The Wednesday with nothing much

Hi,

Well, I rode home from work and enjoyed the sunshine.  Played with Lulu when I got home and Toby took her for a walk.  Mike got home not too long after that and we had leftovers.  Ransacked the fridge.  Woot!

Josh came to collect Lulu - but we might get her for a sleepover next week too.

Watched an awesome documentary on the Icelandic Sagas - but fell asleep in about 10 minutes.  Hahah.  I have asked Mike to put it on again another night.

So, other than that, nothing much at all.  Told you.  Hahahah.

Rode into work this morning and the sunrise was gorgeous again.  Another nice day coming up.

Have a great day yourself - wherever you are.

Love,
Angela

The Tuesday that was just like a Monday

Hi,

After a hectic day at work, I hurtled out of the office and met Toby's bus.  He was heading into town from home for an appointment.  And I had to get there too.  We worked out if he caught the 14, he would arrive at his appointment with 4 minutes to spare.  So I planned to jump on his bus as it went past my work.

Well, as I left and waited for the bus, I seemed to recall this appointment getting changed.  So I checked my email and sure enough - it was now at the end of April (during Toby's last week of school holidays).  So I jumped on the bus, found Toby and then giggled as I told him there was no appointment and we should jump off and catch another bus home.

We went to JB Hi Fi just for fun and then headed home.  I rolled my egg down the hill so I could eat some.

Here we go!

And it disappears off the edge and drops onto bricks - ouch!

Anyway - Mike got home fairly soon and we cooked tea and ate yummy spag bol.  Mmmmm.  Watched a documentary and then I fell asleep.

Got up for my run and enjoyed the calm morning.  Toby was awake at the same time and fed Lulu - just after I had fed her.  She didn't complain.  Mike walked Lulu and I caught the bus in.

Now my brain has to remember it is actually Wednesday this morning.  Not Tuesday.  Hahah.

Have an awesome day.

Love,
Angela

The Easter with an awesome tramp

Hi,

What a lovely Easter.  After dragging Mike from the pub on Thursday after work (he was with my work colleagues - hahahahah), we ate Indian takeaways and went to bed so full.

Friday was bliss.  I stayed in bed reading until midday!  I was in heaven!

But Saturday we were up and about, getting ready for our tramp.  We left late, but it didn't really matter.  We had a leisurely lunch in Greytown and by the time we got to the Waiohine road end it was 1.55pm before we started the tramp.

Waiohine swing bridge - one of many - but the biggest!

The day was overcast, but warm.  Shorts and t shirt weather.  I had never been into Totara Flats from the Waiohine gorge end.  The signs to the road end were a bit less than over abundant.  Lucky Mike knew the old name for the place.

But, the tramp itself was great.  Gnarly track - definitely not easy.  The topography was easy enough - no big steep hills or anything.  But roots and rocks everywhere.  So the terrain was a little harder.

Through the bush

Toby carried more than he has before.  He had his clothes, his tent (the one person one) and his sleeping bag and a bit of food.  And 2 litres of water.  He had the new day pack from Josh, and it seemed a bit uncomfortable for him.  We might need to look into that more.

Another bridge

On the way!

We got to the grassy flat area of Totara Flats around 6pm and found the perfect campsite in the first big stand of manuka on the side of the river.

Stats from our tramp

Lots of stopping on the way there

Our route on the map

Best camp site ever!

Mike had to use the camping stove to light the campfire.  The wood was just a little damp.  There had probably been a light shower of rain through the day before we got there.

Toby cooked up lots of bacon on a stick over the fire.  And Mike used the Jetboil to cook our back country dinner.  Honey soy chicken.  Not too bad!

Cooking bacon!

I was ready for bed at 8.30pm but the boys stayed up a bit later, playing with the fire.  They spent a lot of time ensuring it was out before they went to bed.  I reckon Toby was asleep in minutes!

Morning after!

Next morning was stunning.  Mike and I enjoyed the morning.  The gassy flats were perfect for his morning coffee.

Mike enjoying his morning coffee

We eventually packed up the tents and headed back.  We didn't get away until 10.45am!  Lazy morning.  But we hooned back in comparison to our walk in.

Heading back

Through the bush

Scrambling up

Great views

He's like the little mermaid

Almost back

Back at the car by 2pm.  And we found Andrew there after his amazing tramp from Ohau end to here.  Woot!  See his blog about it here

We had dinner at Sally and Andrew's place after we dropped Andrew off and headed home for a good clean.  Hahahah.  Toby stayed at home and we caught up with the wider family and ate the yummiest lamb.

