The Thursday with packing for a camping night

Hi,

Yesterday was a tiring day and I got home and veged out.  That meant Burger Wisconsin for tea.  Yummo!  And then I packed for my camping trip Friday night with Christine.  We're going to sleep in her horse float.  How could I pass that opportunity up?  Having never slept in a horse float, it is obviously something I need to try.

Busy at work.  I drove in so I can get away on time and battle the Friday traffic out of town.  The weather has changed to a southerly but it is pretty feeble by Wellington standards.  It rained this morning for the first time in ages, but it was just a sprinkling really.

Saturday is frantic for us.  Toby has a haircut.  I drive back from Feilding and the horse float night.  I have a spa appointment at 1.45pm.  We have a BBQ from 2pm.  And family dinner from 6pm.  And I need to buy presents in there somewhere too.  Yikes.

Sunday is free.  Free!  And Mike and I have Monday off together to celebrate our twentieth year together that week.  Nice.  And it just gets better and better knowing him.  I am pretty lucky.

Have a wonderful weekend.
Love,
Angela

The Wednesday with our first BBQ

Hi,

'Tis the season...  for barbecuing   Choice.  I dragged the cover off the BBQ last night and took the lid off and groaned.  Then I cleaned the hot plates and found a gas bottle and eventually I was able to cook dinner! It was scrumptious but by the time I was eating Kapiti vanilla ice cream (oooohhh - it's good!) I was more than a little chilly.

Yesterday was so beautiful here.  At lunch time I went into Midland Park over the road from work and ate a bowl of strawberries.  I asked for two bowls, one with my ice cream (no no yucky red sauce stuff!) and one with my strawberries.  They laughed and said I was the first bespoke serving for the day.  I sat in baking hot sunshine with some colleagues and listened to the Wellington Ukulele Orchestra giving a free concert.  It was such a lot of fun.

Of course, The Hobbit world premier was also on yesterday afternoon so all the eyes of the world were on Wellington.  The day was superb and the helicopter shots of Wellington did a great job selling this as paradise on Earth.

Anyhow, we had a great dinner at home.  Jack was staying over because his parents were busy.  We went to sleep with our red lamp in our bedroom providing a night light for Toby.  His night light was too bright for Jack.  I never had any bother falling asleep.  Even with the bright moon lighting up our room from behind the punga.  But perhaps it did affect me because I had an amazing dream!

The dream had me travelling with my suitcase on the train from Karen's house to the airport.  I got halfway and thought I might be late for my flight so I rang Mike.  He panicked I was going to be late (which of course panicked me, because Mike never worries about being late) and said I had to catch a taxi the rest of the way.  To... Gatwick!  Which, is an airport in London.  This astonished me.  So much so that Mike says my brain compensated for me being late and missing my plane by providing the ideal "get out of jail card" in the shape of a Zombie Apocalypse.  Yep.  Zombies.  Ended up with all my worldly possessions in an abandoned farm house in the middle of nowhere.  Had to barricade ourselves in at night against the zombies.

One day some men broke in and fiddled with the electricity.  They short circuited the system and the light went out.  Aidan T turned up and said they had tripped the circuit board and wandered off to flip it back on. Meanwhile, I looked out the window and saw a massive tsunami coming over the hills.  Mike and I braced ourselves in the house and Toby went out for a better look.  Fortunately the house floated (it is a dream) and Mike picked Toby out of the water.  We landed eventually and wandered around with some survivors.  I saw people carrying their gear.  One family were riding a giant Dachshund - all their gear lashed on, and the Dad with some reins.  Weird.  Weird.  Then I woke up.

I may be going a bit mad!  Hahahah.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela

The Tuesday with Cubs

Hi,

Has something moved New Zealand 600 km north or something?  Because this weather is not usual.  Hahahah.  Another gorgeous day - I am so enjoying this.  I am wearing a short sleeved blouse at work.  Yep - hot today.  The weather, I mean, of course.  ;-)

We had Cubs last night.  I rode home and tidied and cooked dinner for me and Toby.  Mike got home and showered and then started preparing his meal for his tramping club website buddies.  We left with Jack in a whirlwind of activity and had a lot of fun at Cubs.  Well done, Henry (new leader).  It was a great night.  A badge night (book reader and computer badges) with a water fight at the end.  Choice!

