Ten things I've learned

It's been almost two months since our big move to the country, so here are ten things I've learned about our new area (and climate!):

1. No one is in a hurry, which makes driving a calm experience.

2. Although, no one is in a hurry, which is kind of annoying when you're waiting to be served (you can take the girl out of Sydney....).

3. Hair dryers aren't just to style hair, they prevent hypothermia on cold days.

4. Having the heater on during the day isn't a luxury, it's a necessity (I can almost hear it making the noises of a cash register, cha-ching, cha-ching).

5. Woollen garments are underrated - you learn to live with scratchy because it's a whole lot better than cold.

6. Parent meetings could have you driving on an isolated country road. In the dark. In the fog. If that scares you, better get over it real quick.

7. Almost every outing involves a picturesque drive - and you never get sick of it (well, not in two months, anyway).

8. Time for ordinary errands needs to be doubled to accommodate long chats with random strangers.

9. You learn that you can survive with cold toes, just as long as your ears are warm.

10. You're not on candid camera - everyone is smiling at you because they are genuinely nice (I did wonder .....).