Hi,
Denial isn't working - my throat is a bit sore and perhaps I am facing my first cold since June last year! Pants! Never mind. I guess it might all amount to nothing. You never know your luck!
Cubs went well last night. The two previous leaders came back for the night to help with camp preparation. We unfolded the tents and pitched two of them. Heheheh. It was okay. The tents have some nightmarish folding that needs to be perfect otherwise there is no way they fit back in their packaging. All canvas. No groundsheet. Old school.
We also met the new leader's husband for the first time. He took one look at Mike and said "I know you, I have worked with you". He then said his name was Glen and as Mike was about to claim complete ignorance, the penny dropped with me and I said "ANZ Direct!". Sure enough - Mike had worked with him over 15 years ago when we were at the bank. I had nothing to do with him. He is coming to the Cub Camp, so I am sure Mike and Glen will catch up and reminisce.
This morning is lovely. But I have a work party to attend tonight, so I took the bus in with Mike. Mike has karate with Toby so they should have a good evening.
Okay - best have a cup of tea and get stuck in.
Have a marvellous day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
A funny Tuesday morning for Mike and Toby
This morning was great. It went so, so smoothly. I had plenty of time to get ready. Toby got up about 10 min early and was in a great mood, and was dressed and ready to go long before he needed to be. Out the door we went, a couple minutes early, and we collected Alex and Yingjie and I dropped everyone at the library where the school bus leaves from.
You know where this is going, don't you? I don't do smooth easy mornings, and if I do, I certainly don't bother blogging about them.
As they were walking to the bus stop, I noticed that Alex and Toby looked - different to each other. They usually look very cute in their matching uniforms. Toby was - greyer somehow. Oh no! He didn't have his blazer on! I asked him what would happen. He looked pretty worried and said that it was assembly today and he HAD to have his blazer...
So I jumped back in the car, zoomed home, and grabbed the errant blazer. Plenty of time, I thought. We were early, after all... I got to the bus stop - just as the school bus was pulling away! Argh! So I tucked in behind it and chased it to the next bus stop. I flicked the hazard lights on and threw the car to the left of the bus, ready to jump out with the blazer. But oh no! There was just one boy getting on at this stop - the doors were closing just as I got out of the car. But luckily - the bus driver saw me and let me on. "Where's blazer boy?" he called cheerily down the bus. I wandered down and found Toby. Hopefully this was a humourous event for all the other boys on the bus, and not one that Toby will never live down...
You know where this is going, don't you? I don't do smooth easy mornings, and if I do, I certainly don't bother blogging about them.
As they were walking to the bus stop, I noticed that Alex and Toby looked - different to each other. They usually look very cute in their matching uniforms. Toby was - greyer somehow. Oh no! He didn't have his blazer on! I asked him what would happen. He looked pretty worried and said that it was assembly today and he HAD to have his blazer...
So I jumped back in the car, zoomed home, and grabbed the errant blazer. Plenty of time, I thought. We were early, after all... I got to the bus stop - just as the school bus was pulling away! Argh! So I tucked in behind it and chased it to the next bus stop. I flicked the hazard lights on and threw the car to the left of the bus, ready to jump out with the blazer. But oh no! There was just one boy getting on at this stop - the doors were closing just as I got out of the car. But luckily - the bus driver saw me and let me on. "Where's blazer boy?" he called cheerily down the bus. I wandered down and found Toby. Hopefully this was a humourous event for all the other boys on the bus, and not one that Toby will never live down...
The Monday of leisurely activity
Hi,
I rode home at 1600 (part of the new routine) and went to collect Toby nice and early, only to find no one at Alex's house. Suspecting they were at the library (which is where I was a few minutes prior) I went home and cooked up dinner. Then I went back to Alex's house and sure enough - there they were. I have asked Toby to send a signal if he is in the library when I come past. Window wiper up on the car while he is in there. It might work!
Mike got home and we all ate dinner together. Toby worked on his homework afterwards and Mike wandered off to a tramping club person's house to discuss web things. I read to Toby and put him to bed. Somehow we just had so many extra hours in the evening.
Unlike tonight's rush for Cubs. Oh well. Heheheh. We're having a session on Cub Camp preparation tonight involving gear lists, knots for tent pitching and tent folding. Sigh. The poor weather forecast probably means we have to hang the tents up in the scout hall on Sunday afternoon to dry. Bit of a pain.
What else? Not a lot. The ride in this morning was nice - any forecast rain hadn't arrived yet. The roads were dry and the harbour quite still. It is dark now when I ride in.
Better get stuck in and grab a nice cup of tea.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
I rode home at 1600 (part of the new routine) and went to collect Toby nice and early, only to find no one at Alex's house. Suspecting they were at the library (which is where I was a few minutes prior) I went home and cooked up dinner. Then I went back to Alex's house and sure enough - there they were. I have asked Toby to send a signal if he is in the library when I come past. Window wiper up on the car while he is in there. It might work!
Mike got home and we all ate dinner together. Toby worked on his homework afterwards and Mike wandered off to a tramping club person's house to discuss web things. I read to Toby and put him to bed. Somehow we just had so many extra hours in the evening.
Unlike tonight's rush for Cubs. Oh well. Heheheh. We're having a session on Cub Camp preparation tonight involving gear lists, knots for tent pitching and tent folding. Sigh. The poor weather forecast probably means we have to hang the tents up in the scout hall on Sunday afternoon to dry. Bit of a pain.
What else? Not a lot. The ride in this morning was nice - any forecast rain hadn't arrived yet. The roads were dry and the harbour quite still. It is dark now when I ride in.
Better get stuck in and grab a nice cup of tea.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Monday, February 27, 2012
The weekend with a lovely tramp to Paua Hut
Hi,
What an amazing stroke of luck - the fine weather happened to coincide with a weekend. We had a great time tramping into Paua Hut. It was so good to see Vivienne there with us. Her gear was old and stylish. She may start a new trend in the bush if she gets out and about like that more often! Retro is back!
On Friday afternoon, Jack's Dad, John, gave me a ride to Scots to see Toby come back from camp. They had got in earlier than expected but we didn't know that (especially as John said they were awfully late last year) so we sat in the car park (me reading). Once a teacher came and got us, we went to the classroom to collect the boys. I could tell Toby had had a wonderful time! When we got back to the car, it wouldn't start. Battery woes. Eventually we found jumper cables and a willing battery and got away.
Friday evening was vaguely relaxing at the Gilbert household. My arms were tired after carrying groceries from the supermarket to where I had the car parked. But we needed the provisions for the weekend.
Saturday morning we got up and packed. Went to collect Vivienne and away (early) to Catchpool. We were walking by 10.15am and it was lovely. There was some rain at one point, but it didn't amount to much and we stayed dry.
The hut was lovely. We got there by 12.45pm and had lunch. The kids played with the rope swing and Rex made another one (although the first one broke under his weight and he has a sore hip now - ouch!). We went down to the river to try and dam the Orongorongo. I read, Vivienne read and Mike read. Mike read until his eyes closed and he lay down right where he was (perched on a log and beside rocky ground) and fell asleep. We know he was sleeping because he was snoring. He must have been so uncomfortable!
Back up to the hut to cook dinner, where I think we had enough food to feed the original twenty punters that were going to come on this trip, but we ended up with a nice number of nine! With lots of food to eat. Then outside to toast marshmallows and back to the hut to sleep. And I slept well, apart from twenty minutes where something (possum!) was dropping stones onto the hut roof. This only ended when what sounded like a huge thump hit the hut (the possum fell??).
Sunday was lovely again and we had breakfast (ate leftovers - yummy!) and tidied and left at about 9.30. We came up from a different point (probably about 400m south of the bridge) to an old hut on the top of the ridge. Worth knowing about. We were back at the car by midday!
Home to get some work and washing done. Choice!
The week starts with a wee and a roar! Lovely morning for a ride in. Very nice. Time for a cup of tea.
Have a wonderful week.
Love,
Angela
What an amazing stroke of luck - the fine weather happened to coincide with a weekend. We had a great time tramping into Paua Hut. It was so good to see Vivienne there with us. Her gear was old and stylish. She may start a new trend in the bush if she gets out and about like that more often! Retro is back!
On Friday afternoon, Jack's Dad, John, gave me a ride to Scots to see Toby come back from camp. They had got in earlier than expected but we didn't know that (especially as John said they were awfully late last year) so we sat in the car park (me reading). Once a teacher came and got us, we went to the classroom to collect the boys. I could tell Toby had had a wonderful time! When we got back to the car, it wouldn't start. Battery woes. Eventually we found jumper cables and a willing battery and got away.
Friday evening was vaguely relaxing at the Gilbert household. My arms were tired after carrying groceries from the supermarket to where I had the car parked. But we needed the provisions for the weekend.
