Hi,
Yesterday's weather was really odd - overcast and so warm - with not a breath of wind. Like some disturbing alternative reality Wellington where it doesn't rain or blow a gale despite it looking like normal.
And this morning is is raining - vertically! Still really warm, with no wind. I feel like I have been transported to Auckland. Except it only takes 20 minutes for me to get to work instead of an hour and 20 minutes.
Anyhow, I got lunch yesterday with Chenda at work and we enjoyed a bowl of ramen. Mmmm. And after work I rode home. As I passed all the buses on Willis St pulling into the Grand bus stop, I heard Mike yell "Angela" but I couldn't see him for all the traffic. I stopped at the red light and he ran up to me and kissed me! I pulled off the road and we chatted before I headed home and he went to his Meet up meeting.
I got home and cooked tea for Toby and waited for Mike to get home. The rain started when he got home and I don't think it has let up. Some new cyclone is bearing down on up north further, bringing rain to already waterlogged land. They are a bit fearful what might happen. Hope everything is far better than they expect.
I didn't sleep super well. Probably because I have a presentation tonight. Remind me not to ever do those! Gah! Come 7pm it'll be over for another year. By then I forget how horrid it is for me and stupidly volunteer again. This is where you remind me to say no.
Right. Time for tea and the day to start its crazy stuff. Have a load of fun doing whatever you do. Stay dry if you're in New Zealand. It's the last day of the cycling holiday for the Nelson contingent. Hope it isn't too nasty there.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
The Monday back at work after the Nelson fun
Hi,
I found it hard to get through the Monday with my head full of Nelson fun and excitement. And I got a photo from the remaining peloton of cyclists showing an awesome breakfast on Monday morning. Just to rub it in more.
Anyway, I did get through the day. And I enjoyed my ride home on my bike. Back to disc brakes after the older style caliper brakes on the bike I had hired at the weekend. So nice to stop super easily. I think I love disc brakes.
I got home and cooked tea. Toby and I had chicken schnitzels - yummy! Toby's favourite. He also told me that he has a chance to earn a rugby scholarship at school in Year 12 if he keeps on with his current form in rugby. Yes, it turns out my son has taken to PE like a duck to water and seems to be the fastest runner (and the craziest attacker/defender) in his year at school. I am a bit dumbfounded at the possible thought that Mike and I have bred an athlete. Hahahah! Like some cosmic joke. But - I hope it happens because I would love to be a "soccer mum" and watch Toby play sports at the weekends. I thought I'd somehow missed out on all that. Let's see what happens, eh?
I have a school parent teacher appointment today. Toby's ropu teacher is his maths teacher - not sure his PE prowess will impress her as much as if he was a maths genius. Looking forward to it.
Hope your day is a load of fun. Rain is forecast for the next week - with heavy rain through Easter. I intend to do a lot of indoor stuff!
Love,
Angela
I found it hard to get through the Monday with my head full of Nelson fun and excitement. And I got a photo from the remaining peloton of cyclists showing an awesome breakfast on Monday morning. Just to rub it in more.
 |
| Brekkie in Kaiteriteri |
Anyway, I did get through the day. And I enjoyed my ride home on my bike. Back to disc brakes after the older style caliper brakes on the bike I had hired at the weekend. So nice to stop super easily. I think I love disc brakes.
I got home and cooked tea. Toby and I had chicken schnitzels - yummy! Toby's favourite. He also told me that he has a chance to earn a rugby scholarship at school in Year 12 if he keeps on with his current form in rugby. Yes, it turns out my son has taken to PE like a duck to water and seems to be the fastest runner (and the craziest attacker/defender) in his year at school. I am a bit dumbfounded at the possible thought that Mike and I have bred an athlete. Hahahah! Like some cosmic joke. But - I hope it happens because I would love to be a "soccer mum" and watch Toby play sports at the weekends. I thought I'd somehow missed out on all that. Let's see what happens, eh?
I have a school parent teacher appointment today. Toby's ropu teacher is his maths teacher - not sure his PE prowess will impress her as much as if he was a maths genius. Looking forward to it.
Hope your day is a load of fun. Rain is forecast for the next week - with heavy rain through Easter. I intend to do a lot of indoor stuff!
