Temperatures for the period averaged below normal, reinforced by four early morning readings below freezing. There was a range of 34 degrees, from the low of 27 on the 20th, to the high of 61 degrees on the 22nd. If the forecast is correct, the approaching week will be cool and showery.

Somehow, the temperatures have been warm enough to melt most of the ice in area ponds. On Tuesday, the 21st, most of Moose Hill Pond was free of ice, except the Fayette end.

There was some precipitation on six dates, with heavy rain on the 20th and 21st, that deposited 1.81 inches of water in the gauge. Other areas of Maine received much more but fortunately, there was only minor flooding. On Saturday, the 25th, there were at least two minor snow flurries in the morning and a few minor rain showers later in the day. As of this date, April’s water deposits total 3.48 inches, only slightly below the average.

A few more crocus and daffodils blossomed during the week and mayflowers, daphne, and dandelions are budded. Early in the week, I dug and washed the last of the parsnips and very few showed any decay. On the 20th, I planted the last of the peas, using over three pounds of seed for the season.

My helper recently finished power sweeping the full distance of the fields on both sides of the road. On Friday, the 24th, the efficient road crew did a great job of cleaning up the large amount that had accumulated, aided by the need of plowing the roads in November before the ground was frozen. More raking was accomplished on lawn areas and around the buildings; another day’s work should accomplish what is needed to be done.

On Friday, the 24th, we started cutting, splitting, and piling next winter’s wood supply; hopefully, we can get the six or seven cords prepared before the black fly numbers are excessive. Another farm project that needs to be accomplished is repairing the fences so the neighbor can turn his beef cattle out to pasture when the grass is ready for grazing.

Three tons of fertilizer were delivered to the farm recently, about one half needed to cover the 60 acres of hayland. When I get that spread, I will have an additional three tons delivered. Hopefully, the hay crop will respond with a substantial yield, enabling me to make the fertilizer payments in a timely manner.

The fertilizer spreader has been oil painted to help keep the rust from forming. In damp weather, fertilizer can be very corrosive.

The first noticeable hearing of the frogs and peepers occurred the evening of the 19th. Three of the cooler nights during the past week nearly silenced their welcome sounds. Hopefully, they will have a good reproduction year as their numbers have been declining, as have other amphibians, due to changes in their environment and diseases.

This period of time last year had temperatures that averaged slightly higher. There was a range of 49 degrees, from the low of 19 on the 20th, to the high of 68 on the 21st.

It was a dry period, with a trace of rain on the 22nd and 0.32 of an inch on the 23rd.

Week of April 19-25

Day High Low Precip.

Sun. 57 28 0

Mon. 46 27 0.28

Tues. 56 39 1.58

Wed. 61 29 T

Thurs. 49 31 0.18

Fri. 43 28 T

Sat. 48 34 T

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