Back home to eat dessert (that was what Mike's dinner party was up to - perfect timing on my part) and then to bed.  Toby is reading my Kindle at the moment so I lay in bed staring at the ceiling and now know exactly what I am buying Toby for Christmas!  I picked up a real book and read that.  How quaint!

The ride down the hill this morning was great fun.  Mike was with me.  We tailed a 4x4 all the way down.  It isn't often a car can go faster than us.  And this was not one of those times.  In fact, I am sort of chuffed that I left a Ducati in my dust on Monday morning on the way down (he only passed me on the flat at the bottom) and I tailed a Porsche down yesterday.  Hahahah.  Love the bike down the hill.

Have a brilliant day!  Hope your weather is as good as here!

Love,
Angela

The Monday with nothing

Hi,

I rode home and got dinner ready while Mike sorted out Toby's homework (Mike rode home a few minutes behind me).  And then I was off to the supermarket for essentials (away for the weekend = no food in the house) and back to finish off some work before bed.  And that is the extent of Monday evening.  Boring, huh?

This morning is so lovely here.  We have had a really nice run of gorgeous weather.  I can't help be concerned that this is summer.  20 C yesterday and 19C forecast today.  It doesn't get a lot better in the height of summer here than this.  It might rain for the next three months!  Hahahah.  Still, it is lovely.

Tonight is Cubs night and we have a water fight and a badge night.  Should be fun.

Have a wonderful day!
Love,
Angela

The weekend with a work social function

Hi,

Friday saw us collect Toby from the library and head off immediately to Ruapehu for a work social club weekend.  We had a great drive, leaving behind threatening clouds and driving into sunshine.  We took the Desert Road to Whakapapa so we could drive past the erupting volcano.  As you do.  We saw a lot of steam still, but nothing much else.  Got to the Forest and Bird lodge at 9pm and the others promptly served dinner for everyone.  Choice!

We ate and went to bed.

Up the next morning and Mike went off mountain biking.  Toby and I elected to stay and "guard" the lodge.  Right.  We actually were more than happy reading and eating.  Mike got back after white water rafting on the Tongariro river and has munched up two fingers and his wedding ring.  The river guide said he's seen a lot of men lose their wedding rings when they fall in.  Mike was in no danger of that, as he got his fingers wedged between the raft and a cliff.  The ring was mangled into his fingers.  He has a nice mess but it looks like he will survive with fingers and ring intact.  Close call though.

Ouch!

We went to the Chateau for dinner and I had a fabulous meal.  My haloumi starter was great and my beef eye fillet was simply the best.  Toby behaved very well (he was the only kid on this weekend).

I took Toby back to the lodge and the others went out to the pub.  Toby and I were fast asleep when the others returned and they hardly woke me at all.  So they were well behaved.

Lovely brekkie the next morning and then tidy and leave.  We went home via Whanganui - a great road!  I might switch routes now!

Kebabs at Bulls and home.  Mike took Toby to the Scots Christmas service and I tidied the house (in vain really - it needs more than two hours work!).

Andrew did a great time around Taupo on Saturday.  5 hours and 8 mins.  I hear he is already plotting sub 5 hours for next year.  Crazy man!

Time for the week to commence.  Busy, busy.

Have a wonderful week.
Love,
Angela

The Thursday with packing

Hi,

Rode home in the absolute best evening ever.  What a gorgeous day in Wellington.  Mike made dinner and we ate and relaxed before packing for the weekend.

Threw some stuff in a pile and shoved it in a bag.  What art is there to packing anyway?  Drove in this morning and parked next to Andrew's car.  He's off to ride around Taupo this weekend.  Here's hoping the timings work out and we catch up on Sunday for the drive back.  Good luck, Andrew!

Have a great weekend.  I am looking forward to spending time with Toby.  Turns out Lucy and I are the only women on this trip and that Toby is the only kid.  Hmmmm.  Hahahah.

Love,
Angela

The Wednesday with nothing

Hi,

I rode home and drove Benjamin home (he looked after the boys - three of them!) and wished we could just keep going.  The wee convertible was lovely, the weather amazing, and the road to Taupo beckoned!  But responsibilities such as family, work and the fact Benjamin probably wouldn't enjoy a spontaneous trip to Taupo meant I just sang loudly and dropped him off and went home to cook dinner.  Hahahah.