Next morning Mike and I met up with Lesley and Wally for brunch.  We went to Joe's Garage and I introduced Wally to the best iced coffee in Wellington.  Consistently good.

Iced coffee goodness with Wally at Joe's Garage

We also tried one of their cold brewed coffees.  That was surprisingly good.

Good stuff!

Back home via the supermarket.  Well, Mike dropped me at Ange's house.  And I saw Sapphire on Ange's bed and couldn't resist a photo.  So cute!

Sapphire is camouflaged

Back home and off to see Batman v Superman in 3D with Toby.  It was a little long and not overly great.  And this is coming from a Batman fan.  Toby liked it.

Back home to do the ironing and get that sorted for the week ahead.  And fell into bed and watched some documentary on Iceland with Mike.  Wonderful.

Have a brilliant (short) week!

Love,
Angela

The Wednesday with nothing much

Hi,

I got held up at work and didn't leave for ages.  But I was pleased to ride home.  It wasn't too windy.  And it was in fact, still super warm.

Lulu was happy to see me.  Toby perhaps less so.  Hahahah.  I made dinner for Toby and he seemed to scoff that down happily.

Mike actually came home relatively early - I thought he was out much later.  So he also ate his dinner.  I tidied up a few things around the house.

Josh arrived and took Lulu away again.  I hope she doesn't mind the sleepovers she has with us.

I slept like a crazy woman - right up until my alarm went off.  In fact, it was around 5pm in my dream and I remembering wondering why my alarm was going off at that time.

Anyway - it was a howling gale with lashing rain this morning, so I came in on the bus.  Oh well.  Half day at work today.  I have a parent teacher appointment for Toby in the afternoon.

Have a lovely Easter.  We're off tramping (the three of us) Saturday/Sunday.  Weather might be ok.  Off into Totara Flats.  For fun.

Love,
Angela

The Tuesday with nothing much for me and Toby

Hi,

Well, Sally's birthday went past in a blur of work.  Maybe I should have a day off when it is anyone's birthday that I know?  Ooohhhh.  That could be good fun to consider.

I did manage a run yesterday at lunchtime with Mary.  That was hot work as it was quite warm.  I rode home in the baking heat after work and cooked chicken enchiladas.  Mmmmm.  Mike has one for his lunch today.  he was off doing tramping stuff and watching Bharat present on Nepal at the TTC.

I had a lovely surprise in my inbox this morning when I got to work.  Sun (used to work here) now works with Gags and they caught up and Gags showed him this photo below as proof that he met me here in Wellington.  How cool is that?

Brekkie last week with Gags

And my ride into work was lovely.  The sunrise was stunning this morning.  We live somewhere pretty cool.

Sunrise on my ride to work

Hope your day is good fun.  I intend to have a big cup of tea now and get loads done before the day becomes frantic.

Love,
Angela

The Monday with Mike back and Dawn French

Hi,

Happy birthday to Sally today!  Enjoy the week!

Toby came into town for his dental appointment after school.  Note to self:  3.45pm is too early for an appointment.  Toby got there at 3.55.  Anyway - the dentist said he had lovely teeth.  No issues.

So we popped over to get sushi for Toby.  St Pierre's make it for him fresh when they have run out.  Very nice of them.  Toby loves it!

Best table in the food hall, he says!

From there, we caught a bus home.  But we'd only just got on when Sally rang.  Her news was rather interesting.  Tonight was our Dawn French night out.  We'd bought the tickets back in October last year, and for some reason, it wasn't in the calendar.  Hence, we forgot.  Hence, Mike was in the South Island on a tramp instead of coming out with me.

Toby came out instead.  I was a bit apprehensive.  Anyway, we parked close by and waited for Sally and Andrew.  Found our seats and sat back and were entertained for 2 hours.  She delivered a funny show.  As Toby described it, it was funny all the way through.

Drove everyone home.  Found Mike safely at home, really tuckered out.  And slept like the dead until Lulu arrived this morning.  Hahahah.

It's supposed to be lovely for Sally's birthday.  24C and no wind and blue skies.  Bring it on.  High tomorrow is 26C.  Woot!

Have a great day.

Love,
Angela

The weekend in Wellington

Hi,

I got an iced coffee on Friday with Steph.  It was a good chance to chat to Steph about work things.

Colonial - good iced coffee

I rode home after the company meeting and Toby and I relaxed for the evening.  Yay.

