Hi,
After the usual sort of working day, I decided to bus home instead of riding my bike. The idea of sitting like a zombie, being taken home, was too tempting. I did get Spin in, so I wasn't a complete sloth.
Toby had bumped into Mike in town - which is kinda funny. Apparently Mike had told Toby that he could have pizza tonight. Hmmmm. Anyway, I ordered it for him and he seemed to be pretty happy with that. I guess he still gets home cooked meals more often than not, and appreciates takeaways still. At least that is what I tell myself.
Mike stayed late for a tramping meeting in town. Apparently that involved a 5 year plan and many cocktails to help. Okaaaay.
I emptied the bathroom cabinet and the laundry area for the demolition work that is scheduled to take place today. And went to bed, fairly happy with my work.
Mike got home and I discovered that he was off to Auckland for two days the next morning. So I decided to head into work with him, super early. He's now flying to Auckland - back late Friday.
No more pizzas for Toby! :-)
Right. Time to get to Spin. Hope your day is a good one.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
The Tuesday with nothing much
Hi,
Ok - my new resolve to stop drinking as many iced coffees has been sorely tested this week and I have been found lacking.
I convinced Rex to have a work meeting at my favourite cafe yesterday - Machete. And obviously we both needed an iced latte. And this morning I got a text from Iona out of the blue saying she was in town before her vaccination course and I met her. Caught up and tried to plan some weekend stuff. We'll see how that works.
Yesterday I got home and made salad for dinner. Chicken for Toby (he ate half our iceberg lettuce - he loves them!) on his salad. I had haloumi and eggs. Mmmmm. I made potato salad, but had no room for that.
Mike has the leftovers today for lunch.
Enjoying this warm weather. More, please!
Love,
Angela
Ok - my new resolve to stop drinking as many iced coffees has been sorely tested this week and I have been found lacking.
I convinced Rex to have a work meeting at my favourite cafe yesterday - Machete. And obviously we both needed an iced latte. And this morning I got a text from Iona out of the blue saying she was in town before her vaccination course and I met her. Caught up and tried to plan some weekend stuff. We'll see how that works.
 |
| Tuesday iced latte with Rex |
 |
| Wednesday iced latte with Iona |
Yesterday I got home and made salad for dinner. Chicken for Toby (he ate half our iceberg lettuce - he loves them!) on his salad. I had haloumi and eggs. Mmmmm. I made potato salad, but had no room for that.
Mike has the leftovers today for lunch.
Enjoying this warm weather. More, please!
 |
| Another Taupo photo |
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
The Monday back at work after Taupo
Hi,
Work was so busy - which was probably good as I could have easily been in a post Taupo haze. But no - nothing like that. Here's a photo from around the lake - this is at about 140km - with around 20km to go. The last big hill on the ride.
I did get to a Spin class, and the saddle felt a little uncomfortable. Hahah. But all good. Got the bus home and cooked tea and Mike got home and ate with Toby and me. Perfect.
We relaxed for the evening and did more laundry.
My ride in this morning was stunning. Fog, and so still. Warm here.
Have a great day.
Love,
Angela
Work was so busy - which was probably good as I could have easily been in a post Taupo haze. But no - nothing like that. Here's a photo from around the lake - this is at about 140km - with around 20km to go. The last big hill on the ride.
 |
| Coming up Hatepe hill |
I did get to a Spin class, and the saddle felt a little uncomfortable. Hahah. But all good. Got the bus home and cooked tea and Mike got home and ate with Toby and me. Perfect.
We relaxed for the evening and did more laundry.
My ride in this morning was stunning. Fog, and so still. Warm here.
Have a great day.
Love,
Angela
Monday, November 27, 2017
The weekend with round Taupo cycle challenge
Hi,
Well, it was finally the weekend of the big race, and what I had been training for months (since May, really) to do. No pressure! Hahahah.
I drove up to Palmerston North on Thursday and gate crashed Iona's relaxing evening with her friends (she is only up for a week, so has to make all her social interaction to last her for her next Blenheim sojourn). Ate their dinner they had sorted and all sorts. Oops.
I slept well and eventually got out of bed Friday morning. Nipped out to the supermarket to get my provisions for the weekend while Iona and Col got their house ready for open home stuff over the weekend.
We left by midday and caught up in Taihape at Soul Cafe. Where I had an iced coffee.
We got to Taupo by 3.30pm and I sorted myself out at Iona and Col's unit to pick up our house keys and register. As I collected the envelope from Harcourts, after asking for Angela Gilbert and receiving the keys with Mike's name on it, I saw the underlined sentence on it: No linen hired.
Oops. Looked like a trip to Farmers was needed as by this stage it was 4.30pm and I figured Mike would have left Wellington already. But, as I walked to registration, I checked my texts and Mike had just asked if he needed to pack towels as he was just about to leave home. I rang him, and changed the towel order to every possible piece of linen! Woot! Crisis averted.
I left Iona and Col to their evening and spent almost an hour driving back to our house in Bracken Row - which would normally take about 6 minutes. I found our house, unpacked, sorted out my gear and then cooked tea. I was pretty tired and in bed by 8.30pm. It was so hot, I lay on top of the bed in my shorty pyjamas and fell asleep easily. Mike got in around midnight and managed to wake me a little, get me into my sleeping bag liner and a pillow case on my pillow, and I fell back asleep.
The actual race day started for me at 5.15am - I woke up an hour before my alarm. Guess I had plenty of sleep by then. I got up and cooked porridge and an omelette. Tried to eat most of it. Maybe I did or maybe I need to stick to scrambled eggs and toast for next year so I will eat it all. My wave was W1 and had an approximate start time of 8.30am. I walked down to the start (15 minutes walk) with Mike and my bike at 7.15am. Sat and watched the start waves for while, before I saw mine around 7.55am getting close to the start line. I kissed Mike and jumped in - and our wave started at 8.12am! Glad I was early.
The sweaty conditions meant the word "focus" on my arm got smudged, so it read more like "fucus". And if you sound that out, it was really what I was thinking at about 90km, if I was the swearing type. Hahahah.
Well, it was finally the weekend of the big race, and what I had been training for months (since May, really) to do. No pressure! Hahahah.
I drove up to Palmerston North on Thursday and gate crashed Iona's relaxing evening with her friends (she is only up for a week, so has to make all her social interaction to last her for her next Blenheim sojourn). Ate their dinner they had sorted and all sorts. Oops.
I slept well and eventually got out of bed Friday morning. Nipped out to the supermarket to get my provisions for the weekend while Iona and Col got their house ready for open home stuff over the weekend.
We left by midday and caught up in Taihape at Soul Cafe. Where I had an iced coffee.
 |
| Iced coffee |
 |
| And bombed |
Oops. Looked like a trip to Farmers was needed as by this stage it was 4.30pm and I figured Mike would have left Wellington already. But, as I walked to registration, I checked my texts and Mike had just asked if he needed to pack towels as he was just about to leave home. I rang him, and changed the towel order to every possible piece of linen! Woot! Crisis averted.
I left Iona and Col to their evening and spent almost an hour driving back to our house in Bracken Row - which would normally take about 6 minutes. I found our house, unpacked, sorted out my gear and then cooked tea. I was pretty tired and in bed by 8.30pm. It was so hot, I lay on top of the bed in my shorty pyjamas and fell asleep easily. Mike got in around midnight and managed to wake me a little, get me into my sleeping bag liner and a pillow case on my pillow, and I fell back asleep.
The actual race day started for me at 5.15am - I woke up an hour before my alarm. Guess I had plenty of sleep by then. I got up and cooked porridge and an omelette. Tried to eat most of it. Maybe I did or maybe I need to stick to scrambled eggs and toast for next year so I will eat it all. My wave was W1 and had an approximate start time of 8.30am. I walked down to the start (15 minutes walk) with Mike and my bike at 7.15am. Sat and watched the start waves for while, before I saw mine around 7.55am getting close to the start line. I kissed Mike and jumped in - and our wave started at 8.12am! Glad I was early.
