Hi,
This morning (Friday) is another wonderful day here in Wellington. The ride in had a nip in the air, but nothing to write home about. I left the boys sitting on the couch playing with their respective gadgets. The road outside our house is being dug up to get the water main replaced and the workers start at 7am each morning. Yesterday I had a lollipop man to wave me out of our garage. And the neighbours (of the banoffee pies) were sitting out in their picnic chairs on their footpath to watch the activities. Great fun!
Mike rushed home to get Toby and Tom for the evening while Christine came to get me for a movie. We went to see "The women on the 6th floor" - a fantastic French film about Spanish maids in 1962 Paris. I really enjoyed it. The Hunger Games remains a movie for me to see! Home for a cup of tea and then bed!
I have to pack tonight for the tramp tomorrow. Vivienne and Benjamin are coming along as well. It should be a lot of fun. The forecast looks good but I reserve judgement. The Tararuas seem to create their own climate - and that climate seems to be rain. Into Sayers Hut and back out the next day. I need to find lunch for myself and dessert for 6 people.
Mike and Toby have the weekend to themselves. Alex is coming for a sleepover on Saturday night - Toby will enjoy that!
Right - time for tea! Have a marvellous weekend.
Love,
Angela
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
The Wednesday with karate
Hi,
I rode up Garden Road and it seemed even easier last night than it did last week. Yay! Karate was good but sitting there in my bike shorts meant I was pretty cold by the end of it. Might have to scoot home and get changed before coming to sit in a cold hall. Especially though winter.
Our car's back left wheel was making a graunching noise as we drove home. Mike was then too late for tramping club so Benjamin will need to carry in our billy instead of a club billy (it should be fine - we use our billy on club trips from time to time). Mike jacked up the car and took off the wheel and eventually found the cause (a stone stuck in the cowling somewhere - well done Mike!).
Tonight I have a movie date with Christine. I think the Hunger Games will win. I want to see it and when the opportunity presents itself and I am faced with a multitude of movies (most of which I will not recognise at all), I think I'll choose a movie I want to see. If I wait for others, I may not see it at all. That would be worse. Right? Heheheh.
So, because I am off to play, Mike has to leave a little early and collect Toby and Tom (John is away). Hence, I had Toby drop off duties this morning. Whilst I have been around for Toby drop off duty this term, I haven't done it by myself. I called Toby up for the last bits of getting ready (shoes, tie, blazer, teeth) and we both panicked when we saw his tie was undone. Usually it has the knot in it already and Toby slips it over his head and pulls it up snug under his collar. I have never tied a tie before.
I said "Take it to school and someone will do it for you". "No!" says Toby, with an edge of panic in his voice. He quickly brushed his teeth. He turned back to me and said "I know. Let's watch a You Tube video on how to tie it". "Sorry - we don't have time", I said. "Let me give it a go", I said.
So I grab the tie and start making a knot. "No", says Toby. "The fat end goes over the skinny end first". So, I change the start of the knot. In two seconds I had the tie tied. Marvels of marvels. Our grins were huge as Toby grabbed the knot and pulled it snug up to his collar.
Our grins faded when we saw the tiny stub of a tie that was left hanging only halfway down his chest. I got Toby to tuck the considerable tail end of the tie (well past his shorts) into his shirt. When Alex saw his tie, there was a strange look come over his face. I think it looks rather funny.
I can tie a tie! Yay. I need to learn where in the tie to start the knot obviously! Heheheh.
Gorgeous day here! Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
I rode up Garden Road and it seemed even easier last night than it did last week. Yay! Karate was good but sitting there in my bike shorts meant I was pretty cold by the end of it. Might have to scoot home and get changed before coming to sit in a cold hall. Especially though winter.
Our car's back left wheel was making a graunching noise as we drove home. Mike was then too late for tramping club so Benjamin will need to carry in our billy instead of a club billy (it should be fine - we use our billy on club trips from time to time). Mike jacked up the car and took off the wheel and eventually found the cause (a stone stuck in the cowling somewhere - well done Mike!).
Tonight I have a movie date with Christine. I think the Hunger Games will win. I want to see it and when the opportunity presents itself and I am faced with a multitude of movies (most of which I will not recognise at all), I think I'll choose a movie I want to see. If I wait for others, I may not see it at all. That would be worse. Right? Heheheh.
So, because I am off to play, Mike has to leave a little early and collect Toby and Tom (John is away). Hence, I had Toby drop off duties this morning. Whilst I have been around for Toby drop off duty this term, I haven't done it by myself. I called Toby up for the last bits of getting ready (shoes, tie, blazer, teeth) and we both panicked when we saw his tie was undone. Usually it has the knot in it already and Toby slips it over his head and pulls it up snug under his collar. I have never tied a tie before.
I said "Take it to school and someone will do it for you". "No!" says Toby, with an edge of panic in his voice. He quickly brushed his teeth. He turned back to me and said "I know. Let's watch a You Tube video on how to tie it". "Sorry - we don't have time", I said. "Let me give it a go", I said.
So I grab the tie and start making a knot. "No", says Toby. "The fat end goes over the skinny end first". So, I change the start of the knot. In two seconds I had the tie tied. Marvels of marvels. Our grins were huge as Toby grabbed the knot and pulled it snug up to his collar.
Our grins faded when we saw the tiny stub of a tie that was left hanging only halfway down his chest. I got Toby to tuck the considerable tail end of the tie (well past his shorts) into his shirt. When Alex saw his tie, there was a strange look come over his face. I think it looks rather funny.
I can tie a tie! Yay. I need to learn where in the tie to start the knot obviously! Heheheh.
Gorgeous day here! Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
The Tuesday with no Cubs
Hi,
Yes - the one Tuesday a year in term time that we get a night off Cubs (due to Cub Camp). Of course, this year it coincided with parent/teacher interviews. But afterwards we did get away to a romantic dinner for two.
Mike's parents are in town, so they went to collect Toby and look after him for the evening. When I was making Toby's lunch this morning, I could tell from the empty pantry that Toby had convinced his grandparents that he can eat anything for his after school snack. And I happen to know that Yingjie's mother also gives him a good after school snack! Cheeky boy!
Anyhow, meanwhile Mike and I went to see his teacher. And we are now very proud parents of a boy that exceeds the average in everything - except maths. But the pleasant surprise is that he is average in maths. From the carry-on he puts on when confronted with maths homework, I thought he must be doing poorly. But, no! He is in the top 10% of Year 5 students in reading, comprehension and listening (listening? really? Heheheh) and sitting on the dotted line for maths. Not too shabby. And his teacher says he is improving as the term goes by in terms of focus and doing what is necessary. So, we're pleased.
Now we have waved the carrot in his face. If he pushes his maths up to the top of the green range (the normal range for Year 5 students) by the end of the year, he'll get a Nintendo 3DS. He wants one, apparently. Nothing like a little bit of motivation. He also sits ICAS exams in the middle of the year. In Maths, Science and English. That'll be interesting. The teacher said she'd get us previous exams to practise. Cool.
After receiving that pleasant news about Toby's progress, we went to the Thai restaurant in Miramar only to find it closed due to a bereavement. So I showed Mike through the Roxy cinema (very nice retro style) and took him to La Boca Loca - a Mexican restaurant. And it was very good!
Back home with burgers for the family (we forgot to order pizza for Toby and his babysitters - it is the usual routine) and to catch up (finally) with Mike's parents. I think they have been here almost a week but this was the first time we'd seen them.
Karate tonight. And I will ride up Garden Road to meet the boys there. The ride down the hill was lovely this morning. With no cloud (how odd) it was light enough this morning. Well, I was twenty minutes later than usual so that might have had something to do with it. Daylight savings ends this weekend.
So, have a wonderful day. March is nearly done and dusted. One more busy weekend for me and then we can relax for a while at weekends. Get some of those pesky around-the-house jobs finally done. Hooray. Not! Hahahah.
Love,
Angela
Yes - the one Tuesday a year in term time that we get a night off Cubs (due to Cub Camp). Of course, this year it coincided with parent/teacher interviews. But afterwards we did get away to a romantic dinner for two.
Mike's parents are in town, so they went to collect Toby and look after him for the evening. When I was making Toby's lunch this morning, I could tell from the empty pantry that Toby had convinced his grandparents that he can eat anything for his after school snack. And I happen to know that Yingjie's mother also gives him a good after school snack! Cheeky boy!
Anyhow, meanwhile Mike and I went to see his teacher. And we are now very proud parents of a boy that exceeds the average in everything - except maths. But the pleasant surprise is that he is average in maths. From the carry-on he puts on when confronted with maths homework, I thought he must be doing poorly. But, no! He is in the top 10% of Year 5 students in reading, comprehension and listening (listening? really? Heheheh) and sitting on the dotted line for maths. Not too shabby. And his teacher says he is improving as the term goes by in terms of focus and doing what is necessary. So, we're pleased.
Now we have waved the carrot in his face. If he pushes his maths up to the top of the green range (the normal range for Year 5 students) by the end of the year, he'll get a Nintendo 3DS. He wants one, apparently. Nothing like a little bit of motivation. He also sits ICAS exams in the middle of the year. In Maths, Science and English. That'll be interesting. The teacher said she'd get us previous exams to practise. Cool.
After receiving that pleasant news about Toby's progress, we went to the Thai restaurant in Miramar only to find it closed due to a bereavement. So I showed Mike through the Roxy cinema (very nice retro style) and took him to La Boca Loca - a Mexican restaurant. And it was very good!
Back home with burgers for the family (we forgot to order pizza for Toby and his babysitters - it is the usual routine) and to catch up (finally) with Mike's parents. I think they have been here almost a week but this was the first time we'd seen them.
Karate tonight. And I will ride up Garden Road to meet the boys there. The ride down the hill was lovely this morning. With no cloud (how odd) it was light enough this morning. Well, I was twenty minutes later than usual so that might have had something to do with it. Daylight savings ends this weekend.
So, have a wonderful day. March is nearly done and dusted. One more busy weekend for me and then we can relax for a while at weekends. Get some of those pesky around-the-house jobs finally done. Hooray. Not! Hahahah.
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
The Monday with nothing
Hi,
And it will be a Tuesday with nothing - sort of. Because of Cub Camp, we have tonight off. But it has coincided with parent/teacher interviews for Toby so we're busy. But Mike says we'll go out for dinner afterwards, so all is not lost.
Mike's mother is going to collect Toby from Alex's house (well, this is my belief) and look after him tonight. Toby will enjoy that for a change. Hopefully he does his homework and can then relax with her.
Not a lot of say this morning. It is nice here, but a fresh wind. And we drove in so we can get to the school by 5pm, so I have no exciting tales of riding furiously down the hill.
We put our clocks back this weekend (while I am away tramping in the Tararuas). So for a few weeks it will be light again in the mornings when I ride in. That'll be nice for a while.
But right now, what will really be nice, is a lovely cup of tea.
Have a fantastic day!
