Hi,
After a weird day at work, I managed to squeeze in a gym session before catching the bus home. Mike was delayed at work so I packed for my weekend away and scavenged for food.
I talked to Mum and Toby. They had been on a cruise up the river that day - and Toby now knows how the other half live with their fancy houses along the river. Today it sounds like they might be catching the bus to Noosaville to catch a movie.
Got a long day at work ahead and then home to switch my tyres over to knobblies and then head out to Sally and Andrew's house for a sleepover. We're getting away early tomorrow morning (Friday) and heading up to Taupo area for a mountain bike adventure. Three days of fun in the New Zealand bush. Can't wait!
Have a brilliant weekend. See you in October!
Love,
Angela
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
The Tuesday without Toby
Hi,
Looks like Toby got to Brisbane fine and Dad collected him. Mum said he has grown again since she last saw him in April.
I think the wee cat is missing Toby. Smudge seems to be running around looking for something. I reckon it is Toby she is missing.
Anyway, Mike and I got home and I cooked tea. We had a yummy Indian flavoured lamb mince dish with rice. The yoghurt had dates mashed into it. It was pretty good.
Mike had a lot of home work for tramping stuff. But we eventually got to sleep - with the cat roaming around.
This morning the cat jumped onto our bed right where my face was. At least she was kind enough not to use her claws to dig in. Hahah.
Mike and I walked into work this morning for something different. It's warm here - but overcast and threatening rain.
Hope your day is a good one!
Love,
Angela
Looks like Toby got to Brisbane fine and Dad collected him. Mum said he has grown again since she last saw him in April.
I think the wee cat is missing Toby. Smudge seems to be running around looking for something. I reckon it is Toby she is missing.
Anyway, Mike and I got home and I cooked tea. We had a yummy Indian flavoured lamb mince dish with rice. The yoghurt had dates mashed into it. It was pretty good.
 |
| Indian lamb mince with yellow rice |
Mike had a lot of home work for tramping stuff. But we eventually got to sleep - with the cat roaming around.
This morning the cat jumped onto our bed right where my face was. At least she was kind enough not to use her claws to dig in. Hahah.
Mike and I walked into work this morning for something different. It's warm here - but overcast and threatening rain.
Hope your day is a good one!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
The Monday with nothing much except packing for Toby
Hi,
Last night we were supposed to get to bed early so we could get up at 4am and take Toby to the airport. Unfortunately some things proved tricky in getting us all to sleep.
Doro popped around with our dehumidifier and Zoe (her dog) met Smudge. This caused anxious moments. Not for the cat. For Toby. It must have been on his mind, because at 11pm, Mike was told to read the list of rules for us looking after Smudge while Toby is away visiting my parents.
No Dogs is in large writing.
Anyway. we got Toby away successfully this morning. I miss him already and he hasn't even landed in Brisbane yet.
Right. Time to have a cup of tea and get stuck in. Hope your day is a good one.
Love,
Angela
Last night we were supposed to get to bed early so we could get up at 4am and take Toby to the airport. Unfortunately some things proved tricky in getting us all to sleep.
Doro popped around with our dehumidifier and Zoe (her dog) met Smudge. This caused anxious moments. Not for the cat. For Toby. It must have been on his mind, because at 11pm, Mike was told to read the list of rules for us looking after Smudge while Toby is away visiting my parents.
 |
| Toby left us rules for looking after Smudge |
No Dogs is in large writing.
 |
| Salmon for dinner |
Anyway. we got Toby away successfully this morning. I miss him already and he hasn't even landed in Brisbane yet.
 |
| Gearing up for Halloween already |
Right. Time to have a cup of tea and get stuck in. Hope your day is a good one.
Love,
Angela
Monday, September 26, 2016
The weekend in Wellington and Mike away tramping
Hi,
Mike headed off Friday for his tramp and had quite a time with the river being up for his easy tramp to Paua Hut. He might just blog about it separately.
Toby and I had fun together. We watched Point Break (the new one) on Friday night before falling into bed. I may have read for a while.
Saturday we were up for Toby's haircut and then grabbed a few groceries for lunch and then back home. I headed out for my appointment after that.
Back home and a lazy afternoon in the sun while Mike navigated the ridge behind Paua Hut.
Sunday Toby and I were up super early. The light rain meant we drove to Waikanae with the roof up - but it was a mission to find orange skinned pumpkins. Toby saw them for sale on the internet. However, we only found normal ones really.
Did check out the beach and enjoyed a short walk on the beach with a drink from the dairy.
Back home and off to the archery AGM with Ange. As soon as I got home from that and Ange schmoozed with Smudge, Mike got home.
I then went for a ride with James around the bays. Got back under 2 hours. Pretty happy with that!
Damp start to the day for my ride into work. Never mind.
Toby is off to Brisbane tomorrow for a week. Oooohhh. And he is heading into town today to meet some friends.
Have a wonderful week.
Love,
Angela
Mike headed off Friday for his tramp and had quite a time with the river being up for his easy tramp to Paua Hut. He might just blog about it separately.
Toby and I had fun together. We watched Point Break (the new one) on Friday night before falling into bed. I may have read for a while.
Saturday we were up for Toby's haircut and then grabbed a few groceries for lunch and then back home. I headed out for my appointment after that.
Back home and a lazy afternoon in the sun while Mike navigated the ridge behind Paua Hut.
Sunday Toby and I were up super early. The light rain meant we drove to Waikanae with the roof up - but it was a mission to find orange skinned pumpkins. Toby saw them for sale on the internet. However, we only found normal ones really.
