A bit of rain is a blessing.

William... as time goes on, we will come to realize that conserving water is just about as important, perhaps even more so, than conserving oil.  The time to do that... is now.

William, My area is four inches below normal for rain and we had less snow last winter than normal so I understand what you are saying .  Perhaps the hurricane coming up the coast will bring rain inland for MN and PA.

Like the deer photo from your Stealth camera.

Even though we've had some rains, and the fire danger is lower, we are still suffering the effects of the last year's drought. I say last year's because we did have a winter drought, too. Our snow packs were at historic lows last winter. Our drinking water has a bad taste and smell. It's because they are drawing it off the bottom of the reservoirs and the algae has bloomed giving the water a taste and smell very much like dirt. It's safe to drink, but no fun to drink. I'm a big water drinker and this is taking a toll on me.

WE need a lot more, but this did help a lot.

WE got about an inch.  Better than nothing but the need is great.