Hi,
Toby made it happily to the Sunshine Coast. Yippee! His plane landed at 11.01 and Dad texted me he had him at 11.32. That's pretty fast through customs. Wow. I hope they all have a great time with Toby's visit.
Mike and I worked late and then Mike went out for a drink and coerced me along too. We went home and Mike raided the pantry and then we went to bed. Goodness, the house was quiet without Toby.
I have changed my alarm to 6.30 now I have no need to make lunches or leave at 4pm. I had a sleep in! Woot! And I got Mike all ready for riding in. We had a great ride down the hill. The forecast rain has stayed away so far. I had to slam on my brakes when two cars stopped in front of me going down the hill. Glad my brakes work ok, despite the racket they make!
Tramping club night tonight and there is a talk on Molesworth Station. I am looking forward to that!
Have a lovely day.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
The Monday with Toby at Zealandia
Hi,
Toby had the first day of his school holidays at Zealandia. It was reptile and waterways day. They got to touch the tuatara and go looking for birds and make boats. Toby said he loved it. When I picked him up, the carer said he had lovely manners and was a great help during the day. How cool.
We went home and I cooked tea and Mike came home and we finished packing for Toby. This morning we got up early (4.45am) and got to the airport for Toby's 7am flight to Auckland. It was so cold here overnight that Toby's plane was delayed until 7.45am while it got de-iced. Yes - they de-iced his plane! I can't believe it. I reckon the person that runs the de-icing gear was adamant it was icy enough for him to get out the machine. Because he hardly ever gets to use it.
The attendant that took him onto the plane saw us standing by the window watching his plane eventually taxiing down the runway and reassured us he'd be fine and wouldn't miss his connection. What a lovely chap.
Now we're both at work and it is a stunning day out there. Toby will just have landed in Auckland. He is so excited!
Have a fantastic day.
Love,
Angela
Toby had the first day of his school holidays at Zealandia. It was reptile and waterways day. They got to touch the tuatara and go looking for birds and make boats. Toby said he loved it. When I picked him up, the carer said he had lovely manners and was a great help during the day. How cool.
We went home and I cooked tea and Mike came home and we finished packing for Toby. This morning we got up early (4.45am) and got to the airport for Toby's 7am flight to Auckland. It was so cold here overnight that Toby's plane was delayed until 7.45am while it got de-iced. Yes - they de-iced his plane! I can't believe it. I reckon the person that runs the de-icing gear was adamant it was icy enough for him to get out the machine. Because he hardly ever gets to use it.
The attendant that took him onto the plane saw us standing by the window watching his plane eventually taxiing down the runway and reassured us he'd be fine and wouldn't miss his connection. What a lovely chap.
Now we're both at work and it is a stunning day out there. Toby will just have landed in Auckland. He is so excited!
Have a fantastic day.
Love,
Angela
Monday, July 7, 2014
The weekend where my belief system was thrown into doubt
Hi,
The title of the blog may be subject to Gilberting. Friday night it was just me and Toby so we watched a fine cheesy romance and it had to be American in light of it being July 4th. I can now say that Toby has seen Dirty Dancing and he gives it a solid 6 out of 10. Which is a pretty good rating for a romance from an 11 year old boy. Hahahah.
During the day I did get to pop out for lunch with Mike, Rex and Jessub. I ate apple pie! And Mike commented I was also a Mum, so it was as American as Mum and apple pie. Groan!
Saturday was the nicest day in Wellington. Glorious. Toby and I had slow start to the day and then went out to collect Sophie. We admired her knife holder! I think Toby thought that was the best thing!
We went out to see Transformers - Age of Extinction. They may have died off from boredom. The movie was unnecessarily long and edited by a 3 year old. It only got vaguely good in the last 50 minutes. Anyhow, we had a nice lunch with Sophie and caught up with all her news. We dropped her home afterwards and hurtled out to Queensgate. Did some shopping before coming back home.
That night we watched Dumb and Dumber (which I had never seen before). I think Toby is now a Jim Carrey fan.
Toby stayed up after the movie chatting to his mates and playing an online game. I fell asleep. This is why I was awake early Sunday morning and Toby slept in!
We went to the Children's Bookshop but discovered it was closed on Sundays. So we went into Joe's Garage for lunch. This is where the strong belief system I had was shaken to its very core. I, of course, had to have an iced coffee. This is , after all, the best place to get them in the universe (as far as I know it).