Mike went to tramping club and eventually rode home at 9.30pm.  Almost at the same time Jack's Dad collected him.  Late night for the boys.  Still, it all meant we slept really well.

Time for a cup of tea.  I'm busy at a new client site today.  More talking in front of strangers.  Why am I doing this job again?

We have a short day at work tomorrow because we're off to Ruapehu (don't mind the erupting volcanoes - possibly two of them!) for a work social function.  And because they had space, I am taking Toby.  Hmmmm.  He may get an education in poor behaviour resulting from excessive alcohol consumption.  But I intend to take him away and do things with him (I am thinking hot pools, cafes and reading and watching movies).

Have a great day.

Love,
Angela

The Tuesday with no Cubs for me and Cubs for Mike

Hi,

Not too sure how Mike ended up at Cubs and I didn't.  Hahahah.  We rode home together for the first time in ages and quickly made dinner for Toby and Jack (and us).  Then Mike took them to Cubs and intended to come right back and start his homework.  But I got a text from Jo saying Mike had volunteered to take her place for the evening.  So, I had a bath! Made me relax which I guess was the reason for being at home.  Just no Mike is all.

We all had a restless night - Toby woke up and then couldn't sleep.  I think it was midnight before we all dropped off to sleep.  Groan.

But this morning is the most glorious morning here in Wellington.  No wind.  The dew has evaporated and left and misty haze over the entire region.  Blue skies.  Can I go home now?  So nice.  It'd make everyone want to live here.

Have an incredible day!
Love,
Angela

The Monday with nothing

Hi,

I rode home and cooked dinner for us.  It was perfect timing as I had just dished it up for me and Toby when Mike walked in the door.  It was kinda yummy too.  We ate a family pie (not all of it!) and it was scrumptious.  But Toby was cross they had put vegetables in it.  He's my son!  Hahahah.

Did lots of homework with Toby and Toby had a bath as a reward.  See how much we like baths in our house?  We can use them as bribes.  The novelty will wear off soon, but until then, we're all going to be squeaky clean!

Busy at work still.  Last full day at the current client and I start with a new project tomorrow.  Ooooo.  Excitement.

The ride down the hill was wonderful this morning.  The sky is clear and not much wind.  However, the forecast says a southerly change at lunchtime.  No sign as yet.  Lovely out there.

Have a fantastic day.
Love,
Angela

The weekend with not much - except a bath!

Hi,

We had a quite lazy weekend - the last one before Christmas with not very much on.  Toby had two birthday parties (and loved both of them) and Mike had to work (but only did a few hours in the end).  So, let's see how the weekend panned out.

Friday I took the bus home with Mike.  Mike won movie tickets at work and I won a customer service voucher for $50.  So the Gilberts cleaned up at the company meeting.  It did delay the getaway a little, hence the bus temptation.

Home to sort out dinner and then watch something and then sleep!  Saturday I lazed around in bed for hours reading.  Heaven!  Mike got me breakfast in bed.

Up to get presents for the party and drop Toby off at Lanes bowling for William's party.  I managed to convince Mike to take me to Joe's Garage for an iced coffee.  Yum!

I dropped Mike off at work and went home to tidy.  Went to collect Toby at 4.30pm (and have a cup of tea with Louise) and then back home.

Sunday was another lazy start followed by frantic afternoon activity.  Toby had another party at 11.30am at Lazerstrike in Tory St.  So Mike and I got a few things done then collected him. Then we were off to visit Sally and Andrew and go to Mitre 10 for the plumbing supplies.

Toby watched most of Lord of the Rings (part 1) and we took it home to watch the rest at home.  Mike sorted out the plumbing expertly and after dinner Toby had the first bath in our new bathroom.  He spent ages in it.  Then it was our turn (it is a two person spa bath).  We may have spent ages in it.  Hahahah.  I think it made me very relaxed.  In fact, we all slept like logs that night!  Toby slept in until 7am!  And I slept right through to my alarm.  More baths please!

Busy at work again this week.  No mischief making for me!