Did check out the beach and enjoyed a short walk on the beach with a drink from the dairy.
 |
| Hi Kapiti |
 |
| Driftwood |
 |
| Sanddollar! |
Back home and off to the archery AGM with Ange. As soon as I got home from that and Ange schmoozed with Smudge, Mike got home.
I then went for a ride with James around the bays. Got back under 2 hours. Pretty happy with that!
Damp start to the day for my ride into work. Never mind.
Toby is off to Brisbane tomorrow for a week. Oooohhh. And he is heading into town today to meet some friends.
Have a wonderful week.
Love,
Angela
Friday, September 23, 2016
The Thursday with Mike packing
Hi,
Mike and I got home after work and I cooked tea for everyone while Mike and Toby gathered their reserves for the evening onslaught. No - not sure what the onslaught was, but they were obviously getting ready for it.
Dinner was yummy. Beef and venison meatballs stroganoff.
Mike is making stroganoff for Saturday night dinner in his tramping weekend this weekend. Wonder if it'll taste this good? No wine though. Hahahah.
Mike eventually popped out to New World and got some provisions for his weekend. I think most of his pack seems to be food now.
I had to head out to feed Ange's cats in my pyjamas. They were very needy. They must be missing Ange. Despite fresh Fancy Feast in their bowl, Sapphire wanted a pat instead of scoffing her dinner.
I fell into a coma in mbed waiting for Mike to finish packing. At one point I noticed the cat was sleeping on my back! Hahah.
Toby's last day of term today. He's off to watch a movie with a "friend" after school. Ooohhh.
Have a great weekend. Weather looks good here - cool but dry. Mike should enjoy the tramping. Toby and I will enjoy our weekend together.
Love,
Angela
Mike and I got home after work and I cooked tea for everyone while Mike and Toby gathered their reserves for the evening onslaught. No - not sure what the onslaught was, but they were obviously getting ready for it.
Dinner was yummy. Beef and venison meatballs stroganoff.
 |
| On mash |
Mike is making stroganoff for Saturday night dinner in his tramping weekend this weekend. Wonder if it'll taste this good? No wine though. Hahahah.
Mike eventually popped out to New World and got some provisions for his weekend. I think most of his pack seems to be food now.
I had to head out to feed Ange's cats in my pyjamas. They were very needy. They must be missing Ange. Despite fresh Fancy Feast in their bowl, Sapphire wanted a pat instead of scoffing her dinner.
I fell into a coma in mbed waiting for Mike to finish packing. At one point I noticed the cat was sleeping on my back! Hahah.
Toby's last day of term today. He's off to watch a movie with a "friend" after school. Ooohhh.
Have a great weekend. Weather looks good here - cool but dry. Mike should enjoy the tramping. Toby and I will enjoy our weekend together.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, September 22, 2016
The Wednesday with exercise
Hi,
After riding into work, and going for my lunch time run with Mary (and getting an awesome time for me) and doing a RPM session after work, I was ready for a relaxing evening. I drove home (because Mike and Toby had difficulties leaving the house on time to catch the bus) and started tea. Just as Toby and I tucked into it, Mike got home. Yay!
Dinner was pretty yummy even if I had to substitute potato for the pumpkin. I couldn't find the promised pumpkin anywhere. Maybe Mike hid it. Or maybe it never got delivered. Not sure.
It was late by the time we finished tea so it was time for bed. For me anyway. Mike eventually got there after sorting out his tramping group a bit for this weekend.
Had a good sleep and despite wet roads this morning, my ride in was good fun. Far busier this morning on the roads than my entire cycling trip encountered in Japan!
Toby is booked for head to the Sunshine Coast for a week during his school holidays. He is already planning his WWE conversations with Dad while he is there. Hahah. Hope Dad queues up some fights to watch with him.
Have a fantastic day.
Love,
Angela
After riding into work, and going for my lunch time run with Mary (and getting an awesome time for me) and doing a RPM session after work, I was ready for a relaxing evening. I drove home (because Mike and Toby had difficulties leaving the house on time to catch the bus) and started tea. Just as Toby and I tucked into it, Mike got home. Yay!
 |
| Lamb with pita chips and Bulgar salad |
Dinner was pretty yummy even if I had to substitute potato for the pumpkin. I couldn't find the promised pumpkin anywhere. Maybe Mike hid it. Or maybe it never got delivered. Not sure.
It was late by the time we finished tea so it was time for bed. For me anyway. Mike eventually got there after sorting out his tramping group a bit for this weekend.
Had a good sleep and despite wet roads this morning, my ride in was good fun. Far busier this morning on the roads than my entire cycling trip encountered in Japan!
Toby is booked for head to the Sunshine Coast for a week during his school holidays. He is already planning his WWE conversations with Dad while he is there. Hahah. Hope Dad queues up some fights to watch with him.
Have a fantastic day.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Japan cycling photos
 |
| We fitted! Just. |
 |
| Look at those legs... |
 |
| Hakodate sunset |
 |
| Asparagus icecream. It was ... yummy! |
 |
| Look at those legs (and feet). Looking off the north of Japan towards Russia. |
 |
| My bike. Salmon in the river (zoom in) |
 |
| Unintentional selfie |
 |
| Volcano near Nakashibetsu |
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| Lake Mashu |
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| Lake Mashu. Photobombed. |
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| The other lake! Lake Kussharo |
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| Surprise! A 'drinking iced ... TEA' shot. |
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| Sapporo. My bike is here somewhere. |
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| I got addicted to Pocari Sweat while I was there |
Cycling in Japan 2016 - a day in Tokyo and then the long trip home
9 Sep - in Tokyo
Today was a full day sucking the marrow of Tokyo. Well, given it is a heaving metropolis with 35 million people (I googled that), I seriously doubted any marrow sucking would even make a dent. And I was right. But it was a good taste of what Tokyo has available for any tourist.