Love,
Angela
And it will be a Tuesday with nothing - sort of. Because of Cub Camp, we have tonight off. But it has coincided with parent/teacher interviews for Toby so we're busy. But Mike says we'll go out for dinner afterwards, so all is not lost.
Mike's mother is going to collect Toby from Alex's house (well, this is my belief) and look after him tonight. Toby will enjoy that for a change. Hopefully he does his homework and can then relax with her.
Not a lot of say this morning. It is nice here, but a fresh wind. And we drove in so we can get to the school by 5pm, so I have no exciting tales of riding furiously down the hill.
We put our clocks back this weekend (while I am away tramping in the Tararuas). So for a few weeks it will be light again in the mornings when I ride in. That'll be nice for a while.
But right now, what will really be nice, is a lovely cup of tea.
Have a fantastic day!
Love,
Angela
Monday, March 26, 2012
The weekend with Cub Camp
Hi,
I am unsure what to write about the weekend Cub Camp. Apart from one incident, it was quite successful. And as I type here, the sparrows in the trees along Lambton Quay were all chirping their dawn chorus very loudly. Then, as one, they abruptly stopped. Next thing I saw was a huge flock of them leaving for their day's activities. I guess their dawn chorus is Mike's equivalent of 2 cups of coffee before they can do anything.
So, Friday night I met the other Cub leaders to get all the gear ready for Saturday morning. Then I went grocery shopping with Toby before settling in to watch Jurassic Fight Club (a documentary about dinosaurs that used to fight each other - Toby and I love it and Toby takes notes!). I made a mistake of introducing Toby to Draw Something (a new app game on my phone that work colleagues got me into) and when Mike got home he came and joined us. So we had it on three devices and were all playing each other and friends! Unfortunately the addictive natures of my boys meant they played until midnight, even with the last thirty minutes having my grumbling echo around them "Let's go to sleep!".
Next morning we packed up and headed a little late to the Scout Hall. We were nearly all packed there too and waited for Cubs to arrive. The weather wasn't looking promising - but not as bad as the weather bomb for last time. Galeforce winds. Yeah, sure. We'll be fine.
Off to camp and we pitched two canvas tents and I convinced the leaders we should put the girls in one of our tents. Mike and I pitched the kitchen area and Mike did very well with two flys free-standing over our trestle tables. We ate lunch and then kicked into kayaking and confidence course fun. The weather stayed dry but threatening all afternoon.
A Cub leader came to me saying he was having problems with a certain Cub and could I have a talk to him. I managed to get the Cub to apologise for his behaviour, but unfortunately it was a sign of things to come.
Dinner was sausages and potatoes and I loved the potatoes! I had thirds! Unheard of behaviour. We built a campfire and toasted marshmallows. At about 8pm the rain started. But by then, after a game of spotlight, the Cubs were ready for bed. Some obviously were ready at 7pm for bed and some must be night owls! Strange! Anyhow, Mike and I had pitched our tent behind our car and I think it dampened any noise. Toby came into our tent very early on saying his tent was too noisy for him to sleep and I didn't mind that. It is a perk of Cub Camp if your parents are there! Mike had to go and help Simon with some troublesome Cubs and Toby drifted to sleep.
When Mike got back, he and I fell asleep very quickly. The wind wasn't too bad at all. Turns out one of the tents with the previously naughty Cub was a lot of trouble. Simon was up until 2am trying to sort them out and he sat in their tent in the end until they fell asleep. I may not have had Simon's patience and would have taken the naughty Cub home then! But we didn't hear about it until we got up.
Sunday was lovely. We had blue skies and the wind had died away. Breakfast was successful and then more kayaking. We started to break camp and it took a long time. This is when the naughty Cub started playing up even more. Eventually it was decided to ring his mother to come and get him. So Mike and I drove into cellphone reception and I had the unpleasant task of calling his mother and explaining his behaviour.
The rest of the Cubs went on a walk while the other leaders and parent help tidied up and got lunch ready. We didn't have enough parent help - there were just two parents there and the four leaders. But the amount of work meant we needed at least four more adults. Ideally we would have had activities right the way through and parents striking camp. The free time for the Cubs meant they got into more mischief than they should have.
The naughty Cub got collected and the rest of them built a dam and played until they also got collected. I was away by 3pm! Hooray! Lots of lessons learned.
Sunday afternoon Mike had to go and sort out some website work for tramping club and I ironed for the week and watched TV with Toby. Nice way to relax. The camping things all got put away and washing is now up-to-date. Phew!
Today is lovely here in Wellington. Blue skies. It is very dark as I ride in now.
Have a wonderful week!
Love,
Angela
I am unsure what to write about the weekend Cub Camp. Apart from one incident, it was quite successful. And as I type here, the sparrows in the trees along Lambton Quay were all chirping their dawn chorus very loudly. Then, as one, they abruptly stopped. Next thing I saw was a huge flock of them leaving for their day's activities. I guess their dawn chorus is Mike's equivalent of 2 cups of coffee before they can do anything.
So, Friday night I met the other Cub leaders to get all the gear ready for Saturday morning. Then I went grocery shopping with Toby before settling in to watch Jurassic Fight Club (a documentary about dinosaurs that used to fight each other - Toby and I love it and Toby takes notes!). I made a mistake of introducing Toby to Draw Something (a new app game on my phone that work colleagues got me into) and when Mike got home he came and joined us. So we had it on three devices and were all playing each other and friends! Unfortunately the addictive natures of my boys meant they played until midnight, even with the last thirty minutes having my grumbling echo around them "Let's go to sleep!".
Next morning we packed up and headed a little late to the Scout Hall. We were nearly all packed there too and waited for Cubs to arrive. The weather wasn't looking promising - but not as bad as the weather bomb for last time. Galeforce winds. Yeah, sure. We'll be fine.
Off to camp and we pitched two canvas tents and I convinced the leaders we should put the girls in one of our tents. Mike and I pitched the kitchen area and Mike did very well with two flys free-standing over our trestle tables. We ate lunch and then kicked into kayaking and confidence course fun. The weather stayed dry but threatening all afternoon.
A Cub leader came to me saying he was having problems with a certain Cub and could I have a talk to him. I managed to get the Cub to apologise for his behaviour, but unfortunately it was a sign of things to come.
Dinner was sausages and potatoes and I loved the potatoes! I had thirds! Unheard of behaviour. We built a campfire and toasted marshmallows. At about 8pm the rain started. But by then, after a game of spotlight, the Cubs were ready for bed. Some obviously were ready at 7pm for bed and some must be night owls! Strange! Anyhow, Mike and I had pitched our tent behind our car and I think it dampened any noise. Toby came into our tent very early on saying his tent was too noisy for him to sleep and I didn't mind that. It is a perk of Cub Camp if your parents are there! Mike had to go and help Simon with some troublesome Cubs and Toby drifted to sleep.
When Mike got back, he and I fell asleep very quickly. The wind wasn't too bad at all. Turns out one of the tents with the previously naughty Cub was a lot of trouble. Simon was up until 2am trying to sort them out and he sat in their tent in the end until they fell asleep. I may not have had Simon's patience and would have taken the naughty Cub home then! But we didn't hear about it until we got up.
Sunday was lovely. We had blue skies and the wind had died away. Breakfast was successful and then more kayaking. We started to break camp and it took a long time. This is when the naughty Cub started playing up even more. Eventually it was decided to ring his mother to come and get him. So Mike and I drove into cellphone reception and I had the unpleasant task of calling his mother and explaining his behaviour.
The rest of the Cubs went on a walk while the other leaders and parent help tidied up and got lunch ready. We didn't have enough parent help - there were just two parents there and the four leaders. But the amount of work meant we needed at least four more adults. Ideally we would have had activities right the way through and parents striking camp. The free time for the Cubs meant they got into more mischief than they should have.
The naughty Cub got collected and the rest of them built a dam and played until they also got collected. I was away by 3pm! Hooray! Lots of lessons learned.
Sunday afternoon Mike had to go and sort out some website work for tramping club and I ironed for the week and watched TV with Toby. Nice way to relax. The camping things all got put away and washing is now up-to-date. Phew!
Today is lovely here in Wellington. Blue skies. It is very dark as I ride in now.
Have a wonderful week!
Love,
Angela
Friday, March 23, 2012
The Thursday with a Cub leaders meeting
Hi,
Rode in this morning because I waited 25 minutes for a bus home yesterday. Perfect conditions to ensure I keep riding my bike. And I didn't even get wet this morning despite the rain. Must have timed it perfectly between showers. Hahahah. Biking is way better. I fixed another back light to my bike this morning. It is very bright. Perhaps not in the best spot on my seat stem, but better than not being there. I will swap the old one's position for the new one any day now.
Last night was Cub leaders meeting night and it was a good chat. And this weekend is Cub camp so I am feeling like Cubs is consuming a bit of my time at the moment. And what is the weather forecast for this weekend of canvas tents and 16 Cubs? Saturday has turned from nice to a bit pants and Sunday has turned from a bit pants to not quite so pants. I hope they all bring lots of plastic bags for wet clothes and keep dry.
I went to buy gumboots for Toby and couldn't find anything at the Warehouse. What is the world coming to when you can't find a decent pair of gumboots for your child? I always had great gumboots as a kid. And we lived in them, I seem to recall. I need somewhere like Para Rubber. The Warehouse has either had a crazy run on them and have nothing left or don't stock anything useful.
Toby met his piano teacher yesterday for the first time. Apparently, he tells me, he has already learned to use five fingers. Great! He says she is a nice teacher. So, from now on, every Thursday at 12, Toby will have a piano lesson.
And Tyler made it into the Zone competitions yesterday with a marvellous fourth place in her cross country running. Karen says she would have made third place if not for a confused teacher telling her the wrong route. Toby, on the other hand, informed me with dread that they have cross country running today here. Hahahah. I can almost bet he won't come home saying he got fourth place and is in a Zone final.
Okay. Time for tea. Have a wonderful weekend!
Love,
Angela
Rode in this morning because I waited 25 minutes for a bus home yesterday. Perfect conditions to ensure I keep riding my bike. And I didn't even get wet this morning despite the rain. Must have timed it perfectly between showers. Hahahah. Biking is way better. I fixed another back light to my bike this morning. It is very bright. Perhaps not in the best spot on my seat stem, but better than not being there. I will swap the old one's position for the new one any day now.
Last night was Cub leaders meeting night and it was a good chat. And this weekend is Cub camp so I am feeling like Cubs is consuming a bit of my time at the moment. And what is the weather forecast for this weekend of canvas tents and 16 Cubs? Saturday has turned from nice to a bit pants and Sunday has turned from a bit pants to not quite so pants. I hope they all bring lots of plastic bags for wet clothes and keep dry.
I went to buy gumboots for Toby and couldn't find anything at the Warehouse. What is the world coming to when you can't find a decent pair of gumboots for your child? I always had great gumboots as a kid. And we lived in them, I seem to recall. I need somewhere like Para Rubber. The Warehouse has either had a crazy run on them and have nothing left or don't stock anything useful.