Saturday morning we got up and packed. Went to collect Vivienne and away (early) to Catchpool. We were walking by 10.15am and it was lovely. There was some rain at one point, but it didn't amount to much and we stayed dry.
The hut was lovely. We got there by 12.45pm and had lunch. The kids played with the rope swing and Rex made another one (although the first one broke under his weight and he has a sore hip now - ouch!). We went down to the river to try and dam the Orongorongo. I read, Vivienne read and Mike read. Mike read until his eyes closed and he lay down right where he was (perched on a log and beside rocky ground) and fell asleep. We know he was sleeping because he was snoring. He must have been so uncomfortable!
Back up to the hut to cook dinner, where I think we had enough food to feed the original twenty punters that were going to come on this trip, but we ended up with a nice number of nine! With lots of food to eat. Then outside to toast marshmallows and back to the hut to sleep. And I slept well, apart from twenty minutes where something (possum!) was dropping stones onto the hut roof. This only ended when what sounded like a huge thump hit the hut (the possum fell??).
Sunday was lovely again and we had breakfast (ate leftovers - yummy!) and tidied and left at about 9.30. We came up from a different point (probably about 400m south of the bridge) to an old hut on the top of the ridge. Worth knowing about. We were back at the car by midday!
Home to get some work and washing done. Choice!
The week starts with a wee and a roar! Lovely morning for a ride in. Very nice. Time for a cup of tea.
Have a wonderful week.
Love,
Angela
Friday, February 24, 2012
The Thursday with no Toby
Hi,
My movie date night didn't pan out at all. Christine has come down sick and took herself off to bed instead of being sneezy and snotty at a movie with me. My backup plan of having Mike take me to a movie also failed with the one he wanted to see starting late. So we went home instead.
Mike did end up commissioning our new media PC for our viewing pleasure, so all was not lost.
This morning we drove in and the wee green car is now officially warranted and registered after its muffler was fixed yesterday. Hooray! We had breakfast near my work.
Toby is coming home from school camp this afternoon. They have had some miserable weather to contend with, but I hope he has had a lot of fun too. I can't wait to see him.
And we're off to a tramp this weekend (Mike will check with DoC about the state of the river we have to cross - if all this rain has made it dangerous we might cancel). I am looking forward to it.
My wee sister is in a competition to try and open an ATM with a pin number this morning. If she succeeds, there is a million dollars in there. So, here's hoping, eh?
Have a wonderful weekend.
Love,
Angela
My movie date night didn't pan out at all. Christine has come down sick and took herself off to bed instead of being sneezy and snotty at a movie with me. My backup plan of having Mike take me to a movie also failed with the one he wanted to see starting late. So we went home instead.
Mike did end up commissioning our new media PC for our viewing pleasure, so all was not lost.
This morning we drove in and the wee green car is now officially warranted and registered after its muffler was fixed yesterday. Hooray! We had breakfast near my work.
Toby is coming home from school camp this afternoon. They have had some miserable weather to contend with, but I hope he has had a lot of fun too. I can't wait to see him.
And we're off to a tramp this weekend (Mike will check with DoC about the state of the river we have to cross - if all this rain has made it dangerous we might cancel). I am looking forward to it.
My wee sister is in a competition to try and open an ATM with a pin number this morning. If she succeeds, there is a million dollars in there. So, here's hoping, eh?
Have a wonderful weekend.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, February 23, 2012
The Wednesday with no Toby
Hi,
Mike came over to my work and we ate dinner at Joe's Garage. I went there because I had a dire need for an iced coffee. The late afternoon/evening shift does it slightly different to the sublime iced coffee I have had in the earlier part of the afternoon. But it was still pretty good. We ate dinner where I ordered Joe's Caesar Salad (with anchovies - because I like them). I couldn't finish it because it was full of vegetables. Well, salady vegetables anyway. Heheheh. You'd never know that I was a vegetarian for at least six months when we lived in London. Sort of, a reluctant vegetarian. One that doesn't like vegetables. I jest (a little) - because there are plenty of vegetables I like. It's just that I like them on my own terms!
Anyhow, we ate a lovely dinner and then wandered around to the tramping club. It was New Member's Night, and Mike and I stand behind a desk trying to promote family tramping. It is actually a lot of fun talking to strangers about tramping. Perhaps I am not as shy as I once thought? We have some new takers to add to the email distribution list.
Home to fell into a coma and wake to a terrific rainy, windy morning. But it is all okay as we had to drive in to take the wee green car in to get its muffler fixed (so no one will suffocate if they decide to sleep in our boot - while the car is running, and with the lid shut). I'd best remember I have to pick up the car at the other end of the day!
Anyhow, have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Mike came over to my work and we ate dinner at Joe's Garage. I went there because I had a dire need for an iced coffee. The late afternoon/evening shift does it slightly different to the sublime iced coffee I have had in the earlier part of the afternoon. But it was still pretty good. We ate dinner where I ordered Joe's Caesar Salad (with anchovies - because I like them). I couldn't finish it because it was full of vegetables. Well, salady vegetables anyway. Heheheh. You'd never know that I was a vegetarian for at least six months when we lived in London. Sort of, a reluctant vegetarian. One that doesn't like vegetables. I jest (a little) - because there are plenty of vegetables I like. It's just that I like them on my own terms!
Anyhow, we ate a lovely dinner and then wandered around to the tramping club. It was New Member's Night, and Mike and I stand behind a desk trying to promote family tramping. It is actually a lot of fun talking to strangers about tramping. Perhaps I am not as shy as I once thought? We have some new takers to add to the email distribution list.
Home to fell into a coma and wake to a terrific rainy, windy morning. But it is all okay as we had to drive in to take the wee green car in to get its muffler fixed (so no one will suffocate if they decide to sleep in our boot - while the car is running, and with the lid shut). I'd best remember I have to pick up the car at the other end of the day!
Anyhow, have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The Tuesday with Cubs and no Toby
Hi,
Mike and I bolted down some Khymer Satay near my work before we had to rush off to Cubs. The restaurant has changed a bit and my favourite dish is no longer on their menu. I had to eat beans! Lots of green beans. Not pleasant at all.
Cubs was athletics night and we all ran around having a lot of fun. The rain stayed away and everything went well. It was windy, but a warm wind.
Home to do Cubs homework (badge work) and tramping club homework. Then to sleep. And I slept very well. Mike woke up at 5.30am though - the normal time. But of course, with Toby away at school camp we don't need to wake up that early.
Tonight is tramping club new members night. So come on down to the clubroom if you want to chat to people about tramping. Mike and I will be manning the family tramping table to answer all your questions.
Stay dry!
Love,
Angela
Mike and I bolted down some Khymer Satay near my work before we had to rush off to Cubs. The restaurant has changed a bit and my favourite dish is no longer on their menu. I had to eat beans! Lots of green beans. Not pleasant at all.
Cubs was athletics night and we all ran around having a lot of fun. The rain stayed away and everything went well. It was windy, but a warm wind.
Home to do Cubs homework (badge work) and tramping club homework. Then to sleep. And I slept very well. Mike woke up at 5.30am though - the normal time. But of course, with Toby away at school camp we don't need to wake up that early.
Tonight is tramping club new members night. So come on down to the clubroom if you want to chat to people about tramping. Mike and I will be manning the family tramping table to answer all your questions.
Stay dry!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
The Monday with Toby
Hi,
We collected Toby from Alex's house after school and headed home to pack for Toby's school camp this week. Toby was a little bit excited. But he settled down to sleep and everything was packed, ready for this morning.
We got up super early this morning and drove Toby to school for a 7am start. Oooooo. Feeling a bit tired now. Toby is off to Kapiti Island this morning and then spends the next few days at a camp in Otaki.
Mike and I had breakfast in town after dropping Toby off. John (Jack's father) also turned up, choosing the same cafe to fit in some breakfast before his working day started.
Got Cubs tonight - it will feel a little odd without Toby there.
Have a great day.
Love,
Angela
We collected Toby from Alex's house after school and headed home to pack for Toby's school camp this week. Toby was a little bit excited. But he settled down to sleep and everything was packed, ready for this morning.
We got up super early this morning and drove Toby to school for a 7am start. Oooooo. Feeling a bit tired now. Toby is off to Kapiti Island this morning and then spends the next few days at a camp in Otaki.
Mike and I had breakfast in town after dropping Toby off. John (Jack's father) also turned up, choosing the same cafe to fit in some breakfast before his working day started.
Got Cubs tonight - it will feel a little odd without Toby there.
Have a great day.
