Light to moderate rains most every day this week added up to 1.28”, keeping the top 10” of soil more or less wet while deeper soil has yet to benefit.  That said, it appears that this area is no longer moderately dry but mildly dry.  Area waterways are showing improvement, mostly due to their headwaters receiving more copious amounts of rain than the local area.  Surface flora is looking lush and healthy with area lawns needing mowing about every 5 days.  While trees are looking better they still need a good soaking to reach deeper roots.  Some local corn fields are still green while others are turning brown.  Soybeans are generally turning yellow to brown now.  There’s been a noticeable uptick in wildlife activity.  We noticed a miniature murmuration of starlings with their appealing patterns in the sky.  Robins are also beginning to flock, getting ready for fall migration no doubt.  Squirrels and rabbits are becoming more active while other small animals have left numerous droppings on our driveway.  Our nearby giant bald-faced hornets’ nest doesn’t seem as active lately.  Maybe they’re finishing their life cycle there.