Pulling Mussels from a Shell

As you all know I went to the local bar to watch the Super 14 rugby semifinal between the Hurricanes and Crusaders. What you dont know is what I was indulging in before we left for the bar. If you guessed Mussels you are correct.

Leo and I decided to pick up some mussels from the Market as they were on special this week. We got a Kg(2.2 pounds) of mussels which was 20 of them. These are not your run of the mill, tiny ass, Long Island Mussels. These had some size to them and were very filling. We cooked them up in a coconut cream sauce and ate them over pasta. It was delicious and next time they go on special we are doing it again. Here is a diagram of step by step process of the mussel dinner.

After the meal we headed out to the bar. We ended up at Pat's Garage in Northcote, it is a 5 minute walk from our flat. We headed through the big double door entrance way and spotted two seats at the bar right infront of the big screen tele. Prime time seats for a prime time game. I bought the first round of drinks, Speights Original Beer and a Vodka and Cranberry. If you were wondering I got the beer and Leo the cranberry. We got settled as the bar began to crowd. People were there to do all types of things, play pool, OTB, Casino gaming room, and watch the game. People came and went as the game played, at halftime we got round two of drinks, status quo on the drinks. The start of the second half brought disappointment, with 15 minutes left in the game we decided to chug our drinks and head for home.

When we arrived home we sat and watched some tele, and decided what we were going to do on Sunday. We couldnt determine a rock solid plan so we headed to bed deciding to get up whenever and play the rest of the day by ear.

Sunday came and went, my only full day off and it flew past. Next thing I knew it was 6 am Monday morning and I was getting ready for another work week. I arrived to work 15 minutes early grapped a cup of tea and sat and chatted till seven. At seven got up and heading for my route case. There I sorted my large flats (magazines) and then sorted my letters. At eight am the Albany team gets their morning tea break. Tea* break is fifteen minutes. I got another cup of tea and had some cookies that I brought from home. Back to the case to finish sorting and headed out on my run (route) at 830. I bike out to my route that is 2 miles away, deliver my mail and head back to the office. I am finished at a quater after eleven. Drop of all my unwanted mail and head back to the flat, hoping to talk to my mom.

*when I say "tea" I mean break. They call it "tea breaks" or some might know it as "tea time".

Boy I was in for a suprise when my mom signed on and was still at the BBQ at Annie's and Gary. I got to see and talk to everyone. Uncle Mike busting chops and keeping it relaxed as always. My dad got a haircut, after all these years of telling him to shave it he finally does when I am not around to rub it. Thats what he has done to me for twenty two years after I have shaved my head. Apparently he likes how it feels. I got to talk to the little ones, Delainey, Caleb and Connor. I got to see how big Avry "DisneyWorld" is getting. I missed the grandparents, but got to see all the women with their new short haircuts. Pain in the ass Michelle making funny noises and making a fool of herself... like always j/k... Did I mention that my Uncle Mike was busting them hardcore? Uncle Lou and Aunt Tracy got to talk to them and explained the Wildfoods video. Some of the family vowed they were getting a camera for the computer so they can talk to me... I know it is only thursday but I do not have any more friend requests on MSN Messenger. (michael.petrina@gmail.com is the name) It was nice seeing and talking to all that were there.

I eventually caught up with Mimi when she came online later in the evening. We chatted and shared music and youtube videos. Great fun to keep me busy in my wide open afternoons. The next day my mom celebrated a HALF CENTURY of living. Happy Belated Blog Birthday Mom! I caught her online after work and we chatted for a good chunk of time. Ever since that conversation I have been listening and watching Hall and Oates and Steely Dan videos from youtube. Hey mom "Is there gas in the car???? Is there gas in the car????"

The week is starting to come to an end and I have a three day weekend due to the celebration of the Queen's Birthday. What it is I am not sure of yet, but I will do some research and report back to you guys. (Report back to you WINK WINK)

We were going to plan a trip to Rotoroa to do some street luging** and Zorbing, but the weather is supposed to be nasty so we canned that. I will have blogs about those things once I do those things. Well I hope that all are doing great and that you are enjoying the warm weather. Here each day gets colder and colder, but I am still in shorts and a Tshirt at work so not too bad. We quickly approach the sortest day of the year for me and the longest for those that are state bound. Be Safe Be Clean... Take a Shower

**When saying luging they mean street carting.