Love,
Angela
Monday, February 20, 2012
The weekend of awesomeness
Hi,
What a wonderful weekend and so many people helped contribute to it. Thank you to Sally for looking after Toby (he had a great time!). Thank you to Yingjie for looking after Toby (he had a great time there too). And thank you to Mike for organising it (although the definition of "organise" could be interpreted in a different way by others less adaptable than ourselves, as you will see...).
So, we got up early Friday morning to take Toby to Jack's house at 7am and so we could zip down the hill tot he ferry terminal for the 7am check-in we had. That all went like clockwork fortunately. The ferry terminal was heaving with cars all trying to get into check-in, but Mike negotiated the queue well and we were soon boarding the ferry. It was the Santa Regina and we got a breakfast in the cafe and then found a good place to sit and read.
The weather was beautiful so we wandered around the decks for a bit, enjoying the scenery through Queen Charlotte Sound. The Interislander was following us so the views were often spectacular of it with the bushy coastline either side of it. The sense of scale was breathtaking. We even saw Common Dolphins swimming in our ferry's wake.
Into Picton by 11.45am and off to Blenheim. Turns out our wee green car was out of warranty so I made Mike call into VTNZ to pick up a WoF. While Mike was waiting I wandered into the town centre. very cute wee town. And so warm. Anyhow, would you know, this is the first time the wee green car has failed it warrant. But nothing too serious. Apparently the muffler may be leaking carbon monoxide and if we stuff anyone in the boot, they may suffocate! Right! Hardly likely given the size of the MX-5 boot. Our weekend bag filled it!
Mike collected me and we drove off to Motueka via St Arnaud and Tophouse road. We planned Friday night at Motueka at the Equestrian Hotel, followed by Sans Souci on Saturday night in Golden Bay. As we approached SH6 from St Arnaud I thought we should double-check the time the concert started. Just in case we had to go straight there instead of dawdling to the hotel or something. Mike leaned out the window and his cap blew off, so he pulled over to retrieve it and when he did that, he checked the tickets. "5pm start" he said. Phew! Plenty of time.
But, I wondered about the venue for some reason. So I dug out the tickets again, and noticed the concert was actually for Saturday night. The 18th. Not Friday, the 17th. Oh, I groaned. We won't be able to have a delicious dinner at Sans Souci. Mike thought the accommodation might still work - just a bit of driving for me afterwards. "Where is Waipara, anyway?" I asked.
We looked it up. Turns out Waipara is 40 minutes north of Christchurch. More groaning from me. A quick re-assessment of our options and we turned south on SH6 instead of north. At Murchison Mike rang the two accommodation places and cancelled our bookings. They were able to re-book others in so we were reimbursed! Amazing! Thank you!
So, now our plans were a bit more fluid and along the lines of driving over Lewis Pass and staying the night in Hanmer Springs. Then finding somewhere for the Saturday evening closer to Waipara. The Lewis Pass drive was incredible. The glorious weather meant the wee green car was a lot of fun. The scenery was wonderful. Mike and I had never been on that road before. We found a great place to stay in Hanmer Springs (Tussock Hill motel) and Mike took me out for a cheese board dinner. Yum! We chatted away for ages when we got back to the motel and I think I maximised my birthday by staying up past midnight!
Our route ended up as this:
Saturday was also a glorious day and we drove to Waipara to suss out the venue and then into Amberley to get some cash out. Mike shoved his card into a Westpac ATM only for the machine to swallow his card and ask him to contact his bank. Nice. Lucky I had my card still and there was no way I was going to try the Westpac ATM. Heheheh.
We drove back towards Hanmer Springs and stayed at the historic pub in Hurunui. After an afternoon reading (and Mike working) we headed back to Waipara for the concert. We got in just after 5pm and pulled up front row grass. Nothing between us and the stage. Mike fetched me food and we enjoyed the sunshine and people watching. Then Avalanche City came on at 6pm. Turns out we knew one of their songs. They were famous!
At about 7pm The Muttonbirds came on. When they played "I wish I was in Wellington" Mike insisted I ring our friend John in Southampton. Poor John got a noisy, garbled message that came through at 6.30am! The band was good though. We enjoyed it. Mike was in the moshing area by this stage and cajoling me to join him. Which I did.
So, for Gin Wigmore herself we were front and centre and surrounded by 10 year old girls and their mothers. Heheheh. It was great fun! Mike was moshing next to me and it was all good natured. Apart from one chap that got the mothers' noses out of joint as he was acting like it was a mosh pit at a heavy metal concert. Mike sorted him out and the bouncers certainly did too! All the mothers were so grateful to Mike after the concert finished. I was pretty oblivious to Mike's orchestrations at manoeuvring that chap out of the area with the young girls. Good on him!
We wandered around the car park for a while trying to find our wee car in the dark. We split up (what was I thinking) and I found the car as I sort of knew where it was. Mike had no idea and wandered around the massive carpark chatting to other people looking for their cars and singing! Heheheh.
We got back to the pub eventually and slept in! The room was $45 each a night and included breakfast. It was a little like Fawlty Towers in that one young chap was doing everything for all the guests. He cooked all the breakfasts and took all the orders. Very funny!
We drove north via SH70 inland to Kaikoura as Mike and I had never done that drive before. It rained all the way and Mike discovered the same leak in the rubber seal around the window that Aidan had discovered a few weeks earlier. Best sort that out. We got to Picton early and sat in a cafe reading until our 7pm ferry. And we read all the way over. What a great way to finish a great weekend!
This week is busy as well - Toby has school camp tomorrow and we need to get him to school for 7am! Yikes! Heheheh.
Have a great week!
Love,
Angela
What a wonderful weekend and so many people helped contribute to it. Thank you to Sally for looking after Toby (he had a great time!). Thank you to Yingjie for looking after Toby (he had a great time there too). And thank you to Mike for organising it (although the definition of "organise" could be interpreted in a different way by others less adaptable than ourselves, as you will see...).
So, we got up early Friday morning to take Toby to Jack's house at 7am and so we could zip down the hill tot he ferry terminal for the 7am check-in we had. That all went like clockwork fortunately. The ferry terminal was heaving with cars all trying to get into check-in, but Mike negotiated the queue well and we were soon boarding the ferry. It was the Santa Regina and we got a breakfast in the cafe and then found a good place to sit and read.
The weather was beautiful so we wandered around the decks for a bit, enjoying the scenery through Queen Charlotte Sound. The Interislander was following us so the views were often spectacular of it with the bushy coastline either side of it. The sense of scale was breathtaking. We even saw Common Dolphins swimming in our ferry's wake.
Into Picton by 11.45am and off to Blenheim. Turns out our wee green car was out of warranty so I made Mike call into VTNZ to pick up a WoF. While Mike was waiting I wandered into the town centre. very cute wee town. And so warm. Anyhow, would you know, this is the first time the wee green car has failed it warrant. But nothing too serious. Apparently the muffler may be leaking carbon monoxide and if we stuff anyone in the boot, they may suffocate! Right! Hardly likely given the size of the MX-5 boot. Our weekend bag filled it!
Mike collected me and we drove off to Motueka via St Arnaud and Tophouse road. We planned Friday night at Motueka at the Equestrian Hotel, followed by Sans Souci on Saturday night in Golden Bay. As we approached SH6 from St Arnaud I thought we should double-check the time the concert started. Just in case we had to go straight there instead of dawdling to the hotel or something. Mike leaned out the window and his cap blew off, so he pulled over to retrieve it and when he did that, he checked the tickets. "5pm start" he said. Phew! Plenty of time.
But, I wondered about the venue for some reason. So I dug out the tickets again, and noticed the concert was actually for Saturday night. The 18th. Not Friday, the 17th. Oh, I groaned. We won't be able to have a delicious dinner at Sans Souci. Mike thought the accommodation might still work - just a bit of driving for me afterwards. "Where is Waipara, anyway?" I asked.
We looked it up. Turns out Waipara is 40 minutes north of Christchurch. More groaning from me. A quick re-assessment of our options and we turned south on SH6 instead of north. At Murchison Mike rang the two accommodation places and cancelled our bookings. They were able to re-book others in so we were reimbursed! Amazing! Thank you!
So, now our plans were a bit more fluid and along the lines of driving over Lewis Pass and staying the night in Hanmer Springs. Then finding somewhere for the Saturday evening closer to Waipara. The Lewis Pass drive was incredible. The glorious weather meant the wee green car was a lot of fun. The scenery was wonderful. Mike and I had never been on that road before. We found a great place to stay in Hanmer Springs (Tussock Hill motel) and Mike took me out for a cheese board dinner. Yum! We chatted away for ages when we got back to the motel and I think I maximised my birthday by staying up past midnight!
