.71" of rain fell over the week ending 9 May, which is about average for a week in May.  However, the area still remains moderately dry.  The monthly total so far is  0.9".  Corn has sprouted but is growing slowly.  Many fields have still not been planted. Soybean fields have spotty germination so far.  They were planted later than usual.  The lawn did benefit from the rain and has grown considerably, especially in the partially shaded areas.  However, it is really only needing mowing every 2 weeks.  Clover is flowering.  Winter weeds have taken off.  Birds continue to use the bird bath frequently.  A big pile of limbs (up to 3" in diameter) burned to ash on a high RH day before the rains of this past week.