Have a fantastic week!
Love,
Angela

The Thursday with nothing

Hi,

Well, I rode home and put paid to the idea it was getting easier.  I had no energy and plodded up the hill.  Can you "plod" if you're riding a bike?  Anyhow, the sentiment is correct.

Got home and made dinner for Toby and waited for Mike to get home.  He ate Toby's leftovers (hahahah - it's like recycling) and I left to get Burger Fuel burgers and meet Christine at the place where she keeps Victor.  We chatted for a bit and ate the burgers.  I found out how Vanuatu was (she just got back) and she rode Victor while I kept up stupid observations (I know nothing about horses but nevertheless, made "helpful" comments to Christine which I think she tried to ignore as she concentrated on technique).  I brushed Victor afterwards (the only part I vaguely can help with) and then we went to the back paddock to sit and reflect on life for a bit.  However, the paddock had four horse occupants and they were very interested in these nighttime visitors.  For me, sitting on the ground with four large horses snuffling in your hair, it was a little disconcerting.  Hahahah.  It was a short reflection!

Back home to bed.  And this morning Mike and I rode in and got a bit wet.  Oh well.  It's not cold!  And it's not windy!

It's the weekend!  Yay!  And I wan looking forward to some downtime.  Bring it on!

Have a great weekend.  Toby has two birthdays parties to attend.  Mike has to work.  And fix the plumbing in the new bathroom.

Love,
Angela

The Wednesday with nothing

Hi,

Loving my ride home at the moment.  Not too sure I am getting any faster, but it certainly seems to be getting a wee bit easier.

Benjamin stepped into the Wednesday early pickup panic yesterday and collected the boys from the library. With my go live week in full swing and Mike's consulting work kicked off and Yingjie's new job, we couldn't get away early.  Ta Benjamin.  And he has volunteered to do Wednesdays until the end of the year (well, when he's off to Germany for a few months over Christmas/New Years).  Phew!

Went to collect Mike from tramping club too at 8pm.  That was nice.

Not too sure what else has happened.  We're booked on heaps of flights over Dec/Jan (Toby is off to Auckland for a week with Jack before Christmas) so the airlines are getting a lot of money from us.  Ouch!  We need to sort out Toby's birthday party plans (I am leaning towards a lunch, with cake and then a movie).  We have a bunch of Christmas functions to attend.

Yep - the holiday can't come soon enough.

Have a wonderful Thursday.  The first song on the radio this morning was Pink's new one called "Try".  Yep - always good when I like the first song.  Mainly because it is the only song I hear in the mornings (listen to the National radio in the kitchen) so it stays in my head.  Good when it's Pink, baaaaaaad when it's Justin Bieber!

Love,
Angela

The Tuesday with something

Hi,

I rode home yesterday and it was rather pleasant.  Mike drove home and took all my gear.  So my ride was unencumbered with gear.  I fairly flew up the hill, and was only about 5 minutes behind Mike (he did drop off some keys on  the way home mind you).

Cubs was okay.  I was shattered from work and really shouldn't have gone.  But it was my night to run it.  It was the usual Tuesday night rush.  Get home, cook dinner (even for Jack), bundle into the car, open up the hall, run Cubs.  At least Mike did the drop off afterwards.  I got to relax with Toby (he practised his chanter - yes - he is learning the bagpipes!!!).

A gorgeous morning here today.  Lovely ride down the hill with Mike.  Another busy day at work though.

Have a fabulous day!
Love,
Angela

The Monday with Toby sick

Hi,

Wee Toby is fine.  I think he has been a little under the weather for the past three or four days and the weekend's exertions caught up with him.  I think he'll be fine at school today.  He had a day full of relaxation yesterday, sleeping and reading and finally playing on the computer.  I, meanwhile, tidied the house and I am quite satisfied at how much I got done.

Cubs night tonight - I hope it goes well.  I have to fill in a lot of time because the planned activity won't take terribly much time I suspect.  Games, games, games.

Rode in this morning and missed any forecast rain.  It's supposed to be quite cold here today - southerlies.  Brrr.

Better get stuck into work.  Seems like a lot of email to read.

