Hi,
Another gorgeous morning in Wellington. And another stunning view of Venus this morning. Jupiter is now quite a bit higher than Venus, but still very bright too.
I drove in with Toby and met Andrew off his train at 7.30am because he is off in Mike's absence to Scots College for Father's Day. I hope Andrew enjoys himself. Toby informs me they will be doing some skipping (Scots is promoting skipping for exercise at the moment and they are all practising for a huge skip-a-thon), so I hope Andrew has comfy shoes on! Thank you, Andrew.
I rode home last night and just got home in time to relieve Kevin of his duties. Yingjie has her car fixed, which is good news.
Tomorrow morning Toby and I are off to Brisbane for four days to visit Mum and Dad. We have to get up at 3am tomorrow morning. Ooooo. Hahahah. Adventure time. Just wait till we fly back in at midnight on Tuesday and Toby has to get up 5 hours later for school. Uh ha. That will be the telling moment.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Love,
Angela
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
The Wednesday with nothing
Hi,
My ride home was early as I had the Toby and Alex collection duties at the library at 4pm. I picked them up and fired up my laptop at home and continued working as if I was in the office. No bother at all. I worked for ages though. But the upside is, I can make a fantastic cup of tea at home! So I was happy.
Fed Toby, surfed the internet for a while (chatted to Mum and Dad on Facebook) and we went to bed to read. Spoke to Mike in Sydney and fell asleep. Nothing eventful at all.
I do seem to have a slightly scratchy throat and my nose is contemplating whether it should start using the box of tissues on my desk a bit more. I think it is all a figment of my imagination. I am perfectly healthy. I'm away on holiday in two days. I can't possibly get sick now after being well all through winter. Heheheh.
Venus was stunning again this morning. I showed Toby as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes and he made the appropriate murmurs of a dutiful son humouring his mother. He knows how to keep me happy.
My ride in was lovely - today is another glorious day in Wellington.
Have a marvellous day!
Love,
Angela
My ride home was early as I had the Toby and Alex collection duties at the library at 4pm. I picked them up and fired up my laptop at home and continued working as if I was in the office. No bother at all. I worked for ages though. But the upside is, I can make a fantastic cup of tea at home! So I was happy.
Fed Toby, surfed the internet for a while (chatted to Mum and Dad on Facebook) and we went to bed to read. Spoke to Mike in Sydney and fell asleep. Nothing eventful at all.
I do seem to have a slightly scratchy throat and my nose is contemplating whether it should start using the box of tissues on my desk a bit more. I think it is all a figment of my imagination. I am perfectly healthy. I'm away on holiday in two days. I can't possibly get sick now after being well all through winter. Heheheh.
Venus was stunning again this morning. I showed Toby as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes and he made the appropriate murmurs of a dutiful son humouring his mother. He knows how to keep me happy.
My ride in was lovely - today is another glorious day in Wellington.
Have a marvellous day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
The Tuesday with Cubs
Hi,
I rode home in lovely conditions, completely different to the downpour I rode to work in. Got dinner ready for Toby (he was the one that chose 2 minute noodles - not me!) and waited for Jack to arrive before we left for Wrights Hill.
The tour was fascinating - but the boys were very noisy and my ears were ringing a bit by the end. The whole tour was worth the five minutes when we stepped out of the observation office to see the stunning view of Wellington. The evening was clear and there was no wind. Lower Hutt looked lovely shimmering in the cool evening air. It really was amazing. And I got to see stars I don't usually see from our house.
My ride in this morning was also lovely. Blue skies - no wind. A day to fall in love with Wellington all over again.
I have early Toby pick up duties today so will work from home for the last bit of the day.
Mike was busy in Sydney again - with work drinks after work to meet the new Australia manager. Ooooo.
Have a fantastic day!
Love,
Angela
I rode home in lovely conditions, completely different to the downpour I rode to work in. Got dinner ready for Toby (he was the one that chose 2 minute noodles - not me!) and waited for Jack to arrive before we left for Wrights Hill.
The tour was fascinating - but the boys were very noisy and my ears were ringing a bit by the end. The whole tour was worth the five minutes when we stepped out of the observation office to see the stunning view of Wellington. The evening was clear and there was no wind. Lower Hutt looked lovely shimmering in the cool evening air. It really was amazing. And I got to see stars I don't usually see from our house.
My ride in this morning was also lovely. Blue skies - no wind. A day to fall in love with Wellington all over again.
I have early Toby pick up duties today so will work from home for the last bit of the day.
Mike was busy in Sydney again - with work drinks after work to meet the new Australia manager. Ooooo.
Have a fantastic day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
The Monday with nothing
Hi,
I rode home and got dinner ready for Toby. He was still happy after his wonderful weekend (he declared it the best of the year - then upgraded the weekend to the best of his life. Perhaps too many hours playing Minecraft?). We then got into bed early and watched an episode of Man vs Wild (Bear was running around Norway) and then read briefly before falling sleep.
Mike is busy but happy in Sydney. This time he is staying in our work's apartment in central Sydney. I got a text from him asking why we don't live there. Hmmmmm.
My ride in this morning was damp. Yingjie had an accident with her car door yesterday as she was parking it at the library. The wind caught it as she opened it and then a car clipped it. It doesn't shut. So I drove the boys and Yingjie to the library. As I got my bike ready, it started to pur down. I was drenched in a few minutes and the ride down the hill was fun. No wind to speak of but lots of cold, fat raindrops.
Cubs tonight - we're off to explore the Wrights Hill fortress. They are opening it just for us. Should be great fun!
Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Angela
I rode home and got dinner ready for Toby. He was still happy after his wonderful weekend (he declared it the best of the year - then upgraded the weekend to the best of his life. Perhaps too many hours playing Minecraft?). We then got into bed early and watched an episode of Man vs Wild (Bear was running around Norway) and then read briefly before falling sleep.
Mike is busy but happy in Sydney. This time he is staying in our work's apartment in central Sydney. I got a text from him asking why we don't live there. Hmmmmm.
My ride in this morning was damp. Yingjie had an accident with her car door yesterday as she was parking it at the library. The wind caught it as she opened it and then a car clipped it. It doesn't shut. So I drove the boys and Yingjie to the library. As I got my bike ready, it started to pur down. I was drenched in a few minutes and the ride down the hill was fun. No wind to speak of but lots of cold, fat raindrops.