First up, breakfast. And I was starting to crave Weetbix more and more. Hahah. But Tokyo is no slouch in the fine breakfast department and everything tastes good. So, after sustaining ourselves we caught a train to Shibuya.
Shibuya is famous for its frantic pace and massive amount of traffic and pedestrians. But we stood on the corner of one of the intersections for about 15 minutes trying to figure out where we were and where we wanted to go and really, it wasn't that busy.
We did find the famous crossing, and crossed it. And found the Starbucks Dai suggested that had a good view over the crossing.
After sustaining myself once more, we headed off towards the chic shopping area of Tokyo. Because we thought we'd fit right in. Hahahah. In our bike shorts and all.
We went past a pie shop selling - wait for it - strawberry and cheese pie. Which I thought was some sort of abomination (or a typo) but I just read a book last night where the main character ordered an apple pie with cheese on top grilled a bit. What the ...? Weirdos.
Nothing was open. Seems shops open around 10 or 11 am. Way too early for us intrepid kiwis. So we jumped back on the train and went to Akihabara to check out the anime for Toby.
I think I broke Col. And damaged Iona. And I may have taken some impact too. The anime was overwhelming. After dragging Iona and Col into a shop that had 7 floors of anime, we all resembled glazed zombies.
It was time for a break. We found a great wee restaurant and we gobbled down some ramen noodles.
We also discovered the palace. I think. Spent some time recovering in a garden with really nice seats and fountains. And then wandered around the moat of the palace. If it was the palace.
We headed back to the hotel to recover and then went out to find dinner. More sushi. Except we spent ages trying to find the same sushi place we had the night before. But once found, mmmmmmm. Yum!
10 Sep - Leaving Tokyo.
Goodness - up super early and sneaking out at the crack of dawn discarding our house slippers in favour of our travelling shoes. Off home already. None of us wanted to leave. We could have added a few more weeks easily.
We caught the local train at 6.45am. Groan. And then changed to an express train to the airport. Which took 1.5 hours to travel through Tokyo at breakneck speed. Tokyo is huge.
Caught the plane and had an easy flight to Hong Kong. Sad to leave japan. One of the easiest holidays I have ever had. Nothing went wrong. The people were amazing. Wonderful holiday. Can't recommend the bike tour highly enough. Cycling Japan. Go find a trip that suits you and book it in!
We had 6 hours in Hong Kong airport and switched money to HK dollars and bought food all day. Drank any iced coffee I could find. Iona even bought a GoPro. Wow. The next holiday will be a social media frenzy with that!
The long flight back to Auckland was fine. Slept mostly. Watched a movie or two. And generally looked forward to getting to my own bed at this point. Touched down and navigated customs quickly and walked around to domestic. Iona and Col were changed to a later flight due to the late arrival of our plane. So I got to eat lunch with them.
11 Sep - Home at 5pm. Amazed and astonished at how great the house was and how well groomed and well fed and looked after Mike and Toby were.
And that describes our Japan cycling adventure. Things haven't really been exaggerated. I may have missed things though. All up - a fantastic holiday and I can't wait to go back.
Thanks for the trip, Mike and Toby. And thanks to Iona and Col for organising it and allowing me to tag along on your coattails.
Today was a full day sucking the marrow of Tokyo. Well, given it is a heaving metropolis with 35 million people (I googled that), I seriously doubted any marrow sucking would even make a dent. And I was right. But it was a good taste of what Tokyo has available for any tourist.
First up, breakfast. And I was starting to crave Weetbix more and more. Hahah. But Tokyo is no slouch in the fine breakfast department and everything tastes good. So, after sustaining ourselves we caught a train to Shibuya.
Shibuya is famous for its frantic pace and massive amount of traffic and pedestrians. But we stood on the corner of one of the intersections for about 15 minutes trying to figure out where we were and where we wanted to go and really, it wasn't that busy.
We did find the famous crossing, and crossed it. And found the Starbucks Dai suggested that had a good view over the crossing.
 |
| The famous crossing at Shibuya. Pretty much devoid of any traffic except us. |
 |
| My iced coffee while watching Shibuya |
We went past a pie shop selling - wait for it - strawberry and cheese pie. Which I thought was some sort of abomination (or a typo) but I just read a book last night where the main character ordered an apple pie with cheese on top grilled a bit. What the ...? Weirdos.
Nothing was open. Seems shops open around 10 or 11 am. Way too early for us intrepid kiwis. So we jumped back on the train and went to Akihabara to check out the anime for Toby.
 |
| Finally found some Mario characters I recognised |
It was time for a break. We found a great wee restaurant and we gobbled down some ramen noodles.
 |
| They have an information shop entirely devoted to exploring anime |
 |
| The senses were assaulted by anime |
 |
| Overwhelmed tourists in the multi floor anime shop we chose at random. |
 |
| Tom foolery by the cooling fountain |
 |
| Old and new juxtaposition - at least that was the effect I was aiming for |
 |
| Some random display had a photo of Dunedin's railway station. Wow! Not sure what - it was all in Japanese. |
 |
| Best lemon tart ever. I know who would have liked that. |
 |
| Something cute. Iona wonders if it is for a bank, or a contraceptive ad campaign. Ummmmmm - should I be worried? |
We headed back to the hotel to recover and then went out to find dinner. More sushi. Except we spent ages trying to find the same sushi place we had the night before. But once found, mmmmmmm. Yum!