Mike wrote "Focus" on the inside of my left arm, with two kisses. That was a good help.
 |
| My 2017 bib |
 |
| Race starts |
Ok. Let's look at the race day and do some analysis. I was fitter than last year - I can tell that easily. The conditions were as perfect as Iona has ever seen - and this race was her 10th year! No wind (I only noticed a slight headwind at the top of Hatepe hill - barely there) and overcast most of the day. It was supposed to burn off, but it never really cleared. I could see my shadow most of the day from the sun trying to peek out.
I had sunscreen caked on. And two litres of water in my Camelbak, and two 750ml bottles on the bike - one with water and one with electrolyte. By the end, I had a litre left in my Camelbak and had used a third of the water in my water bottle and taken two sips from the electrolyte. I ate my way through about 7 jetplane lollies.
Coming out of Taupo, I got onto the back road fairly far back in my start wave. But I found my legs after about a kilometre and ended up in the second bunch. But I pulled away from there. They caught me around 10km and I tacked into that. Wow! We moved along. But about 25km in, someone dropped a water bottle and the bunch broke up. I never got into another bunch again.
I was about 20 minutes ahead of my plan at the 40 km mark. And then - I tanked. Huge. 40 - 80km was my downfall. My legs stopped on the uphills (well, not literally, but I was grinding up them).
 |
| Heart rate for the 6 hours 46 minutes - look at my average! |
The conditions were hotter than any training I had done - and I probably didn't drink enough water. By the time I weighed myself Monday morning, I had lost of kilo from my Thursday weight. Which probably means I lost slightly more than that during the race itself, given I ate quite a bit on Sunday. And drank lots.
My watch is a Garmin and measures heart rate. The stats were fascinating for this. My average heart rate was 153. That is so fast to keep that up for almost 7 hours. No wonder I was tired when I finished.
My watch is a Garmin and measures heart rate. The stats were fascinating for this. My average heart rate was 153. That is so fast to keep that up for almost 7 hours. No wonder I was tired when I finished.
The sweaty conditions meant the word "focus" on my arm got smudged, so it read more like "fucus". And if you sound that out, it was really what I was thinking at about 90km, if I was the swearing type. Hahahah.
But it was actually good having it there - someone read it out as they passed me and said "Focus, Angela". That made me laugh.
After Waihi hill down into Tokaanu, I tried to kick up a gear - and I probably did. But it was too late by then to claw back my lost time. The ride along the flats was good. Hatepe was a grind, but not too bad. The last 20km seemed to pass by fairly quickly. Mike was shouting at me as I crossed the finish line and I never heard a thing - I was so concentrated on finishing. But I found Sreejith and his family immediately. They congratulated me and I heard Sreejith knocked an hour off his time! Wow!
Next time, I will drink more electrolyte (but I need one I like - this one was awful), and use a power bar instead of lollies. And bunch ride. And I will crack that 6 hour mark.
I was really rather exhausted after crossing the line. Far more than I have been in my previous three rides. It took me a while to come right. And my left shoulder was sore. I think I need to tweak the configuration on my bike a bit. Raise my handlebars a little. I sat with Mike and Toby and could only eat some scorched almonds. The drinks and other snacks I just couldn't handle.
Next time, I will drink more electrolyte (but I need one I like - this one was awful), and use a power bar instead of lollies. And bunch ride. And I will crack that 6 hour mark.
I was really rather exhausted after crossing the line. Far more than I have been in my previous three rides. It took me a while to come right. And my left shoulder was sore. I think I need to tweak the configuration on my bike a bit. Raise my handlebars a little. I sat with Mike and Toby and could only eat some scorched almonds. The drinks and other snacks I just couldn't handle.
We walked home slowly and I jumped in the shower to wash off the caked on road dirt. I felt so much better after that. We wandered over to Iona and Col's place to chill out.
Helen (their friend that did the enduro - twice around!) got stung by something after Turangi, but well before Hatepe. She killed it between her shirt folds, but by then the damage was done. When she finished, she noticed she was itchy. Well, by the time she got back to the motel, she was covered from head to foot in this massive hive rash. It looked dire - and she had to strip and have a cold shower. And then swallow anti histamine hand over fist. Wow!
Back home and I was asleep by 9pm. Up at 5.30am to get back to Col's place to watch the rugby with her. NZ versus Wales. Great match - and NZ was lucky to pull that off with that score. 31 - 18.
Back home to check out and then brekkie time. Caught up at Replete with Iona, Col, Helena nd Mandy before they left and we went to Cafe 99 to meet Sreejith and his family. Mike and Toby ate there the day before and Toby had the best poached eggs of his life.
This morning he had the worst ones ever. Oh well. We dropped the keys at the Z station and then headed home. At Taihape I filled up the car and went in to pay. I met a client in the queue (Kumar) and we chatted. Then as I exited, I saw a Spin instructor. Her name escaped me, so my stupid brain took over as it clicked as to how I knew her and I said (so adroitly) "Hello there - you are the Spin woman". Yes, I called someone "The spin woman". Anyway, after I explained who I was (more startling conversation from me: "I am the one in the back row with a cap on"), she kindly chatted to me. She had just been MTBing in Rotorua and did the MTB race at Taupo. Oossshh!
The rest of the drive home was good. I sang lots. We got home around 4pm and the cat got a lot of smooches. I had a mountain of laundry. Doro came around to stay the night.
But a huge thank you to everyone that made my weekend so special. Sreejith for his motivation in training. My spin instructors for giving up their time to teach classes and keep me fit. Family and friends for support. Wow. Just amazing. Thank you.
Lots of love,
Angela
Helen (their friend that did the enduro - twice around!) got stung by something after Turangi, but well before Hatepe. She killed it between her shirt folds, but by then the damage was done. When she finished, she noticed she was itchy. Well, by the time she got back to the motel, she was covered from head to foot in this massive hive rash. It looked dire - and she had to strip and have a cold shower. And then swallow anti histamine hand over fist. Wow!
Back home and I was asleep by 9pm. Up at 5.30am to get back to Col's place to watch the rugby with her. NZ versus Wales. Great match - and NZ was lucky to pull that off with that score. 31 - 18.
 |
| Celebration brekkie with Sreejith's family |
Back home to check out and then brekkie time. Caught up at Replete with Iona, Col, Helena nd Mandy before they left and we went to Cafe 99 to meet Sreejith and his family. Mike and Toby ate there the day before and Toby had the best poached eggs of his life.
This morning he had the worst ones ever. Oh well. We dropped the keys at the Z station and then headed home. At Taihape I filled up the car and went in to pay. I met a client in the queue (Kumar) and we chatted. Then as I exited, I saw a Spin instructor. Her name escaped me, so my stupid brain took over as it clicked as to how I knew her and I said (so adroitly) "Hello there - you are the Spin woman". Yes, I called someone "The spin woman". Anyway, after I explained who I was (more startling conversation from me: "I am the one in the back row with a cap on"), she kindly chatted to me. She had just been MTBing in Rotorua and did the MTB race at Taupo. Oossshh!
The rest of the drive home was good. I sang lots. We got home around 4pm and the cat got a lot of smooches. I had a mountain of laundry. Doro came around to stay the night.
But a huge thank you to everyone that made my weekend so special. Sreejith for his motivation in training. My spin instructors for giving up their time to teach classes and keep me fit. Family and friends for support. Wow. Just amazing. Thank you.
Lots of love,
Angela
Thursday, November 23, 2017
The Wednesday with packing for the weekend
Hi,
Today (Thursday) is the most stunning day in Wellington you can possibly imagine. And I can imagine things that are incredible. Blue skies, no wind. The harbour is like a millpond. Yep - any cruise ship in today will cause a huge rush of immigration queries.
I got home yesterday and packed for my weekend. Mike helped me a lot and I also got tea cooked. The car was mostly packed by the time I went to bed. Mike was working in bed, so I thought it would take ages for me to get to sleep.
