The Thursday with work trivia night

Hi,

It was our work trivia night last night and we had a great time.  During the day I caught up with Mike and Andrew at lunch.  Mike headed home at 5pm to be with the boys (who had come into Te Papa and decided against a movie).

I stayed to attend our work trivia night.  In a team with Dave, Rex and Jo and we did pretty well.  Jo was on fire!  Actually, we all made valuable contributions.  Yes, even Rex!  Hahahah.  We came third.  Oossshhhh!

Made sacrifices though

I did have to make sacrifices though.  Dinner was from Subway.  Yuck, yuck!  Hahahah.  I can't stand the smell of Subway.  It is better away from the actual shop premises, so I can tolerate it like this.  But really, I don't see what anyone likes about it.

Anyway, Mike kindly came into town to collect me.  And I was home at a reasonable time.

Had a great time.  Thanks to Nick and his mate and the social club for organising it.

Hope your weekend is fun.  I am off to Palmerston North for a bike ride.  Mike and Toby have a day walk on Sunday.

Love,
Angela

The Wednesday back at work

Hi,

Ouch!  That was a tough day on 4 hours sleep.  Hahahah.  And I am sitting here at work this morning in an unironed shirt.  I am slightly horrified.  But I am wearing a jersey so I hope it either takes the wrinkles out before I get too hot, or it stays freezing cold and I can keep it on.  Either way - it's like a lottery!  Do I feel lucky?  Do I?

I rode home and got changed and headed out to the airport with Toby to collect Jack.  We were early so we drank hot chocolate at Mojo and chilled out.  Jack arrived and Toby was very excited.  He was chatting away with Jack and thoroughly enjoying the company.

We drove home via collecting Mike and burgers for tea.  I left them to it and bought groceries (my husband was busy tramping over the weekend to deal with things like grocery shopping, ironing or other household tasks).  Got home and put things away and watched you tube videos on the London underground with Mike for a while.

Right.  Time for tea!

Have an awesome day.

Love,
Angela

The long long weekend on the Sunshine Coast

Hi,

I had a lovely time visiting my parents on the Sunshine Coast.  I arrived bright and early at 8am on Friday morning after an uneventful flight.  I was starving though - no time for breakfast with the huge queue at Virgin Australia in Wellington.  It meant I had to rush through customs and get on my flight.  And of course I didn't buy a seat with food.

I landed at 8am and by 8.15am I was sitting in my rental car waiting for Karen's flight to land from Sydney at the domestic terminal.  I drove around there and collected her and soon we were off to visit Mum, Dad, Tyler, Abby and Toby.

Got there and chilled out for a bit with them in the pool.  But later we went to Coolum Beach and had a great time in the warm surf beach.  We must have jumped about for over an hour.

Somersault Tyler

Heading to the surf

Playing on the rocks

Next morning we got up and had a yummy breakfast - pancakes.  Then off for some stand up paddling boarding.  Just me and the girls.  They gave me a few pointers from their lesson a day or so earlier.

I head out bravely

After only falling off when I had either Abby or Tyler standing on the front of the board, I convinced Karen to come on.  She shrieked a lot!  Hahahah.

Karen got on my SUP

Sunday was a day spent driving to and from the airport really.  Karen, Tyler, Abby and I went via Sunshine Plaza for some shopping for me and then we got to the airport just after 3.15pm.  As we drove out of Dunes Court, we watched a young woman (maybe she was around 15 I guess) ride her bicycle along the right hand footpath.  I only noticed her because her helmet matched the colour of her bike.  Anyway, as we approached the t intersection at the end of the street, I slowed down as I was unsure if Karen wanted to go left or right (depending on whether we wanted to get some groceries now or later) and all of a sudden the young cyclist was riding across in front of me without looking for traffic.  I slammed my brakes on and stopped about a metre in front of her.  She was astonished to see a car on the street by the look on her face.

Anyway, the rest of the trip went without incident and they caught their flight home and I got lost going back to Peregian Springs.  Ended up on the Bruce Highway instead.  But I found a road that cut across to Coolum.  Yay!  I'm a local now.  Drove through sugar cane fields.  Like a real Queensland route.  I remember visiting Cairns many years ago and seeing them set on fire.  That was pretty cool.

