Just enjoy!

Take time to relish one of the most wondrous late October periods our region ever has experienced.

Quick, now. Without referring to some diary, business ledger or date book, name the last year when the Lawrence area has entered the latter part of October greener, fresher and more promising from the standpoint of autumn color.

Here we are with our moisture level about 6 inches above normal for the first 10 months of the year, the climate simply sensational, the sugar and water content in trees and shrubs about to explode with delightful combinations. It will be a rare previous year, indeed, that can measure up to what we are being treated to in 2005.

The Bradford pears, the maples and other trees noted for their fall colors are just beginning to get into the swing of things because of an elongated summer period. But they’re coming, almost with a rush by now, and there is every evidence they will have some of their finest hours, hopefully days, before winter rumbles in and exercises its icy grip on us.

While local residents and visitors will have no trouble spotting red, gold and amber displays of leaves and foliage in autumn, many have favorite locations, perhaps a tree, maybe a grove of them, even a site with fall colors AND a great view out over the landscape. The West Hills area and parts of the Kansas University campus and the area around it have been providing us with tantalizing previews of what is to come.

Although easterners tend to describe Kansas as flat and dull, our state has spring and autumn periods that are as delightful to the eye as many more-publicized regions. It is unfortunate that it often takes outsiders to come here and notice that to make the rest of us appreciate it.

But here it is, another spectacular autumn upon us, and we have every chance to make amends for those years when we were too blase about the colors and climate here. Play some catch-up. Get out, move around and enjoy it all, and try to find others who may not be as mobile and take them with you.

Heaven knows, most of us have a full plate from the standpoint of unpleasantness and concern, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. But it is just such a time as this when we need to take account of the many good things we have going for us, and that includes the beauty of our weather and our landscape. There may not be many roses to stop and smell, but there are plenty of other natural wonders to peruse.