Hi,
This morning (Friday) is another wonderful day here in Wellington. The ride in had a nip in the air, but nothing to write home about. I left the boys sitting on the couch playing with their respective gadgets. The road outside our house is being dug up to get the water main replaced and the workers start at 7am each morning. Yesterday I had a lollipop man to wave me out of our garage. And the neighbours (of the banoffee pies) were sitting out in their picnic chairs on their footpath to watch the activities. Great fun!
Mike rushed home to get Toby and Tom for the evening while Christine came to get me for a movie. We went to see "The women on the 6th floor" - a fantastic French film about Spanish maids in 1962 Paris. I really enjoyed it. The Hunger Games remains a movie for me to see! Home for a cup of tea and then bed!
I have to pack tonight for the tramp tomorrow. Vivienne and Benjamin are coming along as well. It should be a lot of fun. The forecast looks good but I reserve judgement. The Tararuas seem to create their own climate - and that climate seems to be rain. Into Sayers Hut and back out the next day. I need to find lunch for myself and dessert for 6 people.
Mike and Toby have the weekend to themselves. Alex is coming for a sleepover on Saturday night - Toby will enjoy that!
Right - time for tea! Have a marvellous weekend.
Love,
Angela
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
The Wednesday with karate
Hi,
I rode up Garden Road and it seemed even easier last night than it did last week. Yay! Karate was good but sitting there in my bike shorts meant I was pretty cold by the end of it. Might have to scoot home and get changed before coming to sit in a cold hall. Especially though winter.
Our car's back left wheel was making a graunching noise as we drove home. Mike was then too late for tramping club so Benjamin will need to carry in our billy instead of a club billy (it should be fine - we use our billy on club trips from time to time). Mike jacked up the car and took off the wheel and eventually found the cause (a stone stuck in the cowling somewhere - well done Mike!).
Tonight I have a movie date with Christine. I think the Hunger Games will win. I want to see it and when the opportunity presents itself and I am faced with a multitude of movies (most of which I will not recognise at all), I think I'll choose a movie I want to see. If I wait for others, I may not see it at all. That would be worse. Right? Heheheh.
So, because I am off to play, Mike has to leave a little early and collect Toby and Tom (John is away). Hence, I had Toby drop off duties this morning. Whilst I have been around for Toby drop off duty this term, I haven't done it by myself. I called Toby up for the last bits of getting ready (shoes, tie, blazer, teeth) and we both panicked when we saw his tie was undone. Usually it has the knot in it already and Toby slips it over his head and pulls it up snug under his collar. I have never tied a tie before.
I said "Take it to school and someone will do it for you". "No!" says Toby, with an edge of panic in his voice. He quickly brushed his teeth. He turned back to me and said "I know. Let's watch a You Tube video on how to tie it". "Sorry - we don't have time", I said. "Let me give it a go", I said.
So I grab the tie and start making a knot. "No", says Toby. "The fat end goes over the skinny end first". So, I change the start of the knot. In two seconds I had the tie tied. Marvels of marvels. Our grins were huge as Toby grabbed the knot and pulled it snug up to his collar.
Our grins faded when we saw the tiny stub of a tie that was left hanging only halfway down his chest. I got Toby to tuck the considerable tail end of the tie (well past his shorts) into his shirt. When Alex saw his tie, there was a strange look come over his face. I think it looks rather funny.
I can tie a tie! Yay. I need to learn where in the tie to start the knot obviously! Heheheh.
Gorgeous day here! Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
I rode up Garden Road and it seemed even easier last night than it did last week. Yay! Karate was good but sitting there in my bike shorts meant I was pretty cold by the end of it. Might have to scoot home and get changed before coming to sit in a cold hall. Especially though winter.
Our car's back left wheel was making a graunching noise as we drove home. Mike was then too late for tramping club so Benjamin will need to carry in our billy instead of a club billy (it should be fine - we use our billy on club trips from time to time). Mike jacked up the car and took off the wheel and eventually found the cause (a stone stuck in the cowling somewhere - well done Mike!).
