Hi,
The weather has turned freezing! There is a snow day today in Dunedin. Brrrr. Snow down in Ohakune. I think the boys will be quite cold on their tramp. But they have all the right gear.
I rode home yesterday with a southerly to help me. It was cold even riding home at 5pm. I was in bed with the electric blanket on pretty early. And I may have kept it on all night.
Not only that, it was super hard to get out of bed at 5am for a run. Freezing. But dry. Windy though. My hands were cold, even at the end of the run.
But my ride in wasn't too bad. It looks like the sort of day where we might get some sleety rain later.
Right. Time to kick start the day with breakfast with Fran! Woot! Haven't caught up with her for ages. Looking forward to that. School holiday treat for us. Although Fran no longer has to worry about school holidays with Corey at uni now.
Have a wonderful day. Stay warm if you're in NZ.
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Monday, April 13, 2015
The weekend with Mike and Toby leaving, then my parents leaving
Hi,
It was a great weekend, despite everyone leaving me. I had Friday off work and even with the pouring rain, we decided to drive over to the Wairarapa. I had forgotten we were going to visit Aidan and Janne and has a cafe in mind. But Mum reminded me so we teed that up and popped into see Janne for a cup of tea. It was so nice! Mum and Dad were pleased. Then we turned around and drove back.
William popped over and he stayed for tea and played with Toby. I think it made Toby pretty happy.
Mum was tired but still keen for karaoke. So we went out at 7.30pm and found Celia, Serge and Dave and we sang up a storm for 2 hours. Woot! I drove Mum home and then Celia to her car at the train station.
Saturday was great fun. Mike and Toby were up early to pack for their week away tramping. Eventually they were all packed and Josh, Emerson and Duncan arrived to take them away. So far it sounds like they are having fun. Mike bought Toby size 11 US tramping shoes! He's a giant.
It was a great weekend, despite everyone leaving me. I had Friday off work and even with the pouring rain, we decided to drive over to the Wairarapa. I had forgotten we were going to visit Aidan and Janne and has a cafe in mind. But Mum reminded me so we teed that up and popped into see Janne for a cup of tea. It was so nice! Mum and Dad were pleased. Then we turned around and drove back.
William popped over and he stayed for tea and played with Toby. I think it made Toby pretty happy.
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| View from Aidan and Janne's place |
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| Their front porch |
Mum was tired but still keen for karaoke. So we went out at 7.30pm and found Celia, Serge and Dave and we sang up a storm for 2 hours. Woot! I drove Mum home and then Celia to her car at the train station.
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| Karaoke! |
Saturday was great fun. Mike and Toby were up early to pack for their week away tramping. Eventually they were all packed and Josh, Emerson and Duncan arrived to take them away. So far it sounds like they are having fun. Mike bought Toby size 11 US tramping shoes! He's a giant.
Then I collected Aidan from her house and back to collect my parents and we drove over to see Vivienne. We had the yummiest lunch. Chatted away for hours. Played with the dogs. My parents were so happy. Made me happy too. It was Aidan's first time visiting Vivienne and Joshn's place. I think her eau de Lulu was a huge hit with the dogs. She must smell way better than me.
Mum and I had an appointment for a facial so we had to leave. I dropped Dad and Aidan off at our house (Moby was there) and then continued into town for our appointment. They were running late but it was lovely.
Then I dropped Mum home and dashed off to collect Serge and Paul and drive out to Aotea to Celia's party! Woot! More fun! Had a great time. Thanks Celia.
I got home late and snuck in, hoping not to wake my parents. I felt like a naughty teenager. Hahah. Had a great (if short) sleep in Toby's old bed.
Woke up and went for my run. Did a personal best. Yay! Then showered and relaxed before Sally arrived to take my parents to the airport. We left them at the drop off place and I had tears in my eyes. But then I watched my mother try to get the automatic doors to register her presence and giggled my tears away. But I miss them already.
Sally had a perfect plan for cheering me up. Lunch with her and Andrew at the Dowse. Their iced coffee was pretty good. I had Eggs Benedict and enjoyed that.
Andrew raced off to meet John for golf and Sally and I walked back to her place and then she drove me home in the wee white car. Such a cool end to the weekend.
I watched Downton Abbey for hours before falling asleep super early. The heavy rain and wind at 3.30am woke me up. But at 6am it was ok again and my ride in was dry.
