Christmas where the gum trees grow,
There is no frost and there is no snow,
Christmas in Australia's hot,
Cold and frosty is what it's not,
When the bloom of the Jacaranda tree is here,
Christmas time is near.

I know for many this doesn't sound like Christmas but the warmer weather, the longer days, and the end of school means we are approaching Christmas. And while Woolworths would like us to believe that Christmas is near in September it is the blooming Jacaranda trees that let me know. I have been admiring the beautiful colour for a couple of weeks and one morning I dreamed of a country property with a driveway lined with Jacaranda trees. I saw myself sitting on a big verandah, sipping coffee, and watching the day float pass. For now, it is only a dream and I took my girls to a city street lined with the trees and played instead. I hope my dream comes true but if not I will always be able to play under these city trees.

Now follow the circle to see what matters to Janine this month.