In the morning, Toby came into my room and we sat there, reading and watching videos on You Tube for a bit.  I was expecting the bedroom furniture to be delivered at 10am, but it arrived at 9am.  Toby and I leapt out of bed and the delivery guys took over.  They were in and out within 25 minutes.

Bedroom looks great!

I hauled the mattress back into the bedroom after cleaning things up and the room looks good now!  I went out grocery shopping and we had a lovely dinner of pan fried fish.  Toby scoffed it all down.

I made the mistake of buying the Lewis Road iced coffee from the supermarket and just having a small sip before tea.  That turned into a glass, and before I knew it, I had finished the entire bottle.  It did mean I was awake until 1am.  Reading.  But I'll let Mike know I was pining for him.

Fish for tea

Sunday I got up early for my run.  I took a new route along Mairangi and up Cecil and down Euston.  Hills are great!

Ange collected me for an archery session.  It was my first time shooting at 30m.  I did ok. Not quite as precise as at 20m.  And still not accurate.  But I never missed the target.

Back home and Toby and I played with the bed base for a bit.  When I say played, I mean we moved it up and down the stairwell a couple of times before we realised it was never going to get into the spare room like that.  So we had to take it back up, out the front door and around the side of the house.  Phew!  Awesome effort, Toby!

From there, we ducked out of the house to visit Josh and the boys.  Hamburger time!  Mmmmm.  And for dessert the boys made Tim Tam milkshakes.  Toby was pretty happy about that.

Tim Tam milkshakes

 Back home as my late night the night before had caught up on me.  I was completely yawning.  Collapsed into bed and slept really well.

Mike gets home tonight.  Yay!!

Have a wonderful week ahead.

Love,
Angela

The Thursday with bump on the head Toby

Hi,

Well, I had just eaten my sandwich in the middle of a busy day at work, when Toby's school rang me.  He's fallen over and bumped his head and now was lying outside student services with an icepack on his head.

So I juggled some things and caught the bus over to his school.  He seemed ok by then, but I had arranged to work from home anyway, so we sat and waited for the bus.  I did see his school photos and he looks amazing!

My son - the male model!

So, if you want a copy, let me know.

Got home and worked and then I cooked tea and Mike got home and ate it.  So, it all came together nicely.

Mike packed for his long tramp this weekend.  Mt Angelus.  Should be great fun!  Meanwhile Toby and I have the weekend to ourselves.  And I have plans!  Woot!

Have a great weekend yourself.  Time for tea for me.

Love,
Angela

The Wednesday with dinner with Fran

Hi,

I managed to get an iced coffee in the morning when I caught up with a work colleague.  Any day with an iced coffee is a good day.  Right?

Mixed Business iced coffee goodness

After work, Fran and I met at Charley Noble for my birthday treat.  We shared aracini and then both got the lamb shoulder and it was superb!

From there we walked to Capitol and we both had a chocolate fondant dessert.  I took a photo just for Roz, because it was such a gooey, yummy mess and Roz had a less than gooey one here once.

A close up of dessert - just for Roz

From there, I dropped Fran at her bus and then walked to the tramping club to meet Mike.  We actually stayed to see the photo competition and it was good fun.

Got back home and totally crashed into bed.  Lulu woke up early and I eventually gave in and fed her and walked her.

Saw Gags this morning for brekkie at Home (at Mike's work).  Had a good chat.  Hopefully we see him again soon in Wellington.  Or I visit Canberra!

Have a brilliant day!

Love,
Angela

The Tuesday with Gags

Who knew that lunch with someone could make you so happy?  I caught up with Gags for lunch today.  We figured out that we hadn't seen each other since October 2006.  So, that is pretty much easily the best part of a decade.  He still looks the same.  Being married and having two wee girls (twins!) hasn't changed him as far as I could tell.

Hi Gags!

Mike joined us and we chatted away and found out what he's been up to.  Turns out he is working at Mike's work.  Wellington, eh?  Funny wee place.  I worked with Gags in Melbourne and after we left there to come here, he left to live in Canberra.  And there he stayed.  Now he works for Microsoft and does CRM.  Great stuff!  Good on him.

The rest of the day went by fairly quickly after that.  I rode home and cooked tea for everyone.  Steak and salsa and potatoes.  Everyone scoffed it down.  We went for a nice long walk after tea all around and about Wadestown.  Saw Hamish doing some gardening.  Checked out the Side School and played on the strangely undersized equipment for old time's sake.  Went to the dairy for some lollies. (Well, Toby may have done those last two things).  Back home and off to bed.

