Life Wonderings of a Nature Lover: July 2021 Sitamani Country Diary
In this July we have experienced fire and ice. Two cold fronts swept through with cold temperatures, but only 0,5mm of rain for the whole month, very dry conditions. On the 12 July looting and arson were widespread in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces of South Africa. Our property was engulfed in flames in the early evening, fortunately our home and outbuildings were saved and the resilience of nature is already being seen in new grass emerging, despite the dry conditions.
The maximum temperature 23 C on 8 July
The minimum temperature -2 C on 23 July
Rainfall 0.5mm
Sunday 4
Tuesday 6
brown leaves run like
small animals over the grass
before the chill wind
Wednesday 7
a lone golden leaf
tapping a mournful rhythm
releases to fall
Sunday 11
Monday 12
By evening our property was engulfed in fire set by arsonists in the adjacent Mondi pine plantation. Fortunately, with the assistance of local farmers, our home and outbuildings were spared, apart from the outdoor ‘longdrop’ toilet. These are photos Philip took while we were containing the fire.
Tuesday 13
These photographs were taken during the very smokey day following the fire.
Wednesday 14
It shines with hope.
One breath at a time,
One day at a time.
Friday 16
The fire had swept through the indigenous Ouhout, Leucosidea sericea and Buddleja salvifolia shrubbery behind our house.
Monday 19
Wednesday 21
Thursday 22
bare bones of landscape
exposed by cathartic fire
waits rain revival
Friday 23
Saturday 24
Monday 26
Tuesday 27
Wednesday 28
Friday 30
a bulbul preens
on bared branches displaying
his “butter-bottom”
christeengrant 
I have read this three times now; each time more beautiful than before. You downplay the horror of the fire by balancing it with the renewal despite the drought – letting the photographs reveal more. I love your snatches of poetry and the choice of images, such as the owl feather. Your descriptions draw me back to read them again. What treasures are contained herein!
Thank you so much for your kind words Anne, it means a lot to me that you found something special in this blog and I’m delighted you enjoyed the owl feather! xxx
Splendid. Made even more so by your morsels of poetry.
Thank you Nikki! Felt right to include the morsels as they are also observations, xxx
Beautiful, thank you. Gotta have optimism and – especially – gotta have appreciation for what we have. My optometric practice got completely sacked in the instigated insurrection. We’ll rise again; hopefully good leadership will then see us thrive. Remember to save our anger for the billion Rand looters, not the little guy looters.
Thank you, yes hope is the only way forward… So sorry to hear your practice was ransacked, wishing you strength as you rise once more.
Hi Christeen – the fire must have been a terrifying experience. Your relief that you with the help of neighbouring farmers managed to contain the fire and save your house and outbuildings must be immeasurable. Perhaps one can draw optimism not only from the amazing cooperation of neighbours and communities in so many places in the face of these troubles, but also from watching nature regenerate. I certainly admire your spirit and resilience. And those plucky duiker are also a tonic. Thank you Christeen for your ongoing hopefulness and sending very best wishes xxx
Dear Carol,
Thank you for your warm comment. Yes, community cooperation has been amazing in so many places, perhaps the brightest aspect of these troubled times. Although we have experienced this community spirit living here over the years, and immensely grateful for it, it is sad that generally, only in times like this, there is a greater effort made in many places. I hope you are keeping well, xxx
Thanks Christeen, we are fine thanks.
I also hope that the spirit of caring that sprung up in many communities and sectors in the wake of the crisis remains an ongoing and more permanent mindset for us all,
Take care xxx