Temperatures for the period averaged quite close to normal. The last five days of April had high readings in the mid to upper fifties, with the first two days of May resembling those of early summer. If the forecast is correct, the approaching week will have temperatures that should be seasonable.

The week was relatively dry. Light showers on five dates deposited 0.04 of an inch of water in the gauge. Showers are predicted or possible on at least three dates during the approaching week.

Apparently, the ground temperatures have elevated, as I noticed ant and earthworm borings on Thursday, the 30th and later. I heard a bumble bee fly past me on May 1st and ticks have become noticeable. Probably, black flies will emerge soon.

As I was roto-tilling my asparagus bed and later, I observed a single barn swallow in flight. Hopefully, more will arrive soon, as they are my second most favored bird. During the forenoon of the 2nd, I heard what sounded like a cat in distress or agony, but looking skyward I saw at a very high elevation four crows harassing what appeared to be a hawk. Without much doubt, very likely, earlier in the morning the hawk had attacked a crow or its nest.

The spring warmth advanced my neighbors’ forsythia bush into bloom early in the week. By the end of the week, other clumps were blooming in the Livermore Falls area. Many years ago my older brother gave me a few hepatica plants which have become quite numerous and started blooming May 1st. While cutting firewood during the week, I saw several trillium plants budded. I have enjoyed two different cuttings of dandelions. Those greens are very healthful and the ones I have eaten are very tender and flavorful this year.

With the diminished wind and warmer temperatures, I started spreading commercial fertilizer on May 1st and 2nd, covering over 10 acres of hayland. That seasonal project will continue for several days until all 60 acres receive some coverage. The best recommendations from agronomists suggest applying it when the foliage or ground cover is dry.

My small garden got fertilized with hen manure, compost and a light application of commercial fertilizer before being rototilled on the 2nd. It is now ready for the planting of hardy crops.

This period of time last year had temperatures that averaged cooler. The coolest reading was 36 degrees on the 27th and the highest was 64 degrees on May 2nd. There was rainfall on six dates and it totalled 1.02 inches.

April weather summary: Precipitation on 21 dates, total 3.52″ of water, 4.1″ of snow, 15 readings at 7 a.m. or earlier below freezing, coldest reading 14 degrees on April 1st. Seven readings in the 60s, warmest reading 70 degrees on the 13th. Four days had high readings in the 30s.

The snow for the winter of 2014-15 reads 104.6 inches compared to 102.6 inches last year and only 63.3 inches in 2013.

Week of April 26-May 2

Day High Low Precip.

Sun. 55 30 .02

Mon. 55 39 .02

Tues. 57 41 T

Wed. 56 41 T

Thurs. 58 41 T

Fri. 62 41 0

Sat. 70 33 0