Dry conditions persisted this week, accompanied by abundant sunshine. A sudden dip in temperatures into the low thirties set or tied local records. Heavy frost was observed on the rooftops and open areas of the lawn. Drainage ditches have remained dry for several weeks. Brown, dry grasses in the pasture are crispy and fire warnings have been mentioned. Birds at the feeding station have resorted to the fish pond for water, which has low water levels due to the lack of rainfall. Fire ants are in hiding, patiently awaiting the next rain. A few monarch butterflies are passing through on their journey to Mexico. They feasted on lantana, Turk’s cap, and a few tropical butterfly weed flowers that hadn’t frozen yet. The lawn grass is exhibiting signs of dormancy and drought stress. Deciduous trees are shedding their leaves. Flower beds are extremely dry and I await consistent rains before planting cool-season annuals for winter and spring color.