Love,
Angela
Monday, April 10, 2017
The weekend enjoying cycling in Nelson
Hi,
Well, what an amazing weekend! Up super early Saturday morning to get to the Bluebridge ferry. Mike dropped me and Toby at Maccas next to the train station and went to collect Sally and Andrew from their house. We were eating brekkie at 5.45am! They open early there!
Onto the ferry after a quick New World visit and coffee needs met - I got a Rooibos from the thermos from Iona while in the car queue - we were on the ferry quickly. Got a table near the cafe (Sally and Col took the cabin) and enjoyed chatting, reading, quizzing and eating. The time passed quickly.
Into the car at Picton and Toby and I had an uncomfortable journey to Nelson. His knee was sore so he had to stretch it out over me and I couldn't change positions. I fell asleep which made the time pass quickly. But by the time we got to Nelson, I was pretty sore.
We met Nelson Cycle Hire (JR and Anita) at the airport and they kitted us up quickly. Due to the winter ferry timetable, they decided to transport us close to Rabbit Island to ensure we had a good chance of catching the 4.10 ferry to Mapua.
We met Paul here too. So that made the group: Sally, Andrew, me, Mike, Toby, Iona, Col, Paul.
The day was lovely - light overcast and hardly any wind. We rode through farmland on bike trails before getting onto Rabbit Island. A bit of coast riding before going through pines to the ferry terminal.
Toby's knee came right with the exercise. Good on him. He did such a brilliant job both days cycling further than he has done before.
We got to the ferry well before its departure time. We probably got there at 3.50pm. Sat around contemplating things before getting on the ferry when it pulled up.
At Mapua, a lot of Golden Bear brewery beer was consumed before the cold made me and Toby (with no beer coat on) jump on the bikes and find our accommodation. We got the Mapua Leisure Camp and found our unit. Very nice. Then Toby wanted to play tennis so we got on our bikes and explored the camp.
There was no equipment at the tennis court so we had to forego that fun. We decided to explore further afield. Down to the beach and along the top of the breakwater. As we passed the camp boundary, we read a sign that said that nudity was not allowed outside of the camp boundary.
Yep - we were staying at a nudist camp. Fortunately the colder weather meant no one was playing tennis when we went to check that out! Dodged a bullet there! Toby was horrified - in a good way. Hahahah.
Off to dinner at 7pm and the food at the Apple Shed Cafe was scrumptious. The service was a bit hot and cold. But, when the food came, I enjoyed it. I had two entrees - a delicious chowder and the squid. And a lovely apple and feijoa juice.
I walked back to Iona's room as Col had left early, feeling unwell. We tried to watch the rugby on their TV, but the day had caught up with me and by 10pm I had to walk back. It was only a couple of kms and the night was lovely.
Next morning we got up and rode into town with our grey bags slung across our shoulders (me and Mike). Dropped them at Iona and Col's unit then found the Mapua Bakery for brekkie.
This was an incredible place! Yum! My Eggs Benedict was amazing. Toby ate all of his. And the iced coffee was so good.
We had stunning weather all day. The ride from Mapua to Motueka was so good. Beautiful countryside and then up across Tasman Heights.
Once we were in Motueka we explored a bit - checked out boardwalks and a shipwreck.
The Kai Festival was on in Motueka and we enjoyed the atmosphere there. Met friends of Iona and Col's (Sue and Janice) and then rode off. Mike and Toby went first and took a Gilbert shortcut that really worked. The rest of us came behind and eventually Andrew corralled us into a group.
When we got to the mountain bike park though, we split up again. We all took the Easy Rider route through the park and it was such fun! Toby said he was petrified, but he made it easily!
Then down into Kaiteriteri and up to our accommodation. A steep driveway right at the end was fun for everyone.
We relaxed before JR and Anita arrived to take us and the others' luggage. We left at 6pm and we were boarding our flight to Wellington by 7.50pm. What a great time! So well looked after. Great countryside. Good bikes. Welcoming hosts!
More, please!
The others remain to continue until Wednesday. Lucky things! Wish I was there still.
Have an awesome week!
Love,
Angela
Well, what an amazing weekend! Up super early Saturday morning to get to the Bluebridge ferry. Mike dropped me and Toby at Maccas next to the train station and went to collect Sally and Andrew from their house. We were eating brekkie at 5.45am! They open early there!