Our route ended up as this:
Saturday was also a glorious day and we drove to Waipara to suss out the venue and then into Amberley to get some cash out. Mike shoved his card into a Westpac ATM only for the machine to swallow his card and ask him to contact his bank. Nice. Lucky I had my card still and there was no way I was going to try the Westpac ATM. Heheheh.
We drove back towards Hanmer Springs and stayed at the historic pub in Hurunui. After an afternoon reading (and Mike working) we headed back to Waipara for the concert. We got in just after 5pm and pulled up front row grass. Nothing between us and the stage. Mike fetched me food and we enjoyed the sunshine and people watching. Then Avalanche City came on at 6pm. Turns out we knew one of their songs. They were famous!
At about 7pm The Muttonbirds came on. When they played "I wish I was in Wellington" Mike insisted I ring our friend John in Southampton. Poor John got a noisy, garbled message that came through at 6.30am! The band was good though. We enjoyed it. Mike was in the moshing area by this stage and cajoling me to join him. Which I did.
So, for Gin Wigmore herself we were front and centre and surrounded by 10 year old girls and their mothers. Heheheh. It was great fun! Mike was moshing next to me and it was all good natured. Apart from one chap that got the mothers' noses out of joint as he was acting like it was a mosh pit at a heavy metal concert. Mike sorted him out and the bouncers certainly did too! All the mothers were so grateful to Mike after the concert finished. I was pretty oblivious to Mike's orchestrations at manoeuvring that chap out of the area with the young girls. Good on him!
We wandered around the car park for a while trying to find our wee car in the dark. We split up (what was I thinking) and I found the car as I sort of knew where it was. Mike had no idea and wandered around the massive carpark chatting to other people looking for their cars and singing! Heheheh.
We got back to the pub eventually and slept in! The room was $45 each a night and included breakfast. It was a little like Fawlty Towers in that one young chap was doing everything for all the guests. He cooked all the breakfasts and took all the orders. Very funny!
We drove north via SH70 inland to Kaikoura as Mike and I had never done that drive before. It rained all the way and Mike discovered the same leak in the rubber seal around the window that Aidan had discovered a few weeks earlier. Best sort that out. We got to Picton early and sat in a cafe reading until our 7pm ferry. And we read all the way over. What a great way to finish a great weekend!
This week is busy as well - Toby has school camp tomorrow and we need to get him to school for 7am! Yikes! Heheheh.
Have a great week!
Love,
Angela
Friday, February 17, 2012
The Thursday with logistics and the Friday of my birthday
Hi,
It's my birthday! Yay! The day looks fabulous out there. Well, what I can see of it. It is still pretty dark right now. But there is no wind and the stars are twinkling. No clouds at all. Very nice.
Our logistics hit a snag at 10pm last night when we had to go and collect Toby from Jack's house. Didn't make Mike overly pleased and now we have Toby logistical exercise 1b to implement this morning. This involves a semi-dressed Toby getting deposited back at Jack's house very early to finish getting ready for school. And us rushing to the ferry terminal. It should be okay. If I can get Mike to forget about the night escapades.
I think Toby will be fine for the rest of the weekend. I had a funny feeling about last night. Mainly because Jack did it the last time he stayed here... Oh well. Sleepovers will have to stop if we can't rely on them to succeed. Perhaps once we make that clear to Toby, there will be no future hassles.
So, we're on the 8am ferry (7am check in) and the crossing looks as though it will go smoothly. I have my Kindle ready for the 3 hour trip. And a new book to get stuck into.
Tonight it's a Gin Wigmore concert in upper Moutere at a winery (sorry - these things don't overly interest me so I have no idea what one). Tomorrow night we're in Takaka in Golden Bay to stay at Sans Souci. Then back Sunday evening on the ferry.
Have a great weekend!
Love,
Angela
It's my birthday! Yay! The day looks fabulous out there. Well, what I can see of it. It is still pretty dark right now. But there is no wind and the stars are twinkling. No clouds at all. Very nice.
Our logistics hit a snag at 10pm last night when we had to go and collect Toby from Jack's house. Didn't make Mike overly pleased and now we have Toby logistical exercise 1b to implement this morning. This involves a semi-dressed Toby getting deposited back at Jack's house very early to finish getting ready for school. And us rushing to the ferry terminal. It should be okay. If I can get Mike to forget about the night escapades.
I think Toby will be fine for the rest of the weekend. I had a funny feeling about last night. Mainly because Jack did it the last time he stayed here... Oh well. Sleepovers will have to stop if we can't rely on them to succeed. Perhaps once we make that clear to Toby, there will be no future hassles.
So, we're on the 8am ferry (7am check in) and the crossing looks as though it will go smoothly. I have my Kindle ready for the 3 hour trip. And a new book to get stuck into.
Tonight it's a Gin Wigmore concert in upper Moutere at a winery (sorry - these things don't overly interest me so I have no idea what one). Tomorrow night we're in Takaka in Golden Bay to stay at Sans Souci. Then back Sunday evening on the ferry.
Have a great weekend!
Love,
Angela
Thursday, February 16, 2012
The Wednesday with karate!
Hi,
What a great day - I missed rain riding in and rain riding home. An excellent outcome! Mike wasn't quite so lucky, getting a little wet on the way in.
I did notice the rain as I went out for lunch to meet Aidan at Vic Uni. But even as I got to the university, the rain eased. I had a pleasant lunch - and even got a present. Woo hoo! Birthday week. Choice! Ta Aidan.
The ride home was pleasant - the wind was either slight or a tail wind. I like that!
I collected Toby and chatted to Alex's grandmother for a while before Toby and I went home to cook dinner and get ready for karate. Obviously having 8 weeks off karate has dimmed my memory as for some reason I thought it was a 6.30pm start. When I realised I only had twenty minutes to feed Toby and get him ready and to karate, all thought of homework went out the door. Well, actually, we did get his spelling done as well, so that's okay. And we got to karate with one minute to spare.
I had a quick chat to John and a quick chat to Christine. Then settled to read my Kindle as Toby went through the karate motions. Mike joined me and told me off for reading. Actually said my reading was the reason Toby isn't being encouraged in his karate. Outrageous! So I sullenly watched the rest of the karate (well, I wish I was being sullen, but I didn't mind watching and chatting to Mike).
We also asked the sensei if he wanted to come and chat to the Cubs next term. And he said yes. That is great!
Today is the start of the logistics nightmare to get us to Nelson and Toby to three places to sleep over the next few days. I think we have all the bases covered. I hope. All I hope is that Toby sleeps well on school night at Jack's tonight and Alex's on Sunday night.
Have a fantastic day!
Love,
Angela
What a great day - I missed rain riding in and rain riding home. An excellent outcome! Mike wasn't quite so lucky, getting a little wet on the way in.
I did notice the rain as I went out for lunch to meet Aidan at Vic Uni. But even as I got to the university, the rain eased. I had a pleasant lunch - and even got a present. Woo hoo! Birthday week. Choice! Ta Aidan.
The ride home was pleasant - the wind was either slight or a tail wind. I like that!
I collected Toby and chatted to Alex's grandmother for a while before Toby and I went home to cook dinner and get ready for karate. Obviously having 8 weeks off karate has dimmed my memory as for some reason I thought it was a 6.30pm start. When I realised I only had twenty minutes to feed Toby and get him ready and to karate, all thought of homework went out the door. Well, actually, we did get his spelling done as well, so that's okay. And we got to karate with one minute to spare.
I had a quick chat to John and a quick chat to Christine. Then settled to read my Kindle as Toby went through the karate motions. Mike joined me and told me off for reading. Actually said my reading was the reason Toby isn't being encouraged in his karate. Outrageous! So I sullenly watched the rest of the karate (well, I wish I was being sullen, but I didn't mind watching and chatting to Mike).
We also asked the sensei if he wanted to come and chat to the Cubs next term. And he said yes. That is great!
Today is the start of the logistics nightmare to get us to Nelson and Toby to three places to sleep over the next few days. I think we have all the bases covered. I hope. All I hope is that Toby sleeps well on school night at Jack's tonight and Alex's on Sunday night.
Have a fantastic day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
The Tuesday with Cubs
Hi,
What a fantastic evening - it certainly put paid to the slight headache I was experiencing for most of the day. Standing on a beach should be standard relief from headaches. I drove home (because Mike had the car in town for his specialist cardiologist visit) and collected Toby, fed him (dubious terminology there - he did consume food so technically I gave him dinner - and some of it passed as healthy - so I guess it was okay) and got him to do his maths homework. Phew!