Ummm. No. I must have fallen asleep within minutes.
Anyway, up this morning to plonk my stuff in the car, get the boys their lunch and head into town. The car is parked, ready to leave at 4pm. I am staying tonight in Palmerston North with Iona and Col. Then driving up to Taupo from there tomorrow. Should get to Taupo mid afternoon, with plenty of time to register and pick up any groceries and settle into the house we have rented.
Next time you hear from me will be post Taupo and you'll know how I went. :-)
Enjoy your weekend. See you Monday.
Love,
Angela
Today (Thursday) is the most stunning day in Wellington you can possibly imagine. And I can imagine things that are incredible. Blue skies, no wind. The harbour is like a millpond. Yep - any cruise ship in today will cause a huge rush of immigration queries.
I got home yesterday and packed for my weekend. Mike helped me a lot and I also got tea cooked. The car was mostly packed by the time I went to bed. Mike was working in bed, so I thought it would take ages for me to get to sleep.
Ummm. No. I must have fallen asleep within minutes.
Anyway, up this morning to plonk my stuff in the car, get the boys their lunch and head into town. The car is parked, ready to leave at 4pm. I am staying tonight in Palmerston North with Iona and Col. Then driving up to Taupo from there tomorrow. Should get to Taupo mid afternoon, with plenty of time to register and pick up any groceries and settle into the house we have rented.
Next time you hear from me will be post Taupo and you'll know how I went. :-)
Enjoy your weekend. See you Monday.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
The Tuesday with everything situation normal all finally united
Hi,
I have a short week this week - Friday off to head up to the big weekend ride around Taupo. While I am not nervous about the actual race day, I am slightly worried about the stretch goal I have set myself. So many variables on the day, and this underlying nagging thought that maybe I could have prepared even better. But, at the end of the day, I don't really know much about this sort of stuff. And really, I have given it a pretty good go. I am probably fitter than I have ever been - even when I was climbing every weekend back in university days. Although that was a different sort of fitness.
I am now tapering. And Mike says I'm not at my peak just yet - I will hit that on Saturday. Isn't he sweet?
Yesterday was crazy - I think the world of IT imploded. I careened from one crazy to another crazy. However, I did get lunch with Mike - highlight of the day. We sat in the suntrap outside Sally's old work. Very pleasant.
Right. Time to get stuck in and avoid any crazy today. Watch me duck and weave. And I am not even in my ninja outfit. Just makes it slightly harder to blend into the shadows.
Have a great day.
Love,
Angela
I have a short week this week - Friday off to head up to the big weekend ride around Taupo. While I am not nervous about the actual race day, I am slightly worried about the stretch goal I have set myself. So many variables on the day, and this underlying nagging thought that maybe I could have prepared even better. But, at the end of the day, I don't really know much about this sort of stuff. And really, I have given it a pretty good go. I am probably fitter than I have ever been - even when I was climbing every weekend back in university days. Although that was a different sort of fitness.
I am now tapering. And Mike says I'm not at my peak just yet - I will hit that on Saturday. Isn't he sweet?
Yesterday was crazy - I think the world of IT imploded. I careened from one crazy to another crazy. However, I did get lunch with Mike - highlight of the day. We sat in the suntrap outside Sally's old work. Very pleasant.
Right. Time to get stuck in and avoid any crazy today. Watch me duck and weave. And I am not even in my ninja outfit. Just makes it slightly harder to blend into the shadows.
Have a great day.
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
The Monday back at work
Hi,
Yesterday disappeared in a blur - I did see Andrew for a coffee and hear about his adventures down south with Sally, Alistair and Vicky on bicycles. It sounded brilliant.
I squeezed in a spin class - and along with the one this morning I did - I am now finished with my training. According to Mike just now, I will peak at 8am Saturday morning. Glad he is confident in my tapering skills. Hahahah.
I got home yesterday and cooked tea for Toby. Then I asked him to help me pack the car with board games from our cupboard (my aversion to them means we never play them, so Mike said we were donating them to the local fair) and drove off into town to collect my bike, deliver the poster to Andrew and drop off the board games.
It all went like clockwork, apart from the tiny plan that should have seen me take Andrew home. But there was no space in the car with so many board games - and my bike.
Mike and I dropped the games off at the school for their fair this weekend. Back home to see Toby before bed. We got a little distracted with You Tube videos before we fell asleep.
This morning was a lovely ride in. The best sort of morning in Wellington.
Hope your day is a good one.
Cheers,
Angela
Yesterday disappeared in a blur - I did see Andrew for a coffee and hear about his adventures down south with Sally, Alistair and Vicky on bicycles. It sounded brilliant.
I squeezed in a spin class - and along with the one this morning I did - I am now finished with my training. According to Mike just now, I will peak at 8am Saturday morning. Glad he is confident in my tapering skills. Hahahah.
I got home yesterday and cooked tea for Toby. Then I asked him to help me pack the car with board games from our cupboard (my aversion to them means we never play them, so Mike said we were donating them to the local fair) and drove off into town to collect my bike, deliver the poster to Andrew and drop off the board games.
It all went like clockwork, apart from the tiny plan that should have seen me take Andrew home. But there was no space in the car with so many board games - and my bike.
Mike and I dropped the games off at the school for their fair this weekend. Back home to see Toby before bed. We got a little distracted with You Tube videos before we fell asleep.
This morning was a lovely ride in. The best sort of morning in Wellington.
Hope your day is a good one.
Cheers,
Angela
Monday, November 20, 2017
The weekend with Wellington fun
Hi,
Looking at the pics, it seems that all I have done is drink iced coffees. Hahah. But the weekend was very good. I can't remember hardly anything at this stage.
Friday night was a good one at home with the boys. Saturday had Mike leaving early to drop off two friends tramping over the Papatahi Crossing overnight. He walked in some of the way with Doro and Zoey and popped into Zany Zeus's on the way home. They met Sally in the queue there. Funny.
Meanwhile, Toby and I went into town and tried to get some Christmas shopping done. To no avail. But we had a lovely lunch together at Felix.
We left each other in town - Toby off home on the bus and me to my appointment. Got back home and relaxed with the boys for the day.
Sunday saw us up early, but not quite as early as we wanted. I was doing my last bike ride before Taupo, and Mike was picking up his friends at the other end of their tramp. So we headed off to the Wairarapa via Maccas for brekkie. As we drove over the hill, Mike commented that there were a lot of buses on the road. My brain then realised Toast Martinborough is on just before Taupo - and sure enough, it was today. Gah! We changed my bike route to avoid Martinborough. Turns out it was all easy.
I started my bike ride at Featherston at about 10.20am. I was intending to only ride about 50 km and take it easy - mainly just to make sure my bike and gear was working well. Finalise those last few wee things so I am good for the ride next weekend. I rode down Ocean Road and thought I would turn around and ride back after 25km. I got to there, and wanted to go a little further. Turned up into the East link road and saw a Road Closed sign. Just went to the top of the wee hill, and turned back around.
I road back, into a bit of a head wind - even though I thought it was a head wind on the way down. Picked up a rider training for Taupo towards the end and enjoyed a wee chat with him. Got to Featherston and saw Mike had texted and called.
Rang him - he was walking with Toby and the trampers and still had about an hour to get back to the car. So, I turned around and rode back.
Ended up doing 90km - but still fairly easy. It was all good fun.
The car picked me up about 200m from their road end. We went back to a bakery in Featherston and I ate a meat pie for the first time in ages (I haven't been eating meat at all). Back home, and I dropped Mike at work for a few hours before our movie we had booked.
Went grocery shopping, then discovered a lot of calls from Mike. He got the time wrong and actually the movie was at 5.45pm! Went through checkout, drove home, collected Toby, shoved frozen/chilled stuff into the fridge and then drove back. We got a park right outside and met Mike and enjoyed Justice League.
Woot! Great weekend.
Hope your week is good.