While Toby nipped out to the toilet I grabbed his straw to finish drinking my iced coffee. As I slurped up my first mouthful and swallowed some weird sugar crystals that hadn't dissolved, I paused. I never recalled sugar crystals in my iced coffees here. I experimentally crunched one up only to discover it wouldn't crunch up.
I investigated further and found glass at the bottom of my iced coffee. Oh! I called the waitress over and asked her to send the manager. He came over and was apologetic and immediately said the meal was free. I thanked him. Toby was amazed that our meal was free. And then the manager came over with vouchers for four people for a free brunch with drinks. Wow. I was impressed at their customer service and determination to put things as right as they could.
My belief in the iced coffee may have been momentarily shaken, but Joe's Garage looked after us extremely well. I might even have one next time I go there. Maybe.
Toby went off to see How to Train your Dragon 2 with his friend Sam for his birthday party. Fortunately Jake was going too and Susan (Jake's mother) dropped Toby off home afterwards. That meant a few hours at home to get some things done.
When I got home it was still a lovely day. I had heard from Mike and the mountain was lovely as well. Two kereru landed on our deck so I took a few photos of them enjoying the sunshine too.
The title of the blog may be subject to Gilberting. Friday night it was just me and Toby so we watched a fine cheesy romance and it had to be American in light of it being July 4th. I can now say that Toby has seen Dirty Dancing and he gives it a solid 6 out of 10. Which is a pretty good rating for a romance from an 11 year old boy. Hahahah.
During the day I did get to pop out for lunch with Mike, Rex and Jessub. I ate apple pie! And Mike commented I was also a Mum, so it was as American as Mum and apple pie. Groan!
 |
| Rex and I enjoying some fine American dining |
Saturday was the nicest day in Wellington. Glorious. Toby and I had slow start to the day and then went out to collect Sophie. We admired her knife holder! I think Toby thought that was the best thing!
 |
| Sophie's knife holder |
We went out to see Transformers - Age of Extinction. They may have died off from boredom. The movie was unnecessarily long and edited by a 3 year old. It only got vaguely good in the last 50 minutes. Anyhow, we had a nice lunch with Sophie and caught up with all her news. We dropped her home afterwards and hurtled out to Queensgate. Did some shopping before coming back home.
That night we watched Dumb and Dumber (which I had never seen before). I think Toby is now a Jim Carrey fan.
Toby stayed up after the movie chatting to his mates and playing an online game. I fell asleep. This is why I was awake early Sunday morning and Toby slept in!
 |
| Toby slept in until 9.45am! |
We went to the Children's Bookshop but discovered it was closed on Sundays. So we went into Joe's Garage for lunch. This is where the strong belief system I had was shaken to its very core. I, of course, had to have an iced coffee. This is , after all, the best place to get them in the universe (as far as I know it).
 |
| Iced coffee - note the lack of a straw |
 |
| Milkshake for Toby |
While Toby nipped out to the toilet I grabbed his straw to finish drinking my iced coffee. As I slurped up my first mouthful and swallowed some weird sugar crystals that hadn't dissolved, I paused. I never recalled sugar crystals in my iced coffees here. I experimentally crunched one up only to discover it wouldn't crunch up.
I investigated further and found glass at the bottom of my iced coffee. Oh! I called the waitress over and asked her to send the manager. He came over and was apologetic and immediately said the meal was free. I thanked him. Toby was amazed that our meal was free. And then the manager came over with vouchers for four people for a free brunch with drinks. Wow. I was impressed at their customer service and determination to put things as right as they could.
My belief in the iced coffee may have been momentarily shaken, but Joe's Garage looked after us extremely well. I might even have one next time I go there. Maybe.
Toby went off to see How to Train your Dragon 2 with his friend Sam for his birthday party. Fortunately Jake was going too and Susan (Jake's mother) dropped Toby off home afterwards. That meant a few hours at home to get some things done.
When I got home it was still a lovely day. I had heard from Mike and the mountain was lovely as well. Two kereru landed on our deck so I took a few photos of them enjoying the sunshine too.
 |
| Two kereru on our deck |
Toby and I watched Ace Venture Pet Detective before bed. Yeah, I am not the biggest Jim Carrey fan in the world.
Mike got home at a decent hour and we had a bath where I caught up with his exciting, awesome weekend. Maybe he'll post some photos later.
Toby is off to Zealandia for the day today. I hope he likes it. Then tomorrow he is off to Brisbane for two weeks!
Have a wonderful week.
