It's a long time since we last wrote, and I was reminded of this by Uncle Bruce recently when I phoned. So here goes. I am back at work, riding the new busway every day to Albany. We both had a wonderful summer, with great weather, the usual collection of visitors. I tried swimming a couple of times, with mixed results. I'm OK as long as it isn't too rough, otherwise getting knocked over is a bit dangerous, as I can't right myself without help.

Pain is manageable provided I don't overdo it during the day. I'm trying a vitamin B1 supplement called Bentofiamine (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benfotiamine) which is said to be effective for neuropathic pain and after a week I think it might be having an effect. I had a CT last week but don't see the haemotologist till next week for the results. More news then.

Had my third birthday since diagnosis. Heard from (among others) Blair, a guy from Canada I met in hospital in 2006. He has since had a stem cell transplant and is doing OK. I've started back at chorus and am off to Christchurch for a weekend workshop soon.

Tom and Melanie, Katherine and Joss and Anya, Anya trying on Dee's specs. Anya is now walking, and a bit grizzly (and drooly!) because of teething.


Dee's sister Timmy.


Ben's parents, Sue and Alan were visiting from Toronto. Also Ben's girlfriend Jean-Marie.


Not quite Opera in the Park - in Mangonui actually. A concert with three very talented performers (tenor, soprano, violin). Also a view of the partial eclipse of the sun.


A warning not to expose feet to the sun when they haven't seen much daylight for 2 years. Probably exacerbated by some of the drugs I am on causing photo-sensitivity.