Little To Mow

The Mid-Atlantic region is in various stages of drought.It's not a good summer for those in the lawn-mowing business,as the grass has been dormant for many weeks now.Nor can it be good for lawn application vendors,since there isn't a real lawn to apply anything to.The lawns are just barely alive brown thatches.
There are a good number of butterflies around,though.Swallowtails of various types seem especially abundant this year.Perhaps they're ranging farther because of the arid conditions.They may be searching extensively for their favored plants or water.

Making Dust Devils

Mowing the lawn the other day,I sent up big clouds of dust.These dust devils were a sure sign of a rainfall deficit.Despite several thunderstorms,we were clearly in a choking dry spell.As is typical,the loud storms had failed to produce much measurable moisture.It was good to see today's soaking showers,then.Nature is doing the watering chore herself,freeing growers for the many other needs on their minds,such as weed control and seeding.