10 Sep - Leaving Tokyo.
Goodness - up super early and sneaking out at the crack of dawn discarding our house slippers in favour of our travelling shoes. Off home already. None of us wanted to leave. We could have added a few more weeks easily.
We caught the local train at 6.45am. Groan. And then changed to an express train to the airport. Which took 1.5 hours to travel through Tokyo at breakneck speed. Tokyo is huge.
 |
| Express train to Narita airport |
Caught the plane and had an easy flight to Hong Kong. Sad to leave japan. One of the easiest holidays I have ever had. Nothing went wrong. The people were amazing. Wonderful holiday. Can't recommend the bike tour highly enough. Cycling Japan. Go find a trip that suits you and book it in!
We had 6 hours in Hong Kong airport and switched money to HK dollars and bought food all day. Drank any iced coffee I could find. Iona even bought a GoPro. Wow. The next holiday will be a social media frenzy with that!
The long flight back to Auckland was fine. Slept mostly. Watched a movie or two. And generally looked forward to getting to my own bed at this point. Touched down and navigated customs quickly and walked around to domestic. Iona and Col were changed to a later flight due to the late arrival of our plane. So I got to eat lunch with them.
11 Sep - Home at 5pm. Amazed and astonished at how great the house was and how well groomed and well fed and looked after Mike and Toby were.
And that describes our Japan cycling adventure. Things haven't really been exaggerated. I may have missed things though. All up - a fantastic holiday and I can't wait to go back.
Thanks for the trip, Mike and Toby. And thanks to Iona and Col for organising it and allowing me to tag along on your coattails.
The Tuesday celebrating Josh's birthday
Hi,
We had a great Tuesday. Work was busy but Toby came to visit. We now suspect all he wanted was a chocolate fish because when Shannon (on reception and she always gives him a fish when he visits) pinged me he was here, and I said I was in a meeting for another 30 mins, Toby went home!
Anyway, I rode home not too long afterwards and we got changed and headed out to collect Mike from work. We were gong to Logan Brown to meet Josh and the boys to celebrate Josh's birthday! Woot! And a lovely evening it was too.
Mike, Toby and I got there a little early so we sat and chatted away before Josh, Emerson and Duncan arrived. It was good to see them. They heard about my trip to Japan and I caught up with their trip to Kenya. The food was fantastic. It was the first time I had been. I had the duck and it was very nice. I tasted some of Mike's steak and dessert. Mmmm. The sides were good too. I got mushrooms in balsamic and they were tasty.
We got away fairly late (8.30 pm) and dropped off my running gear at work and popped into the supermarket to get some essentials. Ended up being a late night for me. But I slept like the dead and my ride in this morning was great fun with dry roads. Yay!
Got another busy day. I am constantly behind today. That never happens. So odd.
Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Angela
We had a great Tuesday. Work was busy but Toby came to visit. We now suspect all he wanted was a chocolate fish because when Shannon (on reception and she always gives him a fish when he visits) pinged me he was here, and I said I was in a meeting for another 30 mins, Toby went home!
Anyway, I rode home not too long afterwards and we got changed and headed out to collect Mike from work. We were gong to Logan Brown to meet Josh and the boys to celebrate Josh's birthday! Woot! And a lovely evening it was too.
Mike, Toby and I got there a little early so we sat and chatted away before Josh, Emerson and Duncan arrived. It was good to see them. They heard about my trip to Japan and I caught up with their trip to Kenya. The food was fantastic. It was the first time I had been. I had the duck and it was very nice. I tasted some of Mike's steak and dessert. Mmmm. The sides were good too. I got mushrooms in balsamic and they were tasty.
We got away fairly late (8.30 pm) and dropped off my running gear at work and popped into the supermarket to get some essentials. Ended up being a late night for me. But I slept like the dead and my ride in this morning was great fun with dry roads. Yay!
Got another busy day. I am constantly behind today. That never happens. So odd.
Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
The Monday back at work
Hi,
Toby hurt his shoulder playing tig at school and after a hurried phone call with Mike, he ended up getting the car and collecting Toby from school. But despite feeling a bit sore, it all seems to be ok now.
Since the car was in town, I met Mike and got the keys and drove home. I cooked tea (penang chicken curry) and put it on hold while I nipped back to town to collect Mike. We all sat down to eat the yummy tea! Mmmm. No photo. I ate it too fast.
Went to bed fairly early and was pretty comatose before too long. Mike complained I go to sleep too early. I would have complained he wakes up too late, but I was almost asleep. Hahahah.
Josh's birthday today. We're all going out to tea tonight to celebrate. Woot!
Oh - and some bad news. Our goldfish died over the weekend. I was devastated. I remember when he bought him (if it is a him - we called him Carlos). It was a present for Toby for his return from his first holiday with his grandparents in Dunedin without us there. Which was years ago. We reckon Carlos was 8 years old.
Ok. Time for tea. Hope your day is fun.
Love,
Angela
Toby hurt his shoulder playing tig at school and after a hurried phone call with Mike, he ended up getting the car and collecting Toby from school. But despite feeling a bit sore, it all seems to be ok now.