Love,
Angela
Looking at the pics, it seems that all I have done is drink iced coffees. Hahah. But the weekend was very good. I can't remember hardly anything at this stage.
 |
| Monday morning iced latte |
Friday night was a good one at home with the boys. Saturday had Mike leaving early to drop off two friends tramping over the Papatahi Crossing overnight. He walked in some of the way with Doro and Zoey and popped into Zany Zeus's on the way home. They met Sally in the queue there. Funny.
Meanwhile, Toby and I went into town and tried to get some Christmas shopping done. To no avail. But we had a lovely lunch together at Felix.
 |
| Friday afternoon iced latte |
We left each other in town - Toby off home on the bus and me to my appointment. Got back home and relaxed with the boys for the day.
 |
| Friday morning iced latte |
I started my bike ride at Featherston at about 10.20am. I was intending to only ride about 50 km and take it easy - mainly just to make sure my bike and gear was working well. Finalise those last few wee things so I am good for the ride next weekend. I rode down Ocean Road and thought I would turn around and ride back after 25km. I got to there, and wanted to go a little further. Turned up into the East link road and saw a Road Closed sign. Just went to the top of the wee hill, and turned back around.
I road back, into a bit of a head wind - even though I thought it was a head wind on the way down. Picked up a rider training for Taupo towards the end and enjoyed a wee chat with him. Got to Featherston and saw Mike had texted and called.
Rang him - he was walking with Toby and the trampers and still had about an hour to get back to the car. So, I turned around and rode back.
Ended up doing 90km - but still fairly easy. It was all good fun.
The car picked me up about 200m from their road end. We went back to a bakery in Featherston and I ate a meat pie for the first time in ages (I haven't been eating meat at all). Back home, and I dropped Mike at work for a few hours before our movie we had booked.
Went grocery shopping, then discovered a lot of calls from Mike. He got the time wrong and actually the movie was at 5.45pm! Went through checkout, drove home, collected Toby, shoved frozen/chilled stuff into the fridge and then drove back. We got a park right outside and met Mike and enjoyed Justice League.
Woot! Great weekend.
Hope your week is good.
Love,
Angela
Friday, November 17, 2017
The Thursday with nothing much
Hi,
Mike always says my marketing leaves a lot to be desired when I titled my days as "with nothing much". But really, there wasn't a lot happening yesterday.
Toby did pop in to see me at work after his exams. We chatted about how they went - he thinks they went ok. He was up late the night before cramming - says Grandy told him that trick. Hahahah. Well, he wasn't too stressed or anxious so I was proud of that. I bought him some sushi and sat with him while he gobbled that up like I hadn't fed him for days. Just like the cat, really.
Finally convinced myself to ride home and enjoyed it. Mike beat me home though. Doh! Cooked tea - the boys had some pasta concoction I made up (broccoli, bacon and cheesy sauce - can't go wrong there!) and I ate more asparagus and haloumi. Oohh - my dinners are like gourmet.
Anyhow, I had a restless sleep. It's not like I couldn't sleep, because I actually fell asleep with Mike reading with the light on. Woke myself up when I dreamed my foot slipped out of a pedal. I think Taupo might be on my mind. And fell asleep again, only to be woken up by Mike shouting out to Toby. Then the rest of the night, I seem to waken, and fall back to sleep. Who knows?
My ride in this morning was lovely. The wind is getting up a little. The sky is slightly overcast. But it is dry and the weekend beckons.
We have some odd plans for the weekend. Mike and Toby sound like they may do a day walk tomorrow. I have an appointment though so I won't go. Sunday Mike has volunteered to pick up trampers from the bottom of the Wairarapa so I will take my bike and have a good ride. Last big one before Taupo. Shake down anything still needing to be shaken down.
Have a great weekend, whatever you get up to.
Love,
Angela
Mike always says my marketing leaves a lot to be desired when I titled my days as "with nothing much". But really, there wasn't a lot happening yesterday.
Toby did pop in to see me at work after his exams. We chatted about how they went - he thinks they went ok. He was up late the night before cramming - says Grandy told him that trick. Hahahah. Well, he wasn't too stressed or anxious so I was proud of that. I bought him some sushi and sat with him while he gobbled that up like I hadn't fed him for days. Just like the cat, really.
Finally convinced myself to ride home and enjoyed it. Mike beat me home though. Doh! Cooked tea - the boys had some pasta concoction I made up (broccoli, bacon and cheesy sauce - can't go wrong there!) and I ate more asparagus and haloumi. Oohh - my dinners are like gourmet.
Anyhow, I had a restless sleep. It's not like I couldn't sleep, because I actually fell asleep with Mike reading with the light on. Woke myself up when I dreamed my foot slipped out of a pedal. I think Taupo might be on my mind. And fell asleep again, only to be woken up by Mike shouting out to Toby. Then the rest of the night, I seem to waken, and fall back to sleep. Who knows?
My ride in this morning was lovely. The wind is getting up a little. The sky is slightly overcast. But it is dry and the weekend beckons.
We have some odd plans for the weekend. Mike and Toby sound like they may do a day walk tomorrow. I have an appointment though so I won't go. Sunday Mike has volunteered to pick up trampers from the bottom of the Wairarapa so I will take my bike and have a good ride. Last big one before Taupo. Shake down anything still needing to be shaken down.
Have a great weekend, whatever you get up to.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, November 16, 2017
The Wednesday with a haircut
Hi,
What a lovely morning here in Wellington. We have a rail strike and it is commuting chaos out there. I rode my bike in and suffered car drivers that had probably sat in unusually heavy traffic and were terribly grumpy by the time they got off the motorway. So grumpy they had forgotten how to share the road and think ahead. They should have stayed at home.
Yesterday I caught up with Mary, Rex and Jo for a much needed coffee break at Arabica. It is a photo pre haircut. If I get a chance to grab an iced coffee today, I will be able to show you the new cut. Maybe. Actually, not sure anyone will see any difference.
I did get a Spin class in at lunchtime to keep me sane. And after work I got my haircut. They were running late so I got some extra scalp massaging. That is totally the way to win me over. Late schmate.
Jumped on a bus after it and Mike wasn't too far behind me on another bus. He gamely ran after a couple of buses and got some exercise that way. Hahah.
Cooked tea for the boys. Chicken schnitzels - Toby's favourite. I had grilled asparagus and haloumi. Mmmmm.
Toby has exams today and tomorrow. Very exciting. He seems to be ok about them. Let's see what he thinks tonight.
Went in for early morning Spin this morning. Last one with this instructor as she is changing jobs and can't make it to this slot anymore. We met the new instructor that will take over - but I will be tapering ahead of Taupo next Thursday and won't get to her first class.
Hope your day is a great one.
Love,
Angela
What a lovely morning here in Wellington. We have a rail strike and it is commuting chaos out there. I rode my bike in and suffered car drivers that had probably sat in unusually heavy traffic and were terribly grumpy by the time they got off the motorway. So grumpy they had forgotten how to share the road and think ahead. They should have stayed at home.
 |
| Iced coffee at Arabica |
Yesterday I caught up with Mary, Rex and Jo for a much needed coffee break at Arabica. It is a photo pre haircut. If I get a chance to grab an iced coffee today, I will be able to show you the new cut. Maybe. Actually, not sure anyone will see any difference.
I did get a Spin class in at lunchtime to keep me sane. And after work I got my haircut. They were running late so I got some extra scalp massaging. That is totally the way to win me over. Late schmate.
Jumped on a bus after it and Mike wasn't too far behind me on another bus. He gamely ran after a couple of buses and got some exercise that way. Hahah.
Cooked tea for the boys. Chicken schnitzels - Toby's favourite. I had grilled asparagus and haloumi. Mmmmm.
Toby has exams today and tomorrow. Very exciting. He seems to be ok about them. Let's see what he thinks tonight.
Went in for early morning Spin this morning. Last one with this instructor as she is changing jobs and can't make it to this slot anymore. We met the new instructor that will take over - but I will be tapering ahead of Taupo next Thursday and won't get to her first class.
