So Adrian went up to the Waikato on the weekend to see Colin and Claudia and also to go to a Jongenelen family reunion that was happening. I believe he is going to blog at some point when he gets back, with photos even! I was kind of expecting my weekend to be even more uneventful than usual, since Adrian was away, but it was actually unusually busy.
On Saturday I had an appointment in the morning for my wrist, then shot out to a wedding venue with Bex and Ants to see what it was like. They have plans to see some more, then when they choose they will have the date. Then I had to leave early to have lunch before I went into town because I was going to do more volunteer work for the Sanctuary but that was a non-event, so actually ended up at home for the afternoon. The weather was glorious. The kittens were happily lounging in the sunshine and I watched TV all afternoon and did cross-stitch. Ah, what a way to enjoy a sunny afternoon, you say. But I enjoyed myself. Plus, I'm trying to finish my sister's Christmas present. Last Christmas. I'm hoping to have it finished by the time I go up there next weekend. It might be done! I did the whole of my new pilates DVD for the first time (inspired by Jacinda), and my abs are still a bit sore. So I know they worked!
On Sunday I didn't do much in the morning (had a big sleep-in) but then in the afternoon I drove all the way down the Coast Road (if you zoom out you can see where it is in relation to Lower Hutt) to the end of the island (near Orongorongo) for a horse trek with Mac. We left about 4pm for a two-hour trek. I presumed it would be a coast ride since we were right on the coast, but it was up into the hill country of the Orongorongo [sheep] Station. So we went all the way to the top of a hill, Mac says it was about 700 ft high. That's pretty high considering we only took 2 hours round trip. It was steep up, with a rather sheer drop to the coast on the right, and we cantered quite a bit, and fast, up the gravel track. I hadn't ridden for about a year, so was a bit freaked out but relaxed after a while, especially when Mac said I was riding really well (ahh, such a Millenial, praise is my lifeline!). My horse was Floss(ie), which is pretty cool cos that was the name of the horse I first learnt to ride on when I was about 5. She was a gorgeous chestnut, and rather large too. Then on the way back down the hill we went down a really steep and skinny track but it was through the scrub rather than on a cliff-side so wasn't quite as freaky. Was really steep though, much steeper than I've ever been on before. The horses are remarkably agile, considering they have no toes. Or forward vision. They place their feet so carefully, considering how much weight they have to carry and balance. It just made me love them even more.
Last night I was invited to dinner at Anna and Luke's which made me feel special! We had home-made pasta carbonara and Anna's chocolate cinnamon biscuits for dessert. Yum! And good wine too.
Upon reading the Brit Awards results to get inspiration for new music, I have found a couple of new sounds which I am really enjoying. Florence + the Machine won the British Album award, and I bought their album Lungs, which is really refreshing, soulful and different. Sorry, I'm not too good at describing music I guess. I just like it! And Ellie Goulding won the Critic's Choice award. Her album is out today, and I'm hoping it will be available in NZ, because I want it.
Next weekend I am going up to Auckland to go to the Winery Tour with my sister Anna and her boyfriend Rob. It's at the Villa Maria Estate and I am quite looking forward to that. Going up Friday evening and coming back Sunday evening.
Love xxx
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