SAGUARO CIRCLE — The first summer storm of 1999 reached the Circle at about 5:40 p.m. on Friday, July 9, ending a dry spell that residents agreed had gone on long enough.

Clouds had built over the mountains all afternoon. The wind came first, at about 5:15, followed by thunder and a smell of wet creosote bush that brought residents of at least seven houses out onto their driveways.

"Every year I forget what it smells like, and every year it gets me," said Elizabeth Rooks, who has lived on the Circle since 1980.

The storm lasted about 35 minutes. The wash behind the Moya property ran for the first time since last September. Ryan and Justin Cawley were observed standing in the rain in the front yard with their mouths open, with their parents' permission.

The Fulmer gauge recorded 0.71 inch and the Goulette gauge 0.64 inch. The two gauges stand about 40 feet apart.

"That is a seven-hundredths difference over forty feet," said Charles Goulette. "Somebody's gauge is wrong, and it's not mine."

Roger Fulmer declined to comment, except to say that his gauge is "the professional model."

The Courier will publish gauge totals monthly through the end of the storm season, and invites any household with a gauge to report. The Courier owns one, and will report its own.

Power on the Circle flickered twice but did not go out.

SAGUARO CIRCLE — Isaac and Joanne Michel moved into the house on the west side of the Circle on June 19. They come from Albuquerque.

Mr. Michel is an electrical engineer. Mrs. Michel is a dental hygienist and reports that she has already noticed which residents floss. The Courier did not ask which.

The couple were welcomed on June 26 with a casserole from the Rookses, a loaf of zucchini bread from the Hindses, a plant from the Cawleys and a copy of every back issue of the Courier from the editor, which they have promised to read "eventually."

They have no children and one cat, Mortimer, who has not yet been seen outdoors.

SAGUARO CIRCLE — Darrell and Beverly Moya departed June 12 for their summer cabin in the White Mountains, where they will remain until October.

Mr. Moya reports that it was 64 degrees at the cabin on their first morning. The Courier has decided not to print the temperature on the Circle that same morning, out of respect for its readers.

Their house is being looked after by Roger Fulmer, who waters the oleanders on Tuesdays and Saturdays and has been instructed not to touch the thermostat.

SAGUARO CIRCLE — Nineteen residents and four guests observed the Fourth of July with a potluck supper in the Rooks driveway, under the carport, beginning at 6 p.m.

The menu included grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, three potato salads, Beverly Moya's absent but famous bean dish (prepared by Carole Daniel from Mrs. Moya's recipe card, by mail), a watermelon, and lemonade.

After dark, residents observed fireworks from at least two municipal displays by standing on the low wall around the Rooks' front planter. Isabel Hinds counted 61 bursts before losing track.

SAGUARO CIRCLE — Herbert, the desert tortoise who has lived in the Rooks' backyard since 1984, came out of his burrow on the morning of July 10, after the first rain, and drank from a puddle by the patio for what Victor Rooks described as "a good long while."

Herbert then ate part of a hibiscus flower and returned to his burrow. He has not commented.

July 4, 9:20 p.m. — Smoke reported over the Hinds backyard. Source determined to be a grill. Hamburgers saved.

July 16, 3:05 a.m. — Sprinkler running at the rental house. Kenneth Rivas, returning from work, knocked. Timer reset by residents, who thanked him and went back to bed.

July 22, 1:30 p.m. — Unattended vehicle with engine running, Goulette driveway. Owner was inside "for one second" to get his sunglasses. Air conditioner in the vehicle was running. The Courier understands completely.

FOR SALE: Exercise bicycle, used twice, excellent condition, $60 or best offer. Goulette.

WANTED: Cat sitter for Mortimer, as needed. Must be patient. Mortimer is shy. Michel.

FREE: Potato salad. Three bowls. Inquire at Rooks.

FOR SALE: Rain gauge, standard, never used. Daniel. (Withdrawn. The editor is keeping it.)