Dawn service

 Up super early for the Dawn Service at the Coolum RSA on ANZAC Day.  Dad decided to join me at the last minute.  Very well attended.  And a lovely service.

Iced coffee fun

We had lunch at Coolum at The Coffee Club and then back home for a yummy tea later on.

Toby's molten mud cake hot chocolate

Tuesday we went into Noosa River for lunch and a library book collection before Toby and I headed to Brisbane for our flight.

Another day another iced coffee

Flight went well and it was so good to see Mike at the airport.  I am back at work after 4 hours sleep and hoping the day is an easy one.

Thank you for a wonderful break!  I had such fun.

Love,
Angela

The Wednesday with dinner out and tramping club meeting

Hi,

Oh - I had a brilliant evening after work.  I met Sally and had a slight hiccup on the bus.  I was meant to pay for Sally with my snapper.  But I forgot to ask for two people and I snappered on.  So Sally sat down and I fished around for money for the fare.  But I had none (Toby got my emergency money on Sunday for his flight).  So I jumped off the bus.

Caught the next one.  When I snappered on it said "penalty applied" - whatever that means!

Anyway, we got to Capitol and Andrew joined us almost immediately.  I ate the lamb rack and it was really nice.  Also had the wonderful chocolate fondant pudding.  Mmmmm.  Runny in the middle, like it should be, Roz!  Hahah.

Said goodbye to Sally and walked to tramping club with Andrew.  Some chap called Henry talked on his cycle tour in Feb/Mar from Cape Reinga to Bluff.  He did it in 26 days.  I really enjoyed his chat.  He found it quite tricky in parts.  His first day biking down 90 mile beach was a nightmare and he nearly gave up then!

After that Mike and I ubered back home.  Fell into bed after doing some washing and slept like the dead.

Tomorrow I am off to Brisbane.  Woot!  Got a car hired and will meet Karen at the airport and drive up.  Can't wait.  Should be great fun.  Hope my cold behaves itself on the plane.  I am full of snot.  Hahahah.

See you on Wednesday again!

Love,
Angela

The Tuesday back at work

Hi,


Back at work from the lovely weekend was tough.  And I had back to back meetings the entire day.  Even through lunch.  The people booking meetings must be sadists.  And have no idea how much I can't miss eating!

Anyway, my bow arrived from Auckland and the parcel was huge!  I had to catch a bus home with Mike because there was no way we could easily walk and carry that all the way home.

We got home and Mike cooked tea.  Mmmmm.  Caesar salad.  Then the evening just disappeared really.  Guess it was because we were late home.  I read in bed for a bit before falling asleep.

Wore these for the first time in ages.  Thought for the day:  people sometimes lie

Mike rode his bike in this morning!  Woot!  Everyone should encourage him!

My cold is progressing a bit.  But it doesn't seem to be much worse, so maybe I am on the mend.  Better eat lots of fruit today.

Mum texted and said that Toby is doing well over with her.  I can't wait to see everyone.

Have a great day!

Love,
Angela

The weekend in Auckland

Hi,

Today is a happy birthday for Vince!  Woot!

What an amazing weekend!  Mike drove me home after a drink or two after work on Friday.  Steph was keen to catch up.  Mike packed for his weekend and we got burgers from Burger Wisconsin.  Ange joined us for the dinner and then kindly dropped us off at the airport.

We caught the late flight up to Auckland and got our shuttle bus to the Apex car rental place and grabbed our car and headed off to Whenuapai.  We got to Lesley and Wally's place around 11 and we weren't too long out of bed.

Hannah slept in the lounge to give up her bed for us.  And the next morning we left with her to take her and her friend (Abby - we collected her from town) to the airport.  Mike dropped me off at the archery shop and I bought a bow with my birthday money!

New bow!  Very happy!

Should see me right for a while!

The woman in the shop watched me shoot a bit too and gave me some tips.  My bow is around 28# weight.  Should see me right for quite a while.  Just need to head out to the range a bit now.

Iced coffee #1 - I forget where

I met up with Roz and Anne at The Library cafe in Onehunga.  We chatted away and caught up on each other's news.

Iced coffee #2 The Library Cafe

We watched Anne ride off on Angus (I covet Angus - he's a Yamaha R6) and Roz and I wandered around finding presents and looking for my boys.

