Temperatures for the period averaged below normal, with only two readings in the low 80’s. Perhaps with the warmer temperatures predicted, the month of July may not be one of the coldest in recent years.

There was some rainfall on six of the seven days during the week and it totalled 0.86 of an inch. There has been some rainfall on 14 of the first 25 days of the month. It totals 1.74 inches, which is below normal. With unsettled weather predicted for the rest of the month, much more rainfall is possible.

During the past week a beautiful sunset of short duration was observed on the 20th. Two beautiful rainbows, about 10 minutes apart, emerged on the 21st in the late afternoon.

Desiring to start harvesting second crop hay, I cut down about three acres on the 22nd and it dried well enough to bale the following afternoon before a light shower developed after 4:30. A buyer in need of hay, and a place to park cars for the Souther Family Reunion on the 25th, motivated me to cut those three acres.

Fortunately, the weather improved as the day progressed on the 25th and reunion was enjoyable. Sunshine developed by mid-afternoon, temperatures were ideal and there was enough of a breeze to discourage flying insects.

More weeding was accomplished during the week and only five rows of asparagus bed are in need of weed eradication. Two of the afternoons while weeding I heard a multiple number of coyotes howling in my back woodlot. It’s not common to hear them in the daylight because they are usually more nocturnal. I had not heard coyotes at any hour for several weeks.

New bloom observed recently include: coreopsis, phlox, plantain, purslane, heartweed, pink yarrow, dahlia, sunflower (which is earlier than normal), and sunglow.

Three years ago I set out an Easter lily and it bloomed some last year. Blooms emerged recently and the two upright stems have 11 buds and blossoms as I write this. I planted another one this spring. In addition, I planted four amaryllis bulbs that had bloomed earlier in the house and they are lush and green at the present time.

This period of time last year had daytime readings that averaged a little warmer, reinforced by an 87-degree reading on the 22nd and a 90-degree reading on the 23rd. The nighttime or early morning readings averaged a little cooler, with a chilly 47-degree reading on the 25th.

Rainfall on two dates totalled 0.60 of an inch.

Week of July 19-25

Day High Low Precip.

Sun. 80 62 0.35

Mon. 84 64 0.03

Tues. 78 62 0.41

Wed. 76 57 0

Thurs. 73 51 T

Fri. 73 55 0.01

Sat. 70 58 0.06