Hope your day is a great one.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
The Tuesday with a bike ride
Hi,
Yes, I still think the week should be much further along - far closer to Friday - than what it actually is. I can't believe it is only Wednesday.
I did get a coffee catch up with Celia and touched base with her and the team and what they are up to in general. As well as hearing about James and his collarbone and his progress.
There is something about the Machete coffee that I like. Not sure what though, given I don't drink a lot of coffee. And it is all cold when I do drink it.
Celia positioned the flowers just so in the photo. Hahahah.
After the working day ended, Sreejith and I got on our bikes and headed around the bays. He made good time - all that extra gym work is paying huge dividends. On the flat, Sreejith can outride me. But come to a hill, and I easily catch him. I suppose it is my commute that makes that difference.
Anyway, I was back home in under 2 hours. Pretty happy with the bike. Not quite so happy with my form. But not a lot I can do about it now. 1.5 weeks to go. Ooossshhh!
I have my haircut tonight. As you can tell in the photo, it is a little long and slightly unruly. It'll be good to have it shorter for the Round Taupo weekend. Less tendency for it to poke me in the eyes.
Time to kickstart the day. Hope yours is good fun. Toby has exams tomorrow and Friday (not NCEA - that is next year). We're very excited about that. Send him some best wishes for it. Or some tips on how to write essays in exam situations. Or how to calculate means, medians and standard deviations.
Love,
Angela
Yes, I still think the week should be much further along - far closer to Friday - than what it actually is. I can't believe it is only Wednesday.
I did get a coffee catch up with Celia and touched base with her and the team and what they are up to in general. As well as hearing about James and his collarbone and his progress.
 |
| Iced latte at Machete with Celia |
There is something about the Machete coffee that I like. Not sure what though, given I don't drink a lot of coffee. And it is all cold when I do drink it.
Celia positioned the flowers just so in the photo. Hahahah.
After the working day ended, Sreejith and I got on our bikes and headed around the bays. He made good time - all that extra gym work is paying huge dividends. On the flat, Sreejith can outride me. But come to a hill, and I easily catch him. I suppose it is my commute that makes that difference.
Anyway, I was back home in under 2 hours. Pretty happy with the bike. Not quite so happy with my form. But not a lot I can do about it now. 1.5 weeks to go. Ooossshhh!
I have my haircut tonight. As you can tell in the photo, it is a little long and slightly unruly. It'll be good to have it shorter for the Round Taupo weekend. Less tendency for it to poke me in the eyes.
Time to kickstart the day. Hope yours is good fun. Toby has exams tomorrow and Friday (not NCEA - that is next year). We're very excited about that. Send him some best wishes for it. Or some tips on how to write essays in exam situations. Or how to calculate means, medians and standard deviations.
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
The Monday that seriously felt like two days worth
Hi,
How come Mondays that are public holidays don't feel like two days worth? Life is odd.
Anyway, let's see. What did I do yesterday? Got into work early for yoga. Had yoga. Got into work and worked. As you do.
Oh yeah. Toby came into the doctors, so I met him there after work (ish) and he got some antibiotics for his ingrown toenail. Apparently it is a bit (well, I put a word in there, thinking it was going to say "pus-like" but it turned out to say "pussy" which is not the same thing at all) inflamed with pus. Here's hoping he takes his medicine and it clears up quickly. He's supposed to rest it up.
I gave him some groceries from my stash at work (I went shopping to get crucial things) and I had to take home the remaining things myself on the bus.
Mike jumped on with me and we cooked tea (leftovers) when we got home. Did laundry. Made lunch stuff for the week ahead. Emptied the dishwasher and refilled it. Got stuff ready for the next day. Looked for the Camelbak bladder. Drove stuff into work and collected the bike. Found the bladder while putting commuting bike back in the garage. And fell into bed when I got back.
This morning I rode my road bike in - using my sneakers as one of my logistics from the night before didn't go to plan (I brought in my cycling gear to work last night - but actually brought in my road shoes when I need them to ride my bike in this morning!). Went to Spin.
After work I will ride with Sreejith around the bays. A nice 50km ride. Get home, and head back to collect my gear. Well, that is the plan anyway.
Oh - and yesterday I "watched" a friend's wife compete in this: Running in a desert She is running a marathon, through a desert, every day, for five days! I am simultaneously amazed and scared. I hope she does well.
Have a brilliant day.
Love,
Angela
How come Mondays that are public holidays don't feel like two days worth? Life is odd.
Anyway, let's see. What did I do yesterday? Got into work early for yoga. Had yoga. Got into work and worked. As you do.
Oh yeah. Toby came into the doctors, so I met him there after work (ish) and he got some antibiotics for his ingrown toenail. Apparently it is a bit (well, I put a word in there, thinking it was going to say "pus-like" but it turned out to say "pussy" which is not the same thing at all) inflamed with pus. Here's hoping he takes his medicine and it clears up quickly. He's supposed to rest it up.
I gave him some groceries from my stash at work (I went shopping to get crucial things) and I had to take home the remaining things myself on the bus.
Mike jumped on with me and we cooked tea (leftovers) when we got home. Did laundry. Made lunch stuff for the week ahead. Emptied the dishwasher and refilled it. Got stuff ready for the next day. Looked for the Camelbak bladder. Drove stuff into work and collected the bike. Found the bladder while putting commuting bike back in the garage. And fell into bed when I got back.
This morning I rode my road bike in - using my sneakers as one of my logistics from the night before didn't go to plan (I brought in my cycling gear to work last night - but actually brought in my road shoes when I need them to ride my bike in this morning!). Went to Spin.
After work I will ride with Sreejith around the bays. A nice 50km ride. Get home, and head back to collect my gear. Well, that is the plan anyway.
Oh - and yesterday I "watched" a friend's wife compete in this: Running in a desert She is running a marathon, through a desert, every day, for five days! I am simultaneously amazed and scared. I hope she does well.
Have a brilliant day.
Love,
Angela
Monday, November 13, 2017
The weekend in Wellington
Hi,
What a weird weekend that was. Friday night was fairly normal at home. But Saturday I was up early for Spin and Mike was going to tackle the last coat on the new front door.
I went grocery shopping with Toby at some point. No wait. That was Friday evening. Ahhh, yeah. Groceries Friday and also collected a burger for him too.
And then, Toby came with me to Spin at Evans Bay. He sat in the car while I attended the class. Sreejith got in just a few minutes into the class. Woot!
After Spin we collected Sahara from her house, dropped in to see her mother on the way back and then collected some Maccas for brekkie. Home to eat it, and enjoy the weather.
We did get the door done - my job was to hold it so Mike could varnish it. Tough work for me. Hahah.
Mike had a tramping club anniversary evening and headed to the clubrooms for photos and stuff. Came home, and changed for dinner with them all. That came with speeches - and dessert.
Meanwhile, Toby and Sahara watched movies and TV shows while cuddling on the couch. Date day.
Mike got home fairly late, but took Sahara home and Toby made sure she was safely on the path to her front door.
Sunday Mike got up early and watched rugby with some mates. New Zealand squeaked out a win against France. I went off to Spin - again. And when I got home, I made another iced coffee with brekkie for me and Toby.
The day passed by in laundry and reading.
Last night we had a wee earthquake. 11.30pm. Mike slept through it as he has no recollection of it. But it woke me up, and I said "Earthquake. I wonder if it's in Seddon". And Mike lifted his head off the pillow, grunted something and dropped his head back. And then I fell alseep.
I wondered if I had dreamed it, but no. The news shows it really did happen. 4.8. But quite deep - well, 45km is deeper than they have been here. And it is nearly a year to the day of the big one in Kaikoura that definitely made itself known here.
The week is stretching ahead into the middle distance. One more weekend to go before Taupo. Ooossshhh!
Have a brilliant week.