Then off to get Jack and pick up Mike from town and down to the south coast near The Bach cafe to do some rookpooling for Cubs. It was such fun. I caught a huge crab - by far the biggest one. And an even bigger one that must have only just died. Oops. I wondered why it was so easy to catch. Heheheh. We caught wee fish and shrimps and chitons (do you catch chitons or merely chisel them off a rock?). Simon found a baby paua attached to a rock and showed everyone. It was a marine reserve so it all went back in the rookpools afterwards.
The weather was kind. We got the lightest of drizzle and then sunshine for the rest of it. Choice! Good for shorts, Cub shirts and sandals. No need for the jackets we had in the car. Mind you, not a lot of need for the sunglasses on my head either. The dark clouds stayed to the north the whole time so it all turned out okay.
Toby won't be here next week for Cubs as he has his school camp Tues - Fri next week. Mike says they are off to Kapiti Island on Tuesday. Cool! We'll have Cubs without Toby. That will feel weird.
Tonight (Wednesday) is karate night and our first one for the school year. I'll ride home to get Toby and feed him and get him ready. Then we'll head to karate and Mike will join us. Best remember the Kindle. I think one of us will nip home to get some housework done. How exciting.
The ride down the hill was good this morning - the roads are mostly dry after some rain. And I was perhaps 5 minutes earlier than usual and the roads were a lot clearer. Odd. Perhaps the weather had kept some in their beds a bit longer? Not too sure what the forecast is for today. I heard 19C and a bit of rain.
Anyhow, time to kick start the day with a nice cup of tea. Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
What a fantastic evening - it certainly put paid to the slight headache I was experiencing for most of the day. Standing on a beach should be standard relief from headaches. I drove home (because Mike had the car in town for his specialist cardiologist visit) and collected Toby, fed him (dubious terminology there - he did consume food so technically I gave him dinner - and some of it passed as healthy - so I guess it was okay) and got him to do his maths homework. Phew!
Then off to get Jack and pick up Mike from town and down to the south coast near The Bach cafe to do some rookpooling for Cubs. It was such fun. I caught a huge crab - by far the biggest one. And an even bigger one that must have only just died. Oops. I wondered why it was so easy to catch. Heheheh. We caught wee fish and shrimps and chitons (do you catch chitons or merely chisel them off a rock?). Simon found a baby paua attached to a rock and showed everyone. It was a marine reserve so it all went back in the rookpools afterwards.
The weather was kind. We got the lightest of drizzle and then sunshine for the rest of it. Choice! Good for shorts, Cub shirts and sandals. No need for the jackets we had in the car. Mind you, not a lot of need for the sunglasses on my head either. The dark clouds stayed to the north the whole time so it all turned out okay.
Toby won't be here next week for Cubs as he has his school camp Tues - Fri next week. Mike says they are off to Kapiti Island on Tuesday. Cool! We'll have Cubs without Toby. That will feel weird.
Tonight (Wednesday) is karate night and our first one for the school year. I'll ride home to get Toby and feed him and get him ready. Then we'll head to karate and Mike will join us. Best remember the Kindle. I think one of us will nip home to get some housework done. How exciting.
The ride down the hill was good this morning - the roads are mostly dry after some rain. And I was perhaps 5 minutes earlier than usual and the roads were a lot clearer. Odd. Perhaps the weather had kept some in their beds a bit longer? Not too sure what the forecast is for today. I heard 19C and a bit of rain.
Anyhow, time to kick start the day with a nice cup of tea. Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Monday (and Tuesday) with the totally not normal activities
Monday was anything but normal to me, because I rode into work - on the BMW F650 we were looking at in the weekend! No, we didn't buy it. But it sold anyway on Sunday, and I delivered it to the new owner on behalf of the old owner (who has left for Sweden already). Very nice it was too, going down Wadestown Hill.
I also got to handle the cash for the sale, so had a nervous walk from the BNZ to the ASB carrying lots of money and keeping on the lookout for muggers. It's safely banked now, the deal is done. I think Angela misses having a bike a lot now!
I had my cardiology tests this morning. After 9 months of waiting I got to talk to a registrar who said there was something weird but they didn't know what it was so they'd get back to me. Pretty well what I knew 9 months ago. But nobody is worried, so I'm not worried. It's probably annoying for everyone - something weird that is almost certainly fine but nobody is willing to put their necks out and say that. Oh well.
So, rock pooling with Cubs tonight. Then Toby has to stay up late and get his maths homework done. That will learn him ay! He's having to get into the swing of 45min homework mixed into his busy social life.
I also got to handle the cash for the sale, so had a nervous walk from the BNZ to the ASB carrying lots of money and keeping on the lookout for muggers. It's safely banked now, the deal is done. I think Angela misses having a bike a lot now!
I had my cardiology tests this morning. After 9 months of waiting I got to talk to a registrar who said there was something weird but they didn't know what it was so they'd get back to me. Pretty well what I knew 9 months ago. But nobody is worried, so I'm not worried. It's probably annoying for everyone - something weird that is almost certainly fine but nobody is willing to put their necks out and say that. Oh well.
So, rock pooling with Cubs tonight. Then Toby has to stay up late and get his maths homework done. That will learn him ay! He's having to get into the swing of 45min homework mixed into his busy social life.
The Monday with normal evening activity
Hi,
The ride in and home again yesterday was great - I love it when there is no wind. I felt like I flew up the hill. Sure it wasn't anything like that. But it is so much easier without struggling into a head wind for ages before you get to the hill. This morning (Tuesday) is quite damp. My wet bike gear is hanging up under my desk again and paper towels are jammed into my bike shoes. I really, really do need to put the front mudguard on. Cycling down the hill in the rain is tricky when you have a constant flow of water into your eyes. Sometimes I can lean the bike over and dodge the rooster tail off the front wheel, but that isn't always convenient.
Mike has a specialist appointment this morning (follow up to his June tests with Vivienne) but has his work laptop with him so if the appointment runs late he can still work. I am hoping to see him for lunch - guess it depends on how late the appointment runs!
Cubs tonight - we're rockpooling in any weather! Yay! Looking forward to it.
Let's hope the rain eases by this evening and the ride home is pleasantly dry! And the only water that wets us for rockpooling is saltwater! I have my fingers crossed.
Have a great day! Hope it's romantic for some. Mike has already informed me there is no way romance is going to figure in a Cubs evening!
Love,
Angela
The ride in and home again yesterday was great - I love it when there is no wind. I felt like I flew up the hill. Sure it wasn't anything like that. But it is so much easier without struggling into a head wind for ages before you get to the hill. This morning (Tuesday) is quite damp. My wet bike gear is hanging up under my desk again and paper towels are jammed into my bike shoes. I really, really do need to put the front mudguard on. Cycling down the hill in the rain is tricky when you have a constant flow of water into your eyes. Sometimes I can lean the bike over and dodge the rooster tail off the front wheel, but that isn't always convenient.
Mike has a specialist appointment this morning (follow up to his June tests with Vivienne) but has his work laptop with him so if the appointment runs late he can still work. I am hoping to see him for lunch - guess it depends on how late the appointment runs!
Cubs tonight - we're rockpooling in any weather! Yay! Looking forward to it.
Let's hope the rain eases by this evening and the ride home is pleasantly dry! And the only water that wets us for rockpooling is saltwater! I have my fingers crossed.
Have a great day! Hope it's romantic for some. Mike has already informed me there is no way romance is going to figure in a Cubs evening!
Love,
Angela
Monday, February 13, 2012
The weekend with some sunshine
Hi,
What a great weekend. It started late for Mike because he went out for leaving drinks with David after work on Friday and didn't get home until after midnight. Oddly, when we caught up with David and Becky during Saturday, they mentioned they got home at 9.30pm! Heheheh - Mike obviously found some others to hang about with.
Saturday morning we left (eventually) to go and collect David's motorbike from the dealer in Lower Hutt and bring it back to our place. David and Becky were leaving Sunday for their trip back home to Sweden (for good) and hadn't sold their BMW F650 yet. We were going to test ride it to see if it was a suitable option for us. Unfortunately, I needed about 2 more centimetres of leg to make it a viable option for me. Even cranking down its payload dial meant my toes only just touched the ground on both sides.
So, it was with some trepidation that I rode it out of the dealer's forecourt. I have never been on such a big bike before (biggest I have ridden is 250cc) or such a heavy bike. But it was a beautiful bike to ride. And now I have a hankering for another bike I can ride at the weekends! We popped around to see Andrew (Sally was sick in bed) and Mike rode it over to Wainuiomata and back. Then I rode it home and we parked it in our garage. So I could pine over it. Heheheh.
But, turns out David sold it on Trade Me the next morning. We had the punter turn up, he took it for a ride and he bought it. The money changes hands today (Monday).
