Dear Florence,

Well the very exciting news from this neck of the woods is that I am pregnant. Tallboy and I are so thrilled - the night before last he was able to feel the baby kick for the first time. I am now over the difficult daily ritual of "morning" sickness (which for me often lasted until dinner time), and only occasionally feel unwell. It's amazing what a difference wellness makes to one's mood! It's now possible to really relish in all the goodwill and wishes that surround us, and to fully appreciate how nice it is when other people are excited about your own good news.

The weather is just beginning to turn, and it won't be much longer until we can leave our coats at home in the cupboard. For the past week or so, it's been possible to catch a glimpse of the sunset when leaving work, rather than walking straight out into the rapidly falling night. I love Autumn and Winter, yet I can't help but fall prey to a sense of hope and openness when the warmer weather begins to appear after months of burrowing down in the cold.

It's almost exactly a year since we moved from the bustle of Potts Point to our little getaway in the burbs, surrounded by trees and birds. It has been a year of immense change, but I must admit I feel settled and content. As I write this, the cat is curled up on my lap, displaying her own sense of contentment, and accentuating mine. It's been lovely writing this, but the real world awaits...