Dear Jack,

There is nothing quite as desirable as a hand-written note, at least from the receiver’s point of view. However, at times when that option is unavailable a typewritten note must suffice. I’ve wanted to write to you for some time, but have hesitated to put pen to paper because time is so very precious at present. I plan to take advantage of the typewritten format to record my letter as a blog journal entry.

I have been in Australia with my little family for just over a month and have been working at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) the whole time. We have moved residence three times since we arrived, but are finally situated in a townhouse where we will live for the next year at least. The townhouse is located in the neighbourhood of Yeronga, about five kilometres south of the city centre where I work. I can either ride the train into the city or walk for an hour each direction, which is quite pleasant in cool weather. When my bicycle arrives from the states I’ll give cycling a try, although traffic moves on the wrong side of the street here in British fashion and it will take some getting used to so that I don’t cause an accident.

We spend a lot of time walking together as a family lately, which takes the place of less interesting indoor activities like watching television shows and movies or playing video games. Those were never my favourite, so this lifestyle change is a blessing in my opinion. We live close to the Brisbane River and near several parks and a library, so we have several destinations for our walks. I always used to enjoy the walking and biking paths in Colorado and the mountain scenery. Brisbane lacks mountains and wide paths, but makes up for it with abundant species of colourful birds. We frequently see flocks of Lorikeets, for example, which fly quite fast so that they are only visible as bright red and green blurs in the sky. We also see and hear Kookaburras with their long beaks and squatty frames, sitting in trees and seemingly laughing aloud.
Miguel caught a photo of a bottle-brush tailed possum the other day, which are the local equivalent of Colorado’s squirrels but larger and more brazen in their scavenging behaviour. A colleague told me a story about a formal doctoral examination he attended in which possums snuck in through the ceiling and made off with all of the refreshments before the examiners arrived.

Before we arrived in Australia, Miguel thoroughly researched the many poisonous and otherwise dangerous animal species that we might encounter during our stay. So far, we haven’t seen any that were on that list. We also haven’t seen any kangaroos, wallabies, koalas or crocodiles, since they are not normally found in the city. Once we have settled ourselves in, we’ll take a weekend trip to the rainforest or a day trip to the zoo to find the more iconic forms of Australian wildlife. At present, the ordinary tasks of life such as buying groceries and preparing meals are all-consuming and we are both exhausted by the end of each day.

Just three days ago, on 21st June, Australia experienced its winter solstice and shortest day of the year. Although the days are relatively short, with sunlight from about 5:30 am to 5:30 pm, the temperatures are warm enough that Miguel and I have been comfortable wearing short pants and sleeves, and sandals. In contrast, my colleagues at QUT come to work dressed in layers with coats, scarves and hats. Just today, one of the administrative staff was shocked to hear that I wasn’t freezing to death. I can finally understand why you sought wool socks to wear in Los Angeles. At some point, I may acclimatize to Brisbane’s weather. I hope I do or else I won’t survive the heat and humidity of summer.

We enjoyed visiting with you in the airport last month, and appreciate you taking the trouble to join us. We were especially happy for Haley to have met you and you her. I hope you enjoyed meeting this little girl that you helped bring into our lives, and who brings us so much joy. She grows and learns so quickly these days, but you will surely still recognize her when we pass through next. Her bright eyes and smile are unmistakable.

I plan to write more often than I have, in part so that I can record the details of this adventure. Please don’t feel pressured to respond each time, but send a note when time and circumstances allow. I will also expect to hear news of you through Marsha (aka mom).

Sending my love,
Kelly