Onto the ferry after a quick New World visit and coffee needs met - I got a Rooibos from the thermos from Iona while in the car queue - we were on the ferry quickly. Got a table near the cafe (Sally and Col took the cabin) and enjoyed chatting, reading, quizzing and eating. The time passed quickly.
 |
| Gentle snoring wasn't too audible over the ship engine noises |
Into the car at Picton and Toby and I had an uncomfortable journey to Nelson. His knee was sore so he had to stretch it out over me and I couldn't change positions. I fell asleep which made the time pass quickly. But by the time we got to Nelson, I was pretty sore.
We met Nelson Cycle Hire (JR and Anita) at the airport and they kitted us up quickly. Due to the winter ferry timetable, they decided to transport us close to Rabbit Island to ensure we had a good chance of catching the 4.10 ferry to Mapua.
We met Paul here too. So that made the group: Sally, Andrew, me, Mike, Toby, Iona, Col, Paul.
 |
| Rabbit Island was lovely |
The day was lovely - light overcast and hardly any wind. We rode through farmland on bike trails before getting onto Rabbit Island. A bit of coast riding before going through pines to the ferry terminal.
 |
| Toby only had about 4.5 km to get to the ferry at this stage |
Toby's knee came right with the exercise. Good on him. He did such a brilliant job both days cycling further than he has done before.
 |
| Feet waiting for the ferry |
There was no equipment at the tennis court so we had to forego that fun. We decided to explore further afield. Down to the beach and along the top of the breakwater. As we passed the camp boundary, we read a sign that said that nudity was not allowed outside of the camp boundary.
Yep - we were staying at a nudist camp. Fortunately the colder weather meant no one was playing tennis when we went to check that out! Dodged a bullet there! Toby was horrified - in a good way. Hahahah.
Off to dinner at 7pm and the food at the Apple Shed Cafe was scrumptious. The service was a bit hot and cold. But, when the food came, I enjoyed it. I had two entrees - a delicious chowder and the squid. And a lovely apple and feijoa juice.
I walked back to Iona's room as Col had left early, feeling unwell. We tried to watch the rugby on their TV, but the day had caught up with me and by 10pm I had to walk back. It was only a couple of kms and the night was lovely.
Next morning we got up and rode into town with our grey bags slung across our shoulders (me and Mike). Dropped them at Iona and Col's unit then found the Mapua Bakery for brekkie.
 |
| Best iced coffee at Mapua Bakery |
This was an incredible place! Yum! My Eggs Benedict was amazing. Toby ate all of his. And the iced coffee was so good.
 |
| Feet enjoying the beach |
We had stunning weather all day. The ride from Mapua to Motueka was so good. Beautiful countryside and then up across Tasman Heights.
 |
| Posing with Toby |
 |
| Mucking around with Toby |
 |
| Iona crests Tasman Heights |
Once we were in Motueka we explored a bit - checked out boardwalks and a shipwreck.
 |
| Col negotiates the boardwalk in Motueka |
 |
| Bike at Motueka |
The Kai Festival was on in Motueka and we enjoyed the atmosphere there. Met friends of Iona and Col's (Sue and Janice) and then rode off. Mike and Toby went first and took a Gilbert shortcut that really worked. The rest of us came behind and eventually Andrew corralled us into a group.
When we got to the mountain bike park though, we split up again. We all took the Easy Rider route through the park and it was such fun! Toby said he was petrified, but he made it easily!
Then down into Kaiteriteri and up to our accommodation. A steep driveway right at the end was fun for everyone.
We relaxed before JR and Anita arrived to take us and the others' luggage. We left at 6pm and we were boarding our flight to Wellington by 7.50pm. What a great time! So well looked after. Great countryside. Good bikes. Welcoming hosts!
More, please!
The others remain to continue until Wednesday. Lucky things! Wish I was there still.
Have an awesome week!
Love,
Angela
Friday, April 7, 2017
The Thursday with more rain
Hi,
Ok - I had a yummy brekkie at Little Peckish with Bryan and Kate - but my selfie with my iced latte was entirely unsuccessful. I just cannot do a decent selfie.
You should have seen the ones I discarded! Intent staring that would scare you off your own breakfast. Hahah.