Toby met his piano teacher yesterday for the first time. Apparently, he tells me, he has already learned to use five fingers. Great! He says she is a nice teacher. So, from now on, every Thursday at 12, Toby will have a piano lesson.
And Tyler made it into the Zone competitions yesterday with a marvellous fourth place in her cross country running. Karen says she would have made third place if not for a confused teacher telling her the wrong route. Toby, on the other hand, informed me with dread that they have cross country running today here. Hahahah. I can almost bet he won't come home saying he got fourth place and is in a Zone final.
Okay. Time for tea. Have a wonderful weekend!
Love,
Angela
Thursday, March 22, 2012
The Wednesday with karate
Hi,
Today (Thursday) is a happy birthday for Sally. Yay! I hope she has a great day.
Yesterday I rode to karate and managed to stay mostly dry. I rode up Garden Road from Glenmore Road and although it was steep and narrow, it was way faster than going all the way up Glenmore and through the tunnels. My preferred route to Northland now. Not that I ride that way very often.
But after a few minutes sitting in damp cycle gear, I asked Mike to take me home for a shower. Heheheh. We ate dinner and then I went back to collect Toby and Mike went to tramping club night.
Tonight I have a Cub leaders meeting, but Mike and Toby should be free. Perhaps they can meet Sally for dinner in town for her birthday?
We need to get a bit of preparation done for the Cub Camp this weekend. Let's hope the weather is kind.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Today (Thursday) is a happy birthday for Sally. Yay! I hope she has a great day.
Yesterday I rode to karate and managed to stay mostly dry. I rode up Garden Road from Glenmore Road and although it was steep and narrow, it was way faster than going all the way up Glenmore and through the tunnels. My preferred route to Northland now. Not that I ride that way very often.
But after a few minutes sitting in damp cycle gear, I asked Mike to take me home for a shower. Heheheh. We ate dinner and then I went back to collect Toby and Mike went to tramping club night.
Tonight I have a Cub leaders meeting, but Mike and Toby should be free. Perhaps they can meet Sally for dinner in town for her birthday?
We need to get a bit of preparation done for the Cub Camp this weekend. Let's hope the weather is kind.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The Tuesday with Cubs and more burgers
Hi,
Okay - the only difference between yesterday's ride in and this morning's ride in was the rain. Yesterday's rain was the sort of rain that doesn't get anything wet. No - we don't have a word for that sort of rain in the English language. But I bet if we lived somewhere like a rain forest, we'd have a name for rain like that. But we certainly can describe this morning's rain. Wet. Wet rain. Yep. I got soaked. My bike clothes are now festooned on every rail under my desk (fortunately there are lots of rails for all sorts of things) trying to dry before I have to pull them back on at the other end of the day. It is still pretty windy. I could only get up to 12 km/hr along the waterfront into the head wind.
Anyhow, I also got wet riding home yesterday. In fact, conditions were so poor I had people I hardly know telling me to be careful as I left the building. Always slightly disconcerting. As a result, I think I looked a bit like a drowned rat at Cubs. But no one commented.
Jo (new leader) got all the Cubs to make kites and it was a huge success. Once I understood where to make the first fold, the rest was easy. Toby loved his kite. In fact, a lot of Cubs loved their kites. Jack wouldn't even fly his outside in case it got damaged. Damaged by the rain and strong winds. So perfectly understandable. There was a little carnage.
Mike didn't go to cubs as he was working on the tramping club website, http://www.wtmc.org.nz/, and last night he got the new replacement website live. So he is a happy man. Yay!
Tonight is karate night. I might try to ride straight there to watch the activities. Unless it is raining heavily again, in which case I will ride home and have a hot shower! Heheheh.
Have a marvellous day!
Love,
Angela
Okay - the only difference between yesterday's ride in and this morning's ride in was the rain. Yesterday's rain was the sort of rain that doesn't get anything wet. No - we don't have a word for that sort of rain in the English language. But I bet if we lived somewhere like a rain forest, we'd have a name for rain like that. But we certainly can describe this morning's rain. Wet. Wet rain. Yep. I got soaked. My bike clothes are now festooned on every rail under my desk (fortunately there are lots of rails for all sorts of things) trying to dry before I have to pull them back on at the other end of the day. It is still pretty windy. I could only get up to 12 km/hr along the waterfront into the head wind.
Anyhow, I also got wet riding home yesterday. In fact, conditions were so poor I had people I hardly know telling me to be careful as I left the building. Always slightly disconcerting. As a result, I think I looked a bit like a drowned rat at Cubs. But no one commented.
Jo (new leader) got all the Cubs to make kites and it was a huge success. Once I understood where to make the first fold, the rest was easy. Toby loved his kite. In fact, a lot of Cubs loved their kites. Jack wouldn't even fly his outside in case it got damaged. Damaged by the rain and strong winds. So perfectly understandable. There was a little carnage.
Mike didn't go to cubs as he was working on the tramping club website, http://www.wtmc.org.nz/, and last night he got the new replacement website live. So he is a happy man. Yay!
Tonight is karate night. I might try to ride straight there to watch the activities. Unless it is raining heavily again, in which case I will ride home and have a hot shower! Heheheh.
Have a marvellous day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
The Monday with nothing - well, nothing much
Hi,
What a terrific ride down into work this morning. The southerly was so fierce. It'd be like winter if it was ten degrees colder. As it was I am not cold in the slightest but the wind was amazing. I was buffeted sideways coming down the hill and the ride along the waterfront (whilst devoid of the usual walkers and joggers and hence I had the place to myself) was pretty wild.
Last night I rode home and then collected Toby in the wee green car from Alex's place. Then we cooked up burgers for tea. We have many, many burgers to eat over the next wee while. They are leftover from the weekend. We catered for more than came and catered for bigger appetites than we had. Lucky the boys like them so much.
Mike worked late at home with Steve on the tramping club website. And when he came to bed his brain was going a mile a minute. I was asleep already. Mike started a new book. Mike finished a new book. I think he told me he read until 4am. Oh dear. Don't ask Mike for anything difficult today. Not until he has had at least three coffees.
Tonight is Cubs night and Mike is away for it (more website work). We're building kites. Could be either amazing or headlines news - depends on the wind! Heheheh. The wind might lift some Cubs away, fly their kites spectacularly or tear their kites to shreds. Let's see, eh?
What else? Think that is it. My body is recovering from the walking nicely. The ride home wasn't too bad at all. I can't count the ride in as it is mainly downhill all the way. What can I tell from that?
I think what my body really needs is a nice cup of tea about now. Should make everything much, much better.
Have a fantastic day. If you live near Karori, beware of errant kites this evening.
Love,
Angela
What a terrific ride down into work this morning. The southerly was so fierce. It'd be like winter if it was ten degrees colder. As it was I am not cold in the slightest but the wind was amazing. I was buffeted sideways coming down the hill and the ride along the waterfront (whilst devoid of the usual walkers and joggers and hence I had the place to myself) was pretty wild.
Last night I rode home and then collected Toby in the wee green car from Alex's place. Then we cooked up burgers for tea. We have many, many burgers to eat over the next wee while. They are leftover from the weekend. We catered for more than came and catered for bigger appetites than we had. Lucky the boys like them so much.
Mike worked late at home with Steve on the tramping club website. And when he came to bed his brain was going a mile a minute. I was asleep already. Mike started a new book. Mike finished a new book. I think he told me he read until 4am. Oh dear. Don't ask Mike for anything difficult today. Not until he has had at least three coffees.
Tonight is Cubs night and Mike is away for it (more website work). We're building kites. Could be either amazing or headlines news - depends on the wind! Heheheh. The wind might lift some Cubs away, fly their kites spectacularly or tear their kites to shreds. Let's see, eh?
What else? Think that is it. My body is recovering from the walking nicely. The ride home wasn't too bad at all. I can't count the ride in as it is mainly downhill all the way. What can I tell from that?
I think what my body really needs is a nice cup of tea about now. Should make everything much, much better.
Have a fantastic day. If you live near Karori, beware of errant kites this evening.
Love,
Angela
Monday, March 19, 2012
Ruapehu, fun for all the family
Punters:
Mike, Angela and Toby (9);
Tommy;
Yingjie and Alex (10);
Nick, Marg, Iona (7), Charlie (4).
A summer trip to Mt Ruapehu is a favourite of all of ours, so quite a few of us headed up for the family tramping trip in March. It ended up that we had three trips in one, with all of us doing different things at different times. Here are three perspectives on this trip.
The weather was clear and crisp, so I stopped on the turnoff to Whakapapa village and I showed Yingjie some constellations. Venus and Jupiter were brilliant in the early night sky as we drove up and I also pointed out Mars (it is also very bright at the moment). Yingjie also wanted to see the southern cross. The sky was so clear you could also see the Magellanic Clouds very well. We got to the lodge at 9.30pm and waited for Mike to arrive with the boys.
My husband Mike appeared an hour or so after me, and the first thing he discovered was that he had forgotten to bring his tramping boots! I had even left them out in the middle of the porch so he had to step over them to get in and out of the house. Silly Mike.
It makes for a late night for Toby (and me), driving up on Friday night. I think Toby would have fallen asleep around 11pm with me about 5 minutes later! Heheheh. Up early for breakfast and to get ready for the day ahead. We got a text from Rex saying he wasn't going to make it for the weekend. Very disappointing as I was looking forward to catching up with him. Toby was already expressing reluctance at coming on the walk (he has summited Tongariro before but not done the crossing itself) but Yingjie and I managed to convince Alex and Toby to come with us. Tommy also came along but we hardly saw him.
Saturday morning dawned clear and crisp. Myself, Toby, Yingjie, Alex and Tommy were hitting the Tongariro Crossing, and Mike was performing car shuttle duties. We drove to Mangatepopo road end and were on the track by 9.30am. The weather was lovely - clear skies but not too warm. We wandered up the valley to the steep climb, cajoling the boys along. Tommy was maintaining a much quicker pace than a couple of 9-year-olds, so he headed off and we saw him again at the end. The boys had a bit of complaining about the walk up, but after we reached the first crater, everything changed. The terrain became fascinating to them. Alex and Toby had a hard time keeping to the path as they rock-climbed and explored their way over the crossing. We are lunch in the south crater and then headed up another steep section. Once as the top, Toby and Alex were amazed at the view into the other big crater. Steam was coming out in places and the colours (and smell) were amazing. After that, the boys scampered down the scree slope, past other crossers timidly picking their way down the scree, to the brilliant emerald and blue lakes. They both explored the lake shore, fascinated by the colour of the water.
We started on the long downhill section and that is when my legs started to feel it. My hips were a bit sore at the start but now they started to stop me walking as freely as I would have liked. I think I may have been the reason we didn't quite make the posted time to the car park. Mike met us twenty minutes in with some cold drinks, to the envy of other crossers slogging the last part of the trip.
Mike drove us back to the other car and then we all drove back to the lodge. We kicked off dinner and burnt the chips completely. Oh dear. But everyone was full anyway. We ate burgers and enjoyed relaxing.
