The weekend in the aftermath of such a dreadful day in NZ

Hi,

I can't believe the actions of a lone nutter has changed the fabric of NZ so much.  A part of me thinks it was inevitable - we are generally pretty trusting here and that can lead to opening up vulnerable areas.

We can learn - and call out the sort of behaviour that allows that sort of awful thinking to become normalised.  That is what I am going to try from now on.

Our weekend was jammed packed - although Saturday was quiet.  Except - how did I get that much dirty laundry over the week?

Toby went to Ethan's house on Saturday evening so Mike and I chilled with a movie at home.  Up early Sunday to collect Toby from Ethan's place and off to Maccas for brekkie before the Learn to Ride course with Two Bald Bikers.

Perfect wee bike for it

Toby getting his instructions

 Wow - they are such a good company and offer such value.  Stuart was excellent looking after Toby.  By the end, Toby was riding full circles around the netball court.  I will practise with him next Saturday too (Mike is away to the lodge next weekend).

Dropped Toby home and then continued to celebrate Steph and Bronwyn's wedding the day before with a brunch at St Johns.  Saw some photos - it looked like a lovely day for them.  Zealandia put on good food and the takehe were out in force.  The two of them looked lovely and relaxed.

So nice to see them after the big day, relaxing with family and friends.  Thank you for inviting me and Mike to see that.  :-)

Sobering to see the police officer guarding the central police station with an assault rifle and the car parks outside all coned off from use.  Mike said he hadn't seen that sort of thing since Paris.

Friday iced latte

Tessa came around for movies Saturday afternoon and Mike and I went to the vigil at the Basin Reserve.  We got there around 1730 and it took us almost 45 mins to queue from the south gate around to the north gate.  There were two layers of queues in circles around the venue, snaking their way in.

The vigil was a good way to remember the Muslim lives destroyed in the attacks on Friday.  Members of our community emphasised the best way to combat that sort of hatred is with acceptance and tolerance and love.  I like to think that the majority think the same.  The speakers were eloquent and heartfelt.

Back home and Toby and I dropped Tessa off home.  And I collapsed into bed as I had a 5am start with Quentin.

And now my arms feel like they are twice as long, and made of al dente spaghetti.  Hahahah.

Just found out that Toby is home with a migraine.  And Mike is snotty.  Maybe disease and pestilence is due to descend upon the household.

Have a good week.

Love,
Angela