We had 0.76" of rain this week, helping to alleviate a drying trend that dominated the weather this month, and giving us between Near Normal and Mildly Dry conditions. The first few days of this week were hot and humid--getting as high as 87F on Wednesday, but cooler, much more pleasant temperatures came the second half of this week with highs in the 70's (F) and comfortable humidity. Trees, including late-comers black walnuts, sycamores, oaks and catalpa trees, are fully leafed out and lush. Grass is green, lush and growing enough to mow about once a week. The bird feeder has been dominated by blue jays and cow-birds lately, though cardinals, nuthatches, gold finches, doves and chickadees are still making appearances. Canadian geese on the river are watching over growing goslings. May ends here with 1.81" of total rain, which is 2.44" below the PRISM monthly average of 4.25". This is a flip in the weather pattern after receiving so much more rain than average in both March and April.