The first week I took pleasure in attending a University Contact Course for my Creative Writing extramural study course. It was amazing, soem great poeple, great lectures and it certainly cemented the course content to date. I was on a natural high after, then the next day I headed off to Auckland to surprise my daughters. I haven't been able to afford to travel since the last time I saw them (Xmas 2004), but through my casual work as a Like Minds Like Mine presenter I saved money for the trip.
My eldest had her 21st on the 2nd of July and wasn't home for it, so I decided to hold off the trip until after the contact course, and had organised for her to be at her mothers place on the Sunday after I travelled.
Thankfully she was there and I saw the surprises on both my wifes face, and the faces of my two daughters. I gave Amy her 21st present (a pounamu pendant) and we sat and chatted the day away. I took both daughters shopping a couple of days later and we spent the day browsing (I did buy my youngest a nice top) and we all had a good day.
However, the visit was tinged with a note of sadness. The poeple I stayed with (very old friends) were pleased to have me stay and were most accomodating. But my dear friend Frank, who turned 70 in january, is suffering from Alzheimers and even though I think he recognised me, he didn't know my name, so he's pretty far gone. We spent a few hours speaking to each other and at one stage he mentioned something from the good old days, but apart from that he was lost in his own existence.
I've made a commitment to keep in contact with his wife, the best I can do.
But yes, the fortnight was brilliant, I'm so happy to be able to realise a few dreams.




