Of course, in any relationship, there needs to be some sort of guiding influence. Someone who the parties can model themselves on and who can help themfind a way to understand each other’s character. Joni and I settled on the sterling fellow here pictured.

In seriousness, finding a common love of the Peanuts cartoon strip was just one more piece of the puzzle. No doubt Joni will describe at some point both of us having Charlie Brown moments of looking at “us” and freaking out along the lines of “Oh my God I’m involved with someone on the other side of the planet how the hell did it end up this way are we doing the right thing I’m not so sure about this oh Jesus this is getting right out of hand!!!”. It’s also entered our personal lexicon too: oddly enough, every time Joni’s come over here she’s met my “little red-headed girl” – the first girl I had a crush on.

I probably should give the source of this illustration – partly for copyright reasons and also because it’s a great site. HIGHLY recommended, especially about that time of day where you’ve been at work for a bit and are starting to doubt whether there’s any good in the human character (mind you, I’m a lawyer, so I tend to reach that point after being at work for more than 5 minutes).

While I’m recommending sites, can I recommend the Red Hill Brewery?. The beer is good and strong and lunch there is unbeatable. Just, if you go there on a bright autumn day, make sure you get a table in the shade: Joni had the sunburnt shoulder to say why!