Nostalgia

I loved that day!  Friends.  An evening walk.  A bike ride.  Yep - pretty happy.

And this morning I got up for my run and then Lulu arrived for a sleepover.  She was pretty happy to come over.  Josh will collect her tomorrow night.  He has a frantic travelling schedule.

I have dinner out with Fran tonight to celebrate my birthday.  Woot!  I am looking forward to that.  Seems as though I am pretty lucky with people around me to make life just that little bit special when you need it.

Right.  Time for tea.  And to read Andrew's blog about his weekend.  SAR weekend

Have a lovely day.  We've finally got a smattering of rain here.  First time in a wee while.  But it is still warm.  Had to sleep with the window open again last night.  Which was fine until some hedgehogs started fighting at 4am.  At least, they may have been fighting.  Hahahah.  Making an awful noise anyway.  Woke Mike out of his snoring so it must have been loud!

Love,
Angela

The Monday with nothing much but today is lunch with Gags

Hi,

Well, my Monday came and went.  Just another day, really.  I rode home and enjoyed that - it hasn't rained despite it threatening rain.  So it was a good ride home.  Not too windy.  I cooked tea for the boys - butter chicken from scratch (Sally and I went to an Indian cooking evening and I learned this recipe and it is a huge favourite at our house).  Both boys said it was one of my best.  For some reason, we like to rate my butter chicken.

Anyway, Mike booked a lot of flights for us.  So we have some holidays planned.  Just for school holidays really.  But at least that part is sorted.  Just need to finalise things like accommodation and other wee details.

As I was going to sleep, an old friend messaged me.  He's in town this week.  He lives in Canberra now.  I worked with him in Melbourne.  I don't think I've seen him since we left Melbourne in late 2007.  I am having lunch with him today.  His name is Gags - short for Gagendeep.  Since I've known him, he's now a husband and father.  Can't wait to catch up with him.  How cool!

Right.  Time for tea now.  Have a brilliant day.

Love,
Angela

The weekend with peace and quiet

Hi,

Mike headed off to the South Island for a tramp to the Richmond Ranges on Friday after work.  The ferry had seven metre swells to contend with.  Wow!

Friday's iced coffee

I did catch up with Steph for an iced coffee on Friday - really early.  I think it was an impromptu brekky.

After work, I rode home and relaxed with Toby before a good night sleep.  We were up early for Toby's haircut and then we had Maccas for breakfast on Lambton Quay and then followed the Pride Parade from Frank Kitts Park to Waitangi Park.  Such a lovely atmosphere.

Pride Parade stretches out ahead

Toby looking at a solid chain

Toby and I then scooted off to Joe's Garage where we met Mark.  Iced coffee capital of Wellington.  Mark and I chatted away as we haven't really seen each other lately (he is a client of work's).  From there we all went to the Embassy.  Mark and Toby went to get us seats and I waited and met Christine before heading in.

Saturday's iced coffee

We had tickets to Follow the Leader, with Mai as one of the panel.  Plus Justin Duckworth and Harold Hillman.  It was fascinating.  I was especially impressed with Mai saying we're all leaders at the start and Justin ending with how we can all be leaders (e.g. by not tolerating conversations that you disagree with and standing up to say something).  But the stuff in-between was also really good.

As the panel came onto the stage and sat down, Mai shielded her eyes from the glare of the lights and peered around the audience.  When she saw us, she waved - so we waved back.  And then Peter (the chair) told everyone that they would start, after Mai finished waving.

And at the end, they whisked the panel away for book signing, but Mai weaved her way up into the audience and gave me and Toby a hug.  She measured herself against Toby for Jack's information and then she was off.

 From there, Toby and I went shopping and then caught a bus home and did nothing until the evening when we watched an episode of the X files.

Sunday's iced coffee

Slept like the dead!  Up early for a run then off to archery with Ange.  An ok session - I was a bit distracted.  But my final round after almost two hours was probably my best.  Caffiend was full so we ate across the road.  Caffiend is better.  My iced coffee was a bit too sweet.

Dropped Ange off, picked up Toby and went to Uncle Bill's Wholesale shop and got purple hair spray.

Purple hair day

 Yes - Toby lost a bet at school and has to dye his hair pink.  Purple seemed close enough.  And it isn't permanent.

He's off to school like that today.  Funny chap.  We hope it means he thinks more carefully about bets.

The week lies ahead - and looks awfully busy.  Mike is probably also going tramping the coming weekend too.

Have a fabulous week.

