Scorched is a good word to describe this past week. The heat dome that baked the Midwest moved east, covering the better part of New England before it moved offshore. Four days of hazy, hot and humid conditions wasn't just unpleasant, it came with air quality alerts and the potential of severe thunderstorm alerts. The heat wave lasted four days, including two days in a row where actual temperatures reached over 100°, just the 4th time that has happened since record keeping began.
It was dry the entire week here. We received a few sprinkles twice as storm cells passed nearby, but the gauge was dry in the morning on both cases. We could really use a good rain, and that may be coming Tuesday according to the forecasters.
Despite the heat, some flowers are still blooming. Yucca are in full bloom and milkweed are feeding the bees. Local farms have had strawberries although it is coming to the end of that harvest. Blueberries are ripening nicely and will fill the void. 
Songbirds are still visiting the feeder and bird bath, joined by squirrels, chipmunks and even bees - no doubt for the fresh water. 
This week marked a milestone, of course, celebrating 250 years since declaring independence and beginning a new country. Happy Birthday America!