"What dreadful hot weather we have!
It keeps me in a continual state of inelegance"
      Jane Austen (1775-1817)

Weather Watch: the "three hs" (hazy, hot, and humid) (1,2,3) along with severe storms (4,5,6). Fair but not as hot (7,8,9,10); warm and more humid (11,12,13). Tropical storm with heavy rain (14,15,16). Very warm and humid (17,18,19) with more severe storms (20,21). Fair and much cooler (22,23,24,25) with showers and storms returning (26,27,28). The month ends with remnants of a tropical storm with heavy rains (29, 30, 31).

Tornado Watch: There is no tornado activity seen for the Mid-Atlantic Region in August.

Full Moon: The Full Moon for August has been often referred to as the Full Ripe Moon or Fruit Moon because of the many summer vegetables and fruits that come ripe at this time. It is also known as the Dog Moon for Dog Days, that end on the 11th as well as Sturgeon Moon. August's Full Moon occurs on August 5th at 7:55PM EDST.

Special Notes: Where did the Summer go? September is right around the corner and that means back to school for many. Make a list of school supplies that will be need in those first days and buy them now. Encourage high school seniors to complete at least one college application before school starts.

Holidays: Enjoy the Summer while it lasts! Labor Day is just a few weeks away so enjoy these last few weeks of the summer and always include safety, common sense, and a good sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) in all of your plans.

The Garden: The beginning of August is your last chance to plant annuals like Zinnias and Petunias for fall bloom. When pulling up spent annuals such as Poppies, Cornflowers and Larkspur, shake them so the seeds will fall where you want plants to grow next year. August is not too late to sow Portulaca (moss rose). They will bloom in about three weeks from seed. If you choose to water your lawn, do so only when wilted or discolored. If the weather is cool, Fescue can be sown to repair lawns in the last week of August. Be sure to stop feeding trees and shrubs after August 15th. That will encourage new growth that will not have time to mature before winter. Think about potting up herbs you plan to move indoors for the winter. Don't move them in just yet but get them accustomed to their containers early. Rosemary, thyme, and tarragon are the best candidates for this.

J. Grubers' Thought for Today's Living:

"Many people who whistle while they work often do so to keep from swearing!"