Here I list some of my random thoughts and impressions after one year in this new location and lifestyle (in no particular order of relevance or preference):

• Have settled into this new life
• LOVE the new vistas
• Needed this change of scene more than anything
• Miss my kids and parents achingly
• Feel I have escaped the “ratrace”.
• Realise I am not a “country person”.
• Have not seen evidence of the fabled “country charm”.
• Am amazed at the lack of world view by many country-folk.
• Feel a sense of impending doom.
• Have seen/experienced the effects of the population/cultural explosion/collision in Melbourne and want to warn the locals of the approaching tsunami.
• Feel like a foreigner in my own country.
• Have read the local history of Portland and realise how this has shaped the culture of the town.
• Love the look of the old buildings especially those made of stone.
• Always feel sad at the sight of another dead koala on the road and wish I could protect them.
• Love the local bird life.
• Still want to live in France (not sure why) but realise the culture/population problem is far worse there.
• Am looking forward to settling into our new house.
• Feel proud of what we have achieved with our building project.
• Miss friends, workmates and lifestyle on the Mornington Peninsula.
• Portland is a “blokes” paradise.
• Love the regular trips to Melbourne on a small (20-seater) plane.
• Appreciate Melbourne more as a visitor.
• Miss regular and varied choices of movies to see at the cinema.
• Have not established a regular exercise routine yet.
• Feeling healthier as a probationary vegan.
• Enjoy listening to audio books in my car as I travel the country highways.
• Love the weather – the wind, the cold, the rain. Sunny days are gifts.
• Love living beside the wild open sea.
• Enjoy the variety and challenges of my job.
• Have made some new friends.
• Grateful to have a constant companion/friend/husband to share this with.