Love,
Angela
Friday, July 4, 2014
The Thursday with nothing but packing for Mike
Hi,
I rode home and it was a lovely evening. Cold and crisp. Toby wanted to be picked up from the library so I rode home and grabbed the wee car. Back home and I started cooking tea. I made a rice chicken cheesy sloppy meal. Like baby food. Yum! Hahahah. Well, if I'd have shredded the chicken, then that's what it would most closely resemble.
Mike then helped Toby with some homework and then packed for his weekend away at Ruapehu. It looks like they have finally had some half decent snow and he should be able to have a fantastic time. Lucky him.
Toby and I have plans though. A Friday night movie tucked in bed. A movie tomorrow afternoon with Sophie (Transformers) and Toby has a birthday party on Sunday where they will go and see How to train your dragon 2. A movie fest weekend. Which has become the norm for when Mike is away from us.
Today is July 4 and we've organised a work breakfast. Our token American has moved to another company, but he is coming and bringing his work colleague with him. Should be fun. It does mean I am super hungry now though.
Have a fantastic weekend.
Love,
Angela
I rode home and it was a lovely evening. Cold and crisp. Toby wanted to be picked up from the library so I rode home and grabbed the wee car. Back home and I started cooking tea. I made a rice chicken cheesy sloppy meal. Like baby food. Yum! Hahahah. Well, if I'd have shredded the chicken, then that's what it would most closely resemble.
Mike then helped Toby with some homework and then packed for his weekend away at Ruapehu. It looks like they have finally had some half decent snow and he should be able to have a fantastic time. Lucky him.
Toby and I have plans though. A Friday night movie tucked in bed. A movie tomorrow afternoon with Sophie (Transformers) and Toby has a birthday party on Sunday where they will go and see How to train your dragon 2. A movie fest weekend. Which has become the norm for when Mike is away from us.
Today is July 4 and we've organised a work breakfast. Our token American has moved to another company, but he is coming and bringing his work colleague with him. Should be fun. It does mean I am super hungry now though.
Have a fantastic weekend.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, July 3, 2014
The Wednesday with tramping club for Mike
Hi,
Yesterday was so cold - I rode home and got briefly warm during my exertions. But then I started cooking and I realised the heat pump wasn't keeping the lounge at the 31C Toby had set it to, so I had to go and get changed. I never get changed out of my bike gear unless I need to go outside and mix with company. But the cold forced me into layers!
And then it got even colder. I finally dug around in Toby's wardrobe and found my slippers (he has grown out of them and I never wear them) and put them on. Mmmmm, toasty warm.
Karen gave them to me for Christmas 18 months ago. This is the first time I have worn them in anger. It was actually really rather pleasant.
I cooked tea (spaghetti and meatballs) and as I dished up Toby's plate, Mike rang. I started chatting to him, asking him if he knew how cold it was. Telling him about the layers I had on. About to launch into a detailed description of me finding slippers when he said that he did indeed know how cold it is because he was knocking at our front door pitifully waiting for someone to let him in! Hahahahah! He's funny! I ran to the door and let him in. He got a huge bowl of piping hot spaghetti and meatballs to tuck into and forgot about my protracted conversation that kept him frozen on the doorstep.
Mike went off to tramping club and Toby and I went to bed to keep warm. Worked a treat. I read my book and Toby played a game online with his mates, chatting away to them.
This morning's ride in was fantastic. There is no wind and blue skies. The roads were completely dry. I had a great time coming down the hill. My hands only numbed at the tips, so it isn't really that cold yet!
Have a dynamic day!
Love,
Angela
Yesterday was so cold - I rode home and got briefly warm during my exertions. But then I started cooking and I realised the heat pump wasn't keeping the lounge at the 31C Toby had set it to, so I had to go and get changed. I never get changed out of my bike gear unless I need to go outside and mix with company. But the cold forced me into layers!
And then it got even colder. I finally dug around in Toby's wardrobe and found my slippers (he has grown out of them and I never wear them) and put them on. Mmmmm, toasty warm.
 |
| Slippers! On my feet! |
I cooked tea (spaghetti and meatballs) and as I dished up Toby's plate, Mike rang. I started chatting to him, asking him if he knew how cold it was. Telling him about the layers I had on. About to launch into a detailed description of me finding slippers when he said that he did indeed know how cold it is because he was knocking at our front door pitifully waiting for someone to let him in! Hahahahah! He's funny! I ran to the door and let him in. He got a huge bowl of piping hot spaghetti and meatballs to tuck into and forgot about my protracted conversation that kept him frozen on the doorstep.
