Spring Thinking Near the End of Fall

Here along the mid-northern latitudes, the race from Fall to Winter is in full gear. To lessen the impact of warm temperatures sliding back into winter's grasp, here is a icon image from late May 2014 to help ward off any polar vortex - maybe.

Despite the Fall Colors Autumn is Not Here Yet.

It can't be autumn yet at Lake Macbride in eastern Iowa. I'm going with a diseased or damaged tree has turned a rusty color in early August. Hopefully the turning leaves are months away rather than just around the corner. On the other hand its been a cool and wet summer following an impossible winter. Enjoy the warmth while we can.

Iowa's Beautiful Corn

Healthy rains this spring helped to create outstanding crop stands this season. While much of Iowa has been two weeks without wide spread rain the record amounts earlier this spring and summer have combined for perfect soil moisture in most areas.

In this particular field just southeast of Alburnett, Iowa, the end rows of corn show a bit smaller stand and are lighter green in color - perhaps indicating a wet area or depleted fertilizer content. Interior rows show a healthy dark green and of uniformed height. Superb moisture at pollination time means the corn ears will be large and filled out. If an early frost doesn't upset the growing time, the 2014 crop is expected to be the largest in history. Its an impressive scene to see miles and miles of healthy corn around the Hawkeye state.