Time to start the week.
Have a wonderful week yourself.
Love,
Angela
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| I'm partying with royalty |
I got home late and snuck in, hoping not to wake my parents. I felt like a naughty teenager. Hahah. Had a great (if short) sleep in Toby's old bed.
Woke up and went for my run. Did a personal best. Yay! Then showered and relaxed before Sally arrived to take my parents to the airport. We left them at the drop off place and I had tears in my eyes. But then I watched my mother try to get the automatic doors to register her presence and giggled my tears away. But I miss them already.
Sally had a perfect plan for cheering me up. Lunch with her and Andrew at the Dowse. Their iced coffee was pretty good. I had Eggs Benedict and enjoyed that.
 |
| Lunch with Sally and Andrew |
 |
| Iced coffee to forget my sorrows at everyone leaving me |
Andrew raced off to meet John for golf and Sally and I walked back to her place and then she drove me home in the wee white car. Such a cool end to the weekend.
I watched Downton Abbey for hours before falling asleep super early. The heavy rain and wind at 3.30am woke me up. But at 6am it was ok again and my ride in was dry.
Time to start the week.
Have a wonderful week yourself.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, April 9, 2015
The Wednesday with user group
Hi,
Typical day at work - busy. Went for my run with Mary and enjoyed that. Fastest time for 5km. She is now in training for a half marathon in Melbourne in October. Crazy woman. So she is going to add a kilometre onto our run on Wednesdays soon. Uh oh. I suspect she won't stop at adding just one more either. We didn't get really wet. We must have timed the run really well, because most of the time it was bucketing down.
That means roof leaks. Seems to be the theme of the week. Aidan had one and had a tiring night sorting out that and doggie vomit (don't think the two are related - but it might have been convenient that she was already awake for the dog episode). Then I heard from Sally that she had found a swimming pool (I'm Gilberting - it's contagious) in the bedroom and sent Andrew looking around outside and then into the roof space to find leaks.
I think Mike and I should probably check the suitcase in our roof space. It might be providing more swimming opportunities to the rats up there than usual. On the other hand, if it doesn't overflow the suitcase, ignorance might be bliss.
I had user group after work and it was entertaining. Then back to work for Mike to take me home. Yay! But that did mean another bus ride in this morning. Buses! So boring. I can't wait to get on my bike,
Tomorrow I have the day off with my parents. We'll all head over to the Wairarapa. Mmmm. Cafes. Can't wait.
Have a lovely weekend.
Love,
Angela
Typical day at work - busy. Went for my run with Mary and enjoyed that. Fastest time for 5km. She is now in training for a half marathon in Melbourne in October. Crazy woman. So she is going to add a kilometre onto our run on Wednesdays soon. Uh oh. I suspect she won't stop at adding just one more either. We didn't get really wet. We must have timed the run really well, because most of the time it was bucketing down.
That means roof leaks. Seems to be the theme of the week. Aidan had one and had a tiring night sorting out that and doggie vomit (don't think the two are related - but it might have been convenient that she was already awake for the dog episode). Then I heard from Sally that she had found a swimming pool (I'm Gilberting - it's contagious) in the bedroom and sent Andrew looking around outside and then into the roof space to find leaks.
I think Mike and I should probably check the suitcase in our roof space. It might be providing more swimming opportunities to the rats up there than usual. On the other hand, if it doesn't overflow the suitcase, ignorance might be bliss.
I had user group after work and it was entertaining. Then back to work for Mike to take me home. Yay! But that did mean another bus ride in this morning. Buses! So boring. I can't wait to get on my bike,
Tomorrow I have the day off with my parents. We'll all head over to the Wairarapa. Mmmm. Cafes. Can't wait.
Have a lovely weekend.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
The Tuesday like a Monday
Hi,
Wow - the weather has really changed to wet, wet, wet. Hahahah. Work was work yesterday. Busy right at the end of the day. Well, through most of it actually, but frantic at the end. But I got away with Ange and she got a park right outside the Southern Cross and we got a table for the quiz.
First things first though. We had to eat. Just as we sat down Mike arrived too. And eventually we had a great crowd. Celia and her children arrived. Jo and Ryan to help out with those categories I can never answer (popular culture and sport!). And Christine turned up with Brian and my mother. Yay! Quiz night was for her!
