This week closes with pleasant but mildly wet conditions due to a drying trend broken by 1.46 inches of rain that fell over a two-day period near the end of the week. Lawns are retaining a lush, green springtime appearance that still require mowing. At the same time, prairie grasses are golden and a few trees are in the early stages fading or showing vivid color; more leaves are on the ground. The corn is brown and some fields are now plowed under for the season. Concord grapes are ripe and Niagara grapes are just beyond their peak. Apple orchards are doing a thriving business with tourists and roadside farm stands are full of local produce. All forms of autumn outdoor activities are in full swing. Year-round resident birds are curiously absent from the feeders; a few show up occasionally but well below normal numbers. Daytime highs have reached the mid to upper 60s and overnight lows have touched the lower 40s. Humidities remain high but have moderated from the past several weeks.