Love,
Angela
What a weird weekend that was. Friday night was fairly normal at home. But Saturday I was up early for Spin and Mike was going to tackle the last coat on the new front door.
I went grocery shopping with Toby at some point. No wait. That was Friday evening. Ahhh, yeah. Groceries Friday and also collected a burger for him too.
And then, Toby came with me to Spin at Evans Bay. He sat in the car while I attended the class. Sreejith got in just a few minutes into the class. Woot!
 |
| Spotto at the supermarket - and it's a double Spotto when it's a yellow Mustang |
After Spin we collected Sahara from her house, dropped in to see her mother on the way back and then collected some Maccas for brekkie. Home to eat it, and enjoy the weather.
 |
| Saturday home made iced coffee on the deck |
 |
| Mike's short black |
We did get the door done - my job was to hold it so Mike could varnish it. Tough work for me. Hahah.
Mike had a tramping club anniversary evening and headed to the clubrooms for photos and stuff. Came home, and changed for dinner with them all. That came with speeches - and dessert.
Meanwhile, Toby and Sahara watched movies and TV shows while cuddling on the couch. Date day.
Mike got home fairly late, but took Sahara home and Toby made sure she was safely on the path to her front door.
 |
| Trying the home made iced coffee again on Sunday |
Sunday Mike got up early and watched rugby with some mates. New Zealand squeaked out a win against France. I went off to Spin - again. And when I got home, I made another iced coffee with brekkie for me and Toby.
The day passed by in laundry and reading.
Last night we had a wee earthquake. 11.30pm. Mike slept through it as he has no recollection of it. But it woke me up, and I said "Earthquake. I wonder if it's in Seddon". And Mike lifted his head off the pillow, grunted something and dropped his head back. And then I fell alseep.
I wondered if I had dreamed it, but no. The news shows it really did happen. 4.8. But quite deep - well, 45km is deeper than they have been here. And it is nearly a year to the day of the big one in Kaikoura that definitely made itself known here.
The week is stretching ahead into the middle distance. One more weekend to go before Taupo. Ooossshhh!
Have a brilliant week.
Love,
Angela
Friday, November 10, 2017
The Thursday with weights training
Hi,
Busy day yesterday - but I did wander out to visit a client. And scored an iced coffee while I was there.
This was in a cafe on Featherston St. Under the old ANZ building. I think it is a cafe chain - but not sure which one. Perhaps I should have asked for sugar syrup on the side rather than having them add sugar.
Got through the day. Had a weights session with Sreejith and Anjali - which killed me. At the start, I was thinking the carpet where we were working out looked a bit scummy. By the end, I was collapsed on the scummy floor without a care about it at all.
Did get home, sort out tea for Toby and then collected Mike on our way to Lower Hutt to pick my road bike up from its service. Thanks Gary - it is looking mighty sweet. It'll shave at least 5 seconds of my time this year with all that fresh lube. Actually, he did see an issue with the bottom bracket - and I had my suspicions from some recent rides. I'll shake it down this weekend and hopefully it'll be great for Taupo.
Other than that - it's almost the weekend. Woot!
Hope your weekend is a fun one.
Love,
Angela
Busy day yesterday - but I did wander out to visit a client. And scored an iced coffee while I was there.
This was in a cafe on Featherston St. Under the old ANZ building. I think it is a cafe chain - but not sure which one. Perhaps I should have asked for sugar syrup on the side rather than having them add sugar.
 |
| Very sweet iced coffee |
 |
| Looks good though |
Got through the day. Had a weights session with Sreejith and Anjali - which killed me. At the start, I was thinking the carpet where we were working out looked a bit scummy. By the end, I was collapsed on the scummy floor without a care about it at all.
Did get home, sort out tea for Toby and then collected Mike on our way to Lower Hutt to pick my road bike up from its service. Thanks Gary - it is looking mighty sweet. It'll shave at least 5 seconds of my time this year with all that fresh lube. Actually, he did see an issue with the bottom bracket - and I had my suspicions from some recent rides. I'll shake it down this weekend and hopefully it'll be great for Taupo.
Other than that - it's almost the weekend. Woot!
Hope your weekend is a fun one.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, November 9, 2017
The Wednesday with dropping my road bike off for a service and seeing James
Hi,
Happy birthday to Vivienne!
I did get to Spin during the day yesterday, which was ok. Not my best attempt at exercise ever - but not the worst either. And as I figure it, it is better to be trying than sitting at my desk, wondering.
It doesn't sound as pithy as it did in my head. I don't think I am going to make headlines with a sound bite with that sentence.
Anyway, I got home and cooked tea for Toby. Spag bol. One of his favourites. And I left him scoffing a huge bowlful. I also asked him to tidy away leftovers if he had any. And knock me down with a feather. When I got home from my messages, he had used Gladwrap and everything. He is amazing.
I dropped my bike off at Gary the bike mechanic's place, just around the corner from Sally and Andrew's place. I checked mail and pushed it through the window. And scouted the place out - and the sheds. All looking good.
As I went to pull away, Celia texted. So I texted back to say I would pop around - they just live around the corner from 40WLW.
And, guess what? Spotto! Yes, I parked opposite a yellow car. And now I look at the photo, it was a regular rainbow on the street. Celia's new car is a dashing blue, too. If only I had got that one in the same pic. Yes, I have slightly odd bucket lists from most people. Hahahah.
Anyway, I found James at home. And I haven't seen pain etched on someone's face like that for a long time. Poor guy. His collarbone must be busted up pretty bad. We chatted a bit before Celia got home - I heard all about his actual crash. And then we all chatted a bit more.
But, before long it was time to head back into town and collect Mike and get home. Woot! He was working late.
Collapsed into bed and was so sleepy. Good long sleep before getting up and going in early for Spin. Which was a lot better this morning than Wednesday lunchtime. Thank goodness.
And today is stunning here in Wellington. If a cruise ship docks, immigration is going to be inundated with requests for residency.
Enjoy your day - whatever you do.
Love,
Angela
Happy birthday to Vivienne!
I did get to Spin during the day yesterday, which was ok. Not my best attempt at exercise ever - but not the worst either. And as I figure it, it is better to be trying than sitting at my desk, wondering.
It doesn't sound as pithy as it did in my head. I don't think I am going to make headlines with a sound bite with that sentence.
Anyway, I got home and cooked tea for Toby. Spag bol. One of his favourites. And I left him scoffing a huge bowlful. I also asked him to tidy away leftovers if he had any. And knock me down with a feather. When I got home from my messages, he had used Gladwrap and everything. He is amazing.
I dropped my bike off at Gary the bike mechanic's place, just around the corner from Sally and Andrew's place. I checked mail and pushed it through the window. And scouted the place out - and the sheds. All looking good.
As I went to pull away, Celia texted. So I texted back to say I would pop around - they just live around the corner from 40WLW.
And, guess what? Spotto! Yes, I parked opposite a yellow car. And now I look at the photo, it was a regular rainbow on the street. Celia's new car is a dashing blue, too. If only I had got that one in the same pic. Yes, I have slightly odd bucket lists from most people. Hahahah.
 |
| The start of a rainbow |
Anyway, I found James at home. And I haven't seen pain etched on someone's face like that for a long time. Poor guy. His collarbone must be busted up pretty bad. We chatted a bit before Celia got home - I heard all about his actual crash. And then we all chatted a bit more.
But, before long it was time to head back into town and collect Mike and get home. Woot! He was working late.
Collapsed into bed and was so sleepy. Good long sleep before getting up and going in early for Spin. Which was a lot better this morning than Wednesday lunchtime. Thank goodness.
And today is stunning here in Wellington. If a cruise ship docks, immigration is going to be inundated with requests for residency.
Enjoy your day - whatever you do.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
The Tuesday that should be Thursday
Hi,
I got another photo of feet late yesterday - this one was evidence of location. Roxburgh dam. Good old central Otago. I hope they got a Jimmys Pie for their efforts. Mmmm.