Cubs tonight - we're off to explore the Wrights Hill fortress. They are opening it just for us. Should be great fun!
Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Angela
Monday, August 27, 2012
The weekend with loads of fun
Hi,
Friday morning I had an appointment to see Aidan's presentation just across the road. I had the time booked out in my calendar and lunch with her afterwards. 9.45am I got a reminder. Weird, why do I always make the appointment so much earlier than I need - thinking for some reason it was a 10.30am presentation. I kept snoozing the reminder. Until the 10am reminder popped up and I remembered it really was a 10am presentation. Aaarrghh. I was late. Hurtled across the road and waited, waited, waited for the lift. Walked in ten minutes late - but fortunately with others just as late. So sorry.
But, it was a great presentation. People around me were furiously taking notes as Aidan talked. And her question time session took as long as her actual presentation. I was astonished at the number of people that jumped up eager to tell their story. Some seemed to think Aidan could fix all manner of immigration woes. Guess that's what happens when you become a Doctor in the field of migration. Welcome to the rest of your life, Aidan. Hahahah. She loves it, anyway!
We had lunch at a new place just opened - Drexels. It's an American breakfast restaurant. According to Josh, this was its opening day! Choice. Aidan had the omelette and declared it pretty good. She liberally sprinkled it with Tabasco too I noticed. I had a salmon bagel - also good!
I had to work late to make up for social excesses - and my ride home was fun in the dark and with no traffic. So there are benefits to working late.
Saturday we were up early enough but I stupidly read for ages until I had to jump out of bed and run around like a mad thing to get ready in time. I had to help Mike with gib too (carry it up to the garage) and move the bathroom furniture around. The floor is now done so the next phase can commence. A bath is within touching distance. Well, I can touch it already, but it is "wrapped in plastic" and not plumbed in yet.
Toby and I got a WoF for the Corolla before driving up to Waikanae to collect Duncan and Emerson for the Petone fair and a sleepover. Aidan was still sick (from Thursday I think - and needing some R&R I think) and wrapped in her duvet on the couch.
We were off soon enough and at the fair where we ate lots and the boys tried their luck with hoop throwing and rock climbing. Great fun. We caught up with Rex and his family and the hit of the day was bouncy boxing - inside a bouncy castle with huge foam gloves.
Back to Sally and Andrew's place where Sally cooked up a continuous storm for us and we promptly destroyed the calm of her house with young boys. And us. We slept on their floor after watching the All Blacks trounce the Wallabies. Mike and Andrew drank beer from Beervana - they liked the coffee one.
Next morning Josh arrived super early for the epic day tramp with Mike and Andrew. They were off at 7.10am. I packed up our stuff (tent was very wet underneath and we left a muddy patch on the lawn - sorry for that too Sally and Andrew!) and we went to the American restaurant in town. I have now been there twice in three days! It was a massive hit! I had eggs bendict and the boys all had pancakes.
Then off to Waikanae to see Aidan. She was a little better and had been up and tidied. Shucks - just for me? She shouldn't have. Heheheheh. We took the boys to Otaki pool and Aidan read while I listened to music and read a bit too. The boys got tuckered out nicely. Back to Waikanae and I decided to walk Lulu up the hill. Great walk.
Back to collect Toby, say hi to Josh back from the epic tramp, and off home to see Mike. Mike was very tired and sore after the long day. He packed for Sydney and was up at 4am to leave. I am a single Mum again this week.
But Toby and I are off to see Mum and Dad this weekend. So, oddly, Mike and I will both be in Australia next weekend. But he'll be in Sydney and I'll be in Brisbane.
Have a wonderful week.
Love,
Angela
Friday morning I had an appointment to see Aidan's presentation just across the road. I had the time booked out in my calendar and lunch with her afterwards. 9.45am I got a reminder. Weird, why do I always make the appointment so much earlier than I need - thinking for some reason it was a 10.30am presentation. I kept snoozing the reminder. Until the 10am reminder popped up and I remembered it really was a 10am presentation. Aaarrghh. I was late. Hurtled across the road and waited, waited, waited for the lift. Walked in ten minutes late - but fortunately with others just as late. So sorry.
But, it was a great presentation. People around me were furiously taking notes as Aidan talked. And her question time session took as long as her actual presentation. I was astonished at the number of people that jumped up eager to tell their story. Some seemed to think Aidan could fix all manner of immigration woes. Guess that's what happens when you become a Doctor in the field of migration. Welcome to the rest of your life, Aidan. Hahahah. She loves it, anyway!
We had lunch at a new place just opened - Drexels. It's an American breakfast restaurant. According to Josh, this was its opening day! Choice. Aidan had the omelette and declared it pretty good. She liberally sprinkled it with Tabasco too I noticed. I had a salmon bagel - also good!
I had to work late to make up for social excesses - and my ride home was fun in the dark and with no traffic. So there are benefits to working late.
Saturday we were up early enough but I stupidly read for ages until I had to jump out of bed and run around like a mad thing to get ready in time. I had to help Mike with gib too (carry it up to the garage) and move the bathroom furniture around. The floor is now done so the next phase can commence. A bath is within touching distance. Well, I can touch it already, but it is "wrapped in plastic" and not plumbed in yet.
Toby and I got a WoF for the Corolla before driving up to Waikanae to collect Duncan and Emerson for the Petone fair and a sleepover. Aidan was still sick (from Thursday I think - and needing some R&R I think) and wrapped in her duvet on the couch.
We were off soon enough and at the fair where we ate lots and the boys tried their luck with hoop throwing and rock climbing. Great fun. We caught up with Rex and his family and the hit of the day was bouncy boxing - inside a bouncy castle with huge foam gloves.
Back to Sally and Andrew's place where Sally cooked up a continuous storm for us and we promptly destroyed the calm of her house with young boys. And us. We slept on their floor after watching the All Blacks trounce the Wallabies. Mike and Andrew drank beer from Beervana - they liked the coffee one.