Since the car was in town, I met Mike and got the keys and drove home. I cooked tea (penang chicken curry) and put it on hold while I nipped back to town to collect Mike. We all sat down to eat the yummy tea! Mmmm. No photo. I ate it too fast.
Went to bed fairly early and was pretty comatose before too long. Mike complained I go to sleep too early. I would have complained he wakes up too late, but I was almost asleep. Hahahah.
Josh's birthday today. We're all going out to tea tonight to celebrate. Woot!
Oh - and some bad news. Our goldfish died over the weekend. I was devastated. I remember when he bought him (if it is a him - we called him Carlos). It was a present for Toby for his return from his first holiday with his grandparents in Dunedin without us there. Which was years ago. We reckon Carlos was 8 years old.
Ok. Time for tea. Hope your day is fun.
Love,
Angela
Monday, September 19, 2016
The weekend in Wellington
Hi,
What a busy weekend, despite the Wellington location. Saturday morning was quiet and I was pretty lazy. Eventually got out of bed only to laze around in the lounge. The weather was pretty awful. Rain constantly.
I left just after 3pm to collect Andrew and we drove up to Palmerston North to meet Col and watch the rugby. The road was flooded between Pauatahanui and SH1 with two streams flowing over the road.
Anyway, I talked non stop about Japan. Poor Andrew now knows more than he ever wanted to know about our trip to Japan. It was nice to have a captive audience. Hahahah.
We got to a nice cafe in PN and I had an iced coffee with Andrew. Mine never even touched the sides so I lined up for another one.
Col and her friends (Shelly and Pat) met us after their local team played Canterbury (and won!) and we went to the Lone Star and pretty much had the TV to ourselves. Happy with that. Quiet.
Andrew and I dropped Col at home and headed back. My driving was not fun. Rain the whole way and I wasn't terribly relaxed. Eventually I was on familiar roads nearer to Wellington and got home after dropping Andrew off just after midnight. Read for a bit and was fast asleep by 1.15am.
Sunday was also rainy. Yep. But we went to visit Jo to check out her new house and have lunch. She has a great place in Kilbirnie and she whipped up bacon and egg pie and Toby loved it. I need to make it now. Rex was there too - and we enjoyed a Rooibos after lunch.
Mmmmm.... Rooibos. I need one now.
From there we did some messages in town then headed home. Toby was ensconced so we left him there and went to visit Sally and Andrew. Showed them photos of Japan and I enjoyed the blossom in their backyard.
We walked down to the pipe bridge to check out the river and Andrew collected us and we picked up some Indian takeaways and went back to scoff it all.
Back home after organising our Timber Trail weekend. Woot!
Time to find that Rooibos now. Mmmmm. Bit rainy still, but not as bad as it was. My run in was dry.
I saw pics of Michael swimming at Grandy's house. Wow! He is so big now.
Have a brilliant week!
Love,
Angela
What a busy weekend, despite the Wellington location. Saturday morning was quiet and I was pretty lazy. Eventually got out of bed only to laze around in the lounge. The weather was pretty awful. Rain constantly.
I left just after 3pm to collect Andrew and we drove up to Palmerston North to meet Col and watch the rugby. The road was flooded between Pauatahanui and SH1 with two streams flowing over the road.
Anyway, I talked non stop about Japan. Poor Andrew now knows more than he ever wanted to know about our trip to Japan. It was nice to have a captive audience. Hahahah.
We got to a nice cafe in PN and I had an iced coffee with Andrew. Mine never even touched the sides so I lined up for another one.
 |
| Iced coffee #1 |
Col and her friends (Shelly and Pat) met us after their local team played Canterbury (and won!) and we went to the Lone Star and pretty much had the TV to ourselves. Happy with that. Quiet.
 |
| Blurry rugby watching selfie |
Andrew and I dropped Col at home and headed back. My driving was not fun. Rain the whole way and I wasn't terribly relaxed. Eventually I was on familiar roads nearer to Wellington and got home after dropping Andrew off just after midnight. Read for a bit and was fast asleep by 1.15am.
Sunday was also rainy. Yep. But we went to visit Jo to check out her new house and have lunch. She has a great place in Kilbirnie and she whipped up bacon and egg pie and Toby loved it. I need to make it now. Rex was there too - and we enjoyed a Rooibos after lunch.
Mmmmm.... Rooibos. I need one now.
From there we did some messages in town then headed home. Toby was ensconced so we left him there and went to visit Sally and Andrew. Showed them photos of Japan and I enjoyed the blossom in their backyard.
 |
| Another selfie showing the blossom in Lower Hutt in Sally's backyard |
We walked down to the pipe bridge to check out the river and Andrew collected us and we picked up some Indian takeaways and went back to scoff it all.
 |
| Selfie showing the Hutt River in flood |
Time to find that Rooibos now. Mmmmm. Bit rainy still, but not as bad as it was. My run in was dry.
I saw pics of Michael swimming at Grandy's house. Wow! He is so big now.
Have a brilliant week!
Love,
Angela
Friday, September 16, 2016
The Thursday with not a lot on
Hi,
Thursday turned into a beautiful day, weather-wise. Blue skies. After a long day at work (but with a RPM class squeezed in) I rode home and cooked tea.
Happy with the lamb steaks. Mmmmm.
Mike called just as we finished cooking, so Toby and I scoffed it down and I drove in to collect Mike from the supermarket. He was funny - shopping after a beer made for some interesting purchases. Why have we got chocolates? Hahahah.
Anyway, we got home and Mike tucked into his dinner too. Went to bed and slept like the dead. This morning is all wet and rainy, but I got to work fairly dry. The wind is picking up too.