Mike has a friend called Jo, and she has only just recently got her cast off her wrist from a snowboard injury. Anyway, I have been trying to convince her to start riding her bicycle into work and she finally did it yesterday. And texted me to tell me. Then, about 3 minutes after she sent me the text, she crossed the road with the green man, and a car ran her over. Squashed her foot. Sent her to hospital in an ambulance. And now has crutches and a huge stitch-filled gash in her foot. Nothing broken - which sounds kinda amazing to me.
Mike and I think she shouldn't be allowed out unless she is wrapped in cotton wool.
Last night I scared myself silly riding home. Between Rugby House and the Thai embassy, the wind gusts were fierce and had me leaned over significantly to fight to stay upright. Which, you know, would be fine if that was all I had to contend with. But avoiding getting squashed by traffic at the same time isn't a lot of fun.
I sorted out dinner for Toby - and then we both took photos of Smudge as she sat on the window sill, with her tongue poking out. It really makes her look quite dumb - but still very cute.
And it was Melbourne Cup yesterday. I did get a horse in the sweep at work. And it got up to third pace late in the race - but it was all too tough for it. Which is understandable - it's a crazy long race.
Windy weather last night here. My road bike is due for a service so I am taking it in after work to see Gary. And picking it up again last night.
Have a brilliant day.
Love,
Angela
I got another photo of feet late yesterday - this one was evidence of location. Roxburgh dam. Good old central Otago. I hope they got a Jimmys Pie for their efforts. Mmmm.
 |
| Cycling feet over Roxburgh dam |
Mike has a friend called Jo, and she has only just recently got her cast off her wrist from a snowboard injury. Anyway, I have been trying to convince her to start riding her bicycle into work and she finally did it yesterday. And texted me to tell me. Then, about 3 minutes after she sent me the text, she crossed the road with the green man, and a car ran her over. Squashed her foot. Sent her to hospital in an ambulance. And now has crutches and a huge stitch-filled gash in her foot. Nothing broken - which sounds kinda amazing to me.
Mike and I think she shouldn't be allowed out unless she is wrapped in cotton wool.
Last night I scared myself silly riding home. Between Rugby House and the Thai embassy, the wind gusts were fierce and had me leaned over significantly to fight to stay upright. Which, you know, would be fine if that was all I had to contend with. But avoiding getting squashed by traffic at the same time isn't a lot of fun.
 |
| Smudge shows her tongue |
 |
| Put up a good effort |
And it was Melbourne Cup yesterday. I did get a horse in the sweep at work. And it got up to third pace late in the race - but it was all too tough for it. Which is understandable - it's a crazy long race.
Windy weather last night here. My road bike is due for a service so I am taking it in after work to see Gary. And picking it up again last night.
Have a brilliant day.
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
The Monday that went so fast that I forgot to put a title on the blog post
Hi,
Well, that Monday went fast! What happened there?
I did get a photo of the continued cycling adventure from the contingent down south. However, all I can ascertain from the photo is that they have got nice weather. And it isn't too muddy.
It does look very pleasant, wherever they are.
I rode home after work, and Mike and Toby were already in the kitchen and tidying up. Toby cooked tea (with Mike's instructions) and I ate seconds! Yum. Pesto pasta.
After some serious laundry (I found my slightly gross gym gear in a bag from the weekend!) I read while Mike did something (sounded awfully like Russian car accidents or Tube train documentaries to me) before collapsing into bed.
Slept the sleep of the dead. Heaven. Ok - those are two weird sentences side by side.
And, now the weather is set to change. Gale force winds. No rain though. Or, maybe it will rain, but it will be so windy that the rain comes down, gets swept horizontally and falls in Blenheim. On top of Iona. Who won't care, as she will be in the hospital, being inducted. Or something. Oh, I should stress that her induction is of a work nature. Nothing else involving being inducted in a hospital. Just in case you thought it was some amazing miracle. Ok, I will stop rambling now.
Time for a big drink of water.
Enjoy your day.
Love,
Angela
Well, that Monday went fast! What happened there?
I did get a photo of the continued cycling adventure from the contingent down south. However, all I can ascertain from the photo is that they have got nice weather. And it isn't too muddy.
 |
| Andrew sends a foot shot |
It does look very pleasant, wherever they are.
I rode home after work, and Mike and Toby were already in the kitchen and tidying up. Toby cooked tea (with Mike's instructions) and I ate seconds! Yum. Pesto pasta.
After some serious laundry (I found my slightly gross gym gear in a bag from the weekend!) I read while Mike did something (sounded awfully like Russian car accidents or Tube train documentaries to me) before collapsing into bed.
Slept the sleep of the dead. Heaven. Ok - those are two weird sentences side by side.
And, now the weather is set to change. Gale force winds. No rain though. Or, maybe it will rain, but it will be so windy that the rain comes down, gets swept horizontally and falls in Blenheim. On top of Iona. Who won't care, as she will be in the hospital, being inducted. Or something. Oh, I should stress that her induction is of a work nature. Nothing else involving being inducted in a hospital. Just in case you thought it was some amazing miracle. Ok, I will stop rambling now.
Time for a big drink of water.
Enjoy your day.
Love,
Angela
Monday, November 6, 2017
The weekend in Wellington
Hi,
We had a good weekend. Friday night the boys watched "The Wrestler". I watched to, up til the fight where there was barbed wire and blood involved. But the boys said it was good, if depressing.
Saturday I was up early for a Spin class - and Sreejith joined me. Woot! Mike got the roof racks for the car while I was at the gym. I showered at work and then Mike collected me (and my bike).
We did a few messages - saw bathroom vanities that we might quite like. That sort of thing.
In the afternoon we went into an alleyway in the middle of town and celebrated the Day of the Dead with beer and nachos. Mike got me some vegan nachos. I was very pleased. But Toby and I got bored. We decided to nip out and see Thor at 4pm. Best decision ever. Got even better halfway through the movie when Thor cut his hair. He is a good looking man - and especially nice with short hair.
Toby and I tried to catch up with Mike - but by 6.30pm he was dancing in the alleyway with his friends. Hmmm. Toby and I went home by bus at that point.
Next morning I was up super early to get a coffee for Iona and meet her at the ferry terminal. We sat in her car, and she talked to me through the flax bush in her front seat. Yes, it was a wee bit odd. But good to chat to her before she got on the ferry.
She starts her new job today! Wow! And Col has a lot of house to still sort out, and make sure it looks good for open home sessions. Good on them!
And, the afternoon passed in a haze of laundry and reading and lounging in the sunshine on the deck (out of the wind). Rather pleasant.
Anyway, the week looms ahead. Busy week. I want to do a ride after work on Thursday. Let's see how that goes.
Enjoy your week.
Love,
Angela
We had a good weekend. Friday night the boys watched "The Wrestler". I watched to, up til the fight where there was barbed wire and blood involved. But the boys said it was good, if depressing.
Saturday I was up early for a Spin class - and Sreejith joined me. Woot! Mike got the roof racks for the car while I was at the gym. I showered at work and then Mike collected me (and my bike).
 |
| Gorgeous morning in Wellington today |
We did a few messages - saw bathroom vanities that we might quite like. That sort of thing.
 |
| Day of the dead in Wellington - Mike was drinking Garage Project beer |
In the afternoon we went into an alleyway in the middle of town and celebrated the Day of the Dead with beer and nachos. Mike got me some vegan nachos. I was very pleased. But Toby and I got bored. We decided to nip out and see Thor at 4pm. Best decision ever. Got even better halfway through the movie when Thor cut his hair. He is a good looking man - and especially nice with short hair.
 |
| Christmas mince tarts at the supermarket. Yucky. |
Toby and I tried to catch up with Mike - but by 6.30pm he was dancing in the alleyway with his friends. Hmmm. Toby and I went home by bus at that point.
 |
| Iona and her car full of household goods - including a bit of her favourite flax bush |
Next morning I was up super early to get a coffee for Iona and meet her at the ferry terminal. We sat in her car, and she talked to me through the flax bush in her front seat. Yes, it was a wee bit odd. But good to chat to her before she got on the ferry.