The quiz started at 8pm so we had plenty of time to eat and chat. It was a tad too late for my sleepy brain. I reached my peak about 8 hours earlier! Hahah. Celia took her kids off home and we got started. And the quiz was a bit tough.
But, in the end, through natural brilliance, we got a podium finish! Third. Oooossssh. Mike got the bar tab prize. So we have to return.
I caught the bus in this morning and I have to say, it is probably a good thing. It was still really wet.
Yesterday I did get out of work briefly for an iced coffee next door with Jo, Mary and Celia. Mmmmm. It was good. As usual.
Right. Busy day today. Toby gets a haircut today though. And wee Tom stayed the night so he's going along to watch Toby get his haircut. Lucky Tom.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Wow - the weather has really changed to wet, wet, wet. Hahahah. Work was work yesterday. Busy right at the end of the day. Well, through most of it actually, but frantic at the end. But I got away with Ange and she got a park right outside the Southern Cross and we got a table for the quiz.
First things first though. We had to eat. Just as we sat down Mike arrived too. And eventually we had a great crowd. Celia and her children arrived. Jo and Ryan to help out with those categories I can never answer (popular culture and sport!). And Christine turned up with Brian and my mother. Yay! Quiz night was for her!
The quiz started at 8pm so we had plenty of time to eat and chat. It was a tad too late for my sleepy brain. I reached my peak about 8 hours earlier! Hahah. Celia took her kids off home and we got started. And the quiz was a bit tough.
But, in the end, through natural brilliance, we got a podium finish! Third. Oooossssh. Mike got the bar tab prize. So we have to return.
I caught the bus in this morning and I have to say, it is probably a good thing. It was still really wet.
Yesterday I did get out of work briefly for an iced coffee next door with Jo, Mary and Celia. Mmmmm. It was good. As usual.
 |
| Gazing off into the middle distance as I contemplate my Mixed Business iced coffee |
 |
| Oh, there's the camera. |
Right. Busy day today. Toby gets a haircut today though. And wee Tom stayed the night so he's going along to watch Toby get his haircut. Lucky Tom.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
The Easter with my parents here
Hi,
What an awesome Easter. Oddly, we had an Easter at home. Doesn't happen that often. But there was a special reason we were at home. My parents are visiting. Woot!
But, first, on Good Friday morning, Celia came over and Mike helped us get the bikes ready for a mountain biking morning. Celia and I drove to Wainuiomata's MTB park and checked it out. It was such a lot of fun we want to do it again in a few weeks. Celia and I did two loops of the Wetland trail and then two of the Scout/Return Scout trail. I loved the second one and now I want to explore more. But happy to get my eye in. Mountain biking is quite different from road cycling.
We bumped into people we knew from work while in the trail. Probably a few others we might have known. It was pretty busy and loads of families. What fun.
We left just after midday and grabbed a pie from the bakery in Lower Hutt we like and sat on Petone beach baking in the hot sun eating them. Mmmmmm. And even better, Celia got a cream donut and she shared it with me. Double Mmmmmm.
From there we went home and Celia left to catch up with her friends. Mike and I tidied in preparation for my parents arrival. My preparation included sleeping for ages. Their flight got in at half past midnight so it was hard work staying up.
We met them off the plane and we drove back home. It would have been half one by the time we all got to bed.
I took Mum and Dad to Taste for brunch. We saw Benjamin working while we were there. It was yummy, like usual.
After we got back, I took Ma out grocery shopping for family lunch the next day. We had fun doing that. And then I took my parents out to visit Sally and then Vivienne. They had some presents for them.
Back home and a quiet night before bed, involving making lasagne for the lunch. Ma helped me because Mike got a migraine.
Toby got me up at midnight to watch the lunar eclipse. Given it had been a pants day with wind and low cloud I wasn't terribly enthusiastic. But Toby was. Lucky I listened to him. The view was spectacular. We even woke up Grandy and Gramps for it. We watched for an hour until totality. I chatted to Shona as well.
Next morning I was up early to make the rest of the lunch courses. It all went really well. Then finally people arrived at midday. And it all seemed to be enough, There must have been twenty people.
Everyone was pleased to catch up with my parents. The weather was stunning so we had plenty of space for chairs on the deck. It was so nice to hear my family and friends all chatting away to each other. Happy.
