Rain and thunderstorms starting early Monday morning with a break mid morning before picking up again in the afternoon. Lots of thunder and lightning. A total of .30 inches fell which was the only rain last week but was much appreciated and needed. High temperatures were in the 70's last week except last Sunday when the high was 80°. Lows were mostly in the 40's until the end of the week when they dropped into the 30's. The low of the week was 36° on Saturday. A system moved by to the north the second half of the week which brought strong winds and the cooler temperatures at the end of the week. The fire danger was elevated by the strong winds. Not much change in the plant life in the surrounding open, wildlands areas or in the garden. Black birds, finches, and hummingbirds continue to frequent the garden. A pair of black birds have a baby bird in the yard that is flying around but mostly sits and squawks wanting food. They are very protective and will try to drive off any intruders. Saw a swallow fly by.