This Isn't a Joke

How does something like this happen?
We get the thunder, the lightning, the clouds and impressive show. We just don't get the RAIN!
So we are forced to continue to do this.
And this.
JL and I walked the property a few weekends ago. We counted 42 trees (cedar elm) that we have lost. These are trees that we are 90% sure are dead. Our arborist told us not to cut them down until we make sure they don't come back this spring, but looking at them, I'm pretty sure they won't come back. That's 42! As in FOUR TWO! :(

This drought has been a big learning experience for us. I just hope the end is coming soon, because the few remaining elms we have left won't survive a dry winter.