The rest of Sunday morning was spent getting ready for Yum Cha at our place. Unfortunately our punters all had other things come up. But we cooked up a treat for me, Mike and Toby. Facebook shows some Yum Cha action! I was rather pleased no one showed as my Yum Cha abilities are sadly lacking. It had little in the way of presentation. I have never seen prawn rice rolls that messy before! But it tasted great. Well, apart from the sticky rice. Mike's face was enjoyable to watch as he nibbled on that.
Then we were off to the Chinese New Year parade in town. The sun was shining brightly and why I forgot a hat I'll never know. I got one for Toby. Anyhow, now my nose is red and my scalp a bit tender. Ouch! Twit! We went in with Yingjie and Alex and had a lot of fun. We bumped into several people we know. Weird how that happens in such a crowd.
Today was a great ride in. The roads were bone dry and the harbour was magnificent! So many rowers out practising. Lovely.
Have a great week! It's my birthday week and I have Friday off! Yay!
Love,
Angela
What a great weekend. It started late for Mike because he went out for leaving drinks with David after work on Friday and didn't get home until after midnight. Oddly, when we caught up with David and Becky during Saturday, they mentioned they got home at 9.30pm! Heheheh - Mike obviously found some others to hang about with.
Saturday morning we left (eventually) to go and collect David's motorbike from the dealer in Lower Hutt and bring it back to our place. David and Becky were leaving Sunday for their trip back home to Sweden (for good) and hadn't sold their BMW F650 yet. We were going to test ride it to see if it was a suitable option for us. Unfortunately, I needed about 2 more centimetres of leg to make it a viable option for me. Even cranking down its payload dial meant my toes only just touched the ground on both sides.
So, it was with some trepidation that I rode it out of the dealer's forecourt. I have never been on such a big bike before (biggest I have ridden is 250cc) or such a heavy bike. But it was a beautiful bike to ride. And now I have a hankering for another bike I can ride at the weekends! We popped around to see Andrew (Sally was sick in bed) and Mike rode it over to Wainuiomata and back. Then I rode it home and we parked it in our garage. So I could pine over it. Heheheh.
But, turns out David sold it on Trade Me the next morning. We had the punter turn up, he took it for a ride and he bought it. The money changes hands today (Monday).
The rest of Sunday morning was spent getting ready for Yum Cha at our place. Unfortunately our punters all had other things come up. But we cooked up a treat for me, Mike and Toby. Facebook shows some Yum Cha action! I was rather pleased no one showed as my Yum Cha abilities are sadly lacking. It had little in the way of presentation. I have never seen prawn rice rolls that messy before! But it tasted great. Well, apart from the sticky rice. Mike's face was enjoyable to watch as he nibbled on that.
Then we were off to the Chinese New Year parade in town. The sun was shining brightly and why I forgot a hat I'll never know. I got one for Toby. Anyhow, now my nose is red and my scalp a bit tender. Ouch! Twit! We went in with Yingjie and Alex and had a lot of fun. We bumped into several people we know. Weird how that happens in such a crowd.
Today was a great ride in. The roads were bone dry and the harbour was magnificent! So many rowers out practising. Lovely.
Have a great week! It's my birthday week and I have Friday off! Yay!
Love,
Angela
Friday, February 10, 2012
The Thursday with user group
Hi,
Last night (Thursday) I wandered around to the user group venue nice and early with my bike and managed to bumble my way through my small session (I really need to improve my demonstration abilities). I ate pizza, learned about cool new tools to use for development (I am not a developer, I am not a developer - but I am really I think) and rode home. Tired me out. Not too sure why. It was a strong head wind again.
Mike and Toby had an evening at home and Toby got through his homework. 45 minutes a day he does now. I like it! We just need a routine for the nights when we have something on (namely Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Should work out.
It's nearly the weekend. Yay! Not a lot on. Toby has given away swimming lessons this year. We're on the hunt for piano lessons to fill the gap. I think we'll check out Scots for that. It's either that, or bagpipes! Cool! Mike doesn't think so though. I'd be stoked!
We are test riding a motorcycle tomorrow morning but I rather suspect its height will be too tall for my short, girly legs. Someone from work is selling it at a good price as they are heading back to Sweden. We shall see.
I have something in my eye giving me gyp. It flicked up from the road muck this morning (the roads were wet after some rain) and now it is in the corner of my eye and I can't get it out but it isn't moving. Pants! I need to get my mudguards back on. Hey - I just got it out! Amazing what some blind poking can do! Although my eye now smarts a bit from the poking. Oh well. Heheheheh.
Saturday afternoon I am buying Yum Cha things and Sunday morning (at 11.30am) we're having Yum Cha at our place. Come around for some! Pork buns and dumplings (and hopefully some custard/coconut buns and sticky rice). That's the plan. Then into town to watch the dragon festival for Chinese new year.
I need a cup of tea!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Love,
Angela
Last night (Thursday) I wandered around to the user group venue nice and early with my bike and managed to bumble my way through my small session (I really need to improve my demonstration abilities). I ate pizza, learned about cool new tools to use for development (I am not a developer, I am not a developer - but I am really I think) and rode home. Tired me out. Not too sure why. It was a strong head wind again.
Mike and Toby had an evening at home and Toby got through his homework. 45 minutes a day he does now. I like it! We just need a routine for the nights when we have something on (namely Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Should work out.
It's nearly the weekend. Yay! Not a lot on. Toby has given away swimming lessons this year. We're on the hunt for piano lessons to fill the gap. I think we'll check out Scots for that. It's either that, or bagpipes! Cool! Mike doesn't think so though. I'd be stoked!
We are test riding a motorcycle tomorrow morning but I rather suspect its height will be too tall for my short, girly legs. Someone from work is selling it at a good price as they are heading back to Sweden. We shall see.
I have something in my eye giving me gyp. It flicked up from the road muck this morning (the roads were wet after some rain) and now it is in the corner of my eye and I can't get it out but it isn't moving. Pants! I need to get my mudguards back on. Hey - I just got it out! Amazing what some blind poking can do! Although my eye now smarts a bit from the poking. Oh well. Heheheheh.
Saturday afternoon I am buying Yum Cha things and Sunday morning (at 11.30am) we're having Yum Cha at our place. Come around for some! Pork buns and dumplings (and hopefully some custard/coconut buns and sticky rice). That's the plan. Then into town to watch the dragon festival for Chinese new year.
I need a cup of tea!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Love,
Angela
Thursday, February 9, 2012
The Wednesday with Parent/Teacher meeting
Hi,
Mike and I had dinner in town (Wagamama - yum!) while Benjamin collected Toby from Alex's house and babysat him (thanks Vivienne and Benjamin). Then we picked up Alex's mum (Yingjie) and went to Scots for the first parent/teacher evening of the year.
We were very early but it meant Mike and I had Ms. Kidman to ourselves for a good 10 minutes. Toby has a desk right next to the teacher. I know Toby likes his teacher by the way he tells me what she tells him. And sure enough - she is a very personable woman. And full of energy! Awesome. Just what Toby needs, I think.
We met some other parents and had a tour through the new CPAC building (a super fancy music and art and dance building with all the bells and whistles). Home late to relieve Benjamin of his duties.
This morning was a bit different to normal as I found head lice and that meant two showers for me (first one was normal, second one involved smelly shampoo) and making sure the boys also used smelly shampoo. Nice. Toby announced in the car on the way to the bus stop to Alex "The reason the car smells funny is because my mother has head lice". Nice. I imagine his class will no doubt be informed of the same thing in an equally loud voice this morning. Fortunately I think I caught it early. I had one baby louse and I found a giant mother louse in Toby's hair. But nothing else. And Mike was as clean as a whistle. So, who knows?
Anyhow, it is nothing that a wonderful cup of tea won't sort out. A few sips and I won't care about the trials of the world, will I? Or, at the very least, the efficacy of Paradiso branded head lice shampoo will pale into insignificance.
Have a fantastic day. Don't scratch your hair like that! Heheheheh.
Love,
Angela
Mike and I had dinner in town (Wagamama - yum!) while Benjamin collected Toby from Alex's house and babysat him (thanks Vivienne and Benjamin). Then we picked up Alex's mum (Yingjie) and went to Scots for the first parent/teacher evening of the year.
We were very early but it meant Mike and I had Ms. Kidman to ourselves for a good 10 minutes. Toby has a desk right next to the teacher. I know Toby likes his teacher by the way he tells me what she tells him. And sure enough - she is a very personable woman. And full of energy! Awesome. Just what Toby needs, I think.
We met some other parents and had a tour through the new CPAC building (a super fancy music and art and dance building with all the bells and whistles). Home late to relieve Benjamin of his duties.
