Acknowledgements

With thanks to my children Fabian and MarieClaire. Both of you a joy. Both, every mother’s dream, and I am the mother! Wonders will never cease. How lucky can I get?

To my firstborn Tina, always a special bond, and to her two little beauties, Charlie and William, my adorable grandchildren.

To Ailsa, my editor. Thank you for your extraordinary patience and most of all your warmth and your kindness.

To Bill, a very astute man. Thank you, Bill, I feel very privileged to have your faith in me.

A special thank you to Mary Dunne for tirelessly poring over my handwritten script and managing to type it all. Not an easy task. Take a bow, Mary!

Last but not least, to Helen Scully. Thanks, Helen, for all your encouragement. Without you this would not be in the public domain. Thanks, friend!