Blanched and pallid, cracked and withered, the landscape was slowly succumbing to the dry, repressive heat.  Lawns crackled and crunched underfoot as they lay dormant and drained.  Desiccated leaves scraped and scratched their way along the ground.  The soil…

  The clotted, brooding clouds finally lifted, like a curtain, and the sun took the stage while the masses applauded its return to the spotlight.  She’s a crowd pleaser even if she only makes an appearance (approximately) 189 days per year.  Wow. …