The weekend beckons. Lots of fun. A Wellington weekend. We have rugby tickets tonight. We want to do a bike ride together. Lunch at Jo's new house. Dinner with Sally. Archery with Ange. I'm not sure where I can fit this all in. I wanted to go to Palmerston North too to drop off Iona and Col's photos, but if I'm honest, the weekend's activities look a bit busy to also fit that in. I'd better chat to Mike.
Hope your weekend is as exciting as mine. My working week has been two weeks long so I am keen for 5pm to roll around.
Love,
Angela
Thursday turned into a beautiful day, weather-wise. Blue skies. After a long day at work (but with a RPM class squeezed in) I rode home and cooked tea.
 |
| Lamb steaks |
Happy with the lamb steaks. Mmmmm.
Mike called just as we finished cooking, so Toby and I scoffed it down and I drove in to collect Mike from the supermarket. He was funny - shopping after a beer made for some interesting purchases. Why have we got chocolates? Hahahah.
Anyway, we got home and Mike tucked into his dinner too. Went to bed and slept like the dead. This morning is all wet and rainy, but I got to work fairly dry. The wind is picking up too.
The weekend beckons. Lots of fun. A Wellington weekend. We have rugby tickets tonight. We want to do a bike ride together. Lunch at Jo's new house. Dinner with Sally. Archery with Ange. I'm not sure where I can fit this all in. I wanted to go to Palmerston North too to drop off Iona and Col's photos, but if I'm honest, the weekend's activities look a bit busy to also fit that in. I'd better chat to Mike.
Hope your weekend is as exciting as mine. My working week has been two weeks long so I am keen for 5pm to roll around.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, September 15, 2016
The Wednesday with parent teacher interview
Hi,
Wednesday was a bit odd because I left work an hour early and met Mike and Toby to head to Toby's school to meet his teacher. It was review time. It went well. Toby took us through his goals for the year and assessed how he had met them so far and his remaining goals. We chatted about school in general and his teacher was pretty happy.
From there we went to Lower Hutt and bought some clothes for Toby. While we were there, looking around, I found a Japan City shop and they sold Pocari Sweat. So funny. I bought a bottle, just because I could.
We went home via Hunting and Fishing so Toby could replace his beanie. He loved his old beanie and it has gone missing. But they have changed their beanie since we last bought one 7 years ago. He did find a new beanie he liked though.
Went home to cook tea. It was yummy fish. The cat was also very interested.
Had a great sleep. Woke up and Mike was in a coma. He was sleeping through his alarm when I got back from the shower. It had been squawking at him for 10 full minutes and he was still asleep. He has great powers.
I got him a coffee. Hahahah. Seemed to work ok. At least he was up when I left.
Nice ride in. I have cleats on my new bike shoes now. Yay! They feel pretty good. Way better than just sneakers on my SPD pedals these past few days. I left my old shoes in Japan.
Enjoy your day. Hope it is loads of fun.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday was a bit odd because I left work an hour early and met Mike and Toby to head to Toby's school to meet his teacher. It was review time. It went well. Toby took us through his goals for the year and assessed how he had met them so far and his remaining goals. We chatted about school in general and his teacher was pretty happy.
 |
| I found Pocari Sweat in Queensgate! |
We went home via Hunting and Fishing so Toby could replace his beanie. He loved his old beanie and it has gone missing. But they have changed their beanie since we last bought one 7 years ago. He did find a new beanie he liked though.
 |
| Dinner was fish korma |
Had a great sleep. Woke up and Mike was in a coma. He was sleeping through his alarm when I got back from the shower. It had been squawking at him for 10 full minutes and he was still asleep. He has great powers.
I got him a coffee. Hahahah. Seemed to work ok. At least he was up when I left.
Nice ride in. I have cleats on my new bike shoes now. Yay! They feel pretty good. Way better than just sneakers on my SPD pedals these past few days. I left my old shoes in Japan.
Enjoy your day. Hope it is loads of fun.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Cycling in Japan 2016 - Shooting down to Tokyo on the bullet train
8 Sep - See what Iona did there with the subject of the email? Ha ha. Right.
Thursday morning was calm with a foreboding cloud lurking over us as Iona and I stepped off for a morning stroll/jog. All through the holiday, Col and I have struggled to keep up with Iona's walking speed. I hit upon me jogging along while Iona walked, and it worked surprisingly well.
We walked (or jogged) to a wee island about 2.5 km away, checking out things along the way. The island was connected with a bridge. If we hadn't seen someone coming out when we got there we would have assumed it was locked. The gate was certainly meaty. But it opened with a little door, and we circumnavigated the island. I ran around and Iona walked her speedy walk.
We thought we might cop a decent bit of rain, but the low dark cloud skirted us. We returned with some food and coffee for Col. We found pancakes in a cellophane packet that we thought she might like. Huge hit! Turns out the packet held four pancakes glued together with butter and maple syrup. Mmmm.
We caught the local train to the shinkansen station and the anticipation built nicely as we waited for our bullet train to arrive. It whooshed in - we found our seats and stored our luggage. Iona and I rushed out to the front to get quick photos and annoy the good natured steward preventing crazy tourists from getting too close.
The trip to Tokyo was super fast. Four hours and we were entering the outskirts of Tokyo, our eyes glued to the window.
Iona navigated the maze of train networks like a pro and we found the line to our hotel. The underground was a seething mass of people and my pack got a bit familiar with a couple of women's skirts in a slightly embarrassing fashion. My navigation skills got us quickly through the steamy streets of Ikebukara to the traditional Japanese Ryokan we'd booked on Iona's cousin's recommendation.