Mike went off to tramping club and Toby and I went to bed to keep warm. Worked a treat. I read my book and Toby played a game online with his mates, chatting away to them.
This morning's ride in was fantastic. There is no wind and blue skies. The roads were completely dry. I had a great time coming down the hill. My hands only numbed at the tips, so it isn't really that cold yet!
 |
| Wellington this morning! As proof. |
Have a dynamic day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
The Tuesday with dinner out
Hi,
Happy birthday today to Andrew! Woot!
What a lovely evening. Mike and I walked up to our old workplace at NZTE and met Roz and Fran and wandered down to The Tasting Room. The Tasting Room It was really rather tasty. We had this massive platter for four people to start with and everything was really nice. Then I had the Wild Food Challenge (not very wild - it was fish with tagliatelle and mushrooms - but it was also rather tasty) and Mike ordered the two steaks for $25 option. They gave him one meal - and when he was done, they gave him another meal the same. His steak was good! He was full.
Their chocolate fondant dessert easily rivals the chocolate gooey goodness at Capitol. I was very impressed. Worth going there just for that!
Roz and I went to get the car from Clifton Terrace and we picked up Mike and Fran on the way past and checked out Fran's new house in Lyall Bay. She has got herself the most amazing place. The kitchen lounge area was open plan and had stunning doors and high skylight ceilings. Yep - really nice.
We dropped Roz back at her hotel and I dropped Benjamin off at home. We all slept like the dead. We think it was because we left the dehumidifier on all night and the white noise was soothing! Funny.
This morning is cold but dry here. Lovely morning.
Have a marvellous day!
Love,
Angela
Happy birthday today to Andrew! Woot!
What a lovely evening. Mike and I walked up to our old workplace at NZTE and met Roz and Fran and wandered down to The Tasting Room. The Tasting Room It was really rather tasty. We had this massive platter for four people to start with and everything was really nice. Then I had the Wild Food Challenge (not very wild - it was fish with tagliatelle and mushrooms - but it was also rather tasty) and Mike ordered the two steaks for $25 option. They gave him one meal - and when he was done, they gave him another meal the same. His steak was good! He was full.
Their chocolate fondant dessert easily rivals the chocolate gooey goodness at Capitol. I was very impressed. Worth going there just for that!
Roz and I went to get the car from Clifton Terrace and we picked up Mike and Fran on the way past and checked out Fran's new house in Lyall Bay. She has got herself the most amazing place. The kitchen lounge area was open plan and had stunning doors and high skylight ceilings. Yep - really nice.
We dropped Roz back at her hotel and I dropped Benjamin off at home. We all slept like the dead. We think it was because we left the dehumidifier on all night and the white noise was soothing! Funny.
This morning is cold but dry here. Lovely morning.
Have a marvellous day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
The Monday with nothing
Hi,
Yep - the wintry weather kicked in nicely yesterday. Well, it is entirely unpleasant. Heavy, wet rain. But it isn't too cold - which is bad news for the skifield. Maybe they will get lucky. Toby's ski season pass came in the mail yesterday. Let it snow!
I rode home and grabbed the car. Toby had hurt his foot in a "running accident". So I popped back to the library to collect him. Home again to cook tea and Toby and I ate while Mike worked late.
My ride into work this morning was surprisingly dry - the roads were wet from the overnight rain. But I missed any rain myself. Mike and I are catching up with Roz and Fran for dinner tonight. I can't wait to see them both. Benjamin is coming to look after Toby.
Not sure what the weather is forecast to do. I think all this week will be a bit yucky. First of July already. The year is flying past.
Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Angela
Yep - the wintry weather kicked in nicely yesterday. Well, it is entirely unpleasant. Heavy, wet rain. But it isn't too cold - which is bad news for the skifield. Maybe they will get lucky. Toby's ski season pass came in the mail yesterday. Let it snow!
I rode home and grabbed the car. Toby had hurt his foot in a "running accident". So I popped back to the library to collect him. Home again to cook tea and Toby and I ate while Mike worked late.
My ride into work this morning was surprisingly dry - the roads were wet from the overnight rain. But I missed any rain myself. Mike and I are catching up with Roz and Fran for dinner tonight. I can't wait to see them both. Benjamin is coming to look after Toby.
Not sure what the weather is forecast to do. I think all this week will be a bit yucky. First of July already. The year is flying past.
Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Angela
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