"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must,
like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it"
                   Thomas Paine (17375-1809)

Weather watch: Very warm and humid (1,2,3) with severe storms (4,5,6,7). Hazy, hot, and humid (8,9,10,11,12,13,14) with more showers and storms (15,16,17). Hazy, hot, and humid once again (18,19,20) with yet more showers and storms (21,22). The month ends with very warm and humid temperatures and showers and storms (29,30,31).

Tornado watch: The Almanack foresees tornado activity along the mid-Atlantic coast from July 13th to the 15th.

Full moon: The native Americans first named July's full moon the thunder moon because of the thunderstorms that were most severe during this time of year. It is also known as the buck moon because of the rapid growth of antlers in young bucks during this period and ripe corn moon because young corn begins to appear on the stalks. July's full moon rises on the 7th at 4.21am EDST.

Special notes: The dog days of summer begin on Friday, July 3rd. On July 4th in 1776, the continental congress passed a resolution saying, "these united colonies are, and of right, ought to be, free and independent states".

Holidays: Celebrate the 4th safely. If planning a cookout, check out the grill thoroughly and every aspect of its operation when you replace the propane tank. Check all hoses, couplings, gauges, and the burner jets for undue wear, malfunction, or clogs. To avoid a fire, be sure the grill surfaces are well scrubbed and clean of any grease. If planning to be outdoors for an extended period of time, remember to take along sunscreen with a rating of spf 15 or higher and remember to apply frequently to yourself and children especially if swimming.

The garden: Continue to keep the garden adequately watered (that is, if July's forecasted wet weather is not enough!). be sure that all tall annuals and perennials are securely staked so that they will remain upright during the afternoon thunderstorms that are so common for this time of year. Tick-proof your yard this summer. Deer are likely to bring ticks into your space so plant species that deer do not eat like the thorny barberry, bugleweed, forsythia, foxglove, and most needle-leaved conifers.

J. Grubers' Thought for Today's Living:

"Respect the rights of others and they will respect yours. Do not let your enthusiasm for celebrating our independence intrude upon the freedom of your neighbors."