Vivienne and John stayed for tea but eventually the call of their dogs (and son) lured them home. I dropped them off. My parents were so pleased to see them. They have missed everyone a lot.
Next morning I got up to go to watch Aidan shoot some arrows. The weather was so hot again, despite us getting rained on as we drove there. Just like last time.
After archery, we luxed the car out with Aidan showing me how you lux like a madwoman when you only have a limited time with the lux at the petrol station. Hahahah. Then we drove through the car wash.
After I dropped Aidan home and took Moby for the week, I took my parents to Chocolate Fish for lunch. It was so good. Toby was at Te Papa with Magnus. Then when we got home, they got ready for movies with Aunty Sally. Fast and Furious 7. Or something.
I dropped Sally home and got home and fell asleep. But not after ironing in the evening while watching Downton Abbey season 1 with Ma. Woot! We have got a lot to watch before she leaves on Sunday!
Had a blast this weekend.
More please!
Love,
Angela
What an awesome Easter. Oddly, we had an Easter at home. Doesn't happen that often. But there was a special reason we were at home. My parents are visiting. Woot!
But, first, on Good Friday morning, Celia came over and Mike helped us get the bikes ready for a mountain biking morning. Celia and I drove to Wainuiomata's MTB park and checked it out. It was such a lot of fun we want to do it again in a few weeks. Celia and I did two loops of the Wetland trail and then two of the Scout/Return Scout trail. I loved the second one and now I want to explore more. But happy to get my eye in. Mountain biking is quite different from road cycling.
 |
| Riding the trails |
 |
| Love knobblies on my bike |
 |
| Having a break |
 |
| Celia having fun on Toby's bike |
 |
| Feet at Petone beach |
 |
| Pie for lunch |
We left just after midday and grabbed a pie from the bakery in Lower Hutt we like and sat on Petone beach baking in the hot sun eating them. Mmmmmm. And even better, Celia got a cream donut and she shared it with me. Double Mmmmmm.
From there we went home and Celia left to catch up with her friends. Mike and I tidied in preparation for my parents arrival. My preparation included sleeping for ages. Their flight got in at half past midnight so it was hard work staying up.
We met them off the plane and we drove back home. It would have been half one by the time we all got to bed.
I took Mum and Dad to Taste for brunch. We saw Benjamin working while we were there. It was yummy, like usual.
 |
| Ma and Pa at Taste |
After we got back, I took Ma out grocery shopping for family lunch the next day. We had fun doing that. And then I took my parents out to visit Sally and then Vivienne. They had some presents for them.
Back home and a quiet night before bed, involving making lasagne for the lunch. Ma helped me because Mike got a migraine.
Toby got me up at midnight to watch the lunar eclipse. Given it had been a pants day with wind and low cloud I wasn't terribly enthusiastic. But Toby was. Lucky I listened to him. The view was spectacular. We even woke up Grandy and Gramps for it. We watched for an hour until totality. I chatted to Shona as well.
 |
| Startling footage of the lunar eclipse |
 |
| Toby in the dark |
Next morning I was up early to make the rest of the lunch courses. It all went really well. Then finally people arrived at midday. And it all seemed to be enough, There must have been twenty people.
 |
| Getting stuck in |
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| Chatting |
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| Chatting |
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| Egg hunt |
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| Anti social phone nerds |
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| Loads of cherry tomatoes - mmmmmm |
Vivienne and John stayed for tea but eventually the call of their dogs (and son) lured them home. I dropped them off. My parents were so pleased to see them. They have missed everyone a lot.
Next morning I got up to go to watch Aidan shoot some arrows. The weather was so hot again, despite us getting rained on as we drove there. Just like last time.
 |
| Aidan prepares for her shot |
After I dropped Aidan home and took Moby for the week, I took my parents to Chocolate Fish for lunch. It was so good. Toby was at Te Papa with Magnus. Then when we got home, they got ready for movies with Aunty Sally. Fast and Furious 7. Or something.
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| Chocolate Fish cafe |
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| Mum said it was the best iced coffee she has ever had. |
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| Yep - it was definitely up there. Easily a 9/10. |
 |
| Mt Vic in the background |
I dropped Sally home and got home and fell asleep. But not after ironing in the evening while watching Downton Abbey season 1 with Ma. Woot! We have got a lot to watch before she leaves on Sunday!