Have a great day!
Love,
Angela

The weekend with tramping and Jessica and dinner

Hi,

A whirlwind weekend once again.  Friday night I got home and we packed for the tramping while waiting to go and collect Jessica from the airport.  Jessica had a party to attend and was flying down unaccompanied for the weekend.  We had to meet her on Friday off the plane and take her home to sleep at our place before dropping her early at Max's place (Max is her uncle).  Early because we had tramping commitments before we had Jessica commitments so we couldn't spend longer with her.

Toby was excited to see her and waited at the arrivals gate.  But, oddly, he just let Jessica walk right past.  Mind you, she also didn't notice him.  Anyhow, I whispered "Jessica" and Toby realised then.  Hahah.  Took her home and we were all asleep quickly.

Up early and we dropped Jessica off and then went to the station.  Mike went to collect the tramping club van and I stayed to buy last minute food from the new World and make sure everyone arrived and was ready.

We drove to Wainuiomata and Toby got McDonalds for breakfast (and tempted others) and then we dropped off Mike's party at Hine Road.  Toby and I then drove the van to Catchpool and waited in the glorious sun for the others to arrive.

We left at about 10.45am and got into Paua Hut around 2.30pm.

All the children climbed this tree on the way in so we got some nice photos.  Ryan was the oldest (next to Toby) and Sam was the youngest (at the other end).  It was good to see Gustav and his mother again after so long.  Gustav has just started school.

We had amazing weather on Saturday for our walk in.  Toby ate all his tramping food within the first few hours.  Funny!

I think I need to get Toby a pack that fits him better.  My old climbing daypack won't tighten enough around his waist.  And I had loaded him up with quite a bit.  Poor wee chap.

Dinner was a huge success.  I had just the right amount of pasta (1kg for 7 adults and 7 kids) and everyone gobbled it down.  Most had seconds and it was all gone.

Down to the campfire and fireworks.  Mike's trip had arrived around 4.15pm and cooked their tea after ours.  Another medium trip came in as well and camped outside too.

Only one of us slept outside - so the hut was quite full.  But with a lot of kids, space wasn't an issue.  Mike slept under the stars and only got his sleeping bag wet from condensation inside his pack liner.

We left early the next morning and were at our cars by 12.15pm.  Yingjie took me home with Toby and bought duck eggs on the way.  Toby and I had a great omelette when we got home.  Yummy.

I veged for a while instead of cleaning up the house.  Then we went to Sally and Andrew's for family dinner.  Caught up with people.  Then off to collect Jessica and take her to her flight.  Then home to collapse into bed.

Turns out Toby got a bit sick and I have stayed home today to look after him.  The house is now tidier than it has been for a while (since Mum left!  hahahah) so not all was lost today.

Still haven't finished, so I'd better get stuck in.

Have a great week.
Love,
Angela

The Thursday with user group session

Hi,

Happy birthday to Vivienne today!  Yay!

Busy times at work but I had a nice ride home after the user group session.  And I bungeed  leftover pizza (in its box) to the carrier at the back of my bike for the ride home.  Pretty sure no one would mistake me for a pizza delivery boy, but you never know.  Hahahah.

Had a great sleep - I was exhausted mind you.  And today is absolutely gorgeous here.  No wind, blue skies. The sort of day you dream about in August here, and don't believe will ever come.  But here it is!  Choice!

Have a fantastic day!  We're busy this weekend.  Mike and I are both leading tramps.  And the weather looks amazing.  How good is that?  Jessica also arrives for a sleepover tonight and I have to somehow get the washing and tidying done.

Love,
Angela

The Wednesday with nothing for me and tramping club for Mike

Hi,

I rode home yesterday evening after finishing three hectic days at work where I had to stand up in front of people and talk.  Lots.  Not exactly my favourite thing in the world.  But it all seemed to go quite well.  And now it is out of the way, I can concentrate on panicking on other things as it is our go live date for our project tomorrow!  Aarrrgghhh!  18 months or more at our end and longer at the client's end!  So it is a big deal.

Tonight is the user group night as well.  And I have a tramping trip to lead this weekend (but Mike has done a lot of the organising for that - ta Mike).  So it is a busy few weeks for me.  Keeps me out of mischief.

I videoed myself opening our old bathroom door last night.  All the way.  Wide open.  Let me know if you want me to email it to you.  Hahahah.  Evidence!

