A mostly dry week has helped low lying spots dry out. A few warm days and nights brought out the frogs, calling in the daytime and peeping at night - a welcome summer sound! Most trees have leafed out this week (except the oaks) and apple and peach trees are blooming, along with lilacs, violets and azaleas. Even a few very early bearded iris. New avian visitors include catbirds, white throated sparrows and rose-breasted grossbeaks. Also heard the first wood thrushes in Robinson State Park. Our sandy soil is dry on top with plenty of moisture a half-inch down, good spring growing and transplanting conditions.