The week started with lots of ominous cumulus clouds with dark bellies but no rain, just hot, dry, lazy breezes, and thunder.   There are spots under large trees in the lawns in this area that show brown grass from lack of rain, and in many cases, the ground is slightly sloped, enhancing runoff when rain does occur.  A row of zinnias along the driveway has drip tape installed and is working well in this mini drought. My spring tomato plants in large containers withered last month due to the high heat and humidity.  Heading into this weekend with dry conditions and more dry weather predicted along with bright, mostly clear skies, Thursday was the worst summer day so far for me.  Too uncomfortable to sit outside. There was a noticeable lack of local birds that would normally be hanging around the water and feeding table, but not so much in the last week. Could be a new hawk in the area but they more than likely have cooler locations to hang out in than my sunny yard.  On Friday, the humidity dropped a little, and under cloudless skies the temperature rose to 97°F and heat indices of 108°F, our highest.  I started watering the lawn where vehicle traffic sometimes turns around and is showing signs of drought stress.