Temperatures for the period averaged several degrees cooler than the previous week. The forecast indicates that the approaching week will be warmer, especially later in the week.

The three-day wet spell early in the week deposited two inches of water in my gauge. Soil moisture has been elevated and vegetation has responded favorably. Cold wet spells make it difficult for swallows to feed on flying insects. Apparently, some succumbed as less are seen in flight.

It appears that the harsh winter temperatures when there was little snow cover reduced the number of desirable insects and earthworms. While working the garden soils I have seen very few earthworms. Bumble bees and other pollinators are fewer in number this year and my old plum tree has few plums evident. Fortunately, I have several jars remaining from last year’s crop.

Thursday, the 4th, about 30 Canada geese, at a high level, were flying northward. For several years I have seen geese in flight the first week of June, about two months later than those in great numbers in their spring flight.

I cut a four acre field of grass for hay on the 3rd and it dried to a desirable moisture content and it was baled on the 6th. Multiple buyers were low on hay and we divided it up so all had enough to feed their animals until the main crop is harvested. With rain in the forecast no more acreage will be cut until the 9th or later. Due to the dry month of May, the hay crop appears to be lighter than normal.

New bloom observed recently include: daisy, yellow hawkweed, lupine, long stemmed iris, blue flag iris, purple columbine, high bush cranberry, spinach, garden pea (planted April 15th), spiderwort, orchard grass, bridal wreath, French lilac, white and alsike clover, white and purple sweet rocket, and white rhododendron.

This period of time last year had above average temperatures. There was a range of 44 degrees, from the low of 37 on the 1st, to the high of 81 on the 2nd.

It was a relatively dry period, with light rain on three dates, and it totalled 0.25 of an inch.

Week of May 31-June 6

Day High Low Precip.

Sun. 67 59 0.35

Mon. 49 47 0.99

Tues. 48 43 0.61

Wed. 59 44 0.13

Thurs. 65 45 T

Fri. 70 39 0

Sat. 68 47 0