The ground is very hard and dry as moisture from rains earlier this month was rapidly absorbed.  Pond levels have already begun to drop again.  Pastures greened up nicely only to be frostbitten; the intense green was quickly replaced by tan tips on the blades, making pastures look pale. Our lawn needed to be mowed only once so far.  Our fire risk would be low but for windy conditions that continue to dry everything out. Redbuds have leaf buds, dogwoods have begun to flower, and maples have leafed out nicely.