Closed for a private event

 

Confession time..

I thought writing the blog post after my birthday would be easy. A whole bunch of fabulous photos of my beautiful friends. A few words about how much fun it was and Bobs' ya Uncle!

Well..I failed!. 

The business brain in me had a justified plan. Shut down the building, have only our friends staying to play, loud and long, without the risk of disturbing paying guests. 

In my head, I would gain pics of my beautiful friends - they are all beautiful - showcasing the spaces while they had a great time. These could be used to promote Toad Hall for private functions. A whole stay and play campaign. 

Complete fail!

I have a civilized group photo of the earlier arriving guests...never got a pic of everyone.

Had planned to have pre dinner drinks on the roof terrace but never made it past the courtyard.

Took a few pics in the front room...terrible ones that can't be used for advertising. - No-one wants to see me pretending to drain a tequila bottle while my wig falls off...hahaha - you do now!

Instead of getting these valuable marketing tools...I raised my glass and had fun completely forgetting to take photos. Didn't even get a pic of dinner. Gareth had spent a significant part of his day basting the meats in the smoker every hour and the only pic I got of him is pouring freshly mixed expresso martinis from a jug.

So you'll just have to believe me. 
The building is awesome to have exclusively!

We gathered in the courtyard - with the intention of keeping Gareth company while he tended the smoker and folk began to arrive, In my head, we would all go to the roof terrace for pre-dinner drinks once we were in costume. 

That didn't happen. We served dinner down in the front room and rolled on from there....

Groove foundation are a favourite local covers band  They were playing at Market St restaurant and bar..another favorite within walking distance of Toadies. We decided to take our dress-up characters out for a public appearance.

Ok..this is a side thing...

When we arrived at Market Street...Marilyn and Sherlock were immediately hit on.

Not just once...

Gareth and I have been married 17 years and are very solid...so we started to keep score!

Gareth 3...Ruthie 2....

There is something to be said for dress up! Sorry ladies. Yup...all hopeful advances were made by ladies! We have some sassy stock here in Napier!

We did not foam the fountain...

Glad someone did though...

How cool are the pics of Gareth and I playing in!

We dropped into The Cabana to say hi...the bar staff there are great folk..friendly, efficient...we always feel welcome.

It was a fantastic night and I highly recommend Toadies as a venue to host your social butterflies!

On the home front...

Jacob had his first rugby game for Napier Boys High School. I am an enthusiastic rugby-mum. I'm almost a 'Karen' when it comes to his rugby.  Almost. 

I love going to games. The nature of this business and the scheduling of school boy rugby, Gareth and I have to take turns. I got to go first. 

The highlights:

Jacob had a great game and I met a couple of equally enthusiastic rugby-mum's.

Jacob took the captain's role.

Guided his team to a draw with Te Aute College.

Scored 3 tries and converted 2 of them.

Great day on the field!

And we survived my Mother-in-Laws Peter Brock style driving!

We shared the day with The King

The Coronation of King Charles III was also 6th May 2023.

The Royal Family is now a subject grouped with religion and politics...not to be discussed after the 3rd wine.

It would appear, love them or hate them...we're passionate.

I've heard the rumblings of  extravagant cost, and entitlement. A New Zealand journalist reported during her live feed that the cost break down of the Coronation for the UK population is approx £2 per person.

Not bad for a bloody good marketing campaign. 

At least someone was delegated to take the pics.