share the restaurant with a Thai restaurant and are only open on Mondays. The other days of the week you'll get a green curry. Last night I ordered Doro Wot (a chicken dish I remember from Senke in Finsbury Park - Mike's mother found this wonderful Ethiopian restaurant when she visited us once and it became a huge hit with us) and it was as good as I remember. Dad might be feeling dread as he reads this as he still gains mileage from recounting the time we took him to Senke and sat him on the ground, gave him no cutlery and made him eat spicy food with his fingers. Hehehehe. This place is not quite as authentic. We had chairs and cutlery.
Tonight is quiz night at The Quiet Lady. Come around if you're free. It is still a little half baked plan because I am unsure of the start time (aiming for 6.30pm) and whether there is a quiz on at all. But their food is good, so if nothing else I'll be full! I'll confirm today and email some people more details.
Toby and Mum are having fun. Sounds like Cartoon Network was the highlight of yesterday. Toby said something about golf, ping pong and snakes and ladders. But it was hard to hear him on the speakerphone. Looking at the weather, it might be an indoor day today too.
OK. Better get stuck in. Busy.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Our lovely weather has come to an end now. This morning looked a bit horrid out there. But it was fine from the warmth of the car. Yes, we're going out again tonight. But last night we went to the Penthouse cinema (for the first time since we lived close to it many years ago) with Kara to watch a turgid French movie about people with as much passion for life as sloths. 96 minutes to make you realise how sparkly your own life is. Perhaps that's where its worth lies? Certainly wasn't in the polished dialogue.
The highlight of the night was finding an Ethiopian restaurant right next door to the Penthouse. They time share the restaurant with a Thai restaurant and are only open on Mondays. The other days of the week you'll get a green curry. Last night I ordered Doro Wot (a chicken dish I remember from Senke in Finsbury Park - Mike's mother found this wonderful Ethiopian restaurant when she visited us once and it became a huge hit with us) and it was as good as I remember. Dad might be feeling dread as he reads this as he still gains mileage from recounting the time we took him to Senke and sat him on the ground, gave him no cutlery and made him eat spicy food with his fingers. Hehehehe. This place is not quite as authentic. We had chairs and cutlery.
Tonight is quiz night at The Quiet Lady. Come around if you're free. It is still a little half baked plan because I am unsure of the start time (aiming for 6.30pm) and whether there is a quiz on at all. But their food is good, so if nothing else I'll be full! I'll confirm today and email some people more details.
Toby and Mum are having fun. Sounds like Cartoon Network was the highlight of yesterday. Toby said something about golf, ping pong and snakes and ladders. But it was hard to hear him on the speakerphone. Looking at the weather, it might be an indoor day today too.
OK. Better get stuck in. Busy.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Monday, July 5, 2010
Good morning on Mon, July 5
Hi,
What a lovely weekend - our weather was beautiful. Wee Toby has left for the week with Grandy and they seem to be enjoying themselves over in the Wairarapa. Saturday the boys got haircuts and then we went home for lunch and headed out to the Sampson's house. We ended up invited for tea so we had a roast lamb dinner and it was scrumptious.
Then I dropped the boys off at home and went around to see Ma and Dad. Every second Saturday or so I'll pop over and watch movies or do something else with Ma. Just for fun. We watched some frivlous thing about Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (or something similar). But I also watched an episode of "It's in the bag" from Dunedin in 1974 (and another one from Dunedin in 1975). My primary school teacher was in the audience and he was exactly how I remember him.
Sunday morning we woke up and got Toby ready for his adventure. We picked up Mum and back for Mike (he was getting the wee laptop ready for Toby to take) and then off to the train station. Lo and behold if there weren't bus replacements in place. So we drove out to Petone to pick up the train there. Mum and Toby settled into a window seat and they left on their journey. How exciting for them.
We went around to Sally and Andrew's place and baked in the heat. I was just in a t-shirt. We chatted away for ages for we headed home. Mike got some work done and I started a new book. Then we went out for dinner to Wagamama. Very pleasant.
Our week is getting busy now. Tuesday looks like a trivia night at the Quiet Lady if anyone's interested.
Have a great week!
Love,
Angela
What a lovely weekend - our weather was beautiful. Wee Toby has left for the week with Grandy and they seem to be enjoying themselves over in the Wairarapa. Saturday the boys got haircuts and then we went home for lunch and headed out to the Sampson's house. We ended up invited for tea so we had a roast lamb dinner and it was scrumptious.
