The Build-Up

Our weather here in the Territory is changing at the moment. We have entered a part of the year that is known as the "Build-Up." The build-up is the portion of the year between the dry season and the wet season. It is characterized by much warmer to hot days with steamy, humid afternoons and a chance of rain. Well, the chance of rain is very minimal at this point, but will increase as the days go on. Our temps have been in the mid 30's Celsius, which is high 90's Fahrenheit. We watch the clouds build each afternoon with high hopes of even just a few drops of precious rain. We have not seen rain since last February. The grass is pretty much all dead and dried and many paddocks are grazed to the red soil. I am anxiously waiting that first good rain and the fresh smell the rain brings with it. I have told many people the build-up is like placing Christmas presents under the tree and telling a child they can't open them until Christmas Day! I can't wait for the first big rain, the fresh smells, and the reviving of the land with the green grass sprouts, it will be like a Christmas present!