Short ride for max sky-viewing up at the Jr High and then the Sr High School athletic fields. Didn't venture too far as severe storms were all around the area in southern New England this aft'n and eve, but none locally. Very muggy, tropical feel to the air mass; overcast with ominous, water-laden-looking low clouds whipping by on a strong S and SW flow, but not a drop of rain felt, and no thunder heard. Hope this isn't a harbinger of things to come possibly later this week in the way of tropical rains (or worse) from Hurricane Irene, if the storm decides to come up the East Coast our way. I hope not, but we are so overdue for a hurricane here in the Northeast. Air temp 72F , dew pt 68 F, gusty S and SW winds 12 to 23 mph.