This morning was a bit different to normal as I found head lice and that meant two showers for me (first one was normal, second one involved smelly shampoo) and making sure the boys also used smelly shampoo. Nice. Toby announced in the car on the way to the bus stop to Alex "The reason the car smells funny is because my mother has head lice". Nice. I imagine his class will no doubt be informed of the same thing in an equally loud voice this morning. Fortunately I think I caught it early. I had one baby louse and I found a giant mother louse in Toby's hair. But nothing else. And Mike was as clean as a whistle. So, who knows?
Anyhow, it is nothing that a wonderful cup of tea won't sort out. A few sips and I won't care about the trials of the world, will I? Or, at the very least, the efficacy of Paradiso branded head lice shampoo will pale into insignificance.
Have a fantastic day. Don't scratch your hair like that! Heheheheh.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
The Tuesday with Cubs
Hi,
Yesterday I rode home to get the car and go and collect Toby. Mike had put on the slow cooker so dinner was ready as soon as we stepped inside. Perfect for the Tuesday rush to get to Cubs. Dinner was scrumptious too - thanks Mike.
We dug out the Cubs gear and Jack arrived (he is starting Cubs this term) and I think Jack's presence went a long way to make up for the first Cubs without the Sampson children. Toby moaned their absence a bit.
Jo, the new leader, was fantastic! Cubs is in good hands with Simon and Jo. By the time Toby leaves Cubs in two years I think we'll all be running it in our sleep! Next week is rockpooling down on the south coast - by the Bach cafe. I hope the weather is nicer.
This morning's weather is more of the same. Drizzly weather. What a sticky, unpleasant feeling. A bit of sun, please!
Benjamin is looking after Toby this evening (we'll need to sort that out with Vivienne because Toby will be at Alex's house for collection) because it is a parent/teacher meeting at school. Mike will drive in and collect me after work.
Ok. Better get stuck in. Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Yesterday I rode home to get the car and go and collect Toby. Mike had put on the slow cooker so dinner was ready as soon as we stepped inside. Perfect for the Tuesday rush to get to Cubs. Dinner was scrumptious too - thanks Mike.
We dug out the Cubs gear and Jack arrived (he is starting Cubs this term) and I think Jack's presence went a long way to make up for the first Cubs without the Sampson children. Toby moaned their absence a bit.
Jo, the new leader, was fantastic! Cubs is in good hands with Simon and Jo. By the time Toby leaves Cubs in two years I think we'll all be running it in our sleep! Next week is rockpooling down on the south coast - by the Bach cafe. I hope the weather is nicer.
This morning's weather is more of the same. Drizzly weather. What a sticky, unpleasant feeling. A bit of sun, please!
Benjamin is looking after Toby this evening (we'll need to sort that out with Vivienne because Toby will be at Alex's house for collection) because it is a parent/teacher meeting at school. Mike will drive in and collect me after work.
Ok. Better get stuck in. Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
The weekend with three days
Hi,
What a great weekend. It was Rugby Sevens weekend and the town was buzzing on Friday night. I had to get off my bike to push it through the crowds of people in fancy dress costumes all around the waterfront. Our evening did start off a bit poorly with me and Mike missing each other for our ride home. I didn't realise Mike was waiting for me and I went off to collect Toby. Anyhow, we all ended up at home for dinner and Toby went to have a sleepover at Alex's house.
Saturday morning was a flurry of activity though. Mike had to pack for Dad Camp and I went to get Toby from Alex's house. Then I was off to Waikanae to collect Aidan for a visit of all the antique/second-hand shops between Waikanae and Bulls. We had fun although the forecast glorious weather was, in fact, very light drizzly rain for the most part. So the top of the car remained up.
I bought some nice tea. Aidan got some war comics for the boys. Fortunately, to save the shopping expedition, she also bought some new running shoes. So the only thing old that we purchased were the war comics. Bit of a failure really - Aidan was looking for drawer knobs of a specific sort. Mind you, I have tried the tea and it is very nice so I am very pleased. And I had the pleasure of Aidan's company and an excuse to drive the wee green car.
Mike and Toby also had drizzly rain at Mt Holdsworth. But it didn't dampen Dad Camp very much at all. I am sure Mike will tell you more. Facebook shows some photos from it.
Saturday night I read books and watched a DVD - "The bells of St Mary's" - from about 1946. Good year that, eh Ma? It was a nice, wholesome movie starring Bing Crosby (who obviously got them to write in a lot of singing for his part) and Ingrid Bergman.
Sunday morning I tidied the house. Luxed and did piles of washing. Then went around to Sally and Andrew's for lunch. Mike and Toby turned up at 2.15pm! Yay! Then we all went home and relaxed for the evening.
Monday was Waitangi Day and we had a lazy start to the day. Mike read until midday ("On the beach" by Neville Shute) and I moved the bookcases around in the lounge. Then Mike tried out his new water blaster. It does the job - just a bit slower than the commerical one he hired a few years back. So our front yard looks better now than it has for ages. At least the weeds are vaguely at bay now.
Then we had tea on the beach at Petone. Fish n chips with Sally and Andrew. Very pleasant end to the long weekend.
Tonight is the first Cubs night of the year. And tomorrow is parent/teacher night at Toby's school (I think we have Benjamin lined up from 6.30pm). Phew!
Have a marvellous week!
Love,
Angela
What a great weekend. It was Rugby Sevens weekend and the town was buzzing on Friday night. I had to get off my bike to push it through the crowds of people in fancy dress costumes all around the waterfront. Our evening did start off a bit poorly with me and Mike missing each other for our ride home. I didn't realise Mike was waiting for me and I went off to collect Toby. Anyhow, we all ended up at home for dinner and Toby went to have a sleepover at Alex's house.
Saturday morning was a flurry of activity though. Mike had to pack for Dad Camp and I went to get Toby from Alex's house. Then I was off to Waikanae to collect Aidan for a visit of all the antique/second-hand shops between Waikanae and Bulls. We had fun although the forecast glorious weather was, in fact, very light drizzly rain for the most part. So the top of the car remained up.
I bought some nice tea. Aidan got some war comics for the boys. Fortunately, to save the shopping expedition, she also bought some new running shoes. So the only thing old that we purchased were the war comics. Bit of a failure really - Aidan was looking for drawer knobs of a specific sort. Mind you, I have tried the tea and it is very nice so I am very pleased. And I had the pleasure of Aidan's company and an excuse to drive the wee green car.
Mike and Toby also had drizzly rain at Mt Holdsworth. But it didn't dampen Dad Camp very much at all. I am sure Mike will tell you more. Facebook shows some photos from it.
Saturday night I read books and watched a DVD - "The bells of St Mary's" - from about 1946. Good year that, eh Ma? It was a nice, wholesome movie starring Bing Crosby (who obviously got them to write in a lot of singing for his part) and Ingrid Bergman.
Sunday morning I tidied the house. Luxed and did piles of washing. Then went around to Sally and Andrew's for lunch. Mike and Toby turned up at 2.15pm! Yay! Then we all went home and relaxed for the evening.
Monday was Waitangi Day and we had a lazy start to the day. Mike read until midday ("On the beach" by Neville Shute) and I moved the bookcases around in the lounge. Then Mike tried out his new water blaster. It does the job - just a bit slower than the commerical one he hired a few years back. So our front yard looks better now than it has for ages. At least the weeds are vaguely at bay now.
Then we had tea on the beach at Petone. Fish n chips with Sally and Andrew. Very pleasant end to the long weekend.
Tonight is the first Cubs night of the year. And tomorrow is parent/teacher night at Toby's school (I think we have Benjamin lined up from 6.30pm). Phew!
Have a marvellous week!
Love,
Angela
Friday, February 3, 2012
The Thursday with Toby's second day at school
Hi,
I could get a lot of post titles out of Toby's school days... Anyhow, Thursday was the first full college day so Toby had to wear "number ones" - which means his white shirt instead of the "number twos" which is grey. Fortunately it is easy to remember what day is a number one day and what day is a number two day. Usually. Fridays are number ones. End of story. Unless it is the first day of term. Heheheh.
Sounds like he had a good day. He told me he got told off. He had to run around the school four times (I suspect not the entire school) and got puffed so sat and relaxed and his teacher growled at him. Hahahah. But then he also told me he got a merit. "What for?" I asked. "I held a door open for everyone" he replied. Good on him! 10 house points for Potatau.
I rode home yesterday for the first time in ages where I wasn't battling a head wind. It was a wonderful ride up the hill. Thank goodness. Got the car and picked up Toby. No fuss or bother. Home to cook tea. Easy. Mike got home at a reasonable time too. Hooray!
This morning the ride down the hill was exhilarating. Despite my sunglasses, my eyes teared up and I couldn't read my speedo. I will remain ignorant. Pedal, pedal! Great fun. The sun had turned the wispy cloud a light orange and it looked fantastic with the greys of the hills contrasting. The harbour was still (not quite glass) and as I rode past, some rowers rowed through the sun's reflection in the water, beautifully silhouetted. Great way to start the day.
