April 19, 
We have had 8.82” of rain since April 1. The ground is saturated. Many streets are flooded. The temperatures are sometimes in the 70s, more summer than spring. This week, there were 5 reported tornadoes in Kenosha County. EF 1’s but still scary. I spent time in our basement, mostly at night. 

The DesPlaines River has breached its banks and has risen to the height of the entry to the roof of the bird house in the middle of the river. It has flooded Highway C. 

The grass is green, spring bulbs have bloomed, weeds are back, and perennials have sprouted. All but the Humming Birds have arrived.
A pair of Mallard Ducks walked the front yard looking for something to eat. I was hoping they would nest.

The farm fields are too muddy to start planting. Cooler temperatures have returned today. Low today is 34º, high 46º. Winds 12 MPH. 

Local stores have started bringing in plants and vegetables for gardeners to plant. Neighbors buy them and shelter them in garages for fear of frost. 

I saw a congregation of Egrets flying in V formation in the sky. It was an interesting sight because you saw a large mass of white, with stark black legs.