Sunday morning was another lovely morning. Mike and Tommy prepared to climb to the summit of Mt Ruapehu and we all tidied up the lodge in preparation to leave. I carefully prepared my day pack, with my lunch, change of clothes and car keys.
When I set off for the day I discovered that Mike had packed my day pack into my car, locked it up, and headed up the mountain! What was he thinking. By the time I got hold of him he was well up the mountain. So our days plans were thrown into disarray and we sat around in the clean lodge waiting for Mike and Tommy's return. I sat around and read Robinson Crusoe until I fell asleep in the sun for a little while. Toby and Alex played outside, scrambling over rocks around the lodge.
Mike and Tommy got back from their climb at 2.15pm and we all set off. We went down SH1 and Mike drove down via Whanganui. Turns out we beat them into Bulls by two minutes!
We met up at Levin for McDonalds (yuck!) and we were home by 7pm.
As I sit here now, my big toe's toenails are very tender and I hope I don't lose them. My body is also a little sore. But the fun of watching Toby and Alex's amazement at the colours and shapes of the Tongariro landscape, and all the other excitement of the weekend, means it's a good pain!
We were the last to arrive and folks descended on our car and helped us up with all our stuff. This is when I discovered that Angela hadn't packed my tramping boots! She had assembled everything except for them into the pile in the lounge. Oh well - it couldn't be helped. I suggested she be more careful in future.
So when the Saturday dawned, my first job was to head to Ohakune and pick up some cheap boots. Then I had the day to explore, before my pick-up duties at the other end of Tongariro Crossing. I decided to go find the Tuapapakurua Falls. I'd headed most of the way in with a couple of other folks a few years ago, but we didn't quite go to the foot of the falls themselves. Time to remedy that.
Tuapapakurua Falls is a great little excursion for when you are at Ruapehu and have a few hours to fill in. From National Park you head down a narrow but well maintained gravel road, that is the start of one of the new bike tracks that are being put in around and about. Then you head down a track for an hour or two to a beautiful hidden waterfall. One of Tongariro's best kept secrets.
The track is maintained by a local volunteer group, and I discovered they had a unique way of helping them out. At the start of the track were several buckets of gravel, with a note asking you to carry them part or all of the way in to a specific drop-off spot, so they could then spread them on the track. Smart! A great way to get a trailerload of gravel into the right place for track maintenance, one bucket at a time. I lugged a couple of buckets in and felt my karma increasing with every step.
Soon I was at the foot of the waterfall. Beautiful it was too, well worth the trip.
I got a little bit lost on the way out, there seemed to be all sorts of tracks that took 'short cuts' back to the spur that took me out. This was quite puzzling until I stumbled across a goat that was wandering around and about and was not the least perturbed to see me. She posed happily for my camera before wandering off.
I got myself back to my car and tootled around to the Tongariro road-end, stopping off at a shop to buy cold drinks. I quickly found Tommy and left him relaxing while I wandered in to meet the others. My bag of cold drinks got many envious stares, and I think I could have sold them for a considerable markup! But they were dedicated to my punters, and they were gratefully received when I met up with them.
Sunday dawned bright and clear. Tommy was keen to head up to Ruapehu after bagging Tongariro the day before, and I decided that I should go with him. You don't get too many days this good, and I'd never been to the top of Ruapehu in the summer before.
So off we headed, first up the chairlifts, and then somewhat surreally planned our ascent over coffees in Knoll Ridge cafe. It all looked clear enough so off we headed - following the T-bar and then drifting left and going up a spur to Glacier Knob.
About two-thirds of the way up the T-bar track, my phone rang. (Another surreal moment - I find it fascinating that you can be in quite remote places and your phone continues to work.) Angela had put her car keys in the big pile of luggage to be packed in the car, and now they were locked inside! But I was past the point of no return. I chided her for being so careless, and continued on my way.
We soon reached the plateau and what a different sight it was compared to winter. There was less snow than I was expecting; just drifts here and there amongst the fine volcanic gravel. Tommy and I trekked across the plateau, trying to stick to the snow that remained, which was easier to walk on than the loose, lumpy gravel underneath. Soon we had skirted under Dome Ridge and approached the lake. I discovered then that the lake is both bigger than it looks from Dome Ridge, and also is surrounded by steep banks on most sides. So conscious that Angela was rueing her mistakes down below, we headed up to Dome Shelter and admired the view.
Soon we were heading down again - following the crater ridge around from Dome Ridge, and finding a pretty clear track down the mountain. With a bit of bum-sliding down snow in the sheltered gullies, we were soon back at the chair lift and heading down the hill. Angela was awaiting us; she seemed a bit tetchy at me. She must have been frustrated at her carelessness.
So off we headed back to Wellington. I headed back via Whanganui, since Google Maps had confidently predicted this route to be quicker than SH1. It wasn't far off either, and was certainly a much more scenic drive. I'll bear it in mind as a good way back in future. A quick stop off at McDonalds (yum!) and we were soon home with great memories of a fantastic weekend.
Another highlight was walking the Old Coach Road, near Ohakune, now part of the New Zealand Bike Trail. With an easy gradient and good information signs it was a pleasant walk up. At the summit there’s an historic railway tunnel, and a little further along the old viaduct bridge. We were lucky enough to be standing right under the new viaduct when the Overlander went through.
There’s certainly a lot to see and explore around the volcanic plateau area any time of the year. We’ll be back!
Mike, Angela and Toby (9);
Tommy;
Yingjie and Alex (10);
Nick, Marg, Iona (7), Charlie (4).
A summer trip to Mt Ruapehu is a favourite of all of ours, so quite a few of us headed up for the family tramping trip in March. It ended up that we had three trips in one, with all of us doing different things at different times. Here are three perspectives on this trip.
Angela's Story...
What an amazing weekend. The weather was wonderful - which was fortunate as we headed up to Mt Ruapehu. Mind you, we have headed to Mt Ruapehu in the past in the face of weather bombs and blizzards, so inclement weather is always an expectation. Mike and I had been frantically packing late on Thursday night and were driving up separately in two cars, so we could leave at different times and give rides to everyone who needed them. So I left around 4.30pm with Yingjie and we made our way out of the crawling Wellington traffic.The weather was clear and crisp, so I stopped on the turnoff to Whakapapa village and I showed Yingjie some constellations. Venus and Jupiter were brilliant in the early night sky as we drove up and I also pointed out Mars (it is also very bright at the moment). Yingjie also wanted to see the southern cross. The sky was so clear you could also see the Magellanic Clouds very well. We got to the lodge at 9.30pm and waited for Mike to arrive with the boys.
My husband Mike appeared an hour or so after me, and the first thing he discovered was that he had forgotten to bring his tramping boots! I had even left them out in the middle of the porch so he had to step over them to get in and out of the house. Silly Mike.
It makes for a late night for Toby (and me), driving up on Friday night. I think Toby would have fallen asleep around 11pm with me about 5 minutes later! Heheheh. Up early for breakfast and to get ready for the day ahead. We got a text from Rex saying he wasn't going to make it for the weekend. Very disappointing as I was looking forward to catching up with him. Toby was already expressing reluctance at coming on the walk (he has summited Tongariro before but not done the crossing itself) but Yingjie and I managed to convince Alex and Toby to come with us. Tommy also came along but we hardly saw him.
Saturday morning dawned clear and crisp. Myself, Toby, Yingjie, Alex and Tommy were hitting the Tongariro Crossing, and Mike was performing car shuttle duties. We drove to Mangatepopo road end and were on the track by 9.30am. The weather was lovely - clear skies but not too warm. We wandered up the valley to the steep climb, cajoling the boys along. Tommy was maintaining a much quicker pace than a couple of 9-year-olds, so he headed off and we saw him again at the end. The boys had a bit of complaining about the walk up, but after we reached the first crater, everything changed. The terrain became fascinating to them. Alex and Toby had a hard time keeping to the path as they rock-climbed and explored their way over the crossing. We are lunch in the south crater and then headed up another steep section. Once as the top, Toby and Alex were amazed at the view into the other big crater. Steam was coming out in places and the colours (and smell) were amazing. After that, the boys scampered down the scree slope, past other crossers timidly picking their way down the scree, to the brilliant emerald and blue lakes. They both explored the lake shore, fascinated by the colour of the water.
We started on the long downhill section and that is when my legs started to feel it. My hips were a bit sore at the start but now they started to stop me walking as freely as I would have liked. I think I may have been the reason we didn't quite make the posted time to the car park. Mike met us twenty minutes in with some cold drinks, to the envy of other crossers slogging the last part of the trip.
Mike drove us back to the other car and then we all drove back to the lodge. We kicked off dinner and burnt the chips completely. Oh dear. But everyone was full anyway. We ate burgers and enjoyed relaxing.
Sunday morning was another lovely morning. Mike and Tommy prepared to climb to the summit of Mt Ruapehu and we all tidied up the lodge in preparation to leave. I carefully prepared my day pack, with my lunch, change of clothes and car keys.
When I set off for the day I discovered that Mike had packed my day pack into my car, locked it up, and headed up the mountain! What was he thinking. By the time I got hold of him he was well up the mountain. So our days plans were thrown into disarray and we sat around in the clean lodge waiting for Mike and Tommy's return. I sat around and read Robinson Crusoe until I fell asleep in the sun for a little while. Toby and Alex played outside, scrambling over rocks around the lodge.
Mike and Tommy got back from their climb at 2.15pm and we all set off. We went down SH1 and Mike drove down via Whanganui. Turns out we beat them into Bulls by two minutes!
We met up at Levin for McDonalds (yuck!) and we were home by 7pm.
As I sit here now, my big toe's toenails are very tender and I hope I don't lose them. My body is also a little sore. But the fun of watching Toby and Alex's amazement at the colours and shapes of the Tongariro landscape, and all the other excitement of the weekend, means it's a good pain!
Mike's Story...
The start of my Ruapehu journey involved considerable shuttling and collecting. From Tommy at the railway station, to two boys (Toby and Alex) in Wadestown, through to stopping at my house to collect the last of our luggage that Angela had left in one pile in the lounge, there was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing before we all got on the road. But the traffic was light and we hurtled up to Ruapehu, stopping only for the obligiatory Bulls Kebab.We were the last to arrive and folks descended on our car and helped us up with all our stuff. This is when I discovered that Angela hadn't packed my tramping boots! She had assembled everything except for them into the pile in the lounge. Oh well - it couldn't be helped. I suggested she be more careful in future.
So when the Saturday dawned, my first job was to head to Ohakune and pick up some cheap boots. Then I had the day to explore, before my pick-up duties at the other end of Tongariro Crossing. I decided to go find the Tuapapakurua Falls. I'd headed most of the way in with a couple of other folks a few years ago, but we didn't quite go to the foot of the falls themselves. Time to remedy that.
Tuapapakurua Falls is a great little excursion for when you are at Ruapehu and have a few hours to fill in. From National Park you head down a narrow but well maintained gravel road, that is the start of one of the new bike tracks that are being put in around and about. Then you head down a track for an hour or two to a beautiful hidden waterfall. One of Tongariro's best kept secrets.