Next morning Josh arrived super early for the epic day tramp with Mike and Andrew. They were off at 7.10am. I packed up our stuff (tent was very wet underneath and we left a muddy patch on the lawn - sorry for that too Sally and Andrew!) and we went to the American restaurant in town. I have now been there twice in three days! It was a massive hit! I had eggs bendict and the boys all had pancakes.
Then off to Waikanae to see Aidan. She was a little better and had been up and tidied. Shucks - just for me? She shouldn't have. Heheheheh. We took the boys to Otaki pool and Aidan read while I listened to music and read a bit too. The boys got tuckered out nicely. Back to Waikanae and I decided to walk Lulu up the hill. Great walk.
Back to collect Toby, say hi to Josh back from the epic tramp, and off home to see Mike. Mike was very tired and sore after the long day. He packed for Sydney and was up at 4am to leave. I am a single Mum again this week.
But Toby and I are off to see Mum and Dad this weekend. So, oddly, Mike and I will both be in Australia next weekend. But he'll be in Sydney and I'll be in Brisbane.
Have a wonderful week.
Love,
Angela
Friday, August 24, 2012
The Thursday with nothing
Hi,
Mike and I rode home together - if you can call it "together" when I leave Mike way behind in my wake. Hahahah. The benefits of riding every day versus being soft and taking buses and driving. It was a very pleasant evening - the sun was going down and the Orongorongos looked lovely.
Once home we cooked dinner and watched television altogether. Toby was so good - he ran up and made us all dessert (ice cream in a cone - aren't we lucky?).
Our ensuite floor is almost done. So I guess we can schedule in the next step soon. Hooray!
Petone Winter Carnival tomorrow - I think I will take Toby. The rugby starts at the same time as the fireworks though. I might have to watch the rugby at a later time. Or just watch the second half. And I think Mike and Andrew might be keen for some Beervana beer tasting.
Sunday looks like it might be a day tramp for Mike and Andrew. Should be good!
Have a great weekend.
Love,
Angela
Mike and I rode home together - if you can call it "together" when I leave Mike way behind in my wake. Hahahah. The benefits of riding every day versus being soft and taking buses and driving. It was a very pleasant evening - the sun was going down and the Orongorongos looked lovely.
Once home we cooked dinner and watched television altogether. Toby was so good - he ran up and made us all dessert (ice cream in a cone - aren't we lucky?).
Our ensuite floor is almost done. So I guess we can schedule in the next step soon. Hooray!
Petone Winter Carnival tomorrow - I think I will take Toby. The rugby starts at the same time as the fireworks though. I might have to watch the rugby at a later time. Or just watch the second half. And I think Mike and Andrew might be keen for some Beervana beer tasting.
Sunday looks like it might be a day tramp for Mike and Andrew. Should be good!
Have a great weekend.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, August 23, 2012
The Wednesday with nothing - but Mike worked late
Hi,
I rode home and collected Toby on the dot of 6pm from Yingjie's house. We went home and I cooked tea for us both. I got stuck into my homework and Toby sort of got stuck into his. Eventually we went down to collect Mike and home to bed. We read a paper by Aidan T together - such a bonding time. Hahaha. It was fun to read an academic paper by someone you know well.
My ride in was lovely this morning - the roads are still wet but the skies are quite clear. We may see sunshine today! Woo hoo!
Have a marvellous day!
Love,
Angela
I rode home and collected Toby on the dot of 6pm from Yingjie's house. We went home and I cooked tea for us both. I got stuck into my homework and Toby sort of got stuck into his. Eventually we went down to collect Mike and home to bed. We read a paper by Aidan T together - such a bonding time. Hahaha. It was fun to read an academic paper by someone you know well.
My ride in was lovely this morning - the roads are still wet but the skies are quite clear. We may see sunshine today! Woo hoo!
Have a marvellous day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
The Tuesday with Cubs
Hi,
We had a fantastic time at Cubs last night. 22 Cubs and complete silence for long periods of time. And everyone completed their artist badge. Woo hoo! One Cub turned his milk bottle into a lamp - complete with lightbulb and electricity. I think that amazed everyone. They all did well.
Home to bed after that pretty much. I read for a bit but that was about it.
Work has started on the floor of our ensuite. It may take some time I think. Then once that is done, we can look at getting Barry in to do the bathroom itself. That might mean no more toilet and vanity in our lounge! Hahahah.
Have a wonderful day!
Love,
Angela
We had a fantastic time at Cubs last night. 22 Cubs and complete silence for long periods of time. And everyone completed their artist badge. Woo hoo! One Cub turned his milk bottle into a lamp - complete with lightbulb and electricity. I think that amazed everyone. They all did well.
Home to bed after that pretty much. I read for a bit but that was about it.
Work has started on the floor of our ensuite. It may take some time I think. Then once that is done, we can look at getting Barry in to do the bathroom itself. That might mean no more toilet and vanity in our lounge! Hahahah.
Have a wonderful day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
The Monday with dinner out
Hi,
Turns out that Mike had to go home to sort out Toby's social life and the ensuite for the builder coming today! Yikes! So he missed out on the work social club event involving eating and beer tasting. But the non beer drinker went. And Sally and Andrew also went along.
We had a good time - I enjoyed my food. We went to the Little Beer Quarter in Edward St and they were struggling to keep up service. Our matched beers to our courses all came out at the start well before any food. And I got my (very scrumptious) meal last. I had ordered the only vegetarian dish at our table. But it was a wonderful stack of roasted veges with feta. Yummy! See? I can eat veges.
While we waited for our meals, Sally and Andrew and I named all fifty states of the USA. Well, apart from Nebraska and Wisconsin. Those must be cheeky states! Imagine forgetting about them? We were a bit horrified as we got obscure states like Wyoming and missed a huge album by Bruce Springsteen and the place we eat our burgers at! We also named the first 20 elements in the periodic table. A bit of an easier task. I ignored Andrew's suggestion of the 18 European union countries. Hahahah.
Mike demolished all of the ensuite.
Cubs tonight. They are all going for the Artist badge en masse. Should be fun!
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Turns out that Mike had to go home to sort out Toby's social life and the ensuite for the builder coming today! Yikes! So he missed out on the work social club event involving eating and beer tasting. But the non beer drinker went. And Sally and Andrew also went along.
