I have a sister-in-law from Chicago who expressed her surprise at the length, depth, and extent Nebraskans discuss current weather conditions.

On one of her first visits to the Lawrence area she was blessed with a rain. After being out and visiting with several local people she noted the following: “In Chicago, if it rains we acknowledge the rain and move on to other subjects. Here (meaning Nebraska) if you ask someone about the rain last night, you get a half hour discussion.”

At the time she did not appreciate the importance of an inch of rain coming at the right time.

I bring thi...