The track is maintained by a local volunteer group, and I discovered they had a unique way of helping them out. At the start of the track were several buckets of gravel, with a note asking you to carry them part or all of the way in to a specific drop-off spot, so they could then spread them on the track. Smart! A great way to get a trailerload of gravel into the right place for track maintenance, one bucket at a time. I lugged a couple of buckets in and felt my karma increasing with every step.
Soon I was at the foot of the waterfall. Beautiful it was too, well worth the trip.
I got a little bit lost on the way out, there seemed to be all sorts of tracks that took 'short cuts' back to the spur that took me out. This was quite puzzling until I stumbled across a goat that was wandering around and about and was not the least perturbed to see me. She posed happily for my camera before wandering off.
I got myself back to my car and tootled around to the Tongariro road-end, stopping off at a shop to buy cold drinks. I quickly found Tommy and left him relaxing while I wandered in to meet the others. My bag of cold drinks got many envious stares, and I think I could have sold them for a considerable markup! But they were dedicated to my punters, and they were gratefully received when I met up with them.
Sunday dawned bright and clear. Tommy was keen to head up to Ruapehu after bagging Tongariro the day before, and I decided that I should go with him. You don't get too many days this good, and I'd never been to the top of Ruapehu in the summer before.
So off we headed, first up the chairlifts, and then somewhat surreally planned our ascent over coffees in Knoll Ridge cafe. It all looked clear enough so off we headed - following the T-bar and then drifting left and going up a spur to Glacier Knob.
About two-thirds of the way up the T-bar track, my phone rang. (Another surreal moment - I find it fascinating that you can be in quite remote places and your phone continues to work.) Angela had put her car keys in the big pile of luggage to be packed in the car, and now they were locked inside! But I was past the point of no return. I chided her for being so careless, and continued on my way.
We soon reached the plateau and what a different sight it was compared to winter. There was less snow than I was expecting; just drifts here and there amongst the fine volcanic gravel. Tommy and I trekked across the plateau, trying to stick to the snow that remained, which was easier to walk on than the loose, lumpy gravel underneath. Soon we had skirted under Dome Ridge and approached the lake. I discovered then that the lake is both bigger than it looks from Dome Ridge, and also is surrounded by steep banks on most sides. So conscious that Angela was rueing her mistakes down below, we headed up to Dome Shelter and admired the view.
Soon we were heading down again - following the crater ridge around from Dome Ridge, and finding a pretty clear track down the mountain. With a bit of bum-sliding down snow in the sheltered gullies, we were soon back at the chair lift and heading down the hill. Angela was awaiting us; she seemed a bit tetchy at me. She must have been frustrated at her carelessness.
So off we headed back to Wellington. I headed back via Whanganui, since Google Maps had confidently predicted this route to be quicker than SH1. It wasn't far off either, and was certainly a much more scenic drive. I'll bear it in mind as a good way back in future. A quick stop off at McDonalds (yum!) and we were soon home with great memories of a fantastic weekend.
Marg's Story...
Staying at the WTMC lodge at Whakapapa without snow and ski crowds is a different and wonderful experience. I enjoyed being able to stroll out the door, without having to get all rugged up, into a marvelous, rocky, moon-scape. Our family loved exploring all around the hills and crevices of this remarkable environment… climbing up to an arch rock formation, then picking our way carefully back down. It was fun (though slightly scary) to take two chair lifts right up to the top (or so it seemed) of the mountain, enjoying the view and even finding a small patch of snow to play in.
Another highlight was walking the Old Coach Road, near Ohakune, now part of the New Zealand Bike Trail. With an easy gradient and good information signs it was a pleasant walk up. At the summit there’s an historic railway tunnel, and a little further along the old viaduct bridge. We were lucky enough to be standing right under the new viaduct when the Overlander went through.
There’s certainly a lot to see and explore around the volcanic plateau area any time of the year. We’ll be back!
Friday, March 16, 2012
The Thursday with mayhem
Hi,
Phew! The weekend approaches. Yesterday was mayhem. At work we have a big deadline approaching and tempers were getting a bit tetchy. But I managed to escape that and keep focussed. Got to deliver a big document today (they are joking about its size here - it is 230 pages now) so I will be working like mad up until 4pm! When 4pm comes, I am outta here. Driving in the wee green car with Yingjie up to Ruapehu. And, by some miracle, the weather looks fantastic. We'll see. Ruapehu trips and fantastic weather don't usually go together.
When I got home yesterday, I was buzzing. I would have talked the hind leg off a donkey if anyone had been foolish enough to be in my presence. The ride home was great and I collected wee Tom from Skids (said hello to Del) for babysitting him while his dad had a dinner and his mother was off looking at horses somewhere (and we're all fervently hoping she doesn't buy a horse! Hahahah). Went to get Toby from Alex's house and then cook then dinner. Started packing for the weekend. Big piles on the lounge room floor.
Mike got home and I went grocery shopping. This is probably where my mania finally wore off. Shopping for twenty people and guessing amounts will bring anyone back to earth with a thump. However, I was being incredibly social. I met a few people in the supermarket and they all wanted to chat. A nod and smile was not going to be acceptable. Obviously I shop normally at a completely different time to everyone else because usually I don't meet people I know.
Went home and Mike went out to work on the website for tramping club. I put the boys to bed and kept packing. One trip up to the car coincided with the neighbour coming home and meant another long chat. She has a broken wrist now, after just coming right after her broken foot. Ouch!
Mike came home and Tom got collected and we fell asleep after reading and emailing. The alarm was alarming once more this morning.
But, I drove in and I am ready for the trip up this afternoon. Should be a lot of fun!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Love,
Angela
Phew! The weekend approaches. Yesterday was mayhem. At work we have a big deadline approaching and tempers were getting a bit tetchy. But I managed to escape that and keep focussed. Got to deliver a big document today (they are joking about its size here - it is 230 pages now) so I will be working like mad up until 4pm! When 4pm comes, I am outta here. Driving in the wee green car with Yingjie up to Ruapehu. And, by some miracle, the weather looks fantastic. We'll see. Ruapehu trips and fantastic weather don't usually go together.
When I got home yesterday, I was buzzing. I would have talked the hind leg off a donkey if anyone had been foolish enough to be in my presence. The ride home was great and I collected wee Tom from Skids (said hello to Del) for babysitting him while his dad had a dinner and his mother was off looking at horses somewhere (and we're all fervently hoping she doesn't buy a horse! Hahahah). Went to get Toby from Alex's house and then cook then dinner. Started packing for the weekend. Big piles on the lounge room floor.
Mike got home and I went grocery shopping. This is probably where my mania finally wore off. Shopping for twenty people and guessing amounts will bring anyone back to earth with a thump. However, I was being incredibly social. I met a few people in the supermarket and they all wanted to chat. A nod and smile was not going to be acceptable. Obviously I shop normally at a completely different time to everyone else because usually I don't meet people I know.
Went home and Mike went out to work on the website for tramping club. I put the boys to bed and kept packing. One trip up to the car coincided with the neighbour coming home and meant another long chat. She has a broken wrist now, after just coming right after her broken foot. Ouch!
Mike came home and Tom got collected and we fell asleep after reading and emailing. The alarm was alarming once more this morning.
But, I drove in and I am ready for the trip up this afternoon. Should be a lot of fun!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, March 15, 2012
The Wednesday with karate
Hi,
Ooooo - it is getting hard to climb out of bed when the alarm goes off at 5.30 each morning. I need to get to sleep earlier!
Anyhow, yesterday I rode home and grabbed the car and went to watch karate. Mike had already collected Toby, fed him and taken him there. When I got there, Mike left to get the key for the lodge this weekend. We're off on a family tramping trip to Ruapehu tomorrow after work. I can't wait for it. Should be a good weekend.
I took Jack home and then Toby and I went home for second dinner for Toby while he finished his homework. We have signed him up for some exams part way through this year. Apparently they were compulsory until this year so I suspect Scots is keen for Toby to do the English and Maths ones at the very least. It will be a good indicator for him. Exams. Wow! Poor kid. Heheheh.
Speaking of which - I really need to do some. I think I will aim for June/July this year. Should be a slight change in routine for me to have to study for a bit. But change is good, as they say. What do they know? Hahahah.
I do know that I need a nice cup of tea about now. We have to pack for the weekend tonight and do the grocery shopping for it. We're taking a few more people than usual so we have overflowed to the wee green car. I am driving that with Yingjie. Cool! Hope she doesn't mind my screeching. I mean, singing. Four hours of it. What a treat for her. ;-) Actually, I am looking forward to her company. She is a Buddhist and has a lovely calm about her that is enjoyable. And a fantastic brain for good, stimulating conversation. With an outlook unlike mine, so it is thought provoking. Great fun!
The ride in was windy. But the wind has crept around to a northerly. So it pushed me most of the way into work. And the roads were dry. A car pulled out just as I rounded a corner at the top of the hill and I had to brake all the way down the hill behind it. Maybe I need more lights!? A beacon? A lighthouse (oooo - remind me of the dumbest book I have ever read that I finally finished last night - don't read The Girl in the Lighthouse. Dumb, dumb, dumb.)?
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Ooooo - it is getting hard to climb out of bed when the alarm goes off at 5.30 each morning. I need to get to sleep earlier!
Anyhow, yesterday I rode home and grabbed the car and went to watch karate. Mike had already collected Toby, fed him and taken him there. When I got there, Mike left to get the key for the lodge this weekend. We're off on a family tramping trip to Ruapehu tomorrow after work. I can't wait for it. Should be a good weekend.
I took Jack home and then Toby and I went home for second dinner for Toby while he finished his homework. We have signed him up for some exams part way through this year. Apparently they were compulsory until this year so I suspect Scots is keen for Toby to do the English and Maths ones at the very least. It will be a good indicator for him. Exams. Wow! Poor kid. Heheheh.
Speaking of which - I really need to do some. I think I will aim for June/July this year. Should be a slight change in routine for me to have to study for a bit. But change is good, as they say. What do they know? Hahahah.
I do know that I need a nice cup of tea about now. We have to pack for the weekend tonight and do the grocery shopping for it. We're taking a few more people than usual so we have overflowed to the wee green car. I am driving that with Yingjie. Cool! Hope she doesn't mind my screeching. I mean, singing. Four hours of it. What a treat for her. ;-) Actually, I am looking forward to her company. She is a Buddhist and has a lovely calm about her that is enjoyable. And a fantastic brain for good, stimulating conversation. With an outlook unlike mine, so it is thought provoking. Great fun!
The ride in was windy. But the wind has crept around to a northerly. So it pushed me most of the way into work. And the roads were dry. A car pulled out just as I rounded a corner at the top of the hill and I had to brake all the way down the hill behind it. Maybe I need more lights!? A beacon? A lighthouse (oooo - remind me of the dumbest book I have ever read that I finally finished last night - don't read The Girl in the Lighthouse. Dumb, dumb, dumb.)?
