No outstanding observations to record this week, but in the spirit of creating a regular record of conditions, things seem pretty routine. That, in itself, can be a good thing. Weather this week included just over a half-inch of precip (0.60"), a few very comfortable temperature days, and a few days of sweater-weather. Norway maples have budded out enough now that the back porch and other spots are shady again while the sugar maple buds are still fattening up. Dogwood trees are blooming now, and apple trees are beginning to flower in earnest. It's easy to see where old farmland (rapidly becoming either huge houses or gigantic apartment buildings) used to be, at least on the edges of the properties. There are still several orchards in operation, and they are beautiful, blooming away. I had a nice "crop" of Mason bees this year and they're finding plenty to pollinate. Bumblebees are out and defending their territories, especially the great big ones that chase each other around and hover over flowers and people. Lots of birds are still very active nesting and chirping away. The only noticable difference with the birds is our resident "murder" of crows. While they're still around, they seem to have stopped visiting the abandoned ball field across the street. For several years they would walk through the field (looking for bugs??) and clearly communicating to each other, every morning and early afternoon. They still come around mid-afternoon but seem to ignore the field now. They still announce themselves when they do show up. Frankly, I miss them. Fascinating birds to watch.
Grass is starting to get taller. I've been trying to do the no-mow May thing the past few years. But I can see it will be an effort to mow at the end of the month. My front yard is filled with little blue violets. 
As I mentioned, pretty "normal" around the neighborhood.