Hi,
Well, I am obviously confused about what day of the week it is. I was sure when I woke up this morning (Tuesday morning) that it was actually Wednesday already. But there you go.
I drove into work yesterday which felt really weird. Got to the end of my day and texted with Toby. He was catching a bus into town and I was going to prop the car somewhere close to his bus stop to pick him up. As an incentive, I had Blowfish sushi with me - it's his favourite.
In the end, it went quite well. We got to the appointment just as the other person was leaving the office. Perfect timing.
Dropped Toby home and then met Mike in the supermarket and finished the grocery shopping with him. Met Celia in the car park also doing her shopping on the way home and then went home to cook tea.
Mmmmm. Steak. With fresh salsa.
Wandered out to get the hut key for this weekend. And then stupidly read until late. Which meant I was not interested in waking up early for my run! Sigh. Tomorrow morning now! Ooossshhh!
Anyway - nice day today. Yay!
Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Monday, April 4, 2016
The weekend in Dunedin
Hi,
Well, we had a lovely weekend with everyone in Dunedin. I really love Dunedin. Why don't we go there more often? It was a somber occasion this weekend - Mike's mother was unveiling the headstone for Ron. But the ceremony was low key and simple and just perfect. Let me tell you more about it all.
Friday I caught the bus home with Mike. Toby and Mike packed (I was already packed - yes, that is my smug, gloating tone) and we headed off to the airport. They are fiddling (again!) with the car parks there and we got on a road that funnelled us right out of the airport again. So - back in and found a park the second time.
Checked in and we had dinner. Mike had Subway (gag!) and Toby had Dunkin Donuts (what?) and I ate a sandwich from Wishbone. My taste is far superior to theirs.
Anyway - soon we were at the gate and saw Vivienne, John, Benjamin, Sally and Andrew arriving. We got on the plane and we were opposite the Lewis clan. An uneventful flight to Dunedin and Mike found our Jucy car in the out of hours section and we were soon driving into Dunedin.
Happily got to Highgate and found our bed and collapsed into it.
Next morning we were up fairly early and met everyone (they were staying at Wains Hotel on Princes St - pretty much opposite the old post office) and went to the best breakfast place I have been to in ages. Vogel St Kitchen. I am totally going there again.
I had Eggs Benedict and enjoyed it a lot. Very tasty. And my iced coffee was also very good.
From here we all split up. Mike and I went home to collect Toby to take him shoe shopping at Frames Footware, a Dunedin institution. We got him three pairs of shoes as he can't fit anything except jandals at the moment. You can see his new shoes in the photo right below here!
Back for a quick lunch to Highgate and then off to collect Richard and head to the cemetery. We were early so I went off and found other graves that have relatives of mine in there. Showed Toby. Mike took GPS co-ordinates so we can find them easily again.
We had a lovely ceremony next to Ron's new headstone. Mike's mother said a few words. The vicar said his piece. And it was nice and simple. Toby appreciated it a lot.
Dropped a present off at Phil's house from Jurica. Not sure that Phil's wife understood my explanation though. Hahahah.
From here we went home and then we were off to Richard and Theresa's place for tea. Picked up Indian takeaway and caught up with their news. Had a great time. It's been ages since I saw them. Mike and Toby have seen them more recently than me.
Toby had a great time - he really enjoys it there. Eventually we dragged him away (after he did a David Bowie karaoke number for us all - got 100% and 5 stars on the karaoke game!) and crashed into bed.
Up the next morning with no daylight savings. Ooohhh. Winter time. Walked up to No 7 Balmac and had first breakfast. Then Reimer and Nat arrived at 10.30 and I had second breakfast with them. I love breakfast time. Polly talked to Nat a lot. Mike came to our table once the others left. Talked a bit more.
Walked home and saw interesting mushrooms on the way. Read a bit and watched a video of Toby when he was 3 months old. Such fun!
Went out to the airport and dropped off the car and jumped on the plane. Had a good view of Aramoana on the way out.
And a good view of Banks Peninsula on the way home.
My sleep last night was so blissful. I couldn't keep my eyes open at 8.40pm. Felt like 10pm. Well, I guess it was, really. Hahahah. But whatever it was, it was so nice to fall asleep in seconds. Shame my body told itself to wake up at 4.30am (but fortunately I did fall asleep again).
Have an appointment with Toby after his school today. Complicated logistics. I hope he makes it into town ok. I drove in, so hopefully we won't be too late to meet the appointment.
