November 9, 2005 FOLIAGE ENVY New England is big on fall beauty; just don't count Nebraska out By Jim D. Berryman MissingNebraska.com It's snowing leaves in Connecticut. Even though the weather has been anything but typical November, the leaves in southern New England are finally falling fast and furious. Seems just about everywhere in the country, Nebraska included, the chilly fall season hasn't shown up. Many October and November mornings have felt more like spring than fall. For someone from Nebraska who likes hot summers, this past summer in Connecticut gets an A+. However the hot summer has helped to do a number on the local trees. Seems they're dazed and confused. Add in a summer shortage of rain, then throw in for good measure 15 inches of heavy rain for 9 straight days in October, then on to a much milder-than-normal late fall, and you have the makings of mass tree confusion. As a result, the trees are dumping leaves on the 9th of November. From what locals in Meriden say, they've never seen so many leaves still on the trees this late. But now, the leaves are coming down. They are floating and blowing in the kind of cold autumn breeze we haven't felt yet. The rain is coming down too. That's why I'm able to write this, rather than have to deal with the foliage blizzard waiting for me, still happening outside my window. I just bought 20 large yard waste paper bags at the local supermarket. I plan to fill all of them. I may have to go get more. New England is nice in the fall, but so is Nebraska Now back in Connecticut after my trip home, I realize Nebraska has an incredible beauty in the fall. I just didn't appreciate it when I lived there. Sure the trees in New England are amazing. But after awhile, sometimes you ask yourself, "Is this all there is?" In Nebraska, the drive from Lincoln to Grand Island, by some considered a yawner, had unbelievable beauty on this trip home. The sky was so big. You could see land for miles, without a tree getting in the way. Also, a very scenic drive just outside Lincoln is to take I-180 to Highway 34, turn north onto Highway 79. Go a few miles until you come to a flashing stop light. You have a choice. Turn left on Raymond Rd. to go to Branched Oak Lake north of Malcolm. Or, turn right on Raymond Rd. to go through Raymond and onto James Arthur Vineyards. James Arthur Vineyards is just a mile or so to the east of Raymond on Raymond Rd. Turn in for a wonderful view and unique wine tasting experience. Or if you bypass the winery, continue on Raymond Rd. to 14th Street and head south into Lincoln. It's quick trip country trip when visiting Lincoln. The drive offers rolling hills scenery many don't realize exists in Nebraska. The just-harvested fields of gold, the vibrant autumn trees, the jet blue sky that seemed much bigger than it is where I live now. The old fence posts, the cattle grazing in the fields. An easier, less hectic vibe. It was so great to be home. Feedback