Up to this morning, this area had endured another dry week, as only 0.04" of precip had fallen, adding up to a grand total of 0.70" over the last 4 weeks.  And while the cool temps have worked in our favor, the low humidity days along with a lot of windy ones did take its toll.  Fortunately, we did receive 0.23" of precip this morning and our NWS is forecasting several chances for more precip over the next 3 days.  If that occurs it should alleviate our moderately dry soil conditions.  Currently, area rivers and local waterways are near their normal levels and falling.  Prior to this recent rain area trees were looking ok but definitely less vigorous than in previous weeks, while lawns were showing strong signs of stress.  Without rain, watering would have been mandatory to prevent damage but fortunately light rains occurred overnight and provided a one day reprieve.  And somehow, despite the dry weather, mosquitoes are showing up more and more, especially toward evening.  Finally, wildlife seems to be doing well.  Our resident turkey insists on dusting itself right in the middle of my garden and song birds have been brightening the days with their songs and colors.  If I didn't know better, I'd say that the chickadees are saying good morning when I first step outside.  Or they're saying, don't forget to load up the feeder.