General Awareness
Temperatures were below normal all week until yesterday (5/31) and today with above normal temperatures near 90 degrees. I received only 0.23 inch of rain from this week (on May 26 and 27). Total precipitation for May was 2.42, which is 50 percent of normal. Total precipitation for the year is 73 percent of normal. 

Society and Public heath
Canadian "wildfire" smoke is very noticeable yesterday and today with a milky sky and haze. Moderate air quality today as smoke has settled to ground level. Not going outside today.

Energy
My solar energy production is 20 percent below normal yesterday and today. No heating or air conditioning this week until yesterday and today.       

Plants and wildlife. 
Soil is dry in the top 2 inches, then slightly moist from 2 to 4 inches, then drier below this depth.  Grass and other vegetation is green in most areas, but dry (brown) in areas of full sun on the south side of houses and trees. Not as green as last week though. Approximately 20 species of birds (about 120 birds total) and several squirrels are using my bird bath on a daily basis. Mosquitos have slightly decreased in the yard and adjacent woods, and are less than usual. The garden needs water daily. 

Water
Water level in Standing Bear Lake (approximately 0.2 mile to the east of here) is approximately 2 feet below normal level. Area creeks and ponds are also about 2 feet below normal.

Agriculture 
Farm fields about 1 mile east of here are planted, but are dry. Looks like germination is about 75 to 80 percent of what has been planted. Crop growth is minimal and is behind normal for this time of year.