Summer's zenith has now been and gone and with,what seems, such undue haste.

July's classic sultry dog days were few, this year, here in Northern Europe. Torrential rain on a succession of days deprived us of that lazy, lethargic feeling of long Summer days and balmy nights.

I laced up my hiking boots on arrival at my local park, as I continue my prep to walk the Camino in Spain later in the year. A distinctly chilly and unseasonal breeze makes me shiver. Soon a pallid sun reappears and gladdens my heart.

The afternoon heats up and a patch of blue reappears. Underfoot is still soggy from overnight rain.The season's grass looks well ripened and has turned a pale brown color. I love the rhythmic swish of the grasses against my boots as I walk along, releasing that pleasant scent of harvested hay. Clover is still resplendent in its indigo and white and is a rich source of nectar for the occasional honey bee.

July wears garlands in her hair and has the joy of dislaying the best and most colourful flowers and plants of the season. Peering through the gates of the walled gardens I gaze at the tall sunflowers now displaying their elegant, sunny faces. A hydrangea sits alongside, showing off its purple and pink mophead flowers.

As July approaches its final days, so too does our Summer hasten to its end.
July is the month of the Full Buck Moon when Bucks begin to grow new antlers . This July we had the pleasure of a special lunar treat -- a blue moon- when July produced not one but two moons.
But hopefully, Summer still has some more gifts to share with us before we start closing our drapes against autumnal chills and foggy nights . B-r-r-r!!!!!!