Love,
Angela

The Thursday with nothing much

Hi,

Really, not a lot happened yesterday.  Work was work.  And I rode home in blustery conditions.  I can't really say if it was a northerly or a southerly because no matter what way I turned on my bike, it was a fierce headwind.  Like being inside a washing machine.  But with wind instead.

I got home and Mike wasn't far away after visiting the accountants for taxes.  Yucky job - thanks Mike.

We cooked tea and Toby did his homework and then we relaxed before bed.  Well - I relaxed before bed.  Mike had to pack for his weekend away to the Richmond Ranges near Nelson.  And he didn't do that until 9pm or so.  Hahah.

Anyway - he's off on the ferry after work.  And Toby and I have the weekend before us.  Haircut for Toby.  Pride parade.  Mai's session for the festival.  I asked Toby if he'd go to the Ethiopian restaurant with me after Mai's talk and he agreed.  Buy jeans for him.  Archery with Ange on Sunday.  And a run in there somewhere.  And that's it.  A nice, quiet weekend.  Better put housework on the list.

Ok - I hope your weekend is fun too.  Whatever you get up to.

Love,
Angela

The Wednesday with Christine's birthday dinner

Hi,

Hahahahah - when I have something to look forward to like dinner out with friends, it makes the day crawl along.  So, work yesterday took three days to finish.  Phew!  :-p

I did get out with Steph for an iced coffee, and we achieved a few things in our meeting.  So, all was not lost.  The quiz session with Ange is best left unmentioned.  Obviously we're not paying attention to current events at all.

Colonial iced coffee with Steph

Anyhow, I finally made it through the day and rode home.  I left Toby's specially bought sushi in the fridge at work and only remembered halfway up the hill.  I did contemplate riding back too work for it - but only briefly.  My mind computed the evening and I saw a chance to drive back and get it, take it home and then drive back for dinner.  So I kept riding home, a little annoyed with myself.

 When I got home, Toby informed me he had eaten McDonalds so I didn't need to drive back to work and get hias sushi.  So I thought I'd get it on my way home from dinner.  Drop in at work and pick it up, along with my running gear.

So, I got changed and left to collect Christine from her house.  Aidan was already at Avida and had secured a table.  We got there just after 6.15pm and caught up.  Chatted away about the Olympics (turns out Aidan had no idea what curling was all about) and hip concerns in the past that made Aidan feel faint, and stints in the army (not me - and not Aidan!).  Loads of things, really.  It was fun to listen to the chatting.

I dropped Christine off home and popped into work.  Not!  Turns out I left my swipe card at home.  So I went to the supermarket and bought a few crucial groceries (like milk!) and then drove home.  Got my swipe card and left the groceries with Mike and went into town to get my running gear and sushi.

Toby was already in bed when I got home (or the bath - but almost bed) so he now has the sushi in his lunchbox today.  I hope he likes it.

Slept well.  Woke to a howling wind.  The ride into work was only scary once - so not that bad. It is supposed to worsen during the afternoon - probably about when I ride home.

Ok.  Time to have a cup of tea.

Enjoy your day!

Love,
Angela

The Tuesday with a Nepal presentation

Hi,

Well, I am conscious of the fact that this blog has not yet published the Nepal adventure from last year.  It is almost ready to go - just needs some editing now.  Honest!  But, before you get to read about it, it appears that I get to tell people about it.  Mike had double booked himself for the Nepal presentation to I stupidly said I'[d do it to help him out.  And then he said he hadn't double booked at all (merely had the wrong night listed) but asked if I would still do the talk.

Fortunately Phillipa said she'd talk with me.  And despite not seeing the slides until I showed them during the talk itself, Phillipa did an admirable job selling the Nepal trip to the prospective punters in the room.  Bharat and Issy came to listen, as did some of Mike's mates from his previous Nepal trip.

I chose lots of selfies of Toby for the slides.  He had his own camera and it was a great decision to let him have one.  He took photos of different things to us.  It was good to see it through his eyes.

Mike and Toby on the trek

Toby and me in Kathmandu

Toby selfie

Happy Toby

Hot Toby

Fish Tail

Cool Toby

Cute Toby

Cheeky Toby

Anyway - we ubered home and it was uneventful.  Best uber ever.  No crashing red lights or breath testing.

I slept the sleep of the dead.  Couldn't even wake up for a run this morning.  My body is in denial.  It needs sleep, I think.

Right.  Time for a tea.

Have a wonderful day.  I think I am going out for tea with Christine and Aidan to celebrate Christine's birthday.  After work, today.  Perhaps.

Love,
Angela