I've noticed this too, JB! Things seem drier and hotter this year--plants in my yard are getting leafburn that seemed fine last year.
This year, I have 'sandal tans' on my feet--definitely gets remarked on!
I also agree about soils seeming increasingly light and porous--guess everyone is aiming for 'well-drained' soil. Either that, or the soil is 'moisture retentive' and drowns everything. Seems harder to know where to look when you just want ordinary potting or garden soil.