Our room was only just big enough for the three mattresses on the floor. 6 tatami mats. We had learned that is how the Japanese measure the size of a room. 6 tatami mats is relatively small for three beds. Not to mention the exploding luggage phenomenon that can turn any number of tatami mats into chaos! The aircon was fantastic and we rapidly turned the room into a fridge. Then, fortified by the cold, we set out into the humidity for a recce of the neighborhood.
We found an excellent sushi train restaurant and then back via a supermarket to sleep. Ready for a whole day in Tokyo tomorrow.
Thursday morning was calm with a foreboding cloud lurking over us as Iona and I stepped off for a morning stroll/jog. All through the holiday, Col and I have struggled to keep up with Iona's walking speed. I hit upon me jogging along while Iona walked, and it worked surprisingly well.
We walked (or jogged) to a wee island about 2.5 km away, checking out things along the way. The island was connected with a bridge. If we hadn't seen someone coming out when we got there we would have assumed it was locked. The gate was certainly meaty. But it opened with a little door, and we circumnavigated the island. I ran around and Iona walked her speedy walk.
We thought we might cop a decent bit of rain, but the low dark cloud skirted us. We returned with some food and coffee for Col. We found pancakes in a cellophane packet that we thought she might like. Huge hit! Turns out the packet held four pancakes glued together with butter and maple syrup. Mmmm.
We caught the local train to the shinkansen station and the anticipation built nicely as we waited for our bullet train to arrive. It whooshed in - we found our seats and stored our luggage. Iona and I rushed out to the front to get quick photos and annoy the good natured steward preventing crazy tourists from getting too close.
 |
| We got this close |
Iona navigated the maze of train networks like a pro and we found the line to our hotel. The underground was a seething mass of people and my pack got a bit familiar with a couple of women's skirts in a slightly embarrassing fashion. My navigation skills got us quickly through the steamy streets of Ikebukara to the traditional Japanese Ryokan we'd booked on Iona's cousin's recommendation.
Our room was only just big enough for the three mattresses on the floor. 6 tatami mats. We had learned that is how the Japanese measure the size of a room. 6 tatami mats is relatively small for three beds. Not to mention the exploding luggage phenomenon that can turn any number of tatami mats into chaos! The aircon was fantastic and we rapidly turned the room into a fridge. Then, fortified by the cold, we set out into the humidity for a recce of the neighborhood.
 |
| Ikebukara by night |
We found an excellent sushi train restaurant and then back via a supermarket to sleep. Ready for a whole day in Tokyo tomorrow.
The Tuesday with work
Hi,
Well, I did manage to get to the gym again, which was nice. And I eventually left work to ride home. Cooked tea for Toby when I got in.
The dinner was quite nice - soba noodles. A reminder of Japan, actually. Toby ate the chicken and didn't touch much else.
Mike asked me to come collect him from town after his tramping meeting, so I did. As a bonus, I got to say hello to Andrew for my troubles. Good to see him - even if briefly. But we have plans to see Sally this weekend and catch up.
Back home and off to bed. I didn't sleep quite as well as I have been. But it wasn't too bad.
I ran into work this morning so I can leave a little early to get away for a parent teacher interview with Toby at his school.
Bruce is coming to Australia and New Zealand in February next year. We're trying to plan for those dates.
Right. Time for a cup of tea. Have an awesome day.
Love,
Angela
Well, I did manage to get to the gym again, which was nice. And I eventually left work to ride home. Cooked tea for Toby when I got in.
 |
| Toby using carrot chopsticks with his lemongrass chicken and soba noodles |
The dinner was quite nice - soba noodles. A reminder of Japan, actually. Toby ate the chicken and didn't touch much else.
Mike asked me to come collect him from town after his tramping meeting, so I did. As a bonus, I got to say hello to Andrew for my troubles. Good to see him - even if briefly. But we have plans to see Sally this weekend and catch up.
Back home and off to bed. I didn't sleep quite as well as I have been. But it wasn't too bad.
I ran into work this morning so I can leave a little early to get away for a parent teacher interview with Toby at his school.
Bruce is coming to Australia and New Zealand in February next year. We're trying to plan for those dates.
Right. Time for a cup of tea. Have an awesome day.
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Cycling in Japan 2016 - Goodbye to the cycle gang. Hello Hakodate
7 Sep - We woke up early on Wednesday morning and met everyone for breakfast. It was fittingly impressive for a last meal together, although I pretty much stuck to toast. Last chance to eat unidentified bits of sea creatures ! Iona and Col had presents from New Zealand for our guides and Iona also sang them a song in Maori, taking them for their hospitality. She did very well and I could tell they were suitably impressed with the sentiment and delivery.
From there we said goodbye to Ernie. He said he was a typical lone wolf during his travels, but that he'd enjoyed our company immensely. Jolly good. Dai and Tats took us to the airport via a shopping stop to try Triplesso iced coffees for the last time. Then we were at the airport and waiting for our flight to Sapporo.
The flight was uneventful and we negotiated the train station on our arrival and boarded our Hakodate train like we were born to the system.
Ha ha.
Anyway, we did get to Hakodate, a 4 hour train ride, without any hassle. On the way down the coast we saw an impressive old volcano with a hole blasted off of one side. We found our hotel within 100m of the front door of the station. When we checked in, we found that Dai's instructions that we wanted a triple bed room turned into us wanting a triple bed. No wonder Iona was confused when she checked in and the reception person made sure she understood the bed was 2.2m wide. She just nodded, completely unaware.