Right. Time for the week to start. No Jurica. Guess I'd better get a cup of tea by myself.
Have a great week.
Love,
Angela
Well, we had a lovely weekend with everyone in Dunedin. I really love Dunedin. Why don't we go there more often? It was a somber occasion this weekend - Mike's mother was unveiling the headstone for Ron. But the ceremony was low key and simple and just perfect. Let me tell you more about it all.
Friday I caught the bus home with Mike. Toby and Mike packed (I was already packed - yes, that is my smug, gloating tone) and we headed off to the airport. They are fiddling (again!) with the car parks there and we got on a road that funnelled us right out of the airport again. So - back in and found a park the second time.
Checked in and we had dinner. Mike had Subway (gag!) and Toby had Dunkin Donuts (what?) and I ate a sandwich from Wishbone. My taste is far superior to theirs.
Anyway - soon we were at the gate and saw Vivienne, John, Benjamin, Sally and Andrew arriving. We got on the plane and we were opposite the Lewis clan. An uneventful flight to Dunedin and Mike found our Jucy car in the out of hours section and we were soon driving into Dunedin.
Happily got to Highgate and found our bed and collapsed into it.
Next morning we were up fairly early and met everyone (they were staying at Wains Hotel on Princes St - pretty much opposite the old post office) and went to the best breakfast place I have been to in ages. Vogel St Kitchen. I am totally going there again.
I had Eggs Benedict and enjoyed it a lot. Very tasty. And my iced coffee was also very good.
 |
| Sally sets the scene for our brekkie |
 |
| Good iced coffee here. Rate this one. |
From here we all split up. Mike and I went home to collect Toby to take him shoe shopping at Frames Footware, a Dunedin institution. We got him three pairs of shoes as he can't fit anything except jandals at the moment. You can see his new shoes in the photo right below here!
 |
| Anderson Bay cemetery |
Back for a quick lunch to Highgate and then off to collect Richard and head to the cemetery. We were early so I went off and found other graves that have relatives of mine in there. Showed Toby. Mike took GPS co-ordinates so we can find them easily again.
 |
| My grandfather - Mum's side |
 |
| Grandparents (and other relatives) on my father's side |
We had a lovely ceremony next to Ron's new headstone. Mike's mother said a few words. The vicar said his piece. And it was nice and simple. Toby appreciated it a lot.
Dropped a present off at Phil's house from Jurica. Not sure that Phil's wife understood my explanation though. Hahahah.
From here we went home and then we were off to Richard and Theresa's place for tea. Picked up Indian takeaway and caught up with their news. Had a great time. It's been ages since I saw them. Mike and Toby have seen them more recently than me.
Toby had a great time - he really enjoys it there. Eventually we dragged him away (after he did a David Bowie karaoke number for us all - got 100% and 5 stars on the karaoke game!) and crashed into bed.
Up the next morning with no daylight savings. Ooohhh. Winter time. Walked up to No 7 Balmac and had first breakfast. Then Reimer and Nat arrived at 10.30 and I had second breakfast with them. I love breakfast time. Polly talked to Nat a lot. Mike came to our table once the others left. Talked a bit more.
 |
| Another iced coffee - too sweet |
Walked home and saw interesting mushrooms on the way. Read a bit and watched a video of Toby when he was 3 months old. Such fun!
 |
| Cool fungus |
Went out to the airport and dropped off the car and jumped on the plane. Had a good view of Aramoana on the way out.
 |
| Aramoana |
And a good view of Banks Peninsula on the way home.
 |
| Banks Peninsula |
My sleep last night was so blissful. I couldn't keep my eyes open at 8.40pm. Felt like 10pm. Well, I guess it was, really. Hahahah. But whatever it was, it was so nice to fall asleep in seconds. Shame my body told itself to wake up at 4.30am (but fortunately I did fall asleep again).
Have an appointment with Toby after his school today. Complicated logistics. I hope he makes it into town ok. I drove in, so hopefully we won't be too late to meet the appointment.
Right. Time for the week to start. No Jurica. Guess I'd better get a cup of tea by myself.
Have a great week.
Love,
Angela
Friday, April 1, 2016
The Thursday with nothing much
Hi,
Well, in a day that was hectic, I did manage to get away with Jurica on his second last day at work for an iced coffee date. Yay! Today is his last day. I wish him all the best for his new job.
