I had a lovely and relaxing Christmas and New Year. Now I am at my mother’s place in Queensland, for a week of writing up in peace and quiet, with thesis writing alternating with delicious fresh meals and laps in the pool.

I only have one resolution this year: Finish Thesis.

Today is the first day of spring in Australia, and it is really invigorating. I have red bottle brushes blooming outside my window, bright yellow wattle decorates the trip to work, and the university is filled with pink cherry blossoms. Sounds of magpies, kookaburras, and bell birds fill the sky, and fairy wrens and parrots flit through the bushes.

I can wear sun hats again.