She starts her new job today! Wow! And Col has a lot of house to still sort out, and make sure it looks good for open home sessions. Good on them!
 |
| We have new roof racks! |
 |
| Vegan nachos - they were good |
 |
| And a photo of our car, because I like it |
 |
| Mike - just take the photo! Iced coffee at Caffeind |
Anyway, the week looms ahead. Busy week. I want to do a ride after work on Thursday. Let's see how that goes.
Enjoy your week.
Love,
Angela
Friday, November 3, 2017
The Thursday with date night
Hi,
During the day I managed to convince someone to have a meeting at the local cafe. So I at least got myself one of the best iced lattes around.
And... ok - the jury is out on whether it can actually be called date night if our son tagged along. Having put this concept out to a few at work beforehand, they seemed to think it wasn't really date night.
But, whatever the label, it was good fun. Toby came to my work and chilled out while my meeting ended. Mike came past to collect us, and we went to Felix for a drink. Some confusion meant I ended up with two drinks. They were both good. Just a lot of liquid.
From there we went to Mr Go's and ate yummy things. We shared a table with three others, which was entertaining. Toby liked his fries but wasn't very adventurous elsewhere on the menu.
We went for a walk around the waterfront, up past Freyburg pool and sat watching the sea for a bit. Heard about Toby talking to Sahara for the first time in that playground next door. Awwww - so cute.
Back to Courtney Place for an ice cream. I checked the photo out after Mike took it, and died with fright at the state of my hair. Why hadn't the boys said it looked a fright? Look at it!
Star Wars posters were up for the new movie coming out on Dec 14th. If they have a midnight showing, I will be there - again!
Blade runner 2049 was good. But sooooooo long. It was midnight before I was in bed. We got to a 2030 session, but it was 2320 by the time we left the cinema.
Good movie. We all liked it. I thought it did well with a continued storyline.
It's the weekend! Woot! We have more new roof than I ever thought we would have at this end of the week. But now the gales force winds are here, and progress will stall - again.
We need to buy a few things. Bathroom vanity. That sort of thing. And I need a bike ride of some sort in there. And a bike service.
Exciting.
Right. Time for the day to kick in proper. Enjoy yours.
Love,
Angela
During the day I managed to convince someone to have a meeting at the local cafe. So I at least got myself one of the best iced lattes around.
 |
| Iced latte with Mark |
But, whatever the label, it was good fun. Toby came to my work and chilled out while my meeting ended. Mike came past to collect us, and we went to Felix for a drink. Some confusion meant I ended up with two drinks. They were both good. Just a lot of liquid.
From there we went to Mr Go's and ate yummy things. We shared a table with three others, which was entertaining. Toby liked his fries but wasn't very adventurous elsewhere on the menu.
We went for a walk around the waterfront, up past Freyburg pool and sat watching the sea for a bit. Heard about Toby talking to Sahara for the first time in that playground next door. Awwww - so cute.
Back to Courtney Place for an ice cream. I checked the photo out after Mike took it, and died with fright at the state of my hair. Why hadn't the boys said it looked a fright? Look at it!
 |
| Eis Kaffee ice cream - cappuccino flavoured |
 |
| See Mike in the mirror? |
Star Wars posters were up for the new movie coming out on Dec 14th. If they have a midnight showing, I will be there - again!
 |
| Now you see him |
 |
| Now you don't |
Blade runner 2049 was good. But sooooooo long. It was midnight before I was in bed. We got to a 2030 session, but it was 2320 by the time we left the cinema.
Good movie. We all liked it. I thought it did well with a continued storyline.
 |
| Sunflowers brighten the office |
It's the weekend! Woot! We have more new roof than I ever thought we would have at this end of the week. But now the gales force winds are here, and progress will stall - again.
We need to buy a few things. Bathroom vanity. That sort of thing. And I need a bike ride of some sort in there. And a bike service.
Exciting.
Right. Time for the day to kick in proper. Enjoy yours.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, November 2, 2017
The Wednesday with bits and bobs
Hi,
The motorway was broken last night after work, so I texted Mike and he jumped on a train to his meeting after work. That meant I could grab the car and take home my bike and some groceries. I avoided the motorway entirely but as I drove over an overbridge across the motorway, I could see it was at a complete standstill. At home I checked on Stuff, and there were two accidents on SH1 and SH2 that blocked everything.
My route through Kelburn and Northland was absolutely fine. I cooked tea for Toby and sat outside on the deck enjoying the still evening.
Made it into Spin nice and early this morning. Thursday morning Spin class is a rather good way to start the day.
Tonight is date night - with Toby. Oh. Anyway - we are going to see Bladerunner 2049. Very excited.
Hope your day is good fun.
Love,
Angela
The motorway was broken last night after work, so I texted Mike and he jumped on a train to his meeting after work. That meant I could grab the car and take home my bike and some groceries. I avoided the motorway entirely but as I drove over an overbridge across the motorway, I could see it was at a complete standstill. At home I checked on Stuff, and there were two accidents on SH1 and SH2 that blocked everything.
My route through Kelburn and Northland was absolutely fine. I cooked tea for Toby and sat outside on the deck enjoying the still evening.
Made it into Spin nice and early this morning. Thursday morning Spin class is a rather good way to start the day.
Tonight is date night - with Toby. Oh. Anyway - we are going to see Bladerunner 2049. Very excited.
Hope your day is good fun.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
The Tuesday that felt like the other day starting with t
Hi,
How can a Tuesday feel like it should be Thursday? I totally wanted to wear my purple shirt. But no. It was only Tuesday.
My bike ride in was hot, hot, hot this morning. I wanted to strip off the cycling jacket on my way in and enjoy t-shirt weather.
When Mike and I got home, we decided to crank up the BBQ and enjoy the beautiful evening on the deck. As did Smudge.
I caught up with Rex and Jo and had an iced latte with them. Sllluuurrrpppp. We hadn't caught up for ages so it was good to get their take on recent things.
And the team all went out to lunch to celebrate a new team member in Wellington. We tried a new place called Pickle and Pie. Or Pie and Pickle. No, Pickle and Pie I think. I had a mushroom and cheese roll. It was tasty. They made me an iced latte and nailed it - even though it wasn't on their menu. And I found out what super power my team would choose if they could have one.
Despite the mania of the day, I think the various iced coffees made it all good in the end. Woot!
Hope your day is as good as here. Probably won't be - it's a stunner here.
Love,
Angela
How can a Tuesday feel like it should be Thursday? I totally wanted to wear my purple shirt. But no. It was only Tuesday.
My bike ride in was hot, hot, hot this morning. I wanted to strip off the cycling jacket on my way in and enjoy t-shirt weather.
When Mike and I got home, we decided to crank up the BBQ and enjoy the beautiful evening on the deck. As did Smudge.
 |
| Have you got any meaty goodness? Oh, no, you don't. Let me try Mike. |
 |
| Cat model lurking for BBQ leftovers |
 |
| Look at my BBQ dinner! My husband is so good! |
 |
| Mike fires up the BBQ for us to enjoy still, warm evenings on the deck |
I caught up with Rex and Jo and had an iced latte with them. Sllluuurrrpppp. We hadn't caught up for ages so it was good to get their take on recent things.
 |
| Iced latte and iced choc (for Jo) at the best cafe - Machete |
And the team all went out to lunch to celebrate a new team member in Wellington. We tried a new place called Pickle and Pie. Or Pie and Pickle. No, Pickle and Pie I think. I had a mushroom and cheese roll. It was tasty. They made me an iced latte and nailed it - even though it wasn't on their menu. And I found out what super power my team would choose if they could have one.
 |
| Pie and Pickle did an iced latte - and it was good! |
Despite the mania of the day, I think the various iced coffees made it all good in the end. Woot!
Hope your day is as good as here. Probably won't be - it's a stunner here.
Love,
Angela
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)