There isn't a lot to say about yesterday though. I rode home and enjoyed that a lot. Got home and just veged with Mike. He had gone home with a migraine but with medication, he was ok when I saw him. It'll make him a little tender today - and he'll steer away from coffee for a bit if he remains true to form.
Today is Friday. Yay. And we're all heading to Dunedin for the weekend to attend the headstone unveiling for Ron on his birthday tomorrow. So it is a big weekend for us. A good time to all meet up and do family things.
And maybe catch up with some friends too. If we're lucky.
Right. Time for a tea. Have a good weekend.
Love,
Angela
Well, in a day that was hectic, I did manage to get away with Jurica on his second last day at work for an iced coffee date. Yay! Today is his last day. I wish him all the best for his new job.
 |
| Iced coffee with Jurica |
There isn't a lot to say about yesterday though. I rode home and enjoyed that a lot. Got home and just veged with Mike. He had gone home with a migraine but with medication, he was ok when I saw him. It'll make him a little tender today - and he'll steer away from coffee for a bit if he remains true to form.
Today is Friday. Yay. And we're all heading to Dunedin for the weekend to attend the headstone unveiling for Ron on his birthday tomorrow. So it is a big weekend for us. A good time to all meet up and do family things.
And maybe catch up with some friends too. If we're lucky.
Right. Time for a tea. Have a good weekend.
Love,
Angela
Thursday, March 31, 2016
The Wednesday with nothing much
Hi,
Well, I rode home from work and enjoyed the sunshine. Played with Lulu when I got home and Toby took her for a walk. Mike got home not too long after that and we had leftovers. Ransacked the fridge. Woot!
Josh came to collect Lulu - but we might get her for a sleepover next week too.
Watched an awesome documentary on the Icelandic Sagas - but fell asleep in about 10 minutes. Hahah. I have asked Mike to put it on again another night.
So, other than that, nothing much at all. Told you. Hahahah.
Rode into work this morning and the sunrise was gorgeous again. Another nice day coming up.
Have a great day yourself - wherever you are.
Love,
Angela
Well, I rode home from work and enjoyed the sunshine. Played with Lulu when I got home and Toby took her for a walk. Mike got home not too long after that and we had leftovers. Ransacked the fridge. Woot!
Josh came to collect Lulu - but we might get her for a sleepover next week too.
Watched an awesome documentary on the Icelandic Sagas - but fell asleep in about 10 minutes. Hahah. I have asked Mike to put it on again another night.
So, other than that, nothing much at all. Told you. Hahahah.
Rode into work this morning and the sunrise was gorgeous again. Another nice day coming up.
Have a great day yourself - wherever you are.
Love,
Angela
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
The Tuesday that was just like a Monday
Hi,
After a hectic day at work, I hurtled out of the office and met Toby's bus. He was heading into town from home for an appointment. And I had to get there too. We worked out if he caught the 14, he would arrive at his appointment with 4 minutes to spare. So I planned to jump on his bus as it went past my work.
Well, as I left and waited for the bus, I seemed to recall this appointment getting changed. So I checked my email and sure enough - it was now at the end of April (during Toby's last week of school holidays). So I jumped on the bus, found Toby and then giggled as I told him there was no appointment and we should jump off and catch another bus home.
We went to JB Hi Fi just for fun and then headed home. I rolled my egg down the hill so I could eat some.
Anyway - Mike got home fairly soon and we cooked tea and ate yummy spag bol. Mmmmm. Watched a documentary and then I fell asleep.
Got up for my run and enjoyed the calm morning. Toby was awake at the same time and fed Lulu - just after I had fed her. She didn't complain. Mike walked Lulu and I caught the bus in.
Now my brain has to remember it is actually Wednesday this morning. Not Tuesday. Hahah.
Have an awesome day.
Love,
Angela
After a hectic day at work, I hurtled out of the office and met Toby's bus. He was heading into town from home for an appointment. And I had to get there too. We worked out if he caught the 14, he would arrive at his appointment with 4 minutes to spare. So I planned to jump on his bus as it went past my work.
Well, as I left and waited for the bus, I seemed to recall this appointment getting changed. So I checked my email and sure enough - it was now at the end of April (during Toby's last week of school holidays). So I jumped on the bus, found Toby and then giggled as I told him there was no appointment and we should jump off and catch another bus home.
We went to JB Hi Fi just for fun and then headed home. I rolled my egg down the hill so I could eat some.
 |
| Here we go! |
 |
| And it disappears off the edge and drops onto bricks - ouch! |
Anyway - Mike got home fairly soon and we cooked tea and ate yummy spag bol. Mmmmm. Watched a documentary and then I fell asleep.
