For the week ending 08/20/2017, conditions were MODERATELY DRY. The 7-day moving precipitation total of 0.08 inches was 94% below the 8-year (2009-2016) average of 1.36 inches for this date and in the “severely dry” range; the 30-day total of 3.60 inches was 18% below the 8-year average of 4.37 inches and in the “near normal” range; and the 90-day total of 13.18 inches was 25% below average and in the “near normal” range. Temperatures became more seasonal, ranging from 87 (on the 16th) to 60 (on the 14th) degrees F, with average Hi/Lo temperatures of 81/65 F. Overall, the average high temp was 11 degrees warmer than last week while the average low temp was 3 degrees warmer. The yard remains severely dry. Baltimore Orioles and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks remain regular visitors to the bird feeders. Swamp Milkweed, Cone Flowers, and Joe-Pye Weed remain in full bloom and attracting many bees and butterflies. A yellowish tinge has become evident on many of the trees bordering the western shoreline of the lake, and many of the leave on the Cottonwoods have turned bright yellow. The surface of Crescent Lake is at least 70% covered with floating aquatic vegetation, the worst I have seen these invasive wees in the 10 years we've lived here.