071423d

The drought deepens. We moved from stage 1 to stage 2. The meteorologists always say there's this or that chance of rain today, but we can put our paper parasols (of which we have none) out in the yard; they'll be fine. I can't complain. How many farmers in Kansas and Nebraska are going out of business this year, losing their crops completely. The price of grain might go up this winter. That would be a reminder of human suffering. How many of those farmers voted Republican, either believing lies or having personal reasons for supporting the petrochemical industry? That industry doesn't love you, and it won't rescue you. We need to apply good old-fashioned American know-how to develop energy sources that don't destroy the world. For now, we will keep on watering the garden, and looking hopefully at clouds.

The US drought monitor has depressing maps renewed every week. You don't need the url, just type it in the search bar and you'll find it.