Eventually I found both and said goodbye to Roz and we were off to Jack's party.  We had a great time there.  Toby had a nerf fight and then a swim.  Mike joined in the nerf fight - but not the swim.  We helped a bit with preparing food.  And then I ate - constantly - the entire time.  From around 2pm to when we had dinner with the family at about 6pm.

Eventually we headed off back to Whenupai and then it was karaoke night.  We all started out, but by 11.30pm it was just me, Wally and Lesley left.  And we may have continued until around 12.30am.  Hahah.  It was such fun!

Karaoke night!

The rain had set in by Sunday.  But the next morning we cooked breakfast and packed up.  We left Whenupai and headed to the airport.  Toby flew out to meet Gramps at Brisbane airport and then up to Peregian Springs to visit.  Tyler and Abby are there, so he should be having a lot of fun.

Bye Toby!

I was wondering if karaoke had made my throat a bit a scratchy.  It wasn't too bad, but I could just feel it a little sore.

From the airport, Mike and I drove out to Half Moon Bay near Bucklands Beach.  I visited our old house in Glennandrew Drive.

8 Glennandrew Drive

Far fancier garage!

The park has huge trees!

From there we caught the 4pm vehicular ferry to Waiheke Island and found our apartment on Onetangi Beach.  It was lovely.  We watched television and ate yummy cheese and crackers.

Next morning my throat was a little worse.  Uh oh!  But I went for a lovely run up and down the beach.  Heaven!

Mike joined me for brekkie and an iced coffee.  Mmmm.  The smell outside in the cafe was awful so eventually we headed inside.  Apparently they were cleaning something out somewhere close by.

Iced coffee #3?  I am losing count

Muesli!

Walking with Mike on Onetangi Beach

After a walk with Mike after breakfast we checked out of our room and drove up to Stony Batter.  Had a lovely walk up there.  There are WWII tunnels - but they were closed.  Shame.

A concrete missile!

Not sure why this cut out soldier was here

Scenery is lovely

Stunning day

Climbing out of the gun pit

View out to the Coromandel

From here we went back to the beach and read all afternoon under a huge pohutukawa.

Our Monday afternoon under a Pohutukawa - reading!

However, when we got up to leave, Mike got a migraine.  We stopped to get Neurophen for him and then waited for our ferry.  Headed to the airport in peak traffic but our plane was delayed so we had stacks of time.

Mike tried Carls Jr burgers and thought they were ok.  My burger was actually really good.  By now my cold had kicked in and my nose was dribbling my sinuses out!  Hahahah.

In fact, on the flight home, one of the hosties looked at me and asked how far I had travelled today.  I must have looked jet lagged.  "Oh yes - I have come all the way from Waiheke Island".  Not exactly a long way.  Hahahah.

Caught a taxi back home and slept like a zombie.  How do zombies sleep?  Not sure.  But I slept well.

Short week this week.  I have Friday off too.  Heading to Sunshine Coast for some fun in the sun with Toby and my family.

Have a cool week!

Love,
Angela

The Thursday with dinner out with Fran and Roz

Hi,

Ok - I did have dinner out with Fran and Roz last night (Thurs) but because Roz was involved there is no photographic evidence that it took place.  Hahah.  You just have to believe me.

Anyway, work was work.  Although a highlight was lunch with Sally, Andrew and Mike in the sunshine.  The Gilbert genes shone through when both Sally and Mike pulled out their own bread and cheese and salami and lettuce and whatever else and ate their lunch (I do note that Andrew also ate it - so he is taking on some Gilbert characteristics!).  Meanwhile I ate my store bought sandwich and drink.

Mike has had his home-made sandwiches a few days in a row and is raving about how good it is and how he is going to eat it every day.  Great!  Less time for me in the morning making his lunch.  Yay!  I get 7 more minutes back in my morning.  :-p

I have also asked Andrew to pencil in a Rees/Dart tramp within the next year.  Feb 2017 or late Spring this year.  I have wanted to walk that track since I was around 15 years old.  Now is the time.  Which will mean not only training for Round Taupo through this winter, but also getting in some long tramps with a heavier pack than I am used to.  Oossshhh!

