Winter Came Early This Year

Much to everyone's dismay, temperatures suddenly plummeted the past two weeks and made November much more wintery than usual.  We got about 3-4 inches of snow in Lincoln, experienced icy roads, and had to deal with temperatures in the teens and 20's for most of the past two weeks.  Fortunately, the weather is starting to make a return to more normal seasonal temperatures, and yesterday was around 55-60 again.  Most of the snow is completely gone, and it's much more bearable outside.

I realize that we've been spoiled with the weather the past two years, but it's still hard to cope with colder temperatures.  Last Thanksgiving AND Christmas, I was outside without a coat.  If I'm not mistaken, it was practically shorts weather at Thanksgiving the past two years. We've been spoiled with good weather, and no one remembers what a more typical fall feels like (though, I don't think temps this low are "typical").

Anyway, here are a couple pictures I took during the cold snap.  It's always strange when there are bright orange leaves and snow at the same time...

Free Day at Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo

I know this isn't technically series of photos from Lincoln, but I found it worth posting.  Today was a free admission day at the Omaha Zoo, so my boyfriend and I went early to beat the crowds.  It didn't get busy until we left after 12 p.m. or so, so we were able to wander the zoo in relative peace.

I've never been to the zoo in the fall, but it was a nice change compared to the blistering heat of the summer.  I didn't feel like dying of dehydration as we walked all over the park.  Everything was cool, but I really enjoyed the big cats.  I was pretty amazed by the size of the lions and tigers.  It's easy to forget how large some of the animals are until you're within arm's reach of one.

Anyway, here are a few shots from the day.  We didn't stay to see the entire zoo, but saw most of the highlights.

Fall on UNL's Campus

Lincoln has continued to look pretty this fall.  With the time change, it's been more difficult to go on walks before it gets dark, but here are a few I've taken recently.  All are cell phone pictures, unfortunately, but they still look decent.

I'm worried that our relatively warm fall is about to come to an end.  I hear talk of highs around 45 or lower for most of the week, and that definitely does not thrill me...  I love fall, but hate it when the cold starts to settle in...