Autumn.

Autumn is about endings. But these school holidays have been delightful. OMG. Really. I feel like a hobbit. Like, in the opening scenes of "The Fellowship of the Ring"? When the hobbits are living a peaceful life in the Shire, and the ring is just a magic trinket?

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I mean, OK. Solo parenting all day is tough. A couple of times, I have texted Adam with messages like, I’m losing the will to live. And, still? New Zealand is a fairy land. Years pass like days. And this gypsy autumn weather has cast a spell on me.

The past few weeks have been full of (dare I write this)...happiness, the days melting into each other. Five has been charming me, and I've been savouring these last weeks of his baby self.

Yes, it's bittersweet. This may be the last time echoes in the corners of my mind. The last time he lisps, or the last time he wraps his arms around my neck, or the last time he demands my attention, so he can give me a two-hour monologue about his super powers.

I am still the centre of Five’s world, but my time is (rightfully) passing. Soon the influences of school and his mates will change him into a different (and equally wonderful) little person.

But, until then? After crisp mornings, these delicious, nearly hot days. I want to gather them up like brightly colored eggs, and stuff them in my basket.

Fertility symbols in autumn. It doesn't need to make sense.

The rituals of this new season, with Easter chocolate (everything is better with chocolate) and hot cross buns.

Going for a wander under pale blue skies.

Civic Square, Wellington

A visit to the museum.

A giant leap for science at Te Papa.

By a calm sea. Putting on his wetsuit and going for a swim, or just lying in the warm sand on the beach.

Looking towards Kapiti Island.

Longer and colder nights, under cosy quilts. Ordering firewood, and conjuring up a few fires in the woodburner.

The woodburner. For the next few months, we will be best mates.

Five playing with his cousins and his mates. Learning to ride his bike on two wheels—his earnest, little wobble. Going for bike rides in the grassy acres of the park, or all the way down to the train station.

And riding the miniature trains in the Marine Gardens.

Funny old men drive the trains at the Marine Gardens.

Packing away our summer clothes, and buying new gum boots, rain jackets, and slippers. Playing board games. Cuddling and reading books.

Watching cartoons and movies together.

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A hearty new menu of soups and roasts, and pumpkin and potato, and apples and pears, cakes and crumbles, and soon feijoas.

Blueberry rhubarb crumble. It's what's for breakfast.

It's like a book I don't want to finish. My life is beautiful. I am blessed, and I am grateful.

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Want to see more photos of my life (over the years) in rural New Zealand? Check me out on Flickr.