Anyway, I left work yesterday and met Roz outside her client and we waited for Fran to collect us.  Off to the Spruce Goose in Lyall Bay and we had a scrumptious meal and enjoyed our catch up.  Laughed our way through yummy food!  Caught up on the news.  Roz has holidays planned.  Fran is planning holidays.  I have holidays planned.  Yep - a lot of holiday talk.

Thanks Fran and Roz for the awesome evening.

Fran dropped us at the airport and I chatted to Roz until Mike came and collected me.  Isn't he sweet to come out to get me?  Also collected my running gear from work and got it washed so I can take it away this weekend.

Off to bed and I am sure I fell asleep while Mike had photos spread out over the bed.  And he may have even been talking.  I remember saying that only direct questions to me would keep me awake and then I fell asleep.  I think he might despair at my inability to keep awake when  he is keen to unwind and chat.  Poor man.

This morning is stunning

As I ate my breakfast this morning I enjoyed the sunrise.  We're having a spell of my favourite autumn weather.  Love this time of year.  Wait.  No.  I love winter.  Oh, and spring.  And summer.  Ok.  I love any season really.  For different reasons!

But, time to ramp up the day.  I have my tea.

Awesome weekend planned.  We're all off to Auckland tonight.  Toby has Jack's party tomorrow and then he is off to Brisbane on Sunday.  Mike and I have a romantic weekend in Waiheke Island and we're back late Monday in Wellington.

Last day of term for Toby today.  Oh - Mike embarrassed him last night when Toby was chatting to his friend online.  Mike was saying things and Toby's face went red.  So cute!  And his friend sounded nice.

Right.  Now it's time to start the day!

Love,
Angela

The Wednesday with nothing much

Hi,

After a busy day at work, it was nice to head home on my bike.  I got home and Mike wasn't very far behind me on the bus.  When he got in, I ironed my purple shirt for "Purple Shirt Thursday" because after the tramping on Sunday I only ironed enough shirts for a few days.

Mike cooked tea for himself and Toby but I wasn't feeling super well so I went to bed and read a bit before falling asleep.

This morning I ran into work. Such a beautiful morning.  And I am going out for tea after work with Fran and Roz.  Roz is down for work.  Looking forward to that quite a lot!  So I didn't want to ride my bike because it would mean it wasn't home for tomorrow's ride.  And I didn't want to take the bus because that is boring.  So - Mike is bringing in my work clothes and I just ran it.  It was great fun!  It took me 25 minutes.  Pretty sure I could get a bit faster!  Might try it again soon.

I'll shower when my clothes get here and take on the day!

Have an awesome day wherever you are.

Love,
Angela

The Tuesday with a train ride and takeaways

Hi,

I managed to get away for an iced coffee catch up with Ed at work.  We went to Gasoline and had a rollicking good chat.  I think Ed's brain is wired quite similar to mine.

Happy with my iced coffee

I added this photo in because I look a little cheeky

Anyway, Toby arrived at work after school and sat in Celia's seat while he "did homework" and I finished some things.  Then we wandered around trying to find him some sushi - but all the places were shut.  And Toby only likes chicken teriyaki and avocado.

We met Sally and walked down to the train station and found ourselves on a full train to Taita (some place in Upper Hutt).  Toby got up out of his seat for an older man - I was very pleased at his upbringing.  Hahahah.

The passengers around us were rather talkative.  At one stage my seat partner told us we were on the wrong train and this one didn't stop at Petone.  That made the woman sitting in front of me anxious and she started worrying about being on the wrong train.  But other passengers corrected the first woman - as did Sally.  In fact, Sally's look suggested the first woman was just being silly.  Made me laugh - but only under my breath!

We did in fact stop at Petone and we all walked to Pitstop Petone - up the other end of Jackson St.  Had a lovely walk.  The rain that threatened did not eventuate.  Got the car and picked up Indian takeaways.  Just as we got back in the car, Mike rang and said he was coming to tea with us.  Woot!

Got back to Sally's house just as a really bright light on a bicycle came down her street.  Turns out Andrew rides with a lighthouse on his handlebars.  Awesome light!  Perfect timing.

We may have eaten the onion bhajis before Mike got home.  But we held off the mains until he got there.  Great fun.  And we watched "What we do in the shadows" for a laugh.