Tonight I have a movie date with Christine. I think the Hunger Games will win. I want to see it and when the opportunity presents itself and I am faced with a multitude of movies (most of which I will not recognise at all), I think I'll choose a movie I want to see. If I wait for others, I may not see it at all. That would be worse. Right? Heheheh.
So, because I am off to play, Mike has to leave a little early and collect Toby and Tom (John is away). Hence, I had Toby drop off duties this morning. Whilst I have been around for Toby drop off duty this term, I haven't done it by myself. I called Toby up for the last bits of getting ready (shoes, tie, blazer, teeth) and we both panicked when we saw his tie was undone. Usually it has the knot in it already and Toby slips it over his head and pulls it up snug under his collar. I have never tied a tie before.
I said "Take it to school and someone will do it for you". "No!" says Toby, with an edge of panic in his voice. He quickly brushed his teeth. He turned back to me and said "I know. Let's watch a You Tube video on how to tie it". "Sorry - we don't have time", I said. "Let me give it a go", I said.
So I grab the tie and start making a knot. "No", says Toby. "The fat end goes over the skinny end first". So, I change the start of the knot. In two seconds I had the tie tied. Marvels of marvels. Our grins were huge as Toby grabbed the knot and pulled it snug up to his collar.
Our grins faded when we saw the tiny stub of a tie that was left hanging only halfway down his chest. I got Toby to tuck the considerable tail end of the tie (well past his shorts) into his shirt. When Alex saw his tie, there was a strange look come over his face. I think it looks rather funny.
I can tie a tie! Yay. I need to learn where in the tie to start the knot obviously! Heheheh.
Gorgeous day here! Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
The Tuesday with no Cubs
Hi,
Yes - the one Tuesday a year in term time that we get a night off Cubs (due to Cub Camp). Of course, this year it coincided with parent/teacher interviews. But afterwards we did get away to a romantic dinner for two.
Mike's parents are in town, so they went to collect Toby and look after him for the evening. When I was making Toby's lunch this morning, I could tell from the empty pantry that Toby had convinced his grandparents that he can eat anything for his after school snack. And I happen to know that Yingjie's mother also gives him a good after school snack! Cheeky boy!
Anyhow, meanwhile Mike and I went to see his teacher. And we are now very proud parents of a boy that exceeds the average in everything - except maths. But the pleasant surprise is that he is average in maths. From the carry-on he puts on when confronted with maths homework, I thought he must be doing poorly. But, no! He is in the top 10% of Year 5 students in reading, comprehension and listening (listening? really? Heheheh) and sitting on the dotted line for maths. Not too shabby. And his teacher says he is improving as the term goes by in terms of focus and doing what is necessary. So, we're pleased.
Now we have waved the carrot in his face. If he pushes his maths up to the top of the green range (the normal range for Year 5 students) by the end of the year, he'll get a Nintendo 3DS. He wants one, apparently. Nothing like a little bit of motivation. He also sits ICAS exams in the middle of the year. In Maths, Science and English. That'll be interesting. The teacher said she'd get us previous exams to practise. Cool.
After receiving that pleasant news about Toby's progress, we went to the Thai restaurant in Miramar only to find it closed due to a bereavement. So I showed Mike through the Roxy cinema (very nice retro style) and took him to La Boca Loca - a Mexican restaurant. And it was very good!
Back home with burgers for the family (we forgot to order pizza for Toby and his babysitters - it is the usual routine) and to catch up (finally) with Mike's parents. I think they have been here almost a week but this was the first time we'd seen them.
Karate tonight. And I will ride up Garden Road to meet the boys there. The ride down the hill was lovely this morning. With no cloud (how odd) it was light enough this morning. Well, I was twenty minutes later than usual so that might have had something to do with it. Daylight savings ends this weekend.
So, have a wonderful day. March is nearly done and dusted. One more busy weekend for me and then we can relax for a while at weekends. Get some of those pesky around-the-house jobs finally done. Hooray. Not! Hahahah.
Love,
Angela
Yes - the one Tuesday a year in term time that we get a night off Cubs (due to Cub Camp). Of course, this year it coincided with parent/teacher interviews. But afterwards we did get away to a romantic dinner for two.
