"Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves"
- Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
Mid-Atlantic Weather Watch: warm, humid and dry at first, then scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms (1, 2, 3, 4, 5); very warm and humid with scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms producing heavy rain at first, then dry; turning slightly cooler and less humid (6, 7, 8, 9, 10); turning very hot and humid with late PM storms (11, 12, 13, 14, 15); record-breaking heat possible at first with p.m. showers and thunderstorms, then dry and turning slightly cooler and less humid (16, 17, 18, 19, 20); dry, seasonably warm and humid (21, 22, 23, 24, 25); dry, warm and humid at first, then p.m. showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain and turning slightly cooler (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31).
Severe Weather Watch: The Town and Country Almanack sees heavy rain (6, 7, 8), severe thunderstorms (27), and more heavy rain (28, 29, 30).
Full Moon: July’s Full Moon will occur on Monday, July 3rd. Many Native American tribes referred to it as Thunder Moon because of the numerous severe thunderstorms during the month (see this month’s forecast above!). Other tribes in various regions of the United States called it Buck Moon due to the rapid growth of antlers on young bucks during the month, Ripe Corn Moon because of the appearance of young corn on the stalks planted in the Spring, or Hay Moon since hay tended to ripen as well.
Special Notes: Watch out! Those Dog Days of Summer will be upon us starting Monday, July 3rd. Get ready for some hot and humid weather that will continue into mid-August.
Holidays: This year’s Fourth of July celebration falls on Tuesday, July 4th! On this day, in 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolution saying, "These United Colonies are, and of right, ought to be, free and independent states". If a barbeque is planned, double-check the grill. Nobody wants any surprises, so it is wise to make sure that it is functioning properly and that you remember to fill up the propane tank (or picked up plenty of charcoal and charcoal lighter fluid!). And always remember, if planning any extended outdoor activities, use the appropriate level of sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher). Apply it frequently, especially if swimming or perspiring. The Islamic New Year falls on Tuesday, July 18th.
The Garden: This is the last month to plant these veggies for a fall crop: snap beans, peas, cukes, carrots, kohlrabi, summer squash, early sweet corn and green onions, among others. To get the best selection of varieties, order bulbs now for fall planting. Lots of spring-blooming bulbs are deer-resistant, too. Avoid tulips and crocus and enjoy carefree alliums, winter aconite, snowdrops, snowflake, Siberian squill, glory-of-the-snow, Puschkinia, Fritillaria, and Anemone blanda. Grape hyacinths will send up fall foliage, but even when it’s browsed, it doesn’t seem to affect their vigor
The Farm: Best for planting root crops (3, 4, 11, 12); weeding and stirring the soil (18, 19, 20); planting above-ground crops (26, 27); harvesting all crops (10, 11, 14, 15); the best days for setting hens and incubators (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31); the slaughtering and butchering of meat (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24); transplanting (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24); the weaning of all small animals and livestock (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 28, 29, 30, 31); harvesting and storing grains (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16).
J. Gruber’s Thought For Today’s Living
"Do not regard liberty and freedom so lightly that you forget its value and take it for granted."