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
The Tuesday with Cubs
Hi,
Well, last night was a wee bit of pleasant weather amidst the general upheaval. And thank goodness for that as we had twenty Cubs to take fishing. The fishing expert (Pete Lamb) had recommended the beach tucked in under the northern end of the Wellington runway. It was perfect for being out of the southerly. Not quite so perfect for fishing amateurs like ourselves.
Toby used his fishing rod for the first time. We have had it for about 4 years now and completely flummoxed as to what to do with it really. The fishing chap sorted it out for us at the weekend and we stuck bait on it and away we went. Toby got some nibbles I think (maybe crabs - one of the Cubs caught a crab!). He enjoyed it. I had fun too. No idea whatsoever. But it was fun. Mike organised it all and it went well. Simon (other leader) loved it. Jo (other new leader) looks like she is wondering why she ever volunteered to be a Cub leader. I need to work on her to make sure she sees the good things! She was freezing by the end of the evening. She got my first cup of hot chocolate from my thermos. Got to keep the leaders happy.
One Cub caught a proper fish! And no one lost an eye! So, I declare it a success. Remind us never to do it again. Hahahahah. Toby lost his hook and sinker (fouled on the bottom somewhere - or a huge crab!) so we will buy another sinker (we have a hook) and wander down to a wharf somewhere to try our luck. I think wharf fishing with one child will be conducive to reading my Kindle. I could quite like fishing when presented like that! I used to work with keen fishermen in Melbourne. But I am quite sure the only reason they loved going fishing was so they could drink copious amounts of beer. I think the only reason to go fishing would be to read copious amounts. Same thing, surely.
Karate night tonight. Mike will be rushing around sorting out Toby. Fortunately I made enough dinner last night to cover them both tonight. Apricot chicken. Yum!
The ride in this morning was my first one with a layer of merino on over my t-shirt. And it was toasty pie warm. I am still in fingerless gloves (and bike shorts - but I wear bike shorts all year and never switch to anything warmer) so it can't be too cold as yet. The roads were bone dry. Such a lovely morning. The sun was still behind the horizon/hills and the sky was a lovely deep blue above and bright orange to the east. Nice. And obviously that was what the morning runners all thought as they also ran around the waterfront in gaggles of joggers. Four abreast? Come on. Are you chatting? Run faster if you can chat! Heheheh. Good on them!
Okay. I need a cup of tea. Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Angela
Well, last night was a wee bit of pleasant weather amidst the general upheaval. And thank goodness for that as we had twenty Cubs to take fishing. The fishing expert (Pete Lamb) had recommended the beach tucked in under the northern end of the Wellington runway. It was perfect for being out of the southerly. Not quite so perfect for fishing amateurs like ourselves.
Toby used his fishing rod for the first time. We have had it for about 4 years now and completely flummoxed as to what to do with it really. The fishing chap sorted it out for us at the weekend and we stuck bait on it and away we went. Toby got some nibbles I think (maybe crabs - one of the Cubs caught a crab!). He enjoyed it. I had fun too. No idea whatsoever. But it was fun. Mike organised it all and it went well. Simon (other leader) loved it. Jo (other new leader) looks like she is wondering why she ever volunteered to be a Cub leader. I need to work on her to make sure she sees the good things! She was freezing by the end of the evening. She got my first cup of hot chocolate from my thermos. Got to keep the leaders happy.
One Cub caught a proper fish! And no one lost an eye! So, I declare it a success. Remind us never to do it again. Hahahahah. Toby lost his hook and sinker (fouled on the bottom somewhere - or a huge crab!) so we will buy another sinker (we have a hook) and wander down to a wharf somewhere to try our luck. I think wharf fishing with one child will be conducive to reading my Kindle. I could quite like fishing when presented like that! I used to work with keen fishermen in Melbourne. But I am quite sure the only reason they loved going fishing was so they could drink copious amounts of beer. I think the only reason to go fishing would be to read copious amounts. Same thing, surely.
Karate night tonight. Mike will be rushing around sorting out Toby. Fortunately I made enough dinner last night to cover them both tonight. Apricot chicken. Yum!
The ride in this morning was my first one with a layer of merino on over my t-shirt. And it was toasty pie warm. I am still in fingerless gloves (and bike shorts - but I wear bike shorts all year and never switch to anything warmer) so it can't be too cold as yet. The roads were bone dry. Such a lovely morning. The sun was still behind the horizon/hills and the sky was a lovely deep blue above and bright orange to the east. Nice. And obviously that was what the morning runners all thought as they also ran around the waterfront in gaggles of joggers. Four abreast? Come on. Are you chatting? Run faster if you can chat! Heheheh. Good on them!
Okay. I need a cup of tea. Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
The Monday with blissful nothingness
Hi,
Well, I guess it was hardly blissful nothingness. We had to drive to Scots for a 7.45am meeting with Toby's teacher to go over his routine. Turns out his teacher thought we weren't doing spelling homework with Toby since the year started. We thought the instructions said only write down (three times) the words you get wrong. Toby hardly gets any words wrong. He practised his words on separate bit of paper and only wrote the wrong words in his book. His teacher said in that case he needs to go up a level in spelling! Hahahah. So, we helped Toby set some goals (mainly around focusing and organising).
Work went well. I need to find more hours in the day though. Bit pants! I had lunch with Aidan T at Te Papa and that was very pleasant. She was dressed up smartly for the tourist crowd at the museum as she had a two hour seminar to present later that afternoon. Rather her than me. By all accounts (well, hers) it went rather fine.
I caught the bus home (waited for almost twenty minutes and then was on the sloooooooow bus) and Mike had prepared dinner. Great! We ate and Toby had already done his homework and organising. Marvellous. Off to bed and Mike rang his parents while I chatted and texted and emailed friends. Duncan rang asking about two bright stars low on their western horizon that he was sure were planets. I couldn't see them from our house but I guessed they were Venus and Jupiter. Those two are very bright. Sure enough, I eventually figured I could use Mike's Star Walk on his iPhone and confirm. Yay! I was right. Next month Saturn is looking mighty fine and I am hoping a few clear nights will mean I get a good look at it.
You'd think that going to sleep with a starry night (one of the few we have had this summer - so few in fact that a starry night made Mike comment on the unusual occurrence of seeing stars as we fell asleep from our window) would mean a great ride in this morning. But, no. You'd be wrong. I went up to the garage and a southerly came in with light rain. Rode through that all the way down the hill until it was just dry, cold southerly at sea level (minus the rain). Nice. I may have to contemplate finding a top to wear over my t-shirt for the morning ride now. Getting a little bit chilly.
Anyhow, work, work, work now. After a tea. Or two. Heheheh. Cubs tonight. We're supposed to be going fishing. If the southerly keeps up, it might not be too pleasant. But the Cubs are looking forward to it, so we may go in spite of the weather. We shall see.
Have a fantastic day!
Love,
Angela
Well, I guess it was hardly blissful nothingness. We had to drive to Scots for a 7.45am meeting with Toby's teacher to go over his routine. Turns out his teacher thought we weren't doing spelling homework with Toby since the year started. We thought the instructions said only write down (three times) the words you get wrong. Toby hardly gets any words wrong. He practised his words on separate bit of paper and only wrote the wrong words in his book. His teacher said in that case he needs to go up a level in spelling! Hahahah. So, we helped Toby set some goals (mainly around focusing and organising).
Work went well. I need to find more hours in the day though. Bit pants! I had lunch with Aidan T at Te Papa and that was very pleasant. She was dressed up smartly for the tourist crowd at the museum as she had a two hour seminar to present later that afternoon. Rather her than me. By all accounts (well, hers) it went rather fine.
I caught the bus home (waited for almost twenty minutes and then was on the sloooooooow bus) and Mike had prepared dinner. Great! We ate and Toby had already done his homework and organising. Marvellous. Off to bed and Mike rang his parents while I chatted and texted and emailed friends. Duncan rang asking about two bright stars low on their western horizon that he was sure were planets. I couldn't see them from our house but I guessed they were Venus and Jupiter. Those two are very bright. Sure enough, I eventually figured I could use Mike's Star Walk on his iPhone and confirm. Yay! I was right. Next month Saturn is looking mighty fine and I am hoping a few clear nights will mean I get a good look at it.
You'd think that going to sleep with a starry night (one of the few we have had this summer - so few in fact that a starry night made Mike comment on the unusual occurrence of seeing stars as we fell asleep from our window) would mean a great ride in this morning. But, no. You'd be wrong. I went up to the garage and a southerly came in with light rain. Rode through that all the way down the hill until it was just dry, cold southerly at sea level (minus the rain). Nice. I may have to contemplate finding a top to wear over my t-shirt for the morning ride now. Getting a little bit chilly.
Anyhow, work, work, work now. After a tea. Or two. Heheheh. Cubs tonight. We're supposed to be going fishing. If the southerly keeps up, it might not be too pleasant. But the Cubs are looking forward to it, so we may go in spite of the weather. We shall see.
Have a fantastic day!
Love,
Angela
Monday, March 12, 2012
The weekend with fairs, fishing and friends
Hi,
What a good weekend. Friday night Sally went to look after Toby and Mike and I met Andrew at the town hall to see Tim Flannery speak. He was here for the opening of the Writers and Readers festival as a part of the Arts Festival. He had some good things to say about New Zealand's approach to bio diversity and how we need to do much more. After that we ate at the Asian Kitchen on Victoria St and it was very nice food.
I dropped Sally and Andrew off at home and enjoyed my drive back with the music on quite loud. Mike and Toby were almost asleep by the time I got home. Saturday morning Mike and I were up early (the 5.30am wake up during the week means I wake earlier at the weekends now) and Toby and I got breakfast in bed. Then we headed out to Pete Lamb's fishing shop to prepare for Cubs on Tuesday night where we're supposed to take the twenty Cubs fishing! Fishing! Toby has had a fishing rod for three years now and we still hadn't got it working. So we took that in and the nice chat behind the counter got it working for us. We bought bait and got some tips. Then we headed back to go to the Wadestown Fair with Jack. The fair was lovely - such a beautiful day. I ate a sausage, missed all the toffee apples and candy floss though. How did that happen?
Went home and Toby played with Jack for a bit. Then Tom arrived for a sleepover. Then Will arrived for his sleepover. Then Jack left (he didn't have a sleepover!). The three boys played well together. I fed them dinner and they ate it all. Then they wanted Space Chimps 2 and fell asleep easily. Good! We slept on the floor in the lounge on our thermarest mat. My back wasn't too sore in the morning!
The boys were collected and Toby and I prepared to go to Scots for their picnic. But just as we were preparing to leave, it rained. So we switched to the backup plan of lunch at Sally and Andrew's house. Then I nipped into Queensgate with Toby to get sneakers for him and some groceries and we were sorted! Home to prepare for the week ahead.
We drove in this morning, in the rain, because we had an interview with Toby's teacher. He is basically good, but needs to focus. So we're working on his routines with his teacher. He is a leader in his maths group and reads and spells well. But his desk is messy (really messy) and his teacher thought he wasn't doing any spelling. But we thought he only had to do the words he got wrong in his book. Apparently he needs to do them all in his book. And he hadn't been getting many wrong at all.
