warming

 It is easy and tempting to think that a warm spell in May compensates for the cold April we experienced.  But warm days warm the air, not the primarily the earth, which responds more like any body of water, taking time to warm in spring.  This is critical for farming.  The lilacs that will probably not be in full bloom by Memorial Day as they generally are, the corn seeds that will not grow vigorously and the grass that stands still rather than booming in response to the seventy degree days are exhibiting the same stress.  The earth is not yet warm enough.  It will be the rest of the season, including the time available before first frost in the fall that will now determine the success or failure of the season.