We had a good time - I enjoyed my food. We went to the Little Beer Quarter in Edward St and they were struggling to keep up service. Our matched beers to our courses all came out at the start well before any food. And I got my (very scrumptious) meal last. I had ordered the only vegetarian dish at our table. But it was a wonderful stack of roasted veges with feta. Yummy! See? I can eat veges.
While we waited for our meals, Sally and Andrew and I named all fifty states of the USA. Well, apart from Nebraska and Wisconsin. Those must be cheeky states! Imagine forgetting about them? We were a bit horrified as we got obscure states like Wyoming and missed a huge album by Bruce Springsteen and the place we eat our burgers at! We also named the first 20 elements in the periodic table. A bit of an easier task. I ignored Andrew's suggestion of the 18 European union countries. Hahahah.
Mike demolished all of the ensuite.
Cubs tonight. They are all going for the Artist badge en masse. Should be fun!
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Monday, August 20, 2012
The weekend where everyone had a ball
Hi,
My expectations of getting housework done on Friday were dashed by my lethargy on Friday night when we got home. Mike and I had a great ride home after I "helped" host the Friday work meeting. I did nothing except set up and put away so I was happy. No need to talk in front of 80 people! We walked around to Yingjie's house to collect Toby and had a lovely walk back home. Then we watched Men in Black 2 and veged out. Mike decided to pack on Saturday morning.
So, that meant Saturday we were up early and packing. It all went very well and after we heard Alex had pulled out, we were off to Go Bang in Petone. Christine had secured a table already so we sat down to order a scrumptious breakfast. Not too long after the Tabors arrived and after ordering hot chocolates all round they left. Mike, Josh, Toby, Duncan and Emerson were off tramping to Turere Lodge in the Orongorongo valley - upriver from Paua Hut. Aidan stayed for a cup of tea and high level plans for shopping.
The plans went so far as "Let's go to the recycle shop on Petone Esplanade" so we were off. I would have left immediately after stepping foot in the shop but Christine took me under her control and pretty soon I was trying on clothes and had bought a whole heap for $48. Hahahah. We left there and Christine shot off to her other commitments.
The whole process had given me a headache so Aidan took pity on me and asked for me to show her around Scots College. A perfect answer to a shopping headache. We drove out there and wandered around a bit. I did take an aspirin and my headache died away. After that we went for lunch to The Bach cafe on the south coast. I had a chicken open sandwich and Aidan had a seafood chowder.
Shopping was once more on the cards and we parked in town and walked around shoe shops. I finally bought some boots and we wandered back through the underground market to the car to deposit shopping before going to the Gold Lounge at Reading cinemas for the Bourne4 Legacy movie. I quite enjoyed it thank you very much!
I drove Aidan home and we ate soup for dinner and then I came home for a night of rugby. Go the All Blacks! Watched a movie after that and fell asleep at 1am. What was I thinking?
Up at 8am - a sleep in! And I had an appointment at the East Day Spa at 10am. Did the housework when I got home (in my new boots - to learn to walk in them, Christine's advice was to brush my teeth in them. Does flossing also count?) and then had lunch and went off to meet Mike and Josh and the boys at Sally and Andrew's house. They had a great time tramping and I am sure you will hear more about it.
Back home to veg out. Great weekend! More please.
Have a great week!
Love,
Angela
My expectations of getting housework done on Friday were dashed by my lethargy on Friday night when we got home. Mike and I had a great ride home after I "helped" host the Friday work meeting. I did nothing except set up and put away so I was happy. No need to talk in front of 80 people! We walked around to Yingjie's house to collect Toby and had a lovely walk back home. Then we watched Men in Black 2 and veged out. Mike decided to pack on Saturday morning.
So, that meant Saturday we were up early and packing. It all went very well and after we heard Alex had pulled out, we were off to Go Bang in Petone. Christine had secured a table already so we sat down to order a scrumptious breakfast. Not too long after the Tabors arrived and after ordering hot chocolates all round they left. Mike, Josh, Toby, Duncan and Emerson were off tramping to Turere Lodge in the Orongorongo valley - upriver from Paua Hut. Aidan stayed for a cup of tea and high level plans for shopping.
The plans went so far as "Let's go to the recycle shop on Petone Esplanade" so we were off. I would have left immediately after stepping foot in the shop but Christine took me under her control and pretty soon I was trying on clothes and had bought a whole heap for $48. Hahahah. We left there and Christine shot off to her other commitments.
The whole process had given me a headache so Aidan took pity on me and asked for me to show her around Scots College. A perfect answer to a shopping headache. We drove out there and wandered around a bit. I did take an aspirin and my headache died away. After that we went for lunch to The Bach cafe on the south coast. I had a chicken open sandwich and Aidan had a seafood chowder.
Shopping was once more on the cards and we parked in town and walked around shoe shops. I finally bought some boots and we wandered back through the underground market to the car to deposit shopping before going to the Gold Lounge at Reading cinemas for the Bourne4 Legacy movie. I quite enjoyed it thank you very much!
I drove Aidan home and we ate soup for dinner and then I came home for a night of rugby. Go the All Blacks! Watched a movie after that and fell asleep at 1am. What was I thinking?
Up at 8am - a sleep in! And I had an appointment at the East Day Spa at 10am. Did the housework when I got home (in my new boots - to learn to walk in them, Christine's advice was to brush my teeth in them. Does flossing also count?) and then had lunch and went off to meet Mike and Josh and the boys at Sally and Andrew's house. They had a great time tramping and I am sure you will hear more about it.
Back home to veg out. Great weekend! More please.
Have a great week!
Love,
Angela
Friday, August 17, 2012
The Thursday with everything
Hi,
Mike went home late Thursday with a migraine and I rode home to hang out the wash, collect Toby, cook dinner and buy groceries. All with pouring rain - well, I rode home dry so I guess I am thankful. Hahahah. It was all good and meant we had things to eat for breakfast so I am not complaining.
Mike and Toby are off tramping Saturday morning until Sunday afternoon. I am going to cram in breakfasts out and shopping (huh?) and a movie if I can. And lots of reading. The plan is to finish housework tonight when I get home so my weekend stretches out without any chores. Choice.
Have a great weekend! I will!