Mike's parents are in town, so they went to collect Toby and look after him for the evening. When I was making Toby's lunch this morning, I could tell from the empty pantry that Toby had convinced his grandparents that he can eat anything for his after school snack. And I happen to know that Yingjie's mother also gives him a good after school snack! Cheeky boy!
Anyhow, meanwhile Mike and I went to see his teacher. And we are now very proud parents of a boy that exceeds the average in everything - except maths. But the pleasant surprise is that he is average in maths. From the carry-on he puts on when confronted with maths homework, I thought he must be doing poorly. But, no! He is in the top 10% of Year 5 students in reading, comprehension and listening (listening? really? Heheheh) and sitting on the dotted line for maths. Not too shabby. And his teacher says he is improving as the term goes by in terms of focus and doing what is necessary. So, we're pleased.
Now we have waved the carrot in his face. If he pushes his maths up to the top of the green range (the normal range for Year 5 students) by the end of the year, he'll get a Nintendo 3DS. He wants one, apparently. Nothing like a little bit of motivation. He also sits ICAS exams in the middle of the year. In Maths, Science and English. That'll be interesting. The teacher said she'd get us previous exams to practise. Cool.
After receiving that pleasant news about Toby's progress, we went to the Thai restaurant in Miramar only to find it closed due to a bereavement. So I showed Mike through the Roxy cinema (very nice retro style) and took him to La Boca Loca - a Mexican restaurant. And it was very good!
Back home with burgers for the family (we forgot to order pizza for Toby and his babysitters - it is the usual routine) and to catch up (finally) with Mike's parents. I think they have been here almost a week but this was the first time we'd seen them.
Karate tonight. And I will ride up Garden Road to meet the boys there. The ride down the hill was lovely this morning. With no cloud (how odd) it was light enough this morning. Well, I was twenty minutes later than usual so that might have had something to do with it. Daylight savings ends this weekend.
So, have a wonderful day. March is nearly done and dusted. One more busy weekend for me and then we can relax for a while at weekends. Get some of those pesky around-the-house jobs finally done. Hooray. Not! Hahahah.
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
The Monday with nothing
Hi,
And it will be a Tuesday with nothing - sort of. Because of Cub Camp, we have tonight off. But it has coincided with parent/teacher interviews for Toby so we're busy. But Mike says we'll go out for dinner afterwards, so all is not lost.
Mike's mother is going to collect Toby from Alex's house (well, this is my belief) and look after him tonight. Toby will enjoy that for a change. Hopefully he does his homework and can then relax with her.
Not a lot of say this morning. It is nice here, but a fresh wind. And we drove in so we can get to the school by 5pm, so I have no exciting tales of riding furiously down the hill.
We put our clocks back this weekend (while I am away tramping in the Tararuas). So for a few weeks it will be light again in the mornings when I ride in. That'll be nice for a while.
But right now, what will really be nice, is a lovely cup of tea.
Have a fantastic day!
Love,
Angela
And it will be a Tuesday with nothing - sort of. Because of Cub Camp, we have tonight off. But it has coincided with parent/teacher interviews for Toby so we're busy. But Mike says we'll go out for dinner afterwards, so all is not lost.
Mike's mother is going to collect Toby from Alex's house (well, this is my belief) and look after him tonight. Toby will enjoy that for a change. Hopefully he does his homework and can then relax with her.
Not a lot of say this morning. It is nice here, but a fresh wind. And we drove in so we can get to the school by 5pm, so I have no exciting tales of riding furiously down the hill.
We put our clocks back this weekend (while I am away tramping in the Tararuas). So for a few weeks it will be light again in the mornings when I ride in. That'll be nice for a while.
But right now, what will really be nice, is a lovely cup of tea.
Have a fantastic day!
Love,
Angela
Monday, March 26, 2012
The weekend with Cub Camp
Hi,
I am unsure what to write about the weekend Cub Camp. Apart from one incident, it was quite successful. And as I type here, the sparrows in the trees along Lambton Quay were all chirping their dawn chorus very loudly. Then, as one, they abruptly stopped. Next thing I saw was a huge flock of them leaving for their day's activities. I guess their dawn chorus is Mike's equivalent of 2 cups of coffee before they can do anything.
