Conditions here are moderately dry.  Our region is listed as "moderate drought" with less than 50% of the "30-year average" rain fall.  We are receiving slightly more short rains, and soil is becoming more moisturized.  The daffodils and star magnolias are blooming, and buds on trees are visible.  More birds are flocking to the feeder including Red-wing blackbirds. We had not seen any of these birds for the last two years.  Deer are active foraging throughout the neighborhood.  People are out walking and last week was a short lived but pleasant warmup.  Cooler temperatures are predicted for next week.