Then I dropped the boys off at home and went around to see Ma and Dad. Every second Saturday or so I'll pop over and watch movies or do something else with Ma. Just for fun. We watched some frivlous thing about Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (or something similar). But I also watched an episode of "It's in the bag" from Dunedin in 1974 (and another one from Dunedin in 1975). My primary school teacher was in the audience and he was exactly how I remember him.
Sunday morning we woke up and got Toby ready for his adventure. We picked up Mum and back for Mike (he was getting the wee laptop ready for Toby to take) and then off to the train station. Lo and behold if there weren't bus replacements in place. So we drove out to Petone to pick up the train there. Mum and Toby settled into a window seat and they left on their journey. How exciting for them.
We went around to Sally and Andrew's place and baked in the heat. I was just in a t-shirt. We chatted away for ages for we headed home. Mike got some work done and I started a new book. Then we went out for dinner to Wagamama. Very pleasant.
Our week is getting busy now. Tuesday looks like a trivia night at the Quiet Lady if anyone's interested.
Have a great week!
Love,
Angela
Friday, July 2, 2010
Good morning on Fri, Jul 2
Hi,
It's a happy birthday day for Andrew. And what a cracker of a day he has here in lovely Wellington. Blue skies, crisp air, no wind. It's a heavenly day.
Table tennis was lots of fun last night. I seem to be getting slightly more consistency. Maybe I need a better bat?
Anyhow, the weekend kicks off in 8 hours or so. Toby is away Sunday morning with Mum for a week to Masterton. How weird is that going to be? Then we he gets back on Friday, we're off immediately to Christchurch for a ski week. I hope it's not too busy on the mountain for school holidays. It's been many years since we braved school holiday ski crowds. I'm a bit worried.
Toby has new ski gear this season, having grown out of his gear we bought when he was 3 1/2. Hopefully I'll recognise him on the slopes with the different clothes. He really wants skis and boots too - but he grows so quickly it's pointless...
Anyhow, let's see what the rest of the weekend has in store.
Love,
Angela
It's a happy birthday day for Andrew. And what a cracker of a day he has here in lovely Wellington. Blue skies, crisp air, no wind. It's a heavenly day.
Table tennis was lots of fun last night. I seem to be getting slightly more consistency. Maybe I need a better bat?
Anyhow, the weekend kicks off in 8 hours or so. Toby is away Sunday morning with Mum for a week to Masterton. How weird is that going to be? Then we he gets back on Friday, we're off immediately to Christchurch for a ski week. I hope it's not too busy on the mountain for school holidays. It's been many years since we braved school holiday ski crowds. I'm a bit worried.
Toby has new ski gear this season, having grown out of his gear we bought when he was 3 1/2. Hopefully I'll recognise him on the slopes with the different clothes. He really wants skis and boots too - but he grows so quickly it's pointless...
Anyhow, let's see what the rest of the weekend has in store.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Good morning on Thurs, Jul 1
Hi,
The month of July commences. What a good month. And we have one week down south skiing this month, so it's going to be a good month! Woo hoo!
Mum cooked up a fine meal last night for after-karate repast and that was despite her feeling a bit under the weather. I hope she feels better soon. We have table tennis tonight.
The ride in was dry this morning. Lovely really. My brakes work very well in the dry. Unlike the wet where my brakes merely pretend to work.
Better get stuck in. Got lots on. Started well too with Roz and I getting 14/15 on the daily quiz on http://www.stuff.co.nz/. Any day we score that well has to bode well for the rest of the day.
Have a marvellous day.
Love,
Angela
The month of July commences. What a good month. And we have one week down south skiing this month, so it's going to be a good month! Woo hoo!
Mum cooked up a fine meal last night for after-karate repast and that was despite her feeling a bit under the weather. I hope she feels better soon. We have table tennis tonight.
The ride in was dry this morning. Lovely really. My brakes work very well in the dry. Unlike the wet where my brakes merely pretend to work.
Better get stuck in. Got lots on. Started well too with Roz and I getting 14/15 on the daily quiz on http://www.stuff.co.nz/. Any day we score that well has to bode well for the rest of the day.
Have a marvellous day.
Love,
Angela
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