Today, I have taken a bank day from work. Tomorrow is the anniversary of the day we moved into our new home.

My husband, M. Took these photographs around the back garden, last week.

Living in a regional area has enabled us to tick off a number of requirements from our house wish list. This in turn has led to an improved standard of living for us and Stan:

• escape from the nightmare of townhouse living

• detached single storey house

• enough space within

• large covered outdoor area

• garden large enough for Stan to run around

• sunshine to grow herbs and tomatoes

Over the past year, we have lived frugally without a credit card. We have learned to notice and appreciate the activity of crows, magpies, lorikeets, and miner birds. Also, we understand the significance of severe weather warnings and the levels of flood alerts.

Unfortunately, we are further away from friends. They know they are always welcome to visit and they do.