The first cool whispers of autumn are in the air, here in Tasmania. My knee-length cosy cardigan has been retrieved from the back of the wardrobe, and those beautiful sunsets are getting noticeably earlier with every evening that passes. Autumn has long been my favourite season, and I can’t wait to see how lovely this island looks when the trees have turned to gold.

It’s hard to believe, but last week marked six full months since our move to Tasmania. Where has that time gone? The memory of arriving here is still such a clear one – stepping off the plane at Hobart airport, piling our suitcases into a taxi and being driven across the Tasman Bridge towards so many unknowns.

We were lucky to start our life here in a sweet little cottage up in North Hobart – a great neighbourhood full of pavement art, independent shops and funky little restaurants. We had so much to learn in those first few weeks – new currency, new bus network, new constellations in the night sky. We were bowled over by the kindness of our family and friends, who sent little packages for DorkySon almost every day. He knows now that wherever he lives, he will continue to be loved.

We were also lucky to find our next house – our home – so quickly. There was so much to fall in love with – the stained glass in the front door, the high ceilings and wooden floors, the Harry Potter cupboard under the stairs. On a sweet, bright November day, the removal van pulled up outside and we were reunited with all those books, toys, rugs and paintings that had slowly made their way here, crossing several seas in their tight-packed container.

Since then, it feels like we have barely paused for breath. We’ve been working on getting the house right – shuffling things from room to room until they finally find their place. DorkyDad has been working hard and enjoying the challenge of his new job, while DorkySon has been doing the same at kinder.

There have been swimming lessons and social events, play parks, picnics, poetry and pilates, cafés and cricket, beach walks, boat trips, mountains and markets. There has been Christmas. There has been sunshine. There has been ice cream and laughter.

I feel like I’ve painted a very rosy picture of our move on this blog – highlighting the positives and downplaying the negatives. But in truth that has been easy to do, because the wobbles have been so minor, so few and far between.

Tasmania is a fascinating place. We are so very happy to be here, but also very aware that we have barely scratched the surface. Getting to know the people, the places and the politics are all things that will require time and patience. Thank goodness we are here for the foreseeable future, and don’t feel rushed to pack things in.