0.11 inches of rain fell this week, and only 1.18 inches have fallen for the month, 50% of the 30-year NOAA norm. YTD precip is 119% of the norm and WYTD is 111% of the norm. Temps in the upper 90’s this past week meant daily watering of planters and every other day deep watering of garden beds. Soil is dry to the depth of 3-4 inches, lawn is  browning out in sunny areas, and birds cluster at the bird baths and fountain. Monarch caterpillars have wandered off to form pupa, and wild turkeys and babies visit the yard. In addition to heat indices in the 100s this week, large portions of the US contended with smoke from Canadian wildfires. AirNow.gov recorded an Air Quality Index of 701 for Bull Valley at 4:00 pm on 7/16/26. Air Quality alerts were issued for several days, and outdoor events were canceled and pools and beaches were closed. People were advised to wear n95 masks if they went outside.