Got home and I tell you what!  I slept so well.  I feel like a super woman this morning.  After the restless sleep the night before.  Heaven.

Now, if I can just get a cup of tea around now, I should be sweet!

Have a good day!

Love,
Angela

The Monday with back to work

Hi,

Well, my Monday was pants.  No question about that.  But I blame the awesome weekend, right?  How can a working day compete with that sort of fun?

And Mary is no longer in the team.  So that made Monday less bearable than usual too.  Oh well.  Maybe more tea is the answer?

I met Mike outside the building he was meeting someone in (Stout St one) at 4.30pm and we drove over to Toby's school for parent teacher interviews.  Met three of his teachers.  Toby must come across as bright because they all said that.  But he also comes across as easily distracted.  Means we didn't really learn anything new because we know he is bright and we know he gets distracted like a magpie with bright shiny things.  Hahaha.  Well, maybe distracted with anything on the internet.

We got home and I cooked tea for the boys.  We chatted about the parent teacher interviews.  Had a quiet evening before bed.

I went to sleep nice and fast after Mike did his homework.  But he woke up at 1am choking and I could not get back to sleep.  So I didn't get up for my run this morning.  Groan.  Not too sure I will be at my peak today.

But, after work Toby will come here and we'll meet Aunty Sally and catch the train to Petone.  Pick up our car (that is where Mike is now - dropping it off for its WoF) and grab some Indian takeaways and enjoy dinner with Sally and Andrew.  Looking forward to that.

Just had a decent jolt of an earthquake here too.  First one for a wee while that I have felt.  5.1 over in Masterton.

Have a brilliant day.  I am going to get a cup of tea.

Love,
Angela

The weekend with tramping

Hi,

What a great weekend! Mike left on Friday night to head to Waerenga Hut with Andrew and a whole bunch of other Nepal trekking people.  They missed the gate though so they had to park outside the park.

Meanwhile I got a message to collect a spare Galant key from Sally in the morning and move the cars inside.  Ok!

Toby and I got up fairly early on Saturday and finished getting ready.  I went grocery shopping so we had some key things for the weekend.

Phillipa texted an emergency - she had no sleeping bag!  So I found my old one and threw that in.  She got to our house and we re-packed and then discarded her day pack for a bigger one.  We got everything into that easily and drove out to the Dowse for a lovely brekkie.

Iced coffee at the Dowse

Just take the photo , Toby!

From there we grabbed a key from Sally and then headed to the park.  Found the cars at the entrance and then Phillipa and I ferried them in.

We waited for a wee while for Graeme and Margaret and then we all walked in together.  Didn't take too long and we were at the hut.

Mike's lot had opted for the tough walk and climbed Mt Matthews that day.  They got back around 4.30pm.  Big day for them as they left the hut at 8am.

Waerenga Hut

It was good to see Isy again, but the rest of the people were from Mike's first Nepal trip.  We need more of our 2015 punters along!

Mike got pleasantly drunk before tea and at one point asked Isy and Phillipa how they knew each other.  That was really funny.  But he also lined Phillipa and me up for the climb up Mt Matthews the next day.  And I said yes.  Andrew then said he would go with us and Mike would lead the others out.

Toby had fallen asleep in his tent before tea.  He woke briefly around tea and then went back to his tent and was a little restless until he fell asleep.

So I went to bed early given we were heading up Mt Matthews and getting up early.  Phillipa, Andrew and I were away at 7.30am.

Early morning start up the river

We reached the saddle at 10am.  And Phillipa decided against the final summit bid in lieu of waiting in the sun with her food and water.

View south from the saddle

View to Wellington and the South Island

Phillipa enjoys the view - of the sky!

Andrew and I pushed on and scrambled up to the top.  We got there at 11am and took some awesome photos.  Lovely.  941 metres.  It's the highest one close to Wellington.

Andrew at the top overlooking Palliser Bay

This is what I came for!

Back down to the saddle by 12 and we had lunch with Phillipa and chatted away to a few other people making the walk up.  Including a friend of Mike's - Roger.

Back down at Waerenga Hut by 2.15pm and out at Catchpool carpark by 3.50pm.  Ooossshhhh.  What an amazing day!  40,000 steps according to my Fitbit.