I hear there was a result in the American elections.  I suspect some people I know will be quite pleased with the result.  Mike stayed up until midnight reading the internet (felt like the entire internet!) and analysing the results.  I fell asleep after the first graphic he read with lots of red states and some blue states and where Mike explained the population of the blue states means Obama won more seats in those states which outweighed the red states with 2 seats.  Oh.  I see.  Yawn.  Snore.  I know more now about American politics than I ever thought I should know.

Mike is also organising the Christmas holidays.  We need to book flights (we have one leg booked - so now we're going to be in Sydney on Sat Dec 22nd - just need to ummm...  get back again!).

Nice ride in this morning - the weather is improving.  Hurtled down the hill.

Have a wonderful day!
Love,
Angela

The Tuesday with no Cubs

Hi,

I piked from Cubs due to my workload.  Yep - I must be soft.  But it did give me a chance to relax and prepare for today's final marathon day of training.  So, all good decisions I am sure.  Toby had a blast building shelters at the back of Karori Park.

Our bathroom is practically done now.  The wiring is done.  Our floor has underfloor heating and all three of us loved the feel with our barefeet.  Toby lay down on the floor!  Hahahah.  The spa and towel rail need to be made live today by the sparky and the upstairs bathroom towel rail outlet capped off.  Of course, there is still the issue about the waste water.

But the biggest news - far bigger than our bathroom almost being finished.  The sparky has moved the upstairs towel rail down to the new bathroom.  And this means...  Wait for it!  I am so excited.  Our top bathroom door opens fully now!  Yes!  I know.  It's amazing.  I can die happy now.  I just stand outside the top bathroom, and I push the door slowly, slowly, until it is flush with the wall.  Open wide.  And then I close it again.  And do it all over again!  Revelling in the ability to open the door fully.  I take a lot of pleasure from the simplest things.

Have a fantastic day.  Obviously it won't be as good as mine.  It's not every day you finally get a fully opening bathroom door.  It's been 5 years waiting.  Happiness is mine - all mine!

Love,
Angela

The Monday with nothing

Hi,

If you can call talking for almost 8 hours in front of people "nothing", then my Monday was nothing.  I did sound a little husky by the end of it.  Let's see what it's like another similar stint today and almost the same again tomorrow.  I might be hoarse.  Hahahah.  Puns nicely with my blog yesterday.

Rode home in lovely weather Monday evening.  Mike went grocery shopping and we cooked a yummy dinner when he got home.  Toby ploughed through his homework and we watched fireworks around the neighbourhood for a bit before we caved in and pleaded with Mike to let some off.  So we went outside and let off about 5 fireworks (the neighbour below shouted at us after the first one - seems to me he should be grateful we let off only 5 fireworks every 3rd year or so, and not shouting like a demented man about one cool fireworks).  We're doing some at the weekend on our tramping trip.

Off to bed to listen to the main Wellington fireworks display.  Cool!

And our bathroom is finished.  Only needs the electrician (apparently he is coming today!).  Well, and the outside plumbing done.  The toilet waste pipe empties into midair still and the bath and sink into the same midair.  But it looks mighty fine.

Looks great, doesn't it?  It feels quite a bit bigger than our upstairs bathroom.  It'll be great when we can "move in" so to speak.  We all want to try out the bath!

Oh - so sunny outside now.  I left as the rain started this morning and had a cold, wet ride in.  I can't begin to tell you how cold I got.  My hands were freezing and I could hardly work the brakes.  That only happens occasionally in the winter.  Yep - a typical Wellington day.

Time to get stuck in.  Have a great day!
Love,
Angela

The weekend with... work

Hi,

Got home late Friday and picked up Burger Wisconsin on the way home so the boys were happy to see me.  Hahahah.  We watched a documentary on the search for Absolute Zero together.  I like having no TV (it's been broken since Mum was here) - we get to watch documentaries instead of Cartoon Network.

Up early Saturday to go to work.  It was pouring with rain all day.  Mike dropped me off at work and I stayed there for ages until I got my work done.  The boys came in for lunch with me.

Home again to try on a sari for the party.  Mike and I watched You Tube videos for ages to try and figure it out.  In the end, Mike said I should wear jeans.  Hahahah.  He does have photographic evidence of me wearing it though.

