July is simply the worst month of the year for me. I'm always flat broke because most of the people I know and love in this world happen to have their birthdays in July. What really gets me is that I know this and still, every year in July I run around spending a fortune on birthday gifts, like it's Christmas or something. Plus every year I resolve to plan ahead so that I do not end up having to buy everything in one go and yet, somehow, I miss the boat and run around like a loony. Ahhh I get so cross with myself!!

Also I hate the weather in July. It's the heart of winter and it's dry dry dry. Most of the veldgrass has burnt down, so the landscape is dark, black and dusty. And each year the dust and dryness seems to become worse. I took these pics over the weekend. Both are typical scenery at the moment - it's so depressing don't you think? But wait............there is a silver lining on this cloud. In six weeks time all this will be a lush green which is hard to imagine right now. All it takes is a little bit of moisture, a freak 5 minute cloud burst and within 24 hours the land is transformed. I can't wait for that. But right now, I live with the dust, the smell of burning veld, the dry skin, especially hands an lips. Viva body lotion and lip balm. Roll on summer!!!