Ann and I first (physically) met in Hyde Park, adjacent the Archibald Fountain nearly three years ago. It's a spot popular with tourists, city workers seeking respite and those who want a safe and obvious place to meet. Ann was a little late and I sat somewhat nervously awaiting her, since our only form of communication up until that point had been by email, SMS or telephone. Face to face is the real deal and its full import cannot be underestimated. That day we strolled through The Botanical Gardens and The Domain, later having dinner in The Rocks. The definite article was much in use.

Last weekend, before he headed out to La Perouse, we spent some time again in Hyde Park. We reflected on how much has passed since that consequential day in 2015, what with marriage, visas and plans for the future. There is no way of telling exactly how things might work out in any given human situation, particularly where there is a myriad of variables. Relationships present the critical challenge: get out of yourself and your view of the world and selfish habits and embrace another, knowing that without accepting a significant measure of change, the thing will fall flat.

I think that Ann and I are on the way to doing just that. It is, after all, a lifetime project with no guarantees and only the daily record of exchange and interaction to go by. But I would rather it this way than not at all.