Got up for my run and enjoyed the calm morning. Toby was awake at the same time and fed Lulu - just after I had fed her. She didn't complain. Mike walked Lulu and I caught the bus in.
Now my brain has to remember it is actually Wednesday this morning. Not Tuesday. Hahah.
Have an awesome day.
Love,
Angela
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
The Easter with an awesome tramp
Hi,
What a lovely Easter. After dragging Mike from the pub on Thursday after work (he was with my work colleagues - hahahahah), we ate Indian takeaways and went to bed so full.
Friday was bliss. I stayed in bed reading until midday! I was in heaven!
But Saturday we were up and about, getting ready for our tramp. We left late, but it didn't really matter. We had a leisurely lunch in Greytown and by the time we got to the Waiohine road end it was 1.55pm before we started the tramp.
The day was overcast, but warm. Shorts and t shirt weather. I had never been into Totara Flats from the Waiohine gorge end. The signs to the road end were a bit less than over abundant. Lucky Mike knew the old name for the place.
But, the tramp itself was great. Gnarly track - definitely not easy. The topography was easy enough - no big steep hills or anything. But roots and rocks everywhere. So the terrain was a little harder.
Toby carried more than he has before. He had his clothes, his tent (the one person one) and his sleeping bag and a bit of food. And 2 litres of water. He had the new day pack from Josh, and it seemed a bit uncomfortable for him. We might need to look into that more.
We got to the grassy flat area of Totara Flats around 6pm and found the perfect campsite in the first big stand of manuka on the side of the river.
Mike had to use the camping stove to light the campfire. The wood was just a little damp. There had probably been a light shower of rain through the day before we got there.
Toby cooked up lots of bacon on a stick over the fire. And Mike used the Jetboil to cook our back country dinner. Honey soy chicken. Not too bad!
I was ready for bed at 8.30pm but the boys stayed up a bit later, playing with the fire. They spent a lot of time ensuring it was out before they went to bed. I reckon Toby was asleep in minutes!
Next morning was stunning. Mike and I enjoyed the morning. The gassy flats were perfect for his morning coffee.
We eventually packed up the tents and headed back. We didn't get away until 10.45am! Lazy morning. But we hooned back in comparison to our walk in.
Back at the car by 2pm. And we found Andrew there after his amazing tramp from Ohau end to here. Woot! See his blog about it here
We had dinner at Sally and Andrew's place after we dropped Andrew off and headed home for a good clean. Hahahah. Toby stayed at home and we caught up with the wider family and ate the yummiest lamb.
Next morning Mike and I met up with Lesley and Wally for brunch. We went to Joe's Garage and I introduced Wally to the best iced coffee in Wellington. Consistently good.
We also tried one of their cold brewed coffees. That was surprisingly good.
Back home via the supermarket. Well, Mike dropped me at Ange's house. And I saw Sapphire on Ange's bed and couldn't resist a photo. So cute!
Back home and off to see Batman v Superman in 3D with Toby. It was a little long and not overly great. And this is coming from a Batman fan. Toby liked it.
Back home to do the ironing and get that sorted for the week ahead. And fell into bed and watched some documentary on Iceland with Mike. Wonderful.
Have a brilliant (short) week!
Love,
Angela
What a lovely Easter. After dragging Mike from the pub on Thursday after work (he was with my work colleagues - hahahahah), we ate Indian takeaways and went to bed so full.
Friday was bliss. I stayed in bed reading until midday! I was in heaven!
But Saturday we were up and about, getting ready for our tramp. We left late, but it didn't really matter. We had a leisurely lunch in Greytown and by the time we got to the Waiohine road end it was 1.55pm before we started the tramp.
 |
| Waiohine swing bridge - one of many - but the biggest! |
The day was overcast, but warm. Shorts and t shirt weather. I had never been into Totara Flats from the Waiohine gorge end. The signs to the road end were a bit less than over abundant. Lucky Mike knew the old name for the place.
