Everyone who lives here in Waikerie has been telling me to brace myself for the winter, but I think I'll be able to handle it. Ever since I was small I have loved Autumn and Winter more than the other seasons. I think this has a lot to do with the fact that I've never been a particularly active person; I prefer to sit and read a book or make something crafty and when it's cold outside there is nothing better in my opinion than sitting under a blanket with a cup of tea and listen to the rain. I'm looking forward to seeing what Winter in this new house brings.

Friends coming to visit and trips across the state have made this month seem like an especially busy one so I am looking forward to the coming weeks of May being a bit more settled. I have a decent pile of books that I hope to work through, and it certainly didn't help that I bought four new books today from the OpShop around the corner. I couldn't help myself, they were 50 cents each!

It was Albert's 2nd birthday today, and I was sad that I didn't get to see him but I know there will be many, many more birthdays that I will be present for. Probably with many more presents as well. Only now, months after the move, have the things that I will miss started to hit me. I try not to focus on them, as I know they're small in the grande scheme of things but it's hard when you don't get to see your littlest brother's face when he opens his gifts or blows out his candles.

I miss my friends who live in the city as well. We keep in touch via Facebook and messaging etc. but it's not the same when you can't meet up in the city or visit their houses. It has been interesting though, to see which ones make the effort and which ones have stopped talking to me since I moved so far away so I think in a lot of ways this is a much better arrangement. I'm no longer the friend of convenience, but one that is sought out.

Here are some of my favourite photos I've taken this month (not including those in Smoky Bay);