Ok. Best go get a cup of tea.
Have a good week.
Love,
Angela
What a good weekend. Friday night Sally went to look after Toby and Mike and I met Andrew at the town hall to see Tim Flannery speak. He was here for the opening of the Writers and Readers festival as a part of the Arts Festival. He had some good things to say about New Zealand's approach to bio diversity and how we need to do much more. After that we ate at the Asian Kitchen on Victoria St and it was very nice food.
I dropped Sally and Andrew off at home and enjoyed my drive back with the music on quite loud. Mike and Toby were almost asleep by the time I got home. Saturday morning Mike and I were up early (the 5.30am wake up during the week means I wake earlier at the weekends now) and Toby and I got breakfast in bed. Then we headed out to Pete Lamb's fishing shop to prepare for Cubs on Tuesday night where we're supposed to take the twenty Cubs fishing! Fishing! Toby has had a fishing rod for three years now and we still hadn't got it working. So we took that in and the nice chat behind the counter got it working for us. We bought bait and got some tips. Then we headed back to go to the Wadestown Fair with Jack. The fair was lovely - such a beautiful day. I ate a sausage, missed all the toffee apples and candy floss though. How did that happen?
Went home and Toby played with Jack for a bit. Then Tom arrived for a sleepover. Then Will arrived for his sleepover. Then Jack left (he didn't have a sleepover!). The three boys played well together. I fed them dinner and they ate it all. Then they wanted Space Chimps 2 and fell asleep easily. Good! We slept on the floor in the lounge on our thermarest mat. My back wasn't too sore in the morning!
The boys were collected and Toby and I prepared to go to Scots for their picnic. But just as we were preparing to leave, it rained. So we switched to the backup plan of lunch at Sally and Andrew's house. Then I nipped into Queensgate with Toby to get sneakers for him and some groceries and we were sorted! Home to prepare for the week ahead.
We drove in this morning, in the rain, because we had an interview with Toby's teacher. He is basically good, but needs to focus. So we're working on his routines with his teacher. He is a leader in his maths group and reads and spells well. But his desk is messy (really messy) and his teacher thought he wasn't doing any spelling. But we thought he only had to do the words he got wrong in his book. Apparently he needs to do them all in his book. And he hadn't been getting many wrong at all.
Ok. Best go get a cup of tea.
Have a good week.
Love,
Angela
Friday, March 9, 2012
The Thursday with a presentation
Hi,
Hahahahah - as Aidan pointed out, with massive solar flares approaching Earth, I had a good reason why any technology wouldn't work last night during my presentation. Fortunately the only hiccough was a bleeding nose about an hour before the start. But that was due to my cold and persistent blowing rather than anything else. I managed to get through it and talk for about 35 minutes. It was vaguely coherent - apparently. Could have been better. Could have been way worse though - right? Hahahahah. So, despite dreading it for about a week now, I stupidly think I should volunteer again somewhere towards the end of the year. Please, please! When I mention it to you, say "NO!".
Anyhow, the boys came to pick me up afterwards so now I have the strange situation where my bike and pannier are at Intergen, my laptop was at home (thanks for taking it to work and plugging it in, Mike) and I am at the client site. If I walk to Intergen this afternoon I should be able to make the company meeting and ride home and once again, reunite all my possessions.
The weekend is looking relaxing. Our last free weekend for ages! We have three playdates for Toby. Jack is coming for a play tomorrow afternoon. Then Tom and William! Both for a sleepover. How did that happen? Heheheh.
Sunday is a picnic day at Scots so we may head along to that if the weather is nice enough. And I'd like to squash in a movie with Mike somewhere if possible. We'll see.
Have a great weekend.
Love,
Angela
Hahahahah - as Aidan pointed out, with massive solar flares approaching Earth, I had a good reason why any technology wouldn't work last night during my presentation. Fortunately the only hiccough was a bleeding nose about an hour before the start. But that was due to my cold and persistent blowing rather than anything else. I managed to get through it and talk for about 35 minutes. It was vaguely coherent - apparently. Could have been better. Could have been way worse though - right? Hahahahah. So, despite dreading it for about a week now, I stupidly think I should volunteer again somewhere towards the end of the year. Please, please! When I mention it to you, say "NO!".
Anyhow, the boys came to pick me up afterwards so now I have the strange situation where my bike and pannier are at Intergen, my laptop was at home (thanks for taking it to work and plugging it in, Mike) and I am at the client site. If I walk to Intergen this afternoon I should be able to make the company meeting and ride home and once again, reunite all my possessions.
The weekend is looking relaxing. Our last free weekend for ages! We have three playdates for Toby. Jack is coming for a play tomorrow afternoon. Then Tom and William! Both for a sleepover. How did that happen? Heheheh.
Sunday is a picnic day at Scots so we may head along to that if the weather is nice enough. And I'd like to squash in a movie with Mike somewhere if possible. We'll see.
Have a great weekend.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, March 8, 2012
The Wednesday with karate - not that I know much about it
Hi,
After work I wandered around to Sweet Mother's Kitchen and met up with Christine and her family to celebrate Christine's birthday. It was very nice to catch up with them as at the moment we only see each other as I ride up the hill and they flash past in their car. Mind you, they often slow down to shout out what may be encouragement out the window, but sounds like hoots of laughter from where I am! Heheheh. I think Christine may have shouted out something like "I like your shorts" as the car whipped past once. Makes the grind up the hill a bit more fun!
Mike took Toby to karate and although I never asked, I am sure it went better than last week. Apparently a dinner of 2 minute noodles before karate is way better than a huge burger! Mike dropped Toby off to me on the way to the photo competition night at the tramping club with Vivienne in tow. And John and Christine gave us a ride home. Very nice. Toby and I did some homework and then off to bed!
One thing I did want to mention was this huge jump off a building Toby did at Cubs the other night. We were up at Wrights Hill which has a lot of World War Two buildings and tunnels. As the leaders and adults congregated to discuss the orienteering aspect to the evening (doubts in all our minds and the prospect of getting lost and looking dumb high on our list of fears), the Cubs played on the roof of a building. Jo, a nurse, then said "They will end up with fractures if they keep doing that". Turns out one or two of the Cubs had jumped off the roof of the building onto the grass.
We walked over (probably 50m away) and I saw Toby preparing to jump. But I decided there was no way my risk averse boy would jump off that building. It was about 3 or 4 metre high! So I had no expectations he would jump/ But as we got closer, Toby did indeed jump off this huge building. He landed heavily and rolled - got up saying he was alright. Then hobbled away clutching his leg saying he was alright.
My heart was pounding as I watched him carefully from a distance for signs of broken bones threatening to pierce him through his delicate skin. But, nothing. After 5 minutes he was right as rain.
Anyhow, tonight I have a presentation at the user group. I think I may be entirely useless. But it is only for a short time. How long is 35 minutes in the course of my full and eventful life outside of the user group presentation nerves? Heheheheh. And no one will remember it anyway after it is done.
Mike is off work today. Apparently I have given him my cold and it is turning into a good one. Poor Mike!
The ride down the hill this morning was very exciting. There is a very strong southerly, which we never know about as it passes over our roof, tucked under the road as we are. But as soon as I rounded the corner above the library I knew all about it. I had to pedal down the hill! The wind was keeping me upright and blowing me off course as I pedalled furiously to beat the conditions into submission! The weather is supposed to ease by the evening. Hopefully my ride home will be less exciting.
Have a wonderful day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
The Tuesday with Cubs
Hi,
I rode home and grabbed the car and went and got Toby from Alex's house. However, despite repeated warnings to stop playing DS games and come with me, Toby didn't listen. I told him I was leaving and left. Mike then rang Alex's house and sent Toby home walking. Toby was contrite and ran all the way home and told me he was banned from playing DS for three weeks. His own punishment. So long as he doesn't do it again. Cheeky boy.
We ate dinner and did homework before Jack's Dad collected us for Cubs. Meanwhile Mike had a previous appointment he had made when we had no Cubs on this evening. Turns out he was stood up so he turned it into a mammoth work catch-up evening.
My cold is making me a little dopey. I wish I was in bed! Heheheh. But I have some major deadlines this week so nothing for it but to work. It is Christine's birthday today (as well as Prince Edward's) and I am hoping to see her and her family this evening after work. Mike drove me in this morning and dropped me at work. I should have driven as it is easier and cheaper for us if I do that. But I didn't feel like negotiating traffic this morning.
Sweet Mothers Kitchen for me for dinner. Karate for Mike and Toby. Then Toby should arrive at Sweet Mother's Kitchen (Mike - put in a change of clothes for Toby) and Mike go to tramping club night. Then home... Phew!
Have a marvellous day!
Love,
Angela
I rode home and grabbed the car and went and got Toby from Alex's house. However, despite repeated warnings to stop playing DS games and come with me, Toby didn't listen. I told him I was leaving and left. Mike then rang Alex's house and sent Toby home walking. Toby was contrite and ran all the way home and told me he was banned from playing DS for three weeks. His own punishment. So long as he doesn't do it again. Cheeky boy.
We ate dinner and did homework before Jack's Dad collected us for Cubs. Meanwhile Mike had a previous appointment he had made when we had no Cubs on this evening. Turns out he was stood up so he turned it into a mammoth work catch-up evening.
My cold is making me a little dopey. I wish I was in bed! Heheheh. But I have some major deadlines this week so nothing for it but to work. It is Christine's birthday today (as well as Prince Edward's) and I am hoping to see her and her family this evening after work. Mike drove me in this morning and dropped me at work. I should have driven as it is easier and cheaper for us if I do that. But I didn't feel like negotiating traffic this morning.
Sweet Mothers Kitchen for me for dinner. Karate for Mike and Toby. Then Toby should arrive at Sweet Mother's Kitchen (Mike - put in a change of clothes for Toby) and Mike go to tramping club night. Then home... Phew!
Have a marvellous day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Chasing the bus again
The morning went really well this morning. I helped Angela out a bit which is unusual for me, at 6am I'm usually only capable of grunts and being able to switch on the coffee machine. Toby was up a little late, and wanted a shower, but we still got all ready and got out more or less on time.
We collected Alex and his mum, all nice and straightforward. But when we got to the bus stop - Alex had forgotten his sports bag! So I left the three of them there and hurtled back to Alex's house. His Grandma was waiting on the roadside with his bag. Then when I got back to the main road, there was the bus collecting boys from the stop before Toby and Alex's stop. So with a teensy bit of aggression I was able to make a gap between the cars trickling past the bus, and pull onto the main road ahead of the bus. And get to the next bus stop down, in plenty of time to casually park the car, hand the bag to Alex, and watch the bus pull up.
So a little bit of drama but just enough to make things interesting. And now, when I'm late picking Alex and his mum up for the umpteenth time, I can say, "well, remember in March 2012 when Alex forgot his sports bag??".