Anyway - thank you to Mike for suggesting it and Andrew for coming along.  He climbed it twice in two days!  Wow!

Last week of term for Toby.  We have parent teacher interviews this evening.  Busy.

Right.  Time for a tea!

Have a wonderful week.

Love,
Angela

The Thursday with dragon boat team dinner

Hi,

Well, what a long day!  I managed to get a Starbucks iced coffee (a frappaccino I think they called it) with Sally from work.  It was a little on the sweet side, so not quite as good as it could have been.  But it wasn't too bad.

Starbucks iced coffee

I worked through until 5pm ish when a bunch of us left work to head to München for our dragon boat team dinner.  Celebrating success - and all that.  

I ordered the Schweinshaxe - because that is what you do in a German restaurant.  And I am still full!  Believe me!

But I won an award.  Most improved (female) paddler.  James T won the male equivalent and as the euphoria of receiving his own award died down, he wondered if that meant he was really pants at the start of the season.  Hahahah.  I am happy though.  Cool.

And thanks to Celia for coaching the team.  Best dragon boat coach I have ever had!

I won an award - and Celia photo bombed me!

As the evening continued and we chatted away, Mike joined us.  He had been organising tramping stuff at the Thistle Inn.  His pad was on the table and it caught Serge's eye.

Caught Serge's eye

So he sketched one of the characters on the first page.  Cool, eh?

Serge drew

Right.  I have my tea.  Time for get stuck in.  So busy.

And we're off tramping this weekend.  Mike is off tonight, and Toby and I will meet Philippa tomorrow morning for a nice brekkie before we walk in.  Orongorongos.  Easy walk.  I intend to read lots.  Don't tell Mike!

Enjoy your coming weekend too.

Love,
Angela

The Wednesday with a movie with Christine

Hi,

Another busy day at work - but I did get away with Celia for a while and got an iced coffee.  Mmmmmm.

Mixed Business iced coffee goodness

After work, I met up with Christine and we walked around the waterfront to Reading cinemas and I had a lovely dinner of a choc top ice cream at the movies before "Hunt for the wilder people" started.
I had no expectations for the movie, but I had heard it was good.  The reviews were right.  It was a great movie.  Laughed out loud so often.  Great actors.  Learned a new word.  "Skux".  Seems it's a good word to describe something awesome.  Ok.  Best keep an ear out for that in daily use.

As we left, my bus came into the bus stop across the road so I hurtled onto it.  Christine never got a goodbye hug.  But I am hoping to do a repeat movie and dinner evening next week with her.

Got home and tidied up after the boys evening making sushi for themselves.  It seems it went well apart from them using the completely unripe avocado in the fruit bowl instead of the lovely ripe ones in the fridge.  My avocados ripen in the fruit bowl and then move to the fridge once ready.  Apparently Mike and Toby had no idea that's what I do.

Slept like a dead person.  And caught the bus in.  So I am not at my peak just yet.  There is nothing like a bike ride to wake you up.  And it didn't happen.

I am also out late tonight with the dragon boating team.  We're celebrating the season with a dinner out.  Off to München.  I rather fancy a Schweinshaxe.  Mmmmmm.

Have an awesome day.

Love,
Angela

The Tuesday with coffee with Ilske

Hi,

Well, I did manage to get away from work briefly and catch up with Ilske.  Had a nice iced coffee at Gasoline with her.

Gasoline!

We've planned our 4WD trip away together.  The weekend of May 14/15 I think.  Yay!  It's my birthday present.  Can't wait.

I rode home and enjoyed the chance to get a bit of exercise.  I have also said yes to going to Japan in late August/early September with Iona and Col.  So I need to start riding my bike at the weekends now to get super fit - both for our Japan bicycle tour and the Round Taupo event.  It's going to be a big year!

I cooked tea when Mike got home and we tried to do one of Toby's maths homework problems.  We gave up after a while.  I am going to ask Celia - she has a degree in Maths.  If she can't do it, no one can.

The day is gorgeous here.  I was so happy to see the early morning sky that I took a photo.

This morning's sunrise

And then took a photo of Toby's creation.  Wonder Womans head on a dinosaur body.  Interesting.

Toby's creation

Right - time for tea and to get absolutely stuck into work.  Busy, busy.

Have a fantastic day.

Love,
Angela