When we stepped into the room, we all snorted in laughter. Fortunately we could separate my bed and undo the domed together duvet and tuck in sheets. Otherwise I'd pity the poor person that got the middle position. You'd die from heat and claustrophobia.
After a quick chat to my mother, who miraculously saw me online moments after I got onto Wi-Fi, we were off to explore the streets of Hakodate. We went up to the old warehouse district then wandered the streets to the cable car. Iona and Col helped a chap in a wheelchair up steep streets.
The Hakodate cable car was heaving with tourists. It was dark by the time we got to the top. And it was so busy that it sucked the will to live from all three of us. But I hit upon an idea to venture into the car park and we found some space to enjoy the view relatively unimpeded. The squid boats lit up the bay but the stars were not so obliging as the day's light clung on over the silhouetted hills of the harbour. Still, I turned on my sky map and found mars and Saturn easily enough and scrutinised the sky where ursa major and minor were. Convinced myself I could see Cassiopeia.
Back down after a long queue and off to Lucky Peroit for a hamburger on Dai's suggestion. I didn't mind my odd bacon and egg burger. It was a lot more palatable than the thought of eating the squid and crabs swimming in tanks outside other restaurants. Or even the poor large octopus slumped into the end of a tiny glass prison.
Back to the hotel and a good sleep. To Tokyo by bullet train tomorrow!
From there we said goodbye to Ernie. He said he was a typical lone wolf during his travels, but that he'd enjoyed our company immensely. Jolly good. Dai and Tats took us to the airport via a shopping stop to try Triplesso iced coffees for the last time. Then we were at the airport and waiting for our flight to Sapporo.
The flight was uneventful and we negotiated the train station on our arrival and boarded our Hakodate train like we were born to the system.
Ha ha.
Anyway, we did get to Hakodate, a 4 hour train ride, without any hassle. On the way down the coast we saw an impressive old volcano with a hole blasted off of one side. We found our hotel within 100m of the front door of the station. When we checked in, we found that Dai's instructions that we wanted a triple bed room turned into us wanting a triple bed. No wonder Iona was confused when she checked in and the reception person made sure she understood the bed was 2.2m wide. She just nodded, completely unaware.
When we stepped into the room, we all snorted in laughter. Fortunately we could separate my bed and undo the domed together duvet and tuck in sheets. Otherwise I'd pity the poor person that got the middle position. You'd die from heat and claustrophobia.
After a quick chat to my mother, who miraculously saw me online moments after I got onto Wi-Fi, we were off to explore the streets of Hakodate. We went up to the old warehouse district then wandered the streets to the cable car. Iona and Col helped a chap in a wheelchair up steep streets.
The Hakodate cable car was heaving with tourists. It was dark by the time we got to the top. And it was so busy that it sucked the will to live from all three of us. But I hit upon an idea to venture into the car park and we found some space to enjoy the view relatively unimpeded. The squid boats lit up the bay but the stars were not so obliging as the day's light clung on over the silhouetted hills of the harbour. Still, I turned on my sky map and found mars and Saturn easily enough and scrutinised the sky where ursa major and minor were. Convinced myself I could see Cassiopeia.
 |
| Lights of Hakodate |
Back down after a long queue and off to Lucky Peroit for a hamburger on Dai's suggestion. I didn't mind my odd bacon and egg burger. It was a lot more palatable than the thought of eating the squid and crabs swimming in tanks outside other restaurants. Or even the poor large octopus slumped into the end of a tiny glass prison.
 |
| Burger on its way, nothing in it that was very recently alive |
Back to the hotel and a good sleep. To Tokyo by bullet train tomorrow!
The Monday back at work
Hi,
I have been looking forward to eating Weetbix with milk and yoghurt for about a week now. Although I loved the Japanese food, I started dreaming about Weetbix for breakfast after a week of rice and fish for breakfast.
Last night I went to the gym, worked a bit after that and then rode home. I scoff at my wee hill now after the climbs while on holiday. (Tempting the fates there, eh?) Mike cooked tea for us and then I got changed and we both walked to St Luke's church in Wadestown village to hear the mayoral candidates speak. Great night. Plenty of people attended and we listened carefully as we're both unsure of the best option for this election. Not sure we're completely convinced yet - but we've certainly discounted some contenders! Heheh.
Walked back and then I collapsed into bed. Another great sleep! Heaven. And my ride into work was dry this morning. I must buy cleats for my new shoes (my old ones are now in the landfill in Tokyo somewhere).
Love,
Angela
I have been looking forward to eating Weetbix with milk and yoghurt for about a week now. Although I loved the Japanese food, I started dreaming about Weetbix for breakfast after a week of rice and fish for breakfast.
 |
| My working day breakfast |
Last night I went to the gym, worked a bit after that and then rode home. I scoff at my wee hill now after the climbs while on holiday. (Tempting the fates there, eh?) Mike cooked tea for us and then I got changed and we both walked to St Luke's church in Wadestown village to hear the mayoral candidates speak. Great night. Plenty of people attended and we listened carefully as we're both unsure of the best option for this election. Not sure we're completely convinced yet - but we've certainly discounted some contenders! Heheh.
Walked back and then I collapsed into bed. Another great sleep! Heaven. And my ride into work was dry this morning. I must buy cleats for my new shoes (my old ones are now in the landfill in Tokyo somewhere).
Love,
Angela
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