Love,
Angela
Mike went home late Thursday with a migraine and I rode home to hang out the wash, collect Toby, cook dinner and buy groceries. All with pouring rain - well, I rode home dry so I guess I am thankful. Hahahah. It was all good and meant we had things to eat for breakfast so I am not complaining.
Mike and Toby are off tramping Saturday morning until Sunday afternoon. I am going to cram in breakfasts out and shopping (huh?) and a movie if I can. And lots of reading. The plan is to finish housework tonight when I get home so my weekend stretches out without any chores. Choice.
Have a great weekend! I will!
Love,
Angela
Thursday, August 16, 2012
The Wednesday with nothing
Hi,
Mike collected me from work and we picked up Burger Wisconsin on the way home. So nothing on and no cooking. Awesome. We sat and watched television and eventually went to bed where Mike fell asleep in about 3 seconds. Astonishing abilities.
While sitting watching television, Mike pulled off my shoes and socks and I got tickles. Always welcome, thank you very much. However, he said my feet were smelly - which is a bit odd as that isn't normal. Eventually I smelled them too. Hey - was he right? And then I clicked. We still had the remains of a lovely blue cheese next to us on the table. Hahahah. My feet do not smell! But blue cheese most certainly does.
We walked into town this morning. Very pleasant. It looks like it might rain at any time though. I wonder if I'll get wet riding home? Mike will work late and I'll collect him from the supermarket after he has bought our groceries. No milk, no bread, no butter in our house. Aaarrghhh.
Hahahah.
Have a wonderful day!
Love,
Angela
Mike collected me from work and we picked up Burger Wisconsin on the way home. So nothing on and no cooking. Awesome. We sat and watched television and eventually went to bed where Mike fell asleep in about 3 seconds. Astonishing abilities.
While sitting watching television, Mike pulled off my shoes and socks and I got tickles. Always welcome, thank you very much. However, he said my feet were smelly - which is a bit odd as that isn't normal. Eventually I smelled them too. Hey - was he right? And then I clicked. We still had the remains of a lovely blue cheese next to us on the table. Hahahah. My feet do not smell! But blue cheese most certainly does.
We walked into town this morning. Very pleasant. It looks like it might rain at any time though. I wonder if I'll get wet riding home? Mike will work late and I'll collect him from the supermarket after he has bought our groceries. No milk, no bread, no butter in our house. Aaarrghhh.
Hahahah.
Have a wonderful day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
The Tuesday with Cubs
Hi,
I had a fabulous day yesterday (Tuesday). The morning was so lovely and my ride in was great. Bit of a contrast with today's ride in. I timed it nicely with possibly the only torrential downpour due today. I got soaked within 2 minutes of the rain bucketing down. And now I am at the client's site with my wet bike gear strewn around under my desk. Oh well. I did find an unpleasant surprise in the bottom of my pannier as I scrabbled around for a plastic bag for my soaking wet clothes that I will have no need to pull back on. Yes - I found an old plastic bag from last week's rain containing rather smelly socks that have been fermenting in rain juice for the last week. Yummy. Time for a hot wash tonight in the washing machine. My socks - not me!
Yesterday was a social day for me. I met Aidan T for morning tea and got a hug as she left. After that I had lunch with Rex (no hug - he is a current work colleague after all). As we walked back to work, I bumped into Josh and got a hug from him. Then, as I walked to the client's site in the afternoon I bumped into two ex work colleagues and got hugs from them too! Nice day.
I rode home yesterday and Mike passed me in the car as I got to the top of the hill. It's not often cars slow down as they go driving by (note the Paul Kelly reference there) so I spared a glance to the car and saw Mike eyeing me up. Hahahah. He yelled if I wanted a lift but I was so close there was no point.
We got dinner ready and then I was off to Cubs. Mike went to start Yingjie's car as she had left the car lights on all day. Oops. Cubs went well - the karate sensei came and did part two of his session. They got to punch pads and bust through fake wooden boards. They all loved it. And I got a lot of kudos when I was one of three that could bust the strongest wooden boards - including one Dad parent helper. Ooosshh. Toby thinks I am cool at any rate.
Back home and Mike was ploughing through his tramping club homework. Good on him. That is why we have started the division of labour on Tuesdays. I do Cubs, he does tramping club stuff.
Time for a tea. Everything is better with tea.
Love,
Angela
I had a fabulous day yesterday (Tuesday). The morning was so lovely and my ride in was great. Bit of a contrast with today's ride in. I timed it nicely with possibly the only torrential downpour due today. I got soaked within 2 minutes of the rain bucketing down. And now I am at the client's site with my wet bike gear strewn around under my desk. Oh well. I did find an unpleasant surprise in the bottom of my pannier as I scrabbled around for a plastic bag for my soaking wet clothes that I will have no need to pull back on. Yes - I found an old plastic bag from last week's rain containing rather smelly socks that have been fermenting in rain juice for the last week. Yummy. Time for a hot wash tonight in the washing machine. My socks - not me!
Yesterday was a social day for me. I met Aidan T for morning tea and got a hug as she left. After that I had lunch with Rex (no hug - he is a current work colleague after all). As we walked back to work, I bumped into Josh and got a hug from him. Then, as I walked to the client's site in the afternoon I bumped into two ex work colleagues and got hugs from them too! Nice day.
I rode home yesterday and Mike passed me in the car as I got to the top of the hill. It's not often cars slow down as they go driving by (note the Paul Kelly reference there) so I spared a glance to the car and saw Mike eyeing me up. Hahahah. He yelled if I wanted a lift but I was so close there was no point.
We got dinner ready and then I was off to Cubs. Mike went to start Yingjie's car as she had left the car lights on all day. Oops. Cubs went well - the karate sensei came and did part two of his session. They got to punch pads and bust through fake wooden boards. They all loved it. And I got a lot of kudos when I was one of three that could bust the strongest wooden boards - including one Dad parent helper. Ooosshh. Toby thinks I am cool at any rate.
Back home and Mike was ploughing through his tramping club homework. Good on him. That is why we have started the division of labour on Tuesdays. I do Cubs, he does tramping club stuff.
Time for a tea. Everything is better with tea.
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
The Monday with blissful nothing
Hi,
What a fantastic morning. When I woke, I saw Venus and the crescent moon shining like a beacon through the punga outside our bedroom window. It was no use telling Mike because he had no eyes in. But it looked spectacular.