The rain - it has finally stopped here in Wellington. But it persisted most of Thursday. And this morning I heard rats moving furniture around in our roof space. The water has obviously flooded their nests and they've moved in.
We have a huge weekend planned with Sally, Andrew, Iona, Col and Paul. We're taking the early ferry tomorrow morning (8am) to Picton and then driving to Nelson where we start a cycle holiday. Mike, Toby and I are just there for the weekend. But the others have the best part of a week all planned.
I hope Toby's wrenched knee is up for a weekend on a bike!
I am looking forward to it. The weather looks good too. Cool - but light winds and no rain. Woot! Bit different from the last bike ride I did with Iona and Col in Japan. Hahah.
Have a great week! Next week is a short working week! Woot!
Love,
Angela
Ok - I had a yummy brekkie at Little Peckish with Bryan and Kate - but my selfie with my iced latte was entirely unsuccessful. I just cannot do a decent selfie.
 |
| Selfie iced latte @ Mojos |
You should have seen the ones I discarded! Intent staring that would scare you off your own breakfast. Hahah.
The rain - it has finally stopped here in Wellington. But it persisted most of Thursday. And this morning I heard rats moving furniture around in our roof space. The water has obviously flooded their nests and they've moved in.
We have a huge weekend planned with Sally, Andrew, Iona, Col and Paul. We're taking the early ferry tomorrow morning (8am) to Picton and then driving to Nelson where we start a cycle holiday. Mike, Toby and I are just there for the weekend. But the others have the best part of a week all planned.
I hope Toby's wrenched knee is up for a weekend on a bike!
I am looking forward to it. The weather looks good too. Cool - but light winds and no rain. Woot! Bit different from the last bike ride I did with Iona and Col in Japan. Hahah.
Have a great week! Next week is a short working week! Woot!
Love,
Angela
Thursday, April 6, 2017
The Wednesday with rain
Hi,
We're getting some steady rain here at the moment - leftovers from the cyclone that deluged Queensland and NSW. It's causing a bit of chaos in the North Island in low lying areas. I don't think we've got any concerns at home - if we do, I slept through them!
But I did catch the bus in today. It's way too wet for a bike still. Maybe tomorrow I'll jump on it. Best get some gym sessions under my belt though.
I had to collect Toby from school again yesterday. A wrenched knee - playing hockey. My son might have arms and legs that get away from him a bit. He's hobbling around. Actually, he has a migraine this morning so I doubt he'll go to school.
Cooked tea last night and Toby enjoyed it. Mike ate his when he got home late - I think he liked it too.
I slept like the dead - although I did wake up well before my alarm was due. Maybe I had had enough by then?
Hope your day is a good one. Dry would be nice for a change! Hahahah.
Love,
Angela
We're getting some steady rain here at the moment - leftovers from the cyclone that deluged Queensland and NSW. It's causing a bit of chaos in the North Island in low lying areas. I don't think we've got any concerns at home - if we do, I slept through them!
But I did catch the bus in today. It's way too wet for a bike still. Maybe tomorrow I'll jump on it. Best get some gym sessions under my belt though.
I had to collect Toby from school again yesterday. A wrenched knee - playing hockey. My son might have arms and legs that get away from him a bit. He's hobbling around. Actually, he has a migraine this morning so I doubt he'll go to school.
Cooked tea last night and Toby enjoyed it. Mike ate his when he got home late - I think he liked it too.
I slept like the dead - although I did wake up well before my alarm was due. Maybe I had had enough by then?
Hope your day is a good one. Dry would be nice for a change! Hahahah.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
The weekend in Wellington and Mon and Tues in Auckland
Hi,
Hey - I am alive and well. Just working from Auckland for the start of the week. Back in Wellington now and apparently in the teeth of some weather excitement. Certainly flying into Wellington last night I experienced some of the bumpiest weather I have ever felt in a plane. But I found it exciting - it might have made some people anxious I guess. The plane was quite quiet during that patch - apart from the plane flexing under us and making some cool noises.
The weekend was a Wellington one - with Mike away for most of it for Survival night. And he did survive because we saw him early Sunday afternoon in good health!
Yum Cha featured in my day with Toby on Sunday. We met Christine (and Terry) and Yingjie. It was good to catch up and enjoy the food together.