But, the tramp itself was great. Gnarly track - definitely not easy. The topography was easy enough - no big steep hills or anything. But roots and rocks everywhere. So the terrain was a little harder.
 |
| Through the bush |
Toby carried more than he has before. He had his clothes, his tent (the one person one) and his sleeping bag and a bit of food. And 2 litres of water. He had the new day pack from Josh, and it seemed a bit uncomfortable for him. We might need to look into that more.
 |
| Another bridge |
 |
| On the way! |
We got to the grassy flat area of Totara Flats around 6pm and found the perfect campsite in the first big stand of manuka on the side of the river.
 |
| Stats from our tramp |
 |
| Lots of stopping on the way there |
 |
| Our route on the map |
 |
| Best camp site ever! |
Mike had to use the camping stove to light the campfire. The wood was just a little damp. There had probably been a light shower of rain through the day before we got there.
Toby cooked up lots of bacon on a stick over the fire. And Mike used the Jetboil to cook our back country dinner. Honey soy chicken. Not too bad!
 |
| Cooking bacon! |
I was ready for bed at 8.30pm but the boys stayed up a bit later, playing with the fire. They spent a lot of time ensuring it was out before they went to bed. I reckon Toby was asleep in minutes!
 |
| Morning after! |
Next morning was stunning. Mike and I enjoyed the morning. The gassy flats were perfect for his morning coffee.
 |
| Mike enjoying his morning coffee |
We eventually packed up the tents and headed back. We didn't get away until 10.45am! Lazy morning. But we hooned back in comparison to our walk in.
 |
| Heading back |
 |
| Through the bush |
 |
| Scrambling up |
 |
| Great views |
 |
| He's like the little mermaid |
 |
| Almost back |
Back at the car by 2pm. And we found Andrew there after his amazing tramp from Ohau end to here. Woot! See his blog about it here
We had dinner at Sally and Andrew's place after we dropped Andrew off and headed home for a good clean. Hahahah. Toby stayed at home and we caught up with the wider family and ate the yummiest lamb.
Next morning Mike and I met up with Lesley and Wally for brunch. We went to Joe's Garage and I introduced Wally to the best iced coffee in Wellington. Consistently good.
 |
| Iced coffee goodness with Wally at Joe's Garage |
We also tried one of their cold brewed coffees. That was surprisingly good.
 |
| Good stuff! |
Back home via the supermarket. Well, Mike dropped me at Ange's house. And I saw Sapphire on Ange's bed and couldn't resist a photo. So cute!
 |
| Sapphire is camouflaged |
Back home and off to see Batman v Superman in 3D with Toby. It was a little long and not overly great. And this is coming from a Batman fan. Toby liked it.
Back home to do the ironing and get that sorted for the week ahead. And fell into bed and watched some documentary on Iceland with Mike. Wonderful.
Have a brilliant (short) week!
Love,
Angela
Thursday, March 24, 2016
The Wednesday with nothing much
Hi,
I got held up at work and didn't leave for ages. But I was pleased to ride home. It wasn't too windy. And it was in fact, still super warm.
Lulu was happy to see me. Toby perhaps less so. Hahahah. I made dinner for Toby and he seemed to scoff that down happily.
Mike actually came home relatively early - I thought he was out much later. So he also ate his dinner. I tidied up a few things around the house.
Josh arrived and took Lulu away again. I hope she doesn't mind the sleepovers she has with us.
I slept like a crazy woman - right up until my alarm went off. In fact, it was around 5pm in my dream and I remembering wondering why my alarm was going off at that time.
Anyway - it was a howling gale with lashing rain this morning, so I came in on the bus. Oh well. Half day at work today. I have a parent teacher appointment for Toby in the afternoon.
Have a lovely Easter. We're off tramping (the three of us) Saturday/Sunday. Weather might be ok. Off into Totara Flats. For fun.
Love,
Angela
I got held up at work and didn't leave for ages. But I was pleased to ride home. It wasn't too windy. And it was in fact, still super warm.
Lulu was happy to see me. Toby perhaps less so. Hahahah. I made dinner for Toby and he seemed to scoff that down happily.
Mike actually came home relatively early - I thought he was out much later. So he also ate his dinner. I tidied up a few things around the house.
Josh arrived and took Lulu away again. I hope she doesn't mind the sleepovers she has with us.
I slept like a crazy woman - right up until my alarm went off. In fact, it was around 5pm in my dream and I remembering wondering why my alarm was going off at that time.
Anyway - it was a howling gale with lashing rain this morning, so I came in on the bus. Oh well. Half day at work today. I have a parent teacher appointment for Toby in the afternoon.
Have a lovely Easter. We're off tramping (the three of us) Saturday/Sunday. Weather might be ok. Off into Totara Flats. For fun.
Love,
Angela
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