My ride in was great - the roads are completely dry after the recent rain and I had a ball hurtling down the hill. Promises of the summer to come!
Cubs tonight and we have Toby's karate sensei back for part two of his talk. Should be a good night.
I am meeting Aidan T for tea this morning too. So, all in all, a great day! Bring it on! And I have a cup of tea already. Slurp!
Love,
Angela
What a fantastic morning. When I woke, I saw Venus and the crescent moon shining like a beacon through the punga outside our bedroom window. It was no use telling Mike because he had no eyes in. But it looked spectacular.
My ride in was great - the roads are completely dry after the recent rain and I had a ball hurtling down the hill. Promises of the summer to come!
Cubs tonight and we have Toby's karate sensei back for part two of his talk. Should be a good night.
I am meeting Aidan T for tea this morning too. So, all in all, a great day! Bring it on! And I have a cup of tea already. Slurp!
Love,
Angela
Monday, August 13, 2012
The weekend with skiing
Hi,
We left Friday evening to head up to Ruapehu. I collected Ilske in the wee green car and we stopped off at Waikanae to stock up on junk food and petrol before continuing. It was a lovely night - clear skies and I stopped on the way to show some stars to Ilske. She also saw her first shooting star! Woo hoo!
We got to the lodge around 10.30pm and settled into our bunkroom and fell asleep! Next morning we were up to a glorious day on the mountain. We ate breakfast and Mike and Toby hired skis and then we were off exploring the mountain.
We took Toby on his first t-bar ride and he loved it. Right up to the time I didn't unhook him in time and he hurtled into the snowbank at the end of the t-bar. Tears flowed and he rode with Mike after that!
I found a great run on the far west t-bar - down a wee gut and then onto lovely groomed snow. Toby didn't enjoy the steepness of it. But he skied it really well when he plucked up the courage to make turns. His brains says no but his technique certainly said yes!
Sunday we woke to torrential rain followed by buckets of snow. Ilske and I left early and stopped off for a cup of tea in Waikanae at some friendly people that seem to tolerate unexpected visits from friends with hangers on. Lucky for us.
Took the bus in this morning for the first time in ages. My bike is somewhere in town. Either here or at the client's. Hahahah. I think it is here.
Have a wonderful week!
Love,
Angela
We left Friday evening to head up to Ruapehu. I collected Ilske in the wee green car and we stopped off at Waikanae to stock up on junk food and petrol before continuing. It was a lovely night - clear skies and I stopped on the way to show some stars to Ilske. She also saw her first shooting star! Woo hoo!
We got to the lodge around 10.30pm and settled into our bunkroom and fell asleep! Next morning we were up to a glorious day on the mountain. We ate breakfast and Mike and Toby hired skis and then we were off exploring the mountain.
We took Toby on his first t-bar ride and he loved it. Right up to the time I didn't unhook him in time and he hurtled into the snowbank at the end of the t-bar. Tears flowed and he rode with Mike after that!
I found a great run on the far west t-bar - down a wee gut and then onto lovely groomed snow. Toby didn't enjoy the steepness of it. But he skied it really well when he plucked up the courage to make turns. His brains says no but his technique certainly said yes!
Sunday we woke to torrential rain followed by buckets of snow. Ilske and I left early and stopped off for a cup of tea in Waikanae at some friendly people that seem to tolerate unexpected visits from friends with hangers on. Lucky for us.
Took the bus in this morning for the first time in ages. My bike is somewhere in town. Either here or at the client's. Hahahah. I think it is here.
Have a wonderful week!
Love,
Angela
Friday, August 10, 2012
The Thursday where my husband shows how amazing he is
Hi,
Mike and I went home last night and Mike single handedly fixed our sewer pipe. Not without some swearing at builders from fifty years ago. They had laid the sewer pipe on concrete and it just ended where it had shattered. No surprise there. But the concrete meant Mike couldn't get the new cowling around it. But he figured out a way and now we can use the toilet.
Just as he'd finished scrabbling around in the old pipe, Toby forgot and flushed the toilet. And huge dollop of fresh stuff landed at Mike's feet and a growl came from him. Toby was very apologetic and then him and Alex both dissolved into giggles. As did Mike.
We have packed the car for the trip up to Ruapehu. Bring it on! Can't wait.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Love,
Angela
Mike and I went home last night and Mike single handedly fixed our sewer pipe. Not without some swearing at builders from fifty years ago. They had laid the sewer pipe on concrete and it just ended where it had shattered. No surprise there. But the concrete meant Mike couldn't get the new cowling around it. But he figured out a way and now we can use the toilet.
Just as he'd finished scrabbling around in the old pipe, Toby forgot and flushed the toilet. And huge dollop of fresh stuff landed at Mike's feet and a growl came from him. Toby was very apologetic and then him and Alex both dissolved into giggles. As did Mike.
We have packed the car for the trip up to Ruapehu. Bring it on! Can't wait.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, August 9, 2012
The Wednesday with nothing
Hi,
I have to say, I got the wettest I have ever got on my bicycle this morning. The rain was sheeting down and pooling. One of the roads I rode down was actually a waterfall today. And I rode past a toby that had a geyser of water skooshing up about 30cm. Yep. Wet. The exclamation this morning from someone when I walked in dripping wet was "You're game". Sure sign, right?
But, it was still fun!
Last night Mike took me home in the car and we had dinner and then I escaped to see Christine for a cup of hot cocoa. We hadn't caught up for a while so we chatted away. I showed off my toenails! Heheheh. She was very appreciative.
Have a fantastic day!
Love,
Angela
I have to say, I got the wettest I have ever got on my bicycle this morning. The rain was sheeting down and pooling. One of the roads I rode down was actually a waterfall today. And I rode past a toby that had a geyser of water skooshing up about 30cm. Yep. Wet. The exclamation this morning from someone when I walked in dripping wet was "You're game". Sure sign, right?
But, it was still fun!
Last night Mike took me home in the car and we had dinner and then I escaped to see Christine for a cup of hot cocoa. We hadn't caught up for a while so we chatted away. I showed off my toenails! Heheheh. She was very appreciative.
