Weekend In Auckland
Had a good weekend - Noo Noo came and spent the day with us on Saturday which was great as we haven’t been able to have much quality time as she is Grandma-sitting. Lovely to catch up with her properly and the boys were very happy to spend some time with her. We all went to St Lukes, a little slice of Westfield mall shopping heaven, NN bought toys for the boys at Toyworld including a very cute stuffed Buzz Lightyear. Also went to Pumpkin Patch, a fantastic childrenswear label. Normally it’s quite pricey but it was winter sale time so we got a lot of half price outfits. Lots of olive green & orange “Bear Mountain Rangers” stuff for Archie, all mix and match. Joy!
On Sunday, Harry’s godmother Audrey rang from London to speak to her charge, who was most appreciative of her call. Unfortunately his other godmother Ren was indisposed, but sent her love anyway. We then headed out to pick up Trade Me purchases from obscure Auckland locations. Went to get an exercycle I won from East Tamaki, it was full on! Very recently developed mega-dense suburbia, and then suddenly - farmland. Bruce and Dawn (sellers of exercycle) lived on the road bordering the farmland, so actually had quite a nice private section. Scary! Plus there was a huge mega-mall out there, it was a time warp back to our visit to Chicago - EXACTLY like a giant American mall. So we are planning to go back there and immerse ourselves in tacky consumer heaven.
Then we went to Te Atatu and got a minitramp I also bought (can you tell I am on a slight fitness drive?) The little two year old there looked very sad as we carried it out the door. Apparently she was the only one using it! It’ll be good for the boys though. Te Atatu had a great view, you could see the bridge, the skytower and Rangitoto all lined up. Then we looked at an open home in Glen Eden. Lovely huge 4 bedroom Victoria villa on a huge section, priced at $469,000. Apparently Glen Eden is not very desirable location though - again, farmland is only about 5 blocks away… but cute and cheap! Just keeping an eye on things though.
Finally we had a nice visit with Grandma who seems a bit more mobile. It looks like she has decided to go to a rest home though as she cannot cope on her own any more. There is a lovely home near us that is under consideration, only about 12 residents and you can bring your cat! It’s right near the sea and has a library. So she is considering that one. Apparently she just wants to spend her time lying in bed and reading, who can blame her? Sounds very attractive to me!
Off to collect yet another Trade Me auction today, from the North Shore this time. It is 6 lovely retro vinyl chairs - hurrah. Going to have to join TradeMe Anonymous soon…
I realised today it is my birthday on Thursday! I will be 35!!! Scary and momentous day. I haven’t even put up my DVD list as I usually do - maybe people can wing it this year?
Sister Rosie will be over this weekend for a quick visit on her way to Wellington to get some of her portfolio as she is applying for Melboune design school next year. Looking forward to seeing her and having some Singstar battles!