So, Friday night I met the other Cub leaders to get all the gear ready for Saturday morning. Then I went grocery shopping with Toby before settling in to watch Jurassic Fight Club (a documentary about dinosaurs that used to fight each other - Toby and I love it and Toby takes notes!). I made a mistake of introducing Toby to Draw Something (a new app game on my phone that work colleagues got me into) and when Mike got home he came and joined us. So we had it on three devices and were all playing each other and friends! Unfortunately the addictive natures of my boys meant they played until midnight, even with the last thirty minutes having my grumbling echo around them "Let's go to sleep!".
Next morning we packed up and headed a little late to the Scout Hall. We were nearly all packed there too and waited for Cubs to arrive. The weather wasn't looking promising - but not as bad as the weather bomb for last time. Galeforce winds. Yeah, sure. We'll be fine.
Off to camp and we pitched two canvas tents and I convinced the leaders we should put the girls in one of our tents. Mike and I pitched the kitchen area and Mike did very well with two flys free-standing over our trestle tables. We ate lunch and then kicked into kayaking and confidence course fun. The weather stayed dry but threatening all afternoon.
A Cub leader came to me saying he was having problems with a certain Cub and could I have a talk to him. I managed to get the Cub to apologise for his behaviour, but unfortunately it was a sign of things to come.
Dinner was sausages and potatoes and I loved the potatoes! I had thirds! Unheard of behaviour. We built a campfire and toasted marshmallows. At about 8pm the rain started. But by then, after a game of spotlight, the Cubs were ready for bed. Some obviously were ready at 7pm for bed and some must be night owls! Strange! Anyhow, Mike and I had pitched our tent behind our car and I think it dampened any noise. Toby came into our tent very early on saying his tent was too noisy for him to sleep and I didn't mind that. It is a perk of Cub Camp if your parents are there! Mike had to go and help Simon with some troublesome Cubs and Toby drifted to sleep.
When Mike got back, he and I fell asleep very quickly. The wind wasn't too bad at all. Turns out one of the tents with the previously naughty Cub was a lot of trouble. Simon was up until 2am trying to sort them out and he sat in their tent in the end until they fell asleep. I may not have had Simon's patience and would have taken the naughty Cub home then! But we didn't hear about it until we got up.
Sunday was lovely. We had blue skies and the wind had died away. Breakfast was successful and then more kayaking. We started to break camp and it took a long time. This is when the naughty Cub started playing up even more. Eventually it was decided to ring his mother to come and get him. So Mike and I drove into cellphone reception and I had the unpleasant task of calling his mother and explaining his behaviour.
The rest of the Cubs went on a walk while the other leaders and parent help tidied up and got lunch ready. We didn't have enough parent help - there were just two parents there and the four leaders. But the amount of work meant we needed at least four more adults. Ideally we would have had activities right the way through and parents striking camp. The free time for the Cubs meant they got into more mischief than they should have.
The naughty Cub got collected and the rest of them built a dam and played until they also got collected. I was away by 3pm! Hooray! Lots of lessons learned.
Sunday afternoon Mike had to go and sort out some website work for tramping club and I ironed for the week and watched TV with Toby. Nice way to relax. The camping things all got put away and washing is now up-to-date. Phew!
Today is lovely here in Wellington. Blue skies. It is very dark as I ride in now.
Have a wonderful week!
Love,
Angela
I am unsure what to write about the weekend Cub Camp. Apart from one incident, it was quite successful. And as I type here, the sparrows in the trees along Lambton Quay were all chirping their dawn chorus very loudly. Then, as one, they abruptly stopped. Next thing I saw was a huge flock of them leaving for their day's activities. I guess their dawn chorus is Mike's equivalent of 2 cups of coffee before they can do anything.