The party was great fun.  One of our directors turned 60 and had a big bash!  It was at the Indian temple in Kilbirnie and had yummy food, a magician and fireworks.  Oh, and lots of Indian dancing.  I enjoyed it.  Toby danced well too.  Good on him - there were a lot of kids at the party, but he was one of the few dancing.

Up early Sunday to drive up to Feilding for my first horse event.  Christine wanted some support and I was happy to drive up and back singing loudly in the wee green car.  My conversations with Christine's horse friends went like this:

Other person:  So, do you have horses?
Me:  No.
Other person:  [pauses]
Me:  See that horse there?  It's brown.  In fact, all these horses are brown.
Other person: [ends conversation]

I know that horse people don't call any horses "brown".  They are called "bay", or "dun", or "chestnut".  They all look brown to me.  Apart from grey ones.  Hahahah.  Conversation killer.  At least it means they know where I stand with horses when I call them all brown.  As one of them put it "You know what end bites and what end kicks".  Yep.

It was a lot of fun.  Christine and Victor did well and looked the part to my uneducated eye.

They got lots of ribbons.  And I like yellow!  (Third place is yellow).  And yellow and blue is even better. (Second place is blue).

Drove home and Toby was off at a play (Potted Potter - a spoof on Harry Potter).  I sorted out the tramping for this coming weekend with Mike and we had tea and Toby got home and we went to bed.

Busy week for me.  Phew!
Have a fantastic day!  Weather is gorgeous here this morning.  Loved my fast and furious ride down the hill.  Saw a pedestrian step out into the path of a cyclist.  No one injured but they both got a fright.

Love,
Angela

The Thursday with dinner out

Hi,

I woke up Thursday morning and panicked that I had forgotten that I had arranged dinner out with Ilske before she heads off to Europe for three weeks.  Oops.

I frantically emailed Vivienne to try and get Benjamin's services and texted Ilske to confirm.  Ilske's phone seems to be on another planet; she got my text but I never got her reply.  So later that day, I emailed her three accounts.  She replied yes - so all go.  I rang Benjamin and got him at short notice (ta Benjamin) and ordered pizzas and we were off to dinner.

Phew!  I was starving too.  We went to Ancestral and had a really nice dinner.  We will catch up with Ilske upon her return around Dec 2nd to hear how it went.

Back home to take Benjamin home and into bed.  I am pretty tired and Mike is flat out at work.  I think I need to work over the weekend too as I have major work commitments Mon, Tues and Wed.

A holiday would be nice.  Christmas is just a little bit too far away right now.

Have a fantastic weekend.
Love,
Angela

The Wednesday with Halloween

Hi,

Yesterday was another gorgeous day in Wellington and there was a cruise ship in, so another whole bunch of people now think Wellington is paradise on Earth.  There was a wind yesterday that wasn't there the day before.  But it is warm, so no bother.

My ride home was lovely - the sort of weather to make you wish you live twenty kms away.  Hahaha.  That doesn't happen too often on the ride home.  It can be hard riding up that hill on some days.  I was early because I had early Toby pickup from the library.

I worked from home while the boys did their homework.  Then at 5.30pm I started making Toby into a zombie for Halloween.

Not too bad for 20 minutes effort.  He did his clothes himself.  We went around to Christine and John's house for dinner (yummy chicken baked with feta - I must make that!) and then went trick or treating with Jack and Jake (from their class) and wee Tom.  John met us with Socs (John had just touched down from Auckland) and we wandered around for a bit.  Mai turned up and we continued for a bit.  Then we peeled off and Toby stayed with Jack and we returned to Christine's house for a cup of tea and Tom to bed (he has his tonsils out on Friday - wow!).

I went to pick up Mike from tramping club and then Toby from Jack's house.  Phew.  Threw Toby into the shower to remove the zombification evidence and then to bed.  We all slept really well.

The ride in today was great!  Low cloud but no wind and dry roads.  It is supposed to fine up.  Good!

Right - have a wonderful day.  Seems like everyone I know was in Auckland yesterday.  So I might get lunch with some of them today if I am lucky.  Sun trap maybe?

Love,
Angela