Monday I flew out for some client work in Auckland. And spent the day with Roz. She put me up for the night and cooked me tea. Spanish chicken. It was yummy. We also chatted to Fran and I think they may try and arrange a Matilda night out later in the year. It doesn't appeal to me. Now, a day spa session sounds much more my thing!
Tuesday saw Roz and I enjoy brekkie in Onehunga - at a new place and it was pretty good. I got an iced coffee (not too sweet - 7/10) in a brandy glass. Top marks for that. And caught the train into Britomart from Ellerslie and walked to work from there. In light rain - with really humid, warm conditions. Auckland is like Singapore!
The boys seem to have got by without me for two days. Toby had the day off school yesterday (parent teacher interviews) and went to Joe's Garage with his mates and then Te Papa. He had a ball. Good on him.
Hope your week is loads of fun. Thanks for looking after me, Roz!
Love,
Angela
Hey - I am alive and well. Just working from Auckland for the start of the week. Back in Wellington now and apparently in the teeth of some weather excitement. Certainly flying into Wellington last night I experienced some of the bumpiest weather I have ever felt in a plane. But I found it exciting - it might have made some people anxious I guess. The plane was quite quiet during that patch - apart from the plane flexing under us and making some cool noises.
 |
| Iced coffee in a brandy glass? |
The weekend was a Wellington one - with Mike away for most of it for Survival night. And he did survive because we saw him early Sunday afternoon in good health!
Yum Cha featured in my day with Toby on Sunday. We met Christine (and Terry) and Yingjie. It was good to catch up and enjoy the food together.
Monday I flew out for some client work in Auckland. And spent the day with Roz. She put me up for the night and cooked me tea. Spanish chicken. It was yummy. We also chatted to Fran and I think they may try and arrange a Matilda night out later in the year. It doesn't appeal to me. Now, a day spa session sounds much more my thing!
Tuesday saw Roz and I enjoy brekkie in Onehunga - at a new place and it was pretty good. I got an iced coffee (not too sweet - 7/10) in a brandy glass. Top marks for that. And caught the train into Britomart from Ellerslie and walked to work from there. In light rain - with really humid, warm conditions. Auckland is like Singapore!
The boys seem to have got by without me for two days. Toby had the day off school yesterday (parent teacher interviews) and went to Joe's Garage with his mates and then Te Papa. He had a ball. Good on him.
Hope your week is loads of fun. Thanks for looking after me, Roz!
Love,
Angela
Friday, March 31, 2017
The Thursday with dragon boat dinner
Hi,
After a day where I did manage to grab an iced latte with Saman and hear about his recent trip to the States, we had the dragon boat team dinner to celebrate our huge success.
We went to Arborist and had platter type food. Pretty good it was too.
Mike was with Andrew and tramping types just down the road, so we co-ordinated our end time and we headed home together (although Andrew fled for the train before I confirmed I was done).
I heard from Mum too - they had crazy mini cyclones blow through her area and chaos seems to have reigned for a bit. I think they are all ok. Sounds like schools are still closed over south east Queensland though. Mad!
Toby is a bit better - hopefully he is ok to ride with me tomorrow (and I'll ask Sally too). The lure of poached eggs at Seashore Caberet might just be enough.
Mike is off to Survival weekend. Snort!
Last day of March. Jeepers.
Have a lovely weekend. See you Monday, Roz!
Love,
Angela
 |
| Iced latte at Bond St Mojos - on purple shirt Thursday |
After a day where I did manage to grab an iced latte with Saman and hear about his recent trip to the States, we had the dragon boat team dinner to celebrate our huge success.
We went to Arborist and had platter type food. Pretty good it was too.
Mike was with Andrew and tramping types just down the road, so we co-ordinated our end time and we headed home together (although Andrew fled for the train before I confirmed I was done).
I heard from Mum too - they had crazy mini cyclones blow through her area and chaos seems to have reigned for a bit. I think they are all ok. Sounds like schools are still closed over south east Queensland though. Mad!
Toby is a bit better - hopefully he is ok to ride with me tomorrow (and I'll ask Sally too). The lure of poached eggs at Seashore Caberet might just be enough.
Mike is off to Survival weekend. Snort!
Last day of March. Jeepers.
Have a lovely weekend. See you Monday, Roz!
Love,
Angela
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