So, Friday night I met the other Cub leaders to get all the gear ready for Saturday morning. Then I went grocery shopping with Toby before settling in to watch Jurassic Fight Club (a documentary about dinosaurs that used to fight each other - Toby and I love it and Toby takes notes!). I made a mistake of introducing Toby to Draw Something (a new app game on my phone that work colleagues got me into) and when Mike got home he came and joined us. So we had it on three devices and were all playing each other and friends! Unfortunately the addictive natures of my boys meant they played until midnight, even with the last thirty minutes having my grumbling echo around them "Let's go to sleep!".
Next morning we packed up and headed a little late to the Scout Hall. We were nearly all packed there too and waited for Cubs to arrive. The weather wasn't looking promising - but not as bad as the weather bomb for last time. Galeforce winds. Yeah, sure. We'll be fine.
Off to camp and we pitched two canvas tents and I convinced the leaders we should put the girls in one of our tents. Mike and I pitched the kitchen area and Mike did very well with two flys free-standing over our trestle tables. We ate lunch and then kicked into kayaking and confidence course fun. The weather stayed dry but threatening all afternoon.
A Cub leader came to me saying he was having problems with a certain Cub and could I have a talk to him. I managed to get the Cub to apologise for his behaviour, but unfortunately it was a sign of things to come.
Dinner was sausages and potatoes and I loved the potatoes! I had thirds! Unheard of behaviour. We built a campfire and toasted marshmallows. At about 8pm the rain started. But by then, after a game of spotlight, the Cubs were ready for bed. Some obviously were ready at 7pm for bed and some must be night owls! Strange! Anyhow, Mike and I had pitched our tent behind our car and I think it dampened any noise. Toby came into our tent very early on saying his tent was too noisy for him to sleep and I didn't mind that. It is a perk of Cub Camp if your parents are there! Mike had to go and help Simon with some troublesome Cubs and Toby drifted to sleep.
When Mike got back, he and I fell asleep very quickly. The wind wasn't too bad at all. Turns out one of the tents with the previously naughty Cub was a lot of trouble. Simon was up until 2am trying to sort them out and he sat in their tent in the end until they fell asleep. I may not have had Simon's patience and would have taken the naughty Cub home then! But we didn't hear about it until we got up.
Sunday was lovely. We had blue skies and the wind had died away. Breakfast was successful and then more kayaking. We started to break camp and it took a long time. This is when the naughty Cub started playing up even more. Eventually it was decided to ring his mother to come and get him. So Mike and I drove into cellphone reception and I had the unpleasant task of calling his mother and explaining his behaviour.
The rest of the Cubs went on a walk while the other leaders and parent help tidied up and got lunch ready. We didn't have enough parent help - there were just two parents there and the four leaders. But the amount of work meant we needed at least four more adults. Ideally we would have had activities right the way through and parents striking camp. The free time for the Cubs meant they got into more mischief than they should have.
The naughty Cub got collected and the rest of them built a dam and played until they also got collected. I was away by 3pm! Hooray! Lots of lessons learned.
Sunday afternoon Mike had to go and sort out some website work for tramping club and I ironed for the week and watched TV with Toby. Nice way to relax. The camping things all got put away and washing is now up-to-date. Phew!
Today is lovely here in Wellington. Blue skies. It is very dark as I ride in now.
Have a wonderful week!
Love,
Angela
Friday, March 23, 2012
The Thursday with a Cub leaders meeting
Hi,
Rode in this morning because I waited 25 minutes for a bus home yesterday. Perfect conditions to ensure I keep riding my bike. And I didn't even get wet this morning despite the rain. Must have timed it perfectly between showers. Hahahah. Biking is way better. I fixed another back light to my bike this morning. It is very bright. Perhaps not in the best spot on my seat stem, but better than not being there. I will swap the old one's position for the new one any day now.
Last night was Cub leaders meeting night and it was a good chat. And this weekend is Cub camp so I am feeling like Cubs is consuming a bit of my time at the moment. And what is the weather forecast for this weekend of canvas tents and 16 Cubs? Saturday has turned from nice to a bit pants and Sunday has turned from a bit pants to not quite so pants. I hope they all bring lots of plastic bags for wet clothes and keep dry.