And the day is looming large. Big deadline today. Bound to have something thrown into the mix. Fingers crossed. The long weekend can't possibly start fast enough for me.
Mike and Toby have a camping trip tomorrow (overnight only) organised by a chap at our work. It is called "Dad Camp" and that means little planning and dirty boys on Sunday afternoon. Heheheh. The weather is supposed to be superb, so I am sure they will have fun. I think Rex and his boys are going too. Marvellous.
I am going to take Aidan antique shopping tomorrow. Any excuse for a drive in the wee green car with the top down and the sun shining. Bring it on! The idea seems to be that we use the small car so she doesn't buy anything bigger than the boot. Which isn't very big. Should be effective. No tables then!
Sunday morning is all mine, until the boys come back. Might line up some books and a nice breakfast and not move out of the bedroom for hours! Choice!
Monday is most likely going to involve house tasks. Garden. Tidying. Washing. Still, it needs to be done.
Right now though, the pressing thing is a cup of tea! Hope you have a great weekend!
Love,
Angela
I could get a lot of post titles out of Toby's school days... Anyhow, Thursday was the first full college day so Toby had to wear "number ones" - which means his white shirt instead of the "number twos" which is grey. Fortunately it is easy to remember what day is a number one day and what day is a number two day. Usually. Fridays are number ones. End of story. Unless it is the first day of term. Heheheh.
Sounds like he had a good day. He told me he got told off. He had to run around the school four times (I suspect not the entire school) and got puffed so sat and relaxed and his teacher growled at him. Hahahah. But then he also told me he got a merit. "What for?" I asked. "I held a door open for everyone" he replied. Good on him! 10 house points for Potatau.
I rode home yesterday for the first time in ages where I wasn't battling a head wind. It was a wonderful ride up the hill. Thank goodness. Got the car and picked up Toby. No fuss or bother. Home to cook tea. Easy. Mike got home at a reasonable time too. Hooray!
This morning the ride down the hill was exhilarating. Despite my sunglasses, my eyes teared up and I couldn't read my speedo. I will remain ignorant. Pedal, pedal! Great fun. The sun had turned the wispy cloud a light orange and it looked fantastic with the greys of the hills contrasting. The harbour was still (not quite glass) and as I rode past, some rowers rowed through the sun's reflection in the water, beautifully silhouetted. Great way to start the day.
And the day is looming large. Big deadline today. Bound to have something thrown into the mix. Fingers crossed. The long weekend can't possibly start fast enough for me.
Mike and Toby have a camping trip tomorrow (overnight only) organised by a chap at our work. It is called "Dad Camp" and that means little planning and dirty boys on Sunday afternoon. Heheheh. The weather is supposed to be superb, so I am sure they will have fun. I think Rex and his boys are going too. Marvellous.
I am going to take Aidan antique shopping tomorrow. Any excuse for a drive in the wee green car with the top down and the sun shining. Bring it on! The idea seems to be that we use the small car so she doesn't buy anything bigger than the boot. Which isn't very big. Should be effective. No tables then!
Sunday morning is all mine, until the boys come back. Might line up some books and a nice breakfast and not move out of the bedroom for hours! Choice!
Monday is most likely going to involve house tasks. Garden. Tidying. Washing. Still, it needs to be done.
Right now though, the pressing thing is a cup of tea! Hope you have a great weekend!
Love,
Angela
Thursday, February 2, 2012
The Wednesday with Toby's first day at his new school
Hi,
By all accounts (I have heard Toby's, Jack's and Alex's) Toby had a great day at school yesterday. Nothing I heard indicated there were any hiccoughs in the day. I rode to the Wadestown library after work and grabbed the car (it will sit there during the day as part of the bus stop routine) and went to Alex's house to collect Toby. This is possibly where the only bump in the smooth day occurred because Toby wanted a sleepover. "To make the mornings easier - no need to take us separately to the bus stop". Right. Right. I think he understands my position now.
Toby has a teacher called Mrs Kidman and is in Potatau House (dark blue colour). He says his teacher is very good.
Mike worked late and will probably do the same tonight too. I can hopefully leave closer to 1600 rather than 1700. But let's just see.
The ride down the hill this morning was good - but into the head wind of a southerly. Quite a stiff wind too - I had to pedal hard along the waterfront. Hopefully it stays southerly for my ride home - I like some assistance.
Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Angela
By all accounts (I have heard Toby's, Jack's and Alex's) Toby had a great day at school yesterday. Nothing I heard indicated there were any hiccoughs in the day. I rode to the Wadestown library after work and grabbed the car (it will sit there during the day as part of the bus stop routine) and went to Alex's house to collect Toby. This is possibly where the only bump in the smooth day occurred because Toby wanted a sleepover. "To make the mornings easier - no need to take us separately to the bus stop". Right. Right. I think he understands my position now.
Toby has a teacher called Mrs Kidman and is in Potatau House (dark blue colour). He says his teacher is very good.
Mike worked late and will probably do the same tonight too. I can hopefully leave closer to 1600 rather than 1700. But let's just see.
The ride down the hill this morning was good - but into the head wind of a southerly. Quite a stiff wind too - I had to pedal hard along the waterfront. Hopefully it stays southerly for my ride home - I like some assistance.
Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
The Tuesday with Toby's last day of holidays
Hi,
Tuesday was best done and dusted. Work was a tad frustrating but I should be back to where I should have been if work hadn't been lost by mid morning today all going well. But the ride home is a good stress relief. Into the teeth of a mighty head wind all the way. I was exhausted by the time I got to the bottom of our hill let alone by the time I got to Wadestown School to collect Toby. From the waterfront to the Beehive I had to pedal furiously to stay in the car stream to avoid crossing three lanes of traffic to turn right into Molesworth St. I think I managed it but it was tiring!
Toby thanked Del (Skids carer for the last year) for looking after him when we left Skids. He might see him during school holiday programmes.
Home to cook dinner. Mike was late home as he has a huge deadline due today/tomorrow. So we may not see him very early tonight too. But he did know of my work frustrations and he brought home a lovely bunch of flowers. I think he loves me! :-)
This morning was exciting. Toby is a bit nervous about his new school but he came right when I pointed out he has been there before (the take-a-friend-to-Scots Day he did with Jack). Mike sorted out his tie for him (it took a few attempts - apparently Mike uses a different knot for his own ties and he had to recall the other knot). See Facebook for some photos from this morning!
We drive to the bus stop with Toby and Jack arrived. We chatted to other parents before the bus came and Toby got on. I hope he has a good day!
Mike got a lift in with John (Jack's Dad) and I got my bike and rode down the hill nice and fast trying to beat impending rain! As I cycled around the waterfront I saw the "Ride your Bike to Work" day and got a second breakfast and some fruit. Yum!
Will leave at about 1700 this evening. Toby will be at Alex's house. But I hope to leave close to 1600 as the routine sorts itself out.
We shall see.
Have a fantastic day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday was best done and dusted. Work was a tad frustrating but I should be back to where I should have been if work hadn't been lost by mid morning today all going well. But the ride home is a good stress relief. Into the teeth of a mighty head wind all the way. I was exhausted by the time I got to the bottom of our hill let alone by the time I got to Wadestown School to collect Toby. From the waterfront to the Beehive I had to pedal furiously to stay in the car stream to avoid crossing three lanes of traffic to turn right into Molesworth St. I think I managed it but it was tiring!
Toby thanked Del (Skids carer for the last year) for looking after him when we left Skids. He might see him during school holiday programmes.
Home to cook dinner. Mike was late home as he has a huge deadline due today/tomorrow. So we may not see him very early tonight too. But he did know of my work frustrations and he brought home a lovely bunch of flowers. I think he loves me! :-)
This morning was exciting. Toby is a bit nervous about his new school but he came right when I pointed out he has been there before (the take-a-friend-to-Scots Day he did with Jack). Mike sorted out his tie for him (it took a few attempts - apparently Mike uses a different knot for his own ties and he had to recall the other knot). See Facebook for some photos from this morning!
We drive to the bus stop with Toby and Jack arrived. We chatted to other parents before the bus came and Toby got on. I hope he has a good day!
Mike got a lift in with John (Jack's Dad) and I got my bike and rode down the hill nice and fast trying to beat impending rain! As I cycled around the waterfront I saw the "Ride your Bike to Work" day and got a second breakfast and some fruit. Yum!
Will leave at about 1700 this evening. Toby will be at Alex's house. But I hope to leave close to 1600 as the routine sorts itself out.
We shall see.
Have a fantastic day!
Love,
Angela
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