"When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant
I could not stand to have the old man around.
But when I got to be twenty-one,
I was astonished at how much he had learned in 7 years"
Mark Twain (1836-1875)

Mid-Atlantic Weather Watch: Storms, some severe (1, 2) with fair and warm weather (3, 4, 5); storms, severe in the southern part of the region (6, 7, 8) returning to fair and warm temperatures (9, 10, 11, 12). More storms (13, 14, 15) turning fair and warm again (16, 17, 18, 19); showers, some storms again in the south (20, 21) returning to fair and very warm (22, 23, 24, 25, 26). Showers (27, 28) with fair and warm (29, 30).

Tornado Watch: The Town and Country Almanack sees possible tornado activity in the Mid-Atlantic Region the 1st and 2nd of June.

Full Moon: June’s Full Moon will occur on Wednesday, June 27th. It has commonly been referred to as Strawberry Moon because the first strawberries of the season become ripe for the picking (and eating!) in June. And because roses start to show their gorgeous blooms at the beginning of the month, it has been also called Rose Moon.

Special Notes: Summer officially starts with the Summer Solstice that occurs on Thursday, June 21st. June is a typical month for graduations so honor your favorite student this month when he or she graduates from high school or college. This is a major milestone so mark the achievement with a special event or memorable gift.

Holidays: Honor ‘Old Glory and display it proudly on Flag Day, Thursday, June 14th, make sure you are displaying it properly. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 17th. Do something really nice for the "old man" like breakfast in bed, an outing to his favorite sports event, or a special dinner out.

The Garden: Additional pruning may be required in June of fast-growing plants, such as juniper, privet and yew. This will help promote new growth and also maintain a desirable shape during the growing season. Cut back perennials like Shasta daisy, black-eyed Susan, coneflower, and lavender after first bloom to encourage a second round of flowers in the Fall.

Cut back fuchsia, geranium, and margarite to encourage branching. Plant or sow summer annuals such as nasturtiums, vinca, verbena, geraniums, phlox, marigolds, lobelia, impatiens, cosmos, sunflowers, zinnias, and alyssum. Feed annuals and remove spent flowers to promote another round of flowers.

It’s not too late to start warm-season crops such as corn, beans, tomatoes, squash, peppers, and eggplant. Watch for insects everywhere! When you see them (and you will!), immediately wash them or pick them off plants before they can lay eggs and multiply. Use fungicide where diseases usually are a problem, especially on roses. If you cut flowers for fresh in-door arrangements early in the morning, they will stay fresher and more vibrant much longer.

Gruber’s Thought For Today’s Living

"Every person has two educations – one which he receives from others, and one more important which he gives himself"