Have a fantastic day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
The Tuesday with Cubs
Hi,
I got rather wet riding in this morning (Wednesday). How do you know it is wet? When you get to work, people look at you and exclaim "Good on you!". Uh ah. They think I am mad. I understand. But it was lovely in the rain this morning. The harbour was as flat as a pancake and the raindrops looked pretty falling into the grey water. My gear is drying out under my desk.
Last night Cubs went well. We seem to have snaffled another Cub leader. Cool. I suggested Pip come to an evening with her son and he could jump the waiting list if she signed up as a leader. Looks like she wants to jump the queue. Mini golf must have looked like fun. Apparently her son knows some other Cubs and he has been told we slept with lions (huh? - the zoo sleepover I wasn't on perhaps) and light fires with magnets (flints - and no one managed to ignite anything!). Hahahah.
I am also quite taken with my toenails. Aidan's suggestion to paint them was a great one. The colour is called "An affair in Red Square" and they certainly catch my eye in the few times a day my toes are visible. What a hoot! I may be getting in touch with some deep, hidden feminine feelings. No, hold on. I am sitting here with wet bike gear under my desk. No other woman around me has clothing festooning her desk. Perhaps it is just a momentary aberration.
Time for a lovely cup of tea.
Have a wonderful day!
Love,
Angela
I got rather wet riding in this morning (Wednesday). How do you know it is wet? When you get to work, people look at you and exclaim "Good on you!". Uh ah. They think I am mad. I understand. But it was lovely in the rain this morning. The harbour was as flat as a pancake and the raindrops looked pretty falling into the grey water. My gear is drying out under my desk.
Last night Cubs went well. We seem to have snaffled another Cub leader. Cool. I suggested Pip come to an evening with her son and he could jump the waiting list if she signed up as a leader. Looks like she wants to jump the queue. Mini golf must have looked like fun. Apparently her son knows some other Cubs and he has been told we slept with lions (huh? - the zoo sleepover I wasn't on perhaps) and light fires with magnets (flints - and no one managed to ignite anything!). Hahahah.
I am also quite taken with my toenails. Aidan's suggestion to paint them was a great one. The colour is called "An affair in Red Square" and they certainly catch my eye in the few times a day my toes are visible. What a hoot! I may be getting in touch with some deep, hidden feminine feelings. No, hold on. I am sitting here with wet bike gear under my desk. No other woman around me has clothing festooning her desk. Perhaps it is just a momentary aberration.
Time for a lovely cup of tea.
Have a wonderful day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
The Monday with hauling stuff to the loft
Hi,
This morning (Tuesday) I left the house with Toby, saw the ski pants hanging on the line to dry and knew they had forecast a bit of rain so I took them in and then went up to get my bike. Toby got in the car with Yingjie and I started riding... And the heavens opened. I got soaked within 1 kilometre. They were heavy, fat, wet drops. And lots of them. Hahahah.
Last night I rode home with Mike after Mike watched Curiosity landing on Mars (I missed it by seconds and saw the NASA staff celebrating). After dinner we emptied out the under-stairs cupboard ready for Mike to demolish the last wall in the ensuite area. We need to get a slab of concrete poured. Sigh. Lots of work.
This morning we woke to news of Tongariro erupting. This is putting a bit of a brake on Mike's plans to walk over the top of Tongariro again this weekend. Lava and ash spewing out of vents are not part of the alpine course he has done. Heheheh. I am concerned it might put a brake on ski plans this weekend. Currently Whakapapa is in no danger at all. But if the wind turns to a northerly, it might blow that way I guess. And they finally have a bit of snow! Aaarrghh. I want to ski!
Cubs tonight. We have a Den night - which is good because it is not a nice day out there anymore. Still not cold though.
Have a wonderful day!
Love,
Angela
This morning (Tuesday) I left the house with Toby, saw the ski pants hanging on the line to dry and knew they had forecast a bit of rain so I took them in and then went up to get my bike. Toby got in the car with Yingjie and I started riding... And the heavens opened. I got soaked within 1 kilometre. They were heavy, fat, wet drops. And lots of them. Hahahah.
Last night I rode home with Mike after Mike watched Curiosity landing on Mars (I missed it by seconds and saw the NASA staff celebrating). After dinner we emptied out the under-stairs cupboard ready for Mike to demolish the last wall in the ensuite area. We need to get a slab of concrete poured. Sigh. Lots of work.
This morning we woke to news of Tongariro erupting. This is putting a bit of a brake on Mike's plans to walk over the top of Tongariro again this weekend. Lava and ash spewing out of vents are not part of the alpine course he has done. Heheheh. I am concerned it might put a brake on ski plans this weekend. Currently Whakapapa is in no danger at all. But if the wind turns to a northerly, it might blow that way I guess. And they finally have a bit of snow! Aaarrghh. I want to ski!
Cubs tonight. We have a Den night - which is good because it is not a nice day out there anymore. Still not cold though.
Have a wonderful day!
Love,
Angela
Monday, August 6, 2012
The weekend with loads of fun
Hi,
Toby went off for a sleepover on Friday and Mike and I went out for dinner with Sally and Andrew. Then I dropped them off home and Mike and I caught up with loads of Olympics on TV. Woke up and made Mike a nice breakfast (smoked salmon and cream cheese on bagels) and Toby was delivered to us. We tidied and Mike dug a trench (exposing our broken sewer pipe - nice) and then we were off to walk with Jack and his parents.
We walked up to Belmont trig and it took 4 hours. Will joined us as well so Toby was happy to walk and chat the whole time. I was in shorts and a t-shirt. It is so warm. Toby saw flowering pohutakawas.
Then home and Jack stayed for a sleepover. They were asleep pretty early - says a lot for a four hour walk!
Sunday more tidying and then away for lunch with Sally and Andrew and the Tabors. We met at Uncle Mike's Kansas BBQ place in Petone. Yummy.
After lunch Mike took Andrew and Josh to see Abe Lincoln Vampire Hunter (yawn) and I went with Aidan and the boys to watch Rex race his remote control car. When we got to the race track, Rex was overjoyed to have instant pit crew for his final race. We timed the race and refueled his car every 7 minutes.