Had a blast this weekend.
More please!
Love,
Angela
Thursday, April 2, 2015
The Wednesday with nothing
Hi,
Mike had social work things on after work yesterday so he gave me the car to take home. Lucky really because I had a stack of things for him to take home with the car. Sweaty running gear, double foam sleeping mat (huge it was!), as well as normal stuff that I seem to cart back and forth.
I went for my run during the day with Mary and we had a great run. My fastest time for 5 km. Happy with that. The weather was perfect. No wind, sunny, cool.
After our run, we were heading down the lift when Ange joined us. She convinced us to try the new dumpling place. Mmmmmm. Good choice.
When I was driving home I saw Toby walking home. Unfortunately he was already pretty close to home. But I picked him up and we got home nice and early. I cooked him tea and then we relaxed. Toby is now on term holiday. He chatted away to his mates online. I fell asleep.
Mike got home late and made sure Toby went to sleep.
My ride in this morning was lovely. It's a bit windy, but the roads were so dry.
Last day of the working week.
Enjoy Easter. My parents arrive late tomorrow. So happy.
Love,
Angela
Mike had social work things on after work yesterday so he gave me the car to take home. Lucky really because I had a stack of things for him to take home with the car. Sweaty running gear, double foam sleeping mat (huge it was!), as well as normal stuff that I seem to cart back and forth.
I went for my run during the day with Mary and we had a great run. My fastest time for 5 km. Happy with that. The weather was perfect. No wind, sunny, cool.
 |
| Dumplings for lunch |
After our run, we were heading down the lift when Ange joined us. She convinced us to try the new dumpling place. Mmmmmm. Good choice.
When I was driving home I saw Toby walking home. Unfortunately he was already pretty close to home. But I picked him up and we got home nice and early. I cooked him tea and then we relaxed. Toby is now on term holiday. He chatted away to his mates online. I fell asleep.
Mike got home late and made sure Toby went to sleep.
My ride in this morning was lovely. It's a bit windy, but the roads were so dry.
Last day of the working week.
Enjoy Easter. My parents arrive late tomorrow. So happy.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
The Tuesday with Mike in Chch
Hi,
Pretty full on day yesterday. Mike got off to Chch just fine and I managed to chat to him briefly during the day. I had a lovely lunch with Mary and we enjoyed the Rahzoo salads a lot. I even took enough home from my plate for my dinner that evening. I did catch up with Ilske for an iced coffee before lunch. More like mid morning.
I rode home and had a great ride. There was no wind at all and so warm. Got home and sorted out Toby homework and then I made him tea.
Mike got home around 2030 and he caught up with Toby and then worked in the bed. I didn't have my usual "put my head on the pillow and I'm asleep" thing. Took me at least 40 minutes of listening to Mike type and talk (yes - he answered a phone call) before I fell asleep. But once in the land of nod, nothing was waking me up until the alarm went off.
I let out a wee squeal when I realised I'd stepped over this spider. That got Mike out of bed. Hahahah. Better than his alarm this morning that went off for about 15 minutes while he slept through it. He has amazing powers.
My bike ride in was wonderful. Dry roads, no wind. I fancied stopping to take another photo of the harbour but the sun was far from up and my camera would not have done it justice.
Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Angela
Pretty full on day yesterday. Mike got off to Chch just fine and I managed to chat to him briefly during the day. I had a lovely lunch with Mary and we enjoyed the Rahzoo salads a lot. I even took enough home from my plate for my dinner that evening. I did catch up with Ilske for an iced coffee before lunch. More like mid morning.
 |
| Iced coffee with Ilske at Mixed Business. It wasn't as good yesterday as usual. |
I rode home and had a great ride. There was no wind at all and so warm. Got home and sorted out Toby homework and then I made him tea.
Mike got home around 2030 and he caught up with Toby and then worked in the bed. I didn't have my usual "put my head on the pillow and I'm asleep" thing. Took me at least 40 minutes of listening to Mike type and talk (yes - he answered a phone call) before I fell asleep. But once in the land of nod, nothing was waking me up until the alarm went off.
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| Huge spider this morning. Mike dealt to it. |
My bike ride in was wonderful. Dry roads, no wind. I fancied stopping to take another photo of the harbour but the sun was far from up and my camera would not have done it justice.
Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Angela
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