This book started as a bunch of bemused scribblings while I was trying to make sense of a first marriage, roughly 18 years ago.

For her inspiration, and the rich supply of material, I must therefore thank my former wife, Helen Hays. Without her, this book may never have conceptualised, and as the old saying goes “Winning starts with beginning.”

I found Nigel Babb, my hugely talented ‘toonist almost as many years ago, but only realized his true genius once this book emerged, simmering from a deep 16 year slumber in my filing system. Nigel created all the cartoons, including those on the cover – for which I thank him.

Rhona Williams (then May) my former PA, typed out the original manuscript more than once, but the disk on which it was stored was later found to be corrupt. Perhaps someone was telling us something. Fortunately, we made a single hard copy and

Ninette Rex, my faithful Office Manager of the past 13 years retyped it in 2008, and this work was duly resurrected. To both of them, thank you - mostly for agreeing to do it.

My editor, Rufus Bulbring, a literary genius added many a deft twist and turn to this work, and gave it the edge that I sought. His diligence ensured a far better text than it may otherwise have been.

cLayTon BoTHa, who painstakingly created the layout, is the true unsung hero of this book. To him I owe a huge debt of gratitude, not only for his creative vision, but for his unending good humour, insights and patience. This is the 2nd book we’ve worked on together, and I hope it won’t be the last.

I certainly trust that you will derive as much mirth and enjoyment from these pages as we did making them into this book.

The Author