While a good old fashioned cloud burst of 0.92" last Saturday evening did manage to briefly keep our soil in a near normal condition , I was surprised to see how quickly it went from near normal to almost moderately dry.  Fortunately an additional 0.29" fell yesterday morning and that has prevented moderately dry soil conditions so far.  All the while, the U.S. Drought Monitor continues with an abnormally dry drought condition in our region.  Area waterways are looking somewhat low.  Up to yesterday, local lawns were showing some signs of stress while trees were drooping a little, except for the invasive Morrow's Honeysuckle of course.  Currently the surface is moist with deeper soil on the dry side.  Clearly we need a good soaking.  Our four peewee/flycatcher chicks have just left their nest and are lined up on an adjacent ledge just beneath our porch ceiling; getting ready to make their leap of faith.  We have some unusual, little biting flies that have been around lately that I hope these birds catch.  Unlike deer flies that leave a one hour welt these little flies bite and leave a welt that itches for days.  What's next?  Murder hornets?