We collected Alex and his mum, all nice and straightforward. But when we got to the bus stop - Alex had forgotten his sports bag! So I left the three of them there and hurtled back to Alex's house. His Grandma was waiting on the roadside with his bag. Then when I got back to the main road, there was the bus collecting boys from the stop before Toby and Alex's stop. So with a teensy bit of aggression I was able to make a gap between the cars trickling past the bus, and pull onto the main road ahead of the bus. And get to the next bus stop down, in plenty of time to casually park the car, hand the bag to Alex, and watch the bus pull up.
So a little bit of drama but just enough to make things interesting. And now, when I'm late picking Alex and his mum up for the umpteenth time, I can say, "well, remember in March 2012 when Alex forgot his sports bag??".
The Monday with nothing
Hi,
I think Mondays are going to become my favourite evening. I have so much time with nothing on that it just runs so well. I make a nice dinner, I watch Toby do his homework, we eat, we play, we read, we sleep. So normal! Mondays rule!
Tuesdays? Not so much. Wednesdays? No. This Thursday? No. Bring on Friday already! Yes!
The weather is holding and the ride down this morning was brilliant. The oranges, blues and purples cast by the sunrise were lovely. I was a few minutes later than usual and that meant a lighter sky and more people around. But it was beautiful.
Toby just rang me asking me about a Pokemon box and did I know where it was. I had no idea what he was saying, but I eventually figured out it was a DS game box. I explained to him where the DS games were (in his red bookcase) on two shelves and he should look there. He said he couldn't find them. I said sometimes they might fall through to the back and to look behind the bookcase! He found it. I think he was amazed at my powers about then. Feels good to affirm them every once in a while.
Time for a nice cup of tea. Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
I think Mondays are going to become my favourite evening. I have so much time with nothing on that it just runs so well. I make a nice dinner, I watch Toby do his homework, we eat, we play, we read, we sleep. So normal! Mondays rule!
Tuesdays? Not so much. Wednesdays? No. This Thursday? No. Bring on Friday already! Yes!
The weather is holding and the ride down this morning was brilliant. The oranges, blues and purples cast by the sunrise were lovely. I was a few minutes later than usual and that meant a lighter sky and more people around. But it was beautiful.
Toby just rang me asking me about a Pokemon box and did I know where it was. I had no idea what he was saying, but I eventually figured out it was a DS game box. I explained to him where the DS games were (in his red bookcase) on two shelves and he should look there. He said he couldn't find them. I said sometimes they might fall through to the back and to look behind the bookcase! He found it. I think he was amazed at my powers about then. Feels good to affirm them every once in a while.
Time for a nice cup of tea. Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Monday, March 5, 2012
The weekend with no Cub Camp
Hi,
Sense prevailed in the end and misery was averted. The other leaders decided to postpone Cub Camp due to the inclement weather and we're now going later this month. Weekend of the 24/25 March. We're now hoping for great sunny weather then!
This left us with a weekend at our disposal. Saturday I spent it working on a presentation I have this week for the user group. Not too sure how that happened - I hate public speaking. Oh well. Hopefully I won't be too tongue-tied and bore them all to sleep. Will finish it tonight after work and practise delivery between now and then.
Sunday we caught up with the Tabors at Lazer Strike where Mike and Toby had a lot of fun running around shooting each other (and shooting others in the party). Mike said Toby got a lot of enjoyment out of shooting him! Heheheh. I stayed well away reading and chatting and having a nice cup of tea. Duncan and Emerson finally got their birthday presents from us - I think Mike chose well.
Back home for a bit of reading (despite this weather bomb and being told to stay inside all weekend, I didn't get nearly as much reading done as I would have liked). I finished one book, started and finished The Secret Garden and enjoyed it and started another one. Guess I can't complain too much. Mike got a bit of work done and then off to the family dinner.
My cold isn't going away. My voice sounds a little husky to my ears. Not too sure how others perceive it. Blocked up droning might be the perception!
The ride in was lovely this morning. No wind and no clouds. Blue skies! Wow. The harbour was so calm. The hills beyond were different shades of blues and greys. Yep - very nice.
Have a wonderful week.
Love,
Angela
Sense prevailed in the end and misery was averted. The other leaders decided to postpone Cub Camp due to the inclement weather and we're now going later this month. Weekend of the 24/25 March. We're now hoping for great sunny weather then!
This left us with a weekend at our disposal. Saturday I spent it working on a presentation I have this week for the user group. Not too sure how that happened - I hate public speaking. Oh well. Hopefully I won't be too tongue-tied and bore them all to sleep. Will finish it tonight after work and practise delivery between now and then.
Sunday we caught up with the Tabors at Lazer Strike where Mike and Toby had a lot of fun running around shooting each other (and shooting others in the party). Mike said Toby got a lot of enjoyment out of shooting him! Heheheh. I stayed well away reading and chatting and having a nice cup of tea. Duncan and Emerson finally got their birthday presents from us - I think Mike chose well.
Back home for a bit of reading (despite this weather bomb and being told to stay inside all weekend, I didn't get nearly as much reading done as I would have liked). I finished one book, started and finished The Secret Garden and enjoyed it and started another one. Guess I can't complain too much. Mike got a bit of work done and then off to the family dinner.
My cold isn't going away. My voice sounds a little husky to my ears. Not too sure how others perceive it. Blocked up droning might be the perception!
The ride in was lovely this morning. No wind and no clouds. Blue skies! Wow. The harbour was so calm. The hills beyond were different shades of blues and greys. Yep - very nice.
Have a wonderful week.
Love,
Angela
Friday, March 2, 2012
The Thursday with homework and a wet ride home
Hi,
The weather has turned autumnal with the first day of autumn yesterday. How does that happen? Mind you, the forecast indicates winter is coming this weekend! Heheheh. I rode home yesterday in a constant drizzle. But not a lot of wind (or perhaps it was a southerly so I never felt it?) so I enjoyed my ride.
Mike had stayed at home sick all day with a migraine that came on around 7am yesterday morning. So he was home when I got there and went to get Toby from Alex's house while I got out of my wet cycle clothes and started dinner.
Homework after dinner and Mike also made chocolate mousse for dessert. It was so sticky sweet! Then Mike went off to get Steve for tramping club stuff at our place and Toby and I went to bed to read.
The rain started down again in the late evening. But the wind was still non-existent. Another Cub leader rang me and we talked for a while. She was worried about the impending forecast which has made the news and the common adjective used is "atrocious". Nice. Gale force southerlies over the entire North Island by all accounts. How accurate is that inexact science of weather forecasting anyway? Could be a little microcosm of calmness and sunshine in a wee valley outside of Wainuiomata if we're lucky for the Cub Camp. Or, as Jo put it, a hurricane! Hmmm.
My ride in this morning was lovely. No wind again and the sunrise was casting a wonderful orange glow. The still harbour was silvery orange and the rowers were probably very pleased with their lot in life. As was I as I cycled around enjoying the view.
Have a great weekend. Will let you know Monday whether we survived the weather in canvas tents or piked and had a sleepover in the Scout Hall instead.
Love,
Angela
The weather has turned autumnal with the first day of autumn yesterday. How does that happen? Mind you, the forecast indicates winter is coming this weekend! Heheheh. I rode home yesterday in a constant drizzle. But not a lot of wind (or perhaps it was a southerly so I never felt it?) so I enjoyed my ride.
Mike had stayed at home sick all day with a migraine that came on around 7am yesterday morning. So he was home when I got there and went to get Toby from Alex's house while I got out of my wet cycle clothes and started dinner.
Homework after dinner and Mike also made chocolate mousse for dessert. It was so sticky sweet! Then Mike went off to get Steve for tramping club stuff at our place and Toby and I went to bed to read.
The rain started down again in the late evening. But the wind was still non-existent. Another Cub leader rang me and we talked for a while. She was worried about the impending forecast which has made the news and the common adjective used is "atrocious". Nice. Gale force southerlies over the entire North Island by all accounts. How accurate is that inexact science of weather forecasting anyway? Could be a little microcosm of calmness and sunshine in a wee valley outside of Wainuiomata if we're lucky for the Cub Camp. Or, as Jo put it, a hurricane! Hmmm.
My ride in this morning was lovely. No wind again and the sunrise was casting a wonderful orange glow. The still harbour was silvery orange and the rowers were probably very pleased with their lot in life. As was I as I cycled around enjoying the view.
Have a great weekend. Will let you know Monday whether we survived the weather in canvas tents or piked and had a sleepover in the Scout Hall instead.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, March 1, 2012
The Wednesday with some karate
Hi,
I had a work party function to attend after work on Wednesday evening. Mike went home to take Toby to karate and they ate a big Burger Wisconsin burger just before Toby went into karate. After running around for about half an hour, Toby pleaded feeling sick from eating the massive burger and Mike and Toby went home. But, I guess that was good, as they got Toby's homework done in good time.
I came home and tagged team with Mike - he went out to tramping club. Toby and I fell into bed and I actually fell asleep reading. When Mike got home he prised the phone out of my hand (I was reading my Kindle book on my phone for some reason) and I woke up. But pretty much went back to sleep.
This morning Toby crawled into our bed at about 4.30am. Heheheh. Mike woke up with a scratchy throat - I had told him to refrain from kissing me but he wouldn't listen. Anyhow, made lunches and had breakfast with Mike and then hopped on the bike. There was a lot of rain overnight and the clouds to the south this morning indicate the high probability of rain again at some stage, but I stayed dry riding in. The roads were wet, but that was okay. This new bike is so much easier to ride down the hill. I am sure I got up to 50 km/hr and I used to crawl down at 30 km/hr in the wet on my old bike. Stopping power was severely compromised on my old bike in the wet.
I have to go shopping tonight for the Cub Camp. Let's hope I can wheedle a discount out of the Karori New World as previous Cub leaders have done.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
I had a work party function to attend after work on Wednesday evening. Mike went home to take Toby to karate and they ate a big Burger Wisconsin burger just before Toby went into karate. After running around for about half an hour, Toby pleaded feeling sick from eating the massive burger and Mike and Toby went home. But, I guess that was good, as they got Toby's homework done in good time.
I came home and tagged team with Mike - he went out to tramping club. Toby and I fell into bed and I actually fell asleep reading. When Mike got home he prised the phone out of my hand (I was reading my Kindle book on my phone for some reason) and I woke up. But pretty much went back to sleep.
This morning Toby crawled into our bed at about 4.30am. Heheheh. Mike woke up with a scratchy throat - I had told him to refrain from kissing me but he wouldn't listen. Anyhow, made lunches and had breakfast with Mike and then hopped on the bike. There was a lot of rain overnight and the clouds to the south this morning indicate the high probability of rain again at some stage, but I stayed dry riding in. The roads were wet, but that was okay. This new bike is so much easier to ride down the hill. I am sure I got up to 50 km/hr and I used to crawl down at 30 km/hr in the wet on my old bike. Stopping power was severely compromised on my old bike in the wet.
I have to go shopping tonight for the Cub Camp. Let's hope I can wheedle a discount out of the Karori New World as previous Cub leaders have done.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
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