I went to buy gumboots for Toby and couldn't find anything at the Warehouse. What is the world coming to when you can't find a decent pair of gumboots for your child? I always had great gumboots as a kid. And we lived in them, I seem to recall. I need somewhere like Para Rubber. The Warehouse has either had a crazy run on them and have nothing left or don't stock anything useful.
Toby met his piano teacher yesterday for the first time. Apparently, he tells me, he has already learned to use five fingers. Great! He says she is a nice teacher. So, from now on, every Thursday at 12, Toby will have a piano lesson.
And Tyler made it into the Zone competitions yesterday with a marvellous fourth place in her cross country running. Karen says she would have made third place if not for a confused teacher telling her the wrong route. Toby, on the other hand, informed me with dread that they have cross country running today here. Hahahah. I can almost bet he won't come home saying he got fourth place and is in a Zone final.
Okay. Time for tea. Have a wonderful weekend!
Love,
Angela
Rode in this morning because I waited 25 minutes for a bus home yesterday. Perfect conditions to ensure I keep riding my bike. And I didn't even get wet this morning despite the rain. Must have timed it perfectly between showers. Hahahah. Biking is way better. I fixed another back light to my bike this morning. It is very bright. Perhaps not in the best spot on my seat stem, but better than not being there. I will swap the old one's position for the new one any day now.
Last night was Cub leaders meeting night and it was a good chat. And this weekend is Cub camp so I am feeling like Cubs is consuming a bit of my time at the moment. And what is the weather forecast for this weekend of canvas tents and 16 Cubs? Saturday has turned from nice to a bit pants and Sunday has turned from a bit pants to not quite so pants. I hope they all bring lots of plastic bags for wet clothes and keep dry.
I went to buy gumboots for Toby and couldn't find anything at the Warehouse. What is the world coming to when you can't find a decent pair of gumboots for your child? I always had great gumboots as a kid. And we lived in them, I seem to recall. I need somewhere like Para Rubber. The Warehouse has either had a crazy run on them and have nothing left or don't stock anything useful.
Toby met his piano teacher yesterday for the first time. Apparently, he tells me, he has already learned to use five fingers. Great! He says she is a nice teacher. So, from now on, every Thursday at 12, Toby will have a piano lesson.
And Tyler made it into the Zone competitions yesterday with a marvellous fourth place in her cross country running. Karen says she would have made third place if not for a confused teacher telling her the wrong route. Toby, on the other hand, informed me with dread that they have cross country running today here. Hahahah. I can almost bet he won't come home saying he got fourth place and is in a Zone final.
Okay. Time for tea. Have a wonderful weekend!
Love,
Angela
Thursday, March 22, 2012
The Wednesday with karate
Hi,
Today (Thursday) is a happy birthday for Sally. Yay! I hope she has a great day.
Yesterday I rode to karate and managed to stay mostly dry. I rode up Garden Road from Glenmore Road and although it was steep and narrow, it was way faster than going all the way up Glenmore and through the tunnels. My preferred route to Northland now. Not that I ride that way very often.
But after a few minutes sitting in damp cycle gear, I asked Mike to take me home for a shower. Heheheh. We ate dinner and then I went back to collect Toby and Mike went to tramping club night.
Tonight I have a Cub leaders meeting, but Mike and Toby should be free. Perhaps they can meet Sally for dinner in town for her birthday?
We need to get a bit of preparation done for the Cub Camp this weekend. Let's hope the weather is kind.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
Today (Thursday) is a happy birthday for Sally. Yay! I hope she has a great day.
Yesterday I rode to karate and managed to stay mostly dry. I rode up Garden Road from Glenmore Road and although it was steep and narrow, it was way faster than going all the way up Glenmore and through the tunnels. My preferred route to Northland now. Not that I ride that way very often.
But after a few minutes sitting in damp cycle gear, I asked Mike to take me home for a shower. Heheheh. We ate dinner and then I went back to collect Toby and Mike went to tramping club night.
Tonight I have a Cub leaders meeting, but Mike and Toby should be free. Perhaps they can meet Sally for dinner in town for her birthday?
We need to get a bit of preparation done for the Cub Camp this weekend. Let's hope the weather is kind.
Have a great day!
Love,
Angela
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