After that we shot off to see a house in Island Bay for Aidan to check out. Nice view. Shame about the house. Then home to paint toenails! My toes look amazing! Ta Josh for filling in my mistakes!
Then Vivienne and John came over for tea. I drove Andrew home and headed to Porirua to get Indian takeaways. I can't think of a much better end to my weekend than driving the wee green car all over Wellington on a glorious evening. Good excuse.
Next weekend is a ski weekend! Let it snow. Bucketloads!
Love,
Angela
Toby went off for a sleepover on Friday and Mike and I went out for dinner with Sally and Andrew. Then I dropped them off home and Mike and I caught up with loads of Olympics on TV. Woke up and made Mike a nice breakfast (smoked salmon and cream cheese on bagels) and Toby was delivered to us. We tidied and Mike dug a trench (exposing our broken sewer pipe - nice) and then we were off to walk with Jack and his parents.
We walked up to Belmont trig and it took 4 hours. Will joined us as well so Toby was happy to walk and chat the whole time. I was in shorts and a t-shirt. It is so warm. Toby saw flowering pohutakawas.
Then home and Jack stayed for a sleepover. They were asleep pretty early - says a lot for a four hour walk!
Sunday more tidying and then away for lunch with Sally and Andrew and the Tabors. We met at Uncle Mike's Kansas BBQ place in Petone. Yummy.
After lunch Mike took Andrew and Josh to see Abe Lincoln Vampire Hunter (yawn) and I went with Aidan and the boys to watch Rex race his remote control car. When we got to the race track, Rex was overjoyed to have instant pit crew for his final race. We timed the race and refueled his car every 7 minutes.
After that we shot off to see a house in Island Bay for Aidan to check out. Nice view. Shame about the house. Then home to paint toenails! My toes look amazing! Ta Josh for filling in my mistakes!
Then Vivienne and John came over for tea. I drove Andrew home and headed to Porirua to get Indian takeaways. I can't think of a much better end to my weekend than driving the wee green car all over Wellington on a glorious evening. Good excuse.
Next weekend is a ski weekend! Let it snow. Bucketloads!
Love,
Angela
Thursday, August 2, 2012
The Wednesday with whatever
Hi,
The roads were bone dry this morning and my ride down the hill was fast and furious. With the Hutt Valley out of commission due to a petrol tanker crash, the roads have no traffic on them. It's like a holiday!
Mike has a migraine this morning and it walking back home after getting off the bus. Poor guy - it might be my work stress levels contributing to his stress. I hope he is okay after taking his migraine medicine.
We saw Toby's teacher yesterday evening and she seems very happy with Toby's progress. We are too. He's a good kid. He could try harder, but he is way better than last year.
Have a marvellous day!
Love,
Angela
The roads were bone dry this morning and my ride down the hill was fast and furious. With the Hutt Valley out of commission due to a petrol tanker crash, the roads have no traffic on them. It's like a holiday!
Mike has a migraine this morning and it walking back home after getting off the bus. Poor guy - it might be my work stress levels contributing to his stress. I hope he is okay after taking his migraine medicine.
We saw Toby's teacher yesterday evening and she seems very happy with Toby's progress. We are too. He's a good kid. He could try harder, but he is way better than last year.
Have a marvellous day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
WTMC Ruapehu Lodge - directions
The WTMC Ruapehu Lodge is easy when you know where it is, but initially difficult as it is mostly obscured from the car park. Here are some directions.
Drive up the Whakapapa ski road, until you get near the top (the 50 km/h area).
On your right, cars will be angle parked. On your left are the day car-parks, numbered from Car Park 10 (the first one you see). But soon, you will see a car-park on the right, directly opposite Car Park 1. Park here if at all possible.
As you face up the hill, the WTMC lodge is to your right and a little back down the hill. You can't see the WTMC Lodge from the road, but you can see Serac Lodge on the ridgeline, likely with a big spotlight shining.
From the car-park, head away from the road, directly away from the 'Car Park 1' sign on the opposite side of the road. Climb down into the small gully and up the other side. Careful, as a stream runs through the bottom of the gully. Not usually a problem in winter as there is usually snow covering it. But in wet conditions in autumn or spring, you may end up with very wet feet if you're not alert.
Climb up to Serac lodge. (a few minutes). The path should be pretty clear from the bottom of the gully. It has steps, and a couple of road markers someone has helpfully stolen and put on the path about halfway up.
Walk past Serac and the WTMC lodge is just behind it about 30m away and slightly more uphill.
And if in doubt, ask. Especially if people are wandering up and down the path. They are likely to know.
There are more maps and directions, and a video of the path, here: http://wtmc.org.nz/lodge-location
The Tuesday with Cubs
Hi,
Oh - it is Karen's birthday today! Happy birthday wee girl.
At 4pm the other Cub leader texted me to say he couldn't make it for the Cubs session. I texted Mike to call him up for active duty and he heroically shunted aside his work he had lined up and came and ran the Cubs session with me. He did a great job - on top of his threatening man-flu (so he tells me). Thanks, Mike.
Sigh - it does make it a bit hard when the other Cub leaders can't make it. I think we need to recruit more leaders.
Busy few days at work - busier than usual. And parent/teacher interview this afternoon. I think I will need to go back to work after that to get through a bit more. I have a two hour session today to run and an eight hour one tomorrow. Yikes! I am unsure I can talk for two hours let alone eight of them!
I do have a lunch date with Aidan to look forward to today though. Some bright light in the murkiness of work.
Love,
Angela
Oh - it is Karen's birthday today! Happy birthday wee girl.
At 4pm the other Cub leader texted me to say he couldn't make it for the Cubs session. I texted Mike to call him up for active duty and he heroically shunted aside his work he had lined up and came and ran the Cubs session with me. He did a great job - on top of his threatening man-flu (so he tells me). Thanks, Mike.
Sigh - it does make it a bit hard when the other Cub leaders can't make it. I think we need to recruit more leaders.
Busy few days at work - busier than usual. And parent/teacher interview this afternoon. I think I will need to go back to work after that to get through a bit more. I have a two hour session today to run and an eight hour one tomorrow. Yikes! I am unsure I can talk for two hours let alone eight of them!
I do have a lunch date with Aidan to look forward to today though. Some bright light in the murkiness of work.
Love,
Angela
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